Chapter 79: I Kuafu Only Take One Sip

Setting up a new sandbox always comes with a myriad of minor issues.

Undercurrents are already swirling. Xu Zhi's current strategy for dealing with the various secret research institutes that are invading and stirring up trouble is to contain them and prevent their entry. Even a small sandbox is, in fact, a real miniature world!

If they were given a sandbox to develop civilizations—where a hundred years inside equates to one day outside—they would have ample time to advance their current research projects. In just thirty real-world days, they could leap three millennia ahead of other nations in technology, a development that would undoubtedly reshape the global landscape. Their frantic competition is entirely understandable! This is already considered a true alternate world! Therefore, Xu Zhi cannot possibly let them in, at least not in the short term.

At this very moment, Li Shengjiang was blissfully unaware that he had boarded a special express train. Unbeknownst to him, countless leading figures from research institutes, including powerful individuals far beyond his usual reach, were working behind the scenes to assist him. In any case, Li Shengjiang was currently ecstatic.

"The internet is truly a place where hidden talents reside. These online experts are even more impressive than some of the industry professionals I know!" He continued typing, a smile spreading across his face.

He chose to continue posting.

Hun Yuan Pi Li Shou: "Alright, esteemed sirs, the next step must be to depart, right? There are two paths leading to the secret vault. Which one do you recommend? Also, I've been acquiring a large quantity of alchemy materials, so I might have already drawn attention. They've probably realized I'm still alive!"

A screenshot of a detailed mountain map was uploaded.

"Is this the Arto Mountains?"

"Large numbers of Araga beasts live there. Screenshots of these beasts look ferocious!"

"Indeed, route planning is an issue."

Immediately, players began an intense analysis of the map. More leading figures offered their input, and countless strategists converged on the most reasonable route: a long, extremely treacherous path.

A few more minutes passed.

Hun Yuan Pi Li Shou: "Breaking out in a cold sweat! That truly saved my hide. After traveling for over ten days, I saw an astonishing burst of fire in the distance, originating from the mountains on the other route. Could it have been an ambush? Thank goodness we didn't take that path!"

Screenshots were posted.

Countless netizens were astonished. As Li Shengjiang needed help from the community, he shamelessly played the victim while also providing some 'benefits' to his followers.

Hun Yuan Pi Li Shou: "You all chose this route, right? The one with the rugged terrain, waterfalls, and springs? Well, while Airmine was bathing, I secretly snapped a few pictures. I was immediately caught, though, and Airmine chased me away."

Three screenshots were included. The images were not explicit, simply showing a beautiful woman bathing in a hot spring, her form indistinct and half-submerged in the water. One could vaguely discern the graceful, ethereal figure of a celestial maiden.

By now, Airmine had captivated everyone, drawing a large following. Her strength, beauty, kindness, and exceptional charisma were truly remarkable. Indeed, Airmine was truly the protagonist of this arduous journey. The heavily wounded, aging slime, now a mere weakling reduced to the level of a beginner fifth-level wizard, could only serve as a commander, primarily responsible for communicating through the 'modern network.' This beautiful, reserved witch was the true adventurer, far more stunning than any character from anime. Many exquisite screenshots of Airmine were even captured by fans to be used as wallpapers.

Zai Ke Duo Shou (Spend More, Chop Hand): "Boss, you're openly 'driving' (implying inappropriate content)! I suspect you're driving, and I have proof. Why would you secretly photograph my fairy Airmine bathing? I'm angry! So angry! Why didn't you take more?! (nosebleed)"

Xiao Nao Hu Xia Shan (Little Tiger Descending): "Screen-licking! Come, come, come, the fairy's bathwater is divine elixir! One sip for everyone, no one gets more! (winking emoji)"

Qiu Ming Shan Che Su (Mount Akina Speed): "Then I, Kua Fu, will only take one sip! (winking emoji)"

Chun Zi Ai Xue Xi (Chunzi Loves Learning): "Hmph! You despicable men! (sneers) Even I, a girl, have become a huge fan of Airmine. Throughout this journey, she's been so righteous and passionate, never abandoning any of her companions, and her desire to save Charlotte, who defected from the academy, reminds me of Naruto chasing Sasuke in a shonen manga. If, after this comeback, Airmine isn't crowned the next monarch and emperor, don't blame us fangirls for coming after you!"

