Chapter 97: Appendage Class

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

After all, the two inspectors had decided to personally oversee the site and were already planning to excavate the ruins and reopen the damaged, buried elevator shaft.

Although the elevator shaft was eighty meters deep, with excavation equipment combined with the two inspectors’ power, reopening it wouldn’t take long.

Less than half an hour after Lin Qing returned home, a colleague inspector at the site sent him a message saying the elevator shaft had been cleared and they had spotted the underground research facility’s entrance.

However, the two inspectors seemed concerned that enemies already inside the underground facility might be stronger; after the advance team emerged, they did not rush to send others in, instead continuing to deploy lockdown measures around the facility and waiting for more personnel from inspection headquarters.

After headquarters sent another batch of personnel, Lin Qing was summoned.

By noon, the temporarily cleared area had become much cleaner, and several modular buildings had been erected for the two inspectors and headquarters personnel to rest.

When Lin Qing arrived on-site, he realized headquarters had sent another group.

Combined with the initial contingent, there were now over a dozen Senior Inspectors and more than fifty Inspectors.

He and Yuan Anping were utterly inconspicuous among them.

After everyone assembled, Inspector Tang emerged from one of the temporary buildings.

“Cut to the chase.”

Inspector Tang swept her gaze across them and said: “You all likely know the origin of this underground research facility. Correct—it was built by Dr. Chu Hui, the founder of the Original Research Institute, before he was imprisoned.”

Dr. Chu Hui?

Lin Qing had never before learned the founder’s name.

“Before the incident, Dr. Chu Hui was a revered scholar, and the Original Research Institute was a beacon of hope.”

Inspector Tang said solemnly: “But now he is a madman who has slaughtered millions of Earth’s citizens. The Original Research Institute, which should have been sealed, still has followers who uphold his will, perpetuate his ideology, and even resort to more ruthless methods.”

“Tens of thousands of disappearances in Lin’an City and across the country over recent years—based on countless clues—have long been confirmed as the work of the revived Original Research Institute.”

She said slowly: “Their goal? To open the door below—‘The Incomplete Door.’”

“The Incomplete Door is controlled by the AI left behind by Dr. Chu Hui. It follows his will: to open the door, it requires one thousand sets of successfully modified gene profiles.”

Inspector Tang said solemnly: “Though the revived Original Research Institute is not as powerful as before, it is far more insane. Now that the Incomplete Door has opened, those madmen have already sent people inside to retrieve Dr. Chu Hui’s experimental results from this underground facility.”

She scanned the group: “Headquarters has obtained the facility’s blueprints. It allegedly contains several fourth-tier gene optimization methods and various experimental outcomes.”

Every Inspector and Senior Inspector’s eyes lit up.

Headquarters’ current gene optimization methods are almost entirely limited to third-tier.

Fourth-tier gene optimization exists almost exclusively in off-world civilizations—even in the urban zones, it is rare.

Rumor has it that in the off-world civilization where Zhixing Group resides, even those with decent talent can attempt fourth-tier gene enhancement, potentially breaking the 200% gene optimization index.

The gene optimization index represents future potential.

Now, they had discovered that this underground facility might contain fourth-tier gene optimization methods—how could they not be tempted?

“Only Earth humans with gene defects can enter the Incomplete Door—that is, those with a gene optimization index below 100% and unawakened genes.”

Inspector Tang said: “As always, what you obtain inside is your own merit. Headquarters’ only requirement: bring back research data and eliminate all Original Research Institute members.”

The inspectors’ eyes burned with eagerness; everyone was ready to step forward.

Inspector Tang whispered:

“Kill one Original Research Institute ‘Student’ member and retrieve their identity card—receive a Second-Class Merit.”

“Kill one Original Research Institute ‘Researcher’ member and retrieve their identity card—receive a First-Class Merit.”

“Retrieve any one fourth-tier gene optimization research dataset—receive a Special-Class Merit.”

