Yan Junyu awoke early in the morning, silently leaving the bedroom to prepare breakfast in the kitchen. Perhaps due to his lack of culinary skills, Qi Ze didn't particularly enjoy his cooking, so he had recently enrolled in an online cooking course to learn how to make home-style dishes.
"Alright, students, when the porridge starts to boil, you can turn down the heat and gently stir it." The female broadcaster's gentle voice echoed in the kitchen, and a holographic screen hung in mid-air. A pot of seafood porridge was bubbling as if it was singing a song.
Yan Junyu wore a pure black apron, sleeves of his shirt rolled up to the elbows, revealing sturdy forearms. He held a wooden spoon in his hand, stirring lightly in the ceramic pot, clockwise, then counterclockwise, his attitude serious and focused.
Li Ziqian had also woken, being pushed by A'kui to the kitchen entrance, and asked with a grin, "Brother, has your cooking improved recently? How about you make a bowl of seafood porridge for me?"
"If you want food, make it yourself; I'm not your nanny." Sensing that A'kui wanted to open the fridge, Yan Junyu said, "Wait until Qi Ze is done before you cook for Brother. He doesn't like the smell of frenzied beast meat."
"Huh? Master Qi doesn't like the scent of frenzied beast meat?" A'kui immediately withdrew his hand. "Then I'll wait until Master finishes his meal. If there are any other taboos that Master Qi has, Young Master Yan, please tell me. I'll make a note of them." He then pulled up a memo on his smartbrain, genuinely intending to make a record.
Yan Junyu mentioned a few trivial taboos before turning back to continue stirring the porridge. Although A'kui was Li Ziqian's subordinate, he was also the heir to the Meng family of the capital. In terms of status, he could be considered upper class. Yet, the respect and admiration he had just shown for Qi Ze was undeniable.
It seemed that the deal Qi Ze had mentioned was not as simple as it seemed. Clearly, a pair of prosthetic limbs was not enough for the Meng and Li families to show their submission. Thinking about this, Yan Junyu looked at the metal ball in Li Ziqian's hand, his eyes darkening. The prosthetic limbs that once malfunctioned even when shaking hands were now incredibly strong, able to turn a metal ball into any shape as if it was just a piece of jelly.
"Your new arm?" he asked as if it was nothing.
Li Ziqian had no intention of hiding it. After all, sooner or later, all the civilians of the empire would know he was healed. So he nodded with a smile, "Yeah, this is the new arm Master Qi designed for me. Just installed it, haven't adapted to it yet, I need to practice more."
"The strength is considerable," Yan Junyu commented sincerely.
"The craftsmanship of the Master is very ingenious," Li Ziqian praised. "Even Deng Feng couldn't reach this level."
"Indeed, Qi Ze is great," Yan Junyu couldn't hide his pride. At that moment, a loud shout came from outside the door. "Fuck, what the hell is this? When did our dorm have these rules?"
He pointed to the display screen on the wall, where over twenty new dorm rules were scrolling. Mo Tianlei read them with a grimace, looking very distressed. If these new rules were actually enforced, he might as well die! This wasn't about training soldiers; this was about creating shut-ins!
"You don't have to follow these rules," Yan Junyu stood at the kitchen door, apron tied around his neck, wooden spoon in hand, looking like a caretaker.
"Why did you put them up if you don't want us to follow them? Are you playing a game?" Ouyang Ye and Mo Tianlei both showed expressions of having escaped a death sentence.
"They're for Qi Ze to see," Yan Junyu turned back to continue stirring the porridge.
"That's not fair!" Ouyang Ye burst out. "Why won't you let him have a boyfriend? You're infringing on his rights!"
"He agreed to follow the rules himself. Who are you to oppose me?" Yan Junyu retorted.
"I'm his boyfriend. Tell me, do I have the qualifications?" Ouyang Ye asserted.
"Boyfriend?" Li Ziqian pointed at the teenager standing at the corner of the stairs, his hair sticking up on either side, and said with a smile, "Then, dare you say it again in front of Qi Ze? Tell us all, who is he to you?"
"Who indeed?" Qi Ze, rubbing his messy hair, spoke with a half-smile.
Yan Junyu, hearing the teenager's voice, immediately came out of the kitchen, waiting for the answer to the question. Admittedly, there were many times he envied Ouyang Ye, envied his intimacy with the teenager, and envied his knowledge of the teenager's secrets. He also wanted to gain that same trust, no, perhaps even more.
Ouyang Ye cowered, stuttering, "Why wouldn't I say it? Qi Ze is my...god."
This was a letdown, truly disappointing. Thinking he was bold enough to challenge Young Master Yan for the teenager's affection, but in the end, he chickened out! Mo Tianlei rolled his eyes and grumbled; Li Ziqian and A'kui both rubbed their foreheads, trying hard not to laugh; Yan Junyu was in a good mood, nodding gently to Young Master Ouyang before returning to cook the porridge.
