F-class thief? Sorry, I can steal anything.

Chapter 179 The Lamplighter? The Nation's Backup Plan

The lamplighter?

Chen Yifan originally thought that the power system in this world was clearly divided.

On the surface, they are "professionals" who rely on the [World Engine].

In the shadows, they are the "heretical sects" that everyone hates.

The two are incompatible.

In hindsight, he was wrong.

Between absolute black and white, there exists a little-known gray area.

The "lamplighter" is the gatekeeper of this gray area.

"What is their relationship with the 'cleaners' you mentioned last time?"

Chen Yifan asked the most crucial question.

"It's okay."

Wang Qingyun's answer was crisp and clear, with an undisguised hint of disdain in his tone.

"The 'cleaners' of the [World Engine] are not human. They have no thoughts, no ability to adapt, and can only execute 'erasure' commands."

"In their eyes, any abnormal energy fluctuations should be erased and should die."

"And the 'lamp-bearer'..."

His gaze became incredibly complex, as if he were examining a long-forgotten piece of history.

"They are another face of the country, a hidden trump card."

Wang Qingyun abruptly changed the subject, revealing a secret that was enough to overturn conventional wisdom.

"Those lunatics in the 'Eternal Life Society' are trying to break free from the rules and pursuing the so-called personal transcendence of 'physical immortality and true self of the soul'."

"And the 'lamp-bearer'..."

He stared at Chen Yifan, emphasizing each word as if it were being squeezed out from between his teeth.

"They're another group of lunatics."

"They are also studying 'heretical paths,' and are also trying to bypass the [world engine]."

"But what they are pursuing is not someone's immortality."

"It is the 'continuation' of the entire civilization."

These words, like an invisible hand, suddenly tightened Chen Yifan's grip on his breath.

really!

As a time traveler, with his unique worldview, he can guess the traps behind this world.

And how could the world's highest authority be completely unaware of this!

This is essentially a more secretive, larger, and more insane "Eternal Life Society" driven by the will of the state!

Wang Qingyun seemed to see through his thoughts, his tone filled with endless vicissitudes and weariness.

"The 'Twelve Zodiac Animals' are like a shield walking in the sunlight, protecting the order and prosperity under the rules of the engine. This is the sunny path we must take, and can only take."

"But there are always some people who see further and are more pessimistic than us."

"They suspect... that the end of this road beneath our feet may not be glory, but a bottomless abyss."

"Thus, the 'Lamp Holder' was born."

"Their mission is to find another possible path in the darkness for the entire civilization, while everyone else is looking up and rushing forward."

"A true path to survival... one that can escape the ultimate fate without being discovered by the 'Cleansers'."

Chen Yifan's mind was made clear.

This is a secret organization that walks on the edge of a knife.

It is the "Noah's Ark" prepared by the Dragon Kingdom for the entire civilization.

Their very existence is the greatest betrayal and provocation against the [World Engine].

Once exposed, the entire organization, and possibly even the national level, could be ruthlessly wiped off the face of the earth by the "cleansers."

"They came to me because of you, Uncle Wang..."

Chen Yifan hadn't finished speaking, but the searching look in his eyes said it all.

That mysterious person couldn't have approached me for no reason.

Moreover…

To outsiders, he was at most a lucky genius.

That's not enough to warrant an invitation from them.

Wang Qingyun did not deny it.

"I just... made a suggestion."

He rubbed his temples, his face showing an unprecedented level of exhaustion.

"I thought they would use covert observation methods, but I didn't expect them to be so direct."

"This shows that your 'value' in their eyes is higher than I imagined."

Wang Qingyun smiled, casually picked up a cigarette, and put it in his mouth.

"They want me to join?"

Yes and no.

Wang Qingyun deliberately acted mysteriously.

"What they're giving you isn't an offer letter, but a 'qualification'."

"A qualification...to be able to push open that door at any time."

He looked intently at Chen Yifan.

"Boy, now you have three paths before you."

"The first path is to a top-tier university, a broad and promising road, attracting worldwide attention."

"There, you are the chosen one, the pillar of the future society, and the inheritor of 'orthodox' power."

"This is the safest and most reliable route, and it's the best choice for your family."

"And the second one, the military."

"A crucible of iron and blood, ruthless and decisive."

"There, you can quickly transform your talents into combat power, grow stronger in bloody battles against alien beasts, and protect peace."

"This road is the most direct, and also the most brutal."

"As for the third point..."

Wang Qingyun's gaze fell on a certain point in the air, with a hidden meaning.

"It was a muddy path with no road signs and not even a ray of light."

