Metamorphosis

Nankai City Machinery Processing Plant.

A commotion came from outside.

You can faintly hear shouts, "No entry without an invitation."

"An invitation? I need an invitation to come to my son's factory? I think you don't want to work as a security guard anymore! Get out of my way right now!"

"This is outrageous! What kind of future is there in spending all day in this lousy factory? They don't attend family gatherings, they don't socialize, and now they even dare to ignore calls from their elders? Are they trying to turn the world upside down?!"

Without exception, these voices were all very familiar.

Besides the voice of the professional security team leader he hired for 100,000 yuan a month, the other two voices came from his parents and relatives.

For a moment, Xie Yusheng, who was searching for "how to break through the defense zone of three aircraft carrier fleets", had to take his eyes off the computer and walk out of the office with a headache.

Ten people had already gathered in the hall.

Besides the four security guards, the remaining six were his family members.

His mother was Zhang Zixue, his aunt was Zhang Zixuan, his uncle was Xie Dong'an, and his sister was Xie Yurou.

"Mom, Auntie, Uncle, what brings you here?"

Xie Yusheng said with some helplessness.

He had actually guessed why these people had come.

Zhang Zixue snorted heavily, "I'm not coming? If I don't come, I'll just abandon my son. What, you're getting old and you won't listen to anyone anymore? Not replying to texts, not answering phone calls? Are you trying to sever your mother-son relationship with me?"

"Mom, how could that be? I was just too busy and didn't see it for a moment."

Xie Yusheng quickly explained.

"Didn't see it? You didn't see it once or twice, but what if you didn't see it three or four times, or even ten or eight times? Surely you didn't see it all? I think you're just relying on your own abilities, that you've become too powerful, and that you're afraid we'll come looking for you, so you want to abandon us, your relatives and family, and ignore us completely!"

Zhang Zixuan, standing to the side, vented her dissatisfaction.

"That's not true."

Xie Yusheng waved his hand. "I'm just really too busy."

"Even if you're busy, you can't be so busy that you don't have time to return a phone call, right?"

Zhang Zixue stared at Xie Yusheng, her expression full of disappointment and frustration, saying, "I really don't know what you're thinking! What's wrong with Qiao Siyu? The Qiao Group has developed rapidly in recent years and is now one of the top 500 companies in the country. As the princess of the Qiao Group, it's a blessing that she even looks at you. But you, on the contrary, ignore her enthusiasm and treat her invitations as if they've never happened..."

Xie Yusheng had an expression that said, "I knew it."

However, he still patiently said, "There is indeed something inappropriate between me and Qiao Siyu..."

"Not suitable? How can it not be suitable? Qiao Siyu is a perfect match for you in terms of looks, status, and upbringing. As for you... let's not talk about your looks, you inherited your parents' good genes. In terms of status, you are now a high-level member of some project team, and I heard you are already a level seven civil servant? It's not bad to have achieved such success at such a young age. The two of you are a perfect match, a match made in heaven."

Before Xie Yusheng could finish speaking, Zhang Zixuan interrupted him.

His younger sister, Xie Yurou, chimed in, "Yes, brother, if Qiao Siyu didn't truly love you to the core, why would she wait for you for six years?! How many six-year periods does one have in a lifetime?"

"Wait for me for six years?"

Xie Yusheng's lips twitched. "She went abroad to study while waiting for me?"

"He remained chaste abroad for you, wasn't it all for your sake?"

Xie Yu Judo.

"So her ambiguous relationship with Jin Yuming of Jinlong Group was also for my sake?"

"It's only mediocre people who aren't envied. Sister Qiao Siyu is so outstanding that she's been slandered. But these are just rumors and gossip; there's not a shred of solid evidence. Fame brings trouble, and Sister Qiao Siyu has suffered an undeserved misfortune. She's already endured a lot of gossip from the outside world, and now even you, brother, don't trust her. How heartbroken must she be?"

"Heh... I don't need to say more about right and wrong, you all know it in your hearts."

Xie Yusheng sneered, "If you really want to curry favor with the Qiao family, then go ahead and do it yourselves. I won't stop you."

"Xie Yusheng!"

At this moment, Xie Dong'an, who had been silent until now, said in a deep voice, "Even if you don't think about yourself, you should at least think about your grandfather."