"So you worship me that much," Qi Ze walked into the living room, patting Ouyang Ye's head with a smirk.
Due to obtaining a Level 9 qualification certificate, Qi Ze's credits were instantly full, allowing him to graduate alongside the seniors. It was two months before graduation, and all the interns had returned, now in the process of job hunting. It was heard that Mu Ran, who was graduating alongside them, had taken a position in the department, preparing to teach the techniques of creating superpowered mechas. This led to the school adding several more classes for the students to observe.
In this group of people in their late twenties and early thirties, Qi Ze's youthful face stood out. But that wasn't the worst of it. Because he had broken through to the Foundation Establishment stage too early, his body had completely stopped growing. After his cultivation stage fell, he gained a few more centimeters by luck, but that was the limit.
In other words, he would stay this young until he ascended or fell.
Qi Ze sat in a corner with an expressionless face, ignoring the attention or whispers from others. In the empire, geniuses were not a rare resource, but an eighteen-year-old genius carbon-based life form, a psychic mutant, was quite unusual.
"See that? That's Qi Ze. He's been promoted faster than a rocket. He just entered the school and will graduate tomorrow," a graduate whispered.
"It's still too early for graduation. What does passing the written exam mean? He has to complete the graduation project," someone snickered.
"Yeah, I wonder if he can independently design a mecha. Anyway, what's the graduation project this year? An amphibious mecha?"
"An amphibious mecha was just tested last year. It's unlikely."
In the middle of their discussion, Mu Ran opened the door, his smile as warm as ever. Since most of the graduates had followed a tutor with the surname Mu, even though the Mu family was destroyed, they still held some respect for Mu Ran. They wouldn't doubt his teaching capabilities just because he was a fellow graduate. The classroom quieted down as Mu Ran adjusted the public display and his lesson plans, then began teaching.
Today's content was "Purification of Energy Stones," a core technique for mech manufacturers, so it was very popular. The graduates listened very attentively. When Mu Ran walked down to provide guidance individually, they all showed grateful expressions.
Qi Ze was truly astounded by these aliens. How could they be so trusting? They allowed another's consciousness to enter their bodies with no guard. Through his spirit eye, he saw clearly that Mu Ran was not only guiding these students, but also using his consciousness to probe their mental seas. Wasn't that akin to mental rape?
If Mu Ran had ill intentions, he could simply insert a strand of consciousness into their minds, allowing him to control their bodies at any time, or kill them without a trace. Fortunately, he hadn't gone that far, possibly because these people held no value to him; thus, the worst-case scenario hadn't occurred.
He went from one to the next, naturally standing in front of Qi Ze. He smiled and said, "Student Qi, how is your energy stone purification going? Let me take a look?"
Qi Ze handed over a Level 9 energy stone. Mu Ran scanned it with a detector and shook his head. "Purity is 46%, a bit low. Would you like me to guide you through the process? When I probe your body with my psychic powers, please try to relax and don't resist." As he said this, he reached out to grab the teenager's pulse.
Qi Ze held up his hands and said, "I'm afraid I can't accept Teacher Mu's guidance." Since Mu Ran could use consciousness, it was highly likely that he would discover the tampering Qi Ze had done on the identification badge. In other words, he would closely monitor suspicious people around him, just to find the murderer. Qi Ze didn't know if he was suspected, but no matter what, he wouldn't allow anyone's consciousness to enter his mental sea.
"Why not?" Mu Ran asked with a smile.
This conversation attracted the attention of the surrounding students. In their eyes, being taught personally by Mu Ran was an incredible privilege. Moreover, this wasn't ordinary knowledge; this was the core technology of superpowered mechas. Unless someone had lost their mind, who wouldn't want to learn?
"With only 46% purity, he doesn't want Teacher Mu to take a look. Something seems off here," a student pointed at his head, and everyone around him laughed.
Mu Ran's expression was gentle, but his mind was in turmoil. He had thoroughly investigated everyone around him but hadn't found the culprit. Among them all, only Qi Ze's appearance was the most mysterious. This class was not just for the graduates; it was specifically for Qi Ze. If the other person could also use consciousness, to dispel his suspicions, they might willingly accept the probe and disguise their consciousness as ordinary psychic powers.
This kind of disguise wouldn't be difficult for an assailant one level higher than himself. Mu Ran's task was simply to leave a strand of consciousness on the other person and see how they would respond. Whether it was consumption, isolation, or even ignoring it, it would be beneficial for Mu Ran. He had also thought about whether this would invite retaliation, but just as the other side had many trump cards, he wasn't completely defenseless either. After all, he had lost everything. He no longer had to fear anything.
