Chapter Twenty-Three: The Third Experimental Subject

A moment later...

Creak—

The door to the treatment room opened, revealing Xia Ye and Chen Duo. Xiao Zizai, who had been waiting in the main hall, stood up immediately.

"How did it go?"

"Don't worry, everything went smoothly."

"That's good."

Seeing that Chen Duo was unharmed, he finally set his mind at ease.

Then...

"Duo-Duo, feel free to do whatever you like now. Old Xiao, keep an eye on her safety. I still have some matters to attend to here," Xia Ye said. He handed Chen Duo over to Xiao Zizai and turned back into the treatment room.

Since the initial transformation of Chen Duo was complete and there were no adverse reactions, he needed to record the results and update the files immediately.

He sat at the desk, took his laptop from a concealed compartment, and opened the file labeled "Experiment 002." He deleted the words "Not Yet Started" under "Experimental Phase" and began to type:

[Experimental Phase: Initial (First Course)]

[Materials Used: Essence of Sun and Moon, Vitality of Flora, Spirit of Metal and Stone, Breath of Mountains and Rivers, Rhythm of Rivers and Streams, Fire Spirit's Spark, Sage's Theft Intent, Heart of the Godhead (Note: Apothecary Pill); Compassionate Buddha Heart, Primal Gu Essence, Jade Toad Dao Qi, Spirit-Restraining Intent, Exorcism Rune (Note: Glazed Heart)]

[Experimental Record:]

[Record 1: The subject showed no adverse reactions to the initial administration of the Apothecary Pill and the Glazed Heart. Both the body and the Gu poison within were perfectly compatible with the medicinal properties.

The "Essence of Sun and Moon" took effect, successfully enhancing the subject's perception of the world and integrating the radiance of heaven and earth into her body.

The "Five Elements Spiritual Qi" took effect, successfully remodeling the subject's physical body, enabling her to enter the "State of Heaven-Man Unity" at will.

Observing the absorption of the remaining life-force medicine, the "Sage's Theft Intent" proved effective; it allows the subject to seize the vitality of heaven and earth for internal cultivation. While the Jade Toad Palace's "Sage's Theft" technique is not as potent as the "Six-Storehouse Thief," it is sufficient for the current stage.

The specific effects of the "Heart of the Godhead" require further observation. Preliminary estimates suggest it can accumulate the intentions of sentient beings to strengthen the self, while the poison of collective desire can be resolved by the "Pure Glaze."

Using the "Compassionate Buddha Heart" as the root, the "Primal Gu Essence" as the skeleton, and the "Jade Toad Dao Qi," "Spirit-Restraining Intent," and "Exorcism Rune" as flesh, blood, and skin, the "Primal Gu" was successfully transformed into "Pure Glaze."

Experimental results show that "Pure Glaze" has significant effects in devouring and restraining filth, evil spirits, epidemics, plagues, and negative emotions. The consumption and digestion of Qi, spirit, and flesh are also proceeding smoothly. This stage is qualified; there are no issues for now.]

"Hmm..."

Having typed this, Xia Ye narrowed his eyes. After a moment of thought, he decided there was nothing else to add for the moment. He saved the document and closed it.

Next, he opened the file for "Experiment 000" and added a new entry after "Experiment 1":

[Experiment 2: Disease]

[Experiment 2 Progress: Observation Phase]

[Experimental Record:]

[Record 1: The disease experiment has officially begun. The subject, "Experiment 002—Apothecary Glaze," has entered the experimental process. The goal of this stage is to expose the subject to as many diseases and negative events as possible while ensuring her safety, in order to stimulate the goodness and light within her heart and collect sufficient experimental data.]

Exactly. This was Xia Ye's plan for Chen Duo. Although she had gained some awareness of the outside world, she remained ignorant and required guidance.

Taking this opportunity to let her encounter events that could inspire kindness would allow her to progress further. It would help her establish a worldview centered on "light" and "benevolence," enabling her to better escape the shadows of her past.

Of course, Xia Ye’s choice was not arbitrary. Through his innate ability, "Clarifying Logic," he could clearly see the "goodness in Chen Duo's heart." Otherwise, she would not have struggled with her own existence or viewed herself as a "freak."

It was precisely because she felt incompatible with the world, yet did not wish to harm others, that she could not find the "meaning" in her own survival—which ultimately led to her choosing "death."

But things were different now. Since Xia Ye had saved her, he wanted her to know:

Her very existence was the "meaning"!

Her abilities could be used to do things she truly wanted to do; she could have freedom and make her own choices. Not only would she not hurt others, but she could also help many!

Xia Ye wanted Chen Duo to understand that she was never a monster, nor was she terrifying. Though she could not change her past, her future was hers to command.

She belonged to this world, and this world belonged to her just as much.

That was why he had planned this path for her. Even if Chen Duo didn't choose to follow it in the end, it would at least let her understand these possibilities and no longer be lost.

To be alive...

One must have thoughts to support them, wishes to fulfill, and goals to achieve. That is how one can truly live...

Isn't it?

"I'm sorry for making decisions for you without asking. I hope this helps you..." With this thought, Xia Ye stopped, closed his laptop, and bowed his head, whispering to himself.

In his eyes, Xiao Zizai and Chen Duo were not just experimental subjects; they were also pitiful people. He was not the type of cold-blooded researcher who could watch experiments from the sidelines, recording them with cold ink and paper.

In his heart, the life of an experimental subject was a weight that could never be fully borne, yet must be shouldered. He did not consider himself superior; theirs was a relationship of mutual aid. And if possible, he hoped for mutual fulfillment.

The benevolence of a physician, the morality of a person!

These eight words...

They were never just an excuse.

"Hoo..."

Perhaps touched by Chen Duo's tragic past and his own lingering regrets, or perhaps exhilarated by the initial success of the experiment, Xia Ye's emotions stirred, and his mind was filled with complex thoughts.

"Heh..."

But soon, he calmed down. Those who achieve great things do not obsess over trifles or get lost in the details. He smiled faintly and pulled himself together.

Just then...

Beep, beep, beep!

The satellite phone he kept on the desk rang. Since the carrier was foreign and the registration was under someone else's identity, he didn't have to worry about being monitored by Gao Er-zhuang.

Glancing at the caller ID, Xia Ye's eyebrows arched. It was the person he had hired to gather intelligence. He had been planning to call them shortly to check on the situation; it was a coincidence.

Click!

"Hello, what's the situation?"

As soon as he answered, he asked, followed by a light chuckle from the other end.

"Heh heh, guess what? I actually found someone!"

"Oh? How many?"

"Uh, just one. No news on the others yet..."

"Fine. Who did you find?"

"That girl with the surname Xia. She's currently heading toward Mount Longhu."

"Good. Send me her specific location and itinerary. I'll transfer the money to your Swiss account."

Xia Ye nodded, a smile appearing on his face.

A moment later...

Creak—

The door opened. Xia Ye walked out of the treatment room and beckoned to Xiao Zizai, who was drinking tea in the hall. "Old Xiao, there's work to be done. You need to head out immediately..."

After thinking for a moment, he added, "Oh, take Duo-Duo with you this time. She might... come in handy on this trip!"