"What does this have to do with Grandpa?"

Xie Yusheng said.

"It's very important."

Xie Dong'an said, "Your grandfather is getting old and his health is deteriorating day by day. If this continues, he probably won't last many more years. The only way to reverse this situation is to enter the True Immortal Research Institute and come into contact with the cultivation Cultivation Method everyone in the True Immortal Research Institute can access."

"Foundation Establishment Cultivation".

Xie Yusheng understood Xie Dong'an's meaning.

The True Immortal Research Institute has confirmed that anyone who cultivates to the Foundation Establishment will have their life cells greatly enhanced. According to the model's prediction, after Foundation Establishment Perfection, one can live to be two hundred years old.

However, due to the lack of sufficient spiritual energy on Blue Star, it is necessary to consume a large amount of heavenly materials and earthly treasures to advance to the Foundation Establishment stage.

When resources are clearly insufficient, they must be "concentrated" on those with "talent".

As for how to distinguish talent...

It depends on one's status, of course.

Under these circumstances, the Foundation Establishment Cultivation Method were strictly sealed off and did not spread.

Ordinary people have no idea that Foundation Establishment Cultivation Method exist. Even elite groups like the Xie Family have only heard some rumors about them.

To enter the True Immortal Research Institute and obtain Cultivation Method, one either needs to be born into a noble family like Zhao Qilin's Zhao Family, with an astonishing status.

Or they are like Qiao Ningyun, who truly possesses amazing talent and has taken advantage of the first wave of cultivation benefits.

Recently, it seems that because the "Spirit Gathering Formation" has been somewhat effective, in order to allow enough people to test whether the array will leave any hidden dangers, the True Immortal Research Institute plans to expand the scale of "cultivators" and release a batch of places to a small circle of outsiders.

In an instant, everyone with access to the cultivation circle was scrambling to get a spot, resorting to all sorts of methods.

Xie Yusheng initially thought this matter had nothing to do with him, but unexpectedly...

After going around in circles, it's somehow ended up back on him?

"You wouldn't be thinking that Qiao Ningyun can actually send Grandpa to the True Immortal Research Institute, would you? If she really had to send him, she would prioritize sending her parents and elders there first."

Xie Yusheng frowned.

"It's already been sent in."

Xie Dong'an said, "Qiao Ningyun was one of the first three to Foundation Establishment. She also showed amazing talent afterward. Today, she has already achieved the Great Perfection of Foundation Establishment and is only one step away from perfection. She has become one of the fastest cultivators. She has ten slots for recommending candidates to test their cultivation talents. The first nine have already been used, and some people have successfully entered the True Immortal Research Institute and obtained Cultivation Practice Method. Now, there is only one slot left!"

"I do not understand."

Xie Yusheng was completely baffled. "Why is Qiao Siyu so fixated on me?! Do I really have that much charm to make her so devoted to me?"

He can't understand it.

In fact, not only he couldn't understand it, but the Xie Family members also didn't understand it.

However, that's not the point. The point is that the Qiao family was willing to pay the price of a recommendation spot to bring the two of them together, and that's enough.

"Xiao Sheng, you should understand what Grandpa's good health means to our Xie Family! The smooth development of our Xie Family over the years has been entirely due to the connections of Grandpa's generation. If anything happens to Grandpa, he will be forgotten and our Xie Family will face an extremely difficult situation."

Xie Dong'an said earnestly, "You have been raised by the Lineage since childhood and enjoy all kinds of benefits from the Lineage. Now that the Lineage needs your help, I hope you can step forward and shoulder the responsibilities you need to shoulder."

Xie Yusheng looked at the people in front of him.

He already knew that they had been pressuring him to marry Qiao Siyu to satisfy some kind of self-interest, but now that they were no longer bothering to cover it up and were directly engaging in moral blackmail in a high-sounding manner, he still felt a strong sense of estrangement.

A large Lineage.

Must a Lineage abandon humanity and prioritize profit if it wants to grow and prosper?

"Xiao Sheng, I know my words may have been harsh, but we're actually doing this for you, considering Miss Qiao's status and character..."

That's enough.

Xie Yusheng reached out and interrupted Xie Dong'an, "The safety of the Xie Family rests on my shoulders, doesn't it?"