However, the current situation was not what Mu Ran had anticipated. He had imagined that Qi Ze would refuse, but doing so would seem very suspicious, so the probability wasn't high. Possessing such terrifying abilities yet always hiding in the shadows, it was clear that the murderer didn't want to expose themselves, so they should cover their tracks a bit.
In reality, Qi Ze didn't care if Mu Ran suspected him and shook his head. "Teacher Mu, you know I'm a carbon-based life form. My cellular structure is completely different from yours, and the strength can't be compared at all. Can you guarantee that when your 4S psychic power enters my mind, my head won't explode? If you can guarantee it and take responsibility for the consequences, I'll accept your teaching method. I'm a carbon-based life form, with a lifespan of only a few decades, so I'm particularly cautious about these matters. Please don't think ill of me for being so careful."
"So that's why he refused so quickly, he was worried about his safety," the students suddenly understood.
Someone explained, "Although there are no exact records in history, carbon-based life forms, especially psychic mutants, have more fragile bodies and usually don't live past thirty years. It's said that there was a carbon-based life form with psychic powers reaching the S level who died because of a brain explosion. The death scene was particularly tragic! Even if Teacher Mu suppresses his psychic powers as much as possible, with the massive 4S as a base, it would be difficult for Qi Ze to bear."
"In that case, it's better to be cautious. I don't want to be in class and suddenly have a student's head explode!"
"Ew! Please don't talk about it. I feel like puking just thinking about the scene of brains splattering everywhere!"
"Why are you explaining it in such detail if you think it's disgusting?" The classroom was in an uproar, and the topic quickly veered off course, evolving from the core technology of superpowered mechas into descriptions of various tragic incidents. The students grumbled about how disgusting it was while discussing it with interest.
Mu Ran knew that no matter what, he couldn't probe Qi Ze today. The other party's reason was very valid, and the expression was also very serious, as if they were truly worried about their safety. Yet, he couldn't openly tell these people that his psychic powers had already transformed into consciousness. As long as he controlled it properly, it wouldn't lead to such a terrifying result.
"I really can't make any guarantees," he bowed his head in apology. "Sorry, Student Qi. I didn't think it through carefully. If you have any questions, you can discuss them with me via email."
"Still, forget it. I don't like sharing my difficulties, insights, or techniques with outsiders," Qi Ze spoke in a calm tone, but his words were rather provocative.
Mu Ran's mask of gentleness was about to shatter. He thought the old man Yan and Second Uncle Yan were the most shameless people he had ever met, but compared to Qi Ze, they were far behind. He endured it again and again but couldn't help it, saying hoarsely, "In the dictionary passed down by the Mu family, there's an old sayingâdon't do to others what you wouldn't want done to yourself. It means that if you wouldn't want something done to you, don't do it to others. Since you don't like sharing your studies or unique techniques with others, why did you spread the Mu family's source code online?"
"Coincidentally, my old dictionary also has a saying called 'strike first to gain the advantage,' which means 'act before others to gain an advantage.' Your Mu family sent investigators who immediately accused me of stealing state secrets and even said they would execute me. To prove my innocence, could I not spread the Mu family's source code?" Qi Ze spoke slowly. "I've heard that your family's dictionary isn't as complete as mine. Have you read one sentence that says 'first ritual, then force'?"
The dialogue between the two involved ancient cultural knowledge, captivating the students. The huge historical gap made the civilians of the empire particularly interested in the splendid civilization of Huaxia. If they could spout some ancient literature in their daily lives, it would be the epitome of showing off.
Without a doubt, these two had maxed out their level of showboating. Many people turned on their smartbrains and secretly took pictures of the scene.
"First ritual, then force? What does that mean?" Mu Ran didn't want to continue the conversation, but if Qi Ze didn't speak and he left, wouldn't it make him look cowardly? The pride of the Mu family heir wouldn't allow him to retreat without a fight.
"It means that before doing something, it's best to follow the protocol and negotiate with the other party. If that doesn't work, then use force or other tough measures to solve the problem. This isn't a principle of how people should interact, but a means to resolve conflicts. It's applicable to the stronger party. You see, the Chinese nation is such a wondrous nation, and a nation of knowing etiquette and following rules. Even if they are in a superior position, they will definitely leave some face and a way out for the opponent. They will only use force if necessary. It was precisely this magnanimity and righteousness that earned the ancient Huaxia the title of 'land of etiquette' and attracted the worship of many nations. Leaving a way out for others is leaving a way out for yourself. Who knows what someone will do if they are pushed to the brink? If the Mu family had engaged in friendly negotiations with me first, asked about the details of the situation, and then privately arranged a buyout contract and confidentiality agreement, everything that happened afterwards wouldn't have occurred. Maybe I would have been grateful to the Mu family, after all, I'm an orphan. I have no use for a dictionary, so I might as well exchange it for a sum of money."
