Chapter 143: Let Us Be Shocked Together

When Youya proposed this hypothesis, Ye Chen’s expression turned grave.

Although the choice provided by the "Trigger Mission" suggested that Inner-Essence Stones were something to be avoided, he had taken comfort in their rarity, assuming they were not yet in widespread use. This gave him the illusion that the unknown side effects of the stones remained within a controllable range.

But now, witnessing someone extending greedy tentacles toward these stones with the goal of mass production, Ye Chen finally understood that the demon known as "greed" was thoroughly corrupting the Research Institute—or rather, the entire Energy City.

Youya continued her explanation, further solidifying Ye Chen’s suspicions: "As far as you know, the current method to increase one's Inner-Essence Value is through the injection of Inner-Essence Stone extracts, but that is only one way. Another method we are aware of is the forced extraction of Inner-Essence Value from others to claim as one's own—a concept that is theoretically achievable.

"Inner-Essence Value is a manifestation of a person's spiritual power. If the Research Institute were to deliberately create a batch of child awakeners and extract their essence, the injected subject could achieve a qualitative leap in power. The cost, however, is that the children, once drained, would likely become mindless vegetables or die outright. That is the true cruelty of this research."

Ye Chen was stunned, his mind racing: *So that’s how it is. Because Inner-Essence Value is tied to an individual's spiritual will, an adult's strong autonomy leads to greater resistance. But the untainted hearts of children allow their spiritual will to be more easily consumed and merged.*

*It is essentially transforming living human lives into cold, unfeeling stones. Whoever came up with this wicked scheme... these beasts will stop at nothing to gain power; it is an unforgivable affront to heaven.*

*To take lives to strengthen oneself—the Energy City’s Research Institute truly deserves to be destroyed.*

It took a long while for Ye Chen to compose himself, mentally adding another heavy count to the list of the Research Institute’s sins.

The class shifted to the Q&A session. A student raised their hand eagerly: "Why is the Research Institute so obsessed with somatic-system awakening? Why not bother with artifact-system or elemental-system research?"

The teacher rolled her eyes, clearly finding the question foolish, and retorted sharply: "You just happened to stumble upon a self-awakened artifact—do I really need to explain this to you?!"

Ye Chen had an instant epiphany. *That’s right. Rather than researching how to turn inanimate objects into awakened artifacts, it’s far more efficient to explore the ruins of pre-human civilization. In the process of scavenging, one might just stumble upon one or two powerful self-awakened artifacts.*

*Speaking of which,* Ye Chen suddenly recalled something he had overlooked. *I’ve already reached D-rank; isn’t it time to find a way to fill the second sphere in my storage space? I wonder what changes that will bring.*

"As for the elemental system, just look at the guns and ammunition you use. Which bullet or shell doesn't contain elemental energy?"

The student nodded, finding the logic sound. An awakener had to expend precious Inner-Essence Value to release elemental skills, whereas firing a gun only cost money. The comparison of which method was more convenient was obvious. The advent of firearms allowed ordinary people to become elemental awakeners capable of rivaling those from the wasteland.

The teacher’s lesson concluded to the satisfaction of the students, and now it was Ye Chen’s turn to perform. Youya tilted her delicate chin, signaling: *Speak up. If you can’t provide a satisfactory answer, see how I deal with you.*

Ye Chen rubbed the tip of his nose. "Are you sure you want to stand here and listen to me?"

Youya instinctively reached to adjust her glasses, only to realize she wasn't wearing them today. She didn't understand why he would ask that. Ye Chen was simply worried that she might be so shocked later that her legs would go weak, shattering her "goddess" aura.

"Before we start properly, I want to ask: what is your awakening rank?"

Irritated by the delay, Youya’s brow furrowed, her expression turning icy. Just as she was about to lash out, Ye Chen added, "This is relevant to my explanation!"

"You had better not disappoint me, otherwise..." the teacher warned, her voice laced with annoyance.

*Otherwise what? Are you going to threaten me?* Ye Chen thought, feeling emboldened.

"B-rank!"

*Holy crap! You really could end my life.*

*Good thing I didn't plan on bluffing my way through this, or you would have beaten the living daylights out of me.*

Ye Chen stood in shock, his eyes wide as he mentally filled in the rest of that "otherwise." He truly hadn't expected the cold, aloof goddess to possess such formidable combat power, and he found himself even more interested in her awakening ability.

However, he wouldn't dare press her further now; it was time to deliver his findings. As for his plan to hear Youya call him "teacher," that would have to be postponed. At the very least, he would have to reach B-rank himself first.

Youya seemed satisfied with his reaction; the message was clear: *Don't tease me again, boy. I'm a fire you can't afford to play with.*

"Ahem!" Entering "showdown" mode, Ye Chen cleared his throat and spoke unhurriedly: "Listen well, I will only say this once. I have mastered a technique of breath control that alters my respiratory rhythm and heart rate. Through repetitive practice, I can increase my Inner-Essence Value. If I recall correctly, when we spoke at the Institute last time, I said my value was 375. As of this very moment, I am at 811."

This was the latest data from when he finished his cultivation earlier that day. He hadn't slackened off for even a second.

"What!!!"

The massive cry of surprise echoed through the entire courtyard, scaring a stray cat perched on the wall so badly that it bolted. Everyone in the house, busy drinking tea and chatting, rushed into the courtyard, looking up at the two people on the balcony.

The two smokers under the tree turned their heads in unison. Her brother, You Zhi, had never seen his sister lose her composure like this—not even when making major experimental breakthroughs did the usually icy, aloof sister reveal more than a faint, confident smile.

Now, You Zhi looked across the courtyard, his eyes filled with confusion. He saw his sister’s expression, a mix of shock, bewilderment, hesitation, and delight. If he wasn't mistaken, the cause had to be this young man who hadn't joined the Transcendent Institute long ago.

As for Youya, she was a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. She gripped the railing tightly, finally understanding why the man opposite her had suggested they not talk here. She felt as though her entire body had stiffened, her legs turned to jelly. Had it not been for the support of the railing, she would have collapsed to the ground.

So much for the cold goddess, the wise Chief of the Transcendent Institute, the B-rank expert—she was none of those things right now. She was merely a woman stunned, scorched, and left completely breathless by this earth-shattering news.