A Familiar Scent, the Caged Bird!

Liu Zhen? Which Liu Zhen? It couldn't possibly be... Big Brother Liu from the Special Control Bureau, could it? Bai Zhou was dumbfounded. Yet the urgency of the situation left him no time to ponder. Stashing away *Prying into the Ruin Realm Experiment Report—Research on Its Seizure and Decryption* alongside the *Caged Bird Observation Log* that he hadn't yet had time to open, Bai Zhou vanished from the spot. The pile of scrap paper appeared completely undisturbed. The office looked as though nothing had happened, as if no one had ever set foot inside. *Click...* The office door pushed open. A secretary held the door to clear the way, and Luo Jiu walked in side by side with the cold-faced Deputy Director Liu. Only then did Bai Zhou notice that the figure of this Deputy Director Liu felt faintly familiar yet strangely alien. The familiarity naturally stemmed from that build and those facial features. No matter how one looked at him, he was unmistakably that Deputy Director Liu from the Anomaly Investigation Bureau—the man who had made his grand entrance by brazenly shooting down the overbearing Principal in the suit. He was also the man whose actions had indirectly forced the Principal to shed his skin like a cicada, thereby passing the mantle of master of the minor secret realm to Bai Zhou. Thus, he was someone Bai Zhou could never forget! Bai Zhou remembered the man's appearance vividly, having long since stamped him with the label of someone not to be crossed. Yet right now, this Deputy Director Liu's face was terrifyingly pale, evoking the image of a corpse powdered and made up for burial. Even his lips were entirely drained of blood, showing a bruised purplish blue. His temples were deeply sunken, and his life aura was an utter, withered wreck. This skin-and-bones, blood-depleted husk made Bai Zhou feel that he had aged by more than a decade since their last meeting, without carrying even half the awe-inspiring majesty expected of an existence above Rank 6. Granted, that sounded reasonable enough. A battle against a demon would never come without a cost. That Deputy Director Liu had managed to survive at all already exceeded Bai Zhou's expectations. And yet, Bai Zhou still felt that something about this Deputy Director Liu was profoundly unfamiliar. It wasn't his appearance, but something else. Benevolent brows and lowered eyes, an unhurried temperament, a tranquil posture, and a completely blank face. This lifeless stillness and indifference... did not feel like Deputy Director Liu. Yet it stirred an inexplicable, subtle sense of déjà vu in Bai Zhou. *When did that bastard Luo even infiltrate the Anomaly Investigation Bureau?* At this moment, Bai Zhou felt exceptionally fortunate that he hadn't rashly tried to "file a complaint" with the ledger before. Otherwise, he likely would have handed over the ledger and been told to drink tea while waiting for the outcome, only for the ledger to be destroyed behind his back and a bogus charge of trespassing into the White Tiger Hall slapped onto him to take him down on the spot. *All crows under heaven are black—the outside is crawling with Major Luo's people!* While Bai Zhou was immensely grateful that Deputy Director Liu had kept the Thunderous Heavenly Bow safe for him for all these years, he was even more grateful that Deputy Director Liu had shown up here today. That way, Bai Zhou wouldn't have to agonize over who the Heavenly Bow rightfully belonged to. He could draw the bow and nock an arrow with a clear conscience, finding an opportunity to let Deputy Director Liu experience for himself— Just how sharp his Thunderous Heavenly Bow truly was! However... Right now, Bai Zhou merely stole a single glance at Deputy Director Liu before quickly averting his gaze. Partly out of caution, since Bai Zhou didn't dare stare for long at a high-ranking Extraordinary who, despite seeming heavily injured, remained dangerously unpredictable. And partly because... following the two men's entrance, a creaking mechanical noise sounded from behind Deputy Director Liu. Before long, an eye-catching presence followed them into the office. "That's..." Bai Zhou's eyes were instantly drawn over. A robot walked in with stiff, creaking strides, coming to a quiet halt behind Deputy Director Liu. Calling it a robot was an