The initial experiment clearly yielded pleasing results, and for a moment, everyone fell into a brief silence.

To be honest, it's very difficult to use "rust fog," especially the most primitive gaseous form of "rust fog," directly for any purpose.

Whether it's the City of Night Sin or the Hualan Empire, they make more use of other forms of "rust mist," such as ores or corroded seawater.

However, the effect of this experiment will be greatly reduced if the original form of "rust fog" is not performed.

Fortunately, Jiang Chengcheng is reliable enough to have created a simple instrument that can record the changes in the "rust fog" in seconds or even milliseconds, such as the tilt in concentration or the jump in radiation value.

This also serves as a visualization of the "rust fog" data.

Now, thanks to Lu Baiyan's ability to rewind time, the "rust fog" sample has changed exactly to the data from thirty minutes ago, without the slightest difference.

This also shows that this seemingly outrageous approach is actually feasible!

"It wasn't for nothing that Chengcheng and I worked so hard these past few days."

Xie Qingyan, one of the project leaders, snorted, "Have some people figured out how to reward us?"

"Ladies, you've worked hard."

Xu Shi clasped his hands together, a smile playing on his lips. "Name your conditions, I, as your husband, will fulfill them no matter what."

"Hmph, that's easy for you to say. If I asked you to dismiss everyone else, would you agree?"

Xie Xiaogou rolled his eyes at him, deliberately trying to shut him up.

"You wouldn't be so heartless, would you?"

Xu Shi, true to his scumbag nature, said with a grin.

"Then don't talk big."

The fiancée shrugged, but there was no hint of seriousness in her tone.

She didn't know who Xu Shi was. She hadn't really thought about doing this... or rather, she had tried before, but the consequences weren't very pleasant.

But surely she can spend more time with herself, right? She doesn't lack anything else, but no one can ever have too much companionship.

"Very well, Madam is right."

Xu Shi smiled and apologized to her, having no intention of arguing with her.

These things depend on the time. The arguments that usually happen between them might have started as real fights, but now they're more like playful banter between husband and wife. If they were truly respectful to each other, either he'd lost his mind or Xie Qingyan's fever had made him delirious.

But things are different now—the importance of conducting experiments now is obviously far greater than any fleeting flirtation, and such results, even if they are only a small step, deserve recognition and praise.

However, he also had to admit that Jiang Chengcheng and Xie Qingyan were truly indispensable top-notch helpers to him. He couldn't live without their companionship, whether in life or in his career.

Or rather, who among her companions isn't indispensable? Without them, she certainly wouldn't be who she is today.

We all share in the same fate; there's no need for any hierarchy.

Mr. Xu was quite clear-headed about this, and for a moment he was even a little relieved.

He himself did not realize that, as time went by, the initial reckless cold-bloodedness and the tendency to first consider how to use others gradually faded.

All in all, it's great.

"Don't rush to open the champagne yet."

In contrast, Jiang Chengcheng, who loves Xu Shi to the core, is clearer: "One sample from an experiment is not enough; it needs to be repeated several times."

"Mr. Lu, I'm begging you."

She looked at the squinty-eyed man and smiled.

"……good."

Now that things have come to this, Lu Baiyan naturally understands Xu Shi's purpose in doing so.

From his perspective, doing this kind of thing is actually quite crazy, crazier than anything he has ever done before.

The most crucial point is that it's a thankless task, isn't it? To be honest, everyone knows that using "Rust Mist," or "Divine Breath," always feels like playing with fire. But faced with absolute power and the convenience and benefits it can bring, no one dares to say that they can completely resist the temptation of "Rust Mist."

Or rather, even if one wanted to, there was no way to refuse it. The "rust fog" has existed for who knows how long, and now it is everywhere. You can't even escape it with every breath. Who can truly remain unaffected?

Therefore, regardless of whether they are "ascended beings" or not, everyone's attitude towards "Rust Fog" has long been set. It can be said that everyone has long accepted the existence of this thing and is willing to develop and live on this basis.

The most obvious example might be the poor people of Sin City. Would they give up taking those blocking drugs because they don't accept the "Rust Fog"?

Obviously not. Compared to clinging to those illusory things, surviving is the more important thing.

The Hualan Empire also faces a similar situation. Although the location has changed, the common elements remain the same.

Therefore, compared to his previous complete affirmation and even admiration for Xu Shi, he actually didn't quite understand this matter.

But even though he didn't understand, he wouldn't raise any objections.

The reason is simple: this kid has been deeply influenced by Xu Shi, especially by that previous talk therapy, which has further solidified his decision to follow Xu Shi.

Whether she is a partner or a tool seems to be of little importance.

That was the bitter fruit he had to bear for his own indecisiveness; he had no one else to blame.

Ugh, CPU.

However, this was only part of the reason. More importantly, he wanted to follow Xu Shi to see the wider world outside the empire. The city-state that Xu Shi described was one that he had never even been to.

My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!