Resurrection

The night was as dark as ink, the city's neon lights left far behind. Lin Fan drove an ordinary black sedan, with Chen Jing, whose expression was calm but whose eyes were sharp, in the passenger seat. Following her directions, the car left the main road, turned into an inconspicuous side road, and finally stopped in front of a courtyard on the outskirts of the city, bearing a sign that read "Cadre Training Center of a Certain Unit." The courtyard appeared ordinary, but Lin Fan could feel at least a dozen vigilant eyes scanning the car from the shadows, and the air was filled with an invisible sense of killing intent and isolation.

"We're here," Chen Jing said, getting out of the car first and nodding at Lin Fan.

Lin Fan took a deep breath and glanced at the rearview mirror. In the back seat, Yuanshi Tianzun, Taishang Laojun, and Goddess Nüwa were present. Master Tongtian had chosen to stay behind at the rental to look after the unstable Gong Gong, saying, "Dealing with mortal officials is utterly boring." But Lin Fan knew this was also the decision of the Sages after deliberation; one sufficiently influential figure needed to remain as a precaution against unforeseen events.

Yuanshi was still in a perfectly tailored dark suit, his face ancient and imposing; Laojun was still in his gray jacket, holding a porcelain mug, smiling like a kindly old man; Nüwa had changed into an elegant modern long dress, exuding an ethereal aura. The attire of the three Sages was out of place in this solemn environment, but their transcendent demeanor made the capable personnel guiding them involuntarily hold their breath, their eyes filled with awe and nervousness.

After passing through several heavy metal doors that required special authorization to open, the group arrived at a simply furnished conference room equipped with the most advanced security and protection equipment. At one side of the conference table sat five or six people. Leading them was a white-haired, vigorous elder who exuded an imposing presence without anger; his epaulets indicated a very high status. Beside him sat several men and women with different auras: generals in military uniform, a scholar-type official with glasses, and a senior leader Lin Fan had seen on television, in charge of health and technology. Chen Jing sat at a side seat, responsible for recording and coordination.

The atmosphere was so heavy it felt like it could be wrung out.

"Welcome, everyone," the elder at the head, known as "Old Zhou," spoke first, his voice loud and steady, carrying the authority of someone accustomed to a high position. "I am Zhou Zhenhua, responsible for holding this conversation with you. Time is precious, so let's get straight to the point."

His gaze, like a falcon's, swept slowly over Yuanshi, Laojun, and Nüwa, finally resting on Lin Fan for a moment, with a scrutinizing look.

"Regarding your identities, we have many speculations, but no definitive conclusions yet. Regarding the... abilities you have displayed, we have also recorded a large amount of unconventional data. We have invited you here today to clarify a few core issues." Old Zhou's tone was unhurried, yet carried immense pressure. "First, who are you, and where do you come from? Second, what is your purpose in coming to this world? Third, what are the limits of your abilities? And most importantly, do you harbor goodwill, or... hostility towards this realm?"

These questions went straight to the heart of the matter and were what the authorities were most concerned about and most wary of.

All eyes focused on the three Sages.

Yuanshi Tianzun slowly raised his eyes, his gaze calmly meeting Old Zhou's. His profound eyes seemed to see through all illusions. He did not answer directly but instead asked, "How much do you understand of this world? How much do you know of the old tales of the Primordial Era?"

Old Zhou frowned slightly and glanced at a scholar-like official beside him. The official adjusted his glasses and said cautiously, "We understand the world based on our current scientific framework. As for the 'Primordial Era,' it falls within the realm of mythology and legends, lacking empirical support."

"Science? Empirical evidence?" Yuanshi's lips curved into a barely perceptible arc, with a hint of faint mockery. "Do you know that the 'science' you rely on is merely the surface manifestation of this world's Heavenly Dao rules? It's like a frog in a well looking at the sky, seeing only a sliver."

These words carried a condescending tone, making the faces of the officials present turn somewhat unpleasant.

