Latent Candidate, Yaoguang Section

The lab rat implanted with Fuxi Cells was now full of energy, scurrying back and forth in its cage, bullying the weak and dominating the strong, truly acting like a newly appointed Rat King.

Yan Anqing put on gloves and grabbed it by the scruff of its neck.

Squeak!

The lab rat struggled frantically but made no attempt to bite Yan Anqing.

"Initial tests show that Fuxi Cells do not alter the subject's temperament; aggression and attackiveness have not increased."

After thoroughly testing various data points, Yan Anqing processed the lab rat according to normal experimental procedures.

"Tiered Lifeform..."

As Yan Anqing disposed of the corpse, he silently mulled over these five words.

Did breaking through the original racial limits, even if it meant becoming tiered, require possessing a special energy source?

Information was scarce, making it difficult to deduce the truth.

He would likely have to wait until the second stage of the Main Quest was completed to understand the game program's criteria for "tiering."

After all, the rewards for the second stage included not only new functions but also a general overview of basic knowledge regarding the Power System.

After tidying up loose ends, Yan Anqing added Dongfang Zhi, who had previously claimed to be a "Second-Level Researcher of the Academy of Sciences," as a friend on WeChat.

The other party quickly accepted his friend request.

Dongfang Zhi's nickname was her name, and her profile picture was a full-body photo of herself – beautiful, charming, and radiating youthful energy.

It seemed she was quite fond of wearing white stockings. Clicking on the selfies in her Moments, her outfits were all similar, and her poses were identical.

Yan Anqing pondered for a moment, recalling the "Detailed Explanation of 95 Personality Types" he had studied, and roughly analyzed her subconscious.

A moment later, he sent a message: "I'm very interested in your previous proposal."

Dongfang Zhi seemed to have already been organizing her thoughts.

Almost as soon as Yan Anqing sent his message, she replied with a long string of text.

"Respected Mr. Yan Anqing, hello."

"Based on your past resume, skills, and education, like most people, you'll start as a Field Operative. The basic monthly salary is around 6500, with additional subsidies for each mission, varying based on difficulty."

"Recently, 'Golden Pupil Syndrome' has been highly prioritized by the higher-ups, and related special mission subsidies have increased significantly. In addition, the Five Insurances and One Fund are guaranteed, and room and board are provided. After three years of service, the state will allocate housing..."

"You don't need to worry about the political review; I will handle everything for you."

"This is just the beginning. If you perform well, your promotion is guaranteed. We don't prioritize personal connections here; it's purely based on ability and performance. Those who achieve merits can be promoted quickly."

"A formal position should not be too difficult for you. With your abilities, perhaps in ten years, you could even be promoted to Section Chief level..."

The last sentence carried a subtle hint of probing.

Yan Anqing chuckled silently.

Everything Dongfang Zhi had observed when she approached Xie Zhe was what he wanted her to see.

The conclusions Dongfang Zhi reached were also the result of Yan Anqing's deliberate guidance.

The identity of a "Blood Moon Latent Candidate" was not as dazzling or provocative as being a golden-eyed individual, yet it garnered attention and convenience.

Judging by Dongfang Zhi's reaction, Yan Anqing immediately understood her intentions.

She had not reported his relevant information to her superiors, intending to observe him alone and claim all the credit for herself.

It was understandable.

Yan Anqing looked at the clock on the wall.

One second, two seconds, three seconds...

After fifteen seconds, he replied, "Okay."

Dongfang Zhi's reply instantly flooded in: "That's great! We're short-handed lately, especially for talent like you! It takes about three hours from the Capital City to Northern Hubei... Wait for me!"

A moment later.

Dongfang Zhi seemed to realize her eagerness and sent a playful, sticking-out-tongue emoji: "Sorry, I just received an urgent mission. I'll arrange for someone to buy your plane ticket and reimburse your travel expenses, how about that?"

"No problem."

After replying, Yan Anqing closed WeChat.

Why did he decide to involve Dongfang Zhi?

Was it simply for easier cultivation within the Six Doors?

No.

He needed more knowledge, more cutting-edge technological information, and to draw inspiration from more geniuses.

Only then could he better reshape this world into one he preferred.

Thinking about it, Yan Anqing, relying solely on his soul-bound image editing game, could easily make the moon fall onto America's territory.

Creation was harder than destruction.

He enjoyed challenging tasks.

Following the address provided, Yan Anqing and his companion quickly arrived at their destination.

No. 39 Zhaofu Street.

It looked like a struggling fast-food restaurant on the verge of closing down.

As soon as they stepped inside, a young man in casual wear approached them.

"Follow me."

Where the kitchen should have been, there was actually an elevator leading underground.

Based on his senses, Yan Anqing estimated he had descended at least 350 meters in the elevator.

That's roughly equivalent to the depth of the 111th basement floor.

He hadn't reached the bottom yet, but this was his destination.

Stepping out of the elevator, the area opened up before him.

The underground world was more spacious and brighter than he had imagined.

Walls and floors constructed from special metals, cold lighting, a receptionist wearing a monocle...

Everything around him had a distinctly sci-fi feel.

Led by his guide, Yan Anqing quickly completed the onboarding process.

Photos, various physical data tests, personnel file entry...

After a long series of procedures, Yan Anqing officially became a proud staff member of the National Confidential Department.

His colleagues were all very friendly, seeming to rarely get new members and acting particularly warm and welcoming.

After explaining his duties, obligations, and some general knowledge, they let Yan Anqing explore the secret base on his own.

From chatting with his colleagues, Yan Anqing learned a lot.

For instance, the department he was now in was called "Yaoguang"!

To join the Yaoguang Section, ability, education, and work experience were secondary; the most crucial factor was background verification.

Anyone whose applicant, or their direct relatives within three generations, had experience living abroad or had a criminal record, would absolutely not pass the political review.

"The work environment is quite good. Besides irregular deployments, all I need to do each month is pass exams in combat, physical fitness, and reconnaissance."

Yan Anqing gave his new job a fair assessment: "This is probably what they call a 'cushy job'?"

Although he was only a field operative, his colleagues got along well. At least there weren't many people as eccentric and difficult to communicate with as Xie Zhe.

Bang!

Bang!

Bang!

Unusual sounds of smashing and crashing erupted from the southeast.

At the same time, a hysterical male voice reached his ears.

"Useless piece of junk computer! Die!"