Chapter 154: Mentally Ill Patients with Secrets?

Yanhai City, Special Department Research Lab.

This was the most crucial location within the Special Department. The丹药 (medicinal pills) used by members for cultivation were all researched and developed here. Naturally, analysis of monster corpses also took place here.

Extracting useful substances from monster corpses was a difficult task. If it weren't for these dedicated scientists working day and night, the members wouldn't have access to these valuable resources.

A group of staff in white lab coats bustled around the operating machinery.

The leader of the research lab was an elderly man, small and thin, with a full white beard and deeply sunken eyes. Despite his age, his eyes held a sharp intelligence – a curiosity and pursuit of the unknown.

He was one of the few remaining top experts in the country, holding a high position and countless honors. Even One-Eyed Man dared not disrespect him.

Were the experts graduated from the Four Academies highly regarded?

Naturally, they were.

Protecting the safety of human lives, ready to sacrifice at any moment, their high status and benefits were universally acknowledged. Anyone who had objections could follow suit, risking their lives for human safety, and they too would be granted the same status and benefits.

If they didn't dare, then they shouldn't complain. They should try walking in their shoes.

"Old Chen, have you analyzed what this thing is?"

One-Eyed Man inquired. He didn't understand these things at all and could only leave them to the professionals. Moreover, this came from the body of the monstrous cockroach, and it definitely held a significant secret.

"First, rule out artificial origins."

Old Chen looked at the electronic screen in his hand, various data constantly changing. Then he looked up at the fragment placed in the center of the machine, scanning it from all angles, exploring the mysteries within.

He observed it meticulously. Even when One-Eyed Man appeared beside him, he didn't even glance up.

Jin He Li, standing behind him, adjusted her glasses and said, "The monstrous cockroach from thirty years ago and this one are not the same individual."

Old Chen looked at the young woman, Jin He Li, and asked, "How are you certain?"

"I just reviewed the records and final reports from the monstrous cockroach incident thirty years ago. I found that there were no fragments inside the monstrous cockroach after it died." Jin He Li analyzed the situation. Then, comparing the old reports with the current ones, she continued:

"Compared to the monstrous cockroach from thirty years ago, this one possesses an incredibly resilient body. The one from thirty years ago died after having half its body destroyed."

Her analysis was sound, and her data was well-prepared.

The truth of any matter required substantial data as proof, not mere speculation.

Jin He Li's ability to achieve this at such a young age marked her as a professional talent.

Stroking his beard, Old Chen pondered for a moment and said, "If you're right, then this monstrous cockroach is likely a mutated variant. This isn't good news for us."

Jin He Li said, "Indeed, that's a possibility. But based on my speculation, this type of mutation is extremely rare. If hundreds of these mutated types appeared, humanity wouldn't stand a chance."

"Yes, your speculation is correct," Old Chen agreed.

For some reason, One-Eyed Man felt a bit out of place, as if he couldn't quite join their conversation.

Was his intelligence insufficient?

Or was his status too high, making them nervous?

This was a situation worth pondering.

At this moment, Old Chen looked at One-Eyed Man and asked, "Do you believe in ancient myths?"

Hearing this question, One-Eyed Man immediately perked up. He couldn't appear ignorant.

"I do," he answered firmly, wanting everyone to know that One-Eyed Man was decisive and never hesitated.

"Why?" Old Chen asked.

One-Eyed Man smiled. "Let's start with the current Four Great Academies. They have clear cultivation levels. Reaching higher realms breaks the limits of the human body, drawing upon the power of heaven and earth, which can be considered mythical. As for ancient myths, I think they are simply stronger than us."

After saying this, he waited quietly.

However, after he finished speaking, Old Chen simply kept smiling.

What did that mean?

One-Eyed Man couldn't understand the meaning behind Old Chen's smile. If he was wrong, Old Chen could just say it directly. Why be so mysterious? Was he trying to embarrass him?

If that was the case, he would be disappointed.

One-Eyed Man might not have many skills, but he was strong. Old Chen might surpass him in scientific research, but he could fly and move through the earth. If he said he could do these things, no one could deny it.

Old Chen said, "Can you regenerate after having half your body destroyed like the monstrous cockroach?"

"Of course…" One-Eyed Man was about to blurt out "yes," but after hearing the full question, he laughed and said, "Old Chen, you've asked a question I don't know how to answer. Those are monsters. They have that kind of regenerative ability. How could we humans possibly achieve the same?"

