Su Mo’s speculation wasn’t unfounded, but it also came down to his prior knowledge of the subject. Otherwise, he’d have been just as clueless as Week Eight, left stammering incoherently…
Thanks to their repeated displays of wit, Zhang Yue Lu had taken quite a liking to the two of them—especially Su Mo.
So when Yang Jie explained his request, she agreed without hesitation.
Su Mo and Week Eight removed their face coverings, revealing skin covered in unsettling red bumps.
“I’ve never seen a case like yours before. It might be tricky to treat—could take some time,” Zhang Yue Lu said, frowning.
Whether she was being honest or not, Su Mo and Week Eight exchanged a glance before responding in unison: “Thank you, Shiniang.”
Since Zhang Yue Lu liked being called Shiniang and Yang Jie hadn’t objected, they figured they might as well lean into it.
Who said the title was reserved only for a master’s wife?
If she was happy with it, why not?
“You brought them here, so technically, you should stay until they’re healed before leaving together,” Zhang Yue Lu said, trying to keep Yang Jie around a little longer.
Yang Jie sighed. “Sorry, but Jing City has too much work waiting for me. I have to leave soon. Besides, with them in your care, I’m not worried.”
Zhang Yue Lu’s eyes flickered. Though reluctant, she didn’t press further. “You always were restless.”
With that, she disappeared into another room and returned shortly with a small box. “This might help you. Open it after you get back.”
Yang Jie accepted it without protest, though his heart was heavy.
Su Mo and Week Eight watched at full attention until Yang Jie made his escape, at which point they quietly “powered down”…
———
In the days that followed, the two stayed with Zhang Yue Lu as her test subjects.
Of course, being her guinea pigs came with perks—like top-tier living conditions. No complaints there.
One day, Zhang Yue Lu closed her book and stepped out of her study.
Su Mo and Week Eight were seated cross-legged, practicing the cultivation method she’d prescribed—a precaution to keep the red bumps from spreading.
Naturally, this was purely theoretical. There were no documented cases to reference.
“Come here. I think I’ve figured it out,” she called them over, pointing to her book. “Theoretically, every mystical technique has its purpose—meaning they all serve some function.”
Her gaze swept over their faces before she continued, “Your situation is unique. I’d even say it transcends spellcraft and falls under… biology.”
“Biology?” Su Mo blinked.
“Exactly. More specifically, supernatural biology—a field that’s gained traction in recent years.” Zhang Yue Lu spoke with confidence. “From this perspective, I believe what you’re experiencing is a form of parasitism.”
Anyone who’d taken high school biology knew how terrifying the word “parasitism” could be. Su Mo and Week Eight were no exception.
“So we’re just nutrients for those frogmen now?” Week Eight’s heartbeat quickened.
“No, not the kind of parasitism you’re imagining,” Zhang Yue Lu corrected. “I’m referring to bloodline parasitism.”
“Bloodline parasitism?” Both of them shook their heads, unfamiliar with the term.
Zhang Yue Lu patiently explained, “Bloodline parasitism is when a being integrates its own bloodline into a host’s body in a unique way, aiding the host’s growth—until they become strong enough.”
“And then they take over?”
“No, that’s different from possession. Possession expels the original soul and claims the body. Bloodline parasitism only alters the bloodline; it doesn’t affect the soul.”
Su Mo frowned. “So… what’s the difference between this and a free power-up?”
Zhang Yue Lu thought for a moment before declaring, “Well, for one… you get cuter?”
What kind of logic is that?!
If anything, they’d gotten uglier.
“Wouldn’t that make it symbiosis, then?” Su Mo suddenly recalled a term from his textbooks.
“But what’s in it for them?”
Zhang Yue Lu’s question hit Su Mo like a bolt of clarity, dissolving his confusion.
Huh. I guess those frogmen are kinda nice, in their own weird way.
“Maybe they see it as a form of rebirth. Different species perceive things differently, after all.”
Her explanation also shed light on why Su Mo had been the one affected in the end.
Because he was pretty. And talented.
Who wouldn’t want their next life to be as a stunning, gifted individual?
Even frogmen had standards.
With the mystery seemingly solved, Zhang Yue Lu still kept them under observation for a few more days—just to confirm their bodies were truly unharmed and, as the ancient texts suggested, growing stronger. Only then did she let them leave.
“Thank you for your hospitality, Shiniang. We’ve caused you so much trouble.”
“Nonsense. If you’re calling me Shiniang, then there’s no need for formalities. Come visit often—I’ll tell you more stories about him.”
“Deal!” Week Eight agreed cheerfully.
Su Mo, equally amused, promised to drop by whenever he could.
———
By the time they returned to Jing City, it was already afternoon.
The streets were lined with Beidou patrols, armed with either firearms or magical artifacts.
The recent wave of terrorist attacks and frogmen incidents had dealt a heavy blow to Xia Country.
Beyond the immediate casualties and property damage, the real terror lay in the social panic these events had sparked.
Rumor had it that some cults were exploiting the chaos, spreading misinformation and recruiting followers.
This was where Beidou’s role became crucial.
With the exception of a few powerful, well-established organizations, most troublemakers had been rounded up in record time.
Of course, the incident also exposed Beidou’s biggest weakness: a severe lack of manpower.
To address this, Beidou launched a massive recruitment drive—prioritizing veterans and promising young students.
When Su Mo returned to campus, the school was conducting its largest physical assessment yet—far more comprehensive than the military training exams. It covered physical fitness, mental resilience, cultivation aptitude, willpower, and more.
Background checks were also a critical step, ensuring no spies slipped into the ranks.
Su Mo’s standing in Beidou was neither high nor low—somewhere in the middle.
This was thanks to his formidable strength, exceptional talent, and repeated achievements.
In terms of merit, he rivaled—if not surpassed—members who’d been in the organization for years.
“Major Ye!” A Beidou member saluted as Su Mo passed a recruitment booth.
Su Mo froze for a split second before returning the gesture with a smile.
Huh. I guess I’m kind of a big deal now. I don’t even know him, but he recognizes me.
He couldn’t help but feel a little smug…
The students in line gawked in disbelief.
“Isn’t that Ye Xiaohua? Why are they saluting her and calling her Major?”
“Are you stupid? It means she is a major… Holy crap, how’d she pull that off?!”
“Well, she is a superhuman now, and I heard she has rare A-grade aptitude. An honorary major rank isn’t that far-fetched.”
“Still, there’s gotta be plenty of high-talent people nationwide. They can’t all be majors…”
“True. Not everyone’s as exceptional as our Ye Xiaohua. But hey, if I become a superhuman this time, maybe—”
“Tch. I can hear your wishful thinking from here. Give it up. Even if you were good enough—which you’re not—our school beauty already has someone she likes.”
The moment those words left his mouth, hostile glares locked onto him from every direction.
“Who?“
“All I know is his username—‘Old Man from Dorm 206.’”
“Seriously? You actually believe that?”
“I mean… well… actually… never mind.”
Everyone else: →_→
Pathetic.