overstatement. In truth, it resembled a crude framework of an iron skeleton, yet between the black alloy pieces beat a fresh, vivid red human heart. A network of blood vessels coiled like vines around the mechanical joints to supply nourishment, connecting from the heart up to the brain. Inside the skull, a pair of eyeballs rolled about with eerie vitality—machinery and life crudely, roughly fused together. The secretary gently closed the door and left. A pungent stench of blood spread freely throughout the sealed office. Yet neither Big Mouth Luo Jiu nor Deputy Director Liu showed the slightest sign of discomfort. Based on Bai Zhou's observations, this mechanical construct appeared to be alive. At least by the definition of biological life, both the brain and heart were vigorously pulsing, and the entire life-support system circulated behind the cold iron skeleton in plain sight. Yet Bai Zhou felt that this was neither life nor "living." At the very least, Bai Zhou could not sense a shred of the vitality a living human ought to have from this silent robot. It was merely a living dead, a state perhaps even worse than outright death. Long before this, Bai Zhou had already seen something similar. Back then, it had been encased in the shell of a cute doll... Major Luo's Human Material! "An optimized version of Human Material, one might call it the ultimate form of Human Material." Inside the office, directly beneath the ventilation duct, Luo Jiu rolled his eyes and split his oversized mouth into a fawning grin, raising a hand to introduce it. "To maintain its vital signs and keep its life functions running, we expended massive resources and employed countless methods. "In the end, only through this form were we barely able to preserve this Human Material fresh and prevent it from rotting. "Fortunately, your arrival has finally come." Speaking in a low voice, Luo Jiu puffed out his chest. "A masterpiece, wouldn't you say? If those traditionalist Extraordinaries saw this, they'd undoubtedly accuse us of desecrating the dead. "Rest assured, though. A Human Material preserved like this is guaranteed to be fresh and fully capable of satisfying your needs." Deputy Director Liu offered no opinion. His expression remained placid and tranquil as he slowly nodded. Yet perhaps because his wounds from the battle with the demon had not yet healed, the nodding motion seemed distinctly rigid. However, in Luo Jiu's eyes, this stiff nod somehow commanded even greater reverence. The previously arrogant Titled Extraordinary seemed completely oblivious to the fact that his bowing, chuckling demeanor bordered on outright servility. His eyes darted about slyly. "Director Liu Jia, 'Liu Zhen' is right here, ready for your possession at any time. "Do you wish to proceed directly here, or..." "Hm?" Deputy Director Liu's eyes shifted, his expression turning slightly cold. Luo Jiu bent even lower, appearing increasingly deferential, yet his mouth didn't stop moving. "Father said he hoped I might have the honor of witnessing your possession." A dead silence hung in the air for a moment. Deputy Director Liu simply stared with indifferent, fixed eyes at the bowing Luo Jiu before him, without uttering a word. Only when sweat began beading on Luo Jiu's forehead did this deputy director named Liu Jia finally speak: "That is fine. "However, not now." Deputy Director Liu shook his head, his indifferent voice hoarse and halting. "The most appropriate time is midnight tomorrow." "But..." Luo Jiu looked up, hesitating. Yet the moment he raised his head, his eyes met the gaze of Deputy Director Liu. A visible shudder racked his entire body. No one knew what he saw in that instant, only that Luo Jiu flinched as if struck by lightning, hurriedly bowing his head again and replying in a deep voice: "Yes, what you say is right... I understand." Above their heads, in the dark corner of the ventilation duct. The curled-up black cat listened to their conversation, gazing intently at the sheet metal beside him with gloomy eyes. *Liu Zhen!