Chapter 406: Classified as Top Secret

The military's highest conference hall.

Chief Li sat solemnly at the head seat, with senior figures from all sectors seated on both sides of the long table, each of their positions being of great importance.

Such high-level confidential meetings are convened only once every many years, each time concerning matters of national life and death, so everyone sat on edge, solemn, thinking something major had happened.

Many of them still did not know of Lin Meng's existence, having only heard that a rare and precious elixir had recently appeared.

Although three people had already tested it, the specific parameters were not disclosed; all they heard was that the elixir was extraordinarily powerful, capable of letting humans surpass their limits and reach impossible heights.

For such rigorous people, it is hard to truly believe without seeing it themselves.

"I wonder if this meeting is related to that kind of elixir?"

"Have you heard any news? I heard the provider of the elixir is a young person under thirty—is that true or not?"

"It's just hearsay; let's ask Lao Li later—if it's truly miraculous, it should be brought up in today's meeting."

"……"

As Chief Li took his seat, the conference hall fell instantly silent.

Chief Li solemnly scanned the senior officials, then signaled his attendants to shut the doors tightly and activate the highest security perimeter.

With the heavy doors locked shut, the conference hall became impregnable; no information could leak out.

Everyone was accustomed to this procedure; before entering, each person had their communication devices confiscated and underwent a thorough search, which also ensured that top secrets would not be leaked.

After everyone's focus gathered, Chief Li took a deep breath and dropped a bombshell that shocked everyone.

"Regarding the elixir that has been the talk of the town recently, I hereby solemnly clarify: the matter is true! That elixir is called the Penetrating Aperture Pill; it can make a person extraordinarily strong, turning them into a super‑soldier!"

Chief Li was excited, yet after long mental preparation he could appear relatively calm; otherwise he would have lost composure before so many people.

No one had ever seen Lao Li this agitated; he was usually stern, never showing his feelings, and would never display such emotions in such a solemn setting.

After everyone digested Chief Li's words, they still found it unbelievable, yet they could not disbelieve it, for Lao Li would never joke; what he said must have been repeatedly verified.

"Lao Li, since you mentioned the Penetrating Aperture Pill, someone must have already tried it, right? Could you give us the specific parameters to look at?"

Chief Li, upon hearing that, immediately signaled his attendant with a glance

Soon, detailed data reports were presented one after another on the table before everyone.

As the sound of pages turning rose, the conference hall fell into an eerie silence.

Everyone's expression shifted from doubt to shock; some even rose to their feet, clutching at their few remaining hairs, repeatedly asking themselves in their hearts, 'I can understand each datum individually, but how do they combine to be so incomprehensible?'

Chief Li saw this and finally let a hint of a smile appear on his face.

Look, it's not that his composure has worsened; it's simply that this matter is truly unbelievable—even with the data before them, it remains hard to believe.

Seeing these usually steadfast people also lose their composure, Chief Li's mood brightened; he immediately slapped the table and said:

"All right, the data are not falsified in the slightest; I know this is hard to believe, but the facts are right before our eyes, leaving us no choice but to accept them."

"Furthermore, those three who tested the pill in advance are available for your personal questioning at any time; they are also the first comrades to have taken the Penetrating Aperture Pill. Not knowing whether the pill truly works or what uncertain side effects it might have, they bravely volunteered to test it for us, deserving encouragement. When you wish to learn the pill's concrete effects, please also treat them courteously."

After Chief Li finished speaking, many began to calculate in their hearts.

If the Penetrating Aperture Pill is truly that miraculous, those three testers will be completely transformed in the future.

According to the data, their various bodily functions already far exceed those of ordinary people; saying they are super‑soldiers is no exaggeration.

Soon someone redirected their attention back to the Penetrating Aperture Pill.

"Lao Li, what is the background of the person who provided the Penetrating Aperture Pill? If the pill cannot be manufactured, where did she obtain it?"

"Indeed, this is of great importance; the origin of the Penetrating Aperture Pill is also key. If we could mass‑produce it, our nation's strength would stand at the pinnacle of the world."

The conference hall instantly boiled over; the usually steady senior officials all began to chatter excitedly.

The temptation is immense; if the Penetrating Aperture Pill could be mass‑produced, not only the younger generation but even these old fogies of theirs might, in their lifetimes, get a taste of what it feels like to be a super‑soldier.

Chief Li had anticipated such doubts; he calmly scanned everyone, then suddenly spoke in a stern voice:

"I know what you're thinking, but after careful study with the higher authorities, I have decided to grant the holder of the Penetrating Aperture Pill the nation's highest level of protection. Henceforth, her personal information will be classified as top secret, and you have no right to access it."

As soon as his words fell, everyone was shocked to the core, and some began to protest.

"Lao Li, aren't you curious about the formula of the Penetrating Aperture Pill? If such a terrifying elixir were to leak out, it would surely become a huge liability; we should firmly grasp this formula in our hands!"

"I agree with that as well, Lao Li. It's not that we're selfish, wanting to possess the Penetrating Aperture Pill; the data clearly show it is comparable to heavy weaponry. If we cannot control it, should the holder turn against the nation or be exploited by ill‑intentioned parties, none of us could bear the consequences."

For a moment, two voices arose in the conference hall.

Some felt that since the other party possesses the Penetrating Aperture Pill, that is their own ability; as national leaders, we should not act like bandits.

But many more, out of safety and uncontrollability concerns, insisted that the mysterious individual who holds the Penetrating Aperture Pill should be brought under control—at the very least, first incorporated and kept under close supervision.

Lao Li objected to neither side, fully understanding the considerations of the opposition.

But he had indeed repeatedly studied this with the higher authorities.

Lin Meng is young and mysterious.

Furthermore, Lao Li had also carefully considered that, rather than binding her with suspicion and constant surveillance, while still enjoying the elixir she turns over, it would be better to adopt a stance of complete trust, giving her ample freedom—this would both respect her and demonstrate the nation's attitude and stance toward her.

Moreover, Elder Li had also thought it over carefully; rather than keeping the person under constant watch with suspicion and testing while still enjoying the elixirs they handed over, it would be better to adopt a policy of complete trust, granting them ample freedom—thus showing respect for the other party and also making clear the state's attitude and position toward her.

Although Lao Li had only brief two encounters with Lin Meng, he could see that she is kind‑hearted; as long as she is not provoked or angered, being on good terms with her will bring plenty of benefits.

But if she were truly angered, Chief Li felt that would be an extremely foolish move, and he would surely regret it.

But if he really angered her, Chief Li always felt that would be an extremely foolish thing to do, and he would surely regret it.