Qi Ze sneered. "These principles of dealing with people condensed the wisdom and experience of the ancestors of Huaxia, naturally having their unique aspects. Teacher Mu, do you know why the Mu family declined?"
This question Mu Ran didn't want to answer, nor dared to answer. He didn't care about his pride and dignity anymore and turned away from the classroom, his back appearing hasty and flustered.
Qi Ze put away the energy stone and tablet, nodded slightly at the surrounding students, and then strolled away.
As soon as they were out of earshot, the quiet classroom burst into a frenzy. Everyone was discussing the conversation just now. Although the two dictionaries had already been published online, only a very few scholars could truly understand them. Ordinary people could only flip through them for the sake of it. The characters, words, and lengthy definitions inside were like scriptures to them.
However, just now, Mu Ran and Qi Ze had personally demonstrated a battle of words, explaining several ancient words, making everyone's eyes widen.
"Quickly write it down. Look it up in the dictionary later. I didn't know our ancestors were so awesome. Land of etiquette, nations pay homage, just thinking about it makes me boil with enthusiasm!" a student exclaimed.
"Didn't you notice that Qi Ze's cultural level is quite high? Higher than Mu Ran's! But he's just an orphan!"
"If I had an ancient dictionary in my hands, my cultural level would also be high."
"The prerequisite is that you can understand the characters inside," someone retorted.
"So I suspect Qi Ze is not an orphan but a secretly born son of a wealthy family. Judging from his speech, his education level is extremely high, even comparable to the carefully groomed heir of the Mu clan. Such families can be counted on one hand in the entire empire. They are either one of the six noble surnames, or the royal family, or perhaps from the Federation."
Immediately, someone refuted, "The Federation? Are you out of your mind? Look at Qi Ze's pure Eastern features. Which Federation person could give birth to him?"
The students had long forgotten about the "energy stone purification method" and started gossiping back and forth. At the same time, the dialogue had been published online, attracting the attention of many people. Scholars wanted to invite Qi Ze to explain the two dictionaries because they could tell from the conversation that Qi Ze's knowledge of ancient literature was much deeper than Mu Ran's. Some also thought his behavior was like kicking someone when they were down. The Mu family had already fallen, but he was still holding onto past grievances; his heart was too narrow.
There were also some people who harbored deep hatred for the Mu family and answered Qi Ze's question on Mu Ran's behalf. Li Ziqian, who hadn't logged onto his personal page for a long time, reposted the video and added this sentenceâbecause you went too far.
Initially, the fans were confused, but after watching the video, they suddenly understood: Why did the Mu family decline? Because they went too far. Leaving others with no way out, they had no choice but to resist fiercely.
After so many years of silence, Young Master Li's first message was a bashing of Mu Ran. Did the two have a grudge?
The over-thinking fans immediately went after Mu Ran, which led to Mu Ran's fans retaliating, and a war of words erupted between the two sides. A little later, Yan Junyu's personal tag changed to a row of block characters. Most fans couldn't understand it, and only a few could guess a little bit. After checking the two ancient dictionaries, they translated it: "Don't say it all, don't do it all."
"What does it mean? What is Young Master trying to convey?" someone asked around.
"It means: don't say too much and don't go too far. This is in support of Young Master Li, taking a jab at Mu Ran. I didn't expect that the most compatible couple would now become enemies," someone sighed on the webpage.
"What most compatible couple? Mu Ran never acknowledged his relationship with Young Master Yan. Each generation of the Mu family's successors is like that. They gather the empire's best psychics together. After several rounds of evaluation, they choose the one with the strongest abilities to marry. This is a tradition of the Mu family, to pass on the best genes. Therefore, each generation of the Mu family's young master is very excellent, never producing any inferior products. Mu Ran's sister and younger brother, even if they aren't as good as him, still have psychic power levels above S."
"Holy shit, are they choosing a partner or a breeding pig? I'm a bit disgusted, what should I do?"
"Same here, disgusted. Treating a partner as less than human." A netizen cried out in shock. "My God! Guess what I saw? Just now, the Fifth Prince announced on his personal webpage that he's going to get engaged to Mu Ran and challenged Young Master Yan. The date is set for the day Mu Ran submits his graduation project and requires that the two can only use the mechas made by their exclusive mech masters. Coincidentally, on the same day, Qi Ze will also submit his graduation project, and his partner is precisely Young Master Yan."
"Holy shit, there's too much information. I need a moment to digest it. The Fifth Prince can't stand Young Master Li and Young Master Yan teaming up against Mu Ran, so he's come to back him up? Qi Ze is in trouble! He hasn't even made a single screw. How can he design a mecha on his own? This time, Young Master Yan is doomed to lose."
At the same time, Qi Ze was disassembling a T4 mech with a wrench. Yan Junyu stood beside him, helping to pass tools, and said with a faint smile, "Will I lose?"
"With me here, you will definitely win," Qi Ze replied without looking up.