Chapter 93

Before today, no one could have imagined that someone would conduct such inhumane experiments beneath a memorial garden.

Nor could anyone have guessed that the Fang family, seemingly the most righteous among the three major families, would be the initiator of the Porcine Plan.

The contrast between the grand memorial garden and the piles of bones beneath it was indescribably grotesque.

A black mecha, remotely controlled by Ji Fu, broke through the laboratory doors and entered the underground facility.

As the black mecha entered, everyone in the live broadcast could see the entire layout of the laboratory from the mecha’s front-facing camera.

The laboratory was fully equipped, but the most striking feature was the pile of bones in the center.

As the black mecha moved closer, many people noticed that these bones were actually labeled.

【Porcine Plan-01】

【Porcine Plan-4793】 annotated with the first participant in the experiment, a Super Star+.

……

【Porcine Plan-571922】 approaching Special Star level.

Different bones, different codes.

This was no memorial garden; it was a pure live experiment laboratory.

The bones placed in the center were stacked high like some sort of grotesque monument, silently documenting years of hidden atrocities.

At the Fang family residence on Imperial Star, Fang Yanli had a moment where he seemed to lose his sight; his vision went black.

Everything around him turned murky, and the immense pressure on his chest exploded.

“Ugh—” Under intense shock, he vomited a large amount of blood.

When he opened his eyes, everything seemed to be in turmoil; familiar sights collapsed in an instant.

Fang Yanli nearly fell to the ground, but he managed to stay upright by leaning against a locust tree in the yard.

He looked up at the bare locust tree.

This was planted by his father before going to war.

Whenever he returned to the Fang family residence on Imperial Star, he would stand in front of this tree for a long time.

But after so many years, many things had lost their surface glamour, revealing their true hideous nature.

Fang Yanli’s vision blurred.

He no longer knew what was real and what was fake.

Under the severe shock, he vomited blood again.

As soon as he appeared, he couldn’t stop vomiting blood.

An Alliance high official, seeing this, hurriedly walked out of the villa, hesitating on whether to help him.

Before he could act, he heard a commotion in the distance and looked up to see Fang Yukun walking over with a stern expression.

The Alliance high official respectfully greeted, “Master.”

Fang Yukun had a kind and benevolent face, but his cold, cloudy eyes could send chills down anyone’s spine with just a glance.

In an interstellar age where the average lifespan easily reached 200 years, Fang Yukun, at 87, wasn’t considered old; he was still in his prime.

However, after Fang Yanli’s parents died on the battlefield, Fang Yukun’s health rapidly declined.

He aged drastically.

Now, he was white-haired and hunched.

Wearing a navy blue Tang suit, he resembled an ordinary elderly man from Earth millions of years ago when he smiled.

But no one present would treat him as an ordinary old man.

After Fang Yukun arrived, all the guards and the Alliance high official quietly left the courtyard, leaving it to him and Fang Yanli alone.

Fang Yukun hadn’t seen Fang Yanli for some time. Seeing his disheveled state, he coldly remarked, “Look at yourself now, what a sorry sight you are!”

Fang Yanli’s unfocused eyes gathered themselves at this moment. After a long silence, he looked up at his grandfather in the distance.

For the first time, he felt that this family member, with whom he had lived for many years, was so unfamiliar.

“Why?” Fang Yanli stared at him intensely. “That is the Fang family’s martyrs’ cemetery, a symbol of the honor my parents earned with their lives. Why did you do this!?”

His emotions collapsed, and asking this question took all his strength.

Fang Yukun remained silent, his gaze sweeping over the locust tree, his expression stern.

Only now, seeing every reaction, did Fang Yanli realize that Fang Yukun had never been the stern yet loving elder he had believed him to be.

He was, in fact, a true butcher with blood on his hands.

Previously, Fang Yanli had even considered that maybe Fang Yukun had other reasons, possibly being coerced.

But all the facts laid bare mocked his naivety.

Qin Yebai, the Zhou family, the Shen family, all were pawns in Fang Yukun’s hands.

He was the one who controlled everything and was the originator of the Porcine Plan.

