Chapter 615 - Implanting the Chips

Ji Zhongyi’s firm insistence and the allure of a fine reward eventually convinced the doctor to go ahead with the procedure. With the aid of dedicated machines, the doctor implanted the chips and connected them to Ji Zhongyi’s nerves.

Bullet time was connected to the back of his neck, Explosive Ape King to his chest, Gaia Hammer to his new mechanical right arm, and Weapon Manufacture to his left arm.

This was the most arduous operation the doctor had conducted to date. Implanting all four chips had left him exhausted and drenched in sweat. He had done all he could. The rest was in god's hands.

The implantation of four chips cast a heavy burden on Ji Zhongyi’s body. The survival rate of implanting a chip into one’s body was less than 20%, and implanting all four further lowered that to a mere 0.16%.

His survival was nigh impossible. Every pump of blood through his veins sent the rare metals of the chips coursing through his body alongside it. His veins slowly turned black, visible through his skin.

Ji Zhongyi was determined to survive despite the odds. An intense desire for revenge blazed within him. He simply couldn’t die yet. Not before he got his revenge!

Unfortunately, his condition was short-lived. Three hours later, he found himself teetering on the brink of losing consciousness. The poisoning from the chips was potent as ever, and Ji Zhongyi had reached his limit.

“Father, I’m sorry. If there’s an afterlife, I want to become your father instead. Let me take care of you this time...” he mumbled, succumbing to the darkness.

Just as Ji Zhongyi thought he would remain in that oblivion for all eternity, a blip of light appeared. The light gradually grew, and with it came the sound of a voice.

“How can you be so reckless?” the voice muttered. “This is a major operation, but you didn’t even use anesthesia.”

He recognized the voice, but couldn't remember who it belonged to. As his eyes came back into focus, he finally laid eyes on its owner. The man was handsome and regal. There were many words to describe the mighty man before him, but only one came to Ji Zhongyi’s mind.

“Father...” Ji Zhongyi mumbled in a daze.

𝐟𝗿𝐞𝚎𝚠𝐞𝚋𝕟𝐨𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝕔𝕠𝚖

Han Wu frowned as he continued infusing Life Energy into Ji Zhongyi. If not for Ji Zhongyi impressing him with his reckless actions, he would’ve just left him to die.

But why did he have to call him father?! That was just rude. Han Wu decided to ignore him, but Ji Zhongyi persisted.

“Dad... Father... Father...”

Annoyed, Han Wu slapped him unconscious, but Ji Zhongyi continued to mutter even in his sleep, repeating those words on end as if it was all he knew. Han Wu eventually cut off Ji Zhongyi’s voice box in a moment of frustration. He could just heal it after.

The infusion of abundant Life Energy ultimately saved Ji Zhongyi. The four chips had stabilized and no longer released toxic metals into his body. Unfortunately, this was only a temporary measure that would only last as long as he didn’t use the chips. Upon activation, the chips would poison his body, and he would suffer a painful death.

Once Ji Zhongyi woke up, Han Wu made sure to explain this to him. Ji Zhongyi tried to respond but couldn’t, and Han Wu realized he had forgotten to heal his voice box. After healing it, Ji Zhongyi thanked Han Wu earnestly.

Regardless of their decent relationship, Ji Dezhu was still dead, and Han Wu had no real obligation to extend his aid. Thus, Ji Zhongyi was grateful that Han Wu would do so much just to help him. Han Wu accepted his gratitude, knowing in his heart that Ji Zhongyi hadn’t given up on revenge.

As expected, Ji Zhongyi asked him once more about the location of the Machine God Cult, but Han Wu truly didn’t know. In truth, he was waiting for the Machine God Cult to attack him first, having since figured out a way to lure them out. However, he decided to keep this a secret from Ji Zhongyi. The youth had already suffered enough, and Han Wu didn’t want to show him the path to death.

Ji Zhongyi remained silent after Han Wu denied knowledge of the cultists’ whereabouts, and when he turned to leave, Ji Zhongyi simply thanked him once more before bidding him farewell.

A complex emotion stirred in Han Wu’s heart. When they last met, Ji Zhongyi had been shameless and annoying, trying to push Han Wu into accepting him as a disciple and even calling him father.

This Ji Zhongyi was uncharacteristically well-behaved by contrast. The stark difference had even Han Wu’s heart wincing with sympathy and pain. Han Wu couldn’t shake that feeling off as he left Ji Zhongyi and the Mechmouse King.

Back in his residence, Han Wu waited for Kerry to return. Despite lingering in the Weeping Mines, the cultists had not sought them out. They needed to act first, but Han Wu didn’t know what.

Han Wu’s only plan was to head to the next restricted zone and destroy it. If his assumption was correct, the cultists were collecting different resources for the Machine God. Han Wu had two of the Machine God’s parts and had been active even within their territories. They likely wouldn’t be able to resist the urge to attack him.

Ms. Kerry nodded. “I’ll follow your lead.”

After traveling together for so long, she had naturally realized Han Wu’s strength. Aside from his lackluster knowledge in mechanical engineering, he was indomitable in all other aspects.

Akanzor and Bart had no objections either. Over the course of their travels, the pair had also fostered a better relationship with Ms. Kerry. This, of course, had nothing to do with the fact that she had forged them a laser greatsword and a mechanical recurve bow, respectively.

The team was much more in sync than before. Gathering their suitcases and stowing them into Jumen, the group flew to their next destination.

Unbeknownst to them, they failed to notice someone lurking in a corner. Ji Zhongyi stared in the direction they had left before checking his map.

“If I’m not mistaken, they’re headed to the Black Park. We could find clues of the cultists there. Old friend, will you come with me?” he asked the Mechmouse King. He wasn’t sure if he was hallucinating, but he swore it nodded in response. Smiling, he commanded it to give chase, “Old friend, let us depart.”

The Mechmouse King ran forward at full speed.