Chapter 814: Secrets of the Sleeping Mountains

In the northwest corner of the Sleeping Mountains.

There stands a massive structure, embedded more than half in the mountain.

The edifice is enormous, divided into four well-organized and expansive zones. It boasts a formidable security system, its own energy supply, and even a quasi-autonomous ecosystem, along with the world’s most advanced experimental area. On the west side, a corridor exuding a futuristic vibe—its walls lined entirely with high-strength, modern glass—connects several softly lit rooms.

One wall of each room is made entirely of transparent glass, and the interior decoration is minimalist.

Inside, there is only a single plastic table affixed to the floor and a suspended bed protruding from the wall.

This room is connected to a bathroom, complete with an intelligent toilet.

A standout within the Second Generation Research Institute of the Red Moon Research Institute—and also a traitor—he had masterminded the “Escaped Lab” incident, founded the Red Moon Orphanage, and personally assigned Wang Jingyun seven trials for Lu Xin, all right here.

He wore a simple Zhongshan suit, sported black-rimmed glasses, and kept a crew cut.

At first glance, he appeared rather old-fashioned, with no striking features beyond that.

Quietly, he sat on the plastic bed with his hands clasped on the table before him, maintaining that posture for a long time.

His eyes seemed unfocused, deep in thought.

……

Next door, Number Seven from the Red Moon Orphanage collapsed onto another plastic bed, repeatedly punching the wall in a fit of agitation.

This was her first time being locked up, and with no hope whatsoever of escape.

For a ghost-type Ability User, this was nothing short of a disgrace.

Ghost-type Ability Users are among the freest, endowed with the most formidable escape skills.

They should be able to transform into anyone in the blink of an eye and slip away from danger effortlessly.

After all, if one cannot even confine a human brain, how could a prison-like cell contain them?

Yet, she was utterly desperate.

Ever since she was held at gunpoint outside Qinggang City and forced to be brought back, she had been seeking any chance to escape.

It seemed so simple—to either take out that Researcher outright or use her ability or strength to subdue him and force out the secrets.

Then she could consult with the Orphanage Director about what to do next.

On a journey this long, she was sure there must have been more than one opportunity to act.

But there wasn’t.

At first, she hesitated because she hadn’t received clear instructions from the Orphanage Director on what to do, so she refrained from resisting.

But soon, she realized that there was no chance for resistance.

Could it be that she was truly unable to escape?

How could she and the Orphanage Director have been led back and locked in like this?

Even now, Number Seven could hardly believe it.

In retrospect, she also noticed that her impressions of the pursuer were very strange.

On one hand, he seemed incredibly weak—she felt she could have found seven or eight chances to counter him in no time.

Yet in reality, there was always an air of ordinary mystery about him; no matter what attack or thought she had, he would preemptively thwart her plans without fail.

He would casually intervene, causing her to miss opportunity after opportunity.

For instance, when her heart fluttered at the thought of sneaking to his right and seizing his gun off guard,

he would suddenly turn, smile at her, draw his gun right there, and slip it into his left pocket.

Or when she even considered pushing him off a cliff, he would suddenly drape an arm over the Orphanage Director’s shoulder and glance back at her.

Or when, while pausing by the roadside, she used her ability to inhabit a nearby shepherd’s body to take aim with a hunting rifle, she noticed him turn and smile at her, holding an odd playing card as if signaling that the card would be hurled her way with the slightest thought. In that moment, terror gripped her, paralyzing her from acting.

That feeling was hard to describe.

Yet the sensation of being seen through was unmistakably clear and constantly overshadowed her.

And so, opportunity after opportunity slipped away until she was finally brought to this place.

Now, even though her ability remained unrestrained, there was absolutely no chance of escape.

She had grown extremely irritable, having lost all patience.

She was frustrated and anxious, eager to know what the Orphanage Director in the next cell was thinking.

Would he blame her for missing the chance? Would he be disappointed that she couldn’t help him escape?

These were concerns she longed to voice, yet could not.

Meanwhile, in the adjacent cell, the Orphanage Director sat in prolonged silence without uttering a word.

……

……

“So, it’s just a container?”

After a long silence, Wang Jingyun, the Orphanage Director, finally sighed softly.