“Over twenty years ago,” Fang Yukun suddenly spoke in the deathly silence.

He gazed at the locust tree, his eyes icy, “Your parents were devoured by alien beasts, their bodies never recovered.”

“Those years, the beast tides were frequent, each wave stronger than the last.” Fang Yukun paused, then turned, his emotionless eyes sweeping towards him.

“You ask why I did this?” Fang Yukun’s face was expressionless, “Because there hadn’t been a Special Star level in the entire galaxy for a long time.”

“Yet the alien beasts and plants continued to evolve, the one that devoured your parents was a Special Star level.”

The sky darkened, with no stars or moon tonight.

Fang Yukun blended into the cold night.

The exposure of the Fang family’s martyrs’ cemetery as an experiment site did not elicit much emotion from Fang Yukun.

Because he never considered it a bad thing.

How could it be a bad thing?

What he did was to promote human evolution, to save more people from being swallowed by black holes.

A matter benefiting the entire galaxy and humanity couldn’t be wrong just because a few people died, could it?

When he started the Porcine Plan, Fang Yanli was just an ignorant child.

If Fang Yukun regretted anything over the years, it was neglecting Fang Yanli’s education while busy with the Porcine Plan.

As a result, Fang Yanli grew up with such a naive and rigid character.

Too naive, too rigid.

Not at all like his bloodline.

In the endless night, Fang Yukun coldly stated, “The Porcine Plan was implemented to concentrate power and create Special Star levels to counter increasingly frequent black holes.”

His eyes were cold, “If a Special Star level had been present when the black hole struck, your parents wouldn’t have died, nor would so many soldiers have perished.”

“Do you think the long-standing resistance is a joke?”

Fang Yanli hadn’t expected such a response.

He looked at Fang Yukun as if he had never known this person.

“Concentrate power, create Special Star levels?” Fang Yanli found it absurd, “What about those you used as materials, those you called ‘pigs’? Were they destined to be sacrificed?”

“To achieve great things, sacrifices are inevitable.” Fang Yukun frowned, “You grew up in the Fang family, yet you lack this basic understanding.”

“Which human advancement wasn’t built on blood? Out of the galaxy’s billions, sacrificing a few to ensure stability is a fair trade!”

Fang Yukun coldly eyed him, “Focusing your emotions on these experimental subjects is truly foolish.”

Fang Yanli lowered his eyes, silent for a long time.

His vision blurred again, in the night, he could no longer see Fang Yukun’s expression clearly.

Yet he seemed to feel nothing.

Supporting himself with his right hand, which clenched into a fist, his palm was soaked with blood.

Fang Yanli suddenly laughed softly, “The entire galaxy? Experimental subjects?”

“Those were hundreds of thousands of lives, real people! Your so-called galactic stability is built on the blood and flesh of the innocent!”

Fang Yukun coldly replied, “Didn’t I acknowledge their contributions?”

“I placed the remains of those who made significant contributions in the Fang family’s martyrs’ cemetery, allowing them to enjoy the offerings.”

“When Special Star levels stabilize, humanity will remember their sacrifices, and achieving long-term stability will be their greatest honor!”

His hands were stained with countless blood, absorbing others’ talents, stepping on bones to push his bloody plan, yet in his words, it became these innocent people’s honor!

Slaughter in front of him, justified by galactic stability, making others’ sacrifices seem deserved—how absurd!

Fang Yanli suddenly looked up, “What about Yun Chi?”

He had found evidence in recent days that Qin Yebai had used Yun Chi’s talents to advance to the Special Star level.

“You claim it’s for the galaxy, but Yun Chi’s Special Star level doesn’t count?” Fang Yanli’s face was cold.

“Are you saying that a Special Star level emerging from the common people isn’t the one you want?”

Fang Yukun’s eyes flickered.

Four years ago, the Porcine Plan had been in full implementation for over two decades.

Yet, they still had no Special Star level under their control.

Fang Yanli was an anomaly.

When Fang Yanli first exhibited his talents, Fang Yukun never anticipated that he would ascend all the way to Special Star level.

After Fang Yanli, he didn’t stop the plan.

Because one Special Star level mech pilot was clearly insufficient.

