Chapter 162 Dark History
Zhang Mou's proposal was very simple, though not entirely unexpected.
After all, it was just a hypothesis, a theory. There was no concrete proof yet.
Therefore, an experimental site and cooperative test subjects were needed.
Through controlled experiments, they could determine whether, with Jiang Tian's dishes and specific training methods, the first-level awakening state could temper not only the meridians but also the bones, flesh, and membranes—comprehensively strengthening the physical foundation.
To this end, Zhang Mou proposed, "Since we're conducting this experiment at Hongwu University, and we are all students, why not establish an experimental class?"
"The students in this class should be from different backgrounds, and we should include individuals at different strength levels."
"We need students from the top ten, top hundred, top thousand, and even within the ten-thousandth rank."
"Only through such controlled comparisons can we determine whether Boss Jiang's dishes can truly help strengthen the body's foundation across different levels of talent and cultivation."
"As for the final selection of students, that decision should be made by Principal Zhou."
After Zhang Mou finished, he quietly waited for Zhou Shang's response.
Zhou Shang nodded in approval. "Your proposal is good. Let's establish an experimental class under the chef major, with Jiang Tian as the class leader."
"As for the selected students, Jiang Tian, you can pick a few, and I'll finalize the rest."
Since Jiang Tian was the core of this initiative, his opinion mattered the most.
Jiang Tian didn't hesitate. "Xue Ruyan. She's my food partner. Without her, we won't have good meals."
Zhang Mou was stunned.
Food partner?
What does that mean?
"She has a divine sense of taste that helps me refine my dishes until they reach perfect quality," Jiang Tian explained, sensing Zhang Mou's confusion.
He clarified so Zhang Mou would understand Xue Ruyan's vital role in the experimental class.
Zhang Mou was taken aback. Was that even a thing?
In that case, Xue Ruyan and Boss Jiang were the perfect match.
They might as well get married already.
"As the initiator, of course, you'll be in the class," Jiang Tian continued. "And also Leng Hao, Huang Xing, Guo Qihang…"
He listed a few more names—all students from Xiang City.
Coincidentally, they were all from different ranking brackets, aligning with Zhang Mou's need for varied control groups.
Some might call it favoritism, but keeping benefits within the family was natural.
It was the same for everyone. If you didn't take care of your own people, you were crazy.
After Jiang Tian selected his candidates, Zhou Shang began choosing the rest.
From the top ten, he only selected Tian Yundong and Shentu Jiayi.
The others had more complex backgrounds, making their inclusion riskier for now.
He further selected students like Niu Dazhuang—those with good talent but underprivileged backgrounds.
With the selections finalized, the experimental class had thirty-six students, excluding Jiang Tian.
"Alright," Zhou Shang said, standing up. "I will handle the faculty and training methods for the experimental class."
"Zhang Mou, you've contributed greatly this time. I'll reward you with 500 credits."
"Go back and rest."
Zhang Mou stood up and saluted. "Thank you, Principal. I'll take my leave now."
"Boss Jiang, I'll be off."
He knew Principal Zhou likely had more to discuss with Jiang Tian, so he tactfully excused himself.
On his way out, Zhang Mou was thrilled.
Not only had he potentially discovered a new cultivation method, but he had also met his idol and secured a spot in an experimental class.
It was all good news—fruits of his own effort.
After Zhang Mou left, Zhou Shang turned to Jiang Tian.
"Teacher?" Jiang Tian felt a little strange at the way Zhou Shang was looking at him.
Zhou Shang stood there, studying his disciple, his mouth opening as if to speak but hesitating.
Finally, he said, "Disciple, I have a favor to ask."
Jiang Tian immediately shook his head. "Teacher, you've done so much for me. If you need something, just say it. No need for formalities."
Zhou Shang had taken such good care of him—it was obvious to anyone.
There were many reasons: Jiang Tian's talent, the current state of the human race, and, perhaps most importantly, the loss and grief that still haunted Zhou Shang.
Jiang Tian always felt that Zhou Shang treated him like his own child.
Rubbing his hands together, Zhou Shang said awkwardly, "Your master's wife was seriously injured, and there are lingering toxins in her body. I was thinking... since your blood and flame can remove the poison from alien flesh…"
"Maybe you could help detoxify her."
Jiang Tian immediately nodded. "It's worth trying."
Zhou Shang was always considerate—never forcing him to do anything.
But in Jiang Tian's eyes, this was just a small favor.
"Come on, I'll take you to meet your master's wife," Zhou Shang said, leading him inside.
They reached a metal door with a display screen showing the temperature: -60°C.
Jiang Tian immediately realized—this must be the metal-walled room he had seen earlier.
But this wasn't just a room—it was a freezer.
Was his master's wife really inside this?
Zhou Shang opened the door and was about to warn Jiang Tian about the cold.
But seeing his disciple enter calmly, unaffected by the frigid air, he held back.
Right. Other first-level awakeners would struggle in this environment, but Jiang Tian was different.
Inside, Jiang Tian found himself in a crystalline world of ice.
At the center was a bed surrounded by advanced medical instruments and protective formations.
Lying there was a woman with silver hair, her face youthful despite her condition.
Jiang Tian's eyes widened.
Something seemed… off.
Zhou Shang noticed his disciple's look and frowned. "What's with that expression?"
Jiang Tian hesitated, then slowly said, "Disrespecting the elderly…"
Zhou Shang's face darkened instantly.
He knew exactly what Jiang Tian meant.
"Don't spout nonsense, brat! Your master's wife is three years younger than me!"
Jiang Tian blinked and took out his phone.
Thanks to this world's advanced technology, even low-temperature phones worked fine.
He searched a name: Mulan.
The results flooded in.
She was once the undisputed number-one genius of her era.
And then…
"Kill Zhou Gou and steal Sister Lan!"
"This guy's talent is insane, but he's just a gigolo!"
"How is Zhou Gou even worthy of my goddess?"
Jiang Tian scrolled through ancient forum posts, his body trembling with suppressed laughter.
Zhou Shang, who had walked over to see what he was looking at, turned pale.
His past… his dark history… was right there on the screen.