Staring at the terrified domain transcendent assassin before him, Feng Qi's heart surged with killing intent.
His hand clamped tightly around the neck of the dark figure. As the purple runes on his body flickered, the energy in the shadow's neck froze, rendering it incapable of transforming into mist.
The black figure writhed in a desperate struggle, but Feng Qi's bulging veins betrayed his increasing grip strength. However, just as the neck was about to snap, he suddenly loosened his grip.
Feng Qi indeed wanted to kill this domain transcendent assassin in front of him, to strip it of its abilities and use his Nightmare power to extract its memory for intelligence.
But he knew there would be consequences for such a reckless act.
Even if it brought temporary satisfaction, it would undoubtedly make him a target for others. If this assassin were killed, more assassins would inevitably follow. Every future timeline would be disrupted, and without his inherited talents, he might be hunted down and killed at any moment.
The difficulty of executing his subsequent plans would escalate dramatically.
However, he had a way to break this stalemate, one that could also yield useful information.
With this thought, he abruptly withdrew his hand and asked coldly, "Which faction sent you?"
The shadow figure coughed hoarsely as its form stabilized. After a brief pause, it rasped, "It's a misunderstanding. We thought you were human. Please, spare me."
"I asked you which faction!" Feng Qi's tone remained icy and stern.
The black figure appeared to mistake him for a domain creature, just as Feng Qi had hoped. He planned to exploit this misjudgment to extract critical information.
The shadow hesitated but eventually began to speak. "We do not belong to any one faction. We are an alliance made up of representatives from many weaker clans, tasked with missions such as assassinating humanity's rising stars."
"Oh? So there's an organization like that?" Realizing he'd hooked his target, Feng Qi feigned curiosity.
"We are not like the great clans that have the means to fully infiltrate human society. As members of weaker clans, we can only form alliances to penetrate human society in this way."
Hearing this explanation, Feng Qi came to an important conclusion.
The forces behind the Institute of Technological Research and Tiger Soul Research Institute were undoubtedly among the "great clans" mentioned by the shadow figure.
This raised a perplexing question in his mind.
Why were domain forces so intent on infiltrating human society? Even the weaker clans within these forces were attempting to blend in. What was it they desired so desperately?
Beyond that, why were these weaker forces targeting humanity's new generation of geniuses? Was it merely to hinder human progress?
These were questions unlikely to concern the weaker clans. They would naturally let the "taller figures" shoulder such burdens. But Feng Qi decided not to voice these thoughts.
If the answers to these questions were universally acknowledged among domain factions, revealing his ignorance could undermine the persona he'd just constructed.
Until he had more clarity, it was better to proceed cautiously.
Unlike sacrificial timelines, the current reality demanded careful precision. A single misstep could lead to disastrous consequences, possibly ruining everything.
With this in mind, Feng Qi coldly asked, "Do you understand the situation now?"
The shadow's expression turned bitter as it nodded. "Our intelligence was flawed. We never expected someone hailed as humanity's rising star to actually belong to our side's forces. I will correct the intelligence when I return. I will also offer compensation for my recklessness."
"What compensation?" Feng Qi's tone grew sharper, making it clear that if the compensation failed to satisfy him, he wouldn't hesitate to kill.
"A Miracle Stone—my life in exchange for one."
"Two," Feng Qi retorted, raising two fingers with a sinister grin.
Though he had no idea what a Miracle Stone was, bargaining was a must. Without it, he would appear too easy to deal with. Whether the item's effects or value mattered was irrelevant; the point was to push for more.
The shadow's eyes widened in disbelief. "My clan only obtained a single Miracle Stone by sheer chance. We can't produce two."
"So you're saying you can't meet my demands?" Feng Qi's grin widened as he raised his fist, bringing it close to the shadow's ear. The sound of his knuckles cracking reverberated like a death knell, making the shadow tremble with renewed terror.
"I'll give it! Spare me, and I'll give it to you!" the shadow pleaded.
"Lying again? Didn't you just claim there was only one?" Feng Qi sneered.
"The alliance includes other warriors from allied clans I'm close to. I can borrow another from them," the shadow stammered, clearly terrified of being crushed.
Hearing this, Feng Qi's face lit up with satisfaction. "When can you deliver it?"
The shadow hesitated, then cautiously asked, "Can you reveal which faction you belong to? Are you a recent infiltrator into human society?"
