Yanhai City.
Special Department.
One-Eyed Man and his team returned with their heads held high, like heroes welcomed by admiring gazes. They had braved the depths of Changbai Mountain, venturing in and out seven times, leaving their enemies in disarray. Their bravery was unmatched, a true heroic return.
At least, that's how the story went. Reality wasn't important.
The day they returned, One-Eyed Man went to the scientific research department to personally select members and analyze the treasures they had obtained.
"Old Chen, these items were retrieved from Changbai Mountain with great difficulty. Make sure to examine them thoroughly; they are related to our future," One-Eyed Man instructed.
Old Chen, head of the scientific research department, felt the heavy burden on his shoulders. "Don't worry," he said solemnly, "I'll dedicate this old body of mine to these things. Su Qi, immediately organize a team and begin the research."
"Yes, teacher," Su Qi replied. As Old Chen's prized student with exceptional talent, he was genuinely interested in these strange and unusual objects.
Research on the fragment and the trident could be put aside for now. The only conclusion they had reached so far was that both contained extremely strong energy. The trident could be used as an energy source, consuming its internal energy until it eventually became scrap metal.
"Jin Heli, your task is also crucial. Fully cooperate with Old Chen's research and compile all the historical data on Changbai Mountain, from ancient times to the present. Previous data, compared with the actual situation at Changbai Mountain, is somewhat distorted, mostly superficial content."
One-Eyed Man gave his instructions. He was no longer the One-Eyed Man who idled his days away at Changbai Mountain, but the supreme leader of the Special Department, and everything needed his attention.
"Yes," Jin Heli replied. A workaholic, she never complained, no matter how heavy the workload. Her only focus was completing the task to the best of her ability.
Back in his office, One-Eyed Man received a call from Old Master Xu in Xia City, inquiring about the situation at Changbai Mountain.
One-Eyed Man simply said they had some gains, but not how substantial they were. He didn't elaborate, fearing the old master would ask for a share. The thought alone made his heart ache.
"What's my son doing now? Why hasn't he come back for so long?" Old Master Xu was worried about his irresponsible son, Xu Zihao, who had been in Yanhai City for quite some time.
Hearing this, One-Eyed Man was a bit confused.
Your son?
Has he been in Yanhai City? If he has, I certainly haven't seen him.
What could One-Eyed Man say? He couldn't say, He's not my son, how would I know where he is? In reality, Xu Zihao had been staying at the Special Department, hanging out with Kuang Long.
Qingshan Psychiatric Hospital.
Director Hao stood by the window. In Lin Fan and Old Zhang's absence, his life had been quite relaxed, without many worries. Even his white hair had gradually turned black. This was the result of a good mental state and proper nutrition, his body experiencing its Nth spring.
He was glowing with vitality.
Director Hao rubbed his eyes. Two figures appeared at the entrance of Qingshan Psychiatric Hospital – familiar figures, familiar people.
"They're back."
He put on his coat, composed himself, and pushed the door open.
Xiao Qi, a security guard at Qingshan Psychiatric Hospital, was dedicated to his duty. His situation was somewhat similar to the protagonists in the novels he read, so he firmly believed that as long as he continued working here, he would eventually experience the same adventures.
Immersed in his novels, Xiao Qi was fortunate to be working at Qingshan Psychiatric Hospital, which perfectly concealed his current precarious mental state.
Otherwise, Qingshan Psychiatric Hospital would have had to add another bed.
"Lin Fan, Old Zhang, how was your life outside?" Xiao Qi asked, emerging from the security room.
These two were the only ones who could leave Qingshan while still being patients.
Lin Fan smiled. "Pretty good."
Old Zhang said, "Very happy."
Xiao Qi smiled. "Glad to hear it. Happiness is the most important thing. Hey, where's Young Master Xiao Bao, who used to be with you?"
Even though Xiao Bao wasn't there, he still addressed him respectfully as Young Master Xiao Bao.
The power of money was unimaginable, its influence immense.
"Director," Xiao Qi said respectfully.
"Hmm," Director Hao nodded, then looked at Lin Fan with a smile. "Tired of playing outside, thinking of coming back?"
Lin Fan said, "I wasn't tired of playing outside. I just wanted to come back and see my good friends."
