Chapter 8: Meet with Li Chen

Ye Fan knew that society had a keen interest in the abilities of awakened individuals. His unique talents, including enhanced recovery and the power to evolve and strengthen plants, were details he couldn't reveal prematurely and made a strategic decision. He wasn't yet ready to reveal the full extent of his talents to the Shadow Eclipse Society or others. However, the presence of the Shadow Eclipse Society remained a constant concern.

Although the Mind Shadow Parasite was still in a somewhat dormant state, as it used its own essence to strengthen his body and genetic level. The parasite within him acted as a constant reminder of the dangers concealed in the shadows. However, he couldn't shake the feeling that the society harbored ulterior motives, enticing people to an undisclosed location, offering them a chance to awaken, and providing ample resources, like raising pigs for slaughter.

The countdown to the parasite's awakening weighed heavily on Ye Fan's mind. He understood that when the parasite awoke, it would inevitably draw the society's attention. Their experiments, goals, and true nature would become clearer, and Ye Fan needed to be prepared.

With every passing moment, Ye Fan considered his next steps. He had gained significant insight into his abilities and could now manipulate vitality and stimulate plant evolution. These skills gave him a level of control over his environment that was both extraordinary and discreet.

"From the experiments, it is clear that it takes at least 10 points of vitality to evolve or upgrade ordinary plants to Tier 1 Spiritual Plant, and at least 100 points of vitality and different amounts of spiritual power depend on the plant's requirement to evolve from Tier 1 to become Tier 2 Spiritual Plant. It seems to be increasing by a multiple of 10 for each increment in level." Ye Fan pondered as he analyzed the requirements of Spiritual plants to upgrade, he also found that using vitality alone to forcibly elevate the level of plants, but this method wouldn't establish a genuine connection. The use of spiritual power was the key to forging a bond with the flora he aimed to enhance.

As he weighed his options, Ye Fan couldn't help but converse with himself. "I must proceed with caution and gather more information about the society's intentions. My talents are a hidden advantage, and I should wield them carefully until I fully grasp the Mind Shadow Parasite's true nature."

However, a pressing question had taken root in his mind. "What if I use spiritual power and vitality on the Mind shadow Parasite? Can I gain control over it, or would it gain control over me?" This question was a pivotal one, and Ye Fan sensed that it held the key to his survival within the Shadow Eclipse Society.

Ye Fan's attention was abruptly drawn to his SkyDrive as it emitted a ring, signaling an incoming message from Li Chen. The urgency in Li Chen's message couldn't be ignored it was also he who found his account earlier and sent him a request to connect making it easy for Ye Fan to contact him after he activated his SkyDrive, and Ye Fan swiftly opened it.

"Hey, bro, where are you? I've got crucial information about tomorrow's mission. Come meet me at the location below now if you're free."

Recognizing the importance of this message, Ye Fan quickly checked the provided location, which happened to be nearby. He didn't waste a moment and replied promptly, "Yes, I'm on my way." With that, he swiftly left his room and walked his way towards the given location.

As Ye Fan navigated his way through the complex, he found himself amidst a bustling urban landscape. The streets were alive with activity, teeming with a diverse array of individuals going about their daily routines. The vibrant scene was a stark contrast to the controlled and confined environment of the Shadow Eclipse Society's research facility.

Not everyone within this area is subjected to strict control by the society. Only individuals like him, who were kidnapped or those possessing exceptional talents, find themselves under stringent regulations. However, the majority of people in the base joined the society voluntarily due to various reasons like some seeking a place for survival, or people abducted by society from abandoned small villages, not under the protection of the Fire Empire. Especially wanted criminals who utilize dark associations like the Shadow Society to conceal their whereabouts.

The cityscape was filled with civilians, men and women of various ages, each engaged in their own pursuits. Some hurried to work or ran errands, while others meandered leisurely along the bustling sidewalks. The variety of clothing and styles on display reflected the society's multifaceted nature.

The place where he lives now is called Nancheng District, most of the buildings in the center are all very tall reaching more than 7 to 8 floors each, which include some shops and stalls offering a diverse range of goods and services. Among them, restaurants served tantalizing dishes, wafting delicious aromas through the air. The fragrant scent of exotic spices, sizzling meats, and mouthwatering treats filled the atmosphere.

Weapon shops and armor boutiques displayed a wide array of items, from sleek, advanced weaponry to intricately designed protective gear. Ye Fan observed both seasoned awakened individuals and recruits browsing these stores, seeking to enhance their combat capabilities and prepare for the missions that lay ahead.

Beyond these establishments, the marketplace had a myriad of other shops, each catering to a specific need or interest. Whether it was technology, mystical artifacts, or even entertainment, the bustling bazaar provided a glimpse into the diverse interests and requirements.

The restaurant where Li Chen had asked Ye Fan to meet him was bustling. What set this particular restaurant apart from the others was its specialty in serving dishes made from monster meats, rather than the more common fare derived from ordinary beasts.

The reputation of the restaurant was evident in the crowds that filled its tables. The restaurant's specialty was a variety of dishes prepared from the meat of a creature known as the black pig, a monster that ranged from black iron to bronze level. The black pig's meat was highly prized for its tenderness, flavor, and unique properties, making it a sought-after delicacy in this world.

Ye Fan couldn't help but be drawn to the aroma wafting from the restaurant. The tantalizing scent of sizzling black pig dishes beckoned to him, and he felt his stomach rumble in response, he found an empty table at the corner and started to browse the menu.

A holographic menu display stood at the center of each table, and Ye Fan couldn't help but marvel at the advanced technology. He accessed the menu and scrolled through the offerings, intrigued by the descriptions and the variety of dishes made from the legendary black pig.

"Let's see," he contemplated while awaiting Li Chen's arrival. "I haven't eaten a black pig before. I should give it a try."