"This is a forged work ID. It documents that you've spent the past three years working under me at the research institute. The file in your hands is a comprehensive summary of that 'work'—detailing every project, phase, and achievement, as well as a fabricated report on the plant embedded in your arm. Naturally, the information on the plant is entirely falsified. I've chosen to name it 'ivy,' since its traits are somewhat similar to the real organism in your arm. You'll use that as the explanation when others ask about its origin."
"Before you report to the Academy tomorrow, you need to memorize every detail in this file and internalize it as your own experience. Not a single slip-up is allowed. If I even suspect you might expose anything, I will personally erase you without hesitation. From now on, treat this material with absolute seriousness."
Even before Specialist Liang finished his sentence, Yu Jing had already begun to study the forged documents with focused intensity. They portrayed him as having spent the past three years cultivating botanical implants at the research facility. The information was impressively thorough—listing his daily work routines, the timeline of various projects, and even records of 'his' scientific results.
Near the back of the file were confidential documents describing a surgical procedure for "cellular plant implantation." The subject's name was, of course, Yu Jing. According to the file, the implant's genetic source was extracted from "ivy." The abilities listed were fabricated, though carefully crafted to align with what Yu Jing had actually observed from the organism in his arm.
By the time the two-and-a-half-hour flight neared its end, Yu Jing closed the file and handed it back to Liang.
"What's this?" Liang asked, surprised.
"I've memorized everything. Unless faced with highly specific inquiries, I should be able to answer without a problem," Yu Jing said quietly.
"There's over half a million words in there. You expect me to believe you've absorbed it all in just over two hours on a plane? I told you—fluent recitation. You need to behave like someone who's actually lived this research. You must be able to answer any question in detail."
Yu Jing didn't try to argue. "You can test me. If I fail, I'll study it again. But to be honest, this material alone won't be enough for me to fully become that person."
Liang studied the young man before him. He already had a measure of Yu Jing's personality—he wasn't arrogant, nor one to boast without merit.
"I don't like wasting time on trivialities. Since you're confident, I won't press the issue. In front of the general students, just say you've worked with me. That's enough. Only if another specialist questions you in detail should you bring out the research background."
After delivering his instructions, the two of them stepped out of the high-end airport terminal. Even though it was located on the outskirts of the city, the opulence of Central Zone One in the Zhanna Empire was already unmistakable.
As they exited the terminal, a sleek black Lincoln pulled up beside them.
"From here, you'll head to Di Hua Academy on your own. Once you survive the physical induction and are officially enrolled, I'll get in touch again."
Just before stepping into the car, Liang paused and added, "Oh, right. Since you've got a connection with the Yu family, stick close to that little girl from their house during the physical training. Your chances of surviving will increase significantly."
Yu Jing gave a silent nod, watching the car disappear into the distance. There was no particular sense of gratitude in his heart.
All along the way, he had studied Liang's expressions and mannerisms and understood one thing clearly—the man didn't care about him. What he truly cared about was the unknown entity residing in Yu Jing's arm.
Yu Jing lingered for a moment at the airport gate, then hung the research institute ID badge—provided by Liang—around his neck.
It was a strategic move. In a place like Central Zone One, having an extra identity might smooth his path.
Originally, he had planned to take the subway to Di Hua Academy. But when he searched "Di Hua Ability Academy" at the ticket machine, nothing came up.
With no other option, he walked to the airport taxi stand.
"To Di Hua Ability Academy," he said.
He climbed into a high-end airport cab. The driver, noticing Yu Jing's humble clothes but also his research badge and the prestigious academy's name, grew instantly enthusiastic.
"A student of Di Hua, huh? If you ever need anything, just give me a call. I'll be there in a flash!"
"Mm." Yu Jing simply nodded, keeping his gaze fixed on the passing scenery, acknowledging the driver's warmth without saying much.
As the cab sped down the airport expressway, the core of the Zhanna Empire unfolded before Yu Jing's eyes—Emperor City, the empire's only S-class metropolitan zone. Hundreds of skyscrapers towered toward the clouds, and flocks of miniature aircraft weaved smoothly through the air above.
"Inspection checkpoint ahead. Please present your identification," a mechanical voice called out.
Just moments after exiting the expressway, the taxi was suddenly halted by a squad of fully armed military personnel. A cold-faced soldier stepped forward to conduct a security check on both the driver and Yu Jing inside the vehicle.
After confirming the driver's credentials, Yu Jing handed over his admission notice from Di Hua Ability Academy.
The soldier's eyes immediately caught the five dark-golden characters—"Di Hua Ability Academy"—embossed on the letter. He quickly waved his hand, signaling that such an important document need not be shown to someone like him. All he needed was Yu Jing's name.
"Yu Jing, this year's new recruit for Di Hua Ability Academy. Identity confirmed. Safe travels."
Using a handheld verification device, the soldier easily pulled up Yu Jing's file. After a sharp salute, he stepped aside, allowing the taxi to proceed.
"Whether it's the military or the government, they treat students of Di Hua with utmost respect. In fact, you're granted privileges most people could only dream of. Maybe it's because you folks are expected to become pillars of society in the future."
The driver's words came half as commentary, half as self-musing as the taxi cruised along the ring road, now more than twenty kilometers from the city. Resting his head against the window, Yu Jing soon saw a sign on the roadside:
Next Exit — 1km: Di Hua Ability Academy.
As soon as they took the exit, the driver pulled over to the side of the road and brought the vehicle to a stop.
"This is as far as I go. The area ahead belongs to Di Hua Academy, and I'm not authorized to drive in. Same deal two years ago when I dropped off another student here. Sorry, kid."
Yu Jing glanced outside, slightly surprised. The wide road stretched ahead, winding through a never-ending line of mountains. There wasn't a single visible structure in sight—no gate, no school building, not even a marker for the academy. Still, it wasn't unusual for a place like Di Hua to conceal its presence.
The driver, clearly not one to miss a fare, made no effort to push further. Without complaint, Yu Jing paid the 800-plus yuan fare with his card and stepped out from the front passenger seat.
"Hwaa~ Hwaa~"
To his right, a gentle river flowed beside the road, the water murmuring softly as it moved.
"Caw~ Caw!"
To his left, the wooded mountains rang with the cries of birds echoing through the trees.
Under the full blaze of the midday sun, the skin on the back of Yu Jing's right hand began to stir. Photosynthesis was activating, and beneath the surface, tiny green plant tendrils writhed faintly. Quickly, Yu Jing yanked down his sleeve, covering his hand entirely.
"So this is Di Hua Academy's territory... Just how vast is this place?"