Chapter 00181: Recruitment and Deployment (Thanks to Feng Mo S for the alliance)
# Recruitment and Deployment (Thanks to Feng Mo S for the alliance)
Chapter 181
Novel: Above Destiny
Chapter 181: Recruitment and Deployment (Thanks to Feng Mo S for the alliance)
It was indeed fluid alchemy.
All the theories, spiritual circuits, material interference, and spiritual refinement techniques used were derived from the basics of fluid alchemy, or perhaps further extensions of modern alchemy.
Professor Ye naturally knew this.
After all, Ji Jue had submitted everything he knew, but she had only briefly skimmed through the basic theories and applications, completely ignoring the rest.
After confirming there were no hidden dangers, she tossed it back to Ji Jue and didn’t bother with it again.
Just like that, with a casual touch and a shallow understanding, she left Ji Jue miles behind!
While Ji Jue was still engrossed in the basics of fluid alchemy, Professor Ye had already started "reverse-cultivating the divine art"!
If the essence of fluid alchemy was to enhance the intrinsic nature of materials, thereby improving their form and carrier, then why not use it in reverse?
If I lock down the external form of a material, then no matter how pure or powerful its internal essence is, wouldn’t it still be constrained by the limitations of its carrier?
Externally, it would appear as a seal, using common carriers to imprison and restrain spiritual entities.
This could no longer be called fluid alchemy.
Perhaps, based on this, a new school could be developed—solid alchemy?
However, what seemed like a lofty path to Ji Jue held little research value for Professor Ye, who couldn’t be bothered to delve deeper.
"Did you see it clearly?"
Professor Ye reached out and handed him the hardened mercury bead.
Ji Jue pondered for a long time before replying, "I saw it, a little."
"Do you understand it?" Professor Ye asked again.
Ji Jue answered honestly, "The principle, I roughly understand."
"That’s good enough. Take it and figure it out yourself. If there’s anything unclear in theory, analyze it carefully. This will be your coursework for the next while."
Professor Ye waved her hand dismissively, tossing the mercury bead into his hand and returning to her laissez-faire mode: "It’s just a useful application technique for you, not something with great prospects. No need to get too obsessed with it. A shallow understanding is enough."
After all, its application was too narrow.
Techniques for containing and sealing spiritual essence weren’t rare; there were plenty in the transformation branch.
The key lay in their scalability and convenience.
For someone like Ji Jue, who excelled in fluid alchemy, it held significant value.
Once mastered, he could turn mercury directly into a spiritual cage, controlling its capacity by adjusting the amount of mercury.
At the same time, he could store mechanical spiritual essence, calling upon it when needed without cramming everything into his soul.
Otherwise, stuffing all sorts of random things in there over time could lead to who-knows-what monstrosities.
Storing residual spirits in mercury could also prevent the awkward situation of needing to use a soul-summoning bell without any materials nearby.
In any case, the path had been shown to Ji Jue.
How far he could extend and develop it depended entirely on his own needs and the effort he put in.
Professor Ye had no doubts about this.
After all, this freak who could pressure his teacher every now and then would grow wildly, and who knew what monstrous form he’d take?
"Take the next few days to rest. Once the holiday is over, things will get busy."
Finally, back in her study, Professor Ye opened a drawer and took out a box.
"This is for you."
Curious, Ji Jue opened the paper box to find a small, square plastic case inside, resembling some kind of verification key device for a computer.
The entire thing had no visible seams.
When shaken slightly, it felt solid and tightly integrated, almost as if it resisted any mechanical interference.
Beneath the small case was a complete set of credentials and an ID badge.
The badge bore Ji Jue’s official photo.
When he picked it up for a closer look, Ji Jue noticed the title below and was stunned—Deputy Director of the Technical Development Department at Coast Automobile Factory?
What the hell?
Had he just returned home only to be thrown into some shady workshop to make a living?
"Don’t worry, it’s just a nominal position."
Professor Ye waved her hand.
"You don’t need to go to work, and of course, there’s no salary. If you’re interested, you can get involved, but don’t expect those stagnant folks to give you any surprises."
Ji Jue’s face twitched.
Honestly, he didn’t think much of it.
Even the local youth in Cliff City didn’t care much for this brand anymore—decades ago, when Coast Automobile Factory was a symbol of Cliff City, it had its glory days.
