Chapter 98: Chapter 98
Though filled with grievances, the system clearly couldn't disobey its host's commands now. The moment it was released, it pitifully pulled out a palm-sized array disk from its system space.
The instant An Ning saw the patterns on it, her pupils constricted. And she wasn't sure if it was her imagination, but staring at this array too long gave her a soul-binding sensation.
She felt relieved again that she'd managed to divert the system's attention earlier, preventing it from noticing her covert operations.
"Is this... cultivation?"
Holding the exquisite little array disk, An Ning finally asked.
The system instinctively nodded and began explaining in detail:
"Yes. Since this dimension inherently lacks spiritual energy, even with spirit stones, the energy would quickly dissipate. So activating this here requires an enormous amount of spirit stones."
"But it's extremely powerful. Once activated, it can bind your soul here permanently."
Before An Ning could react, the system pulled out a black controller from its pocket.
"This one stabilizes my data form, though keeping it activated constantly consumes massive energy."
Tsk, quite the complete set of equipment!
An Ning mused silently - the system might be dumb, but those behind it certainly weren't.
Sniffling... if not for its host's cunning and well-hidden maneuvers, it would've kept this activated from the start.
But one thing truly puzzled the system.
"Why? Host, didn't you lack the Intelligence-Enhancing Pill this lifetime?"
After storing both items in her space, An Ning finally graciously explained:
"The Intelligence-Enhancing Pill only works on the physical body and lasts just one lifetime. But... did you really think all genius scientists rely solely on innate intelligence?"
An Ning scoffed internally:
Even if it only lasted one lifetime, that lifetime's learning experience alone was enough for her to develop the most efficient study methods and thought patterns tailored for herself.
Learning itself is an ability that requires training.
Moreover, she gave the system a meaningful look:
"Do you think I spent every moment of my previous lives studying mathematics just for fun?"
"Actually," An Ning sighed lightly, "it was all for you!"
She'd been waiting for this day for so long.
Nothing was coincidental - everything was meticulously planned since the first moment she realized there existed something that could control and threaten her.
"So system, aren't you touched?"
"By the way, how does your future upgrade process work? Would it inspect or alter your core data?"
Ignoring the terrified system, An Ning continued questioning.
"Uh, no. Systems like me are too numerous in the Quick Transmigration Bureau for individual upgrades. From what I've heard, we just need to collect specific chips."
The system answered timidly.
Good. An Ning nodded.
She'd been prepared to avoid any inspections at all costs before securing countermeasures, even if it meant failing missions.
Better to eliminate dangers in their infancy than risk exposure.
But this also suggested the Quick Transmigration Bureau had limited overseers. Recalling the system mentioning its superior was also a data entity, An Ning pondered thoughtfully.
Still, for safety: "System, after getting that chip, let me examine it first, okay?"
With the system threat neutralized, An Ning finally relaxed in the following days.
Her daily rest increased significantly, even finding leisure for tea ceremonies and flower appreciation. Her newfound tranquility prompted occasional visits from Fu Sheng, now the nation's richest man, to tease:
"Well, after decades, our great scientist Xu finally learned life is meant to be enjoyed."
An Ning simply smiled faintly.
No one found this strange - Professor Xu was nearly seventy now. Maintaining frontline scientific work at that age was impressive enough, especially in complex programming.
Most importantly, though retired, her scientific contributions never slowed.
Her latest breakthrough upgraded the holographic system's usability and safety while introducing evolving AI into holographic games - far surpassing traditional NPCs in complexity and gameplay, earning global gamers' worship of "Professor Xu the Greatest!"
Her increased rest concerned national leaders enough to send wellness delegations, with top medical teams on standby.
Yet at seventy-six, An Ning peacefully passed away in her sleep.
Her will d her immense wealth to orphan charities and entrusted funeral arrangements to Fu Sheng, insisting on immediate cremation.
Even if not her original body, she refused letting it end up on some dissection table someday.
Her concerns proved valid - the night before cremation, foreign agents attempted stealing her corpse amidst public mourning.
Thankfully, security thwarted the theft.
But the incident sparked global outrage against illegal experimentation when exposed.
Xu Anning's holographic technology had made her household name worldwide, and her uncountable wealth had funded charities helping tens of thousands of orphans - many now industry leaders.
Their efforts ensured her funeral procession stretched beyond sight with endless flowers, while the theft conspirators faced severe crackdowns.
But An Ning saw none of this.
Back in the system space, the five-star rating came as no surprise.
The original host wasn't hard to please - having endured lifelong scorn and rumors, she only craved understanding and respect beyond material comforts.
An Ning's experiences had resolved her confusion and released her final guilt and obsession over her ex-boyfriend.
Closing the mission panel, the system eagerly approached before she could speak:
"Host! Great news! The next world is one you're very familiar with!"
Seeing the system's eager dog-like expression, An Ning suddenly felt foreboding.