* Bai Zhou instantly understood what Crow had meant by "there's another Liu Zhen." Because within Crow's perception, she had indeed sensed Liu Zhen's arrival. At this very moment, Big Brother Liu was right here, once again appearing vividly before Bai Zhou. Yet it was in the form of "Human Material"! Unlike the doll-type Human Material of Liu Zhen that Bai Zhou had encountered previously, this "Liu Zhen" could actually move! And yet it remained Human Material. Seemingly alive, it had long since perished. Like a toy. From Luo Jiu's lips, the word used to describe it was "preserved fresh," as if trying to keep a strip of pork tenderloin from turning into spoiled meat! A wave of revulsion surged through Bai Zhou's chest. He wished he could draw his blade and leap down this very second, lopping off the heads of both old bastards below to kick around like soccer balls all the way to the department store. Yet in truth... to Bai Zhou, this might not entirely be bad news. Ever since walking out of Branch 36 of the Special Control Bureau, Bai Zhou had been searching for Liu Zhen's Human Material—it had been a major driving force behind his pursuit of the Human Material industry chain. To let him rest in peace was the one simple thing Bai Zhou could do for Big Brother Liu. As time passed, the sense of urgency in Bai Zhou's heart had grown heavier, and he had already harbored a grim expectation he hated to contemplate... that Liu Zhen's "Human Material" had likely already been consumed. Yet now. When Liu Zhen reappeared before him like this, Bai Zhou felt not only fury and shock that these people were still desecrating Big Brother Liu, but also an imperceptible trace of relief. As long as it hadn't been consumed, there was still hope of reclaiming it! At the same time, however... immense confusion and a surging fog of doubt arose in Bai Zhou's mind. Why did Big Brother Liu's Human Material require this Deputy Director Liu to come retrieve it in person? Seeing how withered Deputy Director Liu's state was, was he planning to use the Human Material to heal his injuries? —No, that didn't seem right. From Luo Jiu's words, tremendous effort had been spent preserving Liu Zhen's Human Material, as if specifically awaiting Deputy Director Liu's arrival. What was so special about Big Brother Liu? Furthermore, Luo Jiu had repeatedly hinted that he wanted to witness Deputy Director Liu's "possession" with his own eyes? Possession of what? *The Human Material chosen by Major Luo, a Rank 1 Extraordinary of the Mechanical Walker Pathway... Big Brother Liu Zhen?* *The deputy director of the Anomaly Investigation Bureau, a mysterious Extraordinary above Rank 6... Liu Jia?* Murmurs stirred in Bai Zhou's heart. Thoughts swirled like a gale in his mind as he pieced together the clues and logic laid out before him: *Liu Zhen?* *Liu Jia?* *Liu Zhen, Liu Jia?* *Zhen and Jia... True and False?* *What does that mean?* Deep in the darkness, the quietly curled-up black cat furrowed its brow. A greyish mist rose in his mind. A faint flash of inspiration hovered on the verge of being grasped, yet it was still missing a crucial piece. Just then, the dialogue below conveyed new information, causing Bai Zhou's spirits to rise and snapping his attention back. "Remember to destroy the documents corresponding to this matter. Leave no trace behind." Deputy Director Liu's voice remained hoarse and halting as he gave the instruction in broken intervals. "Rest assured, all document backups are right here." Luo Jiu pointed to the pile of scrap paper nearby, thumping his chest in guarantee. "I will delete and shred all the files here right in front of you in a moment!" So that was the reason he had brought Deputy Director Liu here. Deputy Director Liu nodded, his cold expression easing slightly. "Do not worry, 'He' will not make things difficult for you. "I will go find 'Him' afterward. The possession ritual at midnight tomorrow will also be completed under 'His' personal witness." "That's good, that's good..." Only then did Luo Jiu exhale a long breath, visibly relieved as if a burden had been lifted. The grin returned to his face. "Thank you for your hard work!" Rubbing his hands together, Luo Jiu ground the sharp teeth beneath his wide mouth, revealing two bashful dimples on his cheeks. "'Father's' final Ascension to Sainthood will take place in the underground base of Longluo Private High School, which is already heavily guarded. "If you aren't familiar with it, I can guide the way for you..." However, Luo Jiu's offer was quickly cut off by Deputy Director Liu raising a hand. "I had already guessed it would be that place. "I know it—naturally, it