Ruan Mei was already a major figure renowned throughout the entire galaxy, but compared to the achievements described by the system, she still fell far short.
R-raising an Emanator?
What an astonishing feat that was.
If the actions of mortals who received the Aeons' notice and grasped the power of Paths were like stirring up a shattered spray of foam, then the grand feat of Aeons wielding the mighty power of their Paths was like driving a tsunami across mountain ranges. Between those heavens-wide divides, a small number of mortals favored by the Aeons could, with their permission, draw upon Path energy and raise giant waves that eroded the shore. Such beings were known as Emanators. Though they did not wholly obey the Aeons' commands, in the eyes of the world, Emanators were apostles who spoke for the Aeons' will.
The nearest one to him at the moment, Phantylia, was an Emanator of the Destruction Path, powerful enough to completely annihilate an entire star system.
And now, someone was telling Ji Yuan that Emanators could actually be artificially created.
Even if the Aeon of the Path that Emanator belonged to had already died, it would still be enough to draw the attention of the entire universe.
All of this
had been accomplished by that gentle woman who had just passed by, Ruan Mei.
The shock Ji Yuan felt at that moment was second only to seeing his own death and learning that Phantylia had impersonated Tingyun.
Yanqing, completely unaware of what was going on, saw the shocked expression on Ji Yuan's face and asked worriedly, "Big Brother, what's wrong?"
I ate something and I'm fine. You're the one who hasn't eaten anything—don't tell me you're the one having a problem?
Ji Yuan shook his head and said to Yanqing, "N-no, it's nothing. I was merely thinking about Ms. Ruan Mei's accomplishments in the life sciences, and I couldn't help but admire her."
Yes, admire her.
Someone capable of cultivating an Emanator—just how much could he gain from her?
Ruan Mei was said to be elusive and unpredictable. Having finally found such an opportunity, he could not let it slip away so easily.
"Is she that amazing?" Yanqing had no interest in this at all. He would be extremely interested in a swordsmanship genius, but he did not care in the slightest about someone researching life sciences. He even waved a hand and advised Ji Yuan, "Big Brother, don't overthink it. Rather than spend your time on this, you might as well practice your swordsmanship."
In Yanqing's eyes, Ji Yuan was a swordsmanship genius even more talented than himself.
There was no need to waste time on other things. Practicing the sword was the proper path.
Ji Yuan smiled without explaining.
He had not yet read the introductory life sciences book rewarded by the system and knew nothing about the subject. He had no idea how he was supposed to benefit from Ruan Mei.
Seeing Ji Yuan's expression, Yanqing could not help but slap his forehead.
Big Brother, you're being foolish! How can you waste your time on other things?
No, I have to find a way to persuade Big Brother to abandon this idea of wasting time.
The two harbored their own thoughts as they made their way to the lounge.
Before they even reached it, they heard Phantylia and Sushang chatting.
"Sister Tingyun, Sister Tingyun, who did Big Brother go to welcome? Ruan Mei? A genius? A member of the Genius Society? Is she amazing?"
"Yes. Members of the Genius Society are people favored by the Omniscient Lord. Every one of them is a genius among geniuses, among the very top intellectuals in the entire universe."
"S-so amazing?"
Huohuo's frightened voice came from within.
"Huh? They're all terrifying academic geniuses!?"
Sushang cried out as well.
Though he had not even entered the room yet, Ji Yuan could already imagine the miserable look on his little sister's face.
As a poor student, she hated academic geniuses the most.
Especially when the greatest poor student met the greatest academic genius.
"Yes, the Genius Society's academic standards are famous throughout the universe."
Phantylia's affirmative voice continued.
"Sigh, once Big Brother comes back, he'll definitely make fun of me again."
Sushang continued in a wronged tone.
Yes, you were right. He really was going to tease her.
But before Ji Yuan could enter, Sushang's tone suddenly changed.
"Wait, that's not right."
"Huh? What's not right?"
Phantylia asked Sushang curiously.
"It's true that I'm an idiot, but in the eyes of that Ruan-whatever from that genius-whatever society, isn't my brother an idiot too? He may be a genius academic on the Yaoging Star-skiff, but there's still a huge gap between him and her! Won't he also feel like his intelligence is being utterly crushed?" Sushang said smugly.
"He must finally understand how I usually feel, right? Hahaha, doesn't it feel great to have your IQ crushed? When he comes in, I'm definitely going to laugh at him properly."
Ji Yuan listened silently, then clenched his fists tightly.
This little sister of his needed a proper lesson.
He charged inside.
Seeing Ji Yuan clench his fists and rush forward like that, Yanqing nodded with great satisfaction.
Yes, exactly.
Big Brother should have understood this long ago. Words were completely useless; in the end, one had to settle things with one's hands.
Ji Yuan: "Ms. Ruan Mei, I Want to Learn Your Skills"
"Brother, I was wrong! Brother, I'm your little sister!"
Ji Yuan pressed his hand hard against Sushang's head and began rapping her repeatedly.
"Little Sister, is there any little sister who laughs at her older brother behind his back?"
Ji Yuan spoke as he knocked on Sushang's head.
Sushang immediately defended herself. "Didn't you make fun of me like this before?"
"I did it behind your back. You did it in front of other people."
Ji Yuan's knocking grew even more forceful.
Hearing Ji Yuan say that, Sushang felt that she had no argument left. She silently placed both hands atop her head and waited for Ji Yuan to continue.