Old Zhang said, "Yeah, Lin Fan and I had a lot of fun outside recently. We experienced so many things, things I've never experienced before."
Director Hao was helpless, thinking to himself, They were such good patients. How did they become like this after hanging out with One-Eyed Man? Can't they hear the welcoming tone in my voice? Why do they have to be so blunt about not wanting to be here?
He felt quite hurt.
Director Hao knew they had been to Changbai Mountain. That place was dangerous. Starry Sky experts had descended, and the strength of various countries was insignificant in the face of these powerful beings. Only in Longguo had there been a change, the emergence of a powerhouse like Lin Fan. Otherwise, the consequences...
It was best not to dwell on it, but they certainly wouldn't have come out unscathed.
The nurses, upon learning of Lin Fan and Old Zhang's return, gathered around, full of longing. They used to be afraid, and now, they were still afraid, but with the director present, they were fearless.
The director was a seasoned expert.
They were training at Qingshan, hoping to learn from him.
In the corridor, Lin Fan stopped Sun Neng. "I remember the money I owe you. I haven't forgotten, but I don't have any money right now. Just wanted to let you know I'll pay you back."
Nurse Sun Neng blinked his wide eyes.
I honestly had forgotten.
For Sun Neng, all he wanted was to survive.
Since Lin Fan and Old Zhang left Qingshan Psychiatric Hospital, life for the nurses had become much better. Li Ang, the "simp," had changed his "goddess" countless times during this period.
Of course, he never actually "got" any of these goddesses, or perhaps he realized they weren't what he had imagined, so he cut his losses midway, escaped the sea of suffering, changed direction, and chose a new target.
At this moment, Li Ang, standing at the back, saw Lin Fan and Old Zhang return. He exclaimed, sensing trouble, and quickly retreated, hiding behind the crowd, silent and inconspicuous as if he didn't exist.
"Long time no see, everyone," Lin Fan waved to the crowd.
Now, it wasn't just the nurses gathered around, but also many psychiatric patients.
"Lin Fan, my research has been successful! Men can have children too! Would you like to be the first test subject? I guarantee you'll become famous!"
"Me too! My theory is correct! I often hear people cheering for me in my sleep, standing on the podium! I'm willing to share it with you!"
The surrounding nurses were dumbfounded.
But they were also used to it.
Anyone unfamiliar with this place, hearing these words, would think they were in some astonishing research institute.
It was all just a bunch of psychiatric patients indulging in their delusions.
Next door to Room 666.
Professor Starry Sky was engrossed in his work. Lin Fan and Old Zhang sat in front of him, not disturbing him, just quietly watching.
After a while, Professor Starry Sky put down his pen, looking at the drawing in front of him with satisfaction.
The picture was a vortex, colorful, predominantly dark, yet exuding a peculiar feeling.
"Do you understand?" Professor Starry Sky asked, pointing at the drawing.
Lin Fan said, "No."
Old Zhang shook his head. "Me neither."
Professor Starry Sky, calm and unhurried, said, "This is what I see."
Lin Fan said enviously, "I envy you for being able to see such beautiful things. Old Zhang and I have never seen anything like it. It's a shame."
Old Zhang said, "I'm so excited. Can you take us to see it?"
The exchange between the three was simple, their train of thought unconventional. Ordinary people trying to communicate with them might be able to manage some idle chatter at first, but gradually, they would surely break down.
"Yes, I can show you tonight. Look up at the starry sky, and you can see these things. I've been studying it recently," Professor Starry Sky said.
Lin Fan and Old Zhang looked at each other, their eyes gleaming with anticipation.
"Okay," they said in unison.
They were both looking forward to what Professor Starry Sky had described. They believed his words; it was a feeling of connection between kindred spirits.
In the office.
Director Hao asked, "What are they doing?"
"Director, they are with Professor Starry Sky," the head nurse replied.
Director Hao pondered. Professor Starry Sky was one of the most severe cases in Qingshan Psychiatric Hospital's history, second only to Old Zhang and Lin Fan. He had been admitted since his youth.
They had tried numerous treatment methods, but none had been effective. Fortunately, like Lin Fan and Old Zhang, Professor Starry Sky lived in his own world, minimally affected by the outside world.
It was obvious why they got along so well.
"I see," Director Hao waved his hand, signaling the head nurse to leave.