Xie Dong'an, Zhang Zixuan, and the others exchanged glances and nodded. "Even for the sake of the future development of our Xie Family, you should not refuse the marriage alliance with the Qiao family."

"I can agree."

Xie Yusheng said.

Upon hearing this, everyone's eyes lit up with joy.

"Then call Miss Qiao back quickly..."

"Don't rush."

Xie Yusheng looked at the crowd and said, "I remember a saying: With great power comes great responsibility."

He said directly, "I have the ability to arrange a marriage with the Qiao family, and I also have the responsibility to shoulder the future development of the Xie Family. So what about power? Since the entire Xie Family can be decided by my single decision, it's not unreasonable for me to ask for a little power, right? Putting everything else aside, transfer the shares of Shanhai Group to me. I don't need more than 20%. After the transfer, I will immediately arrange a marriage with the Qiao family."

"Twenty percent of the shares in Shanhai Group?"

Xie Dong'an, Zhang Zixue, Zhang Zixuan, and the others all widened their eyes.

Shanhai Group is a large conglomerate jointly controlled by the Xie Family, the Zhang family, the Liu family, and some others. It has more than a dozen companies of various sizes, covering all walks of life, with a total market value of nearly 10 billion yuan.

The Xie Family and Zhang families together hold more than 50% of the shares.

Of these 50% of shares, the Xie Family controls 30%.

Xie Yusheng is now demanding 20% of the shares...

That's two billion!

"Are you crazy!?"

Xie Dong'an was the first to exclaim, "Twenty percent of the shares? Even as the chairman, Grandpa only holds sixteen percent of the shares, and you're asking for twenty percent all at once..."

"Xiao Sheng, what nonsense are you talking about!?"

Zhang Zixue couldn't help but rebuke him as well.

"I've made myself very clear. Either give me 20% of the shares in Shanhai Group, or you can find someone to marry Qiao Siyu yourselves."

Xie Yusheng said indifferently.

"Are you crazy?! All I'm doing is asking you to marry Qiao Siyu? Marrying Qiao Siyu is a blessing you've accumulated over eight lifetimes. What more could you possibly want? And you dare to spout nonsense about wanting 20% of the group's shares?! Your father only owns 3%!"

"Xiao Sheng, don't be temperamental. We're all doing this for your own good."

Zhang Zixue and Xie Dong'an hurriedly said.

Xie Yusheng looked at the anxious group, and then recalled Qiao Siyu's attitude, and how Qiao Ningyun had taken him to the True Immortal Research Institute as soon as he opened his mouth, and even...

Having stayed in the Nantianmen project team for so long without anyone firing him, he suddenly seemed to understand something.

"Perhaps, my weight is not as light as I imagine."

A flash of inspiration struck Xie Yusheng.

Previously, he had always believed that the reason he was able to stay in the Nantianmen project team was entirely due to his lucky contact with that mysterious Qianxing person.

However, his contact person status was taken away by Zhao Qilin, and he was marginalized in the Nantianmen project team. This made him realize that he was just an ordinary person with good luck, and anyone with a bit of status could replace him and take his position.

So he just coasted along and did nothing in the Nantianmen project team.

However, with the establishment of the True Immortal Research Institute, he took over the position of liaison again, and even in the process of re-establishing contact with the Qianxing people, no one came to replace him.

In addition, given the unusual attitude of the Qianxing person towards him, and the fact that Suimu Zhenxian had not responded for a long time, everyone's attention had to turn back to the Qianxing person...

And he...

"No wonder Qiao Siyu contacted me again in the last few months after she had been quiet for a while?"

Xie Yusheng suddenly realized.

His position doesn't seem to be easily replaceable.

On the contrary...

Unique!?

Once the disappearance of the True Immortal Suimu is confirmed, the True Immortal Research Institute will be left only with the "Qian Star People" to obtain information about the Longevity Realm!?

Because he gained the favor of that "Qian Xingren" and became the designated liaison, his status and position were bound to rise as the "Qian Xingren" became more valued!

Given his status as a level-seven civil servant, if he were to advance further...

A sixth-level civil servant, akin to an aristocrat!

There are only a few thousand people at this level nationwide!