The First Researcher had been true to his word—after bringing him here, he revealed many details.

Of course, he hadn’t disclosed the primary objectives or the core plan.

But everything concerning the ‘Tyrant’ had been laid bare.

And he had graciously allowed him some time to consider whether to join their research and help complete the experiment.

It was clear that the First Researcher held him in high regard.

Of course, it was also likely out of fear.

After all, from the researchers’ words, it was evident that his experiments on the Tyrant had repeatedly pushed their tolerance to the limit—especially after the incidents involving the Escaped Lab and the mysterious explosion at the orphanage…

One event had removed the Tyrant from their sight.

Another had nearly stripped him of his containment utility.

Thus, according to the First Researchers, they dared not let him continue his reckless antics outside.

Reckless antics…

That was the exact term they used.

Wang Jingyun, or rather the Orphanage Director, couldn’t help but smile as he recalled their description…

……

……

“Professor Wang, it’s time for dinner…”

A voice sounded from outside the cell—a young man approached the room, or rather, the cell outside.

His surname was Yao; in his thirties, he had been the one to bring the Orphanage Director and Number Seven back here.

He held a spotless glass tray carrying two bowls of thin, watery noodles.

The noodles were cooked to perfection, topped with two slices of vibrant luncheon meat, a fried egg, and garnished with chopped scallions.

Simple, yet exuding an air of finesse and care.

……

……

“Sorry, our meals have always been very basic here,”

he apologized to the Orphanage Director. “Normally, we subsist on specially made compressed biscuits and clear water. These two bowls of noodles were prepared specially, knowing you might not yet be accustomed to this place.”

As he spoke, he slid each bowl into a small compartment on the glass panel and then pushed them in.

“There, that’s better,”

the Orphanage Director said with a smile as he accepted the noodles. “In the wilderness, meals are never sumptuous—a few sweet potatoes and potatoes can barely see you through the day.”

It appeared that he truly intended to enjoy his meal.

Meanwhile, Number Seven, in a fit of rage, overturned her bowl, causing the broth to spill across the floor.

“Yes, reality is full of hardships,”

the Researcher glanced at Number Seven’s cell, said nothing, simply shaking his head before returning his gaze to the Orphanage Director.

In a hushed tone he added, “Nevertheless, we must atone for any inconvenience caused. Not only I, but the Chief and the Bishop feel the same. We shouldn’t have locked you up. However, they had urgent business to attend to, so we had no choice but to inconvenience you for now.”

“Maybe once they return and you agree to join us, everything will be much better.”

“……”

The Orphanage Director looked at him and suddenly laughed, “When did you join us?”

The Researcher paused, then smiled, “Seven years ago. We were all learning from the Chief and the Bishop.”

“Those two are remarkable, but they sometimes need assistants. So, through the Black Spade Office, they scoured various regions for suitable candidates. After training, if they fit the bill, they were sent here. I was one of them…”

“……”

“Simple as that, but being noticed by them means you must possess exceptional talent.”

The Orphanage Director smiled as he continued to eat his noodles calmly, “In this wilderness of chaos, talent is rare.”

“Self-taught in such a turbulent world, and growing to the point of catching the eye of a First Researcher—you must have worked incredibly hard.”

“……”

“No, no, my efforts are nothing special…”

Receiving such praise from an outstanding Second Generation Researcher made him quite pleased.

He quickly shook his hand, looking almost flattered.

Whether it was the investigative reports on his past deeds and research results or the Chief Researcher’s respect after bringing him here, the young Researcher fully appreciated the immense courage and extraordinary strength of the seemingly strict and silent old man before him.

Thus, being complimented by him was a truly rare honor.

But the Orphanage Director, still smiling contentedly, finished his noodles and slowly put down his chopsticks.

He looked up at him gently and said, “It would be a pity to lose talent like yours.”

“……”

“Huh?”

The young Researcher’s expression changed instantly as he sprang to his feet.

With a grave look, he quickly scanned the Orphanage Director to ensure there were no tricks, then relaxed slightly.

In a low voice he said, “Professor Wang, you’ve been very calm all along on this journey.”

“I hope that upon arriving here, you will continue with that cooperative attitude.”

