Chapter 1, The Land of Fantasies

Life expectancy is merely one aspect; more importantly, it is the quality of life. People who reach the age of one hundred can generally still be as vigorous in body and mind as those young individuals from five hundred years ago. This is the world that Hua Zhenxing dreams of, five hundred years into the future

Originally, fresh graduates like him could apply to the government for a single apartment near their workplace upon starting their job. The standard is an internal usable area of 49 square meters, which includes a kitchen and a bathroom, as well as a small living room and bedroom. The so-called standard refers to the subsidy standard set by the workplace, amounting to 80% of the listed rental price of the apartment.

2. Married and having given birth to two or more children, both spouses are citizens of the Republic of Huaxiang

In the year 2520 of the Common Era, Fesok Port has become the capital and largest city of the True Action State of the Kingdom of Fantasy. Here, there is not only one of the most important institutions of higher learning in the Kingdom of Fantasy, Fesok University, but also the production base for Chunrong Dan. The True Action State is one of the twenty-eight major administrative regions of the Kingdom of Fantasy on this planet and is also the earliest territory of the Kingdom.

After a considerable amount of time, he finally regained his senses, looking up at the starry sky between the low eaves, confirming that he was still in the streets of Fiso Port, and that the year was still 2020. Last night, he had been taken by the tall black Xiar to a bar frequented by the local natives, where he drank excessively. On his way back, he had collapsed in a nearby alley, and surprisingly, he had fallen asleep leaning against the wall.

Since the dawn of humanity, whether in mythology or reality, there have been various methods of physical and mental training, even so-called secret techniques of cultivation. Most of these are absurd and difficult to substantiate, and while some may have certain effects, they are far from the exaggerated claims made about them, always shrouded in a layer of mystery

The effectiveness of this exercise system is verifiable and is unrelated to any specific religious beliefs, having been demystified to the greatest extent possible

Chunrong Dan emerged over four hundred years ago, with the exact time now lost to history. The name sounds quite ordinary, yet its miraculous effects resemble those of the rejuvenating elixirs found in xianxia novels, said to grant eternal youth and beauty. It is hailed as a pinnacle achievement in the field of biopharmaceuticals in human history

If someone cannot find a job that satisfies them and is unwilling to engage in other work, they may choose to be "unemployed," a term that originated over five hundred years ago. However, many benefits and welfare provisions in the country of Huansiang can only be enjoyed through specific job positions

Everything that should be there is still there, it seems that I have not encountered any mishap, I simply drank too much and fell asleep at the base of the wall, and have not yet been discovered by passersby at night who would take my belongings. Hua Zhenxing finally fished out a Huawai brand smartphone made in the East from his coat, which was his favorite item, as if through that small screen, he could connect to the entire world

There is a specialized official institution in Huaxiang responsible for issuing certificates of the Yangyuan Technique. It is said that the Yangyuan Technique has a total of nine levels, with levels one to three classified as beginner, and those who obtain these levels are usually referred to as Yangyuan Masters; levels four to six are classified as intermediate, and those who achieve these levels are typically called Yangyuan Technique Instructors. Levels six and above are considered advanced, and those who attain this achievement are referred to as Yangyuan Technique Masters, a designation that cannot be evaluated by any official institution.

Although the Chunrong Dan produced by Huansiang Country can only be taken by women, men are equally crazy about it, and the reason is evident. A box of Chunrong Dan can preserve youth for thirty years, while nine boxes can maintain a youthful appearance for sixty years! What an enticing temptation this is! Many are willing to pay a crazy price for it! Women are going mad, and men cannot escape either

Do not ask how the true nature of the dream in which Hua is clear about these matters; this information naturally exists in his mind, as if it were a certain imagination of the future

One can draw lots no more than twenty times to certainly purchase a box of Chunrong Dan, which has already become a highly envied benefit by other countries around the world. However, this welfare policy has sparked protests domestically. Some women believe that it is unfair to treat individuals differently based on conditions; some men question whether, given the generous benefits provided to women, the state should also offer corresponding compensation to men

In response to the protests from certain women, the official spokesperson explained that these Spring Essence Pills were not provided by the government of the Fantasia Nation, but were privately gifted by Mr. Feng Zibin, the founder of the Fantasia Nation. The conditions of the gift are as such: individuals may choose not to accept it, but the donor cannot be compelled to give according to the recipient's wishes

3. No criminal record or criminal behavior has exceeded the prescribed time limit for corresponding penalties

As Hua Zhen walked out of the apartment building, the sky had already brightened, and the fresh air was filled with the fragrance of grass and trees. In the east, a patch of crimson glow was already reflecting. In the public greenbelt between the residential buildings, many people had set up their frames and stood there, embodying a focused and meditative posture, all practicing the morning exercises of cultivating vital energy.