"So, it seems that I, and the rest of the Xie Family, are still belatedly treating me as an ordinary employee in a key department... Only the Qiao family, because they are involved in the True Immortal Research Institute, deeply understand the importance of me as a contact person, which is why they always have Qiao Siyu keep an eye on me, appearing to be inseparable from me..."

Xie Yusheng immediately understood all the causes and effects.

He, Xie Yusheng, is a promising and eligible bachelor.

"Xiao Sheng, your uncle is talking to you, why aren't you responding? When did you become so rude?"

Zhang Zixue said sternly.

Xie Yusheng snapped out of his daze, looked at Zhang Zixue, then at Xie Dong'an, and suddenly said, "Do you think if I mention this suggestion to Qiao Siyu, she will force you to agree to my request?"

Upon hearing this, Xie Dong'an, Zhang Zixuan, and the others froze.

After a long while, Xie Dong'an said, "Xiao Sheng, if you really want shares, I can discuss it with my father and a few uncles. I can give you one percent as a wedding gift for your marriage, but... no more than that."

Xie Yusheng didn't say anything, but took out his phone and made a video call to Qiao Siyu.

The phone rang three times, and when the call was answered, Qiao Siyu's figure appeared on the screen.

"Ah Sheng."

Qiao Siyu didn't seem surprised by Xie Yusheng's call. She said calmly, "There's a top-notch art exhibition in Yunhai City tomorrow afternoon, which includes Mr. Canaan's works. Would you like to go with me?"

"I am interested in acquiring a controlling stake in the Shanhai Group. Does your Qiao family have any ideas on how to do that? If you can, our marriage can be discussed."

Xie Yusheng didn't respond at all and bluntly stated his needs.

Qiao Siyu sounded somewhat surprised on the phone, "Asheng, the equity division of Shanhai Group is your family matter, and it's not convenient for me to interfere..."

"Inconvenient? But I feel you're very proactive in getting involved in our family affairs..."

Xie Yusheng said with dissatisfaction.

Before he could finish speaking, Zhang Zixuan quickly retorted, "Xiao Sheng, how dare you speak to Miss Qiao like that?"

After saying that, she quickly turned to Qiao Siyu: "Miss Qiao, Xiaosheng isn't feeling well today. I apologize to you on his behalf..."

After realizing what was happening, Xie Dong'an and Zhang Zixue quickly joined in the apology. "Yes, Miss Qiao, this boy was talking nonsense, please don't take it to heart..."

Qiao Siyu remained silent, while Xie Yusheng looked at her with a cold smile, "Isn't this level of interference enough?"

"Sheng, if you hadn't been ignoring my calls, I wouldn't have bothered your aunt and uncle..."

Qiao Siyu seemed somewhat aggrieved.

"Is that so? Tell me, should I resign from the Nantianmen project team and focus on dating you, and be a good husband?"

Xie Yusheng said.

Upon hearing this, Xie Dong'an, Zhang Zixue, and the others all showed a look of delight.

But Qiao Siyu, contrary to her previous calm demeanor, quickly said, "No..."

However, after she uttered those words, she realized something and couldn't help but look at Xie Yusheng again.

However, Xie Yusheng clearly did not intend to continue the conversation with her so slowly, and said directly, "I've given you the opportunity. I want to take control of the Shanhai Group. Consider this your dowry. Of course, you and the Qiao family behind you can also carefully consider whether you want to go to great lengths to acquire the Shanhai Group for someone like me who has only just shown potential and has not yet turned it into strength."

"Ah Sheng..."

Qiao Siyu called out.

"What, am I being too direct? Can't you accept it?"

Xie Yusheng said.

"No..."

Qiao Siyu's voice seemed to soften. "I just think you're especially charming today."

"Heh, that's settled then. You can go and discuss it. Give me an answer within a day, or I won't wait any longer."

Xie Yusheng hung up the phone immediately.

After the call ended, Xie Dong'an, Zhang Zixue, Xie Yurou, and the others stared blankly at Xie Yusheng, unable to come to their senses for a long time.

When did someone they thought was a gamer all day become so tough?!

Even in front of Miss Qiao, who is already on the way to the True Immortal Research Institute and is poised to become a rising star in the kingdom, he speaks so ruthlessly!

"Xiao Sheng, you..."