"Every step you take could lead to a misstep and a fall into an abyss."

"You will be surrounded by the world's most bizarre secrets, the most insane knowledge, and... the purest death."

"You may gain unimaginable power and glimpse the truth of the world."

"But it could also turn into a corpse in the next second, or even leave no trace of a corpse and be completely 'erased'."

In the office, the only sound was the ticking of the second hand on the wall clock.

Wang Qingyun neither urged him nor offered any advice; he simply waited quietly.

This was Chen Yifan's own choice.

It was also the first real crossroads in his destiny.

Chen Yifan remained silent for a long time.

What flashed through his mind were not those ethereal powers and realities.

Instead, it was the image of the mother busy in the kitchen, and the profile of the younger sister sitting quietly on the sofa reading a book.

Whether it's "heretical sects" or "lamp bearers," both are too dangerous and too unknown.

He cannot and dares not expose himself completely to the eye of the storm until he has sufficient ability to shield himself from all risks by keeping his family out of danger.

Moreover, this applies to both heterodox paths and the professional system under the [World Engine].

He had only just begun to learn.

Their abilities and strengths are vastly different.

So, for him now...

What he needs is...

An identity that is glamorous and "orthodox" enough to perfectly rationalize and cover up all his abnormalities.

A... perfect "cage".

He needs time.

It will take time to analyze [The Theft of Everything].

Strengthen your mental fortitude.

Go and truly transform that power from the "heretical path" into your own fangs.

"Uncle Wang, I've made up my mind."

Chen Yifan stood up, his expression having returned to its usual calm.

Wang Qingyun looked up at him, and from those unfathomable eyes, he read the answer.

"I choose Wuhan University!"

Chen Yifan said.

A knowing smile appeared on Wang Qingyun's face.

There was admiration in that smile, but also a hint that was barely perceptible...

Disappointed?

"A smart choice."

Finally, he nodded.

"This is a great choice for you."

"After all, as the saying goes, once a person dies, they have nothing left."

"As for that card..."

Wang Qingyun didn't mention it again, as if that thing had never appeared.

"It's just a qualification."

Chen Yifan replied.

"A 'new world' that I will only open when I need it."

"very good."

Having gotten the answer he wanted, Wang Qingyun stood up and patted him on the shoulder.

"Then go, go to that most dazzling stage, and play your genius to the very end."

Sometimes, the brightest place is where you can best hide yourself.

Chen Yifan nodded solemnly and turned to leave.

"etc."

Wang Qingyun suddenly called out to him.

"There's one more thing."

Wang Qingyun's expression became somewhat strange, as if he were bringing up a less-than-honorable private matter.

"Uncle Wang, please speak."

"Go to Longdu, to stay away from a family surnamed 'Li'."

"plum?"

A glint flashed in Chen Yifan's eyes.

"Yes, the Li family of Longdu."

Wang Qingyun's tone carried an indescribable emotion.

"That family is domineering and arrogant, producing only geniuses and madmen. Especially in this generation, there's a guy named Li Hao who's the best of the best."

"In their eyes, a top student from a small town with no connections like you is the most delicious piece of meat and the easiest stepping stone to step on."

"At this stage, it's best to avoid provoking others if possible."

Chen Yifan memorized the name "Li Hao" and nodded in agreement.

"Thank you for the reminder, Uncle Wang."

Stepping out of the security bureau, the afternoon sun was a bit too bright.

Chen Yifan narrowed his eyes and looked up at the sky.

This conversation with Wang Qingyun was tantamount to revealing a corner of the unspoken truth between the two parties.

And he got the answer to what he wanted to know.

The so-called "lamp bearer" must possess methods to shield himself from the "cleaner's" detection and to safely use the power of heretics.

In fact, Wang Qingyun himself was one of them.

And that parting reminder... to the Li family of Longdu.

The fact that he specifically singled out this family for an explanation shows that the trouble this family is in is far beyond what is ordinary.

Perhaps it is also related to "heretical teachings".

Dragon City.

In his eyes, that city, which gathered the most outstanding geniuses and dignitaries in the entire Dragon Kingdom, was no longer just a simple place for studying.

It became a huge, complex stage.

Under the sun, geniuses compete, and the powerful vie for power.

And in the shadows of the stage.

The lamplighter is gazing.

The "Eternal Life Society" is lying dormant.

And then there's the Li family of Longdu, whose background is unknown...

This mess is much deeper than he imagined.

"But like this..."

A subtle, unnoticed smile appeared on Chen Yifan's lips.

"That's what makes it interesting."