The information was worth a hundred million. Was I worthy of being the only one to hear it?
Jiang Qian opened his notebook and listened attentively.
Lan Junxian seemed pleased with Jiang Qian's serious attitude.
He smiled faintly and began to speak at length:
"Suppose the progression from bottom to top represents a License Holder's 'capacity for power' from First State to Seventh State. What kind of structure do you think would be more stable and solid?"
"A cone or a cylinder? A broad base and a low center of gravity make it more stable," Jiang Qian replied.
"Exactly. It certainly wouldn't be an inverted cone." Lan Junxian shrugged, then continued, "What determines a License Holder's power foundation isn't how quickly or how high they advance in rank. It's the stability of their energy structure."
"First, wherever a License Holder stands within the seven States, the 'vertical space' available to their power is strictly limited. Advancing from one State to the next must be done through an Evolution Dungeon. But the horizontal boundary—the cross-section of each State—can be deliberately expanded."
"Facing crises, undergoing grueling, demanding training, and taking part in extreme sports are all proven ways to broaden that 'cross-section.' In short: do things that challenge your physical and mental limits."
"This law of fixed vertical growth and flexible horizontal expansion is the principle behind how a License Holder's seven-State energy structure is built."
Lan Junxian slowed down to make sure Jiang Qian understood.
"That's why no two License Holders have exactly the same energy structure. A 'seven-State energy structure' reflects a License Holder's experiences and even their way of life. It encompasses every stage of their growth, every brush with death."
"With a sufficiently stable energy structure, the path upward grows smoother and smoother, like this..."
The water suspended in the air took the shape of a mountain, broad and firmly grounded at the base, with its peak growing narrower.
"By contrast, an unstable energy structure not only leaves a License Holder unable to advance, all show and no substance, but also makes them more likely to become a Mutant the higher they climb."
As Lan Junxian explained, the water suspended in the air shifted again, gathering into a disorderly structure, with layers of uneven widths.
It looked like a haphazard pile of building blocks, ready to collapse at the slightest disturbance.
It was a vivid example. Jiang Qian understood at a glance.
"The collapse of an energy structure is the direct cause of mutation. A Mutant's energy structure stops growing, and their genes can no longer be passed on. They have to keep hunting others for energy just to maintain their own balance. The Peacock Spider is a clear example."
Lan Junxian took the opportunity to explain the basics to Jiang Qian.
A License Holder who evolved normally and a Mutant whose energy structure had collapsed—these were two more new concepts for Jiang Qian.
That could wait.
What mattered was that Jiang Qian had realized what Lan Junxian was trying to tell him: there was hope.
"By now, I'm guessing you've understood."
Lan Junxian pointed to the water, which had gathered into a uniform cylinder, and looked at Jiang Qian. "Tell me, which layer is the most important?"
"The bottom layer." Jiang Qian's gaze gradually cleared. "First State: Cognitive Form."
Only if the base was broad enough could the mountain of energy withstand great heights. Even if it soared into the clouds, it would remain unshakable... Jiang Qian summed up in his mind.
"That's right. The horizontal range of the First State directly determines the height and stability of a License Holder's career. The First State is the beginning of cognition, and it represents limitless potential. There'll never be a better time to expand the horizontal range of your energy foundation than now. You understand, right?"
"I do."
"Do you remember how to expand the horizontal range of your foundation?"
"Facing crises, undergoing grueling, demanding training, taking part in extreme sports, and challenging my physical and mental limits." Jiang Qian answered without hesitation.
Lan Junxian nodded solemnly. "Very few people are fortunate enough to experience what you're going through while in the First State: Cognitive Form. As I see it, you've already died at least twice."
"Endure it and survive. Even the scions of prestigious families, with all their resources behind them, will be left in your dust, staring after you in despair."
"A License Holder's foundation can only be broadened with blood and sweat. No background or family can provide that kind of trial."
"So instead of saying you're facing an unprecedented crisis in your life, I'd say you're facing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity in your career as a License Holder: the chance to build an absolutely stable foundation."
With that, Lan Junxian looked at Jiang Qian with unwavering conviction.
Unlike the young lady, Lan Junxian's explanation was more vivid and rigorous, and powerfully persuasive.
If you had to sum it up in four words, it was "professional training"!
Jiang Qian let out a long breath and held back the urge to hand over his wallet...
"Thanks for still believing in me, even when I'm on the brink of death. Unfortunately, I can't afford the tuition."
"Haha, no need. Being able to share my research with the right person is an immensely gratifying experience."
Lan Junxian straightened his suit and sat back down.
The water suspended in the air suddenly dispersed without a trace.
Water manipulation? No, something more advanced. His ability could condense liquid water directly from the air... Jiang Qian marveled inwardly.
"Do you have anything else to ask me?" Lan Junxian's smile was as warm as a spring breeze.
Jiang Qian hesitated.
