Chapter 11 - 10 Genes Also Have Grades

Ding Huan said indifferently, "You still haven't fully understood what I mean. I just said that not only are there different qualities of genetic potions, but there are also different levels." "Please enlighten me," Geng Qianxing felt that Ding Huan's tone didn't seem like he was trying to fool him. Ding Huan explained, "According to my understanding of genetic potions, there are not only first-level genetic potions, but also second-level, third-level... And within each level of genetic potions, there are the good and the bad: low grade, mid grade, top grade, supreme." "What does it mean by levels of genetic potions?" Geng Qianxing frowned. When had his knowledge of genes become so inadequate? He knew about first-level and second-level gene cultivators. Could it be there were first-level and second-level genetic potions too? Ding Huan clarified, "It's just that you're unaware. The Genetic Alliance only recently defined the levels for genetic potions. As for the quality of genetic potions, it hasn't been finalized yet, but I believe it will be very soon. By the way, you should know that after a gene fusion, it needs to be cultivated, right?" Geng Qianxing nodded, "Of course I know. The Genetic Alliance and the Martial Arts Alliance worked together to come up with a method for genetic cultivation, but all these are not something ordinary folks like us can get access to." Geng Qianxing felt helpless inside. He had heard of methods for genetic cultivation, but it was too precious, and someone like him certainly couldn't afford it. Without the means for genetic cultivation, after he fused with an alien gene, he could only become a genetic superpower user, not a gene cultivator. Thinking of this, Geng Qianxing suddenly realized, "Are you saying that as long as you have the genetic cultivation techniques, after cultivating to become a second-level gene cultivator, you could then fuse with second-level genetic potions?" Ding Huan nodded, "Yes, there should be second-level gene cultivators by now, and even third-level gene cultivators, which is why the Genetic Alliance has classified genetic potions into levels. To fuse with a second-level genetic potion, you must become a second-level gene cultivator." He said this because, when Ding Huan was forced to leave Earth with the Genetic Alliance fleet, he encountered a powerful individual from the Genetic Alliance. At that time, he only felt an extreme pressure from the other party. Later, after he became a fourth-level gene cultivator, he suspected that the powerful individual he saw on Earth was a third-level gene cultivator. "What about the quality grades?" "Do you know why many people experience all sorts of problems after fusing with mature genes, and why there are even cases of spontaneous death and physical deformities?" "Is it because the quality of the gene isn't high enough?" Geng Qianxing seemed to grasp the implication in Ding Huan's words. Ding Huan affirmed, "Right. If it's a supreme genetic medicine liquid, generally speaking, there won't be cases of spontaneous death or deformities post fusion. Moreover, the supreme genes are very pure. Having fused with a supreme genetic potion and then undergoing genetic cultivation, the progress can be said to be incredibly rapid. I believe the Genetic Alliance will soon establish quality grades based on the purity of the genetic potions." Wandering for two hundred years, Ding Huan had encountered too many people. Geng Qianxing was very sincere, and his knowledge of genes was solid. He was a good asset, definitely an uncut gem that hadn't been discovered. So Ding Huan decided to share some important information with Geng Qianxing, hoping to win him over. Geng Qianxing did not speak. He felt that Ding Huan did not seem like he was trying to cheat him, but paradoxically, what Ding Huan said sounded like something a swindler would say. He had always been a crazy gene researcher, and now Ding Huan's words made him face reality. Even if he had developed an endurance gene, even if no one could threaten him, so what? He did not have the means for genetic cultivation. "What if I said I have a better genetic cultivation technique, even much better than the best methods of the Genetic Alliance, would you believe it?" Geng Qianxing's mouth fell open. Better than the Genetic Alliance's methods? And a gene cultivation technique? Was this just boasting or could it be true? Ding Huan chuckled, "Let me reveal to you a secret that almost nobody knows. Do you think the immortals in the Hua Xia legends are real or fake? I'll tell you, I don't know if those named immortals exist, but I presume that if genetic cultivation were brought to the utmost limit, it's very possible that immortals truly exist." Ding Huan had a habit of making startling claims, and these were indeed his own speculations. Recovering from his initial silence and shock, Geng Qianxing found his calmness through Ding Huan's words. He realized he had gone mad, actually listening seriously up until now. Somewhat speechlessly, he said, "Are you saying that immortals could be achieved through the genetic cultivation technique you mentioned?" Ding Huan wasn't bothered by Geng Qianxing's tone. He continued, "I'm still not quite certain. However, I believe if there are still people today who can cross the human body's limits and reach the level of immortals, genetic cultivation is the closest method to us. Of course, not every gene can cultivate using gene techniques. Genes are divided into many types, and only those who have fused with a spirit root gene have a chance to cultivate. Otherwise, they can only use gene meditation to enhance their own strength. Without establishing a genetic foundation, the potential achievement is ultimately limited. From what I've come to know, the most precious gene in the universe is the spirit root gene, which is extremely difficult to research. Apart