Chapter 36: A Major Figure Arrives

Zhao Ming's trivial commotion, like the buzz of a mosquito, never stirred even a ripple in his heart's lake, but was quietly erased by an invisible hand. Qin Feng didn't even bother to follow up; to him, it was merely a speck of dust brushed aside on the path to the summit.

His entire focus was fixed on two critical matters: the final response to the "Guardian" project in three days, and the last extreme-environment simulation test of the "Stardust Guardian" coating.

On the third morning, as the clock's hands just passed nine, those three familiar black Hongqi sedans slid silently into Yunshan Manor again, as if by arrangement, stopping before the main building.

This time, the elderly man who stepped out was still the same imposing figure, stern without needing to raise his voice. But unlike last time, beside him, in addition to those several capable middle-aged attendants, stood an elderly scientist in a deep-blue research institute uniform, his hair white but his eyes unusually bright. The old scientist clutched a silver metal briefcase tightly, his expression filled with excitement and barely contained anticipation.

"Young Qin Feng, three days have passed; I assume you've reached your decision," the elder said as he sat again with Qin Feng in the parlor, getting straight to the point, his gaze calm yet carrying an undeniable force. "Before I hear your answer, let me introduce you—this is Academician Qian Yongkang, chief engineer of the 'Zhuri' Project."

Academician Qian immediately stood, his movements sharp and efficient despite his age, his gaze fixed on Qin Feng with fervor: "Mr. Qin! Long admired! The foundational theory of your 'Stardust Guardian' coating is nothing short of a genius conception! Our institute's several Material Laboratories ran overnight theoretical validations—the results… the results were astonishing! The theoretical feasibility exceeds ninety-eight percent!"

He waved his arms excitedly: "If… if the experimental samples truly achieve these theoretical figures, it won't merely be a tenfold increase in lifespan! It will save at least twenty years of R&D time for our 'Zhuri' Project—no, for all of humanity's controlled nuclear fusion efforts! This is a groundbreaking contribution!"

Academician Qian's excitement was palpable, utterly unlike his usual rigorous and composed scientific demeanor. Even the middle-aged attendants accompanying him showed flickers of surprise—they knew how strict and rigorous Academician Qian was; for him to lose composure like this, the impact of the "Stardust" coating must be immense.

The elder nodded slightly, signaling Academician Qian to calm down, then turned his gaze back to Qin Feng, a hint of curiosity and deeper expectation in his eyes: "It seems the 'first gift' you offered us is already astonishing enough. Now, can you tell me your answer?"

All eyes fixed on Qin Feng. The parlor was so silent a pin could be heard dropping.

To embrace a broader stage and heavier responsibility—or to remain secluded, exploring alone?

Qin Feng slowly raised his head, his gaze clear and resolute, without a trace of hesitation. After three days of deep reflection, he had already found his path. Personal power is ultimately limited, especially when facing the possible unknown threats from the Star Sea; walking shoulder to shoulder with a great civilization is the correct path to the summit.

"First Leader, Academician Qian," Qin Feng's voice was steady and strong, echoing clearly through the silent parlor, "I am honored to receive the invitation to the 'Guardian' Project."

He paused, meeting the elder's deep gaze, and spoke slowly, word by word:

"My answer is—I am willing to join."

"Excellent!" The elder's face broke into a genuine smile, one filled with satisfaction and the joy of encountering a rare talent. His attendants beside him visibly relaxed, their gazes toward Qin Feng now carrying more recognition.

Academician Qian was so moved he nearly teared up, as if seeing a brilliant future for the 'Zhuri' Project.

"Welcome, Comrade Qin Feng!" The elder changed his address—this meant Qin Feng was now formally incorporated into this special system. "From today, you are one of the core members of the 'Guardian' Project. Clearance level: Azure Dragon. You will have access to most non-top-secret archives and receive priority resource allocation from the project."

Azure Dragon clearance! The middle-aged attendants again flashed looks of astonishment—this clearance level was unprecedented for a brand-new recruit!

"Thank you for the organization's trust," Qin Feng accepted this change in status calmly.

"Then, as a new member of the 'Guardian' Project—and as your 'welcome gift' to the project," the elder fixed his intense gaze on Qin Feng, a smile of unyielding expectation on his face, "could you allow us to witness firsthand the birth of the miracle—the 'Stardust Guardian' coating that left Old Qian so shaken?"

Academician Qian immediately placed the precious silver briefcase carefully on the coffee table, entered the password, and opened it. Inside were not finished products, but a thick stack of test reports still warm from the printer, and a data storage unit.

"Mr. Qin, these are the first batch of 'Stardust' coating samples produced in our nation's highest-standard Material Laboratory, following your process, with preliminary test data under simulated 'Zhuri' Project extreme conditions!" Academician Qian's voice trembled with excitement. "Though only preliminary, the results… the results have far exceeded our highest expectations!"

Qin Feng took the report and flipped through it quickly. The dense data and charts clearly showed the "Stardust Guardian" coating's astonishing stability under extreme conditions: temperatures exceeding hundreds of millions of degrees, intense radiation, neutron bombardment. Its performance enhancement consistently surpassed the theoretical value by more than tenfold—and even exceeded it in fatigue resistance!

Perfect!

Even though he had anticipated it, Qin Feng couldn't suppress a surge of pride. This was the manifestation of the Technology Core's power—and a solid step toward a higher stage!

"The data is impressive," Qin Feng closed the report, a faint smile on his face as he looked at the expectant elder and the excited Academician Qian. "It seems this 'welcome gift' is acceptable."

"Acceptable? More than acceptable!" Academician Qian interrupted excitedly. "This is greatness! A milestone! Comrade Qin Feng—I speak for all researchers of the 'Zhuri' Project: thank you! You've made a monumental contribution to our nation and to humanity!"

The elder nodded in satisfaction, his admiration for Qin Feng deepening: "This 'welcome gift' carries immense weight. I look forward to the surprises you will bring to the 'Guardian' Project in the future."

He stood, placing his hand once more on Qin Feng's shoulder: "The relevant procedures and identity credentials will be handled for you shortly. The 'Guardian' Base and more core materials will be opened to you in the near future. Welcome aboard, Comrade Qin Feng. Let us work together to safeguard the Civilization Fire beneath this starry sky."

After seeing off the emotionally stirred elder and the still-ecstatic Academician Qian and his team, Qin Feng stood alone in the courtyard of Yunshan Manor, gazing up at the heavens.

Joining the "Guardian" meant he had officially entered a new, vast, and turbulent realm. The challenges ahead would far surpass commercial rivalries, touching on technology, civilization, and secrets of the Star Sea.

Yet in his heart, there was no fear—only boundless determination and anticipation.

"Guardian… Star Sea…" Qin Feng murmured softly, a proud curve forming on his lips.

"I'm here."