Hijacking the Timeline

Star City Academy, Principal’s Office.

Bai Fusheng stared blankly at Feng Qi, who was currently expounding at length on his proposal.

”You’re suggesting the academy add a new major in virtual reality technology? Are you serious?”

Feng Qi nodded solemnly in response to Bai Fusheng’s question.

”Absolutely serious. As I’ve explained in detail, innovations in virtual reality technology can resolve the safety concerns surrounding combat training across all academies while simultaneously enhancing students’ practical combat skills—a win-win scenario.”

”By establishing this major early, Star City Academy will undoubtedly lead the way among all academies in the future, positioning itself at the forefront of technological advancement.”

After listening to Feng Qi’s explanation, Bai Fusheng fell into deep thought.

Feng Qi’s words had indeed stirred his interest.

How to enhance students’ practical combat skills had always been a major headache for cultivation academies.

Every year, numerous students lost their lives in the Domain Fields, and even during internal combat training within the academy, students occasionally suffered severe injuries.

However, if we impose restrictions to ensure the safety of combat training, we prevent students from truly unleashing their full potential.

Training with one’s hands tied offers minimal practical combat experience.

After hearing Feng Qi’s explanation of virtual reality technology, he now believes this approach is indeed feasible.

But he also recognizes that creating such a game would be no easy feat.

Though he lacks expertise in virtual reality technology, he understands that achieving a level of realism comparable to the real world would present immense challenges.

Developing this technology from scratch would require astronomical investments in the future.

Sighing, he gazed at Feng Qi and said:

”Your idea is far too ambitious. I’m not saying it’s impossible, but we lack instructors with expertise in this technology, and the subsequent funding would be a bottomless pit. I think we should abandon this plan.”

”Wait! I can help find technical instructors, and we can figure out the funding gradually. Why don’t you first try applying for an initial grant to gauge the Ministry of Education’s attitude? Getting started is always the hardest part.”

Hearing Bai Fusheng’s refusal, Feng Qi quickly interjected.

Creating Savior alone was an impossible task.

He could seek out the young genius Fang Zhiyou to develop the Virtual Engine, and he could copy data code from the future database. However, the artistic aspects would require significant additional investment.

This included original artwork, game modeling, animation, visual effects, and the user interface.

Moreover, a brand-new game engine would require extensive retraining in many areas.

This was undoubtedly a massive undertaking, and the initial funding required remained an unknown quantity.

After careful consideration, Feng Qi decided to seek Bai Fusheng’s assistance.

As for the necessary talent, he already had the perfect candidate: Fang Zhiyou.

Savior was being built on the Virtual Engine Fang Zhiyou had developed.

According to historical timelines, the ”Future Virtual Engine” had already been created, but it was still in its early stages of development. Feng Qi needed to accelerate its refinement.

For the most critical aspects—art magic trajectories, algorithmic code, and other core components—he could rely on the future database for solutions.

”Star City Academy is, after all, a cultivation academy. Adding this major would be inappropriate, and any application would surely be rejected.”

Feng Qi wasn’t surprised to see Bai Fusheng shaking his head and sighing. He immediately proposed a second plan.

”Grandmaster, what if I sponsor this major myself?”

Bai Fusheng froze, then glared. ”Just spit out what you really want, kid. Stop beating around the bush.”

Feng Qi scratched his head under Bai Fusheng’s scolding. ”I have only one condition: all the results produced by this major will belong to me.”

”I see. You’re planning to set up a virtual reality studio within the academy, recruiting students whose food, lodging, and other expenses will be covered by Star City Academy. You want the academy to support your team? You’ve got quite the nerve!” Bai Fusheng’s eyes widened in disbelief.

Feng Qi quickly shook his head. ”Grandmaster, you’ve misunderstood me! I’d never have such a shameless idea.”

”You were right earlier, I do want future virtual technology students to live, eat, and study entirely within Star City Academy. But if virtual reality technology proves successful, I’m willing to give the academy 30% of the profits.”

”You know, if this technology truly succeeds, it will have a profound impact on human development and benefit all of humanity. Considering the matter from a global perspective, I believe it’s worth the risk.”

Bai Fusheng remained silent, watching Feng Qi’s impassioned explanation.

After hearing Feng Qi’s proposal, he was undoubtedly intrigued by the potential of virtual reality technology.

If they could truly create a game world nearly identical to reality, with art magic trajectories replicated almost 1:1, it would be a revolutionary breakthrough.

The practical combat training problem that plagued all academies could finally be solved.

Moreover, middle school and even elementary school students who hadn’t yet qualified for academies could use this game to get an early taste of cultivation studies.

From this perspective alone, the technology’s value might even surpass that of a five-star cultivation technique.

The only problem was his deep skepticism about Feng Qi’s ability to develop such a groundbreaking virtual reality game.

Feng Qi was the most talented student he had ever seen.

Even Wang Jinsheng at the same age hadn’t shone as brightly.

Yet he felt Feng Qi was taking too big a leap.

One moment he was immersed in cultivation studies, and the next he was venturing into the realm of technology—a move that seemed reckless and unstable.

With this in mind, he couldn’t help but advise:

”To be honest, you’ve almost convinced me. Setting up a virtual reality technology studio within the academy wouldn’t be a problem. If you submit detailed information about the technology, I believe the Ministry of Education would approve it, especially since it requires no funding from them and offers a 30% share of future profits.”

”If anyone else had made this request, I might have already agreed. But not you.”

