The three of them walked through towering buildings and entered the villa district, with Xiang Jintian leading them directly to the largest villa.
Xiang Jintian was familiar with everyone here; one word from him and the gatekeeper would open the door.
As soon as they entered, they heard loud coughing.
An old man with white hair was leaning on the edge of a bed, spitting blood.
Four caregivers were meticulously wiping the blood from his lips and giving him water to soothe his throat.
Xiang Jintian moved swiftly and went to support him.
"Leader, are you alright?"
Upon seeing Xiang Jintian, Mei Xingwu immediately broke into a smile, his complexion improving considerably.
"Jintian, you're finally back."
Xiang Jintian crouched down, bringing his gaze level with the old man's.
"I know about your situation. Don't worry, I've brought back the experimental data. I'll hand it over to the laboratory for research immediately."
Mei Xingwu shook his head and patted Xiang Jintian's hand.
"The experimental data is important, of course, but Bai still hasn't woken up. I fear I won't live to see the day he wakes..."
Xu Qian's pupils constricted. He was referring to Mei Yuebai, wasn't he?
Xiang Jintian opened his mouth, unsure what to say.
Anything he said now felt powerless. All the advanced equipment in the Bright Base had been used on Mei Yuebai, yet there was no improvement.
The base had temporarily notified him this time because of the leader's physical condition.
"I'm also looking for ways to help Bai's condition. Please don't be too anxious and affect your health."
Mei Xingwu leaned back on his pillow, closed his eyes, his voice growing fainter and fainter:
"Jintian, if I'm gone and Bai still hasn't woken up, remember to protect the Bright Base well... Don't let it fall into the hands of those with ulterior motives..."
As he spoke, a long, drawn-out breathing sound could be heard...
Mei Xingwu was extremely weak, his waking hours barely exceeding four hours a day.
He had simply kept it from everyone, and most people outside were unaware.
If everyone knew, it would truly be a seismic event.
Every base had good people and bad people. It would be easy for those with ulterior motives to stir up trouble.
Xiang Jintian's expression darkened slightly. He stood up and ordered, "Take good care of the leader. Not a single mistake is allowed."
Everyone respectfully bowed and agreed.
It was no joke; if the grandfather and grandson truly didn't wake up, the Bright Base would surely fall to Xiang Jintian.
Xiang Jintian called the two of them and quickly headed to the laboratory.
The laboratory was located on the basement level behind the villa district.
Upon entering, countless white-clad lab personnel bustled about.
Xiang Jintian led them through twists and turns to an office and knocked.
"Yu Yuan."
With a click, the door immediately opened.
A tall, thin man in a white coat walked out.
Yu Yuan squinted his eyes at the person before him, recognizing him after a moment.
"Jintian, what brings you here?"
Xiang Jintian paid no mind to his sarcastic tone and stated directly, "I've found important experimental materials."
Yu Yuan's dark eyes lit up.
"What materials? Where are they?"
Xiang Jintian moved aside, revealing Xu Qian behind him.
"This is Xu Qian, a space-element ability user. I've entrusted her with storing the materials in her space."
Yu Yuan rushed forward and grasped her hand.
"Thank you, comrade! Come, come, I'll take you to the data repository."
Yu Yuan pulled Xu Qian inside.
Xu Qian glanced back at Xiang Jintian awkwardly.
Xiang Jintian said nothing, nodding at her.
Inside was a simple office, with four white walls and a white desk in the center.
The most peculiar thing was the display of many skulls on the wall. Yu Yuan twisted one of them from side to side.
Using some unknown technique, the adjacent white wall suddenly parted into two.