I Hijacked the Timeline (IHT)

Faced with Wei Wei's invitation, Feng Qi felt a deep sense of helplessness.

If he agreed, it would narrow the paths available to his future self. The starting point of his exploration would inevitably involve joining the Crimson Research Institute.

From the perspective of linking the present and future timelines, accepting the invitation was not an option. Even if it were to be accepted, it would have to be by his future self, making it a part of a future timeline—a calculated undercover move to gather useful information.

For now, in this current timeline, avoiding contact with the Crimson Research Institute until he had absolute influence and power was the safest strategy.

Shaking his head, he replied decisively:

"Director Wei, I'm really sorry. After graduation, I plan to join the Tiger Soul Research Institute. Considering their deep foundation in cultivation research, they're undoubtedly the best choice for me. As for biological sciences, my knowledge in that field is limited, and I'd struggle to meet your expectations."

Wei Wei didn't seem surprised by his refusal. Smiling, she responded:

"Perhaps you don't know enough about our Crimson Research Institute. We also conduct research in cultivation sciences. You could completely pursue cultivation research with us. However, you're correct—when it comes to the foundation of cultivation studies, we can't compare to institutions like the Tiger Soul Research Institute, which specialize in that field."

"That said, I hope you'll still consider our Crimson Research Institute. With your talent, you could explore broader fields. For example, your concept of 'Cultivation Concept – Planting Deities in the Body' is a groundbreaking idea in the realm of human evolution within cultivation science. If you join us, we can provide you with even more resources to further such research."

Her persistent invitations made Feng Qi's head throb.

At present, he still wasn't sure whether the Crimson Research Institute was a force for good or evil.

If they turned out to be an evil organization, joining them might lead to facing moral dilemmas like choosing whether to betray humanity. On the other hand, refusing could result in him being sent to the guillotine the very next day.

Agreeing, however, came with its own risks. To ensure control, the Crimson Research Institute would likely employ various methods of restraint, possibly including body modifications. The mere thought sent chills down his spine.

Ultimately, joining them could only be considered in a future timeline, not the present. Doing so now would raise the difficulty level for future exploration, making the road ahead increasingly treacherous.

However, he didn't outright refuse, leaving room for maneuverability:

"Let me think it over. This is all a bit sudden, and I haven't made up my mind yet."

"I may be a bit impatient," Wei Wei said with a soft laugh. "Discovering someone as promising as you, I can't help but want to start collaborating on human evolution research as soon as possible. If you decide to join us, feel free to contact me anytime. I'll reserve your early admission spot for one year."

"Thank you," Feng Qi replied.

"Oh, by the way," Wei Wei said with a curious look, "aren't you at all interested in what we'll use your blood for? Usually, when we request blood samples from other geniuses, their first reaction is to ask why and what the purpose is."

Feng Qi: …

This old witch, does she think I'm stupid? Asking such questions might get me killed!

Shaking his head, he replied calmly:

"Every research institute has its confidential projects. If you want to tell me, you will. If you don't, asking would be pointless."

"How unique. Most geniuses I've met are driven by an intense curiosity and desire to explore the unknown. It's rare to meet someone like you," Wei Wei said, her lips curling into an alluring smile.

"However, this particular research isn't exactly top-secret. While it's not public information, I don't mind sharing it with you."

"Essentially, the Crimson Research Institute has long been working on a project aimed at replicating genius-level talent or even mass-producing human prodigies."

"So, all of you young, talented geniuses are our research subjects," Wei Wei said with a faint smile.

"It's just that this research hasn't yielded any progress so far, which is a pity. If we could achieve results in this area, humanity's future would be incredibly bright."

Hearing this, Feng Qi was momentarily stunned.

Mass-producing geniuses? That was quite an ambitious idea.

However, without uncovering the truth behind the Crimson Research Institute, he couldn't make any assumptions about their intentions.

For all he knew, the Crimson Research Institute might not be trying to create geniuses at all but instead researching ways to suppress their emergence.

The institute's core focus was biological sciences. If they were an evil force, it was entirely possible that they were working on a biological virus designed to stifle humanity's potential for growth.

A chilling thought struck Feng Qi as he recalled the now-eradicated smallpox virus, which had exclusively targeted humans.

What if the Crimson Research Institute was developing a similar species-specific virus to eliminate human genius altogether?

As his thoughts spiraled, Wei Wei glanced at the time in the corner of her screen and smiled.

"I have other research projects to follow up on, so let's end our conversation here for today. If you have any thoughts or decisions, feel free to contact me. The Crimson Research Institute looks forward to your participation."

"Understood, Director Wei."

After ending the video call, Feng Qi sat in silence, deep in thought.

"Crimson Research Institute's Gene Division…" he murmured.

He remained vigilant toward Wei Wei.

His mistrust stemmed not only from the scenes he had witnessed in Mu Qing's memories but also from a more significant reason—there was no guarantee that Wei Wei was trustworthy.

If the Crimson Research Institute was a malignant tumor embedded within human civilization, then Wei Wei, as a director of the institute, would likely have already aligned herself with domain creatures, serving their interests.

Thus, caution was the only prudent course of action.

However, their conversation had opened up a new option for his future timeline.

Wei Wei had given him a year to decide whether to join the Crimson Research Institute. This meant one version of his future self could take the opportunity to infiltrate the institute, using the role of an undercover agent to gather internal intelligence.

Even if this choice resulted in his sacrifice, it wouldn't impact another iteration of his future self from making a different decision in the next timeline.

As this thought settled in his mind, Feng Qi let out a long sigh.

The path to a better future seemed to be paved with his own corpses. Humanity's progress appeared to be built upon the foundation of his repeated sacrifices.

It could also be said that his relentless deaths served as stepping stones, driving change and steering human civilization away from calamity toward a brighter tomorrow.

For his future selves, Feng Qi felt a deep sense of guilt.

Yet, if it were up to him to make the ultimate sacrifice in this timeline, he wouldn't hesitate.

The road to a better future was always riddled with thorns and would inevitably require sacrifices. Some things, in Feng Qi's eyes, were worth more than his own life.

With this realization, the sadness in his heart faded, replaced by a smile.

Glancing at the clock on his screen, he picked up his phone and dialed Lin Ran's number.

"Let's eat!" Feng Qi said with an energetic tone.

"Got it!" Lin Ran replied enthusiastically.