The mech Fang Yanli used, Jimi, was the last one preserved from the early days when there were still Special Star level pilots.

Without Special Star level pilots, even repairing Jimi would be problematic.

Moreover, they needed more Special Star level mechs.

Thus, when the Qin family fell and Qin Yebai took control, Fang Yukun deemed the most valuable asset to be the Special Star level porcine within the Qin family’s jurisdiction.

The Porcine Plan wasn’t executed by him alone; it required many subjects, managed in batches.

Before this, he hadn’t known a true Special Star level had emerged.

But once identified as porcine, it meant their bodies already contained the lethal Rosu element, and Yun Chi was indeed uncontrollable.

Extracting her talents was most beneficial for the greater cause.

“In a team maintaining galactic peace, unstable factors are unnecessary,” Fang Yukun coldly said. “Even if she was a Special Star level, she had no value for cultivation.”

“A non-clan member is inherently alien.”

With these words, Fang Yanli understood everything.

Leaning against the locust tree, he stood up, his face hidden in the night, his voice hoarse, “So, you were never truly concerned about galactic safety.”

“From the beginning, all you wanted was power, the highest position.”

“Those you called porcine, if not persecuted, would have entered military academies, grown up to be pillars of the military.”

Fang Yanli’s vision blurred, making everything indistinct.

Though his eyes failed him, his heart was clear.

Ji Fu was right; he was blind both in sight and heart.

“All this talk of sacrifice and honor is just empty words. Everyone involved in this plan comes from noble families, and the beneficiaries are all noble children.”

“What you really wanted was to consolidate power, not for the entire galaxy, but for your own and the noble families’ insatiable desires!”

Fang Yanli closed his eyes.

His existence had fueled Fang Yukun’s growing ambition.

So one Special Star level wasn’t enough; Fang Yukun wanted to create countless Special Star levels, monopolize top-tier talents that could influence the galaxy’s fate, ensuring the Fang family’s eternal prominence!

To them, how could a Special Star level emerge among commoners?

That was the greatest challenge to their authority, the biggest obstacle to their power plays.

After a moment of silence, Fang Yukun said, “And what’s wrong with that?”

“Those who bear more responsibility should receive more rewards.”

He coldly eyed Fang Yanli, “Don’t forget, you enjoyed everything the Fang family had, all the power it brought.”

“You carry the Fang name, wield power, you’re no different from those you accuse of power-hungry ambitions!”

“Fang Yanli, wake up. The world’s law is survival of the fittest. Do you really think you’re defending justice and fairness?”

Fang Yukun’s voice was grave, “What you’re protecting is just our shared interests.”

These final words pierced Fang Yanli’s heart like a knife.

He let go of the locust tree, stepping back.

His world began to spin wildly.

Amid the chaos, he touched the communicator on his wrist.

Fang Yukun, not far from him, saw his actions clearly but did not retreat.

This child had grown up under his watch, despite not meeting his expectations, Fang Yukun understood Fang Yanli well.

Fang Yukun held a black mechanical cane, tapping it twice, illuminating the entire Fang estate.

He stood under the intense light, coldly saying, “This is the Imperial Star, the place where the common people gather. Around the Fang estate live countless ordinary citizens.”

“If you can’t accept it, you can act here, in front of those you wish to protect, and kill your grandfather with your own hands.”

“Come on, Fang Yanli, step forward! Do it!”

The Fang family, unlike other noble families, had its main residence built near the commoners’ area, separated only by a street but still very close.

Moreover…

Fang Yanli looked down, seeing the communicator’s alert.

[Alert: Large-scale explosive detected]

[Coverage area: 3000 kilometers]

Such a bomb would turn the entire common area into rubble once detonated.

Fang Yanli suddenly laughed.

So this was his grandfather indeed.

Fang Yanli, influenced more by his parents, was diligent after his talents emerged, spending longer periods at school.

As he grew up, he developed his own ways of thinking and acting.

Thus, he was never close to the rest of the Fang family.

Only Fang Yukun had always treated him exceptionally well.

This was the fundamental reason why Fang Yanli had suspected everyone except his own grandfather.