Director Hao was proud. The current strongest person in Longguo had come from their Qingshan. He wouldn't take all the credit, but at least he had been under his special care, so he deserved some credit.
In the future...
When he took the stage to give a speech on how he cultivated such a genius at Qingshan Psychiatric Hospital, he had already planned it out...
From his childhood, based on my years of experience, I could already see his extraordinary qualities...
The thought alone made him feel very comfortable.
Night.
Professor Starry Sky was in Room 666.
The nurses patrolled the corridor, holding their breath as they passed this room, not daring to make a sound. Danger always lurked nearby, and a moment of carelessness could lead to utter ruin.
Many people didn't believe this.
And ultimately met their doom in Room 666.
Li Ang was on night patrol tonight. His phone was glued to his hand, his contact list full of "goddesses." For a guy to have a place in his contact list was truly a great honor.
The night was safe.
But it was also terrifying.
The nights at Qingshan Psychiatric Hospital always felt oppressive, as if suppressed by an indescribable atmosphere.
Just get used to it.
Li Ang huddled in a corner, fiddling with his phone, sending messages to his goddesses. Usually, his phone wouldn't receive any messages. Those goddesses knew his job was dangerous, so they never texted him, worried about distracting him and hindering his reaction time in case of danger.
He was deeply touched by their consideration.
Li Ang: My dearest, most beautiful little cutie, the two most dangerous psychiatric patients in our Qingshan have returned.
After sending the message, he waited patiently.
Ten minutes later.
His phone vibrated.
Li Ang smiled. His goddess replied much faster than usual, clearly eager to respond after seeing his message.
Little Cutie: Who?
Seeing this reply, Li Ang beamed. His goddess must have thought he was hurt and was eager to know which two psychiatric patients it was, wanting to avenge him.
He felt incredibly happy.
Even if he were hurt, he wouldn't tell his goddess.
He couldn't bear the thought of his goddess facing danger.
Even a small scratch would make him heartbroken for a long time.
Li Ang: I'm fine. Someone as strong as me can't be hurt by just two dangerous psychiatric patients.
He boasted, telling the biggest lie.
Even someone as outstanding as Li Ang couldn't resist the common habit of bragging in front of his goddess.
Little Cutie: ???
Seeing this reply, Li Ang fell into deep thought.
He was trying to decipher his goddess's meaning.
What did the three question marks represent?
Soon, Li Ang understood. It was his goddess's confusion. Come to think of it, he had only known this goddess for a few days. Although he knew her well, she didn't know him that well.
Realizing this, he knew how to continue the conversation.
Perhaps feeling too clever, Li Ang giggled to himself in the corner.
Occasionally, colleagues passing by heard the sound and wondered if Li Ang had gone mad. The sound sent chills down their spines.
They couldn't understand what he was doing.
Inside the ward.
The three of them leaned against the window, looking up at the night sky. Professor Starry Sky pointed at the sky. "Do you see it?"
"No."
"No."
Lin Fan and Old Zhang replied in unison.
They saw nothing.
They were honest people, never lying. If they didn't see it, they wouldn't admit it. This was a matter of principle, and there would never be any exceptions.
Professor Starry Sky, patient and unhurried, said, "Don't worry, look slowly, look carefully. I believe you will see it. You need to use your imagination. Do you see a vortex in the starry sky?"
"That's an unknown danger in the starry sky, and it's also a danger to humanity. But as long as I, Professor Starry Sky, am here, the danger won't befall you."
As he spoke, Professor Starry Sky's eyes shone with determination.
And even more so, with confidence.
As if declaring, I can protect Lin Fan and Old Zhang.
Hearing Professor Starry Sky's words, Lin Fan and Old Zhang nodded silently, then looked up at the sky intently, their eyes reflecting the stars.
No one disturbed them.
Everything was peaceful.
If a normal person encountered this situation, they would surely sigh silently and mutter, Crazy, not sleeping in the middle of the night, looking up at the starry sky. What the hell can you see?
And just then...
"A shooting star!" Old Zhang and Lin Fan shouted.
Professor Starry Sky's expression turned serious. "Not good, the danger has arrived. We can't stop it."
"Forget it, let's sleep."
His serious expression suddenly became indifferent, as if he had come to terms with it.
Lin Fan said, "Alright."
Old Zhang said, "I'm a bit sleepy too."