Chapter 115: The Adult Zhao Jiayi

A moment.

The surging memories gradually calmed, and the subtle changes deep within Lin Qing's cells also slowly ceased.

Opening his eyes, the world before him seemed to have undergone new changes.

The flow of various energies, rays, and waves... seemed to be reflected in his heart at this very moment.

"Super-energy matter?"

Lin Qing extended a hand; a drop of fresh blood seeped out from beneath his skin on his palm. He saw streaks of pale green light begin to flow and converge within that drop of blood. Like 3D modeling, a vast amount of pale green energy continuously compressed and condensed together, gradually outlining the shape he desired.

After about five minutes, having consumed roughly one-tenth of his energy, a long blade about one meter in length, entirely pure black with a slight pale green luster, finally formed.

"So this is... super-energy matter derived and condensed from one's own substance and a large amount of energy?"

Lin Qing examined the long blade in his hand. Upon tapping it lightly, it felt exactly like genuine matter.

Moreover, he had specifically adjusted the density of the super-energy matter just now. Estimating it now, this long blade probably weighed only one jin.

"Let's see the hardness."

Lin Qing's hands took on a metallic sheen. He grabbed the spine of the blade with one hand and the hilt with the other, attempting to snap it, but this pure black long blade did not bend in the slightest.

"Oh? So sturdy?"

Deep green light suddenly burst forth from Lin Qing's eyes, and the muscles in his arms swelled violently as he exerted his full strength.

Yet this long blade showed no sign of bending, not even a single trace of deformation.

"As expected..."

A faint smile appeared on Lin Qing's face. "The ability 'Super-energy Matter' of the fourth energy level of the Sky-Track Monarch bloodline can indeed form matter similar to nanomaterials, and even adjust density."

According to the research data from the Dawn Group—

'Super-energy Matter,' viewed from a microscopic perspective, has extremely small grain sizes and an enormous number of grain boundaries. The movement of dislocations is heavily obstructed, which is the so-called size effect. This results in the material's strength and hardness being incredibly astonishing.

Mastering this ability also allows control over the density of super-energy matter, adjusting its mass.

Lin Qing didn't understand how he controlled the changes in super-energy matter under the microscopic view.

It was like ancients being unable to explain how their own arms moved.

"Retract."

At a thought from Lin Qing, pale green light flowed over his body surface, and this pure black long blade merged into his body amidst the pale green light.

"Emerge."

He extended his hand again. As pale green light flowed, the pure black long blade appeared instantly.

"Indeed, it can be stored away." Lin Qing couldn't help but smile.

Since super-energy matter is inherently half-matter and half-energy, it can naturally transform into a compressed energy form and be stored within the body. When needed, it can leave the body and revert to a material form.

It was merely a matter of a single thought for him.

However, once energy transforms into super-energy matter, its nature changes, so it can no longer replenish his energy.

"It just can't be used by others for an extended period."

Lin Qing recalled the data regarding this ability.

Super-energy matter maintains a stable state by constantly consuming energy; it must be supported by his own energy.

Otherwise, once it leaves him for more than 13 seconds, it will automatically revert to a compressed energy state and begin to gradually dissipate.

"However, I also have 'Sky-Track Coordinates.' Through coordinate attraction, after the super-energy matter reverts to a compressed energy state, it can return directly to the coordinates..."

Lin Qing felt somewhat relieved.

Sky-Track Coordinates can already attract objects containing his energy; attracting his own energy directly is naturally even simpler.

As long as he makes himself the coordinate, he can easily recover the energy formed from super-energy matter.

"Hmm... I should make more super-energy matter weapons over these few days."

Lin Qing pondered silently. "It's a pity I can't manufacture firearms, nor can I make bows and arrows. Otherwise, the upper limit of this ability would be too high."

Firearms use gunpowder gas pressure or other energy sources to launch projectiles.

Bows and arrows utilize the elastic deformation of the bow to store energy, then suddenly release that energy to launch the arrow at high speed.

But super-energy matter is purely hard; it cannot undergo even the slightest elastic deformation, so bows and arrows cannot be made from it.

The best method of application is to utilize the high strength and hardness of super-energy matter to make it extremely sharp, rendering its edge very, very thin, while its lethality remains considerable.

