Arc 9Bat-Men and New Prospects

Xia Xu helped expose Andra’s Bat-Men experiments, recruited Gu Haiming, and defeated the mutated Yu Zhengqing. He returned to Star City, pursued university and research opportunities, and helped Tang Youxin find a path toward the International Scientific Research University.

  • Xia Xu learned that Yao Fu’s new plot connected him to Yu Zhengqing and the Bat-Men, then allowed Yu Zhengqing to escape so he could lead the Special Department to the hidden laboratory.
  • Xia Xu helped the Special Operations Team and SWAT identify and arrest the Bat-Men, then traced the experiments to Xinyuan Pharmaceuticals and the Andra Group.
  • Xia Xu found Gu Haiming, uncovered his research into werewolves and Bat-Men, and recruited him to lead research for Star Sea Biopharmaceuticals.
  • Yu Zhengqing returned as a grotesquely mutated attacker, but Xia Xu, A Tuo, and Yao Fu fought him until he collapsed and disintegrated.
  • Xia Xu took Yao Fu to reunite with his parents, then asked Luo Hongyun to help secure the Xinyuan Building laboratory and support his and Tang Youxin’s university applications.
  • Back in Star City, Xia Xu reunited with Tang Youxin, reassured her about their future, and hired her as an investigator at the Consulting Company.
  • Xia Xu and Tang Youxin spent the day together before he returned to Star Sea Venture Capital, where Chen Leyao challenged him to explain his accusation that she had broken company rules.
Chapters 202–226 Vol. 3 Read

Ch. 202International Scientific Research University

Xia Xu arranged to observe Yao Fu when the police summoned him, then learned about the unusual International Scientific Research University and became interested in its admissions. He left the conversation planning to ask Team Leader Luo for more details.

  • Xia Xu told Zhang Qun to have the police summon Yao Fu while Xia watched from behind the scenes.
  • Zhang Qun suggested Xia Xu could attend the International Scientific Research University using his academic results and mission contributions.
  • Xia Xu rejected the idea of joining a military academy because he had plans for his companies.
  • Zhang Qun explained that the International Scientific Research University was an international institution with selective admissions and merit-based recommendations.
  • Xia Xu became interested in the university and asked Zhang Qun for more information, but Zhang Qun told him to ask Team Leader Luo.

Ch. 203How the Bat affair began and ended

After learning that Yao Fu’s parents were killed because of his superhero activities, Xia Xu discovered that Yao Fu’s next move would lead him to cooperate with Yu Zhengqing and pursue the company behind the serum. Xia Xu decided to let Yu Zhengqing out to meet Yao Fu and considered retrieving the syringe for its remaining serum.

  • Xia Xu met Yao Fu at the Municipal Public Security Bureau and used Attribute Viewing to read the new plot under Yao Fu’s protagonist destiny.
  • The plot revealed that Yao Fu would lure out the Bat-Man, discover he was Yu Zhengqing, and learn that a mysterious company had genetically modified them with bat genes.
  • Yao Fu would agree to cooperate with Yu Zhengqing, believing the company had killed his parents and seeking another secret research institute.
  • Xia Xu concluded that Yu Zhengqing would want to cooperate with Yao Fu to obtain the New-Type Modification Serum and decided to let him out temporarily.
  • Xia Xu wondered whether Yu Zhengqing still had the syringe and considered using its remaining serum to research the modification formula.

Ch. 204The third party

Xia Xu searched Yu Zhengqing’s home for the modification serum syringe that had transformed Yao Fu, but found nothing and realized a third party might have taken it. He returned to Yu Zhengqing’s cell and threatened to resume their mind-reading game, prompting Yu Zhengqing to agree to talk.

  • Xia Xu and A Tuo searched Yu Zhengqing’s residence, but Xia Xu found no syringe and worried that Yao Fu’s dose might have been unique.
  • Xia Xu recalled that Yu Zhengqing had tacitly admitted the syringe was missing and considered whether a third party had taken it or Yu Zhengqing had discarded it.
  • Xia Xu returned to the Special Department’s De City branch and asked Yu Zhengqing if he wanted to be released.
  • Yu Zhengqing initially refused to believe Xia Xu, but he agreed to talk when Xia Xu threatened to resume their interrogation game.