Meng Mei Yao Jin Hua Cheng Long, Dai Yan Chuan Qi Ye You (Cute Girl Evolves into a Dragon, Endorses Legendary Web Game): "Shocking! Under-the-table dealings! Is Airmine being secretly designated as the next monarch and emperor behind the scenes? Is this a moral collapse or a dirty deal?"

Xu Zhi chuckled at the posts, then continued to sip his tea. The online community buzzed with frantic and lively posts. While the path to a comeback seemed long, it wouldn't take much longer now, and he was content to wait.

Li Shengjiang had embarked on a challenging path in his later years as emperor, protected by Airmine. They faced arduous obstacles and were constantly surrounded by desperate situations. Yet, fueled by their devotion to their goddess Airmine, the players frantically created miracles, turning the impossible into reality and defeating every pursuing enemy.

Year 529 of the Babylonian Kingdom.

The Alchemy Emperor was assassinated, plunging the three major kingdoms into turmoil. Countless wizard academies were thrown into disarray, and a dark era loomed, poised to descend upon the entire land.

Meanwhile, countless sixth-level legendary wizards, observing the repeated interceptions and ambushes, couldn't help but be utterly shocked.

"They escaped again! It was supposed to be a foolproof ambush!"

"It's as if they're clairvoyant, knowing our innermost thoughts and accurately predicting our actions!?"

"The Alchemy Emperor truly lives up to his reputation as a modern legend, spoken of in the same breath as the hero king from ancient Sumerian mythology who dared to draw his sword against the gods—a dominant emperor who ushered in an era of vast civilization! Despite being gravely wounded and on the verge of death, he is but one person, yet he projects a terrifying aura, as if we are facing the collective wisdom of countless individuals."

"How can there be such a perfect and omnipotent person in this world?"

Many dark forces within the wizarding schools, along with the Queen of the Beastman Kingdom and members of the Rose Salvation Society, felt a complex mix of emotions stir within them. Despite being the overwhelmingly dominant power, a profound sense of unease was rapidly spreading through their ranks.

A full hour of online posting corresponded to five or six years passing in the wizarding world.

Over another year of their escape elapsed. The rebellious factions had spiraled into complete madness, making Airmine and her companions' journey increasingly perilous. They embarked on a long trek, deliberately taking circuitous routes to prevent their pursuers from pinpointing their destination. What should have been an extreme journey instead stretched into several long years, as they overcame numerous difficulties to finally reach their destination: their private vault.

"Finally, we've made it here alive."

Following the players' guidance, Li Shengjiang began to refine the "Third Gene Expansion Potion." After months of failed attempts, countless materials, and collaborative research and discussion with numerous medical students, he finally succeeded.

Hun Yuan Pi Li Shou: "Alright, brothers, I'm about to take the potion you've developed. This is it—sink or swim! Everyone, I'm going live with this!"

A screenshot of the Third Gene Expansion Potion was displayed. The image showed a hazy, blood-red liquid contained within a crystal vial, faintly glowing with a mysterious white light.

"Has this moment finally arrived?"

"We're about to make history together! This is astonishing! The Alchemy Emperor, attacked in his twilight years, has actually forged an alchemical potion, shattering the ironclad laws of the wizarding world! By integrating a second gene, he will forge another era of glory!"

"Hahahaha! If Heaven did not give birth to me, Grantham, alchemy through the ages would be like a long night!"

"Hahahaha! With the sun and moon in my grasp, I pluck the stars! There is no one in this world like me! I, the magnificent Alchemy Emperor, though unfortunate in my later years—you slandered me, harmed me, deceived me, and insulted me—from this day forward, I shall live a second life and inevitably reclaim my dominion over the world!"

"Alright, you few with chuunibyou, you're in the wrong place."

While the online posts were filled with jokes, they couldn't entirely mask the underlying anxiety. After all, the game's realism meant that success remained a terrifying unknown. They, too, were secretly anxious. In just over an hour, they had been completely engrossed by the rich, graphic narrative, as if transported into an intense and exciting otherworldly film. Every fleshed-out character resonated deeply with them, and if the endeavor failed, all their efforts would be for naught.