As soon as Lin Yuan closed his eyes, fatigue washed over him like a tidal wave, as if every part of his body had been drained, leaving his breathing heavier than before. The Blue Energy Sphere in his hand still radiated warmth; the recent absorption of Oozawa Naoki's cells had sent his Lingqi surging within him, yet his spirit felt utterly depleted.
The dim yellow light of the lamp cast mottled shadows across the cluttered desk and the half-finished coffee cup, making everything seem surreal.
"Just rest for a moment, then meditate to adjust..." Lin Yuan murmured as he slumped back onto the worn-out sofa. He closed his eyes, attempting to gain insight into the flow of Lingqi within him through meditation, hoping to restore his mental strength. After all, he had just endured a tough battle, and his mental energy was severely drained, feeling as if he had stayed up all night preparing a hundred presentations—his head was spinning, and all he wanted was to collapse in exhaustion.
In the stillness of the night, only the rustling leaves outside the window could be heard as the wind blew through. Lingqi still trembled faintly in the air, carrying an almost imperceptible strangeness. Lin Yuan's Intention delved deeper, as if entering another layer of consciousness. He felt like a free-flying bird soaring through an endless starry sky, surrounded by colorful Lingqi light points that flickered in and out, creating a breathtaking spectacle.
Suddenly, a ghostly light silently flowed through the darkness, gradually coalescing into a familiar yet eerie figure. At first, it appeared hazy like mist, but as time passed, its outline became clearer until it revealed a face that Lin Yuan knew all too well and was utterly shocked to see.
It was Han Lingyun. Her image floated like a delicate mist in the air, both real and illusory. She still bore that cold yet alluring expression, her deep-set eyes seeming to penetrate all depths of understanding. Clad in tight black clothing that perfectly accentuated her curvaceous figure, her ample bosom seemed ready to burst forth while her slender waist appeared fragile enough to be grasped with one hand. An aura of deadly temptation radiated from her entire being. Especially those long, fair legs made it hard for anyone not to let their imagination run wild.
"You finally came," Han Lingyun's voice was soft yet guarded, like a faint warmth breaking through icy crystals. The sound sent tingles down Lin Yuan's spine, making him feel weak in his bones. However, he dared not let his guard down; after all, this was someone who had once put him through hell and back—an "old acquaintance."
Lin Yuan suddenly opened his eyes during meditation, his heart racing. He hadn't expected Han Lingyun's consciousness to manifest so clearly.
Logically speaking, shouldn't her consciousness have been completely suppressed by herself? Could there be some hidden agenda behind this?
"How did you appear?" Lin Yuan asked cautiously. As he spoke, he remained on guard, feeling the Lingqi within him begin to circulate slowly, ready to respond to any sudden developments. After all, one must always be wary of others, especially when it comes to a "dangerous person" like Han Lingyun.
A faint smile played on Han Lingyun's lips, her gaze turning complex. "I am trapped within you, but it's not as simple as just a shadow. The Obsidian Empire is developing a new type of Illusion Cultivation Method, a technique that merges technology capable of controlling consciousness with Lingqi." A hint of barely perceptible worry surfaced on her exquisite face, as if she was concerned about something.
Her eyes sparkled with unknown secrets. "This Illusion Cultivation Method is closely related to the secrets within you. It's not just a performance; it's the prelude to a battle." Pausing for a moment, her tone grew serious. "Lin Yuan, you must be careful. This enemy is far more powerful than you can imagine."
Lin Yuan leaned back against the sofa, his brow furrowed. "Illusion Cultivation Method? What exactly is that?" He felt like an innocent bystander caught in a whirlpool of conspiracy, completely clueless about the situation. The Obsidian Empire and the Illusion Cultivation Method—what did they even have to do with each other? Was he really destined to become some sort of superhero saving the world?