Ch. 205Escape to freedom

Xia Xu learned that Yu Zhengqing had deliberately left the modification serum behind, then released him from his restraints. Yu Zhengqing attacked and was knocked down, but Xia Xu let him leave, and Yu Zhengqing fled through the apparently deserted base.

  • Yu Zhengqing told Xia Xu that he had left the modification serum in the alley so he could retrieve it later, and Xia Xu deduced that someone else had picked it up after Yao Fu.
  • Xia Xu opened Yu Zhengqing’s restraints, and Yu Zhengqing transformed and lunged at him.
  • Xia Xu punched Yu Zhengqing into a wall and explained that werewolves, like bat-men, were products of genetic experimentation.
  • Xia Xu warned Yu Zhengqing to leave, and Yu Zhengqing ran through the empty base toward its main entrance.

Ch. 206Night raid on the base

After learning that Yao Fu and Yu Zhengqing had gone to a Beastman base in western De City, Xia Xu joined the Special Department’s operation. He offered to identify the disguised Beastmen so the team could act without endangering the company’s ordinary employees.

  • Yao Fu and Yu Zhengqing teamed up and headed for a base on De City’s western outskirts while the Special Department monitored them.
  • Xia Xu ordered more personnel called in and joined the operation with the Special Operations Team.
  • The team discovered that the base occupied a foreign-funded pharmaceutical company with many employees inside, making a direct assault risky.
  • Xia Xu reminded the team that he could recognize Beastmen through their disguises and offered to identify targets for them.
  • Xia Xu cited his role in the Werewolf Incident in Star City, but Zhang Qun and the others remained doubtful.

Ch. 207Gun Them All Down

Xia Xu coordinated with Zhang Qun and the Special Operations Team to ambush the bat beastmen at the Secret Laboratory. After Yao Fu escaped underground, the team began its assault, leaving the operation underway.

  • Xia Xu told Zhang Qun and the Special Operations Team to let Yao Fu escape, then shoot pursuers and anyone who resisted during their assault.
  • Yao Fu blasted his way out of the underground laboratory and fled, confirming that the facility was beneath the building.
  • Xia Xu watched Yao Fu leave, then used his Compound Bow to kill the first bat beastman who emerged from the hole.
  • Seven or eight bat beastmen charged Xia Xu, but Zhang Qun and the Special Operations Team shot them down.
  • Zhang Qun called in the SWAT Squad and ordered the building sealed, authorizing shots against anyone who fled or resisted.

Ch. 208Underground Laboratory

Xia Xu helped the Special Operations Team and SWAT eliminate the Bat-Men hiding in the building and then entered Xinyuan Pharmaceuticals’ underground laboratory. He suspected the facility could suit his future biopharmaceutical company, but the operation had not captured Dr. Z, the scientist behind the experiments.

  • Xia Xu used his piercing gaze to identify Bat-Men hiding among the crowd, and the Special Operations Team and SWAT shot them without suffering any casualties.
  • Xia Xu urged Zhang Qun to investigate the Andra Group and its financial backing as support personnel took the building’s occupants away for questioning.
  • Xia Xu entered Xinyuan Pharmaceuticals’ concealed underground laboratory and considered trying to acquire its facility and research equipment.
  • Xia Xu concluded that Xinyuan Pharmaceuticals was a shell linked to the Andra Group and that Dr. Z, the developer of the bat beastman experiments, remained at large.

Ch. 209White-Haired Elder

Xia Xu decided against recruiting Dr. Z and followed the plot to seek out the white-haired elder who had taken in Yao Fu. He located the elder’s isolated villa and planned to investigate its resident before making contact.

