Chapter 97: Vassal Class

After the situation at the hotel ruins stabilized, Lin Qing returned home to cultivate.

In any case, the two Inspectors had already decided to personally station themselves to guard the site and were still considering how to dig through the ruins to reopen the elevator shaft that had been destroyed and buried.

Although the elevator shaft was a full eighty meters deep, with excavation equipment combined with the power of the two Inspectors, breaking through again would not take long.

Lin Qing had been back home for less than half an hour when a colleague among the Inspectors on-site sent him a message, saying the elevator shaft had been breached and the entrance to the underground research institute had been seen.

However, the two Inspectors seemed concerned that enemies entering the underground research institute early might be stronger; after the advance team emerged from the institute, they did not rush to send people in, but were instead deploying to seal off this underground research institute while waiting for more personnel from the Inspectorate Headquarters.

After another batch of people arrived from the Inspectorate Headquarters, Lin Qing was also called over.

By noon, the temporarily cleared open ground had become much cleaner, and several prefabricated houses had been erected for the two Inspectors and the personnel from the Inspectorate Headquarters to rest.

When Lin Qing arrived at the scene, he discovered that Headquarters had sent another batch of people.

Including the first batch that had arrived, there were now more than ten Senior Inspectors and over fifty Inspectors in total.

He and Yuan Anping were utterly inconspicuous among them.

After everyone assembled, Inspector Tang finally walked out from one of the houses.

"Let's keep it brief."

Inspector Tang swept her gaze across the crowd and said, "Many of you surely know the origins of this underground research institute, right? That's correct; it is a branch institute constructed by Dr. Chu Hui, who created the Primordial Research Institute under the Illuminati, before he was imprisoned."

Dr. Chu Hui?

This was the first time Lin Qing had learned the name of the founder of the Primordial Research Institute.

"Before the incident, Dr. Chu Hui was still a highly respected scholar, and the Primordial Research Institute was a blessed land representing hope."

Inspector Tang said in a deep voice, "But now he is a madman who has harmed lives and slaughtered millions of Earth compatriots. The Primordial Research Institute, which should have been sealed, still has people inheriting his will and extending his ideals, even employing more unscrupulous means."

"The cases of missing persons in Lin'an City and across the country over these years total hundreds of thousands; according to various clues, it can be confirmed early on that they were committed by the resurgent Primordial Research Institute."

She said slowly, "And the purpose was to open the door to the institute below—the 'Door of Imperfection'."

"The Door of Imperfection is controlled by an artificial intelligence left behind by Dr. Chu Hui during his lifetime; it follows Dr. Chu Hui's will and requires the provision of genetic map information from one thousand successful gene modification cases to open the Door of Imperfection."

Inspector Tang said in a deep voice, "Although the resurgent Primordial Research Institute is not as powerful as in the past, it is even more insane. Now that the Door of Imperfection has been opened, that group of madmen has already sent people into the institute, attempting to obtain the experimental results Dr. Chu Hui left in this underground research institute."

She swept her gaze across the crowd, "Headquarters has already obtained the blueprints for this underground research institute. Inside the institute, there are suspected to be several methods of fourth-level gene optimization, as well as various experimental results."

The eyes of the Inspectors and Senior Inspectors lit up one by one.

The current gene optimization methods of the Inspectorate Headquarters are almost limited to the third level.

And fourth-level gene optimization almost only exists among extraterrestrial civilizations; even in the urban circles, it is relatively rare.

It is rumored that among the extraterrestrial civilization where the Wisdom Star Group is located, even those with good talents can attempt fourth-level gene enhancement, so it is even possible for the gene optimization index to break 200%.

The gene optimization index also represents future potential.

And now, having discovered that this underground research institute might contain methods of fourth-level gene optimization, how could they not be tempted?

"Only Earthlings with genetic imperfections can enter this Door of Imperfection, meaning Earthlings with a gene optimization index below 100% and whose genes have not yet awakened."

Inspector Tang said, "This time, the rules are the same as before: what you can obtain is up to your own ability, and the Inspectorate Headquarters has only one requirement—that is, to bring back research data and eliminate members of the Primordial Research Institute."

The eyes of the many Inspectors clearly became intense, and they were all eager to try.

Inspector Tang said softly:

"Killing a member of the 'Student' level of the Primordial Research Institute who breaks in and retrieving their ID card will earn you a Second-Class Merit."

"Killing a member of the 'Researcher' level of the Primordial Research Institute and retrieving their ID card will earn you a First-Class Merit."

"Bringing back any research data regarding fourth-level gene optimization will earn you a Special Merit."