At this moment, Taishang Laojun spoke with a chuckle. He shook the porcelain mug in his hand, breaking the slightly tense atmosphere. "Mr. Old Zhou, and everyone, there's no need to be so tense. Our presence in this world was an accident, and we have no ill intentions. As for our identities..." He glanced at Yuanshi and Nüwa and said slowly, "Names are but fleeting things. You can call me Li Er, call this gentleman Mr. Yuanshi, and this lady Ms. Wa. We come from a... shattered and perished old land, consider us... refugees."

He casually defined the three supreme beings of the Primordial Era as "refugees from a shattered old land." This explanation preserved an air of mystery while also reducing hostility to some extent, making them appear helpless and harmless.

"A shattered and perished old land? Is it extraterrestrial civilization? Or a parallel universe?" the scholar official immediately pressed, his eyes filled with curiosity.

"You could understand it that way," Laojun did not elaborate further, redirecting the topic to the present. "As for our purpose, it's very simple: to find a place to settle down and await... a possible opportunity to return home. In the meantime, we are also willing to abide by the rules of this world and coexist peacefully with you."

"Abide by the rules? Coexist peacefully?" Old Zhou's gaze was sharp. "Mr. Li, the 'Qingre Pill' you mentioned has severely impacted the existing medical system and scientific understanding! Can this still be called abiding by the rules?"

"A physician's heart is like a parent's; to refuse to save a life is not something we would do," Laojun's tone was calm. "That 'Qingre Pill' merely stimulates the body's own potential, harmonizes yin and yang, and resolves toxic heat. The effects may be significant, but the principle does not exceed the concept of 'conditioning.' If you believe it is inappropriate, I will no longer use it publicly."

He advanced by retreating, throwing the choice to them. Refuse it? Possible, but who would be responsible for the lives of President Wang and other terminal patients?

Old Zhou and the others were momentarily speechless. They were indeed under immense pressure, with countless eyes fixed on the effects of the 'Qingre Pill.' To prohibit it? How could they explain it to those dying patients and the forces behind them?

"Then, what are the limits of your abilities?" another general asked in a deep voice, this being their primary concern. "Besides healing, are there other... more destructive abilities? For example, the incident with the unfinished building earlier, and... the instant resolution of the water crisis?"

His gaze swept over Yuanshi and Laojun, filled with deep apprehension.

This time, Yuanshi Tianzun spoke, his voice carrying a natural authority and coldness. "Although we are in distress, we are not to be trifled with by you. However, we have our own methods. If others do not offend me, I will not offend them. If there are ignorant ants who dare to provoke..." He did not finish, but the sudden descent of a majestic Dao rhythm, like the pressure of the entire world's order, made everyone in the conference room gasp for breath, as if they would be crushed by invisible rules at any moment!

The battle-hardened generals instantly turned pale, sweat beading on their foreheads. They had no doubt that if the other party willed it, this heavily guarded base could be turned to dust in an instant!

"Senior Brother, please calm yourself," Laojun interjected at the opportune moment, and the terrifying pressure of order instantly dissipated as if it had never existed. He still had that smiling demeanor. "As for abilities, each has its own. I am slightly skilled in alchemy and medicine, Mr. Yuanshi is good at... regulating rules, and Ms. Wa excels in creation and vitality. As for destruction... it is not our desire. As long as this realm is peaceful, we can also live and work in peace."

He once again emphasized his desire for "peaceful coexistence," but also subtly flexed his muscles—we have the ability, we just don't want to use it.

Old Zhou took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing the shock in his heart. He knew that the initiative in today's conversation was not on his side. The strength and attitude displayed by the other party had surpassed the scope of "control," leaning more towards... an equal, or even higher-level, exchange.

"I understand," Old Zhou said solemnly. "We can acknowledge your special identities and grant a certain degree of... convenience in residence and movement. However, there are several prerequisites."

"First, the use of your abilities must be supervised and reported, especially actions that could cause social unrest or disrupt the existing system, such as the mass use of 'Qingre Pills.'"

"Second, we need to establish a fixed communication channel. Lin Fan will act as the liaison, but for major matters, we need to be able to speak directly with you."

"Third, when necessary, we hope you can assist in handling some major crises that... conventional forces cannot resolve, without compromising yourselves."