  • Xia Xu rejected the idea of recruiting Dr. Z because of his position at Andra, his unethical experiments, and the risks involved.
  • After leaving the underground laboratory with A Tuo, Xia Xu learned from the plot that an eccentric white-haired elder would find the anesthetized Yao Fu and might help improve his combat strength.
  • Xia Xu speculated that the elder was a high-level research talent who may have already encountered Yao Fu’s syringe and begun studying it.
  • A Tuo led Xia Xu to an isolated, luxurious villa beyond the high-tech development zone, where Yao Fu and the elder were likely staying.
  • Xia Xu decided not to visit that night and planned to use his temporary Consultant authority to investigate the villa’s resident before approaching him.

Ch. 210We meet again

Xia Xu tracked Yao Fu to Gu Haiming’s villa, where he introduced himself as a temporary consultant to the Special Department. Yao Fu confronted him over his parents’ deaths but was left unable to deny that his own choices had put them in danger.

  • Zhang Qun told Xia Xu that Gu Haiming had a doctorate in genetic engineering but suffered episodes of mental confusion.
  • Xia Xu returned to Gu Haiming’s villa with A Tuo and asked to see Yao Fu.
  • Yao Fu feared his pursuers had found him, then went to the gate after learning only one person had come.
  • Yao Fu recognized Xia Xu, and Xia Xu revealed that he worked as a temporary consultant to the Special Department.
  • Yao Fu accused Xia Xu of letting his parents die, but Xia Xu argued that Yao Fu’s use of the modified serum and failure to contact the authorities had made him a target.
  • Yao Fu could not refute Xia Xu’s claim that his own actions had led to his parents’ deaths.

Ch. 211Mom, there's a monster here!

Xia Xu revealed that Yao Fu’s parents were alive and had faked their deaths to help draw out the Bat-Men. As Xia Xu explained that the Bat-Men had been eliminated, Yao Fu realized he might have been unknowingly maneuvered into uncovering the secret laboratory beneath Xinyuan Pharmaceuticals.

  • Xia Xu told Yao Fu that his parents were alive and that the Special Operations Team had staged their deaths.
  • Yao Fu, overjoyed, invited Xia Xu inside and asked to see his parents, who were staying at a convalescent home.
  • Xia Xu explained that the false deaths had helped protect Yao Fu’s family and draw out the Bat-Men.
  • Yao Fu connected the deception to his meeting with Yu Zhengqing and suspected Xia Xu had guided him toward the underground laboratory.
  • Xia Xu told Yao Fu that the Bat-Men were dead and the people involved were under investigation.

Ch. 212Gu Haiming

Xia Xu discovered that Gu Haiming had a Four-Star genetic engineering talent, but the elderly man appeared mentally confused. Suspecting Gu Haiming was still secretly researching, Xia Xu asked Yao Fu to scan the villa for a hidden laboratory or secret compartments.

  • Xia Xu arrived at Gu Haiming’s villa with Yao Fu and found Gu Haiming talking to himself at the dining table.
  • Xia Xu examined Gu Haiming’s profile and discovered his Four-Star genetic engineering talent and obsession with revenge.
  • Xia Xu considered recruiting Gu Haiming to lead his pharmaceutical research, then suspected the man’s apparent dementia concealed continued work.
  • Xia Xu asked Yao Fu to use ultrasound to search the villa for hidden compartments or a biology lab.

Ch. 213Enemies

Xia Xu connected Gu Haiming’s fear of wolves and his past genetic research to Andra’s werewolf experiments, then used the company’s name to bring Gu Haiming back to lucidity. The chapter ended with Xia Xu and Gu Haiming alone, beginning a conversation about their shared opposition to Andra.

  • Xia Xu confirmed that Gu Haiming had a hidden basement laboratory and inferred that his obsession with revenge might stem from his years studying abroad.
  • Xia Xu learned from Sister Zhang that Gu Qingmei studied wolf populations, and Gu Haiming suffered a violent episode when he heard the word “wolves.”
  • Xia Xu connected Gu Haiming’s past in America and his genetic engineering expertise to Andra’s early werewolf experiments, and suspected the experiment’s organizer had caused his trauma.
  • Xia Xu asked Gu Haiming whether he had heard of Andra, which brought a glimmer of lucidity to Gu Haiming.
  • Xia Xu corrected Gu Haiming’s reference to “you people,” saying that he meant “you” and “us,” then sent Yao Fu and Sister Zhang out so they could talk privately.