“After all, you’re a professional. You should understand that our facility has the world’s best defense measures. Even ultimate forces cannot invade lightly. Moreover, if you behave abnormally, I will…”

“……”

He left his next words unsaid, but his intentions were clear.

“But I don’t intend to stay here any longer.”

The Orphanage Director calmly looked at him and smiled, “Besides, I’ve reached a decision after much thought.”

“I have no intention of joining your experiment.”

“Frankly speaking, compared to your insane dream, what matters to me is my student’s trial.”

“I’ve arranged for his sixth trial—the Trial of the Heart—which I presume has already begun.”

“……”

“You…”

The young Researcher’s face paled, and he even took a step back.

His heart trembled as he looked at the elderly man locked away in the highest-level cell. He couldn’t control himself.

Even though the old man had been scanned before being locked up, confirming he carried no parasitic items,

he himself was just an ordinary man.

In terms of danger, the ghost-type Ability User in the adjacent cell was far more perilous.

Yet in this moment, he felt an overwhelming nervousness, unable to stop his fear.

He even contemplated triggering the alarm with his actions.

“Snap…”

From another cell came a sudden clamor—it was Number Seven, who had just lost her temper.

She lunged to the glass door, gasping in nervous delight, straining to see the Orphanage Director’s direction. Although a wall blocked her view, it did nothing to diminish her anticipation and joy at the prospect of finally escaping.

Amid their mixed feelings of hope and terror, the Orphanage Director slowly pushed the bowl aside and then stood up.

“The noodles are good, you are a fine young man,”

he remarked regretfully, “a pity indeed.”

“……”

“You…”

The young Researcher’s face twisted in an instant, “You… you want to kill me?”

“No…”

The Orphanage Director slowly shook his head and, with a hint of pity, said, “You’re already dead.”

“On the way here.”

“……”

“Whoosh!”

An indescribable terror suddenly overwhelmed the young Researcher’s body.

He could no longer bear the oppressive presence and the bone-chilling dread in the old man’s words. His throat constricted, his facial muscles twitched uncontrollably, and he leapt up, stretching out his arm with force toward the closest red alarm button on the wall—less than three meters away.

He intended to alert everyone immediately.

Despite still being unsure whether the old man’s words were true or just scare tactics,

he was not willing to take any risks.

Just when his hand was about to hit the wall, the Orphanage Director in the cell sighed softly.

“Sihuo…”

“……”

At the sound of his quiet call,

the young Researcher’s hand, which had nearly reached the red button, suddenly froze.

Even though his palm was only a hair’s breadth away from activating the alarm for the entire institute,

that slight distance prevented him from slamming it down.

It was as if he had lost his strength… no, it was another kind of will restraining him.

His eyes spun out of control, overwhelmed by despair and fatigue, gradually dimming and closing.

At the same time, his movement took on an eerie quality.

The hand that had stretched for the button slowly retracted, and his other hand reached toward the back of his head.

As he pushed aside his half-length hair, a face began to emerge from the dense tangle at the back of his head.

At first it was indistinct, but it gradually became more defined and clear.

It even began to breathe and smile, its features sharp enough to reveal the identity of its owner.

Then, he rotated his arm and offered a three-finger salute to the Orphanage Director in the cell.

Beaming broadly, he said, “Hello, Teacher.”

The Orphanage Director, still inside his cell, returned a smile and nodded gently, “Open the cell.”

“Yes!”

This Researcher, or rather Zhang Sihuo, quickly fumbled through his pockets as he hurried over to operate the system at the cell.

At the same time, Number Seven next door was utterly stunned.

She could hardly believe her eyes as she watched the Researcher walk backwards and speak with bizarre fluidity.

It was as if his movements were both strange and inexplicably agile.

Especially the face that had emerged from the back of his head—she recognized its owner.

Originally just an ordinary mercenary of the Technology Church and a First Generation Ability User,

he had even ended up on the clearance list after previous failed missions.

Yet somehow, he had earned the Orphanage Director’s favor at times.

For a period, he was kept by the old man’s side, rumored to have received secret guidance and even modifications.

During that time, she never cared much for him.

Perhaps it was because they shared the same profession, or maybe the Orphanage Director’s attention toward him even surpassed his regard for her?

But he had disappeared soon after following the Orphanage Director.

It was still she who replaced the Orphanage Director on the trip to Flame City and accompanied him to Qinggang.

