"Research on virtual sandbox worlds?"
Wang Zhiwen's words piqued Lu Yao's interest.
Her eyes brightened slightly.
What she saw today has brought about a tremendous change in her outlook on life and the world.
Before this, when she discovered that she could move light objects such as paper and feathers with her mind, she thought she had awakened some legendary superpower.
I was shocked and found it unbelievable at the time.
Compared to the country's current research, my work is simply too rudimentary.
The allure of the words "cultivating immortality" is simply too great.
She has no Spirit Root, only a strong innate Divine Sense. If she wants to achieve something... she can only delve deeper into the realm of the virtual world.
Moreover, her mother, Liu Xiulan, had no Spirit Root; she was just an ordinary middle-aged woman.
If you don't want to experience life and death in the future... a sandbox world might be a good choice.
Of course, the sandbox world can never be the end of the research; if consciousness and soul can be uploaded, then they can also be downloaded.
If biomimetic biology and mechanics also make significant breakthroughs... the future will only become more colorful!
Thinking of this, Lu Yao looked at Wang Zhiwen.
"Academician Wang, I'd like to join your lab."
"Good! Good, good, good!"
"Don't worry, Comrade Lu Yao. I know you used to work in cybersecurity, which is a good fit for our research."
With your talents and expertise joining us, I estimate... our research speed will definitely increase again!
Wang Zhiwen's voice was excited.
Lu Dahai, who was standing to the side, didn't say much.
Lu Yao's ability to find a research direction that interests her is a benefit to both the country and Lu Li.
He just needs to offer his support quietly.
Seeing this, Li Yuanchao, who was watching from the observation screen, readily agreed.
Yet, a slight ripple stirred within me.
If virtual sandbox worlds could truly become a reality...
After that... perhaps he can continue to fight for his country!
" Director Li, Director Li!"
"Comrade Lu Li's message has been received!"
"This time they also sent back five fragments of Spirit Vein!"
Just as Li Yuanchao was in a daze, a hurried voice rang out from behind him.
The guard pressed the Bluetooth earpiece to his ear, his tone excited.
"Let's go to the command center!"
Upon hearing the voice, Li Yuanchao did not hesitate.
After speaking, he took the lead and walked towards the command hall.
Seeing this, Wang Zhiwen and the others quickly followed.
Lu Dahai and Lu Yao, however, were slightly taken aback.
Lu Yao, in particular, had her clear eyes slightly reddened and her body trembled slightly, as if she was enduring something.
"Come on, Yaoyao, let's go talk to your brother."
Lu Dahai patted Lu Yao on the shoulder.
He led her toward the command center.
When the two arrived at the command hall, it was already filled with many scientific researchers.
As soon as Lu Dahai stepped into the command hall, his Dantian trembled involuntarily.
An extremely dense aura of Spiritual Power caused his meridians to contract uncontrollably.
They stared in astonishment at the metal platform in the center of the hall.
Five palm-sized, pale blue fragments of Spirit Vein, resembling the roots of an old tree, exuded pure Spiritual Qi.
An invigorating and refreshing atmosphere filled the air.
Every breath is refreshing and invigorating.
"Quickly... Comrade Xu Mu! Quickly send the Spirit Vein fragment back underground to nurture it!"
Li Yuanchao's voice was anxious.
Xu Mu dared not delay, and used magic to wrap up the five fragments and hurriedly ran towards the high-speed elevator.
" Director Li, the sect has been busy repairing the Spirit Vein lately."
"The mountain-protecting formation operates day and night; what lies beyond the three prefectures is unknown."
"I've only heard that things have fallen into chaos, and it seems that many Rogue Cultivator have suddenly appeared. Something doesn't feel right."
"Fortunately, my safety is relatively guaranteed right now. Taking advantage of the opportunity to repair the Spirit Vein, I can send back more Spirit Vein fragments."
Lu Li's clear voice resonated throughout the command hall through the jade pendant.
Just as Li Yuanchao was about to speak, he saw Lu Yao walking over with tears in her eyes.
When Lu Yao heard that all-too-familiar voice ringing in her ears...
She felt as if her heart was being tightly gripped by an invisible hand.
Even breathing caught in their throats.
The longing I've felt day and night, the worries I've just learned, the extraordinary sights I've witnessed... all of these have transformed into a torrent of emotions in this moment!
No matter how sensible or intelligent she was, she could hardly maintain her composure at this moment.
Lu Li's voice sounded calm, but she could still detect a hint of hoarseness and fatigue in it.
The thought of him being alone in a perilous alien world was unbearable.
Lu Yao could no longer hold back, and tears streamed down her face.
Uncontrollably, he took a few steps forward, his voice thick with emotion, and choked out a cry towards the jade pendant:
"Elder brother..."
At the jade pendant's end, Lu Li's voice abruptly stopped.
Time seemed to have been paused.
He could hardly believe his ears, as if he thought he was hallucinating.
How could a cultivator in the Foundation Establishment Middle Stage not be able to tell if they are hallucinating...?
"Yao... Yaoyao?"
"You..."
"Brother! Are you okay? How have you been lately, you jerk... you didn't even tell me... waaaaaah..."
"Waaaaah... waaaah..."
Before she could finish a sentence, Lu Yao burst into tears.
Her parents were busy with work, so Lu Li raised her from a young age.
Wherever they went, they clung to Lu Li, running and jumping around, always following him around like Lu Li.
In that old neighborhood, among a bunch of boys, Lu Li was the one who spent a happy childhood with her.
In junior high, high school, Lu Li earned from part-time jobs during winter and summer vacations ended up in her stomach.
The bond between the siblings was incredibly deep.
" Yaoyao, don't cry."
"Don't worry, I'm fine. Wait for me... I'll be back someday."
Lu Li's voice, gentle as a spring breeze, drifted over slowly as he suppressed a sob in his heart.
He comforted Lu Yao.
He knew best how to coax his own sister.
" Yaoyao, when I get back, I'll bring you some specialties from the cultivation Immortal Realm."
"Didn't you say your favorite food is dried meat? This dried meat from the cultivation Immortal Realm... is made from Demon Beast meat, you know."
"By then, your brother will have become an immortal. Whatever you want to eat, I'll just conjure it up for you."
Lu Li chuckled softly, his voice gentle and his tone deliberately relaxed.
Upon hearing these words, Lu Yao wiped her eyes haphazardly with her sleeve while tears streamed down her face.
A forced smile appeared on his lips.
She knew she couldn't cause Lu Li too much trouble.
"Brother, I'll wait for you."
"It's a promise, you must come back as an immortal!"
"Um."
Lu Li gave a heavy reply and breathed a sigh of relief.
He absolutely had to keep this promise!
For the sake of Great Xia, for his family, for his sister, and for himself, he would never break his promise.
However, before that, he wanted to know...
"Sis, why are you here?"
Lu Li's questioning voice came through the jade pendant.