Rebirth 014

  The large stone that was pushed down by the guardian collided with the wall of the cave, bringing down scattered clods of earth as it rapidly fell, accelerating downward until it landed at the very bottom of the chasm. It bounced off a faint, bubble-like interface and then fell again, as if it had pierced a layer of strong, flexible soap bubbles. The white bones and stones that were floating on the surface of the bubbles also fell down, striking out a series of metallic sounds, like small rocks hitting an iron can. The large stone happened to land on a slightly raised object resembling a button, pressing it downward. The object emitted a soft, red glow, with a red cross on top.

  Under the faint red light, a huge, sleek spaceship lay silently at the bottom of the deep abyss, with a blue olive branch encircling the globe emblem on its body, and below it was printed a line of words "UNHOSPITILSHIP".

  As the red light came on, the lights inside the spaceship also lit up one after another. The ancient spaceship that had been silent for thousands of years was finally activated unintentionally. The energy of the protective shield had been gradually consumed over the thousand-year period, and now the "LOW POWER" indicator light had come on inside the ship.

  In mid-air, a mass of rapidly falling flesh and blood hurtled towards the spaceship. The medical ship's life rescue sensing system immediately scanned for casualties approaching, and a bubble-like object was ejected from the rescue port, just in time to catch Liu Ziguang, wrapping him inside. The smooth hull of the spaceship opened a hatch, sucked in the bubble wrapped around Liu Ziguang, and then closed again.

  Body temperature: 0 degrees, pulse: 0, blood pressure: 0 kPa, breathing: none, pupils non-reactive, both eyeballs ruptured, blood loss of 80%, penetrating wound in one location, extensive soft tissue contusion of 90%, fractures in 185 locations, tendon rupture in two locations, vision: 0, spinal cord nerves completely damaged. Liver, spleen, kidney, and heart rupture, vital signs approaching zero.

  Liu Ziguang's body was fixed in a transparent container, the rescue system automatically monitored, and the crew members on the spaceship had long since died. The highly developed system, after thousands of years, was still automatically performing its mission of rescuing the dead and treating the wounded.

  Wounded personnel information:

  Nationality: Earth Chinese,

  Rank: Unknown,

  Department: Unknown,

  Injury level: C-level severe injury,

  Brain wave residue: 15%,

  Brain tissue damage: 0%,

  Brain cell development degree: 4%.

  Rescue treatment level: A

  Identification result: Earth Federation Volunteer Civil Defense Corps member, not listed in the register.

  Liu Ziguang was transported into a large culture dish, the transparent dish filled with green **, at the same time, a set marked "UN-SAS standard skeleton for ordinary interstellar paratroopers" and a set of "cosmic space human organ substitutes" were called out from the medical ship's warehouse, sent into the culture dish by mechanical hands.

  Liu Ziguang's body was dissected, and each part of the body was carefully measured and intelligently restored to ensure that the restored body remained consistent with its pre-injured state. The entire brain tissue was removed from the skull cavity and sent to another diagnostic device for forced development of brain cells.

  The full set of skeletal muscles made of ultra-high-strength nanomaterials was adjusted according to Liu Ziguang's original shape, arranged into a human form. Then various severely damaged internal organs were replaced with artificial organs of even higher strength, and other mildly damaged or unhealthy organs as determined by the computer were placed in specialized repair equipment for repair and enhancement.

  The wounded person's native blood has almost been depleted, and the computer chose high-energy anti-epidemic artificial blood, which is a new type of blood that can carry a large amount of oxygen and automatically defend against various toxins, and also has an automatic regeneration function.

  Skin, lymphatic system, soft tissue and stratum corneum have been strengthened according to the harsh high-temperature, high-pressure and high-radiation environment in interstellar warfare, with an extremely thin protective coating applied.

  Around that artificial skeleton, various blood vessels, muscles and skin slowly grew up, and various artificial organs were implanted. The original usable digestive and reproductive systems were retained, and together with the artificial organs, they undertook the various functions of this new body.

  After completing the forced development, the cerebrum, cerebellum, and brainstem are introduced into an ultra-high-intensity artificial skull, and are connected to the nervous system throughout the body. The processed cerebellum and brainstem possess extremely powerful motor thinking abilities, super-strong reaction speeds, and unparalleled balance. The cerebrum has also reached a development level of 40%, allowing it to store and rapidly recall massive amounts of information, with extremely strong analytical and memory capabilities for things seen and heard.

  The facial part of the artificial skull was molded according to Liu Ziguang's original appearance, without any changes. Two artificial eyeballs with telescopic, night vision and ranging functions were placed in the eye sockets. The nose, tongue and other parts were enhanced with sensory capabilities, still using the originals. The eardrum was replaced, greatly enhancing hearing ability.

