C16 He Would Not Live If He Did Not Become Crazy(2)

Bai Chengcheng called out eagerly, "Property Panel."

The Property Panel displayed:

System Name: Pelia

Host: Bai Chengcheng

A Language Studies Level 1 (2/100) Current Course: "The Book of Songs" (20) (Exam Score: 2)

B Mathematics Level 2 (8/1000) Current Course: "Calculus" (20) (Exam Score: 20)

C Physics Level 1 (0/100) Current Course: ??? (0) (Exam Score: 0)

D Mechanical Engineering Level 1 (0/100) Current Course: ??? (0) (Exam Score: 0)

E Information Science Level 1 (0/100) Current Course: ??? (0) (Exam Score: 0)

F Life Sciences Level 1 (0/100) Current Course: ??? (0) (Exam Score: 0)

G Sociology Level 1 (0/100) Current Course: ??? (0) (Exam Score: 0)

H Military Science Level 1 (0/100) Current Course: ??? (0) (Exam Score: 0)

I Martial Arts Level 1 (0/100) Current Course: ??? (0) (Exam Score: 0)

Mission: Not Triggered (Exam Score: 0)

Rewards: Number of Yoctometer Robots (One Hundred Million) Number Controllable by Host's Telekinesis (0)

Bai Chengcheng danced with joy, exclaiming, "Wow, I have one hundred million robots! Where are they? Where are they? Hurry up and give them to me!"

The panel inquired, "Where would you like to place them?"

"Ah, that's the big question," Bai Chengcheng pondered. "One hundred million... this room definitely can't fit them all."

Pelia was torn between laughter and disbelief.

The panel displayed: "Your understanding of physics is shockingly poor. Do you even know what a yoctometer is?"

Bai Chengcheng scratched his head, "Isn't it just a unit smaller than a nanometer?"

The panel enlightened:

Quite astute. 1 yoctometer = 10^-3 zeptometers = 10^-6 attometers = 10^-9 femtometers = 10^-12 picometers = 10^-15 nanometers = 10^-18 micrometers = 10^-21 millimeters = 10^-24 meters.

The term "yoctometer robot" is somewhat of an exaggeration, referring to the size of its computational units. Each yoctometer robot consists of over a billion yoctometer-sized computational units, so the robots' size is on the zeptometer scale, with diameters ranging from 3 to 30 zeptometers.

Let's consider the largest size of 30 zeptometers; if 100 million yoctometer robots were lined up in a straight line, their maximum length would be 3 x 10^-12 meters, or 3 picometers, 0.003 nanometers. (For reference, the diameter of a hydrogen atom is 106 picometers.)

No need to fret about fitting this large house inside; it's already in your hands. And don't even think about seeing it with the naked eye, or even with an electron microscope; it's likely invisible.

Bai Chengcheng was perplexed, "It's so tiny, what use could it possibly have for me?"

On the interface:

Its small size is precisely what makes it incredibly useful. First, consider the capabilities and speed of a yoctometer chip—just imagine. If used to construct a supercomputer, it would easily surpass the control centers of all planetary intelligence systems in the world.

Moreover, today's synthetic materials are at the atomic level. A weapon with a picometer-scale edge is much smaller than the space between atoms. It could slice through the toughest carbon nanotube alloy as if it were tofu.

Defensively, the skin composed of yoctometer robots is impenetrable to particle beams. However, high temperatures are a different story; an adequate number of yoctometer robots would be needed to instantly absorb the kinetic energy from the heat.

The finest machining precision in the world today is merely 0.1 nanometers. With yoctometer robots, manual processing could improve precision by several orders of magnitude. You should be aware of how crucial precision is to the mechanical performance.

The diameter of a human cell is at the micron level. Using yoctometer robots for treatment could target individual molecules inside a cell.

Once your telekinetic abilities are strong enough to remotely control yoctometer robots, you could form a field with trillions of them. If transformed into invisible fine needles, they could kill undetected.

Bai Chengcheng was doubtful, "The capabilities sound impressive, but I feel like you're taking advantage of my ignorance, trying to deceive me. It's so small; can it really interact with electromagnetic waves? An electron is much larger than it, isn't it?"

On the panel: Who said yoctometer robots were designed to process electromagnetic wave signals? Even if you haven't studied it, you've probably heard of string theory, right? Yoctometer robots work with energy strings. Once a large number of yoctometer robots are configured into a signal converter, they can also process electromagnetic waves.

"Awoo! Awoo! Awoo!" Bai Chengcheng groaned in frustration. The question wasn't whether he wanted to or not. With such a powerful system (the yoctometer robot) at his disposal, he was virtually unbeatable. But the thought of using it to create a dagger—or even a mere needle—was daunting due to the sheer number required. How much knowledge would he need to amass to accomplish that?