Then, as if realizing something, One-Eyed Man exclaimed in astonishment, "Old Chen, do you mean…"

His eyes widened in disbelief.

Old Chen slowly said, "After decades of research, only today, while studying this fragment, have I been able to confirm one thing: the figures in ancient myths may very well have existed."

"Thirty years ago, our research on the monstrous cockroach's blood revealed a strange genetic structure. It only shared 10% similarity with cockroaches. The other 90% belonged to another species, but we don't know what that species is because we've never seen anything similar. The most likely explanation is mutation."

"But other monsters have prototypes in the animal kingdom, with a genetic similarity of 90%."

"As for this monstrous cockroach, the research on its blood has yielded even more unbelievable results. We've discovered a substance we've never encountered before, a type of energy, simply put."

The issues Old Chen raised were summarized from years of research. Jin He Li's expression shifted as she listened.

One-Eyed Man remained expressionless. It wasn't that he wasn't surprised, but rather that he was a bit confused. He didn't quite understand what was being discussed.

He couldn't appear clueless, so he had to pretend to understand.

He nodded repeatedly.

"I see," One-Eyed Man said with a serious expression. Who could tell he was lost?

Jin He Li asked, "Old Chen, when will the analysis of this fragment be complete?"

"It will take some time. We'll notify you if there are any developments," Old Chen replied.

With current technology, it shouldn't be a problem; it just required time.

Despite his age, Old Chen was full of energy, a research fanatic who often forgot to eat and sleep when encountering something novel.

After One-Eyed Man and Jin He Li left, Old Chen circled the machine, carefully observing the fragment.

He had something he wanted to say but held back. He suspected that this fragment might be related to the myths he mentioned, but without any evidence, he didn't voice his thoughts.

Outside, Jin He Li said, "The reinforcements from headquarters will arrive tomorrow morning. You'll need to greet them."

"It's already over. What are they coming for?" One-Eyed Man asked.

Jin He Li shook her head helplessly. No one expected the incident to end so quickly. This battle was supposed to be a matter of life and death for Yanhai City.

The experts from headquarters were definitely meant to help.

But now... they were clearly making a wasted trip.

"Oh well, I'll treat them to a meal and some drinks tomorrow, then send them off. There are plenty of headaches to deal with now." One-Eyed Man pondered for a moment, then decided to have a good drink tomorrow. The city had suffered heavy losses, and making those who came to help contribute a little might not be a bad idea.

"That's your business, just don't cause any complaints."

"The preliminary estimate of the economic losses from this battle is around 13.2 billion. Thirty-two civilians died, including orphans and widows who have all been registered and will receive a monthly subsidy of 8,000."

"Fourteen department members were killed in action. Those with wives and children will be supported by the Special Department, along with a one-time subsidy of 20 million. Their funerals will be held with the highest honors, and reports will be submitted to headquarters to apply for medals of valor."

Jin He Li's expression was serious as she spoke about these matters.

"Damn it!" One-Eyed Man clenched his fists, his face fierce. "Those damned monsters, I'll exterminate them all one day. The arrangements for the deceased are good. Someone should visit the families of the fallen every month. If they encounter any difficulties, they can report to me, and I'll resolve them."

"Understood," Jin He Li nodded. "Then where will tomorrow's banquet be held?"

One-Eyed Man waved his hand. "No damn banquet. Tomorrow, arrange for those arriving to join me in visiting the families of the fallen. Let them see that the members of Yanhai City, even when facing terrifying monsters, have no cowards among them."

Jin He Li agreed, then said, "I've investigated their backgrounds. I hope you'll send those two back to the mental hospital. This is the Special Department, responsible for the safety of all Yanhai City citizens. I hope you'll be cautious."

One-Eyed Man, about to leave, stopped without turning around. He slowly said,

"Do you know why the monstrous cockroach died this time?"

"I don't," Jin He Li shook her head.

One-Eyed Man smiled. "To be honest, it has something to do with the mentally ill patients you mentioned, but I don't want to say too much. Just remember, I became the head of the Yanhai City Special Department not only because of my strength but also because of my ability to judge character."

"You're still young. You can only see the surface, but not the deeper things."

"You still have a lot to learn."

"However, I'm very optimistic about you. Keep up the good work."

With that, One-Eyed Man turned and left, his back exuding a faint air of arrogance. If he didn't have some real strength to back it up, his posturing could be dangerous.

"Does it really have something to do with them?" Jin He Li frowned, lost in thought.

Then, she smiled.

Mentally ill patients with secrets?