Looking at her son, whom she hadn't really cared for since he started spending all his time playing games, Zhang Zixue suddenly felt that he was somewhat of a stranger.

Xie Dong'an, however, became somewhat worried. "Xiao Sheng, you've asked the Qiao family to acquire the Shan Hai Group and use it as a betrothal gift... Are you kidding me? After you get married, the Qiao family and the Xie Family will be one family. Why make things worse for such a petty matter and end up hurting each other while benefiting others?"

"I'm just a nobody, how could I have such great power? Whether or not to acquire Shanhai Group is the Qiao family's business, how could I interfere with their decision?"

Xie Yusheng said calmly.

"This..."

For a moment, Xie Dong'an was at a loss for words.

At this moment, Xie Yusheng seemed to sense something, and his expression changed slightly.

Then he turned to the crowd and said, "Alright, I have some important things to do now. Mom, if you want to visit my factory, I can have someone take you around. If you don't have anything else to do, I'll get back to work now."

Zhang Zixue and Xie Yurou were both somewhat unsure about Xie Yusheng at this time.

All they could say to him was, "If you have something to do, go ahead and do it. Don't worry about us. We're leaving now."

Xie Dong'an nodded as well.

He needed to relay the situation here to his father as soon as possible.

The Xie Family...

It seems we know too little about this younger generation.

"Senior Taiichi!?"

In the office, Xie Yusheng greeted him.

The Gu Jinlai that descended upon him immediately sensed Xie Yusheng's change.

Not only mentally, but even his temperament seemed to have undergone some subtle changes, as if he had suddenly grown up.

"Something seems to have happened during the time I was asleep?"

A question has been asked Gu Jinlai.

"Some unexpected events."

Xie Yusheng explained with a wry smile.

Finally, he said, "When everyone in a Lineage gets caught up in the calculation of interests, kinship naturally becomes a kind of currency."

This is not surprising to people from Gu Jinlai present.

Many countries on Blue Star do not have their own religion; money is paramount.

Family ties? Children?

None of that matters.

As long as you have money, plenty of people will call you "Dad".

"Valuing family ties is not a bad thing, but treating family members is like treating children. Blindly indulging them will only harm yourself and others in the end. When those family members have gone down the wrong path, you must stand up and correct their wrong ideas. Otherwise, once a big mistake is made, you will not be able to let go and will only get yourself caught in the whirlpool."

This Gu Jinlai.

Xie Yusheng nodded in deep agreement. "That's why I'm thinking of taking control of the Shanhai Group."

He paused, then continued, "However, I estimate that the Qiao family will not agree. They are only interested in personal gain. Recently, they have developed too quickly with the backing of the True Immortal Research Institute, and their vision has become much broader. The potential I have shown so far is not enough to make them pay too high a price."

"You can still fight for your rights through your own abilities."

Gu Jinlai said, "After all, you can't hide the process of forging this mecha too much, and the Nantianmen project team also has the design blueprints for this mecha. When you return from the Starshine Federation and they realize that the war weapon designed in this blueprint can really be realized, your identity will undergo a huge change."

Xie Yusheng was slightly taken aback.

He was having a great time building the mechs and was mentally prepared to withstand the reconnaissance of the Starshine Federation's connection channel by three carrier fleets.

He didn't think carefully about how to handle the situation after the investigation was completed.

"This..."

Xie Yusheng was at a loss for what to do.

"You can choose to keep it a secret, but that kind of concealment probably won't last long."

This Gu Jinlai.

Upon hearing this, Xie Yusheng hesitated.

However, considering all that he had experienced today, he had already made a decision in his mind.

"When I was chosen by you, Taiichi-senpai, my life was destined to become extraordinary. In other words, I was bound to face this moment eventually. Since that's the case..."

Xie Yusheng's eyes gleamed. "Let the storm rage on."

"Good."

It has been praised Gu Jinlai.

The environments of Blue Star and the Realm of Immortality are completely different. To truly shed the mundane, one must undergo a spiritual transformation.

He realized the cruelty of the world of immortals after being chased for more than half a month outside Changjun City.

It's amazing that Xie Yusheng was able to realize this in such a short time...

He was surprised.

"Then, activate the mech! Prepare to let the world witness your existence!"