I Hijacked the Timeline (IHT)

Feng Qi delved deeper into the inbox, reading through detailed accounts of his future self's efforts to establish an organization against the Crimson Research Institute and the trajectories of Mu Qing and Lin Ran's growth.

At first, everything seemed to progress smoothly. They occasionally reunited to share their experiences.

Lin Ran, despite his stubborn insistence on pursuing cultivation techniques, remained within the Tiger Soul Research Institute as its most talented researcher. Mu Qing, on the other hand, had seemingly undergone a complete transformation.

The feared Dawn Rebel Army was replaced by the Dawn Combat Squad, a force committed to countering domain invasions.

Under her leadership, the Dawn Combat Squad grew at a rapid pace, attracting a significant number of powerful fighters. Many willingly pledged their allegiance to her, propelling the Dawn Combat Squad into the ranks of the top ten elite combat squads.

The records painted a picture of progress and promise. Yet, as Feng Qi read on, the narrative shifted ominously.

"The investigation into the Crimson Research Institute is at a standstill. Their secrecy measures are unparalleled. Even with the deep connections of my students, we've been unable to uncover their hidden truths."

"I've been considering sending one of my students to infiltrate the Institute by passing their entrance examinations and becoming a staff member."

"But there's a problem—none of my students have any interest or expertise in the field of biological sciences. It's frustrating."

Then came an unexpected revelation:

"Recently, I stumbled upon something surprising. Do you remember the list of human geniuses marked as assassination targets within the Crimson Research Institute's database? I attempted to protect those individuals, but I discovered an unknown force was already safeguarding them."

"Here's what happened: I assigned Lü Yue, the most capable combatant among my students, to ensure the safety of the individuals on the list. But during one of his missions, he encountered mysterious figures intervening to protect the targets during attempted assassinations. He even mistook one of them for an assassin, leading to a confrontation."

"What's clear is that those assassinations were carried out by domain-transcendent creatures. Their access to humanity's genius list proves there's a mole somewhere, likely tied to the Crimson Research Institute. This only strengthens my belief in the Institute's collusion with domain creatures."

"But the question remains—who are these mysterious protectors? To compile and guard such a comprehensive list of human geniuses requires significant resources. This isn't the work of a small organization. It must be another entity as powerful and enigmatic as the Crimson Research Institute. Perhaps they could become allies."

Feng Qi's future self had also acted decisively:

"I've decided to push Jia Yi into the field of biological sciences. His learning capacity is exceptional. With effort, I believe he can quickly master the necessary skills and infiltrate the Crimson Research Institute."

The subsequent entries charted Jia Yi's progress:

"Jia Yi passed the initial two rounds of the Crimson Research Institute's examinations. He's one step closer to embedding himself within their ranks. This could be our breakthrough."

"Mo Fei sent me a message today. He said the Institute of Technological Research has made strides in developing psionic technology. While the prototypes remain unstable, this is undoubtedly good news. It means we're progressing toward a future where psionic tools might emerge. Though I won't live to see it, you will."

"Jia Yi has successfully infiltrated the Institute. I'm awaiting updates from his side."

"Unfortunately, Jia Yi's clearance level is too low to access confidential information. I can't risk sending him with concealed surveillance tools—it would endanger him unnecessarily. For now, patience and safety take precedence. As long as he survives, there's hope. Let's let time work in our favor."

As Feng Qi continued reading, his future self's paranoia began surfacing in the records:

"Do you think it's possible that domain-transcendent creatures have infiltrated more than just the Crimson Research Institute? What if there are countless similar organizations under their influence? The thought alone chills me to the core."

"I recently learned of a promising development. The Crimson Research Institute is establishing a new experimental base outside Star City. Equipment is being moved there, and security is still under preparation. This presents a rare opportunity for sabotage."

"Curiously, before we could act, the experimental base was destroyed in a massive explosion. Every piece of equipment, along with the personnel, was obliterated. It's a joyous outcome, but something feels… off."

"Jia Yi has sent a new update: the Crimson Research Institute is preparing to relaunch their Rune-Enhanced Human Project, with their new experimental site located outside Winterfell City."

"Guess what happened next? The newly constructed base outside Winterfell City was attacked again, resulting in another massive explosion. Everyone inside was killed, not a single survivor!"

"I'm seriously beginning to suspect there's another organization working against the Crimson Research Institute. Moreover, I think it's the same group protecting humanity's geniuses from being assassinated. But here's what confuses me—why does this organization have access to the exact same intelligence as I do?"

"At first, I suspected Mu Qing, but I've never shared this kind of information with her. After confronting her about it, she also appeared genuinely puzzled and even asked me what was going on. It's clear she isn't involved."

"This is unacceptable. I have to uncover which organization shares the same goals as me. Perhaps we could join forces to take down the Crimson Research Institute."

The following entries took a darker turn:

"I might be doomed!"

"I'm currently under investigation by the Star City Defense Force. They suspect me of conspiring against humanity. Thankfully, the situation is still somewhat under control, and Old Wang, Lin Ran, and Mu Qing have stepped forward to vouch for me. I've been released… for now."

"Things are getting worse. Lü Yue, who was tasked with protecting human geniuses, has been captured and accused of treason!"

"Shortly after Lü Yue's arrest, another member of our organization, Yang Xiaoxin, was also detained under the same charges."

"Only members within our organization know the details of our covert operations. How is it that every move we make is being leaked?"

"Today, I was interrogated again. The situation has become increasingly dire. This might very well be my last log entry, and before I go, I must find out why our actions are being exposed time and time again."

In his next entries, the mystery began to unravel:

"After much analysis, I've come to a chilling conclusion. All these problems stem from the moment we started investigating the hidden organization opposing the Crimson Research Institute. Since then, our group has been systematically targeted. But why would this organization attack us?"

"The Star City Defense Force is on their way to apprehend me as I write this. Public opinion outside is calling me a traitor. I thought I had been so careful with every step, yet I've still ended up failing. If my suspicions are correct, our organization was infiltrated a long time ago."

"I don't have time to identify the mole, but you must be vigilant. Among the 11 students in Combat Class Three, one of them might have already been recruited by this hidden organization before enrolling. When you return, do not reveal your plans carelessly!"

Feng Qi read through the final words, his chest heavy with unease. The systematic dismantling of his future self's organization, combined with the revelation of a potential infiltrator among his students, painted a grim picture.

This wasn't just a battle against the Crimson Research Institute—it was a battle against an enemy hiding in plain sight.