is impossible for me to be unfamiliar with that place. "You need not concern yourself with what follows... I will go." Saying this, Deputy Director Liu gave Luo Jiu a meaningful look. "You are very talented. "The most talented among the nine of you." Deputy Director Liu raised a mechanical, stiff arm and patted Luo Jiu's shoulder. "Keep up the good work. I think highly of you." Luo Jiu appeared flattered by the praise. The two harbored their own sinister designs, each calculating against the other, yet the atmosphere was entirely harmonious. To an uninformed bystander watching from afar, they might have seemed like father and son. —Yet above their heads, having eavesdropped on the latest intelligence, Bai Zhou quietly pressed his lips together. *Longluo Private High School?* A prestigious key high school in Tinghai City. Bai Zhou actually knew of it. Because that high school... was the very school Teacher Sun, the disguise of Luo Si, had abruptly transferred to without reason! Though he had harbored suspicions before, having it confirmed now still sent a tremor through Bai Zhou's heart. *A crafty hare has three burrows!* Sure enough, Major Luo possessed yet another underground base, hidden beneath the school where "Teacher Sun" taught! Now, even though Bai Zhou still didn't know what the Major's "Ascension to Sainthood" actually entailed... The location for this "Ascension to Sainthood" was already in his hands! The gains from this trip were already plentiful enough. Even if Bai Zhou turned around and slipped away right now, there would be no issue. However, the next topic they brought up gave Bai Zhou a reason to stay— "How are the arrangements for the Caged Bird?" Deputy Director Liu glanced left and right around the soundproof, sealed office, suddenly inquiring in a low voice. This seemed to be the first time Deputy Director Liu had actively shown concern over a matter. Yet Luo Jiu wasn't surprised in the least by the question. Instead, he wore an expression that showed he had expected it all along. "Rest assured... Luo Si has already arranged people to bring back the Caged Bird." Luo Jiu deliberately lowered his voice. "Everything is progressing methodically and smoothly!" *Luo Si is bringing back the Caged Bird?* Bai Zhou froze for a moment, suddenly recalling what Luo Da had mentioned earlier. [*The Ascension to Sainthood is about to begin.*] [*It is also time to reel in the Caged Bird...*] The next instant. Deep within the darkness of the ventilation duct, a document quietly appeared atop the black cat's paw. *Caged Bird Observation Log* *Project Number: 000004* *Project Classification: Top Secret* Bai Zhou stared at it, his eyes blazing. *Sure enough, every single one of the Major's plans is interlocking, interconnected, and mutually reinforcing!* In the darkness, he immediately flipped open the document. Without making a sound, his eerie green eyes rapidly scanned the contents of the project in the shadows. **I. Observation Target:** [DATA EXPUNGED] **II. Project Scope:** Establish a comprehensive observation and guidance network to nurture healthy physical and mental development, cultivating a stable and controllable bird in a cage. *Note:* The emphasis lies strictly in observation; direct interference is strictly forbidden before the project's conclusion. **III. Observation Logs:** **Observation Log 1** Date: June 10, 2028, Saturday, Clear, Breezy. Title: *First Observation* Perimeter surveillance deployment complete. All personnel will begin long-term dormancy, casting aside all past identities. Target is exceptionally close to elders, optimistic, cheerful, and lively, though showing nascent signs of change. **Observation Log 93** Date: September 10, 2028, Sunday, Clear, Full Moon. Title: *A Crucial Influence* Day 93 of observation. Tenth day of high school for target. Following an initial academic setback, target is caught between anxiety, self-doubt, and the urge to catch up. I advised her to let nature take its course without straining, assuring her that her parents would love her regardless of poor marks, and so forth. Everyone has an innate fate assigned at birth; one should learn to submit to destiny and embrace one's mediocrity early. Target appeared half-understanding. I will continue exerting influence. **Observation Log 815** Date: September 2, 