Then he asked politely, "If my remains are in pieces, or in really bad shape, could you just not notify my family to come claim them? I mean, if there's no way to turn things around."
At that, Lan Junxian's smile froze. He wondered if his whole lecture had been a waste.
Though he couldn't entirely blame the stubborn kid in front of him.
How could he put it? It was only human nature.
"I'll do my best to honor your wishes."
"Thanks. I have no more questions."
"Then it's my turn," Lan Junxian sighed. He straightened up with exaggerated seriousness and said, "Although you're still in danger, we must follow strict procedures to confirm your wishes. Jiang Qian, as a newly licensed License Holder, do you choose to join the authorities and become part of their License Holder ranks?"
The moment had come.
Join the authorities and serve the people, or remain a happy lone wolf?
With threats within and without, Jiang Qian had no reason to say no.
As long as the Peacock Spider remained at large, his life and his family's would be in danger. It was a Fourth State: Perfect Form, far above his own level. Apart from the authorities, he couldn't think of another capable, law-abiding organization that could protect them.
He needed the authorities' support.
"I choose to join the authorities and serve the people."
"Excellent!"
After receiving Jiang Qian's confirmation, Lan Junxian rose briskly and picked up the interview transcript.
"Wait for word from me. Get ready for surgery. I hope you'll still be alive by then."
With that, he left Jiang Qian with a graceful, elegant view of his back.
The Safe House fell silent once more.
Having just gained research findings worth "a hundred million," Jiang Qian summoned a hundred times his usual focus and activated Spirit Vision to examine his body from within.
Lan Junxian left the Safe House, and his colleagues outside stood up.
The Safe House had indeed been designed like an interrogation room.
His colleagues keeping watch outside could observe everything happening inside at any time. Team Bear and the others had heard Lan Junxian's conversation with Jiang Qian.
"Teacher Lan, are you really confident you can save him?" Team Bear asked first.
Lan Junxian was silent for a moment. "There's hope, but I'm not very confident."
"Then why did you tell him so much? And say you could track down the Peacock Spider..."
"Those were just theories. I couldn't exactly tell him to start making his final arrangements, could I?" Lan Junxian turned to look at Jiang Qian, who sat with his eyes closed, deep in thought on the monitor. His expression was complicated. "He's a rare talent. We might as well try, even if the odds are against us."
Just then, a young woman wearing a beret and carrying two swords pushed open the door.
"Boss."
"What is it? Anything new?" Lan Junxian looked sharply at his personal assistant.
"We just got an email. Headquarters' Special Task Force has differing opinions on whether to retain those who clear Whispers of the Inner Demon. They want you to suspend your involvement until the Special Task Force reaches a decision."
"Differing opinions?" Lan Junxian frowned slightly.
The Capital Public Security Bureau.
Inside a holographic conference room at the headquarters of the Special Affairs Center, a meeting was underway.
Unlike an ordinary meeting, none of the participants were physically present. They had all joined by holographic projection. Their clothing styles varied, but they all wore similar masks.
They had gathered for one reason: to decide what to do with those who cleared Whispers of the Inner Demon.
"Anyone selected by Whispers of the Inner Demon is a monster. Their only possible fates are life imprisonment or elimination. I don't see any reason for the authorities to recruit such 'special' talent." A man wearing a mask carved with canine fangs was the first to state his opinion.
The woman seated beside him, wearing an elegant feline mask, nodded. "Agreed. From a risk perspective, recruiting someone like this would demand too much of the authorities' resources. The cost outweighs the benefits."
Then she changed tack. "That said, imprisonment and elimination are too harsh. According to the information from the Jinping Operations Department, this newcomer seems to have crossed paths with the Peacock Spider. Even if we don't intervene, he probably won't survive."
An older man wearing a bear mask corrected her. "More precisely, he contacted the authorities himself, which led to the clash with the Peacock Spider."
"This is a promising talent who's determined to join the side of justice. If we not only refuse to recruit him, but also kick him while he's down...I'd like to ask you all: how many promising talents will still be willing to come over to the authorities in the future?"
The participants fell silent.
Then a hoarse voice came from a corner. "The risk is still too high! Look at every License Holder who's emerged from Whispers of the Inner Demon. Aren't they all extremely dangerous? At first, we did our utmost to recruit them and bring them into the side of justice. But what was the result? Every attempt failed."
The speaker's mask was carved with an ancient beast covered in scales.
"From birth, they can debate with demons. They're natural rebels, destroyers of order. If we show mercy or entertain wishful thinking now, we'll pay a terrible price later."
He seemed to speak from experience. "We shouldn't keep making the same mistake. I support using the Peacock Spider case to eliminate the target."
After speaking, he gave a slight nod to the elderly woman seated at the head of the table, whose mask was adorned with feather patterns.
"Elder Jin, what's your opinion?"
Before you continue