265: Distract yourself.

Han Chengyu's anxiety was almost palpable in the data Void Realm. The string of red numbers representing Lu Jianchuan's evo factor concentration, combined with the mathematical model that had collapsed for the umpteenth time before him, formed a suffocating loop.

【Logical deduction terminated. Simulation number 520 failed.】

【Suggestion: Force a pause to avoid cognitive fixation. Initiating Random Information Perturbation Protocol.】

"Perturbation?" Before Han Chengyu could react, the complex equations on the light screen before him rapidly shrank and retreated into a corner. They were replaced by a newly retrieved analysis report containing numerous images and ancient text records. The title was:

【Analysis Report on the Reverse Engineering of Ancient Biochemical Product Refining Processes and Component Simulation Based on the 'Cuan Spirit Ruins' Main Burial Chamber and Related Artifacts】.

"This is... the stuff from that Ancient Tomb?" Han Chengyu was momentarily stunned by the abrupt switch, his attention subconsciously drawn to it.

The report's contents were detailed, as the System used cold, data-driven language to dissect the essence of those so-called "Immortal Pills":

The "rare and exotic beasts" required in the records were actually individual biological specimens produced in specific environments that exhibited strong dominant expressions of the evo factor within their bodies.

That seemingly mysterious Alchemy process—using extreme means to force the "medicinal catalyst" into a near-death stress state, then using special high-temperature and high-pressure methods to instantaneously terminate its life and refine its tissues—was reduced by the System to an extremely crude, inefficient, and cruel primitive biomass extraction and catalysis process.

【Core Conclusion: The target product of this refining method was not to enhance internal potential, but rather to perform crude 'factor adulteration' and 'trait importation'.】

【Simulation shows: The final product contains high concentrations of fragmented evo factors in an unstable excited state derived from the 'medicinal catalyst', as well as a large number of broken heterologous genetic material fragments.】

【Effect Speculation: Upon ingestion, the fragmented factors may briefly stimulate the user's own latent abilities (manifesting as increases in strength, speed, etc.), but cannot increase their inherent concentration.

The primary and uncontrollable risk lies in the random integration of heterologous genetic material, leading to unpredictable and irreversible directional animalistic mutations in the user, with the direction and degree varying from person to person.】

"Oh..." Han Chengyu finished reading, a hint of understanding surfacing in his consciousness, mixed with a touch of the absurd.

"So this is the so-called 'Ancient Alchemy' and 'Enlightening Mortals'? To put it bluntly, it's just a low-quality mixture of genetic pollution and stimulants with massive side effects, piled up by luck and human lives? The ancients... they certainly were bold in their thinking and actions."

He looked toward the Void Realm with some confusion, in the direction of the System's invisible presence:

"System, why are you showing me this? Does it have anything to do with solving Lu Jianchuan's problem? Aside from proving that some ancient madmen tried to get lucky using clumsy methods and likely created a bunch of monsters."

【There is no direct correlation.】

【Purpose: Distract attention to prevent the host from falling into a single logical death loop. Basis: When human thinking is at an impasse, exposure to seemingly irrelevant information can sometimes trigger non-logical associations.】

【Supplement: This information has already been archived and has no practical application value.】

Han Chengyu was stunned for a moment, then found it somewhat humorous. He could feel the System's almost rigid "concern"—using a display of "ancient failure cases" to let him temporarily step out of his own "modern failure case."

"...Fine." He exhaled a non-existent breath. Although the problem before him remained as massive as a mountain, that suffocating feeling of being stuck in a dead end had indeed loosened slightly due to this sudden influx of "useless knowledge."

He turned his gaze back to the mathematical model in the corner and Lu Jianchuan's monitoring data, his brow still furrowed.

"But just distracting me... doesn't solve the problem."

【Real World】

Shen Mingyuan had his hands in his pockets, watching with interest through an observation window as Researchers in a laboratory operated a complex molecular simulator. Just as he was about to continue strolling deeper into the corridor toward a quieter area marked "High-Risk Sample Processing Zone (Authorized Personnel Only)," a voice came from beside him.

"Mr. Shen Mingyuan, please wait."

Shen Mingyuan turned to see a middle-aged Researcher in a white lab coat and glasses walking quickly toward him, a polite but firm smile on his face. "Ahead is the hazardous experiment zone, involving active biological samples and high-energy testing. It's not suitable for non-related personnel. For your safety, please return to the living area to rest."