Of course, one could also maximize the density of the super-energy matter to create an extremely heavy weapon, though the density limit is only so high.

"Not bad."

Satisfied, Lin Qing waved the long blade in his hand. The black blade shadow flickered, yet almost no sound of air being cut was produced.

Because it was simply too sharp, the air resistance it encountered was also very low.

In the early days of the apocalypse in his past life, while searching an abandoned mansion with companions at the time, he discovered a cold weapon collection room. At that time, he chose a sharpened Tang sword.

He then prepaid for the usage techniques of the Tang sword and later grew accustomed to it.

This long blade formed from super-energy matter could truly be called a divine weapon that cuts iron like mud, suitable for close-quarters combat.

"Hah."

With a flash of pale green light, the long blade in Lin Qing's hand instantly vanished.

"'Super-energy Matter' also requires twenty-five times to repay."

Lin Qing pondered silently. "If I can cultivate the 'Endless Sky Spikes,' combining the power of throwing enemies with the 'Endless Sky Spikes,' using ranged weapons forged from super-energy matter, and setting the Sky-Track Coordinates on the enemy..."

Just imagining that scene in his mind made him feel it was terrifying.

Extremely anticipated!

"Once this matter is resolved, I'll quickly earn points, repay these debts sooner, awaken my genes sooner, and master the two new combat arts sooner!"

Lin Qing took a deep breath, then moved his mind, controlling the Star-Transmission Tower with his will to release Chen Guang.

A streak of flowing light flew out from his body, transforming into a little girl dressed in a pure white gown, like an angel.

After truly beginning to control the Star-Transmitting Tower, he had already been able to make the intelligent life form of the tower, Morning Light, appear; however, only he could see Morning Light, as this was merely a projection of consciousness.

"Morning Light, help me check which new patrols in the Training Branch are cultivating the Free Body combat technique and give me a list," Lin Qing said.

Actually, he could have checked it himself, but he did not want to arouse suspicion.

"Alright."

Morning Light tapped her fingertip, and a list, also a projection of consciousness, floated before Lin Qing's eyes.

Lin Qing scanned it quickly, nodded slightly, and said, "I will prepare and go solve that Mr. Brock as soon as possible; I heard he is a my lord of the Dilanxi civilization?"

A trace of mockery was in his eyes.

No matter what sort of trash they were among those extraterrestrial civilizations, after coming to Earth, they all seemed like my lords, speaking of Earth natives with every word, viewing Earthlings as livestock.

The Lord Yehong killed by him today had a strength that was merely close to a two-star elite patrol.

Even if that Dilanxi civilization was not as good as the Wisdom Star people, unable to achieve universal gene awakening, it should not be that far off, and with Lord Yehong's strength, he would not be much better than an ordinary person in the Dilanxi civilization, yet he still looked down on Earth civilization.

However, even on Earth, the phenomenon of big cities looking down on small places still existed, let alone the gap between cosmic civilizations.

Looking at it this way...

These aliens are just 'people' after all.

When people are killed, they die.

"Judging from his situation in prison, his status in the Dilanxi civilization should not be low."

Morning Light said, "If you kill him, you absolutely cannot be discovered, otherwise it will be a big trouble."

"Not killing him is also a big trouble," Lin Qing said. "Once he knows Lord Yehong is dead, he will inevitably suspect me in the end; he must die."

He paused, then said, "I have absolute confidence in escaping from prison, I just don't know how to sneak in."

Morning Light looked at him and said softly, "In that case, I have a plan."

That night.

In the dead of night.

"How is it?"

In the living room, Lin Qing looked at Zhao Jiayi sitting opposite him and asked, "Have you confirmed which people in the Patrol Branch are gene awakeners?"

"Quite a lot," Zhao Jiayi said with some confusion. "However, why would the Training Branch have so many gene awakeners? The files of several people here are not gene awakeners."

"They are all transformed from extraterrestrial stowaways."

Lin Qing explained casually, then said, "Tell me specifically who they are? Just tell me the room numbers."

Zhao Jiayi nodded slightly and immediately said, "It is room 1521 in Building One, room 1607, room 0314 in Building Two, room 1105..."

She quickly reported all the suspicious gene awakeners discovered by her telepathic investigation.

