Lu Li was not the only one who had come up with that idea.
After receiving the basic Cultivation Method, the Five Elements Instruction, and the first-tier Spirit Ore that Lu Li had sent over,
All of National Security erupted.
To be precise, it was mainly the research department that erupted.
The researchers at headquarters and the academicians temporarily called in after signing confidentiality agreements were all beside themselves with excitement.
Everyone plunged into the laboratories, putting one testing machine after another to work.
The quantum computer was fed the entire ancient text.
Detailed annotations were projected onto the big screen, one after another.
A 3D simulation was quickly constructed.
"Director Li, research into the immortal cultivation method and the Spirit Ore is proceeding simultaneously."
"And we've already made some preliminary discoveries."
Outside the laboratory's transparent glass wall, Li Yuanchao stood with his hands behind his back, watching the people working busily inside.
He was somewhat surprised as he listened to the report from beside him.
He had not expected progress in just an hour or so.
"What discoveries? Can we purify it efficiently, as Comrade Lu Li said?"
"We haven't reached that point yet."
The clerk beside him looked slightly embarrassed.
But the clerk quickly adjusted their tone and continued the report excitedly.
"However, we've discovered that this so-called immortal cultivation method isn't mysterious!"
"Oh? How so?"
Li Yuanchao's interest was piqued.
What citizen of Great Xia would not be interested in immortal cultivation?
If those mythical tales of flying through the heavens and burrowing through the earth, of living forever without dying, were truly on the verge of becoming reality, no one could resist the temptation!
"We used the country's most advanced quantum computer to analyze and annotate it, and discovered that this immortal cultivation method, the Five Elements Instruction, is remarkably similar to a mathematical formula!"
"A mathematical formula?"
"That's right! A mathematical formula, with Spiritual Power as the answer. As for the Spirit Root Comrade Lu Li mentioned... that's like the ability to solve the problem."
The clerk spoke rapidly, rattling off a string of analogies.
Great Xia's technology in 2099 was far more advanced than it had been in previous years.
Although they could not gain a deep understanding of this immortal cultivation method, they could certainly deconstruct it using mathematical formulas.
"Since we still have no way to control the Spiritual Qi present in the air, the professors in the research department are trying to use a quantum computer to simulate the method's operation."
"Some immortal cultivation methods may be very mysterious, but this basic Five Elements Instruction isn't complicated. Some of its meridian pathways even resemble those found in traditional Chinese medical texts!"
"With the capabilities of a quantum computer, we can use virtual data to simulate the properties of Spiritual Power, equip it with a functional model of a Spirit Root, and input the method's circulation pathways."
"That way, we can create a virtual simulation of a 'cultivator's' cultivation process that's extremely close to the real thing!"
"I expect we'll soon be able to completely unravel its secrets!"
"Good!"
Hearing the conclusion of the report, Li Yuanchao's eyes lit up.
He was undoubtedly very curious about the mysteries of immortal cultivation civilization as well.
If they could glimpse even one corner of it, even if they only gained a preliminary understanding, it would send a tremendous shock through all of Great Xia.
Even the balance of power on the whole of Blue Star would change!
At that thought, Li Yuanchao regarded the matter with even greater importance.
"Send word down. To strengthen our research into and contact with the otherworldly civilization..."
"All personnel from the relevant departments who are involved are to be requisitioned. They will no longer operate under the old system of separate departments."
"Instead, a brand-new group will be established on the spot."
"The resources of the entire bureau must be used to fully support the new group's work..."
"As for the group's name, use the old code name, 749."
"Yes! Understood!"
Hearing the order, the clerk hurried off to announce the momentous news.
News of the 749 Group's formation immediately spread throughout National Security.
It caused quite a stir.
Seven days was not a short time.
For Lu Li, it felt even longer.
Sharing a room with a group of other menial disciples, he had no way to take out the Azure Gold Spirit Ore to cultivate.
He could only laboriously absorb the meager Spiritual Power in the air.
His cultivation had not changed in the slightest.
Sometimes he even wondered whether he was cultivating a fake path to immortality.
At this rate, if I don't rely on outside help...
Who knows how long it'll take me to break through with cultivation alone?
Having completed one circulation, Lu Li slowly opened his eyes.
Somewhat helpless, he walked out of the wooden hut.
I wonder how Director Li and the others are getting on with their research.
With Great Xia's capabilities in 2099, can they efficiently purify the Spirit Ore?
Lu Li looked up at the sky, thoughts flickering through his mind.
Although Azure Gold Spirit Ore was only a lowest-tier material for refining artifacts,
The Spiritual Power inside it was rather impure, and its composition was complex.
Only artifact cultivators or the legendary Foundation Establishment True Persons could completely refine it for other uses.
Qi Refinement menial disciples like them could only draw a little impure Spiritual Qi from it to increase their cultivation.
Although the sect did not permit this, it was nevertheless tacitly allowed.
After all, the menial disciples' cultivation was low, and they could not absorb much anyway, barely scratching the surface at most.
Legend has it that there's something in this world called a Spirit Stone, a true treasure formed from crystallized Spiritual Power.
Whether at Foundation Establishment or Qi Refinement, cultivators can absorb all of it, greatly benefiting their cultivation.
If only I could get some. With Spirit Stones to sustain me, I could definitely break through quickly!
Lu Li sighed inwardly, longing for strength all the more.
And just as his thoughts were wandering,
A powerful fluctuation of Spiritual Power suddenly rose among the distant mountain peaks.
Even from far away, Lu Li could sense that terrifying presence suddenly surging forth!
What is that?
Before he could collect himself,
Golden light abruptly spread over a mountaintop.
A dark figure broke through the clouds and hovered in midair with a rumble.
Immediately afterward, clear, ringing voices rose from among the mountains.
"Congratulations to True Person Bai Yi on ascending to True Lord!"
"Congratulations to True Person Bai Yi on ascending to True Lord!"
"Congratulations, True Lord Bai!"
"..."
One congratulatory cry after another resounded throughout the Azure Pool Sect like rolling waves.
Lu Li's eyes abruptly widened.
"True Lord! Someone broke through to True Lord!"
"A lifespan of five hundred years, the Golden Core Stage!"
"Hiss!"
Seeing such a great cultivator for the first time, Lu Li could not help drawing a sharp breath.
In the eyes of Qi Refinement cultivators, Golden Core True Lords were practically no different from immortals.
Aside from the lifespan they possessed, the power of their methods was even more terrifying.
Even at this distance, Lu Li could sense that sharp presence.
It was clear how fearsome it was.
"True Lord Bai Yi."
"His surname is Bai too. Is that a coincidence? Or..."
At the thought, Lu Li shivered from head to toe.
He was no fool; he had a faint guess as to True Lord Bai Yi's real identity.
"Bai Yi..."
"Could he be a relative standing behind that Bai Sheng?"
"Is this the 'old one' behind the 'little one'?"
Lu Li's pupils contracted sharply.
The nation's analysis really was professional.
In the immortal cultivation world, any slight change or decision could stir up a storm of raging waves, or set off a series of unpredictable reactions.
He had to be careful, careful, and more careful still.
Yes, from now on, I must think everything through before making any decision.
It'd be best to have the nation analyze the risks so I can avoid them in advance. Keeping my head down and surviving steadily is the true way.
After all, my life is extremely important to the nation.
For Great Xia... I must stay alive!