After his parents died, Fang Yukun provided him with ample care and concern.

But in that instant, the image of his loving grandfather suddenly shattered.

Fang Yanli suddenly realized that Fang Yukun’s excessive concern might not have been out of familial love.

Those meticulous concerns only became intense after his talents reached the Ultra Star level.

At that time, in Fang Yukun’s eyes, he finally had value.

Unfortunately, by then, Fang Yanli had already developed his own ability to think independently. Unable to change his personality, Fang Yukun used familial affection as compensation.

Every bit of kindness, every special treatment, had a purpose.

It was all to make him hesitate at a crucial moment, to keep him trapped in inner conflict and pain.

In the years before Ji Fu appeared, Fang Yukun even made continuous efforts to ease his relationships with all the Fang family members. If he couldn’t create another Special Star level, Fang Yanli would be his most important pawn.

From the beginning, Fang Yanli was nothing but a handy tool.

Believing he was standing for justice, all his actions were merely aiding and abetting evil!

Fang Yukun indeed understood him well. After committing so many deeds against the Fang family, Fang Yanli couldn’t ignore the potential destruction of the commoners’ area. He couldn’t turn a blind eye.

Overwhelmed by intense emotions, Fang Yanli summoned Jimi.

The Special Star level mech suddenly stood in mid-air, causing the distant Imperial Star Alliance to sound the alarm immediately.

Fang Yanli simply piloted the mech and turned to leave.

As Jimi broke through the sky, he pressed the communication button, informing everyone at the highest office, “From now on, everyone act immediately and begin eliminating all research facilities!”

A shadow covered his vision, but the blurry sight did not affect his operations at all. He coldly added, “Additionally, search the entire galaxy for the whereabouts of Qin Yebai.”

Unbeknownst to him, after he left, Qin Yebai appeared in the Fang family’s main residence.

He had anticipated Fang Yanli’s intrusion into the main residence.

Yet, upon entering, the scene still made him pause.

Fang Yukun stood in the Fang family’s greenhouse, holding a mechanical watering can, patiently watering the plants.

Despite Fang Yanli’s uncontrollable actions, Fang Yukun seemed unaffected.

Qin Yebai’s eyes flickered.

He guessed correctly; Fang Yukun must have had a hidden card.

He remembered clearly that out of the three talents extracted from Yun Chi, only two were used. The remaining one was in Fang Yukun’s possession.

“Master,” Qin Yebai softly addressed as he approached.

Upon hearing the voice, Fang Yukun suddenly threw away the watering can.

Bang!

The can hit the ground, shattering into pieces.

Qin Yebai watched the can explode, soaking his pants with water.

The can contained Black Sea water.

The pollutants clung to his body, causing immense discomfort.

Yet, Qin Yebai didn’t move an inch, keeping his head bowed.

Fang Yukun took a clean towel from the side, wiped his hands, and spoke directly, “Yun Chi’s incident escalated because of your negligence.”

Qin Yebai’s eyes moved slightly, bowing his head lower, “Yes.”

“Three days,” Fang Yukun coldly said, throwing the soiled towel at him, “Handle it.”

“If you can’t, take your people and leave the Alliance.”

Tonight’s events did affect Fang Yukun.

He rarely showed such violent emotions.

Qin Yebai knew Fang Yukun was furious.

When he took over the Porcine Plan, Fang Yukun had already been implementing it for over a decade.

To this day, what kind of trump cards Fang Yukun held, none of the noble family members, including Qin Yebai, knew.

His Ultra Star level status was achieved under Fang Yukun’s protection.

Thus, Qin Yebai dared not resist.

He also understood this was Fang Yukun’s punishment for conducting unauthorized experiments beyond the Porcine Plan.

The research institute run by Li Qingqing was indeed set up secretly by him without Fang Yukun’s knowledge.

After Qin Yebai left, Fang Yukun stood in the greenhouse for a long time.

The butler cleaned up the broken watering can and the Black Sea water, and had the wilted plants replaced with fresh ones.

His movements were light, careful not to disturb Fang Yukun.

Before he left, Fang Yukun coldly ordered, “Inform the Zhou family.”