The panel displayed a multitude of subjects, noting that the rewards for leveling up would increase exponentially. The rewards for advancing in combat skills were even greater. Pelia had to instill some confidence in this lethargic kid; otherwise, it would be a hassle if he refused to learn.

"Right, there's also the fighting technique." Bai Chengcheng suddenly found the drive to keep learning. He had promised his mother he would begin his training, and that meant studying with or without the yoctometer robots. So why not take advantage of the situation?

Bai Chengcheng didn't start with the combat skills from the Pelia system. Instead, he went back to the headgear system. He was convinced that the cultivation methods and martial arts his mother had taught him far surpassed those of the Pelia system. He held a deep, enigmatic reverence for his mother.

He activated the headgear system and began practicing the Taiji Yin Yang Art as demonstrated by the virtual image. The results were minimal; he couldn't feel the Qi. Yet, he wasn't disheartened, understanding that mastery of internal skills wasn't achieved overnight.

Next, he opened the Yin Yang Tai Chi Art. The virtual figure was still there, as naked as before, methodically demonstrating the first level of the boxing technique, narrating each movement as it went along.

Bai Chengcheng now understood the reason for the absence of clothing. With each movement of the boxing technique, a faint green flow of energy coursed through his meridians, likely signifying the unity of strength and intent.

In this world, most people dread mental exertion more than physical toil. Hence the saying, "The thinker leads, the laborer follows." Bai Chengcheng's passion for martial arts clearly outweighed his interest in academic studies. He diligently practiced the first level of the Yin Yang Tai Chi Art dozens of times, quickly becoming proficient. Although his form was still rudimentary, his progress was remarkable.

To achieve both physical and spiritual mastery, one must still dedicate themselves to cultivating their internal energy.

With renewed vigor, Bai Chengcheng reopened his cultivation manual, immersing himself in the sensation of his meridians. His consciousness followed the path of his virtual form. After over ten attempts, he was astonished to feel the presence of Qi.

It wasn't ecstasy that gripped him, but sheer disbelief. The sensation of Qi! The ability to freely circulate True Qi was the hallmark of an Intermediate Martial Master, a level beyond that of a Martial Master. As he completed another cycle, Bai Chengcheng could distinctly feel a faint warmth flowing within him. "Haha, I'm a martial arts prodigy!" he exclaimed, thrilled beyond measure.

But what martial arts prodigy? Sure, his aptitude was decent, but the real hero was the mysterious Muscle Meridian Cleansing and Marrow Strengthening Fluid crafted by Bai Yaojin.

Returning to his fist technique training, Bai Chengcheng noticed a significant improvement in fluidity.

Hours slipped by unnoticed until a gnawing hunger roused Bai Chengcheng from his practice.

The door swung open, and Lu Youzhi and Fan Gongming entered.

"Orange, have you been training this whole time? What's this, has the sun started rising from the west?" Lu Youzhi and Fan Gongming were astounded.

Bai Chengcheng ignored their surprise. Seizing the moment before the door closed, he called out, "Mom, I'm starving." This time, he refrained from calling her by her nickname.

With a chuckle, Bai Yaojin responded, "Turn around." As her words hung in the air, the door shut once more.

Bai Chengcheng turned to see a section of the metal wall bulging outward. He remembered that in this room, he could simply voice his needs. He dashed over to find a metal drawer. Inside, there was a meal of rice and fish, ample for several people.

Bai Chengcheng signaled to Fan Gongming and Lu Youzhi, then dove into the food with gusto.

Outside the basement, as morning dawned on the following day, the Bai family received a visitor in search of Bai Chengcheng.

Bai Yaojin scrutinized the guest, "Young lady, are you here for my son Orange? Might you be his girlfriend?"

Even the usually aloof Feng Rulei blushed under scrutiny, "No, sister, I'm just his classmate."

"I don't believe it. My Orange has never brought a girl home before."

Feng Rulei, on the verge of tears, insisted, "Sister, it's not like that. I came to give him money."

Father Bai chided, "Enough with the nonsense." Addressing Feng Rulei, he said, "Young lady, she's not your sister, she's Bai Chengcheng's mother. She can be a bit eccentric. Please, come sit over here and pay her no mind."

Just like Faang Xinghang had done, Feng Rulei gasped, "Mom?"

"Yep." It was clear, Bai Yaojin had once again taken liberties.

Feng Rulei frantically denied, "No, that's not it," and scurried over to Father Bai like a frightened rabbit.

Father Bai offered, "Please have a seat. I'll have the robot brew you some tea."

Feng Rulei hastily declined, "No, no, that's not necessary. Is Bai Chengcheng at home?"

Father Bai inquired, "What do you need him for?"

"I'm here to give him money," Feng Rulei explained.

"Did he lend you money?" Father Bai asked.

