Volume One: The Awakening of All Things, Eternal Spring in All Seasons Chapter Four: Official Announcement, Evolution for All

In the blink of an eye, Mo Wen had already spent more than ten days at the Metropolitan Police Department. Glancing at the calendar on the wall, it was January 20, 2023. Tomorrow would be Lunar New Year’s Eve, yet beneath the city’s glittering surface, there was not a trace of festive atmosphere—only an endless stream of bizarre incidents that had plagued the past twenty days.

The archives at the police station had grown thicker, and Mo Wen had transitioned from shock to resignation, then to numbness, his worldview completely overturned.

“January 15, 2023: In the eastern district of the metropolis, the houseplants in a residence grew wildly overnight and sprouted sharp steel-like thorns, killing a family of three.”

“January 18, 2023: At the city’s botanical garden, an evergreen tree bore a scarlet fruit. A curious bystander ate it by mistake and gained immense strength, leaping dozens of meters in a single bound!”

None of these events were ever reported officially, the information tightly suppressed.

At 5:30 in the afternoon, Mo Wen wrapped up his shift, picked up a carefully prepared gift, and went to visit Aunt Zhao. He took the opportunity to tell her that he had been recruited by the police department. Overjoyed, Aunt Zhao burst into tears. Mo Wen’s employment had always been a worry for her; now, seeing him with a promising future, she could finally rest easy.

After dinner, Mo Wen bid Aunt Zhao farewell and returned to the police dormitory. Most officers had already gone home to reunite with their families for the holiday, leaving only those on duty behind. Mo Wen, however, was long accustomed to solitude.

He washed up early, lay in bed, and silently recited the ascetic order’s scripture. The energy flowing within him was no longer faint but vibrant and powerful. Since practicing the scripture, he felt an inexhaustible vitality, his body unmistakably strengthened.

January 22, 2023—the year of Gui-Mao on the lunar calendar—finally arrived, heralding a true upheaval.

A striking headline appeared on the official government website: “Advance with the times, break through limits, meet the challenge!”

Opening the article revealed information about evolution and mutation.

“Regarding the nationwide undertaking of personal evolution and transformation!”

The website not only detailed the methods of evolution but also introduced a foundational internal cultivation technique, aiming for every citizen to use it as a basis for universal advancement.

Suddenly, media outlets of all sizes erupted in a frenzy. The nation was in an uproar; veteran journalists and a multitude of experts took the stage, all advocating that evolution was inevitable!

The evening news, typically half an hour long, was extended to two hours. The nation’s leader delivered a passionate ninety-minute speech, repeatedly emphasizing the necessity and universality of evolution.

Meanwhile, governments around the world released information about evolution and mutation. From then on, the guiding principles of global development included not only economic growth and the maintenance of peace, but also universal evolution.

Unlike the feverish disbelief of others, Mo Wen had already sensed a change in the air. “Advance with the times, break through limits, meet the challenge!”—the final phrase, “meet the challenge,” was the true heart of the matter. But where would this challenge come from? For now, it was impossible to know.

Mo Wen downloaded the official internal cultivation technique and tried it out, only to toss it aside shortly after—it was far inferior to the ascetic scripture.

Though it was the Spring Festival holiday, the police force was fully assembled. Su Qiang gathered everyone together and said gravely, “From now on, our team’s responsibilities will be even heavier. In addition to routine work, I’ll check everyone’s progress in internal cultivation each month. Any officer who fails to reach the Flawless Level within three months will be dismissed!”

The Flawless Level was the second stage in the officially published internal cultivation method. At first, cultivation greatly strengthened one’s muscles, bones, and flesh—this was known as the Vital Spirit Level. Once the body reached its utmost limit, one attained the Flawless Level.

When the physical body was perfected, all vital energy would converge at the crown of the head. With a single breakthrough, one could open the Sea of Consciousness and strengthen the divine sense. Cultivating this sense to a certain level would allow one to perceive the truth of all things and master the mysteries of existence—this was the Enlightened Level.

To shatter all illusions and ascend in a single leap, to roam freely between heaven and earth, outside the cycle of life and death, to obtain absolute freedom—this was the final stage, the Sovereign Level.

Such was the officially declared five-step path of evolution: from the superficial to the profound, from appearance to true understanding. Su Qiang demanded that all team members reach the Flawless Level in three months. Upon hearing this, everyone groaned in despair. Mo Wen, however, realized he was already at the Vital Spirit Level, though uncertain how long it would take to reach the next stage.

Surveying his dispirited colleagues, Su Qiang said coolly, “Since the authorities have announced these stages, it means that someone has already achieved each one. As public servants, and especially in our special position, only strength can guarantee our safety!”

After speaking, Su Qiang cast Mo Wen a meaningful glance. When the others dispersed, he called Mo Wen to stay behind.

Mo Wen followed Su Qiang to his office, closing the door behind him. Su Qiang, half-smiling, asked, “Your internal cultivation seems quite extraordinary. You’ll surely reach the Flawless Level soon—impressive. If I recall correctly, when we first met, you hadn’t even started cultivating?”

The ascetic scripture was Mo Wen’s greatest secret. His mind raced to find a suitable response, but fortunately, Su Qiang pressed no further and simply continued.

“I reached the Flawless Level a month ago. In the field of internal cultivation, regardless of the method, all paths lead to the same origin. You’re welcome to exchange insights with me anytime.”

Mo Wen thanked him profusely, inwardly noting that his superior had indeed begun cultivating early. As for Lin Xi, Mo Wen could sense a surging vitality in her as well—her own cultivation must not be shallow.

On January 23, news about evolution flooded every channel. According to reports, the country’s sacred mountains—led by the Five Great Peaks—were shrouded in mist and closed to visitors. The world’s spiritual energy was revitalized; rare flowers and exotic fruits sprang up overnight.

From Mount Emei in Sichuan came a thunderous roar, and a giant panda spoke in human tongue, its voice spreading for miles:

“This king has broken through illusion and welcomes disciples from all walks of life. No matter your origin, any sentient being may come to Emei to cultivate!”

Meanwhile, atop Mount Heng in Hunan, the great bell tolled ceaselessly. An elderly monk who had sat motionless in meditation for ten years suddenly soared hundreds of meters into the air and proclaimed from the summit of Zhuruong Peak:

“I, an old monk, have spent half a lifetime in silent contemplation and now understand all illusion. For the benefit of all beings, I am willing to pass on the true teachings of Buddhism!”

All across the land, advanced evolvers opened their doors to disciples, sparking a nationwide fervor for learning. These masters taught sincerely, sharing their own methods of internal cultivation.

At the same time, countless tales of evolution and mutation sprang up like mushrooms after rain. Some farmers, after accidentally eating wild mountain fruits, advanced rapidly in their cultivation and broke through illusion in a single day. Others, seeking shortcuts, perished instantly after swallowing unknown fruits, leaving no trace behind.

The officers, sensing the mounting pressure, threw themselves into internal cultivation. The usual banter and jokes in the office vanished, replaced by a tense focus. Only Lin Xi remained unchanged, teasing Mo Wen daily, until he almost wanted to challenge this beautiful “sister” himself.