Chapter 79: Acquisition

The change of ownership of the Xuan Family's assets might have seemed like an insignificant footnote in the financial news to ordinary people, but within certain circles, it was no less than a silent yet far-reaching earthquake. Qin Feng's name, along with his mysterious and powerful "Yaofeng Capital," was now shrouded in an even more awe-inspiring aura.

Yet Qin Feng, at the eye of the storm, had already cast these trivialities aside. To him, crushing the Xuan Family was like brushing dust from his shoulder; his true focus had long shifted to building his grand blueprint—the "Cornerstone Project."

On the private jet returning to the headquarters of Qin Feng Pharmaceuticals, Qin Feng closed his eyes to rest, yet his consciousness remained tightly linked to the System Space.

On the screen, the quest "The Cornerstone of a Family" still hung prominently; its progress bar had barely, imperceptibly advanced due to the absorption of the Xuan Family's assets, but completion remained distant. Qin Feng understood that merely accumulating wealth and making commercial acquisitions might build a vast commercial empire, yet it still fell far short of the "eternal cornerstone" he sought—one capable of withstanding any storm and even transcending the limits of its era.

His gaze fixed on the vast, endless list in the System Mall. Previously, he had focused mostly on skills and information that instantly enhanced personal ability or rapidly generated wealth. Now, his goals were far more long-term.

His consciousness rapidly filtered and searched through massive categories: "Technology," "Biology," "Energy," "Frontier Theories."

【Primary Gene Optimization Fluid Formula (Fragmentary Scroll)】: Requires Host's "Life Enhancement" level 7 or higher, and a corresponding high-tech laboratory to analyze and develop. Slightly enhances human baseline attributes and slows cellular aging. 【Quantum Communication Infrastructure Theory (Encrypted)】: The core for constructing an absolutely secure information network, surpassing current-era communication technology. Unlock requires massive funds and special resources. 【Neural-Interface Virtual Reality Technology (Concept)】: …… 【Feasibility Report on Miniaturization of Efficient Fusion Energy (Fragment)】: …………

Each technology's description quickened the heartbeat, yet the unlock conditions, development requirements, and the astronomical costs in points (or equivalent funds/resources) were enough to deter any nation or top-tier financial conglomerate.

But Qin Feng merely surveyed them calmly. Possessing the System meant he held the key to the future; what he lacked was merely time and resources to insert the key into the lock and turn it.

"Filter for technologies or talent recruitment schemes currently affordable with my available points and funds, and capable of being initiated and producing tangible effects within the Earth's existing technological tree in the short term." Qin Feng issued the command to the System.

The screen flickered; the list rapidly narrowed, leaving only a handful of highlighted options.

One option caught Qin Feng's attention: 【"Pioneer" Elite Talent Targeted Recruitment Card (Single-Use)】: Effect: Consume designated funds; the System intervenes in fate and causality to attract and secure 1–3 elite talents possessing world-class potential or already emerging in a specified field, and possessing baseline Rule Compatibility with the Host. Specified fields available: Biotechnology, High-Energy Physics, Information Engineering, Strategic Management, Advanced Security, etc. Note: Recruitment success rate and talent quality correlate positively with funds consumed and are influenced by current worldline talent availability.

"That's it." Qin Feng hesitated not at all. Technology was the skeleton; talent was the flesh and blood. He needed the sharpest minds to realize his forward-looking visions.

Simultaneously, he redeemed the 【Primary Gene Optimization Fluid Formula (Fragmentary Scroll)】 and a 【High-Level Biological Laboratory Standard Construction Blueprint】. The former was a crucial step in the "Cornerstone Project" to strengthen himself and his core forces; the latter was the necessary facility to realize it.

His consciousness withdrew from the System Space; the jet had just landed smoothly on the private heliport of Qin Feng Pharmaceuticals headquarters.

Back in the Ding Ceng Ban Gong Shi, Qin Feng immediately summoned the temporary Project Team, centered around his first recruited elite Assistant.

Without pleasantries, Qin Feng projected onto the large screen a top-secret plan document just generated by the System and slightly modified by him.

"Initiate the 'Cornerstone Project' immediately." Qin Feng's voice echoed through the spacious office, carrying irrefutable resolve, "Phase One: two core tasks."

"First," he pointed to a marked area on the screen—a suburban location nestled against mountains and water, ideal for secrecy—"Build the 'Future Technology Research Institute' here, at the highest security standards and fastest construction speed. Phase One's core is this 'Biological Evolution Laboratory'; construction standards follow this blueprint." He gestured for the Assistant to distribute the electronic version of the blueprint he had just redeemed. The specifications and requirements on the blueprint left the several well-traveled elites in the room silently stunned—far exceeding any known top-tier laboratory.

"Second, establish 'Shield Security Company.'" Qin Feng's gaze swept over them. "Do not mistake it for an ordinary security firm. I need a private force possessing top-tier military discipline, absolute loyalty, and capable of gradually equipping itself with weaponry surpassing current-issue individual gear. Recruit globally from elite retired special forces and intelligence personnel; compensation is unlimited; loyalty assessment is the primary criterion."

One task pointed toward the pinnacle of future technology; the other seized supreme earthly power.

The office fell silent, broken only by heavy breathing. Everyone sensed that their Boss's ambition was far grander—and far more… dangerous—than they had imagined.

"Regarding funding," Qin Feng said finally, "Yaofeng Capital will provide full support; profits from Qin Feng Pharmaceuticals will be prioritized. I want results, not explanations. Any obstacles—report directly to me."

"Yes, Boss Qin!" The group suppressed their shock and responded in unison, eyes ablaze with excitement and challenge. To participate in such a grand project was itself an ultimate honor.

The group departed, leaving Qin Feng alone in the office. He walked to the floor-to-ceiling window and looked down at the city below, growing ever more prosperous.

Acquiring the Xuan Family was clearing obstacles. The "Cornerstone Project" was the true beginning of laying the road to the throne.

He stirred his thoughts slightly; a faint glimmer, imperceptible to ordinary eyes, flashed in his gaze. 【Fortune Dominion】 (Beginner) activated quietly.

In his "vision," the fortune of the city beneath him wove into a dazzling ocean—mostly gray-white, with occasional streaks of crimson or pale gold flickering, representing individuals or corporations in ascendance. Above his own building, a vigorous, pale-golden current of fortune surged skyward—unstable, yet already displaying a momentum of devouring all around.

"Let it begin here," Qin Feng murmured to himself, "Attract talent, gather fortune…"

He locked onto the 【"Pioneer" Elite Talent Targeted Recruitment Card】, selected the fields "Biotechnology" and "Advanced Security," and without hesitation poured in a massive sum of funds.

Invisible threads of causality, fueled by the expenditure of funds and the System's power, began silently winding toward several specific targets across the globe.

A far grander, more sweeping scheme than the acquisition of the Xuan Family had officially begun. This time, what he was acquiring was the future itself.