Unlike most countries and regions five hundred years ago, the Kingdom of Fantasy implements a ten-year compulsory education system, where primary school lasts five years instead of six, and secondary school also lasts five years without distinction between junior and senior high school

The practice of Yangyuan Technique cultivates a state of physical and mental well-being. Based on this foundation, through various specialized training methods, it can enhance and enable individuals to master their inherent abilities, which may have been regarded as superpowers five hundred years ago

As for age, if one were to speculate based on dreams, it should be twenty or twenty-one years old. This is because the regulations in the Land of Joy state that children can apply for school upon reaching the age of five, and must attend primary school after turning six

It is not merely a single pill, but rather a large box of formulated medicines, containing a total of three hundred and sixty doses, each with different ingredients and specific dates for administration, with one dose to be taken daily. As long as it is consumed according to the instructions and in the correct manner, based on nearly four hundred years of clinical observation, no toxic side effects have been found.

It is said that the complete formula for the Chunrong Dan, regarded as one of the highest secrets of the Huansiang Kingdom, is preserved at the Chunrong Dan Production and Research Center in Feisuo Port. Countless forces in the world seek to obtain it, but so far, it seems that no one has succeeded.

Higher education in the Republic of Huanxiang, while not compulsory education, is essentially public-funded education. The state provides subsidies to its citizens, charging only a nominal tuition fee. Students are only required to cover their living expenses and the costs of purchasing textbooks and other materials.

The Non-Index Center has provided Huazhenxing with a set of single dormitories, with a usable area of 99 square meters, which includes a kitchen, a washroom, a living room, two bedrooms, and a small storage room

This has sparked strong dissatisfaction among a large number of male compatriots around the world. Despite strict quality control of the finished products, many men have secretly consumed it through various means over the centuries, including many individuals of high status. However, it has been proven that the use of Chunrong Dan by men does not yield significant anti-aging effects, and there are even many side effects.

Feisuo Port is a coastal city located in the eastern part of Jili Country on the Black Wasteland continent. Jili Country is nearly the most impoverished and backward place in this world, where the average life expectancy is just over 30 years, and close to 90% of the local indigenous population is illiterate or semi-literate

Since "a box can maintain youth for thirty years," wouldn't taking more boxes allow one to maintain youth even longer, perhaps until eternal youth? Unfortunately, the efficacy of Chunrong Dan diminishes over time, as clearly stated in its instructions. The maximum amount that each person can take at one time is no more than three doses, and the total cumulative amount cannot exceed nine boxes

Historically, there may have indeed been what is referred to as "elixirs of immortality"; the various legendary potions and miraculous medicines may have truly existed. However, can they be produced on a large industrial scale like vitamin tablets and become everyday consumer products for the general public

In the port of Feisuo, it is easy to be stolen from or robbed if one is not careful. Huazhen has a habit of carrying a wallet when going out. If one encounters a particularly vicious individual who is difficult to deal with or if it is inconvenient to confront directly, it is better to obediently hand over money. In any case, one should not let others down too much

Hua Zhenxing could not help but break out in a cold sweat; Fei Suo Port is certainly not a safe place, known as the City of Chaos. In what appears to be a night where every household is closed, danger is always lurking everywhere.

This is indeed an extraordinary effect. Upon careful consideration, if someone in their nineties still possesses the appearance of someone in their thirties, what a miracle that would be? Even more remarkable is that Chunrong Dan is a product that can be mass-produced on an industrial scale

However, it is regrettable that this elixir is only effective for women, and the instruction manual specifically emphasizes that it is prohibited for men! In professional medical institutions, many users are required to undergo chromosome testing first

Hua Zhenxing did not turn on his phone screen, but instead casually tucked it back away. After checking his body and belongings, he should have hurried home, yet at this moment he still sat under the wall, seemingly lost in thought, even closing his eyes as if reminiscing about something

The effectiveness of Yangyuan Technique was initially met with considerable skepticism, but today the voices of doubt have nearly vanished. There is a piece of data that can prove everything: in the year 2520, the average life expectancy of citizens in the Land of Fantasy has reached one hundred and eight years, with males at one hundred and six point five years and females at one hundred and nine point five years

Of course, the notion of ageless beauty is merely a relative concept. According to clinical summaries, taking one box of Chunrong Dan can approximately "preserve one's appearance" for thirty years. The specific effect can be described as follows: if one reaches the age of seventy, they would still appear to have the visage of someone in their forties.