Unfortunately, due to policy changes and shifting circumstances, it had rapidly declined, never producing anything influential.
This product of local protectionism was now just barely hanging on, with no real prospects.
Its most famous product was the knockoff vans seen all over Cliff City—copied from the chassis to the suspension to the engine of Universal Heavy Industries’ classic models.
Simple, reliable, durable, and cheap.
Even so, with Universal Heavy Industries gradually lowering prices and offering better benefits, sales had been declining year after year.
A quick glance told you it was half-dead.
Still, even if it was half-dead, it was still a major local enterprise.
How had Professor Ye gotten her hands on these credentials and ID cards?
Surely they weren’t fakes?
"Consider it payment."
Professor Ye sipped her tea calmly.
"Previously, Chen Xingzhou, to ensure someone would take care of his mess, offered me seven percent of the shares. After you meddled around, I saved myself some trouble. Now, I’m the fourth-largest shareholder of Coast Automobile Factory."
"Oh, teacher, you’re amazing!"
Ji Jue immediately showered her with praise, though he couldn’t help but wonder: Given Professor Ye’s status, such a small shareholding probably wouldn’t even catch her eye.
It was practically a liability, right?
Professor Ye glanced at him, not bothering to explain.
She simply pointed to the credentials, signaling Ji Jue to flip to the last page.
There, in the watermark at the bottom, he saw a very discreet emblem.
A spread-winged falcon?
Holy crap?
For real?
Ji Jue stared, wide-eyed, for a long time before instinctively pulling out his phone to search.
After some digging, he finally found confirmation in an obscure corner of Coast Automobile Factory’s official, garbage-tier website.
He couldn’t help but suck in several sharp breaths.
This was insane!
Coast Automobile Factory was indeed trash now, and it might never rise again in the future.
But decades ago, during its founding, the then-governor of Cliff City, whether for profit or political achievements, had pushed it relentlessly.
Combined with the different policies of the time, it had been registered with something rare among companies—military qualifications!!!
Even now, it was still on the military’s list of contractors.
In theory, it had the qualifications to participate in military bids, take on outsourcing contracts, produce military equipment, and maintain facilities… among other things.
Although, due to its failure to seize opportunities, this part of the business had gradually been encroached upon and squeezed out by other companies, leaving it unable to compete.
But qualifications were qualifications!
"With this, you can legally carry weapon prototypes and tools, and access the federal military database to view weapon design blueprints below Class C…"
After finishing her tea, Professor Ye glanced at the stunned Ji Jue and told him:
"All of it."
Ji Jue’s hand trembled.
This wasn’t just an ID badge.
It was a legal gun license! Not just that, if used properly… he might just become Cliff City’s underground arms dealer!
Ji Jue could almost see himself setting aside his conscience and watching his bank balance skyrocket!
"This… is for me?" He still couldn’t believe it.
"Otherwise? Just to mess with you?"
Professor Ye didn’t care about his little thoughts.
"Just one thing—I still have uses for the company. Don’t cause any trouble. Other than that, do as you please."
"Thank you, teacher!"
Ji Jue exclaimed sincerely, his admiration for Professor Ye genuine.
If it weren’t inappropriate, he’d be singing her praises right now.
Professor Ye remained indifferent.
"Don’t thank me yet. The time for you to risk your life is still ahead."
What she pushed over from the desk next was a notice.
The Craftsmen Association’s Taiyi Ring had issued a summons, and Tide Sound Workshop had responded.
Led by the Federal Security Bureau headquarters, numerous masters and craftsmen were being gathered to rebuild fortifications and seals, aiming to completely isolate the Evil Folly and eradicate the cavern disaster!
An unprecedented event in Haizhou in decades!
"The list has already been submitted. You’ll serve as my assistant, participating as my subordinate. If we succeed, you’ll gain some achievements and honors from the sidelines. If we fail, you and I might end up as dust."
Professor Ye finally asked, "We leave for Spring City in seven days. Any issues?"
Ji Jue didn’t hesitate to thump his chest:
"Through fire and water, teacher!"
A big shot leading a team, teaching, guiding, and hands-on practice, with potential loot to boot—who wouldn’t jump at the chance?
.