Speaking here, Inspector Tang paused for a moment before continuing, "If anyone finds a special item resembling a crystal material, palm-sized, and shaped like a pagoda within the Primordial Research Institute, and retrieves it, you will be awarded a Glory-Class Merit."

The Inspectors were all stunned.

Immediately, coarse and heavy breathing sounds that were clearly suppressed erupted, seeming extremely excited.

And Lin Qing had heard of the Glory-Class Merit for the first time.

This special item, just by finding it, grants a Glory-Class Merit?

Without needing to think, one would know that the value of this special item must be even more precious, but it is likely useless to the Inspectors, which is why Headquarters set these conditions.

"The above are the details of this operation."

"Remember, each person can only enter once; once you come out, the Door of Imperfection will not allow you to enter again, so remember to carry food and water."

As she spoke, Inspector Tang's gaze slowly swept over everyone present, "Those willing to go may step forward on their own; each person will receive a set of intelligence on the research institute provided by the advance team."

As her words fell, it was seen that the vast majority of Inspectors and almost all Senior Inspectors stepped forward one by one.

These Inspectors and Senior Inspectors were almost all from Headquarters; naturally, they understood how rare this opportunity was, so how could they be unwilling?

Those willing to come from Headquarters had naturally already learned part of the intelligence in advance and made preparations to enter.

And now, setting aside the suspected fourth-level gene optimization within the research institute, the merit rewards alone were tempting enough!

In an instant, more than ninety percent of the Inspectors stepped forward, and only one Senior Inspector remained standing in place, his face looking very helpless.

Among the Inspectors, only two remained standing in place.

They were none other than the local Inspectors of Lin'an City, Lin Qing and Yuan Anping.

Many Inspectors from Headquarters could not help but turn their heads to look at the two of them.

Not even willing to go for such a good thing?

Although there is danger, with so many people entering together, the risk will be greatly reduced; it is certainly better than going in alone, right?

This is too cowardly.

"Ah ha..."

Yuan Anping smiled and faced the gazes of the crowd, saying, "Everyone here is an elite from Headquarters; I, a bottom-tier product among Inspectors, will not go to be a burden. Everyone, do your best."

Lin Qing glanced at Yuan Anping but did not say anything.

He naturally wanted to enter for such a good opportunity, but his strength was not even as good as a Senior Inspector's, so he did not want to actively venture deep into dangerous territory for now.

Inspector Tang did not say anything either, merely sweeping a glance over the Inspectors, "Prepare for action."

……

In a short while, numerous Patrol Captains and Senior Patrol Captains all descended along the elevator shaft cableway.

Aside from the patrols responsible for sealing off the city, only Lin Qing, Yuan Anping, and that Senior Patrol Captain who chose to remain were left.

"Director."

That Senior Patrol Captain said helplessly, "Can the Gene Awakened ones really not get in?"

"If you want to be killed by the research institute's lasers, you can force your way in." Patrol Commissioner Tang glanced at him. "Lasers?"

That Senior Patrol Captain was stunned. "Aren't laser weapons also among the prohibited items?"

"The Star Wisdom Group granted the Primitive Research Institute permission to use laser defense facilities," Patrol Commissioner Tang said. "The Primitive Research Institute was sealed by the Earth-side World Government, but the Star Wisdom Group did not care how many Earthlings the Primitive Research Institute killed, so they did not revoke this permission."

"Alright..."

That Senior Patrol Captain sighed helplessly. "Then I'll wait for the rabbit to hit the post; perhaps someone from the Primitive Research Institute will rush out?"

Patrol Commissioner Tang said no more, merely glanced at Lin Qing, and said, "Lin Qing, come with me."

Lin Qing nodded slightly, then followed Patrol Commissioner Tang into her temporary rental.

"Sit."

Patrol Commissioner Tang pointed to the sofa, then sat down on the sofa on the other side.

After Lin Qing also sat down, Patrol Commissioner Tang looked at Lin Qing and asked, "Why didn't you go in?"

!.

"I wanted to wait."

Lin Qing shook his head slightly. "My strength is insufficient; I can't snatch anything. Even if I went in, I couldn't snatch more than others. For things others can't snatch away, it's the same if I go in later."

"Go in later?" Patrol Commissioner Tang laughed helplessly. "The benefits of this underground research institute are actually just those few things. With so many people rushing in, if you go in late, perhaps there will be nothing left?"

She added, "Moreover, this underground research institute is quite vast, and its structure is also very complex. Even for the patrols who came out this time, the intelligence provided may not be more useful than that provided by the advance team."

"It's nothing. If there's no certainty, just pretend you don't know about this underground research institute." Lin Qing shook his head.