The apartments provided by Huazhenxing are offered internally by the workplace, requiring no payment whatsoever. This indicates that the center offers very favorable treatment, and naturally, the entry requirements are quite high. Possessing a Level 3 Yangyuan Technique certificate is merely a basic condition; candidates must also excel in both character and academics, as well as pass various assessments.

What about female citizens who do not meet the above conditions? As long as they are at least 25 years old, they can participate in the lottery. There is a difference in the probability of winning, and it can only be guaranteed that they will definitely win within twenty years, but they must purchase at their own expense

Why should the workplace provide such subsidies? Based on the simplest principle: the compensation paid by the organization to its employees, whether in monetary or other forms, should, under the corresponding social welfare system, meet the most basic personal expenditures related to housing, living, health, starting a family, and raising offspring; otherwise, the entire society would be unable to function normally in the long term

The undergraduate program at universities also lasts for five years. Young people in the country typically work for a period after graduating from university before pursuing further studies. This has become a common practice, one reason for which may be that people's life expectancy is sufficiently long, allowing for ample time to engage in both learning and work.

After so many years of promotion, the teachings of Yangyuan Technique are no longer a secret. In Huaxiangguo, everyone has the opportunity to study under the guidance of professional instructors. Even if one ultimately does not meet the standards to obtain a Level 1 certificate, practicing it is still beneficial, as it cultivates the spirit, strengthens the body, and promotes longevity. It is perfectly fine to practice it for a lifetime.

As for the claim that a box of Chunrong Dan can "maintain one's youthful appearance for thirty years," it is the result of clinical observations and statistical data accumulated over hundreds of years, and it is a fact recognized by the public, now widely acknowledged around the world

The job positions offered by the Happy Thinking Nation to recent graduates are spread across twenty-eight regions worldwide, with varying requirements and nature. Therefore, this is a process of mutual selection and matching. If this process were to be conducted in the traditional manual way, it would be an arduous task that could not be accomplished. However, in an era where artificial intelligence has developed for several hundred years, it has become quite simple

The Guidelines for Teaching Nourishing Techniques issued by the Republic of Huansiang stipulate that only those who have obtained the Intermediate Nourishing Techniques Certificate are qualified to guide others in practicing the Basic Nourishing Techniques. The Republic of Huansiang has incorporated Nourishing Techniques into compulsory education, and the instructors of Nourishing Techniques in each secondary school are government-appointed, a condition that is difficult to find in other countries or regions around the world

However, the Chunrong Dan is merely Chunrong Dan; it cannot make one return to youth, but can only preserve one's appearance and perhaps improve physical constitution to some extent. The good news for men finally emerged several decades after the advent of Chunrong Dan, in the form of an exercise method known as Yangyuan Technique

As long as the above conditions are met, one can submit an application and then participate in the lottery, which occurs once a year. Some fortunate individuals may win in their first year, while others may not win for several consecutive years. However, the probability of winning increases with the number of applications submitted, and within ten years, one is guaranteed to win, as the probability of winning on the tenth application reaches one hundred percent

Even if the theoretically maximum dosage is reached, having taken a total of 9 Chunrong pills, the effect is roughly equivalent to taking a double dose. According to popular saying, it is akin to "maintaining a youthful appearance for 60 years"

The Feisuo Port Spring Rongdan Production Research and Development Center, referred to as the Feisuo Center, is where Hua Zhenxing has just completed half a month of employment. The first phase of confidentiality training only concluded yesterday, and today is a day off

In a dangerous environment, the most important thing is to maintain a clear mind and make correct and timely responses. This is the advice given by Old Yang, who raised him since childhood. Although Old Yang is merely a grocery store owner, he is the most knowledgeable and capable person that Hua Zhenxing has ever known

Yangyuan Technique is an epoch-making exercise method in human history, introduced four hundred years ago. It is believed to have emerged before the establishment of the Huansiang Kingdom, but it was not widely promoted until several decades after the advent of Chunrong Dan. By the 26th century, it had become popular worldwide

In this narrow alley, Hua Zhenxing had once witnessed a corpse lying lifeless. The nameless deceased must have struggled to escape after being shot elsewhere, ultimately succumbing to death in the deserted alley, only to be discovered at dawn. Before the police arrived, the belongings of the deceased had already been picked clean by passersby.