“Have Zhou Xing come to collect the last of Yun Chi’s talent serums.”

Even Qin Yebai didn’t know that Fang Yukun had never used the previously extracted talents from Yun Chi.

The Fang family temporarily had no suitable candidates, and Fang Yukun didn’t have anyone either.

The talents were properly stored and preserved until today.

Meanwhile, Ji Fu also received the news.

Fang Yanli’s attitude was very clear.

They were having breakfast when Ji Fu received the news while holding a meat bun made by Qin Chu Yue.

In an era where everyone drank nutritional liquids, Qin Chu Yue recreated food using various nutrients.

Qin Chu Yue was slightly stunned, “The highest office eliminated the research facilities?”

“Yes.” Ji Fu took a bite of the meat bun and with one hand accepted the soybean milk with the straw already inserted by Wei Lan. “Three facilities in a day.”

Qin Chu Yue frowned. “Could this be a trap?”

It’s understandable for her to think so.

The three of them ended up in prison thanks to Fang Yanli.

In her eyes, Fang Yanli could never do anything right.

“No.” Ji Fu’s smile was faint. “The highest office is also searching the entire galaxy for Qin Yebai’s whereabouts.”

Fang Yanli was obviously driven mad by Fang Yukun’s actions.

But more importantly…

Ji Fu spoke softly, “Fang Yukun still has a trump card.”

And that trump card wasn’t Qin Yebai.

Qin Chu Yue’s expression changed slightly. “Could it be a third Special Star level?”

“Who knows.”

Ji Fu squinted slightly. Based on the reactions of the alliance and the noble families, it didn’t seem like there was another Special Star level.

Given Fang Yukun’s nature, if he had such a valuable person, he would have placed them in the alliance by now.

The one with the biggest fist holds the highest authority, after all.

Since there wasn’t, it meant there wasn’t one.

Or perhaps, it had nothing to do with talent.

It’s hard to determine exactly what it was for now.

Ji Fu didn’t have much information on Fang Yukun’s side.

But regardless, the most important thing for them was to quickly enhance their talents.

Time was running out.

Ji Fu finished her meal casually and then immersed herself in the lab.

She still hadn’t finished her potion.

Since returning yesterday, she had been working on it continuously.

Progress was slow, but after reaching the Ultra Star level, the stability of her potion-making had significantly improved.

The potion she was currently making had a long-established formula.

She had mentally rehearsed the process many times, and the steps were very familiar.

All she needed to do was follow the procedure.

Ji Fu put on her goggles and once again threw herself into the experiment.

The lights in the laboratory stayed on until the next morning.

She worked nonstop, going straight through to the end.

Ji Fu lowered her eyes, looking at the pool of potion before her.

After discovering that the mark on her wrist helped restore her talent, she had revised the formula to use a localized soaking method.

Having broken through to the Ultra Star level, there was no need to cut the mark again.

However, this final step still carried a risk of failure.

She added the extracted liquid from the exotic beast material, which was close to Special Star level, into the potion pool.

As one drop fell in, the entire pool turned a dense black.

At first glance, it looked exactly like the Black Sea.

Unlike the previous times, this potion’s surface didn’t reveal its condition, and it was unclear whether it had succeeded.

Ji Fu observed for a couple of seconds, then dipped her hand into the pool.

Upon contact with the potion, the mark on her wrist began to burn intensely.

It was still within tolerable limits.

Ji Fu looked down and saw the pure black potion losing its color rapidly.

The entire pool of potion, after her hand was immersed, kept lightening in color.

Eventually, it turned into a dazzling crimson gold.

As the golden pool shimmered, her pain gradually subsided.

In the end, she felt almost no pain.

She withdrew her hand from the pool of crimson gold.

The first thing she saw was the mark on her wrist.

The mark had transformed after being stimulated multiple times.

When she ascended to the Ultra Star level, the scene was too chaotic for her to notice.

Now, she saw it clearly.

The mark looked like… a coiled golden dragon.

Ji Fu was momentarily stunned.

Lifting her head, she heard an announcement in the lab.

“Talent upgraded to: Ultra Star+”