"That's none of your concern. Everyone has their own plans. Ask too many questions, and I'll take your life," Feng Qi replied coldly.
Sensing his hostility, the shadow quickly nodded. "I was reckless. I promise our alliance will no longer interfere with your faction's plans. Regarding your intelligence, I will revise it within the alliance. Even if other great clans inquire, I will ensure your secrets remain safe."
Hearing this, Feng Qi knew he had successfully turned the situation to his advantage.
He patted the shadow's shoulder with a faint smile. "Now that's the attitude of someone who wants to live. But just to be safe, I'll leave something in your body."
As he spoke, Feng Qi pressed his hand against the shadow's shoulder. A surge of blood energy flowed from him, imprinting a mark within the shadow's body.
This mark mimicked the death mark used by the Institute of Technological Research to control "human traitors." However, Feng Qi's version was a mere imitation, devoid of any real functionality.
The shadow's body shuddered upon sensing the mark, and fear filled its eyes as it glanced at Feng Qi. "Please wait here. I'll be back shortly."
"Go," Feng Qi replied calmly.
The shadow retreated, dissolving into a mist that seeped out through the cracks in the door.
After it left, the narrator's voice echoed in Feng Qi's mind.
[Feng Qi, that act was brilliant! You actually pulled it off. From now on, the domain forces in this timeline will probably assume you're a representative of some powerful domain faction infiltrating human society. With this misconception, they likely won't dare to provoke you anymore.]
Hearing this praise, Feng Qi grinned. "It was just standard performance. But it's a pity I had to tread carefully and couldn't ask too many questions. Otherwise, I really wanted to know what these forces aim to achieve by infiltrating human society."
[That's smart of you. This crisis turned into an opportunity for you to strengthen your plans for the future. For example, if you want to proceed with your Super Virtual Game Project, the resistance you face will significantly decrease. Everyone plays it safe when they think a major domain force is involved. Even the Institute of Technological Research and Tiger Soul Research Institute will be hesitant. Don't forget, on the last sacrificial line, you had to provoke those two forces into conflict; otherwise, they wouldn't have fought.]
Listening to the narrator's analysis, Feng Qi chuckled. "So this danger has turned into a chance to advance… By the way, do you know what a Miracle Stone is?"
[No clue. But from the shadow's words, it seems to be an incredibly valuable item.]
"That much I figured out myself," he replied, rolling his eyes.
While conversing with the narrator, Feng Qi's Blood Giant form dissipated, reverting to his skeletal Battle Form.
Looking down at his bone-structured body, Feng Qi realized he had an urgent problem to solve.
Using the Blood Source ability had completely drained his body of blood energy. Returning to his human form required reconstructing his flesh using blood energy, but with no reserves left, he couldn't switch back.
Being within the academy meant there were no accessible sources of blood energy, nor any domain creatures to hunt.
If he walked out in this skeletal form, he would undoubtedly be mistaken for a domain creature and killed on sight.
Replenishing his blood energy became a pressing issue.
His gaze fell on the "Meritorious Wine" sitting on the sofa.
[Your body is full of holes. How do you plan to drink it?]
"I was thinking of applying it to my bones to see if they could absorb it and convert it into blood energy."
[That doesn't sound reliable at all, but sure, give it a shot.]
Ignoring the sarcastic tone, Feng Qi headed to the kitchen, grabbed a dishcloth, and returned to the sofa.
Unscrewing the cap of the Meritorious Wine, he poured a small amount onto the cloth and began wiping it over his bones.
[Hahaha, wiping yourself with Meritorious Wine? You're probably the first in humanity to ever do this. Lavish! Truly a rich man's bones.]
Feng Qi: …
After applying the wine, he sat and waited for his bones to absorb its effects.
Minute by minute, time passed.
However, to his disappointment, the wine had no effect on his bones. It wasn't absorbed and didn't replenish his blood energy.
Now what?
Feng Qi fell into deep thought.
[This is tragic. You can't be human again! Waiting for a solution… Very urgent!]
"Shut up!" he snapped.
After a moment of contemplation, he came up with a plan. He would wait until nightfall, then use his telekinesis to leave the dorm and head to the academy's back mountain. There, he could hunt animals to replenish his blood energy.
It seemed like the only feasible solution to return to his human form.
Otherwise, he'd literally have no face to meet anyone… quite literally.