In his dream, he was unaware that he was dreaming, as if he had completely forgotten that he was actually a fifteen-year-old child in the year 2020. His name was still Hua Zhenxing, a recent graduate from Fisuo University, who had fortunately secured a position at the Chunrongdan Production and Research Center located in Fisuo Port.

Hua Zhenxing has undergone a complete fifteen years of education, including elementary school, middle school, and university. After graduation, he began working at the Chunrongdan Production Research Center. His ability to secure such an enviable position is not only due to his excellent academic performance but also because he possesses a Level 3 Yangyuan Technique certificate, marking him as a young talent with great potential

Masters of the Advanced Nourishing Technique are often regarded as mere legends among ordinary people. Even instructors with intermediate certifications in the Nourishing Technique are rare talents worldwide, highly sought after wherever they go, and in many places, it is often impossible to invite them.

1. At least twenty-five years of age

He was trying his best to recall the content of the dream he had just experienced, fearing that even a slight delay would blur the impression, as that dream was truly captivating to him. People often feel that their dreams are very clear right after waking up, but as time passes, the memories become quite vague, and they can only remember a few fragments. When recounting to others, most of it becomes content that has been mentally supplemented and processed.

Hua Zhenxing just had a very special dream, but he was not aware of this in the dream. Upon waking and recalling, he realized that the year in the dream was 2520. However, it is currently only 2020, which means he dreamed of a world five hundred years in the future, where there exists a fantastical nation that does not exist today.

In response to the protests from certain male citizens, the spokesperson merely smiled and retorted, "Isn't this also a benefit for men?" Everyone present laughed at that moment. This is a quote from Feng Zibin, who, about four hundred years ago, similarly responded to those who questioned him about his invention of the Chunrong Dan, which was exclusively for women.

If someone wishes to have more comfortable living conditions, they may apply for public rental housing with higher standards, but they must pay the full amount for the portion that exceeds the standard

Hua Zhenxing began to carefully examine himself; on the surface, he appeared to have sustained no injuries, and there seemed to be no hidden pain within. The paratrooper dagger concealed beneath his left rib, the steel knuckles tucked at his lower back, and the lighter in his jacket pocket were all still in place, not to mention that even the wallet in his right trouser pocket had not been touched

The promotion of Yangyuan Technique has experienced a tumultuous journey spanning over a century. Initially, it was monopolized by a certain class and prohibited from being made public. Eventually, some individuals broke down the barriers and introduced the Yangyuan Technique to the general populace. In today's Huansiang Nation, the Yangyuan Technique has been incorporated into the compulsory education curriculum for middle schools, providing every child with five years of free learning opportunities

Among the various social welfare programs in the Kingdom of Happiness, there is one that is envied by many countries around the world: any female citizen of the Kingdom of Happiness may apply to receive a free box of Spring Essence Pills from the state, provided that she meets the following conditions.

On average, women's life expectancy is three years higher than that of men. Some attribute this to physiological differences, while others suggest it may be the effect of taking Chunrong Dan. Additionally, it is worth mentioning that officials also claim that practicing Yangyuan techniques can enhance the effects of Chunrong Dan, with popular societal sayings stating that it can "extend its youth-preserving effects by another ten years"

As a prescription medication that must be taken according to medical advice and under the guidance of professionals, the introduction of its efficacy in the instructions is very rigorous, stating only that "this product can improve endocrine function and microcirculation, regulate metabolism, and play a role in delaying aging"

But this is merely the dream of Hua Zhenxing, nothing unusual about it... Yang Laotou is already one hundred and twenty years old this year, a retired employee from the central logistics support department. In the Land of Fantasies, where the average life expectancy reaches one hundred and eight years, it is not surprising for someone to be one hundred and twenty years old and still full of life.

Hua Zhenxing awoke from his dream, and upon opening his eyes, he found himself in a dimly lit space. A gust of wind swept by, causing him to shiver, and his bewildered expression seemed to ask—who am I, where am I

At first glance, Hua Zhenxing saw the spirited old man Yang, who was standing there with his legs slightly bent, arms outstretched as if he were cradling something in his embrace. ... Old man Yang runs a small convenience store at the entrance of the living area ... ? ... Wait a minute, the scene seems a bit off; it's already the 26th century, and there are still those kinds of convenience stores from five hundred years ago?

The government of Huanxiang has committed to providing job positions for all graduating students who achieve satisfactory academic evaluations. Each year during the graduation season, information about these positions will be published on a dedicated information platform, allowing graduates to choose for themselves, somewhat akin to the college entrance examination application process. Additionally, job positions for other members of society will be continuously recruited throughout the year, with another dedicated information platform for announcements.