Feng Qi was stunned. ”Why? Are you discriminating against geniuses?”

Bai Fusheng’s expression became remarkably complex. He took a deep breath, glared, and retorted:

”What I mean is, you possess exceptional talent in cultivation studies. You shouldn’t waste your time on domains you’re not suited for. Pouring your energy into them might yield nothing, squandering your time and resources.”

Understanding Bai Fusheng’s concerns, Feng Qi grinned and said, ”Grandmaster, have you heard of a polymath? Those rare geniuses who excel in multiple fields?”

Watching Feng Qi’s growing arrogance, Bai Fusheng remained expressionless. ”Do you think you are one?”

”Humbly, yes, I am.”

”Stubborn as a mule?”

”I’m already certain of success. All I need is funding, talent, and your support, Grandmaster. When this technology is recorded in history, future generations will read these words: ’The greatest genius in history, Feng Qi, with the support of Principal Bai Fusheng, pioneered the virtual technology and games that would shape future generations...’”

Staring at Feng Qi, Bai Fusheng still couldn’t fathom where his confidence came from.

Are all young people’s minds this erratic these days?

He realized Feng Qi had already made up his mind. Even without his support, he would find other ways to pursue his ambitions.

After a long silence, Bai Fusheng spoke:

”I’ll give you three months to prepare. Show me some results. I’ll apply for the venue and dormitories.”

”Thank you, Grandmaster!” Feng Qi bowed deeply in gratitude.

”Don’t thank me yet. Promise me this: if you don’t achieve any results within three months, you’ll stop wasting time on virtual reality technology.”

”No problem,” Feng Qi nodded firmly.

Watching Feng Qi’s confident expression, Bai Fusheng chuckled inwardly.

He had no doubt about Feng Qi’s talent, but to claim he could achieve results in virtual reality technology within three months was sheer fantasy.

Bai Fusheng believed that after a few setbacks, Feng Qi would soon come to his senses.

”I need to start preparing now. Grandmaster, you must be busy,” Feng Qi said, rising to his feet.

”Go ahead.”

After Feng Qi left, Bai Fusheng picked up his teacup, took a sip, and shook his head.

”Ambitious and arrogant, lacking the trials and tribulations of life. This setback should temper his spirit.”

Leaving the principal’s office, Feng Qi walked straight out of the school gate.

He hailed a taxi and immediately set off for his destination.

The night was deep.

In the eastern district of Star City, on the Cross-Lake Bridge, a short-haired youth in a black T-shirt sat on the bridge’s edge, gazing blankly at the neon-lit cityscape. His eyes seemed lost in thought.

Below his dangling legs lay Tianqing Lake, the inner lake of Star City, dozens of meters below.

A night wind swept across the bridge, causing the youth to huddle slightly. His expression was one of profound sorrow, as if he were on the verge of tears.

Just moments ago... he had been dumped.

The woman he had promised to grow old with had been stolen away by a strikingly handsome classmate from the neighboring class.

Unable to cope with the heartbreak, he had come to the bridge prepared to end his life.

As he wrestled with his inner turmoil, a voice suddenly rang in his ear:

”Go on, jump! What are you waiting for? I’ve been watching you for ages.”

The voice continued:

”Funny thing, I had a friend who jumped from this very spot years ago. Tragic, really. The woman he loved didn’t even grieve, and the people he hated most are still living their best lives. The world keeps turning, but his parents are the ones who suffer—a white-haired couple burying their black-haired son, their days now spent in endless tears.”

Hearing these words, Fang Zhiyou’s suicidal thoughts vanished completely, and he couldn’t help but turn around.

He saw a young man, only a few years older than himself, standing nearby, smiling at him.

”Are you deliberately trying to provoke me?” the young man asked, his tone exasperated.

”It’s a common mistake for young people. Falling in love in their teens, they think they’ve found their lifelong soulmate, and they’re even willing to die for this naive, immature love.”

”If time could rewind, your future self would definitely slap you senseless to knock some sense into you,” Feng Qi replied with a laugh.

The young man preparing to commit suicide was none other than Fang Zhiyou, his target for this mission.

A super genius in virtual technology, yet hopelessly love-struck, the events of this day would change Fang Zhiyou’s life forever.

If Feng Qi didn’t intervene, Fang Zhiyou would truly jump.

Though he wouldn’t die from the fall, he would be left nearly paralyzed.

After repeated failed treatments, he would briefly rally with determination, but ultimately succumb to depression, dying at home one day at the age of 27.

Based on online speculation, Fang Zhiyou’s death was most likely suicide.

That’s why Feng Qi had come.

To prevent tragedy and provide Fang Zhiyou with a platform to showcase his abilities.

Looking at Fang Zhiyou’s bewildered expression, Feng Qi continued with a smile, ”The best way to strike back at your enemies isn’t suicide. They’ll only mock your childishness when they hear you died for love. But I know a way to help you vent your anger.”

”What way?” Fang Zhiyou asked immediately.

”Make yourself so outstanding, so exceptional, that they can only look up to you in awe.”

Watching Feng Qi’s radiant, infectious smile, Fang Zhiyou’s heart stirred.

”How do I do that?”

”Treat me to a late-night snack, and I’ll teach you.”

After a few seconds of hesitation, Fang Zhiyou decisively climbed down from the bridge, approached Feng Qi, and said, ”Alright, I’ll treat you.”

(End of the Chapter)

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