Here, Inspector Tang paused, then continued: “If anyone finds a palm-sized, tower-shaped object made of crystal-like material inside the Original Research Institute and retrieves it, you will receive a Glory-Class Merit.”

Every inspector froze.

Then, muffled, heavy breathing rose from many—clearly overwhelmed with excitement.

Lin Qing had never heard of a Glory-Class Merit before.

What kind of object grants a Glory-Class Merit just for finding it?

No need to think—its value must be extraordinary. But it’s likely useless to inspectors, which is why headquarters set such a condition.

“That concludes the operation details.”

“Remember: each person enters only once. Once you exit, the Incomplete Door will not allow re-entry. Bring food and water.”

As she spoke, Inspector Tang slowly scanned everyone present: “Those willing to enter, step forward. Each will receive a dossier of facility intelligence from the advance team.”

As soon as she finished, nearly all Inspectors and almost every Senior Inspector stepped forward.

These Inspectors and Senior Inspectors were mostly from headquarters—they understood how rare this opportunity was, and who wouldn’t want it?

Those who volunteered from headquarters had already learned partial intelligence and prepared in advance.

Now, even without the rumored fourth-tier gene optimization, the merit rewards alone were irresistible!

In moments, over ninety percent of the Inspectors stepped forward; only one Senior Inspector remained standing, looking resigned.

Among the Inspectors, only two remained in place.

It was none other than Lin Qing and Yuan Anping, local inspectors from Lin’an City.

Many inspectors from headquarters glanced back at them.

Don’t they want this chance?

Yes, it’s dangerous—but with so many going in, the risk drops significantly. Isn’t that better than going alone?

They’re too cowardly.

“Ah ha…”

Yuan Anping smiled warmly under their stares: “You’re all elite headquarters personnel. I’m just a bottom-tier Inspector—I won’t hold you back. Good luck.”

Lin Qing glanced at Yuan Anping but said nothing.

He naturally wanted to enter—but his strength was even below that of Senior Inspectors. He wasn’t ready to rush into danger yet.

Inspector Tang said nothing, only glanced at the inspectors: “Prepare for action.”

…

Soon, the Inspectors and Senior Inspectors descended along the elevator shaft’s cable line.

Aside from the local inspectors maintaining the lockdown, only Lin Qing, Yuan Anping, and the lone remaining Senior Inspector stayed behind.

“Director.”

The Senior Inspector sighed: “Are gene-awakened humans truly unable to enter?”

“You’re welcome to try forcing your way in—see if the lasers kill you,” Inspector Tang said, glancing at him. “Lasers?”

The Senior Inspector blinked in shock: “Aren’t laser weapons among the banned items?”

“Zhixing Group granted the Original Research Institute permission to use laser defense systems,” Inspector Tang said. “Though Earth’s world government sealed the Original Research Institute, Zhixing Group didn’t care how many Earth lives it took—so they never revoked the permission.”

“Understood…”

The Senior Inspector sighed: “Then I’ll just wait here. Maybe someone from the Original Research Institute will come out?”

Inspector Tang said nothing more, only glanced at Lin Qing: “Lin Qing, come with me.”

Lin Qing nodded slightly and followed Inspector Tang into her temporary housing.

“Sit.”

Inspector Tang pointed to the sofa, then sat on the opposite one.

After Lin Qing sat down, she looked at him and asked: “Why didn’t you go in?”

!.

“I want to wait.”

Lin Qing shook his head slightly. “My strength isn’t enough. I can’t compete. If others take it, I’ll get nothing by going in early. If they don’t take it, I’ll get it later.”

“Wait?” Inspector Tang chuckled. “The benefits of this underground facility aren’t that abundant. So many are rushing in—by the time you enter, there might be nothing left.”

She added: “Besides, this facility is vast and complex. Even the intelligence provided by those who just exited may not be more useful than what the advance team already gave.”

“It doesn’t matter,” Lin Qing shook his head. “If I have no confidence, I might as well pretend this facility doesn’t exist.”

“Opportunities don’t come often.”

