I Hijacked the Timeline (IHT)

Feng Qi carefully placed the medal back in its central position and opened the second layer of the metallic box.

Inside was a bottle of wine adorned with a silver sword insignia. The transparent glass bottle revealed a clear, light-red liquid that sparkled like a gemstone under the light.

A small card was attached to the bottle, detailing its origins.

Meritorious Wine

Origin: United Research Institute.

Ingredients: Floating Cloud Fruit (Grade 7 spiritual plant), Nine Spirit Leaf (Grade 8 spiritual plant), Blood of a Hundred Spirits (a mixture of blood from a hundred domain creatures), Luminous Ganoderma (Grade 7 spiritual plant), Candlelight Grass (Grade 8 spiritual plant), Tierlan Serpent Venom (Grade 5 spiritual material)...

Effects: Consuming in small quantities daily can extend longevity, strengthen the body, and significantly enhance cultivation efficiency when used as a supplement during practice.

Note: Meritorious Wine has potent effects. Overconsumption can cause significant strain on the body, with the risk of a fatal rupture.

Meritorious Wine (Silver) ID: 118-163

Recipient: Feng Qi (Star City resident ID: 1173688)

On the back of the card was a heartfelt inscription:

To honor your tireless efforts in humanity's rise to greatness.

Reading the description of the wine, Feng Qi couldn't help but marvel.

This seemingly modest bottle of wine likely cost millions to produce.

Previously, he had spent 230,000 yuan on a Grade 4 spiritual plant, the Nine-Colored Flower. Although Meritorious Wine was produced in batches, its ingredients were a blend of nearly a hundred rare spiritual plants and materials. The value of the bottle was self-evident.

Moreover, the wine had its own unique identification number. It was prestigious enough to be considered an heirloom.

After setting the wine aside, Feng Qi moved on to the third layer of the box.

Inside was a document certifying the official approval of Cultivation Technique s 2.0 along with its test results.

In the lower right corner of the document were the official seals of the Tiger Soul Research Institute and the United Research Institute, adding weight to its legitimacy.

Folding the certification paper neatly, Feng Qi placed it back in the box. Then, sitting at his desk, he picked up the Meritorious Wine.

Despite its immense value, he wasn't one to hoard. There would be more opportunities in the future, so why not enjoy it now?

He was curious about the wine's effects and eager to experience them.

Just as Feng Qi was about to twist off the sealed cap, a thought occurred to him. Pulling out his phone, he dialed Lin Ran's number.

After a few rings, Lin Ran's confused voice came through:

"Qi-ge, it's already past midnight. What's up?"

"Meet me by the lake in front of the dormitory. I've got something amazing to share with you."

"Is it some rare, ultimate cultivation manual?" Lin Ran asked with eager anticipation.

"Nope!"

"Goodnight, then."

Feng Qi: …

"You sure you don't want to come?"

"Getting up now, Qi-ge! How could I ignore your summons? You're my guiding star on the path to cultivation research, illuminating the way forward."

"You're sounding more and more like a sycophant."

"I embrace it. Swoosh~ swoosh~ swoosh~!"

Hearing Lin Ran's exaggerated sucking noises, Feng Qi shuddered and hung up immediately.

He scrolled through his contacts and found Mu Qing's number, deciding to call her next.

After a few rings, a sleepy voice answered:

"Hmm? What is it, junior?"

"Come to the lake outside the dorm. I've got something special to share with you."

There was a pause before Mu Qing replied:

"Maybe tomorrow? I was asleep, and if I get up now, I'll get hungry again. The night snacks at the cafeteria aren't filling enough."

"I have something delicious here."

"Well... okay. I'm getting up. Wait for me."

After ending the call, Feng Qi went to the dormitory's communal kitchen to grab three glasses before heading out with the wine.

The night air was cool and refreshing.

Summer insects buzzed around the dormitory's outdoor lights, creating a flickering glow. The willows by the lake swayed gently in the breeze, filling the scene with a serene, summery vibe.

In the distance, Lin Ran and Mu Qing's figures gradually came into view.

Lin Ran appeared well-rested, approaching with his usual cheerful grin.

Mu Qing, however, looked exhausted and half-awake, her eyes barely open as she shuffled forward.

Reaching the bench by the lake, the three of them sat down.

Lin Ran's attention was immediately drawn to the gold-embossed Meritorious Wine in Feng Qi's hands.

"Qi-ge, is that Meritorious Wine?"

"Good guess."

Hearing Feng Qi confirm it, Lin Ran was visibly stunned.

"Most people would keep something like this as a collectible. You're actually planning to drink it?"

"There'll be more in the future. It's not like this is the only bottle," Feng Qi replied with a grin.

Lin Ran gave him a thumbs-up.

"Classic Qi-ge—bold and decisive. In that case, pour me a glass!"

Mu Qing, sitting to Feng Qi's left, was still groggy. She softly asked,

"What's Meritorious Wine? Also... I don't drink."

Before Feng Qi could explain, Lin Ran jumped in with a mischievous grin:

"Mu Qing-jie, this is no ordinary wine. It's a rare treasure, exclusively gifted by the United Research Institute to recipients of the Outstanding Contribution to Humanity Award. Ordinary folks couldn't get their hands on it in a lifetime."

"So, give it a try. I don't usually drink either, but this is special—I have to at least have a taste."

Hearing Lin Ran's explanation, Mu Qing nodded obediently, seeming to understand its significance.

With both of them watching expectantly, Feng Qi twisted open the seal.