  The muscles on the skeleton gradually formed under the action of the culture medium, although the shape did not change, but the thickness and thinness of the muscle fibers were improved, and the strength was beyond comparison with the original. In coordination with nano-skeleton and high-toughness tendons, the strength, speed, and endurance reached the standard of ordinary interstellar infantry, but in the era of cold weapons, various indicators could be compared with those of martial arts masters who had been practicing for hundreds of years, and if they had to be ranked, they might even be stronger.

  Gradually, a brand new Liu Ziguang appeared in the culture dish.

  New Year's Day, Lixin Iron and Steel Factory.

  Snowflakes began to flutter in the sky again, and the chimney of the giant mechanical iron furnace with an evil beauty was still emitting thick black smoke. The snowflakes fell on the high furnace and melted instantly, falling on the wild field and tree clusters, but the snowflakes on the rooftops remained. The snow grew bigger and bigger, and the solemn black iron factory gradually became silver-clad.

  A snowflake fluttered and fell into a slender white hand, pausing for a few seconds before melting into a crystal drop of water. The eldest sister gazed at the water droplet in her palm and let out a soft sigh. Life was as fleeting as a snowflake. Last night, scouts had been sent out in all directions, but Hu Xianzhe's team still hadn't returned by now. Although the other returning teams said they hadn't found Liu Ziguang, the eldest sister knew those people might be lying, perhaps they had already killed him. Lately, her orders were often disobeyed, and sometimes she couldn't even issue commands outside the inner courtyard. Her father had been in seclusion for several months now; if he didn't come out soon, she feared she wouldn't be able to control those uncles anymore.

  Hu Xianjue might have led people to pursue him into the Qing country, and without this highly skilled and loyal guard captain, he was somewhat psychologically unstable. Last night's events were forcibly suppressed, but how could such a thing not be known to anyone? The factory has already spread the news that the person reused by the eldest sister is actually a spy from the Qing country. If things go on like this, her prestige will surely be greatly reduced. Thinking of the Qing spy, the image of that young man appeared in the eldest sister's mind again. Whether he was a loyal minister or a spy, she hoped he wouldn't be killed by Hu Xianjue.

  A sable cloak was thrown over the elder sister's shoulder, and when she turned her head, it was her younger sister who had arrived. The two of them stood wordlessly together on the balcony of the iron factory's administrative building, gazing out at the vast expanse of land below.

  The second young lady seemed somewhat depressed. Recently, her two Huskies had eaten too much sugar gourd and died of diarrhea. Last night, Dongxiang, who had served her sisters since childhood, also passed away. The Red Army General was her treasure, and even her sister considered him precious, to the point where she would take him away from her, although pretending to be unhappy about it. In reality, she was still very pleased inside. Her sister's happiness made her happy. Now that her sister was so depressed, it must be because of Liu Ziguang's affair. From childhood to adulthood, she had never seen her sister care so much about any man. Regardless of whether this person was a Qing dynasty spy or not, she would bring him alive in front of her sister. She secretly made up her mind.

  The second young lady grasped her sister's hand and said: "Everything will come to light, Captain Hu will bring him back."

  The older sister sighed again, "Let's go, the New Year's gathering is about to start." The two sisters went downstairs hand in hand.

  The New Year's gathering on the first day of the Lunar New Year is a tradition at the iron factory, where all middle-ranking officials and above gather in their finest attire at the meeting hall. Unlike last night, which was a banquet without discussing official business, this morning is an awards ceremony for officials and a working conference to appoint or dismiss department heads.

  Deputy factory owner Huálóng is a powerful figure in the factory, ten years ago he was just a local hooligan, but since following the factory owner to start the iron factory, his value has skyrocketed, now he controls the sales and security of the iron factory, he looks like a generous and majestic man, although middle-aged, still extremely handsome. When walking, the red robe under him faintly emits the sound of armor plate friction, the sound is so subtle that even people next to him can't detect it.

  His son, Xiao Long, who often hangs out with the second young lady, did not inherit his father's bold and heroic spirit. Although he also has a handsome face, he is not diligent in his work and likes to revolve around the second young lady. Now, Xiao Long is wearing a big red fox sleeve, standing obediently behind his father, and his eyes occasionally glance at the second young lady opposite him.

  The directors of each branch, the premiers of each department, the generals of the Iron Guards, and the captains all wore brightly colored robes according to their ranks and stood in front of the council hall. On the giant cast-iron throne on the platform, the eldest miss sat upright wearing a long yellow satin dress, while the second miss wore a peach-red long dress and sat beside her.

  After all the formalities and official documents, the young lady picked up a stack of yellow silk appointment certificates to read out.

