I can rewind time to prevent death

As for other special items, like the corpse salve made by Spirit Cultivators, it's uncertain whether they count, given the current inability to search through them.

Regarding the innermost "Method" data area, Yan Junze speculated it likely contained records of techniques akin to Ultimate Law or other methods to counter strangenesses.

Such a pity!

Seeing so much data before him yet unable to access it, Yan Junze pressed his forehead against the transparent glass door, helplessly gazing upon the precious wealth beyond his reach.

Just then, the security guard in the data area stood up, turned around, and saw Yan Junze in this bizarre posture, "air-browsing" the data.

The guard switched on his flashlight, first tapped twice on the glass door on his side to signal to Yan Junze that he could come out, then shone the flashlight beam onto Yan Junze's head.

At this point, Yan Junze was almost drooling, and realizing he was illuminated by the light, he finally reacted, retracting his forehead from the glass door, and turned to look at the frowning guard, displaying what he considered a friendly smile that the guard thought quite foolish.

"Come on out," the guard called out.

Since Yan Junze lacked access to the fourth data area, the guard began to verbally prompt him.

Yan Junze nodded, took one last longing look at the "Special Humans" data area, and then, with reluctance, departed.

After leaving the data repository floor, he promptly pressed the button for the second basement level.

Considering Zhang Chengjing was probably still in a meeting, given the earlier overwhelming incident in Great Capital, USA, the exorcist organizations in Huaying's Great Capital were bound to devise a response.

At the very least, they needed to thoroughly investigate what had happened before they could respond effectively.

However, in Yan Junze's opinion, if the pervasive Black Shadows possessed the strength of the one he had previously seen in the video footage, it would spell disaster for all Half Moon Association exorcists near the altar.

Even if Half Moon Association could react and counteract, it would take time, and heavy losses were inevitable.

Recalling the ancient-book-like item placed in the middle of the altar, Yan Junze surmised it might also be listed under "Special Items" in the fourth data area, but now he could no longer verify it.

Ding!

The elevator reached the second basement level. As soon as the doors opened, Yan Junze saw two guards at the entrance turning to look at him.

Security seemed much tighter here than above, with guards on alert the moment the elevator opened.

One of the guards asked, "May I ask you...?"

"My name is Yan Junze, Mr. Wan Shouguang invited me here," Yan Junze quickly introduced himself, remembering Wan Shouguang's words.

The guard nodded then said, "Please show me your Exorcist Travel Permit for registration."

After Yan Junze presented his ID, the other guard led the way, passing through at least three substantial metal doors with his access card, before they finally entered the laboratory.

"Mr. Wan, Mr. Yan Junze has arrived," the guard announced before exiting.

Wan Shouguang was at that moment adjusting the Black Spirit Umbrella's data on his computer. Only one assistant was with him, and now the young assistant turned to look at Yan Junze.

This laboratory appeared to be one of many on the second basement floor, not particularly large in size. On the outside were rows of computers and unidentified equipment, and inside a bulletproof glass enclosure formed a square isolation area of less than 20 square meters, where weapons could be tested.

Yan Junze walked over.

Without looking up, Wan Shouguang pointed to the computer screen, "I had Yan'an enter all the data about the Black Spirit Umbrella into the simulator on the computer. It has already run a check automatically, and now I'm doing a manual inspection. Take a seat for now."

"Yan'an?" Yan Junze was slightly surprised, turning his head to find the assistant was indeed a woman, with short hair, angular features, and looking quite brisk. He had not noticed earlier and thought she was a young man.

After sitting down, assistant Shi Yanan went to the water cooler and poured him a cup of warm water.

Yan Junze took it, thanked her, while Wan Shouguang continued his inspection.

Shi Yanan whispered, "My surname is Shi, named Shi Yanan. Did you design this device?"

Yan Junze sipped the hot water and nodded.

"It's interesting, different from what the professor usually designs," Shi Yanan smiled. "But I don't understand how its power is supposed to be unleashed?"

Yan Junze also smiled, "In a few days, you'll know. It's not a mere striking weapon."

"How does it launch attacks then?" Shi Yanan asked curiously, "The requirements seem quite strict in here!"

Yan Junze shrugged, "To be honest, I don't know how to describe it."