"Have they mastered the secret to immortality?" This question spread like magic throughout the base, tantalizing many with a burning desire. A young man named Tom, once an ordinary worker at the base, led an unremarkable life. This news ignited a deep-seated desire for immortality within him. He began frequenting the mercenary group's haunts, hoping to forge a chance encounter. Whenever he saw Xiao Yi and the others, Tom would offer a fawning smile and approach them, chatting casually, his eyes occasionally glancing at them, trying to glean a hint of immortality from their expressions or words. An old scholar at the base, named Johnson, usually immersed in his research, couldn't contain his curiosity this time. He carefully prepared some academic questions, donned a neat suit, and arrived near the mercenary group's camp one afternoon to wait. Upon seeing Xiao Yi approach, Johnson quickly approached, politely introducing himself and tactfully expressing his desire to discuss the phenomenon of halting aging in depth. His eager eyes betrayed a thirst for knowledge and a persistent pursuit of the truth. A woman named Alice repeatedly entered the mercenary camp under the pretext of delivering gifts. Each time, she meticulously observed everything around her, asking seemingly mundane yet profound questions about their lifestyles and diet. Behind her gentle smile lay a burning desire to uncover the truth. Even some forces with ulterior motives sent spies, disguised as ordinary residents, to approach the mercenaries and gather intelligence. These spies skillfully blended into the crowd, intimating the mercenaries and subtly guiding conversations in an attempt to uncover the supposed secret to immortality. Suddenly, Xiao Yi and his fellow mercenaries were surrounded by a variety of individuals with ulterior motives, forcing them to remain vigilant against those constantly seeking to gain the truth.

To understand the mysterious phenomenon of Xiao Yi and his companions halting their aging, the base's researchers swiftly launched a comprehensive and in-depth study. Inside the research institute, a laboratory dedicated to this study was furnished with state-of-the-art equipment. Xiao Yi and his mercenary team members entered the high-tech room one by one, expressions both serious and slightly anticipatory. The researchers first conducted a comprehensive physical examination, meticulously assessing each individual. From basic measurements of height, weight, and blood pressure to the more complex collection of blood, urine, and genetic samples, every step was meticulously performed. The doctors, wearing masks and gloves, maintained a focused and cautious gaze, their instruments accurately recording every bit of data. The genetic research team then conducted a thorough analysis of the collected genetic samples. They meticulously examined the sequence and structure of genes under a microscope, applying cutting-edge sequencing technology to identify abnormalities in genes associated with aging. Genetic maps scrolled endlessly on computer screens in the lab, and data streamed in like a torrent. The researchers kept a close eye on the screens, not missing a single subtle change. Meanwhile, the physiological function research team conducted a series of tests on their cardiopulmonary function, muscle strength, and nerve reaction speed. Xiao Yi lay on a specially designed testing machine. As the equipment activated, his various physiological indicators were precisely measured and recorded. The researchers operated the equipment, recording the data and occasionally whispering to each other. The psychological research team was also busy. Through questionnaires, psychological tests, and in-depth interviews, they sought to understand the psychological changes and feelings of Xiao Yi and others before and after they stopped aging. In a quiet room, Xiao Yi sat face to face with the psychologists, openly sharing his inner confusion and concerns. To simulate the effects of various environments on their bodies, the laboratory was equipped with special environmental chambers such as high temperature, low temperature, high pressure, and radiation. Under the guidance of the researchers, the mercenaries entered these chambers one by one, undergoing the extreme conditions, while the researchers closely observed their physical reactions and changes in various indicators from outside. During the research process, the researchers held frequent seminars to share their findings and insights. In the conference room, a large screen displayed various data and charts, and the experts expressed their opinions and debated endlessly, creating a heated and tense atmosphere. This in-depth research is like a tough battle. The researchers work day and night, not missing any clues, just to uncover the mystery of why Xiao Yi and others stopped aging.

In the bright and clean laboratory, Xiao Yi and his fellow mercenaries sat quietly in their chairs, their expressions slightly tense. Scientists in white coats, armed with specialized blood collection tools, methodically prepared to draw blood samples. An experienced nurse approached Xiao Yi and whispered, "Relax, it won't hurt too much." Xiao Yi nodded slightly, took a deep breath, and extended his sturdy arm. The nurse expertly applied the cuff, located the vein, and inserted the needle with unerring precision. Bright red blood flowed slowly through the slender catheter into the vacuum tube, each drop carrying the hope of solving the mystery. After the blood sample, a series of complex and meticulous physical examinations followed. Xiao Yi was led to a massive MRI machine. Following the instructions, he lay flat in the narrow chamber. The machine emitted a low hum as it began a comprehensive scan of his internal organs. Meanwhile, the other members of the team underwent various tests. Some were undergoing cardiopulmonary function tests, wearing breathing masks and running vigorously on treadmills, the numbers on the instruments constantly jumping, recording their every breath and heartbeat. Others sat in front of specialized electrophysiological testing equipment, their heads and bodies wired densely with wires, their eyes fixed on the flashing graphs on the screen, responding to the researchers' instructions. In another room, researchers were analyzing collected blood samples. Under microscopes, the morphology and structure of cells were magnified, and researchers carefully observed the characteristics of each cell, noting any subtle abnormalities. In the chemistry lab, various reagents were added to the blood samples, undergoing complex chemical reactions to measure indicators such as hormone levels and immune cell activity. In the data analysis room, computer screens were filled with charts and data. Researchers were absorbed in comparing the test results of different team members, trying to find patterns and clues. Each test, each piece of data, was like a puzzle, which the researchers painstakingly pieced together, hoping to uncover the mysterious and fascinating connection between supernatural powers and the slowing of aging.

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