2030, Monday, Overcast, Cloudy. Title: *Another Successful Anchoring* Day 815 of observation. I once again dropped hints to target, suggesting she curtail outdoor excursions as bears seem to have been sighted recently. The outside world is perilous; though home is small, it remains safe and wonderful. Target believed this implicitly. While loving her parents dearly, she occasionally experiences bouts of confusion, stably lingering in the low valleys of low self-esteem and sensitivity, yet always managing to coax herself out of it. All of this is remarkably "natural." **Observation Log 820** Date: September 7, 2030, Saturday, Clear, Light Clouds. Title: *A Peaceful Day* Day 820 of observation, and the final record... Target seems to have taken in a stray cat. Perhaps I should find a way to drive it away. However, we cannot directly interfere with target's established persona; letting things take their course is also an option. This will allow target to thrive stably amidst "love." Such is the design of "destiny." **IV. Summary:** We have never exerted direct influence, nor have we ever directly intervened in the observation target's life, leaving no trace behind. The observation target has grown independently through her own choices, possessing a clean and pristine life trajectory. From this, it can be concluded— The observation target is physically and mentally sound, having long resided in a highly stable "Caged Bird" ecosystem, fully satisfying the requirements of the project! "..." Bai Zhou flipped through the document swiftly, completely soundless throughout. His gaze was profound and eerie, and a chilling shudder crept relentlessly down his spine. *What on earth is all this?* A full 820 observation logs! The latest date had concluded just yesterday! All of these observation logs were handwritten in a delicate, graceful script, resembling the hand of a woman. Judging a person by their handwriting, she seemed like a gentle, serene, and benevolent woman. Yet reading the contents of her reports— This person clearly harbored malicious intent. So who was this Caged Bird that required the Major to cast an inescapable net starting from 2027, taking immense pains to secretly observe and guide her for three whole years without ever directly interfering, allowing her to grow freely within the snare? "..." Bai Zhou furrowed his brow. For some reason, as he looked at the descriptions above... An inexplicable sense of déjà vu washed over him. "Do not harm it under any circumstances. You must guarantee its safety on all fronts." Just then, Bai Zhou heard Deputy Director Liu give another instruction below: "There is only one canary in the cage. Cherish it at all costs!" Luo Jiu nodded with a deferential posture. "Rest assured." Turning around, he pulled open a drawer beneath the desk and retrieved a small white bottle from within. *Clack, clack...* Luo Jiu shook the small white bottle in his hand, his lips stretching into a confident smile. "'Father' specifically had Luo Si bring this along. "As long as we have this, the Caged Bird will forever remain under our control, unable to take flight!" With that, he uncapped the small white bottle and tipped out several items resembling calcium tablets. A certain familiar scent drifted up from below into the ventilation duct, catching Bai Zhou's nose. *This is...?* Bai Zhou stared down at the small white bottle in Luo Jiu's hands, finding it strangely familiar. The bottle looked familiar. The calcium tablets looked familiar. And the scent was even more familiar. A memory from two days ago surfaced from deep within Bai Zhou's mind. [*"Mom and Dad said all kids should drink milk and take calcium tablets or 36 Gold Vita before going to bed."*] That day, in the warm bedroom smelling of milk. A young girl wearing Paul Frank pajamas had cheerfully shaken the bottle in her hands before bed, producing a rhythmic clinking sound. She had poured out several milky-white calcium tablets, their sweet, milky aroma wafting out, bearing some resemblance to the milky scent on her own body. [*"Do you want one? It helps you grow taller, and it's sweet!"*] Back then, the girl had teased the little cat. Thus, there was no way Bai Zhou could ever forget this scent. It was a milky aroma. The milky aroma on Fang Xiaoxia! Fang Xiaoxia was Project 000004—the "Caged Bird"—in Major Luo's plan?!