Seeing her like that, Ji Yuan lost the urge to knock her head any further and silently withdrew his hand.
Sushang immediately slipped behind Phantylia and looked at Ji Yuan nervously.
Yanqing entered at that moment as well.
The group each found a seat and sat down.
Huohuo came over carrying a tray with several cups of fruit juice on it.
"Um, Teacher, you must be thirsty, right?"
"Mm." Ji Yuan accepted a cup of fruit juice and drank it, then praised Huohuo. "Huohuo is still the best. You're far better than certain people who always want to laugh at their own brother for no reason."
A shy blush appeared on Huohuo's cheeks.
Meanwhile, Sushang clenched her fists, wanting to retaliate, but Ji Yuan had long been prepared and easily suppressed his little sister.
After they played around for a while, Phantylia asked Ji Yuan curiously, "By the way, Ji Yuan, what was your first impression of Ms. Ruan Mei?"
Even a Lord of Destruction like her was somewhat concerned about members of the Genius Society. After all, in terms of the destruction they had caused, those people were no less formidable than the Lords of Destruction. For example, the conflict between inorganic and organic life instigated by the twenty-seventh member, Emperor Rupert, had caused untold devastation.
"No impression. Her eyes couldn't even see ordinary people like us."
Ji Yuan spread his hands as he answered.
Hearing that, Sushang broke into a delighted smile.
Big Brother, you finally understand how this feels, don't you? When you used to mock us poor students as an academic genius, did you ever think you'd have a day like this too?
Ji Yuan shot Sushang a sidelong glance.
I'm merely ordinary, not an idiot.
Hearing his words, Phantylia moved close to him. As she took advantage of the chance to stroke his hand, she comforted him, "That's a common flaw among geniuses. It's fine. I believe that in other fields, your achievements will be no worse than hers."
Unfortunately, I won't give you that chance.
She thought to herself.
Yanqing nodded vigorously from the side.
Big Brother Ji Yuan's talent for the sword was truly strong. If he kept practicing, Big Brother Ji Yuan would likely become the Luofu Sword Champion very soon.
"Don't worry. My mentality is still very good. I merely feel some admiration whenever I see a genius."
Ji Yuan waved his hand and spoke indifferently.
Just as he was about to say something else, his phone rang. He glanced at the caller ID and saw that it was Lord Genyi, the commander for this mission. Ji Yuan immediately gestured for everyone to stop talking. Once they had all fallen silent, he answered the call.
"Kid Ji Yuan, come over to my side for a moment."
"Alright, I'll be right there. Lord Genyi, is something the matter?"
"Yes. I'm assigning you some work, so you don't get bored during these days on the journey."
"I'll come right over."
Ji Yuan hung up and said to Phantylia, Sushang, and the others, "Rest in the lounge for now. Lord Genyi needs me for something, so I'll head over first."
"Alright."
Phantylia agreed with a smile.
That look in her eyes made Ji Yuan feel apprehensive. He could not help considering how to find a suitable opportunity to report to the General, thereby preserving both his own life and the safety of the Celestial Ark.
Ji Yuan arrived at the command room.
A table laden with dishes had been set out in the command room. Ruan Mei and Genyi sat on opposite sides of the table, while one seat below them remained empty. Seeing Ji Yuan enter, Genyi said with a smile, "Ji Yuan, you haven't eaten yet, have you? Come, eat while we talk."
Ji Yuan did not sit down right away. Instead, he asked Genyi, "Lord Genyi, what exactly is the matter?"
Ruan Mei spoke at that moment. "I am the one making a request of you. During these next few days aboard your ship, I would like someone to show me around. I have no acquaintances on the Celestial Ark, except for you and that young man. Compared to him, you are much steadier and more rational, so I can only ask you to guide me around the ship for the next few days."
"I'll be sure to show you around properly."
Ji Yuan immediately promised her.
He had just been wondering how to benefit from her, and now she was offering him an opportunity herself. Naturally, Ji Yuan would seize it.
Ruan Mei glanced at Ji Yuan, smiled, and placed a piece of stir-fried vegetables into her mouth.
Genyi and Ji Yuan also began eating.
The three enjoyed their meal.
Ji Yuan's achievement notification appeared at just the right moment.
You had dinner with a retired old man. Reward: Jade Abacus skill +1
Genyi was quite old. He would probably retire in exactly a hundred years. It was perfectly normal for a retired old man to know a little Jade Abacus.
You had dinner with Ruan Mei, a life sciences expert who cultivated an Emanator. Reward: Ruan Mei's introductory life sciences course.
Ji Yuan clenched his fist slightly.
Was he about to begin studying a new field again?
If he mastered Ruan Mei's life sciences from a hundred years in the future, could he perhaps cultivate enough bodyguards as well?
"By the way, is there any reward you would like? I've taken up your time, so I should compensate you."
Ruan Mei stood at that moment, revealing the graceful curves of her figure. Looking at Ji Yuan, she asked the question.
Genyi watched from the side with a smile, even encouraging Ji Yuan with his eyes to ask for more.
Ruan Mei was not a Celestial Ark Native and had no obligation to do anything. Since she was willing to pay him, the boy should use this chance to ask for more.
Ji Yuan lowered his head to think for a moment, then looked up and said seriously to Ruan Mei, "I want to learn your life sciences."
Before you continue