Chapter 2849 - 2911: A Hero in Twilight

Li Yifei slightly bent down, nodded, and said, "If it’s to help with research, that’s not a problem, but I can’t stay here all the time, so I won’t have much time."

Murong Yuanqing pointed at him with a smile, prompting laughter from the others, leaving Li Yifei a bit perplexed. He couldn’t help but ask, "What’s so funny?"

"Little Li, no need to worry. Our research is not something that can be completed overnight. These decades have passed, and there’s no rush. Director Murong introducing you to us was to let us know that you’re one of us. In the future, if there’s something, we can reach out to you." The elderly man in the Zhongshan suit said.

"That’s good. I’m happy to help with this kind of work." Li Yifei smiled and said, "It’s great for the nation and the people; truly noble."

A group of people also laughed, and in the small meeting room, everyone was cheerful.

However, Li Yifei’s heart was already stirring. He knew quite a bit, especially in the past two years, he had learned a lot about the Noah’s Ark. He knew about their drug research, and the human experimentation, all of which were backed by solid evidence.

And this secret military base... the things they were researching here seemed similar to what the Noah’s Ark Organization was working on. But now was not the time to ask this question.

After sitting for a while, the directors of the various institutes took their leave. Before leaving, they exchanged words with Li Yifei, inviting him to visit their institutes. Even though he had never been, he knew that the visit was definitely not just a casual one, but rather... being treated like a test subject. Yet, he still agreed, asking everyone not to worry, promising that he would assist.

Once most of the people had left, only Murong Yuanqing and a few others were in the room. The elderly man sighed and said, "Yifei, I’m sure you’ve guessed some things."

Li Yifei nodded and said, "Senior, is the drug developed by Noah’s Ark related to this place?"

"Yes and no, alas, it’s simply a mistake. I had once brought that treacherous disciple here to help, but he learned the information about this place. After he defected, he likely began gathering people to conduct these kinds of researches," Murong Yuanqing said.

Li Yifei understood. It was indeed as he suspected. The Noah’s Ark Organization had brought together a group of fanatics. These people had little regard for rules and behaved without scruples. Conducting human experimentation meant nothing to them, and it’s precisely because of people like this that such dangers exist.

"Then why is our progress slower?" Li Yifei asked.

"The research direction is similar, but there are some differences. We focus more on public welfare, and though we research cultivators’ enhancements, we don’t conduct reckless experiments like they do." Yao Lingfu explained, to which Li Yifei responded, "Indeed, we must have boundaries."

"Exactly, these two words are fundamental. But ultimately, I am the sinner, for had I not groomed that treacherous disciple, such evil deeds wouldn’t exist today."

"Senior, you shouldn’t blame yourself. It’s not your fault, but rather the fault of people like that." Li Yifei consoled.

"Enough, let’s not talk about him anymore. Today, I introduced you here so that you can assist with future research. Moreover, if the day comes when all us old folks are gone, then you will be the future of this nation."

"I... Senior, this responsibility is too weighty. I’m not shirking responsibility, just doubting my capability."

"Haha, do not doubt yourself. We do not doubt you either. You must have confidence; you’ve proven your ability over the years, Yifei."

"Thank you for your praise, Senior. I often act outlandishly, capable as a vanguard but perhaps not suited as a general."

"Suited, I say you are suited, and being the leader of the Flying Hawk Squad already makes you a general!"

"If that’s the case, I will not refuse. If the day comes that the country needs me, I will charge to the forefront. But for now, it’s the seniors who must take the helm, while I will continue to lead the charge."

"Haha, you are something else. Very well, knowing you have this intention makes us happier!"

This secret military base is indeed extraordinary. It has been established for decades and the research on the mysteries of cultivators has been subdivided into many small projects. These projects are categorized, and unlike what they say, they are not without progress. In fact, over the years, some technologies have already been deciphered, and even some civilian applications bear traces of the research done here, especially some medications.

Li Yifei never anticipated there would be such a secret research base. He stayed here for two days, discussing cultivation insights with Murong Yuanqing, Yao Lingfu, and several other elders. By this time, he was no longer the beginner who knew nothing. His understanding of cultivation had surpassed even Murong Yuanqing and Yao Lingfu in some areas. After two days of discussion, the two contemporary strong figures had to admit that Li Yifei’s improvement was indeed tremendous.

