Chapter 1993: Testing Plan

"Huh?"

At that moment, Classmate Liushuang wasn't even the one with the strongest reaction. Lisa clearly hadn't realized how the topic had suddenly shifted to her.

"What materials? I don't recall agreeing to anything."

Her numerous encounters with Professor Fu instantly put her on high alert.

"Of course you don't. That's because you haven't applied for them for me yet."

Naturally, Professor Fu's unapologetic sense of entitlement still managed to shatter her lowest expectations.

He even expected her to submit the application for him—

"I need a portion of Claudora's flesh."

However, her boiling resentment was interrupted a moment later as Fu Qian elaborated.

"...Didn't you just apply for a portion?"

Realizing that a similar scenario had played out once before—and followed this exact process—Lisa was left speechless. She held her tongue for a long moment before finally asking the question.

"I used it all up. I have too many projects on hand."

Honesty would take a man anywhere; Fu Qian spoke as if this were the most natural thing in the world.

"That kind of material is strictly controlled..."

Given his verifiable track record, Professor Lisa found herself entirely unable to question him. All she could do was weakly emphasize the management protocols.

"I know. Strictly controlled by you."

To Professor Fu, that excuse was indeed flimsy.

...

How to test the Hand Axe they had worked so hard to obtain was clearly a crucial issue. Fortunately, Fu Qian already had a plan in mind.

Should he really do as Classmate Liushuang had just suggested and chop her with the axe to see the effects?

To be fair, it was a pretty good method.

Not only was her mother, Ji Xue, an existing comparative case, but it would also directly address his most pressing question: exactly what kind of interaction and historical connection existed between the Hand Axe, Senior Ji Feng, the Ji Family, and its true heir.

But precisely because this question still had no answer, Fu Qian wasn't going to test it that way.

As a benchmark Laboratory of the Academy, maintaining their image was equally important.

It was one thing for her to volunteer her time and effort. Even if his research assistant had already braced herself for it, subjecting her to such highly uncertain risks remained an unacceptable move for a far-sighted manager.

But if he didn't do that, how else could he test it?

Chop himself?

Unfortunately, he had already casually nicked himself while playing with it earlier. The result yielded absolutely nothing.

Ninety-nine points of inspiration combined with his status as a Tier 2 Transcendent had not allowed Fu Qian to detect a single abnormality in his own body.

Then what about directly using physical Insight to devour it?

That was certainly an option. However, it would immediately reduce his testing opportunities to a single attempt. Furthermore, treating it like a blind box could prove quite troublesome if Insight triggered a negative effect. Besides all that...

"Your elders probably told you to take good care of it?"

While Professor Lisa was still thinking, Fu Qian glanced at Ji Liushuang.

"Yes, they repeatedly emphasized that this item is extremely precious."

Classmate Liushuang nodded.

Nothing could be more normal. Fu Qian completely understood the unspoken subtext.

The story of the axe and Ji Xue was undoubtedly known to everyone among that group of elders.

The moment the theoretical next family head suddenly showed interest in this item, that group of elders must have perked up. They definitely wanted to avoid one specific scenario: the possibility that the next family head actually viewed this thing as a hidden danger and brought it out simply to destroy it.

To prevent that from happening, giving an extra warning to apply a little pressure was always a safe bet.

"And you still plan to let it come into contact with the Divine Flesh? Have you forgotten the properties I told you about?"

While they were engaged in this tacit exchange, Professor Lisa suddenly latched onto a key phrase and began causing a fuss.

"I know, it causes erosion. Don't worry, my hands are very fast."

Fu Qian couldn't even be bothered to show his disdain.

Receiving a warning and heeding it were two different things. Why would Classmate Liushuang need to be so obedient?

...

"Are you sure you want her to go in with you? Aside from meaninglessly violating the rules, what if it brings about some adverse effects?"

After realizing that the research assistant herself didn't have any objections, Professor Lisa finally gave up struggling.

However, standing before the familiar Underground passage beneath the Apocalypse Branch, she still hesitated and warned Fu Qian, pointing at Ji Liushuang beside him.

He could tell she wasn't necessarily a stickler for the rules; she mostly just didn't want this sort of trivial matter to bring danger to a young person.

"Makes sense. Then we'll just wait here. This time, I want five times the amount."

He wasn't someone who refused to listen. Proving he was capable of readily accepting good advice, Fu Qian held up a hand to gesture the amount.

'I...'

Realizing that she was now expected to provide a full-service package of application, approval, and sampling all on her own, Professor Lisa had the momentary urge to storm off—though in the end, she stormed off toward the passage anyway.

...

"Here."

She was a professional after all. Before Fu Qian could even exchange a few sentences with his assistant outside, Professor Lisa returned carrying a heavy-looking metal cabinet, handing it over to him with utmost care.

Truly, the familiar face is nowhere to be found.

Fu Qian casually took the container, which was several sizes larger than the previous one. It was obvious that Professor Lisa hadn't skimped on the quantity.

Opening the absurdly thick lid right away, Fu Qian studied the dark red, writhing mass of flesh inside, sighing internally.

Given his previous experience in the Undersea Dungeon, exactly why Professor Claudora had turned into this state made him increasingly curious.

He speculated it had something to do with the Crystal Blessing, but he couldn't see a single glittering speck within the flesh in front of him.

"With such a massive amount of Divine Flesh, the consequences will be severe if you lose control."

"Where are you planning to test it? You must prepare leak protections in advance!"

At this moment, Professor Lisa hadn't forgotten her responsibilities, offering a stern warning.

"Here?"

Fu Qian nodded, seemingly accepting her advice.

...

"You're really planning to do it right here?"

Watching Fu Qian pull out the Hand Axe right then and there, Lisa found herself deeply shocked once again.

Then again, this line of thinking actually made sense.

There was no better place to contain an accident than here... Was this the real reason he had brought his research assistant along?

"Don't worry, my hands are very fast."

Fu Qian smiled and repeated his previous answer. Twirling the axe in his hand, he effortlessly carved a groove into the box of flesh.

Sshk—

He wasn't bragging; he truly was fast. So fast, in fact, that the axe barely caught any residue.

The Divine Flesh, which had been steadily growing more active due to the surrounding Transcendent aura, seemed to suffer a minor shock, freezing momentarily.

But that only lasted for a brief moment before strange sounds began to emerge from it.

It sounded like bubbles welling up from within. The writhing of the flesh violently intensified, and as it coiled, it stretched out into a meaty tendril resembling a Pharaoh's serpent.

It even reared its head for a moment like a real snake before lunging violently toward Ji Liushuang beside him.