While sitting on the sofa, pondering his predicament, time ticked by.
Suddenly, the phone on the sofa vibrated.
He picked it up and saw that it was a call from Lin Ran.
"Qi-ge, dinner time!"
"I'm busy today. You guys eat without me."
"What could be more important than eating? Skipping meals is a sign of questionable priorities. You're on the verge of losing your grip!" Lin Ran scolded, imitating Feng Qi's usual tone.
Feng Qi: …
"Qi-ge, what are you so busy with? Want me to come over and help after I eat?"
[Yes, let him come over and sacrifice his flesh to help you recover. Tonight's dinner can be him.]
Ignoring the narrator's nonsense, Feng Qi replied, "No need. I'll head out later. You all enjoy dinner without me."
"Alright then. Lately, you've been acting so mysterious, and it's making me super curious!"
After some casual chatter, Feng Qi ended the call.
Truthfully, he wanted to go for dinner—eating was one of his few joys in life.
But in his current state, there was no way he could show himself in public.
[So here's the real question: If you go out now and run into Mu Qing, and she's about to punch you, you've got three seconds to speak and defend yourself. What would you say to save your life?]
"How about, 'Mercy, oh great one'?"
[Hahaha, you boneheaded undead still have the time to joke. That level-headed attitude, truly, is my legacy to you.]
"Boneheaded system, I'm your father."
"Pfft! Spit!"
"Reflect."
"Super reflect."
"Reflection invalidated. Also, cursing you as a true bonehead."
...
While they bickered, darkness blanketed the land.
Just then, Feng Qi felt a chilling aura creeping closer. He turned towards the door and saw dense black mist seeping in through the cracks, eventually condensing into a humanoid form.
The shadow stood still, staring at Feng Qi's skeletal form as he sat at the desk. Its confusion was evident—why hadn't Feng Qi reverted to his human appearance?
However, the shadow seemed unwilling to question further. It reached out and retrieved two crimson stones from its misty body, respectfully holding them out towards Feng Qi.
"I took some time borrowing these Miracle Stones. Apologies for the delay—please accept this as my compensation."
Gazing at the shadow's deferential demeanor, Feng Qi glanced at the stones without inspecting them closely. Casually, he extended his hand to take them.
"And what about the mark on you?" he asked.
The shadow visibly trembled. Feng Qi pressed his palm onto its shoulder, channeling his telekinetic force to disrupt the hollow imprint he had left earlier.
With a deep voice, he declared, "Make sure you understand what to do next. I won't give you a second chance."
"Yes, yes, I understand completely!" the shadow stammered, its tone flustered.
"Leave me your contact information," Feng Qi continued. "I might need your assistance in the future."
The shadow froze briefly, then realization dawned. It seemed thrilled at the prospect of associating with what it believed to be a high-ranking domain force. Nodding eagerly, it waved a misty hand, causing the air to chill. A series of icy numbers appeared on the ground, gleaming like crystals.
"This is my contact within human society. Considering your special identity, it's best to use this method to reach me," the shadow explained.
"Alright. You may go now."
The shadow bowed respectfully before dissolving into black mist and vanishing through the door.
After it left, Feng Qi turned on his computer and entered the sequence of numbers into a communication app. Upon hitting search, an avatar of a masked figure holding a dagger appeared under the username "Night Walker."
[Oh ho, this domain assassin has style—choosing such a fitting profile picture and username. Looks like they've completely integrated into human society.]
Feng Qi sighed. "It seems like beyond the Institute of Technological Research and the Tiger Soul Research Institute , many other human forces have also been infiltrated. Human society now feels like a sieve—full of holes. I can only hope the Future Research Institute becomes an ally. I also hope there are other hidden allies working in the shadows."
[From current intel, it's highly likely the Future Research Institute is on humanity's side. That's something to look forward to.]
"Let's hope so."
Clicking on "Night Walker's" avatar, Feng Qi sent a friend request before shutting the computer down. His gaze shifted to the two Miracle Stones on his desk.
The stones appeared unremarkable—entirely crimson, smooth on the surface, but irregular in shape. Each had a unique form, resembling uncut red agates.
"How do I even use these things?" he muttered.
[Grind them into powder and rub them on your bones, perhaps?]
Feng Qi: …
Realizing the narrator was mocking his earlier attempt with the Meritorious Wine, Feng Qi's veins pulsed on his temple.
"Stupid system!"