Ch. 214Invitation

Xia Xu visited Gu Haiming and invited him to oversee research at Star Sea Biopharmaceuticals, revealing his opposition to the Andra Group and the evidence he had taken from its projects. Gu Haiming accepted the invitation after seeing the Superbrain Drug samples and technology.

  • Xia Xu introduced himself to Gu Haiming as a Special Department consultant and said he wanted to recruit him for Star Sea Biopharmaceuticals.
  • Xia Xu deduced that Gu Haiming had worked on werewolf experiments and was secretly researching Bat-Men and the genetic fusion serum that created Yao Fu.
  • Gu Haiming agreed to hear Xia Xu's offer, and Xia Xu said he could provide research funding, recruit talent, and investigate Andra's hidden operations.
  • Xia Xu showed Gu Haiming the Mechanical Centipede Spine he had taken while stopping Andra's Transcendence Project.
  • Xia Xu revealed samples and technology for the SB-13 Superbrain Drug, and Gu Haiming accepted the invitation and shook his hand.

Ch. 215Had I Become the Tang Monk?

Xia Xu hired Gu Haiming and learned that the serum used to transform Yao Fu came from Andra’s experimental gene-editing technology, which Gu could not reproduce without the original virus strain and substantial resources. Gu also revealed that modified blood cells reacted to a rare human protein, and Xia Xu discovered that it was the same protein found in the Werewolf Enhancement Serum.

  • Xia Xu persuaded Gu Haiming to join him, gave him Superbrain Drugs, and discussed his employment terms.
  • Gu Haiming showed Xia Xu his basement laboratory and identified the syringe as an Andra product containing a bat-related gene-editing virus and an experimental serum.
  • Gu Haiming explained that reproducing the serum required Andra’s latest Scalpel strain and extensive research, and that successful fusion was extremely rare.
  • Xia Xu asked about Gu Haiming’s other research, and Gu described modified blood cells that reacted to a special protein found in only a small number of people.
  • Xia Xu compared the protein with information about the Werewolf Enhancement Serum and found that they were the same substance.

Ch. 216An enemy approaches

After leaving Gu Haiming’s villa with Yao Fu, Xia Xu realized Dr. Z and Yu Zhengqing had likely escaped through a hidden exit beneath the Xinyuan Building. A Tuo then sensed danger ahead, and Xia Xu prepared to investigate.

  • Xia Xu asked Gu Haiming for a vial of special protein for Yao Fu, then left the villa with him and A Tuo.
  • Xia Xu reviewed the plot in which Yu Zhengqing became a mutated enforcer for Dr. Z and Yao Fu later defeated him to rescue Zhou Qian.
  • Xia Xu suspected Dr. Z and Yu Zhengqing had escaped the underground laboratory through an undiscovered exit after he failed to find them among those arrested.
  • A Tuo stopped and barked in alarm, and Xia Xu took a Superbrain Drug pill and told Yao Fu to scan ahead with ultrasound.

Ch. 217You've been enhanced

Xia Xu and Yao Fu encountered Yu Zhengqing, who had rapidly mutated into a powerful aberration. Xia Xu gave Yao Fu a special protein to enhance him, but Yu Zhengqing immediately knocked him flying, leaving Xia Xu facing the monster.

  • Yao Fu detected an approaching creature, and he and Xia Xu saw the grotesquely mutated Yu Zhengqing.
  • Yao Fu offered to hold Yu Zhengqing off while Xia Xu escaped, then asked if dying for him would earn a death benefit.
  • Xia Xu recognized Yu Zhengqing and told Yao Fu to drink the special protein he had given him.
  • Yao Fu drank the protein, became physically enhanced, and charged Yu Zhengqing with renewed confidence.
  • Yu Zhengqing swept Yao Fu aside with one enormous wing, and Xia Xu realized the enhancement had not made the fight easy.