"No, it's for the meteorite sale," she clarified.

Father Bai was puzzled. "What do you mean?"

Feng Rulei quickly explained the situation.

Father Bai's expression remained unchanged, clearly unimpressed by a sum of one or two hundred million star dollars. "I'll collect one hundred million for him. The account number is..."

"It's two hundred million," Feng Rulei corrected.

Father Bai recalled, "Didn't he say he wanted to gift you one?"

"I can't accept it," Feng Rulei insisted.

"That complicates things. I can't collect it for him; you'll have to give it to him directly," Father Bai said, echoing Bai Yaojin's resolute nature, as they both believed in keeping their word.

"Is he here then?" Feng Rulei asked.

"He is, but he's in seclusion and can't come out. Why don't you try after school starts?" Father Bai suggested.

Feeling resigned, Feng Rulei accepted, "Alright then. Goodbye, Uncle. Sister... Mom... Ah, Auntie, goodbye." She hurried away, leaving behind the sound of Bai Yaojin's giggling.

Bai Yaojin snapped her fingers with a smirk, "Quite the big spender, aren't you? Let the torture begin."

Following her cue, three large bathtubs emerged from the opposite wall of the basement, filled with black medicinal liquid. After their meal, Bai Chengcheng and his companions, who had been resting on the floor, were suddenly hoisted into the air by an unseen force. Their clothes fell away as they were hurled into the bathtubs.

Being forced to soak wasn't a big deal, but as soon as they entered the tubs, they began to convulse violently, as if struck by electricity, the pain piercing their hearts. Their agonized screams resonated throughout the space, and the intense discomfort was indescribable. They tried to protest, but couldn't even utter a complete sentence.

Half an hour later, the 'electrocution' ceased. The three lay paralyzed in the tubs, their bellies bloated with water.

Bai Yaojin's voice rang out, "This is an essential step in the cultivation of the Floating Light and Flashing Shadow technique, to be done daily for half an hour. Next time, come willingly or the duration will be extended."

Frightened, the trio scrambled to their feet, not noticing that the dark liquid had turned crystal clear.

Bai Chengcheng objected, "You're trying to kill us, aren't you, you fiend? Ever heard of resonance? It can tear the body apart!"

Bai Yaojin retorted, "Oh, showing off your smarts to me? Cultivation is all about damaging the muscles and then healing them to build muscle memory. The pain comes from not recovering quickly or thoroughly enough. I'm simply accelerating that process for you. Rest assured, I'll make sure you're in peak condition."

Upon hearing this, Lu Youzhi exclaimed with glee, "Auntie, let's do it again!"

Bai Chengcheng and Fan Gongming were so incensed they started pummeling Lu Youzhi, who just laughed off their blows as if they were merely tickling him.

Resigned to their fate, they continued their training. All three donned their headgear and simultaneously accessed the cultivation system to practice Floating Light and Flashing Shadow.

Lu Youzhi and Fan Gongming's systems were similar to Bai Chengcheng's, with only the order of the martial arts techniques and fist forms differing. In Lu Youzhi's system, the Heaven and Earth Swallowing Technique and the Vajra Taotie Technique took precedence. In Fan Gongming's system, the Five Elements of Heaven and Earth Technique and the Five Elements of Creation were at the forefront. Yet, for footwork, Floating Light and Flashing Shadow was the primary focus for all.

Bai Chengcheng embarked on an intense period of secluded study, pouring his heart and soul into the yoctometer robot, with precious little time for rest.

He realized Pelia had outsmarted him; mere martial arts were insufficient. The robot's capabilities expanded, yet he couldn't harness them. To take control, he needed to delve into information science. After all, how could he command it without programming skills?

But to grasp information science, he had to upgrade his knowledge of physics, mathematics, and linguistics. Without a solid understanding of physics, the inner workings of computers would elude him. Without linguistics, the logic behind programming would remain a mystery. And without mathematics, he'd be lost amidst the formulas essential for coding.

To employ the yoctometer robot in crafting a mecha was feasible, yet first, he had to advance in mechanical engineering. How could one build a robot without the ability to manufacture its components?

Having mastered the initial five disciplines, he possessed the necessary comprehension and a photographic memory. The remaining subjects relied heavily on memorization—essentially just an opportunity to score easy points. Why then would he not pursue them?

Retreat was not an option. To abandon the yoctometer robot now would be to squander it, rendering all his efforts futile. He had no choice but to persevere. Madness was the price of survival.

Unbeknownst to Lu Youzhi and Fan Gongming, Bai Chengcheng's time was largely consumed in a metaphorical battle with Pelia. Feeling the pressure not to fall behind, they, too, threw themselves into their studies and training with renewed vigor.

Bai Yaojin nodded contentedly, turning to her husband, "See, I told you we could let go now."