20: Chapter 20 still has loot to show!

Being stared at by so many national-treasure-level figures with looks as if gazing upon a deity, Chen You felt his scalp tingle and the pressure was immense.

He opened his mouth, wanting to utter some impassioned, inspiring words.

But reality was...

"I... I don't know how to teach it." Chen You's cheeks felt a bit warm as he scratched his head awkwardly.

Facing Director Li and the group of experts' expectant gazes, he told the plain truth.

"I was able to change my class to Cultivator because the game system detected the huaxia civilization."

"And the reason I went from an ordinary person directly to the first level of Qi Refinement is... because I took a pill."

"A pill?" Director Li's eyebrow arched.

"Yes, it's called the [creation pill]." Chen You explained in detail.

"It was in that 98-million package. The cultivation method was the same—the game just made me learn it directly, like installing software on a computer. With a 'beep', I knew it."

"As for the specifics of how to get started, how to guide Qi into the body... I'm not clear on that right now either."

This dose of plain truth instantly cooled the fervent atmosphere in the conference room.

The ecstasy faded from everyone's faces, replaced by deep thought and a hint of poorly concealed disappointment.

So that's how it is.

This path to the extraordinary was not a broad, open road for all to walk.

It was more like a door requiring a special 'key' to open.

And currently, the only keys were those miraculous items within the 'Source Realm'.

The only key-seeker was Chen You.

Chen You's value, at this moment, was elevated once again.

"However, I think we might discover some methods of imparting knowledge through subsequent cultivation," Chen You added.

After all, based on his understanding of the Cultivator system, it clearly wasn't a faction limited to a single individual.

Whether it was teaching methods or other pills to help people get started, they must surely exist.

"I understand," Director Li said.

Director Li's reaction, however, took everyone by surprise. He showed not a trace of disappointment, instead growing even more composed.

Within his profound eyes, an entirely new strategic blueprint was already taking shape.

He stood up, surveyed the room, and delivered his conclusion with unwavering certainty.

"From this moment on, the 'Pay-to-Win' project team enters Phase Two. All plans are to be readjusted, revolving around three core objectives."

His voice wasn't loud, yet it carried an unquestionable authority.

"First!"

Director Li's gaze fell upon tactical team leader Zhang Yunhai.

"Reality-based intensive training for Comrade Chen You commences immediately! It starts tonight!"

"Huh?" Chen You was so startled he almost jumped up.

Tonight? I just barely escaped death in the game!

Director Li ignored Chen You's protest. His logic was clear and cold.

"Every near-death experience you have in the game will be reflected in your real-world body and mind. You must possess the physique and willpower to withstand all of it."

"We cannot pin all our hopes on the [substitute talisman]. Your body is the fundamental vessel bearing all strategic value; it cannot be allowed to fail."

Zhang Yunhai shot to his feet, heels clicking together, delivering a crisp military salute.

"I guarantee the completion of the mission!"

Looking at the officer's stern, unyielding features, Chen You felt a chill run down his spine.

He had a premonition that his days ahead might be even more miserable than fighting monsters in the game.

"Second!" Director Li raised a second finger, this time looking directly at Chen You.

"Your primary mission in the game has changed."

"From now on, collecting equipment, weapons, materials—all take a back seat."

"Your core objective is to spare no effort, at any cost, to obtain pills similar to the [creation pill], as well as cultivation methods and natural treasures that can directly enhance cultivation!"

"We need to verify whether these 'keys' are equally effective for others!"

Director Li's ambition was laid bare for all to see at this moment.

He didn't want a single superhero.

What he wanted was a brand new era where the extraordinary could be for all!

Chen You's heart gave a sudden, heavy thump.

If they could truly enable others to set foot on the path of Cultivation... the future of huaxia would be unimaginable.

"Third!"

Director Li turned to the data analysis and tactical teams.

"Formulate a plan for Comrade Chen You to reach level 10 at the fastest possible speed. Then, focus all efforts on realm advancement."

Data analysis team leader Sun Feng nodded.