"In return, we can provide you with legal identities, necessary resources, and conduct the highest level of information blockade and protection for your existence."

This was considered the official's initial bottom line and intention for cooperation.

Yuanshi Tianzun nodded slightly. "Agreed. However, supervision must be reasonable and not touch our fundamentals. The communication channel will be as Lin Fan suggested. As for assistance... it will depend on the situation."

The negotiation reached a preliminary agreement, and the tense atmosphere eased slightly.

Just then, there was a soft knock on the conference room door, and a staff member quickly entered and whispered a few words into Old Zhou's ear.

Old Zhou's expression instantly became extremely grave, even tinged with disbelief. He waved the staff member away and turned his gaze back to Laojun, his tone complex. "Mr. Li... the Central Hospital just sent word. Mr. Wang Jianguo, who took your 'Qingre Pill'... his brain tumor has disappeared in the latest imaging examination. Not just shrunk, but completely gone! Moreover, all his bodily functions have returned to the level of a healthy adult man!"

Resurrection from the dead!

Despite being mentally prepared, when this news was officially confirmed, all the official personnel in the conference room felt an unprecedented shock! Late-stage brain cancer, cured completely by a pill! This was no longer medicine; it was a miracle!

Laojun seemed unsurprised by this, merely saying "Oh" faintly, as if he had just heard the weather forecast. He picked up his porcelain mug, took another sip of tea, and then looked at Old Zhou, saying slowly, "It seems that the beings of this realm react adequately to my medicine. Then, regarding what was mentioned earlier, my desire to practice medicine in the residential complex, and occasionally refine some harmless medicines like 'Qingre Pills,' Mr. Old Zhou, do you still consider it 'disrupting the system'?"

He casually defined the miracle of "resurrection from the dead" as "adequate reaction" and "harmless," a contrast that left all the official personnel feeling powerless.

Old Zhou looked at Laojun's smiling face, then at the calm Yuanshi and Nüwa, and the last shred of hope in his heart vanished. He understood that dealing with such beings, the traditional mindset of control was no longer feasible; they had to shift their thinking and seek cooperation and mutual benefit.

"...Yes," Old Zhou finally uttered the two words with difficulty. "But we need to formulate detailed regulations for the specific details. Especially the applicable subjects and scope of 'Qingre Pills,' which must be strictly limited."

"We can follow your regulations," Laojun readily agreed.

Thus, the first formal meeting concluded in a subtle and complex atmosphere. The authorities preliminarily acknowledged the existence of the three Sages and their limited activities, while the Sages gained relatively legal identities and a certain degree of freedom of movement. Lin Fan's status as the key liaison was also officially confirmed.

Just as Lin Fan was taking the three Sages away from the secret base and driving back to the city, a change occurred again within the rental house!

Gong Gong, who had been curled up in the corner, slumbering, suddenly began to tremble violently! The three broken artifacts in his embrace—the Cracked Wooden Tablet, the Chipped Pottery Bowl, and the Rusty Metal Shard—simultaneously erupted with unprecedented radiance!

Silver spatial fluctuations, emerald purification halos, and dark crimson, tragic malevolent energy intertwined, forming a chaotic yet powerful pillar of energy that shot up into the sky! If Master Tongtian hadn't been prepared, instantly suppressing and distorting the light and energy radiation of this space with his own sword domain, this anomaly would undoubtedly have been captured by external monitoring equipment!

"Arghhh—! I remember! I remember!!!" Gong Gong suddenly opened his eyes. They were no longer vacant and clouded, but filled with endless pain, regret, fury, and... a sliver of clear reason!

He clutched his head, letting out heart-wrenching roars as his colossal Ancestral Witch will swept through the small room like a storm!

"Mount Buzhou!!! I'm the one who broke it!!! It was me!!! The Witch Clan... Brothers!!! I'm so sorry to you all!!! And... 'they'!!! It was 'they' who misled me!!! It was 'they' who ignited my rage!!! Arghhh—!!!"

Accompanying his roars, a secret memory, sealed for ten thousand ages and concerning the truth of the Primordial Era's shattering, broke through its seal like a dam bursting, flooding his mind!