Pop!

A muffled sound accompanied the release of a rich, intoxicating aroma that lingered in the air before dispersing with the night breeze.

Handing glasses to Lin Ran and Mu Qing, Feng Qi filled his own glass first before pouring one for Mu Qing.

When he got to Lin Ran, he smirked and teased:

"How much can you handle?"

"Fill it to the brim, of course! Who do you take me for?"

Hearing Lin Ran's response, Feng Qi filled his glass to the brim but still gave a reminder:

"Take a small sip first and see how it feels. This stuff has a strong kick. If you can't handle it, just take it back with you."

"Got it!" Lin Ran nodded enthusiastically. Raising his glass with a playful smile, he declared,

"To humanity's rise—cheers!"

Setting the bottle aside, Feng Qi lifted his own glass and clinked it with Lin Ran and Mu Qing's.

Bringing the glass to his lips, he took a small sip.

The wine was rich and full-bodied. As soon as it touched his tongue, a burst of medicinal fragrance expanded through his mouth and nose. His taste buds awakened, and the wine's complex flavors unfolded like a symphony.

As the liquid slid down his throat, a wave of warmth surged through his entire body. His pores seemed to open, and he felt as though every cell in his body was coming to life, energized and vibrant.

When the wine reached his stomach, a few seconds of intense heat spread through his limbs, leaving him with a cozy, light-headed sensation.

The feeling lingered for a while before fading, but the lingering fragrance in his mouth was long-lasting, a reminder of the wine's exquisite quality.

Meanwhile, his energy progress bar leaped forward.

In an instant, it jumped from 49.8% and began climbing at a steady rate of 0.5% per second until it reached 62.3%. At that point, the growth slowed.

He noticed, however, that not all the energy released by the wine was absorbed into his progress bar. A portion of it surged through his bloodstream, filling his ears with the sound of rushing waves.

Some of this energy seemed to be assimilating slowly, strengthening his body as it coursed through his veins.

"This is amazing! I feel like I could fly!" Lin Ran exclaimed, his face already flushed. He added,

"Just one more small sip—I don't think I can handle much more. This stuff is way too intense…"

But before he could finish, an unmistakable sight appeared. A tent began to rise.

"Damn! Does it even have this effect?" Lin Ran glanced down, startled, and quickly turned to the side.

"Hahaha! I warned you to take it easy," Feng Qi said, laughing.

Unlike Lin Ran, Feng Qi's energy progress bar helped digest the wine's effects, so the intense heat dissipated more quickly for him.

Turning his head, he saw that Mu Qing's glass was already half empty.

Her face carried an adorable, dazed smile. Though her cheeks were only slightly flushed, the rune crystal embedded in her left arm emitted a radiant glow, flashing rhythmically like a countdown timer.

Seeing this, Feng Qi couldn't help but imagine a series of numbers floating above her head, rapidly ticking upward:

Strength +1

Body Durability +1

Reaction Speed +1

Elemental Resistance +1

Self-Healing +1

Combat Power Rapidly Increasing…

He recalled reading about Mu Qing's unique ability to absorb energy from food in the future database. It truly was a remarkable trait—she grew stronger with every bite.

Meanwhile, Lin Ran took a second sip but quickly realized he'd overestimated himself. A nosebleed began to trickle down.

Feeling both embarrassed and overwhelmed, he muttered,

"I might have underestimated this… I'm going to the lake for a dip to cool off."

Without waiting for a response, he stood up and, under the bewildered gazes of Feng Qi and Mu Qing, walked a few steps forward before leaping into the lake.

As Lin Ran flailed about in the water, Feng Qi turned back to Mu Qing, whose glass was now empty. He couldn't help but chuckle as he asked,

"Mu Qing-jie, want another glass?"

Mu Qing immediately shook her head.

After experiencing the miraculous effects of the wine, she understood just how precious it was. The single glass she'd consumed provided energy equivalent to what she would typically gain from eating for half a month.

Moreover, the wine's ingredients contained numerous rare medicinal properties that significantly enhanced her physical condition and overall strength.

Faced with Feng Qi's offer for more, she declined without hesitation.

Seeing her expression, Feng Qi knew what she was thinking.

Initially, he had approached Mu Qing with an agenda, but over time, she had become a close friend—someone he genuinely cared about.

Remembering the contents of the "Mu Qing Diary" in the future database, a warm feeling spread through his heart.

When the entire world had doubted her, Mu Qing had chosen to stand by him unconditionally.

Even after his death, she often visited his grave with flowers, sitting silently by his tombstone and playing her harmonica.

Such a loyal and heartfelt friend deserved to be cherished.

With a smile, he reached over, took her glass, and refilled it.

"If you want more, just drink. Don't hold back. There'll be plenty more where this came from."

Mu Qing blinked at him, then nodded obediently. Taking a small sip, she smiled contentedly.

For a moment, she realized that, beyond her aspirations, the simple joys of life could also be beautiful.

Feng Qi followed her lead, taking another sip from his glass.

The familiar sensation returned. His vision blurred, his body felt like it was on fire, and an intense heat radiated through him, lingering before gradually subsiding.

As the night breeze caressed his face, Feng Qi felt a rare sense of peace.

It was said that wine could wash away worries, and now he truly understood why.

Taking another sip, he leaned back on the bench and gazed at the sky.

The summer night was tranquil. Wisps of clouds trailed across the heavens, illuminated by the soft moonlight, while the shadows of trees danced in the gentle breeze.

In this fleeting moment, everything felt perfect.