"Correct," Zhang Yunhai interjected first. "Reaching level 10 is the minimum threshold to unlock the guild system and dungeon functions."

"In the game, rashly adding individual friends is uncertain for obtaining real information and carries a high risk of exposing one's identity."

"But a guild is different. It's a massive hub for information exchange."

"Chen You can lurk there. Without actively exposing himself, he can learn more about the deeper rules and secrets of the 'Source Realm' by observing the chats of other high-level players."

"And dungeons, based on conventional settings in all games, will be the primary source of rare resources and equipment!"

"The pills we need are most likely there!"

After listening, Director Li nodded with satisfaction.

"Proceed accordingly. All departments are to provide full cooperation. We must forge Chen You into a god before the thirty-day newbie protection period ends!"

The atmosphere in the conference room was ignited once more.

Everyone was invigorated by this grand and clear-cut plan. Each person clearly understood the magnitude of the endeavor they were about to participate in.

Only Chen You felt as if Mount Tai itself had been placed upon his shoulders.

Leveling up, hunting for pills, and then coming back to be drilled by special forces... was there any hope left in life?

Just then, as if remembering something, Director Li added a final instruction.

"Additionally, the project team requires expansion. Contact the Academy of Social Sciences. Bring in our nation's top linguists and sociology experts."

"We need people who can analyze the language systems, social structures, and behavioral patterns of different civilizations within the 'Source Realm'."

He paused, then delivered the final order.

"The meeting is adjourned. Everyone..."

"Director, wait!" Chen You hurriedly spoke up.

"The equipment from the Vengeful Spirit General!"

"I can't use it in the game. We can take it out for research first."

As soon as the words left his mouth, under the astonished gazes of everyone present, a slight ripple appeared in the space above Chen You's outstretched palm.

*Swish!*

A vicious-looking battle blade, emitting a faint black aura, materialized out of thin air. It landed on the conference table with a heavy, dull *clang*, bringing with it an aura of Yin coldness.

Immediately after, a suit of black armor, covered in cracks and marks as if hacked by blades and axes, manifested and thudded down heavily beside the blade.

[vengeful spirit battle blade] (Rare)

[Damaged General's Armor] (Rare)

Two pieces of Rare-quality equipment lay there quietly. Their very existence was a blatant defiance of the laws of physics.

"And a military tally," Chen You said, attempting to retrieve the quest item as well.

But he soon frowned.

"No good, this tally can't be taken out," he shook his head at the group.

"Probably because it's a quest item, so it can't be removed from the game scenario."

This was the most reasonable explanation Chen You could think of.

The group didn't dwell on this discovery much. Everyone's attention was completely captivated by the two pieces of equipment on the table.

Especially materials scientist Qian Zhonghua.

He practically threw himself at the conference table. His gloved hands trembled as he carefully stroked the black battle blade.

His expression wasn't that of someone looking at research material, but more like seeing a long-lost relative.

"My heavens... this... this texture..."

Qian Zhonghua's breathing grew rapid. He adjusted his reading glasses, leaning in even closer until he was almost pressed against the blade.

"A perfect damping structure, an unbelievable energy conduction path... This black aura isn't decoration; it's a... an active energy field!"

He then turned to the damaged armor.

"And this! Its material density is at least thirty times that of titanium alloy, but its weight is unbelievably light!"

"These cracks aren't simple physical damage either; they contain traces of high-intensity energy erosion!"

Qian Zhonghua was so excited he became incoherent. He jerked his head up, his bloodshot eyes fixed intently on Director Li, his voice trembling.

"Director Li! Give them to me! Give them both to me! I promise, just one month! No! Two weeks!"

"I can improve the performance of our individual exoskeleton armor by at least three generations! Our aircraft skin technology will leap directly into a new era!"

This national-treasure-level titan of materials science was now as agitated as a child begging for candy.

Everyone in the conference room was infected by his fervor.

They might not understand the technical jargon, but they all grasped the weight of his final statement.

It was a leap in technology!