"To witness such an unprecedented talent before we die, I can die with my eyes closed," Murong Yuanqing couldn’t help but say with emotion, as he and Yao Lingfu were the only ones in the room.

Yao Lingfu said with a smile on her face, "Yes, Yifei truly is a prodigy. When we first met him, we never imagined this day would come."

"Otherwise, we would have done more to help him back then," Murong Yuanqing said with deep emotion.

"Every cause has its effect, Murong. You can let go of those past events. As long as Yifei continues to grow, he will definitely be able to shoulder the responsibility."

"It’s just a pity for the kid, being ’borrowed’ by those guys, practically flaying him." Yao Lingfu laughed.

"Haha, that’s true. But we went through that kind of thing ourselves back then. To be honest, it’s unlikely to yield results, yet we have to try. They found such a treasure, how could they possibly let the kid go so easily," Murong Yuanqing mentioned Li Yifei and couldn’t help but chuckle, coughing at the end. Yao Lingfu quickly came over to help him breathe smoothly.

"You need to take the medicine prescribed for you on time. Don’t act like a child. How bitter can the medicine be? You’re a great master and still afraid of some bitterness?" Yao Lingfu said.

"I’m not afraid of bitterness, just don’t want to take it. I’ve hardly taken any medicine for years. A little cough is nothing," Murong Yuanqing waved his hand.

"’Nothing,’ you say, you’ll end up coughing blood if you keep it up. I don’t care; we’ve known each other for over half a lifetime. I should die first, and you should die later, so there’s someone to bury me. If you die first, there’ll be no one to bury me," Yao Lingfu gave him a glare.

"How about we make an agreement, that I die first. I’ve never compromised, never asked for anything in my life, but this time I have to ask you: live well. If I close my eyes one day and never open them, you must bury me first," Murong Yuanqing insisted.

"Why should I bury you? Murong Yuanqing, haven’t I done enough for you all my life? Now you want help again, you’re really..." Yao Lingfu immediately stared angrily at Murong Yuanqing, visibly truly angry.

"I’m afraid of watching you leave first; I couldn’t bear it," Murong Yuanqing’s old face, skin trembling, lowered his head and said softly.

Yao Lingfu paused, as it was rare to hear such words from Murong Yuanqing. The last time she heard it was several decades ago, during an ambush on a mission when Murong Yuanqing left his last words. Yao Lingfu’s heart filled with bitterness. She sniffed, turning her head away.

"Lingfu, don’t grieve. At our age, having lived this long and witnessed the country’s prosperity, with successors now in place, what is there to grieve?" Murong Yuanqing raised his hand, gently touching Yao Lingfu’s shoulder, but she moved aside, saying, "Murong Yuanqing, you... I will not allow you to die before me. If you’re dying, I won’t live either; I’ll die in front of you!"

After yelling, Yao Lingfu ran out. Murong Yuanqing’s hand was raised mid-air, frozen there, and his aged face showed no expression. After a long while, he suddenly laughed, murmuring, "Who would have thought that after a lifetime of battles, I found true love in my old age. Haha, people, only in looking back over life do you realize some steadfast beliefs were so ridiculous. Sadly, it’s too late. I understood too late, everything’s too late!"

Li Yifei had spent most of the day serving as a guinea pig, almost to the point of tears. Upon stepping down from the instrument table, he estimated the amount of blood they extracted from him. Despite his strong and robust body, far superior to ordinary people, such a blood draw made him feel as if he had lost half his life.

How much blood does a human body have in total? From around three to a bit over five liters, the latter being a very robust fat person. How much blood did Li Yifei have drawn? An estimated ten liters, meaning in just this half day, he lost as much blood as two of his body volumes could accommodate, almost like a full-body blood replacement.

If it were an ordinary person, losing ten liters of blood would be enough to kill at least a dozen people, no, perhaps ten more would almost all be dead from it. Yet Li Yifei survived, continuously using True Qi to transform and allowing his hematopoietic system to generate blood.

The urgency was necessary because Li Yifei couldn’t stay here for too long. Hence it was unavoidable, and those researchers gazed at him with eyes full of greed, making Li Yifei feel uneasy, so he had to let them proceed.

Currently wrapping things up before working hard on a new book. Organizing the final parts to write today, so updates are a bit late. Writing one Chapter first, and another one around ten o’clock.

The new book is "My Sisters’ Flowers." You can take a look at it; it already has over a hundred Chapters.