"Imagine an illusion so real that it's nearly impossible to distinguish from reality, where people are trapped and their consciousness is completely controlled—struggling only becomes a gift to the enemy," Han Lingyun's voice rose and fell dramatically, carrying a warning. "The Obsidian Empire uses cutting-edge AI technology combined with ancient Spirit Control Techniques to create such an illusion. Their target is you and your power." She extended her slender finger toward Lin Yuan, her eyes filled with concern.
Lin Yuan's heart jolted as his hands instinctively clenched into fists. The lingering fatigue was instantly replaced by an unprecedented sense of urgency. He felt like prey being stalked by a hunter, poised to fall into a trap at any moment. This feeling was incredibly unsettling.
"They want to enter my consciousness?" he asked. "What exactly is hidden within me?"
Lin Yuan's curiosity was thoroughly piqued. He had always thought of himself as an ordinary worker, so how had he suddenly become a coveted figure harboring extraordinary secrets? Could it be that he was truly the chosen one?
Han Lingyun's gaze was intense, as if she could see through Lin Yuan's very soul. "This secret is not just about your personal power; it concerns the future of the entire Lingqi Scientific Cultivation system. The Obsidian Empire has set its sights on you, on the source of that power."
Her words made Lin Yuan feel the weight of responsibility pressing down on him. This was no longer merely a personal grudge; it was about the future of the entire cultivation world.
"So, they want to invade my consciousness with illusions, control me, and even extract the indescribable energy within me." Her expression turned cold, her tone laced with frost. "You cannot let them succeed." Han Lingyun's voice was resolute, leaving no room for doubt. It seemed she held high hopes for Lin Yuan, believing he could thwart the Obsidian Empire's schemes.
Lin Yuan took a deep breath as countless past questions surged in his mind. He recalled Han Lingyun's previous actions—though she was a minor leader in the Qi Gong Association, her methods were cunning and her demeanor hypocritical and ruthless. Yet her attitude toward him had never been straightforward; it seemed to carry deeper implications. Lin Yuan felt he had never truly understood this woman.
"When exactly did you start entangling yourself with me?" Lin Yuan asked, his voice tinged with an unmistakable pain and confusion. He wanted to know what Han Lingyun's true purpose for approaching him was. Was it merely to use him?
Han Lingyun's ethereal form trembled slightly, her gaze flickering. "Perhaps, while you thought I was just an enemy, I had already become an inseparable part of your consciousness. I am not simply an adversary; there are some secrets you are not yet ready to bear."
Her words were ambiguous and elusive, making it difficult to grasp their meaning. Lin Yuan felt as though he were trying to see flowers in a fog—unable to discern the truth.
She paused, her tone softening yet filled with a strong warning: "Be wary of those illusions; they are not mere phantoms. They will force your consciousness to collapse and plunge you into endless darkness. Your mental energy is being excessively drained, which is precisely what gives them an opportunity."
Lin Yuan knew that he could no longer sit idly by; he had to take the initiative and uncover the conspiracy of the Obsidian Empire. Otherwise, what awaited him would be endless darkness.
Outside the window, the city lights shone brightly, illuminating the night while concealing many unknown fears. Skyscrapers stood tall in a row, and the streets were filled with a constant flow of traffic, immersing the entire city in a cacophony of noise. Yet Lin Yuan understood that behind this bustling façade lay countless dangers.
Clenching his fists tightly, he recalled his ironclad oath: “No matter how insidious the Obsidian Empire may be, I must survive and protect this mysterious secret. Even if I find myself trapped in an illusion, I cannot allow their conspiracy to succeed.” He would not let anyone harm those close to him.
He was acutely aware that this path would not be easy. Though he was still shrouded in uncertainty, he knew that it was time to take action. Lin Yuan decided that tomorrow he would investigate information related to the Obsidian Empire and see if he could find any clues.
This was not only for himself but also for those who trusted and followed him. He could not let them down.
Summoning the last of his strength, Lin Yuan entered a meditative state once more, preparing himself for the new challenges ahead. He needed to quickly restore his mental energy to face any potential illusionary attacks that might come at any moment. After all, knowing oneself and one’s enemy is the key to victory in every battle.
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