Chapter Thirty-Eight: Divine or Monstrous?

“The only issue remaining is what to use as the primary energy source! This energy, once converted, must be able to penetrate titanium alloy steel plates!” Chu Xiao pointed out the core of the problem with clarity, and stated the requirement as well.

Ren Boyuan nodded in agreement. “Yes, exactly! We can have a sample of every mineral, but let’s skip the common ones like iron for now. What I need are trace elements.”

“Send all the trace elements with high energy potential to the lab. I’ll test each one. Eventually, we’ll find the most suitable kind!”

“Alright! Don’t worry!” Chu Xiao nodded. The phrase “don’t worry” alone was enough to inspire confidence and trust.

Chu Xiao left the lab and began analyzing the relevant matters with Wang Zhi.

“Wang Zhi, I need an expert in mineralogy. Do you know anyone?” Chu Xiao didn’t expect much, but thought it worth asking.

Wang Zhi thought for a moment, then shook his head. “I don’t know anyone.”

Chu Xiao nodded and considered seeking advice from his superior, hoping to urgently gather the necessary talent.

But just as Chu Xiao turned to leave, Wang Zhi called out to him.

“Director Chu, wait! I just remembered—I do know someone!”

Chu Xiao turned to look at Wang Zhi. “Who?”

“Dr. Hua Bo. She studied at Cambridge and even received the Nobel Prize in Literature for her work in geology. Her achievements are extraordinary!” As Wang Zhi spoke, his eyes shone with admiration.

Chu Xiao’s eyes widened in astonishment at this.

The Nobel Prize in Literature is only awarded to the truly gifted—individuals who have made significant contributions to the world. It is not an honor just anyone can attain.

In nearly a century, only a handful from Jiuzhou had ever been awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature.

To receive such a prize is also a testament to one’s authority in their field.

“With such a talent, our efforts will be redoubled. Quick, take me to her!” Chu Xiao could not hide his excitement.

But a look of embarrassment flashed across Wang Zhi’s face, and he stammered for a moment.

Chu Xiao grew anxious. “What’s wrong? Speak up! If there’s a problem, we can solve it together!”

Wang Zhi felt a bit more at ease after hearing this. “I don’t actually know where she lives, only that she exists.”

“I see.” Chu Xiao frowned slightly. “Alright. Thank you for your effort. I’ll consult with the chief.”

Chu Xiao didn’t wait for Wang Zhi to reply before striding away.

At the top floor of Mingzhu Building, Number One stared at a stack of reports, sighing again and again. The movements of Pluto had become noticeably more frequent, and its exact whereabouts remained elusive.

This was a difficult situation indeed.

Just as Number One was lost in thought, a knock at the door interrupted him.

“Come in!”

Upon seeing Chu Xiao enter, Number One quickly stood to greet him. “Chu Xiao, you’re here. Please, have a seat!”

But Chu Xiao declined politely. “No need, Chief. I’ve come for another reason.”

“What is it?” Number One didn’t beat around the bush.

“Are you familiar with Hua Bo? I need her help.” Chu Xiao’s clear but slightly hoarse voice echoed in the office.

“Hua Bo?” Number One was surprised, but quickly regained composure.

“Hua Bo… I know her, and we’re on somewhat friendly terms. But she…” Number One paused, then continued, “is not an easy person to deal with.”

“That’s alright. Would you be able to introduce us? I’m pressed for time,” Chu Xiao replied, his urgency evident, oblivious to Number One’s earlier hesitation.

“Very well. I’ll have someone take you to her home,” said Number One, immediately making a call.

Soon, a soldier entered.

With a resolute face, upright bearing, and an air that set him apart from the ordinary, it was clear at a glance that this was no common man.

“This is Ji Kaicheng, the youngest major general in the Dragon Tiger City garrison,” Number One introduced with a touch of pride in his eyes.

“Director Chu, it’s an honor. I’m Ji Kaicheng, pleased to meet you,” Ji Kaicheng saluted Chu Xiao, his eyes showing surprise.

He hadn’t expected Director Chu to be so young, yet so composed and mature. Was this what it meant to be both young and accomplished? With that thought, Ji Kaicheng looked at Chu Xiao with growing admiration.

“Hello, I’m Chu Xiao. Pleased to meet you, too!” Chu Xiao smiled and extended his hand for a handshake.

Ji Kaicheng quickly reached out, and the handshake lingered before they let go.

Number One, left standing aside for some time, was not at all displeased. After all, Ji Kaicheng had mentioned several times his wish to meet Chu Xiao, though the opportunity had never arisen until today. It was good that they finally met.

Seeing the two fall silent, Number One finally spoke. “Kaicheng, go with Chu Xiao to see Hua Bo. Be careful—and make sure to protect him!”

This warning puzzled Chu Xiao. Going to meet someone, and yet he needed protection? Did her house have cannons or something?

Ji Kaicheng was also taken aback at the mention of Hua Bo’s name, but quickly responded, “Understood!”

In the car, Chu Xiao couldn’t help but voice his curiosity after a long silence. “Just now, when you and the chief mentioned Hua Bo, you both seemed surprised—or perhaps reluctant. Can you tell me why?”

Driving, Ji Kaicheng pressed his lips together. “Don’t worry, Director Chu, I’ll protect you. As for the rest, you’ll find out soon enough.”

Hearing this, Chu Xiao thought it best not to press further, and fell silent.

Half an hour later, the two passed through dense woods and arrived at a dilapidated courtyard.

A wooden fence circled the property, and a rickety sign, hanging in the center of the main gate, bore the words “Serenity Retreat” in neat script.

Further in, five or six rundown thatched huts stood in a ring. If not for the jet-black motorcycle parked in the middle of the courtyard, Chu Xiao might have thought he had traveled back in time.

“This is the place. Wait here,” Ji Kaicheng said, stopping Chu Xiao as he moved to enter.

Ji Kaicheng approached the wooden gate, lifted a loose plank, and revealed a hidden set of buttons—one red, one yellow.

He hesitated, uncertain which to press, and a thin sheen of sweat appeared on his brow from the tension.

Seeing Ji Kaicheng’s indecision, Chu Xiao grew curious and stepped forward to see for himself.

Spotting the two buttons, Chu Xiao realized something was amiss. He pulled Ji Kaicheng back and stood before the door, calling out,

“Dr. Hua, I am Chu Xiao! I’ve come today to ask for your help!”