That fellow now seemed to have fallen from favor.

But who would have thought that at this moment, he would reappear?

Moreover, how did he even show up outside the cell, on that very young Researcher?

“Tsk…”

The young Researcher—Zhang Sihuo—now found an electronic card in his pocket.

He swiped it gently over the cell lock, but unexpectedly, the door did not open.

Only then did he realize that even he did not have clearance to open the cell directly.

This was a testament to the First Researchers’ rigor.

Nevertheless, Zhang Sihuo couldn’t help but shake his head and, from another pocket, pulled out a small laser pen.

He aimed it at the lock and cranked the power to maximum.

With a sharp “zzzt,” the casing of the reinforced glass-covered electronic lock was sliced open by him.

Then he roughly pulled out a few wires which collided, sparking, and ultimately burning a tiny chip.

Instantly, the cell door swung open, and the Orphanage Director slowly stepped out.

Zhang Sihuo then proceeded to the door of Number Seven’s cell, repeating the procedure as the Orphanage Director waited patiently.

Seeing the astonishment on Number Seven’s face, he explained with a smile, “Don’t be too surprised.”

“The choices made by the First Researcher and his team before heading to Qinggang were completely unforeseen.”

“But that didn’t stop me from making preparations well in advance.”

“At the time, I wasn’t entirely sure that the person behind Number Nine was a First Researcher, but I had my suspicions.”

“So, when the two of us headed to Qinggang, Sihuo was already waiting in the shadows.”

“……”

As he spoke, he almost patted Number Seven reassuringly, “You did well along the way.”

“Though you didn’t manage to escape or subdue the young man, you did manage to capture his attention. It was precisely because he was always focused on resisting both you and me that Sihuo found a chance to contaminate him.”

“……”

By then, Number Seven’s cell door opened, and she rushed out, her neck veins bulging, shouting:

“You lied to me…”

“……”

The Orphanage Director frowned at her, shaking his head, “No.”

Number Seven continued to stare at him, her anger bubbling with an unyielding intensity.

Sighing softly, the Orphanage Director said, “I said what I did to clear your doubts and console you.”

“But if you don’t appreciate my consolation, you might as well believe that I’m using you,”

“exploiting your foolishness and impulsiveness.”

“That is entirely different from deceiving you.”

“……”

“……”

At these words, Number Seven was momentarily stunned, breathing heavily and utterly lost for a response.

Meanwhile, the Orphanage Director and Zhang Sihuo turned and walked toward the end of the corridor, moving unhurriedly yet with remarkable efficiency.

The Orphanage Director inquired, “How many seeds did you plant?”

“Only a dozen or so…”

Zhang Sihuo sounded somewhat abashed, “The defenses here are just too tight.”

“They wear high-grade protective suits all day, rarely taking them off or exposing any part prone to contamination.”

“Even so, they undergo rigorous mental radiation self-checks at set intervals.”

“I dare not casually plant consciousness seeds in them for fear of detection.”

“……”

“It’s fine.”

The Orphanage Director chuckled, “Your strength lies in silently cursing lives—planting your consciousness deep within a person’s psyche.

Unless subjected to professional, comprehensive, high-intensity deep inspections, no one will ever detect it.”

“And no institution could possibly conduct all-around, in-depth mental screenings at all times.”

“That, I admire most about your ability.”

“……”

“Phew…”

Zhang Sihuo exhaled deeply, revealing a look of admiration usually reserved for praise towards Number Seven, then shook his head with a smile:

“This is thanks to you, Teacher.”

“If it weren’t for your help in enhancing my ability, I’d only be someone who kept exterminating redundant versions of myself.”

“My greatest dream has been nothing more than hauling cargo in the wilderness…”

“……”

“Your ability, once deemed a curse, should actually be called a Life Virus.”

The Orphanage Director remarked coolly, “Every ability must be mastered rather than become a burden.”

“Enough.”

As they reached the end of the corridor, they stepped into the grand lobby of the First Research Institute.

The Orphanage Director paused and said, “Tell me, what is their plan?”

“Yes.”

Zhang Sihuo’s expression grew tense as he replied, “As per your orders, I waited in Blackwater Town. When I noticed you hadn’t returned on schedule, I split into two teams: one to track your movements,

and the other to head straight to the Moon Eclipse Research Institute.”