"Opportunities don't come every time."

Patrol Commissioner Tang sighed lightly. "Fourth-level gene optimization... unless sufficient data is obtained from this underground research institute this time, the Patrol Headquarters cannot provide it. In the future, you might never encounter such an opportunity again..."

Speaking of this, she paused, glanced at Lin Qing, and said, "Unless you are willing to sign those long-term indenture or even lifetime agreements with the Star Wisdom Group."

"Indenture?" Lin Qing raised his eyebrows slightly.

"Yes." Patrol Commissioner Tang sighed. "Actually, it means becoming a vassal class of the civilization where the Star Wisdom Group resides. To put it bluntly, you become the lower class of that civilization, bearing many unequal treaties, just like slaves. It is only to give you this opportunity that you would be treated like the 'Dalits' at the very bottom of the Indian caste system before the apocalypse."

Lin Qing frowned and asked, "How many people are willing?"

"Very few." Patrol Commissioner Tang said. "I mean, very few are qualified to become vassals, and among those who are qualified, the vast majority are willing to become vassals."

"Why?" Lin Qing asked in confusion.

Patrol Commissioner Tang sighed and said, "Do you remember me telling you that there will be a major change in five years?"

Lin Qing nodded and said, "Possibly becoming livestock?"

"That is correct." Patrol Commissioner Tang said. "Those qualified to become Star Wisdom vassals also have the qualification to know these secrets; they will naturally compare."

She glanced at Lin Qing. "Becoming livestock to be slaughtered at will, or becoming the lower class of the vassal stratum; how do you choose?"

Lin Qing fell silent for a moment, then nodded and said, "Then I can understand, but... the premise is that there are only these two choices."

"Oh? I thought you were the type who would rather die than submit." Patrol Commissioner Tang smiled.

Immediately, she shook her head and said, "At present, it seems Earth truly has only these two choices, and for the vast majority of people, there is even no choice."

Lin Qing remained silent.

If that day truly comes, how should I choose?

Due to the Anti-Entropy Ones, even in the apocalypse, he had never lived like a slave or livestock; naturally, he was even less willing now.

"What about Qi Lingxiao, the founder of the Chaoyang Martial Arts Hall?" Lin Qing suddenly said. "And what about Chu Hongjun, the founder of the Dawn Group? What about these people?"

Patrol Commissioner Tang glanced at him and said, "These two great figures, even the Star Wisdom Group must treat with courtesy; they indeed cannot become vassals. But even they, facing a star civilization with a history of hundreds of thousands of years, can only help a very few people around them; they cannot save the entire Earth."

"Even the Star Wisdom Group must treat them with courtesy?"

Hearing this, Lin Qing's heart trembled.

If one's strength reaches the level of these two great figures, can one protect oneself and help those around them?

At this moment, a desire unprecedented in his life suddenly arose in his heart.

He was born free; if possible, who would be willing to become a lower-class person, a slave, or even livestock?

"Strength. As long as there is sufficient strength, as long as I can be like Qi Lingxiao and Chu Hongjun, everything will become different..."

"Yes... there should not be such a choice..."

Lin Qing took a deep breath; his desire for strength grew even stronger in his heart.

"Young people are just impulsive."

Patrol Commissioner Tang saw the trace of desire and intensity in his eyes and couldn't help but laugh helplessly, shaking her head and asking, "Will you still go in?"

"Yes." Lin Qing nodded. "Let's go in tomorrow night instead; that way, we'll have a bit more intelligence."

Tomorrow night, he could complete the original Chaoyang cultivation method.

By then, once he advances the Free Body combat technique, his strength will undergo a huge leap!

"Tomorrow night?" Patrol Commissioner Tang glanced at him, shook her head slightly, and said, "Entering first still leaves at least a chance of luck; entering too late means you can truly only rely on strength."

She did not persuade further. "Alright, I will give you the most detailed intelligence then."

"Thank you, Patrol Commissioner Tang." Lin Qing said sincerely.

Patrol Commissioner Tang shook her head and said, "If possible, help me find Xu Qiu."

Lin Qing nodded slowly.

Actually, he somewhat wanted to reveal that Yuan Anping was the Number One Person in charge of the Crimson Kite Society, but he had already vaguely guessed Yuan Anping's situation; rashly exposing it might not be a good thing.

Moreover, judging by his own situation, Xu Qiu might not be in any trouble.

So, he decided to wait one more day.

"Tomorrow..."

I've been sleeping groggily these past two days, so the update is a bit late; sorry. There will be another update in a moment.

(End of this chapter)