  At this time, only Hua Long and Ding Pengyuan exchanged a glance, stepped forward and said: "Young lady, I have something to say."

  The young lady looked somewhat surprised and replied: "Vice-Factory Master Yu, can't whatever you have to say wait until after I've finished reading out this year's appointments?"

  "Hua Long sneered: 'Young lady, isn't it a bit hasty to announce these new appointments without discussing them with us uncles?' Then, without waiting for an answer, he stepped forward in the council hall, saying as he walked: 'Since you became the acting owner and took control of the factory, production and efficiency have plummeted. There are hundreds of thousands of taels of silver that can't be collected, and you've even hired a fake Qing spy as the accountant manager, leading to the bloody case in the inner courtyard, the loss of silver from the treasury, and the leak of the city defense map. Please explain these matters to us, young lady.'"

  As soon as the voice fell, there was a sudden silence, and all eyes were cast on the eldest sister. The eldest sister was momentarily speechless. In her heart, she immediately understood that today they would finally make their move.

  Yu Hua Long said with a smile: "As for what I just said, I'd like to ask Director Ding to bear witness."

  Ding Pengyuan coughed and said: "What Deputy Master Yu said is all true, I also ask the young lady to give us an explanation."

  The hall was in an uproar, and everyone began discussing it in hushed tones.

  The elder sister was about to speak, but the second sister had already jumped up and slapped the armrest of her chair: "What do you want to do? The matter of Liu Ziguang has not been settled yet. As for sales, it's always been Uncle Yu who is in charge, what does it have to do with my sister?"

  Hua Long sneered with a slight smile: "You yellow-haired girl, what do you know."

  Second Miss grew even angrier: "I called you Uncle Yu because I looked up to you, but the iron factory is our Peng family's business, founded by my father with his own two hands. What does it have to do with outsiders like you whether we make a profit or a loss? Are you trying to force us out?"

  "Not bad! The rise and fall of the factory affects the lives of tens of thousands of people, so it should be run by a virtuous person. Today, Yu Mou is here to seek justice for all the workers." Yu Hualong shouted loudly.

  Yu Xiǎo Lóng frowned and looked at his father for a while, then at the second young lady, not daring to interrupt, clenching his fists and stomping his feet in distress.

  "Big sister stood up and stared at Yu Huailong: 'Deputy Master Yu, my father is not dead, he's just closed the door. You can't wait to take over the iron factory? The matter of the million-yuan debt, you've been handling it in the Ministry of War, Liu Ziguang's case is also full of doubts, can a one-sided statement be enough to determine guilt? I'm afraid even the Ministry of Punishment wouldn't dare to be so arbitrary. And then there's the deduction of workers' food allowances, leading to a large number of resignations, accepting bribes from the Pangzhuang Coal Mine, privately raising the price of coal purchases, causing the factory's funds to be insufficient, abusing private punishments, and killing the iron guards who disobeyed you... one by one, I'd like to ask Deputy Master Yu to give an explanation to my sister and me, and to the tens of thousands of workers in the factory.'"

  A loud and clear remark left everyone present speechless, soon the officials were divided into two factions arguing with each other, with the majority supporting the elder sister.

  Huà Lóng saw that his words were all in vain, so he became enraged and pressed the buckle on his waist. With a crisp sound, a soft iron sword appeared in his hand.

  "Peng family sisters, whether you agree or not, today this factory owner position I have taken!" Yu Hualong said, pointing his sword at them.

  Seeing Yu Hua Long draw his sword, the eldest miss became even calmer, coldly laughing: "You've finally shown your true colors, it seems those things were indeed done by you. Drawing a sword in the main hall is a capital offense punishable by beheading! Where are the guards? Take Yu Hua Long away!"

  Four fully armored guards rushed up with long knives. They surrounded Yu Long with their drawn blades.

  Hua Long looked up at the sky and laughed maniacally, tearing open his large red robe to reveal fine fish-scale armor underneath. In a deep voice, he said to the four guards, "What are you waiting for? Why haven't you made your move yet?"

  The four guards suddenly turned around, facing the young lady, and approached her with knives. The cold face had no expression, and the young lady sat back on the throne, sighing: "Indeed, they have all been bought by you."

  In the deepest part of the Heavenly Pit, Liu Ziguang in the culture dish had taken shape. The computer next to him displayed colorful characters: Repair degree 100% Health degree 100% Artificial organ fusion degree 100% Combat effectiveness increased by 10,000%.

  The green culture liquid quickly disappeared at the bottom of the culture dish, and Liu Ziguang's wet black hair was stuck to his scalp. His muscular lines were smooth, and his eyelids blinked lightly once.

  Liu Ziguang was reborn.