Time flew by.

In the blink of an eye, ten days had passed.

5 p.m.

Weapon room.

Everyone had just finished training, some leaning against the walls to rest, others sitting on the ground.

Lin Zichen sat cross-legged by the window, cultivating the Blood-Tempering Art.

A few minutes later.

He slowly opened his eyes and exhaled a turbid breath.

With a thought, he pulled up his Body Tempering progress bar.

[Fourth Skin Tempering: 100%]

[Fourth Flesh Tempering: 26%]

[Fourth Bone Tempering: 0%]

In just over ten days, his progress had jumped from 12% of the Fourth Skin Tempering to more than one-fourth of the Fourth Flesh Tempering.

His tempering efficiency was extremely high.

Even higher than during the Third Tempering.

All thanks to the boost from Advanced Reblood Pills.

Truly, having resources made a difference.

Now, with more than half a month left before the next semester begins.

If he worked diligently, he might achieve mastery of the Fourth Tempering before classes started.

Then, aim for mastery of the Fifth Tempering before sophomore year.

No, not aim—follow the natural course.

Judging from his current efficiency, reaching mastery of the Fifth Tempering before sophomore year was practically guaranteed.

Thinking this, a smile appeared on Lin Zichen’s face.

“Xiao Chen, you’re sweating so much, drink some water.”

Shen Qinghan came over with a sports drink, unscrewing the cap and handing it to him.

“Mm, thanks.”

Lin Zichen took it and drank in large gulps.

Shen Qinghan pulled out a tissue and gently wiped the sweat from his face.

Watching this public display of affection, the boys around them were full of envy, wishing for such a considerate girlfriend.

Of course, not just considerate—preferably as beautiful as Shen Qinghan.

“Everyone, come here, I’ll give you a quick lesson on the Source Site and explain the details of tomorrow’s field training.”

Lu Tianrong stood on the stage and called out.

Lin Zichen’s eyes lit up.

After so many days in the military district, the most anticipated part had finally arrived.

He quickly stood and walked over with Shen Qinghan.

Soon, a crowd had gathered below the stage.

Seeing everyone assembled, Lu Tianrong wasted no time.

He pulled out his phone and turned on the large screen above the stage.

After tapping a few times, the screen displayed a video.

It was a documentary on the Source Site.

Lin Zichen raised his brows.

He thought the instructor would lecture, but instead it was a video.

More professional than expected.

He glanced at the progress bar—less than five minutes long.

So short, no wonder it was called a simple introduction.

Soon, the video began playing.

Lin Zichen watched attentively, not missing a frame.

The video was divided into four parts.

[Part One: What is the Source Site?]

The Source Site’s environment was similar to Earth.

It had animals, plants, mountains, seas, sun and moon.

The difference was that its resources were far richer than Earth’s.

There were countless natural treasures of immense evolutionary value.

They could give rise to higher forms of life.

Thus, the flora and fauna of the Source Site were larger and stranger, resembling fantasy creatures from films.

Also, the sun and moon of the Source Site looked different from Earth’s.

Mainly in color.

They were tinged red, giving off a strange aura.

The prevailing theory was that the richness of the Source Site’s resources was linked to its sun and moon.

After this first part, Lin Zichen had a basic understanding.

Simply put, the Source Site was like a twisted version of Earth.

More resources, stronger life.

[Part Two: Blessing or Curse for Humanity?]

At present, the Source Site was more a curse than a blessing.

Far more so.

The curse lay in the intelligent lifeforms of the Source Site, who constantly sought ways to invade Earth.

These intelligent beings were mostly humanoid aberrant beasts—collectively called Beastkin.

Their invasion method was through the roots of special spatial plants, which opened biological passages linking the two worlds.

Through these, they entered Earth to launch one-sided attacks.

Currently, Earth has 44 known biological passages.

Of these, nine were in Kyushu Nation (Japan), scattered across Kyoto, Southern River, Great River and High River provinces.

Having covered the curse, the video then explained the blessing.

That was simple: humanity could also enter the Source Site via these passages, obtaining richer resources to evolve into higher beings.

[Part Three: Humanity’s Current State]

Unfortunately, humanity’s situation was dire.

In a word: beset inside and out.

Internally, traitors betrayed them; externally, Source Site creatures invaded. The situation was grim.

The main cause was the overwhelming power gap between humans and Source Site creatures.

Humanity survived only thanks to boundary force.

This suppressed Source Site beings when they entered Earth.

The stronger they were, the greater the suppression.

Conversely, humans entering the Source Site were barely affected.

The stronger they were, the less suppression.

But there was bad news—the boundary force’s suppressive effect was weakening year by year.