"Hmm."

Lin Qing compared the information provided by Morning Light in his mind, nodded slightly, and said, "A few people can be confirmed; they are absolutely transformed from prisoners of the Broken Stele Prison."

By comparing the mission time of the Broken Stele Prison and the combat techniques cultivated... these suspicious points, one could make a precise judgment.

"Prisoners of the Broken Stele Prison?" Zhao Jiayi was stunned. "Alright."

Lin Qing stood up, patted her head, and said, "I need to find a chance to kill one of them, obtain certain items, and at the same time take over their identity; at that time, you help me lock down the location."

"Kill them at the Patrol Headquarters?" Zhao Jiayi asked, stunned.

"I want to, but the difficulty is too great, and the risk is also very high."

Lin Qing shook his head slightly. "However, these people will always have times when they leave the headquarters to go out; after confirming the destination, I will find a mission not far away, we just need to go out once, it is just too troublesome, I still have to come back and forth."

"I see..."

Zhao Jiayi thought for a moment, then suddenly said, "How about you wait three more days?"

"Wait three more days?" Lin Qing looked at her in confusion and asked, "What do you mean?"

"I will be an adult on the 21st."

Zhao Jiayi hesitated for a moment, then said, "At that time, my telepathy will be much, much stronger than now... I can help you solve one from a distance, guaranteeing no one will discover it."

Lin Qing was slightly stunned and asked, "Are you sure?"

"Uh... the premise is just ordinary gene awakeners," Zhao Jiayi said without confidence. "If they are too strong, I won't be sure."

"They won't be too strong."

Lin Qing said, "These extraterrestrial stowaways have all been injected with life suppressants, unable to evolve, and they are only prisoners of the first floor of the Broken Stele Prison, at most the strength of a two-star elite patrol."

"Then there is no problem," Zhao Jiayi immediately nodded with full confidence.

Lin Qing became even more curious; what race was Zhao Jiayi exactly? "Master."

Morning Light's voice sounded in Lin Qing's mind: "She must be an extraterrestrial race naturally good at telepathy; she awakened her telepathy before reaching adulthood, and it is even stronger after adulthood; she can make ordinary gene awakeners disappear silently from a distance? Even among the extraterrestrial races known to her father, she would be considered one with very high talent."

Lin Qing fell silent, having no intention of investigating further.

If she could tell him, Zhao Jiayi would have definitely told him long ago.

Three days later.

Noon on July 21.

"Happy birthday."

After Lin Qing placed all the dishes sent over by the Catering Department on the table, and also placed the specially customized three-layer large cake, he turned off the lights in the room before lighting the candles on the cake shaped like '20 years old'.

In the candlelight, Zhao Jiayi was somewhat flushed, lowering her head in embarrassment.

Her father said this custom did not exist in her hometown, so this was her first time celebrating a birthday.

But this sense of ritual made her feel a strange joy and emotion.

"Make a wish," Lin Qing smiled, patted her head, and said, "From now on, you are an adult."

Zhao Jiayi nodded nervously and said, "Then I want..."

"Can't say it out loud." Lin Qing reached out and covered her mouth, shaking his head with a smile. "If you say it, it won't work."

"Oh…"

After Zhao Jiayi finished her wish, blew out the candles, and finished this unusually lavish birthday meal, she grinned and said, "It'd be great if we could celebrate birthdays every day."

"Have you changed?" Lin Qing studied her and said, "I don't see any difference."

"Not yet."

Zhao Jiayi tilted her head. "It's definitely today, but exactly when? Dad said that when I come of age, I'll feel the change myself."

"Oh." Lin Qing wasn't in a hurry. "Alright, I'll go train first."

Although he currently lacked enough points to purchase resources for the Sky-Weaving Coordinates and the Superenergy Substance gene abilities, he must daily repay five times the debt of the Free Body Martial Art, and attempt to enter the Great Freedom Sky Radiance and the Soul Refining Method—none of these can be skipped.

…

Before long, evening arrived.

"Lin Qing."

A knock suddenly sounded at the door, and Zhao Jiayi's excited, fluttering voice came through: "I've come of age! Come out and see me!"

"Come of age?"