He continued, “I conveyed the plan you had prepared in advance and demanded they hand over the core secrets.”

“Just as you predicted, they were shocked and extremely cautious, unwilling to share the details of their strategy.”

“But they did reveal the most critical parts…”

“……”

As he spoke, he suddenly fell silent, while a faint pulse of mental power radiated through the air.

After a moment, the Orphanage Director nodded slowly; a smile played on his lips as he said, “That perennial Third Brother, Xue Jia…”

“The plan he devised is rather interesting…”

“……”

At that moment, the secret conversation between the Orphanage Director and Zhang Sihuo had irritated Number Seven to the brink of madness, and she blurted out, “How did you manage to track us?”

“That man led us through the abyss and secret passages—it should be impossible to track him…”

“……”

“Umm…”

Faced with Number Seven’s questioning, Zhang Sihuo scratched his head, looking a bit embarrassed.

“Tracking is a very simple matter,”

the Orphanage Director responded calmly, then turned around and unfastened his cuff, revealing his bare chest.

Number Seven gasped in shock.

She saw a thumb-sized lump growing on his chest.

It appeared ordinary, but now that lump was slowly writhing, contorting into a face resembling Zhang Sihuo’s.

Only at that moment did she suddenly understand.

No wonder, even under the vigilance of that alert young Researcher, Zhang Sihuo could track him all the way.

No wonder the Orphanage Director, with his understated cooperation, could still execute his plans so deftly.

The Orphanage Director had long ago voluntarily been contaminated by that man known as Zhang Sihuo.

How could an ordinary man dare to use his own body to bear the contamination of a three-stage Ability User…

“I truly admire you, Teacher…”

Zhang Sihuo looked at him, his face tense as he murmured, “My ability used to be uncontrollable—even I never knew when I’d die and be replaced by someone else.”

“Though you taught me how to master and use it…”

“planting these seeds within someone without letting them grow and consume the host consciousness…”

“…It’s truly the first time for me!”

“……”

The Orphanage Director frowned slightly, “Once you grasp its nature, there’s nothing to worry about. Now, kill him.”

“Yes, yes!”

Zhang Sihuo nodded nervously, though to onlookers it appeared as if he was tilting his head back repeatedly.

Then the face on the back of his head opened its mouth.

It pulled a black nail from its tongue and carefully, yet forcefully, stabbed it into the face on the Orphanage Director’s chest.

In an instant, that face contorted in agony, and dark, sooty blood gushed from the wound.

One could faintly hear what might have been a dying scream.

“Phew…”

It was unclear if any pain was experienced in this process, but the Orphanage Director’s brow didn’t even furrow.

Zhang Sihuo, after completing the act, exhaled sharply in nervous relief.

He then put away the nail and looked back at the Orphanage Director, saying, “Teacher, what should we do next?”

While slowly buttoning up his shirt, the Orphanage Director fell silent in thought.

After what seemed only a few seconds, he had an idea and looked up, “How’s the surveillance here?”

“Is there any chance we can infiltrate and sabotage the Genesis Hard Drive from within?”

“……”

“No.”

Immediately, Zhang Sihuo shook his head firmly and said,

“Their defenses are so meticulously built that there is virtually no chance of breaching them.”

“If we were to infiltrate the ‘Sinkhole’ housing the Genesis Hard Drive, we’d likely be detected before even passing the first wall.”

“Besides, from what I gathered from their memories, even if something went wrong internally, they could mend it rapidly.”

“These people work with an excruciating level of precision!”

“There’s simply no viable vulnerability for intrusion…”

“……”

“There must be an opportunity for infiltration, it just depends on timing. But we simply don’t have time!”

The Orphanage Director shook his head slightly, then after a moment of contemplation, shook it again.

“In that case…”

He fell silent for a moment before speaking calmly, “Then broadcast its coordinates and blow it up directly.”

“Huh?”

Zhang Sihuo suddenly went dumbfounded, and Number Seven, trailing behind, was equally stunned.

The Orphanage Director, in a detached tone, said, “Do it exactly that way.”

“Destroy the most sophisticated and advanced system with the most brutal and forceful method. It’s only logical.”