Ch. 218I'm a Summoner, Actually

Yu Zhengqing attacked Xia Xu and Yao Fu after revealing his resentment over his forced mutation, but Xia Xu’s taunts kept his attention fixed on him. A Tuo ambushed Yu Zhengqing from behind, and Xia Xu declared that he was a Summoner.

  • Yu Zhengqing told Xia Xu and Yao Fu that he envied Xia Xu’s successful fusion with the modified serum and hated his own monstrous form.
  • Xia Xu provoked Yu Zhengqing by guessing that Dr. Z had forced the serum on him and sent him to kill Xia Xu and retrieve Yao Fu.
  • Yu Zhengqing charged Xia Xu, knocked Yao Fu aside, and swung a massive claw at Xia Xu.
  • A Tuo used his concealment talent to circle behind Yu Zhengqing and bite the back of his neck.
  • Xia Xu finished telling Yu Zhengqing, “Actually... I'm a Summoner.”

Ch. 219Summon number two

A Tuo repeatedly outmaneuvered and wounded Yu Zhengqing, while Xia Xu stayed out of the fight. When Yu Zhengqing charged Xia Xu, Xia Xu sent Yao Fu to intercept him, and Yao Fu was promptly knocked flying again.

  • A Tuo bit a chunk of flesh from Yu Zhengqing’s neck, then dodged his attacks and clawed his torso.
  • A Tuo used his speed and fighting skill to keep Yu Zhengqing from landing a blow while Yao Fu watched in disbelief.
  • Yu Zhengqing realized A Tuo could not overpower him outright and suddenly lunged at Xia Xu.
  • Xia Xu called Yao Fu “summon number two,” kicked him toward Yu Zhengqing, and ran away.
  • Yao Fu tried to meet Yu Zhengqing head-on but was sent flying again.

Ch. 220A bit of a bastard

Yao Fu and A Tuo defeated Yu Zhengqing, and Xia Xu told Yao Fu to keep A Tuo’s involvement secret. After reuniting Yao Fu with his parents, Xia Xu asked him for a blood sample, leaving Yao Fu alarmed by the enormous syringe.

  • Yao Fu blocked Yu Zhengqing’s attacks while A Tuo battered him until he collapsed and his body disintegrated.
  • Xia Xu told Yao Fu to say Yu Zhengqing had come for revenge and died in self-defense, and Yao Fu agreed to keep the truth secret from everyone.
  • Xia Xu called Zhang Qun to handle the aftermath, then took Yao Fu to the nursing home where his parents were staying.
  • Yao Fu reunited with his parents and thanked Xia Xu for helping bring them back into his life.
  • Xia Xu asked Yao Fu for blood for research, and Yao Fu nervously asked him to use a smaller syringe.

Ch. 221Seeing Uncle Luo Again

After helping the Special Department identify Yao Fu, Xia Xu returned to the De City branch and reunited with Luo Hongyun. He told Luo he had earned seventy million and asked for help securing the Xinyuan Building, its underground laboratory, and a connection to the International Scientific Research University.

  • Xia Xu collected Yao Fu's blood and left the sanatorium, deciding to return to Star City.
  • Zhang Qun directed Xia Xu to an office, where he found Luo Hongyun resting in his combat uniform.
  • Luo Hongyun thanked Xia Xu for helping expose the organization behind the Bat-Men.
  • Xia Xu joked about payment and revealed that he had earned seventy million.
  • Xia Xu asked Luo Hongyun to help him rent the Xinyuan Building and its laboratory and pursue a connection to the International Scientific Research University.

Ch. 222Selection

Xia Xu asked Luo Hongyun to help him get into the International Scientific Research University and learned that admissions favored exceptional talent and contributions. He proposed getting Tang Youxin admitted as a computer genius, and Luo agreed to look for a suitable assignment for her.