Lin Qing opened his eyes, stepped out of the training room, and opened his bedroom door to find Zhao Jiayi standing barefoot at the threshold, her small white feet visible, blinking her big eyes, pointing at herself with both hands, looking expectant—as if saying, "Look at what's different now!"

What kind of "spot the difference" game is this…? Lin Qing carefully observed her and shook his head. "Looks like nothing's changed."

"Don't you feel I've got more presence now?" Zhao Jiayi puffed out her cheeks.

"You're still just like a child."

Lin Qing pinched her cheek. "Have you felt any change yourself?"

"Mm." Zhao Jiayi nodded vigorously, slightly proud. "I've awakened my genes."

"Really awakened?" Lin Qing paused slightly. "Are you sure?"

He'd heard all Zhi Star humans could achieve gene awakening upon coming of age—could Zhao Jiayi really do it too? "Yes."

Zhao Jiayi affirmed: "I can now adjust my genes to enter the optimal state for telekinesis. My telekinesis is much stronger than before."

Before Lin Qing could speak, he heard Zhao Jiayi's cheerful voice in his mind: "Believe me now?"

"You can do mental communication?" Lin Qing exclaimed.

"Just now, I extended my telekinesis as far as I could toward the ocean—it reached about fifteen kilometers. That's my current detection range."

Lin Qing couldn't help smiling. "Then tonight, I'm counting on you."

"By the way, what item are you supposed to get from those prisoners in the Broken Stele Prison?" Zhao Jiayi asked.

Lin Qing paused, then said: "A contact-lens-like crystal chip, probably implanted in their eyeballs—it can alter the iris—and a bio-mimetic fingerprint glove."

To impersonate someone else and apply for a mission to infiltrate the prison, Free Body's morphing alone isn't enough—he must bypass fingerprint and iris recognition.

But any extraterrestrial stowaway impersonating a new patrol officer would inevitably have these two items.

Solving one is enough.

"Alright, but which one among them?" Zhao Jiayi asked.

"Choose the one in Dormitory Building 2, Room 1105—'Ferodal.'"

Lin Qing spoke slowly: "His real identity is the Broken Stele Prison prisoner 'Baiyue.' Among all confirmed identities, his crimes are the worst—he's eaten hundreds of Earth people."

If not for the extraterrestrial my lords, someone with such anti-human crimes would have been executed countless times over.

Yet here he is, brazenly impersonating an Earth person, still living freely.

Even… occasionally taking leave from headquarters.

According to information from Chen Guang, every time this extraterrestrial my lord takes leave, a girl goes missing.

What's happening is obvious.

"Alright, leave it to me."

Zhao Jiayi immediately nodded, then glanced at Lin Qing and whispered, "But… you can't watch."

Lin Qing didn't mind. "I'll go back to the training room. Let me know when you're done."

Saying that, he walked toward his bedroom.

Behind him, Zhao Jiayi muttered in her native tongue: "You're the best…"

Lin Qing's step paused slightly, but he didn't turn back.

After Lin Qing returned to his room, Zhao Jiayi rubbed her brow and muttered to herself: "Have to use this power again… I hope I don't overexert myself too badly this time…"

…

Five minutes later.

【Current Order Level increased by 2.1 levels】

Inside the training room, a green prompt suddenly appeared before Lin Qing's eyes.

He immediately understood—the prisoner had been dealt with by Zhao Jiayi.

"All done."

Zhao Jiayi's voice came from outside the door.

Stepping out of the bedroom, he saw Zhao Jiayi had opened the living room window—something seemed to have flown in.

"Here you go."

Before her floated two transparent circular films resembling contact lenses, and two pairs of translucent gloves as thin as cicada wings.

She directed them toward Lin Qing with her telekinesis: "I used my telekinesis to protect them during transit—no one noticed."

"What about him? Did you dispose of the body?" Lin Qing said.

He'd already instructed Chen Guang to prevent the disguised patrol stowaway from sending a signal upon death—but the body still needed handling.

"No body." Zhao Jiayi shook her head, a trace of exhaustion in her brow.

"Hmm?" Lin Qing was slightly startled.

"Master," Chen Guang said, "Although I am unclear what happened, according to the vital sign detection records carried by that person, it is as if that person suddenly vanished."

(End of this chapter)