Eventually, it might vanish completely.

Because of this, some humans believed there was no future, betraying their species to become collaborators.

[Part Four: How Should Humanity Survive?]

Three main strategies:

Occupy the entrances to biological passages and build strongholds to block invasions.
Enter the Source Site to acquire resources and grow stronger.
Eliminate human traitors and aberrant beasts on Earth.

Though simple in words, these strategies were extremely difficult, claiming countless lives annually.

Among those who sacrificed themselves for humanity’s future:

55% were Gene Fusers.

11% were Cyborgs.

34% were ordinary humans—mostly security officers and soldiers.

Gene Fusers bore the greatest losses because their battlefields were deep within the perilous Source Site.

The environment there was harsh, missions highly fatal.

In truth, humanity’s ability to live safely on Earth was largely thanks to Gene Fusers.

That was why they enjoyed such exalted status.

Their contribution earned it.

Of course, their sheer strength was also a factor.

With that, the video ended.

Lin Zichen felt as though a new world had opened before him. He was full of curiosity.

But the video was far too short, under five minutes—hardly enough.

“Alright, that’s the end.”

Lu Tianrong turned off the screen and looked at the crowd, “Any questions?”

As soon as he finished, Lin Zichen raised his hand.

But he was too slow—Zhang Kai beat him to it.

“Sir, didn’t they say you can’t film inside the Source Site? How was this video made?”

Lu Tianrong replied, “It wasn’t filmed. It was made entirely with 3D modeling.”

“I see.”

Zhang Kai nodded.

Then Lin Zichen quickly asked, “Sir, what kinds of evolutionary resources can be found in the Source Site?”

Lu Tianrong answered, “Exotic fruits, aberrant beast meat, beast cores, energy ores and more.”

“Beast cores?”

Lin Zichen had never heard of this term.

Not once in all his reading.

“That’s normal.”

Lu Tianrong explained, “Only advanced or higher creatures in the Source Site can produce these energy cores. They’re essential for making gene reagents and mechanical equipment.”

Lin Zichen nodded, understanding.

He continued asking more questions.

Like:

What was the strongest creature in the Source Site?

How big was it?

How similar were its intelligent beings to humans?

…And so on.

Lu Tianrong answered patiently.

But his knowledge was limited, unable to cover most.

Humanity’s exploration of the Source Site was still in its infancy.

So many questions remained mysteries.

Lu Tianrong was just a mid-level officer in the military district. His knowledge only slightly exceeded what the video covered. His inability to answer was normal.

“Alright, time’s up. Q&A over.”

He continued, “After ten days of practice, you should all be familiar with your weapons. So tomorrow, we begin field training. The goal of this training is to develop teamwork. From the video, you saw how dangerous the Source Site is. In such a place, lone wolves are doomed. Teams are essential. You’re young, not yet ready to shine in the Source Site. So train your teamwork on Earth while you can.”

Then he raised his voice. “Tomorrow’s mission: eliminate a branch of the Divine Plant Cult in Shanhai City. As for this branch, here’s what I know. The leader is a Dual Gene Fuser, fused with Shadow Nightcat and Ghost Shark genes. His Biological Level is peak Ordinary Tier 9, just a step from Advanced. In addition, over a dozen cultists rank from Ordinary Tier 4 to Ordinary Tier 8. Eliminating them will be a huge challenge. But if you work together, you can succeed.”

His voice rose: “Do you have confidence?!”

““Yes!””

The crowd shouted in unison.

Lu Tianrong nodded in satisfaction, “Tomorrow morning, gather at 6 on the training field. Rest well tonight.”

With that, he left the room.

The weapon room instantly buzzed with chatter.

Everyone discussed tomorrow’s training.

Some were excited.

Some nervous.

Some eager.

Before long, they began planning battle strategy.

Someone suggested choosing a captain to lead.

After all, a 20-person squad without leadership would be chaos.

“I nominate Brother Chen as captain, any objections?”

Luo Yongjian’s voice rang out.

The others quickly agreed:

“No objections.”

“Me neither.”

“Brother Chen, you’re the strongest among us. We’ll count on you tomorrow.”

Everyone agreed Lin Zichen should lead.

After all, strength was what mattered. His appointment was unquestioned.

Lin Zichen smiled, “Since you’ve chosen me, I’ll do my best to lead. I’ll need your support.”

“No problem, we’ll follow.”

“Of course.”

“With you leading, we can’t lose!”

Everyone voiced support sincerely, without a shred of opposition.

Ten days earlier, Lin Zichen had already won their recognition with his strength.

Now, he had their trust.