  • Xia Xu asked Luo Hongyun whether the Special Department could retrieve the Scalpel Virus Strain from beneath the Xinyuan Building, and Luo said he would try to help.
  • Luo Hongyun explained that the International Scientific Research University selected exceptional talent and offered to use Admissions Weight to support Xia Xu's application.
  • Xia Xu asked Luo to help Tang Youxin get admitted, claiming she would be the Gaokao's second-highest scorer and was a computer genius.
  • Luo agreed to watch for a Special Department assignment that Tang Youxin could help with, which could support her admission.

Ch. 223Return to Star City

After returning to Star City, Xia Xu learned Tang Youxin had taken a summer job at Xihe Plaza and went to find her. He caught her as she toppled in her dinosaur costume, leaving them in an embrace.

  • Xia Xu returned to Star City after Uncle Luo took over the Bat-Man incident in De City.
  • He Qing excitedly asked Xia Xu about his work with the Special Department, and Xia Xu joked that he had been wiping out vampires.
  • He Qing told Xia Xu that Tang Youxin had left the Consulting Company to work a summer job at Xihe Plaza.
  • Xia Xu found Tang Youxin handing out flyers in a dinosaur costume and startled her with a request for a hug.
  • Tang Youxin toppled over, and Xia Xu caught her in his arms.

Ch. 224Let go of that girl

Xia Xu reunited with Tang Youxin while she was handing out flyers in a dinosaur costume, and he joined her at work. When they struggled to attract anyone, Xia Xu had A Tuo distribute the flyers, drawing a crowd and finishing the job.

  • Xia Xu steadied Tang Youxin, and he introduced himself to her coworkers Xu Ya'nan and Zhang Kai as her boyfriend.
  • Tang Youxin told Xia Xu she could leave once she handed out all her flyers, so he put her dinosaur head back on and helped her.
  • Xia Xu and Tang Youxin failed to give away any flyers, while Xu Ya'nan and Zhang Kai teased them.
  • Xia Xu threatened A Tuo with the prospect of no dinner, and A Tuo obediently began handing flyers to passersby.
  • A Tuo attracted a crowd that took the remaining flyers, and Xia Xu and Tang Youxin bickered playfully over who deserved credit.

Ch. 225Miss Tang, you're officially on staff now

Xia Xu reassured Tang Youxin that she could stay close to him by joining his Consulting Company and pursuing admission to International Scientific Research University through work with the Special Department. The chapter ended with Tang Youxin offering to treat him to a meal, and Xia Xu suggesting they spend time together first.

  • Tang Youxin collected her 150-yuan pay, then admitted she worried that Xia Xu kept her at the Consulting Company out of personal affection and that their lives were drifting apart.
  • Xia Xu told Tang Youxin he had chosen International Scientific Research University, and she began crying when she thought they could not attend the same university.
  • Xia Xu assured Tang Youxin that her programming skills could help her qualify for the university and officially hired her as an investigator at the Consulting Company.
  • Xia Xu explained that the company partnered with the Special Department and could take on missions that would bring Tang Youxin experience and substantial bonuses.
  • Tang Youxin offered to treat Xia Xu to a meal, and he suggested they shop, visit a café, or go to an amusement park while they waited for dinner.

Ch. 226The Freeloader Duo

Xia Xu spent the day browsing and collecting free treats with Tang Youxin, then returned to Star Sea Venture Capital the next morning. He accused Chen Leyao of breaking company rules, leaving her confused and asking to explain.

  • Xia Xu took Tang Youxin to a wedding banquet, where they pretended to be relatives of the bride and ate without being noticed.
  • Xia Xu and Tang Youxin left the banquet and spent the afternoon winning free prizes at games and events.
  • The next morning, Xia Xu finished his training and went to Star Sea Venture Capital after being away for a month.
  • Chen Leyao teased Xia Xu about his absence, and he accused her of violating company rules.
  • Chen Leyao became serious and asked Xia Xu to explain what rules she had supposedly broken.
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