"Hey, Brother Feng. Got a moment?"
As soon as he reached the garage, Ji Jue couldn’t wait to call Lu Feng.
"What’s up?"
The voice on the other end was lazy, rhythmic, as if he were scratching his foot.
Stealing a moment of leisure.
If Ji Jue was taking the time to greet him, it couldn’t be too serious.
"There’s a job. I need you and Sister Laila to lend a hand."
Ji Jue said, "In a few days, I’ll try to get you both weapon permits. If we’re lucky, we can upgrade our gear."
"Damn, that’s exciting!"
Lu Feng sat up, rubbing his hands eagerly.
"Who are we killing? The governor?!"
"The governor can wait. Let’s start with our old trade…"
Ji Jue rubbed the bridge of his nose.
"You haven’t forgotten how to weld sheet metal, have you?"
"Are you kidding? I’ve seen more chassis and engines than you’ve touched girls!" Lu Feng thumped his chest, excited.
"Is it about that self-propelled artillery we were planning to get our hands on?"
"While there’s been some progress, it’s not that."
Ji Jue turned to look at the little ox-horse behind him, which was wriggling around for attention, and patted its body.
As the saying goes, before the troops move, the supplies must go first…
A good horse needs a good saddle.
The little ox-horse had been hungry for so long, never having been properly fed.
It was time for a luxurious overhaul!
He picked up his phone and showed an image of an armored vehicle to the headlights, smiling.
"How about external composite armor, double-wishbone coil spring independent suspension, a spirit-shifting main and auxiliary transmission, and a rhino-mounted heavy machine gun?"
Outside the window, the speeding little ox-horse left the factory gates, racing into the distance.
Meanwhile, Professor Ye’s gaze finally fell on the old-fashioned landline phone in the corner, ringing incessantly.
A dedicated line.
"Director Yan?" Professor Ye picked up the phone, curious.
"I thought I made my stance clear. Or are you still bitter about the loss and looking for a chance to regain some face?"
"Just a few clone mouthpieces, tearing them apart for fun doesn’t matter. I’d like to think we still have some rapport."
A gentle voice came from the other end.
"Besides, further education is a matter of mutual willingness. Forcing it doesn’t work. If he’s not interested, we don’t mind. This is just a gesture. The hospital acknowledges this connection."
"Is that so?"
Professor Ye’s brow slowly furrowed.
"So, no good news?"
"That depends on who you ask…"
Yan Xueqian sighed softly.
"The lab just gave its report. Comparing it with past treatment records, I can conclude: the efficiency of the Vortex Implantation Method has declined again. The mutation rate of related flesh-crafting techniques has also decreased, while the fixed constants of the transformation branch’s spiritual frequencies have increased."
Even if the changes were minuscule, down to the hundredth decimal place, no matter how insignificant.
Change was still change.
It didn’t come from nowhere, without cause.
According to the measurements, all the techniques, rituals, and related technologies within that temporal ruin’s core had shifted slightly toward the Good.
In other words, after that night, the Good had strengthened a tiny bit, while the Evil Folly had weakened a smidge.
One rose, the other fell.
"In other words…"
"Exactly. The fourth observable shift from Evil to Good this year!"
Yan Xueqian chuckled.
"Aren’t you going to tell your student about his great achievement? Without a doubt, he has the qualifications to reshape the world."
"Too early. I’ll tell him when I, as his teacher, am satisfied."
Professor Ye said indifferently.
"Until then…"
"I understand, I understand."
Yan Xueqian replied knowingly.
"Patient confidentiality is a doctor’s duty."
"Is it? What about dragging patients onto the operating table for research?"
"Saving lives is never easy. Sometimes, it requires a little… cooperation from the patient."
Yan Xueqian’s tone grew意味深长.
"After all, materials don’t walk into the furnace on their own, do they?"
"Perhaps?"
Professor Ye finally told him, "Materials might walk into the furnace on their own, but if someone reaches into my furnace, I don’t mind adding a few more materials."
The call ended.
In the silence, Professor Ye gazed at the sunlight outside the workshop.
Through the slightly open window came the endless sound of the tide.
Suddenly, she felt the urge to call Ji Jue back and give him a beating…
Was being a teacher this exhausting?
She hadn’t been this troublesome back in the day!
(End of Chapter)