Facing Ke Xiao's invitation, Xia Li fell into deep thought.
It wasn't anything else—mainly that he had been badly burned before and really didn't want to casually get involved with any faction again.
"Xia Li, our organization is called Hidden Wing. Though we're a black market force, we have quite a few officials backing us. Our specialty is robbing other criminals, but we're much cleaner on the inside."
Ke Xiao explained the organization's background. They were a relatively rule-abiding underground force that also handled jobs for officials who couldn't act openly.
Overall, they were essentially half-legitimate.
An existence with connections in both the underworld and the establishment!
"What's the mission system like? Assigned or voluntary?"
"No assignments except in emergencies."
"So basically free?"
"Yes."
Ke Xiao nodded. Their organization had a dedicated mission posting network where members could decide whether to accept jobs.
"I'm in."
Xia Li agreed. Why wouldn't he join a force with connections on both sides?
"Smart. The Hidden Wing Type-2 Heaven Chip would cost at least fifty spirit stones on the market. Charging only ten is an organizational benefit."
"Are there any benefit models for Spirit Cores?"
"Unfortunately... no. But I can authorize a free upgrade to the Yixiu Type-5. The cultivation ceiling is the same, but all other specs are fully upgraded. This was the hottest model back in the day. How did that slogan go..."
"Right—'Choose Yixiu, no worries. Type-5 universal, conquer the world. Even cats and dogs say it's good!'"
"Wait, cats and dogs say it's good? How?"
Xia Li was confused. That was quite a slogan.
"With their mouths. The Yixiu Type-5 is so versatile that even cats and dogs can have it implanted."
"Holy shit!"
Xia Li couldn't help but blurt out an old-era expletive. It really wasn't picky about users—it didn't even discriminate by species.
"I'll upgrade your prosthetic arm for free too. Use the Military Type-1."
Ke Xiao indicated she could also authorize a better prosthetic for Xia Li.
"Wait, I chose Type-2, and you're upgrading me to Type-1? Is that an upgrade or a downgrade?"
"Military models are different. Type-2 is a stripped-down version of Type-1, made cheaper for mass deployment. Type-1 uses better materials and has superior specs across the board."
"Alright... one last thing. Can you remove this barcode on my face?"
"Of course. That's the freedom I promised you."
Ke Xiao nodded, then led Xia Li to the modification chamber deep in the underground facility.
The chamber door was already open. This was Xia Li's second time seeing a modification chamber—he had awakened from one, opening his eyes to see Company personnel.
They had worn suits and gold-rimmed glasses, looking proper and reliable but actually insidious and despicable.
Lying in the modification chamber, as the sedative gas was released, Xia Li gradually fell asleep. He had a dream he hadn't had in a long time.
He dreamed of the garden in his family's residential complex in 2030. He dreamed of his parents taking a walk downstairs. His sister sat on the flower bed edge, holding her pet dog, leisurely sunbathing beside him.
"Big bro, I want hotpot. How about tonight we..."
Then...
Consciousness suddenly cleared.
【Neural connection established】
【Compiling data set】
【Brain bridge connected】
【System starting】
【Hello, my master. I am your intelligent assistant. Please give me your orders.】
A voice sounded in Xia Li's mind. The tone was somewhat familiar—a voice he would never hear again in his memories. His sister's voice.
"Why is there a voice in my head?!"
Xia Li sat up in panic from the modification chamber. Seeing his reaction, Ke Xiao couldn't help but burst out laughing.
"Everyone who gets a third-generation or higher Heaven Chip for the first time reacts like you. Third-gen and above chips all come with artificial intelligence. Don't underestimate this AI—it's equivalent to an operating system for old-era computers. You've used a first-gen chip, right? Wasn't it inconvenient? Having to mentally recite fixed commands for everything."
A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.
"Now you just tell it what you need, and it'll handle it. It also learns your habits and becomes more convenient over time."
After Ke Xiao finished, Xia Li was impressed. New-era technology was truly incredible—they had directly implanted AI into people's heads.
But who was really in charge—him or the AI?
"I find this a bit scary. Won't the AI eventually take over?"
Xia Li's concern wasn't unreasonable. The Heaven Chip connected directly to the brain. If something went wrong, it could be very dangerous.
"You mean AI possession? That's an extremely rare occurrence. All I can say is: if you're not afraid, use it. If you're afraid, don't."
"Damn, so it has happened? AI possession, seriously?"
"Your chip's architecture doesn't need to worry about that. It's only a side effect of Open Spirit architecture chips. Those are famous for having extremely human-like AI that can supposedly develop consciousness and emotions. If you work well with your host, you can achieve effects far beyond other chips."
"But if you don't work well together... hehe."
Ke Xiao chuckled, implying that poor compatibility could lead to AI possession.
Afterward...
Xia Li didn't continue chatting with Ke Xiao. Instead, he began familiarizing himself with his new state.
The Yixiu Type-5 Spirit Core had a cultivation ceiling of the seventh level of Qi Refining—late-stage Qi Refining. The Qi Refining realm had three clear dividing lines.
After level three was mid-stage, after level seven was late-stage, and after level nine was peak.
As for other specs, they were fairly average across the board. No aspect stood out, but there were no weaknesses either.
For the Heaven Chip, he had three technique slots and ten storage slots—more than enough for his current needs.
The fifth-gen chip's technology was quite impressive, worlds apart from the antique first-gen.
Xia Li could now easily control his pupil dilation when looking at things. The Heaven Chip also recorded everything that happened in the past ten minutes, allowing him to review details at any time.
Most importantly, the Neural Bridge technology was incredible. When chip processing power was insufficient, it could borrow brain power. When brain power was insufficient, it could borrow processing power. Long-term use could even develop the brain's latent potential.
As for the right arm prosthetic, it had actually reached Spirit Artifact quality and came with a built-in offensive technique: Surge Fist.
Xia Li was confident that once he reached the seventh level of Qi Refining in the other world, he could easily protect himself.
If all else failed, he could run.
Fenghe City was just a small city where rogue cultivators gathered. Peak Qi Refining was the strongest known combat power there. He hadn't committed any major offenses. With proper maneuvering, escaping would be no problem.
"Well then, Sister Ke, if there's nothing else, I'll be going."
"Oh? Where do you want to go?"
"Just walking around, getting familiar with the area."
"Black Street isn't the place for casual strolls. How about this—if you can't find anything to do, go to the Monster Hunting Association. You can at least earn some pocket money. Your first-level Qi Refining cultivation isn't high, but killing some low-level mutant beasts should be fine. If you encounter demon spirits, just run."
"Mutant beasts? Demon spirits?"
Xia Li didn't understand the difference. Demon spirits were easy enough to understand—animals and plants that had cultivated to sentience.
"Low-level mutant beasts are just wild animals that ate too much nuclear waste. As long as you don't provoke high-level ones, you'll be fine."
"High-level mutant beasts, though—those are terrifying creatures that consume both nuclear waste and spiritual energy. Grotesque, extremely violent. They can only be described as demonic."
"So remember: don't mess with demons."
