Chapter 35: Eager to Recruit the Talented

At this moment, experts from various fields gathered at the research institute. Ding Bonian, a glaciologist from the Chinese Geophysical Research Center, and Academician Su Chunyang of the Chinese Academy of Sciences were the first to arrive.

In the olive-shaped conference room, a three-dimensional information map constructed by laser beams was projected before them. A 3D holographic model of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau—home to the world's highest peaks and known as the "Third Pole" alongside the Arctic and Antarctic—rotated slowly in the air.

Su Chunyang gestured toward a glacier and said to Ding Bonian, "Professor Ding, do you remember your glaciological expedition there three years ago?"

Ding Bonian knew he was referring to the Longmai Glacier near the Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon. The memories of three years ago, when he and his student He Yunfei had conducted a comprehensive observation and recording of the geological changes in the Himalayas, flooded his mind like a film.

"I heard that in recent years, due to glacial melting, the geology of the Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon has undergone significant changes. What is the situation exactly?" Professor Su asked with concern.

A look of worry crossed Ding Bonian’s eyes. He sighed, "Indeed, the situation is vastly different now. The ice and snow of the Himalayas, much like the glaciers at the Earth's poles, are melting rapidly. In the past, the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau was home to 46,000 glaciers, accounting for nearly 15% of the global total. But today, the scene is devastating."

He then abruptly shifted the topic, asking, "I have always been curious—the frequent energy releases in that region recently, are they caused by your experiments?"

Just as Professor Su was about to answer, Director Lin Yizhou of the Southwest Academy of Sciences walked in. He signaled his secretary, Feng Ran, to zoom in on a specific location on the plateau. As the image changed, the snow-covered markings became increasingly clear.

"I never expected the snow line on the plateau to change so rapidly over these past few years!" Professor Su Chunyang exclaimed.

Ding Bonian said with a solemn expression, "These are the only remaining important glaciers in the world; you must protect them well."

Director Lin Yizhou cleared his throat and said, "The currently under-explored Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau and the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau not only hold vast material energy but also bear a rich history of human science and culture. In particular, the ethnic minorities who have inhabited these great mountains for generations harbor many secrets unknown to us, awaiting our field investigations and research. Bold exploration and scientific verification—that is the only path to success."

Ding Bonian said half-jokingly, "Although breakthroughs have been made in quantum theory and gravitational wave research, and we have a new understanding of the universe's formation, humanity is still like the blind men feeling an elephant when it comes to obtaining antimatter. Professor Su, your experiments better not trigger any abnormal changes in the Himalayan glaciers! I think we had better keep an eye on you!"

Su Chunyang smiled in response, "Of course, no problem. As long as Director Lin requests it, you are welcome to supervise me at any time."

As he spoke, he turned his gaze toward Lin Yizhou, his expression turning serious. "But to be honest, I am not entirely certain about this experiment; it is still in the testing phase. What worries me most right now is the current state of the glaciers. That is why I have come—to seek help from all of you." He gave a cunning smile and held out his hands in a gesture of request.

Ding Bonian and Lin Yizhou both looked surprised. Seeking help from them? Surely not? Su Chunyang said sincerely, "To be precise, I would like to ask you to request support from the Chinese Academy of Sciences; I want to second a person."

"Second whom? Why be so mysterious?" the others asked curiously.

Professor Ding seemed to have guessed his intentions and asked first, "Are you looking for someone to help you deploy intelligent instruments on the plateau?"

Su Chunyang clapped his hands excitedly. "Exactly! Old Ding truly understands me. I want to second your prize pupil, who is also a guest of Director Lin—He Yunfei."

"What do you need him for?" Professor Ding pressed.

Su Chunyang explained, "I want him to assist me in redeploying new multi-functional intelligent remote sensing detection devices and a trans-temporal mirror on the plateau to obtain the latest information on glacial changes and feedback data from the experiment."

Director Lin smiled and said, "I thought it was something major. Don't you know? The Chinese Academy of Sciences has already decided to send Yunfei to assist you! He will arrive in Kunming in the next couple of days. Feel free to make any requests; he is heading to the glaciers anyway."

Ding Bonian asked skeptically, "Tell me, Professor Su, why must it be Yunfei who deploys them? Can't it be done through precise computer-guided deployment?"

Professor Su said earnestly, "Professor Ding, you know as well as I do that in our entire team, only you and He Yunfei are most familiar with this plateau and have a complete grasp of the glacier conditions here. If I don't ask for your help, who else can I turn to? Moreover, with the glaciers changing so violently, the ice and snow have already melted in many places. We are now adopting a method of human-computer collaboration to ensure absolute safety."

Ding Bonian nodded in agreement, "You are right. He Yunfei is a diligent and enterprising young man. I believe he will complete the mission brilliantly."