Inspector Tang sighed softly. “Fourth-tier gene optimization… unless we extract enough data from this facility, headquarters can’t provide it. You may never encounter such an opportunity again…”

She paused, glancing at Lin Qing. “Unless you’re willing to sign one of Zhixing Group’s long-term or lifelong servitude agreements.”

“Servitude?” Lin Qing raised an eyebrow.

“Yes,” Inspector Tang sighed. “It means becoming an appendage class of Zhixing Group’s civilization—put bluntly, a lower caste, bound by oppressive treaties, like a slave. Like the Dalits at the bottom of pre-apocalypse India’s caste system—only then will they offer you this chance.”

Lin Qing frowned: “How many are willing?”

“Few,” Inspector Tang said. “I mean, few have the qualification to become an appendage. But among those qualified, most choose to become one.”

“Why?” Lin Qing asked.

Inspector Tang sighed: “Do you remember me telling you about the major upheaval in five years?”

Lin Qing nodded. “Will we become livestock?”

“Exactly,” Inspector Tang said. “Those qualified to become appendages also have access to these secrets. Naturally, they compare.”

She looked at Lin Qing. “Between becoming livestock to be slaughtered at will, or becoming a lower caste appendage—what’s your choice?”

Lin Qing fell silent for a moment, then nodded. “I understand now—but only if these are the only two options.”

“Oh?” Inspector Tang smiled. “I thought you were the type who’d rather die than submit.”

She shook her head. “For now, Earth seems to have only these two choices—and for most people, even these aren’t choices at all.”

Lin Qing remained silent.

If that day truly comes, what will I choose?

Because of the Anti-Entropy, even in the apocalypse, I never lived as a slave or livestock—I refuse now more than ever.

“What about Qi Lingxiao, founder of Chaoyang Martial Arts Hall? And Chu Hongjun, founder of Liming Group? What about them?”

Inspector Tang glanced at him and said, “These two great figures are treated with caution even by Zhi Star Group; they certainly couldn’t be reduced to vassals. But even they, facing an interstellar civilization with tens of thousands of years of history, can only aid a tiny handful of those around them—they cannot save all of Earth.”

“Even Zhi Star Group treats them with caution?”

Hearing this, Lin Qing couldn’t help but be shaken inside.

If one’s strength reached the level of these two great figures, one could protect oneself and help those nearby?

At that moment, a previously unknown longing surged within him.

He was born free—who, if given the choice, would willingly become an inferior, a slave, or even livestock?

“Strength—only with sufficient strength, only if I could be like Qi Lingxiao and Chu Hongjun, would everything change…”

“Yes… there shouldn’t even be such a choice…”

Lin Qing took a deep breath, his desire for strength growing stronger.

“Young people always have that drive.”

Inspector Tang saw the longing and intensity in his eyes, and couldn’t help but chuckle softly. She shook her head and asked, “Are you still going in?”

“Yes.” Lin Qing nodded. “I’ll go in tomorrow night—better to gather more intelligence first.”

Tomorrow night, he could complete the original version of the Morning Practice Method.

Once he prepaid the Free Body Combat Technique, his strength would surge dramatically!

“Tomorrow night?” Inspector Tang glanced at him and shook her head slightly. “If you enter early, you still have a chance at luck. Enter too late, and it’s all down to strength alone.”

She didn’t press further. “Fine. I’ll give you the most detailed intelligence then.”

“Thank you, Inspector Tang,” Lin Qing said sincerely.

Inspector Tang shook her head. “If you can, try to find Xu Qiu for me.”

Lin Qing nodded slowly.

He had wanted to reveal that Yuan Anping was the No. 1 handler of Yuanhong Society, but he had already vaguely guessed Yuan Anping’s situation—bluntly exposing it might not be wise.

Moreover, based on his own circumstances, Xu Qiu might not be in any danger.

So he decided to wait one more day.

“Tomorrow…”

I’ve been sleeping drowsily these past two days, so the update is late—apologies. There’s another chapter coming soon.

(End of Chapter)