Shen Mingyuan shrugged, his face wearing his habitual, somewhat inquisitive smile: "Alright, I was just a bit curious. Your 'behind-the-scenes work' is even more... precise than I imagined."

The Researcher pushed up his glasses, his gaze sizing up Shen Mingyuan for a moment as something suddenly occurred to him:

"Speaking of curiosity... Mr. Shen, we've actually been quite interested in the basic data of your and Wei Ziqing's armor Systems.

Due to the frequent incidents lately, we haven't found a suitable opportunity for systematic non-combat state data collection. Since you happen to be free today and our lab has just finished the preliminary processing of a new batch of samples, the equipment is all calibrated.

If you don't mind, could you cooperate with us to record some basic physiological parameters and morphological data? This would be very helpful for our understanding of the design biases of different armor Systems and your physical adaptability."

Shen Mingyuan thought for a moment and nodded readily: "Sure. However, there's no need to test 'twin stars'; its situation is quite special. Just record my own data and the basic armor data."

"Of course, thank you for your cooperation!" The Researcher's eyes lit up, and he immediately led Shen Mingyuan toward another large chamber labeled "Basic Capability Assessment Room."

The assessment room was filled with sensors, with a multi-functional testing platform at its center. Shen Mingyuan walked to the designated position, his mind shifting slightly. Matte black biomass armor instantly covered his body, his Shadow Form quietly manifesting as the red composite eyepieces glowed with a faint light.

"Recording started."

The strength test was conducted first. Shen Mingyuan stood before a specialized force gauge, gathered his strength, and threw a punch.

With a dull thud, the data panel steadily displayed a value. The Researcher took a look and quickly recorded it:

"Peak impact force, 3.8 tons. This meets the design expectations for a non-strength specialized model, but it's sufficient for conventional tactical needs."

The speed test followed immediately. A black shadow flashed at the starting line, reaching the finish line almost instantaneously. The timer froze at "3.05 seconds." The Researcher nodded:

"Excellent hundred-meter burst speed, with a greater emphasis on flexibility in starting and changing direction, fitting well with reconnaissance and roaming roles."

The defense test results were more direct. After enduring several standard-level kinetic impacts, the sensors on the chest plate clearly displayed deformation data.

"Physical defense is a clear weakness," the Researcher adjusted his glasses, unsurprised. "The armor structure prioritizes lightweighting and the integration of sensory organs, sacrificing some impact resistance. Tactically, it needs to avoid direct frontal confrontations."

Next was the core evaluation of the sensory System. The Researcher gave several progressively escalating instructions.

"Please read the second symbol in the third row of Zone E7 across from you."

Shen Mingyuan's gaze narrowed slightly, and the tiny calibration symbol in the distance, small as a speck of dust, was instantly pulled close and magnified, every detail appearing clearly. He calmly reported the symbol type and even the printing flaws.

"Now, lock the eyepieces and describe the object ten centimeters behind the upper-left vent."

Shen Mingyuan closed his eyes as instructed, but a moment later, an accurate description of the hidden object's shape, material, and even internal structure came out of his mouth, highly consistent with the instrument's scan results.

"Finally, a comprehensive task: identify the number on the card in my hand; determine the status of the robot motor three meters to your right; and point out the current lowest temperature point in the room."

This time, Shen Mingyuan was silent for two seconds longer, but what followed was a series of clear, synchronized answers:

"Number 7. Motor is dormant. The lowest temperature point is the silver data interface casing under the console, with a temperature difference of about 1.2 degrees."

All were perfectly accurate.

The assessment room fell silent for a moment, save for the faint hum of the equipment.

The Researcher looked at the screen, which showed neural signal processing bandwidth far exceeding conventional biological limits, multi-source information parallel analysis data, and astonishing sensory precision and range. His face showed a complex expression of shock and realization.

"The ultimate... yet extremely specialized sensory center," he summarized in a low voice, recording quickly.

"It sacrifices part of its frontal combat capability to pour almost all its evolutionary potential into environmental control and information superiority. This is a configuration born entirely for complex intelligence gathering, long-range precision strikes, and tactical command..."

The test ended, and Shen Mingyuan deactivated his transformation, his expression normal. The Researcher stepped forward, his attitude even more enthusiastic than before:

"Thank you very much, Mr. Shen! This data is extremely valuable; it clearly depicts a unique evolutionary path. Your 'shadow' System, in terms of the depth and breadth of the sensory field... is exemplary."

Shen Mingyuan gave a non-committal smile: "I'm glad I could help."