Director Lin smiled and emphasized, "Hey, you will have to arrange the aircraft yourselves!"

Su Chunyang said confidently, "Don't worry, we have already contacted the Civil Aviation Administration of China and leased the CX electromagnetic aircraft, designed specifically for high-altitude flight."

Ding Bonian marveled, "Oh, that is an outstanding aircraft, known as the 'Plateau Divine Eagle.' It is the most advanced, safe, and eco-friendly transport tool in the world today. Especially in the complex environment of the plateau, with its lack of oxygen and interference from unstable air currents, it can still maintain steady flight!"

"Exactly, which is why the cost of leasing such an aircraft is not low," Su Chunyang said.

Director Lin patted Professor Su on the shoulder and said firmly, "That's how it should be! To ensure safety and the successful completion of the mission, it must be rented, no matter the cost!"

Professor Su looked around and lowered his voice, "We are currently in a critical period for the 'decisive battle' for new energy and life energy, and our plans have already attracted attention from multiple parties. I have also heard that the 'Ice-Bound DF Project' has been targeted?" A trace of worry appeared on his face.

Director Lin understood what Su Chunyang was referring to—the Chinese Academy of Sciences was about to have He Yunfei carry a top-secret document, with "DF" standing for the exploration and discovery of new fields. He comforted him, "Don't worry, I have already contacted Zheng Hongwei of the Southwest Special Police Corps to assist. You don't need to worry; there won't be any issues." His words were filled with absolute confidence.

"I believe we must be extra vigilant regarding those who have known about our plans, especially companies related to foreign investment..." Su Chunyang said with a serious expression, emphasizing his point once more.

Lin Yizhou understood and nodded silently.

In Yao Kui's home in Kunming, after various attempts at alchemy, Yao Kui realized this was not a simple task and that hope was slim. Thus, he began to pin his hopes on modern life science experiments. Having heard that modern technology using DNA gene conversion could not only reshape the human body but potentially extend life and restore youth, he decided to establish a biological gene research base in Yunnan.

Yao Kui chose Yunnan not only for its beautiful scenery and pleasant climate but also because he valued the region's extremely rich prehistoric biological resources. Sites like the primitive "Cambrian Explosion" fossils in Chengjiang, Yuxi, bear witness to the magnificent chapter of the origin of life; the dinosaur fossils in Lufeng, Chuxiong, dating back over 200 million years, tell the mysterious past of ancient giants; and the fossils of the Yuanmou Man, the earliest human ancestors in Asia dating back 1.7 million years, highlight the important status of this land in the course of life evolution. All these made Yunnan an ideal place to cultivate life.

Relying on his family's vast financial strength, Yao Kui registered and established the Fu-Kui Biological Gene Technology Research and Development Group (abbreviated as Fu-Kui Group) in Kunming, Yunnan, specifically for the research and cultivation of new life. He appointed himself chairman, ready to welcome gene experts to join the cause.

However, the biggest problem currently was the lack of professional, knowledgeable talent.

One day, Duan Jinhu hurried in from outside. Seeing Yao Kui with his back turned, he did not dare to be negligent and quickly cupped his hands in a respectful salute, saying, "Chairman, I have received some news."

Yao Kui seemed numb to all kinds of news and just replied casually, "Speak."

Duan Jinhu asked tentatively, "Chairman, have you heard of the Black Box Prison?"

"You mean that secret prison in Country E?" Yao Kui countered.

"Yes, that's the one. It is said that they are secretly detaining a group of talented oddities, among them a biological gene fanatic named 'Chen the Immortal.' Rumor has it that he possesses extraordinary skills, can perform 'grafting' miracles, and holds a classified secret regarding life regeneration..."

Before he could finish, Yao Kui impatiently interrupted him, his tone full of dissatisfaction, "Stop with the 'it is said' and 'rumors.' Do you have any concrete information?"

Duan Jinhu hurriedly apologized with a smile, "Yes, yes. This time it is absolutely true; it is news passed on by my elder brother from the Black Box Prison."

"Your brother? Who is he? Is he in that prison too?" Yao Kui asked suspiciously.

Duan Jinhu quickly introduced, "My brother is the famous Xiao Biao of the martial arts world, known as 'North Xiao.' He is a student of the Japanese karate master Sawakawa Taro and a ninth-degree karate expert. Has the Chairman not heard of him?"

Yao Kui turned around and looked at him intensely through his large, tea-colored glasses, "So, 'South Duan, North Xiao' refers to you two?"

"I wouldn't dare claim such a title, Chairman. My brother has great skills, I wouldn't dare to be mentioned in the same breath as him," Duan Jinhu quickly waved his hands to explain.

"Don't be humble. It seems, then, that those detained in that prison are all people of ability?" Yao Kui stroked his chin, lost in thought.