from the spirit root gene, the most important genes for strengthening oneself are skill genes, which are numerous, including flight, earth jutsu, defense, and so forth." Ding Huan knew this, not only from his two hundred years of experience and knowledge of the cosmos but primarily from the understanding of genes provided by the leather scroll that broadened his horizon. From the scroll, Ding Huan had gleaned a wealth of knowledge on genes and cultivation. Through these, combined with his own deductions, he had developed a rough outline for genetic cultivation." "So according to what you're saying, the endurance gene I researched falls under the category of skill genes?" Geng Qianxing felt Ding Huan could have made a fortune selling insurance. Such boasting ability, one story after another. Unperturbed, Ding Huan stated, "Strictly speaking, the gene you've researched is just one type among endurance genes. There are many gene categories that can enhance endurance, and you have researched just one of them, which is impressive in itself. Similar genes that enhance strength, speed, endurance, flexibility, and agility are all known as Quality Genes. These genes are also crucial because to become a strong individual, physical fitness is equally important. In a few years, top martial artists will be everywhere, owing to the assistance of various genes. Mankind's integration of these genes, although not enabling one to soar into the sky or tunnel through the earth, can certainly boost their potential for martial arts training." "Are you finished? If so, please leave; I need to continue working." Geng Qianxing had no desire to continue the conversation with Ding Huan. Suddenly, Ding Huan said, "Your research on the endurance gene now probably shows signs of gene disintegration at a ten percent drug solution concentration, rendering it unable to form, right?" "No need to tell me; it's written down very clearly." Geng Qianxing coldly responded. It was clearly recorded on the notes laid out on the table, the words 'formation disintegration' unmistakable. Ding Huan paid no mind to Geng Qianxing's attitude and continued to speak, "Every gene has stabilizing factors, and gene composition is no exception. It's like how our traditional medicine emphasizes the relationship between monarch, minister, assistant, and envoy. Try adding the PT short-chain gene from the Zhongxin Grass. If you don't know what the PT short-chain gene is, take a look at the 'Complete Guide to PT Short-chain Genes' published last month by Roche. Oh right, you probably don't know what Zhongxin Grass is either. Du Chong should know; Du Chong has a mutated variety, which is the Zhongxin Grass, and this herb is also described in the 'Complete Guide to PT Short-chain Genes'." After saying this, Ding Huan turned and left, looking back only when he reached the door to add, "If you succeed, you can come and find me, I'm conducting experiments next door." Ding Huan entered the lab next door, feeling that Yujiang University was truly beyond saving. How secretive and important is a gene laboratory? Yet here, the gene lab had no one managing or guarding it; in other words, just about anyone could walk into the lab and conduct gene experiments. It was a ridiculous and unimaginable situation that had actually occurred. Besides Reincarnation Blood, the ingredients for refining a Wood Element Gene Spiritual Root were not considered precious. Ding Huan planned to first use his own blood for the attempt, and if that didn't work, he would seek the blood of a Genetic Beast. Unlike Geng Qianxing, who didn't even lock the lab door while researching the endurance gene, Ding Huan immediately locked the door upon entering the lab. First, he took out some food to fill his stomach. He didn't know how long this gene experiment would take, and he had no plans to go out for a meal. ... Yujiang University was on the brink of bankruptcy, and at the moment, even the coffee shop at the university's entrance was scarcely populated. However, in recent days two individuals could be continuously seen sitting within the coffee shop. Neither person was tall; one had fair skin and appeared rather refined, whereas the other looked fierce, at least in appearance. They had only one purpose: to keep an eye on the entrance to Yujiang University. These two had been watching for over a week now. It hadn't felt strenuous in the previous days when there were hardly any people at Yujiang University. These past few days, as the number of people entering and exiting Yujiang University increased, their vigil became more taxing. "Dong Gu, have you noticed that the number of individuals entering Yujiang University has suddenly increased? We can't keep watching like this; one moment of negligence and we might miss something," said the man with fair skin as he rubbed his sore eyes. The man named Dong Gu stood up, "Let's go to where Ding Xiaotu lives; I refuse to believe that a mere grasshopper can escape from us." "Going to where he lives isn't appropriate," the fair-skinned man shook his head. Dong Gu snorted, "This damned school is about to close down, what's inappropriate about it? Li Changqi, you're too timid." Li Changqi shook his head and replied, "It's not that I'm timid, but the recruitment for the Blue Star Ten Great Colleges is about to start." Dong Gu opened his mouth but took a while before speaking, "What does that have to do with Yujiang University? This university is going to shut down sooner or later. Besides, even if Yujiang University doesn't close, what does it have to do with the Blue Star Ten Great Colleges? Could such a school even be related to the Ten Great Colleges?" Li Changqi scoffed, apparently disdainful of Dong Gu's ignorance, but still responded, "Recruitment for the Ten Great Colleges is quota-based; not just anyone can participate. As an accredited higher education institution, Yujiang University also has a certain number of slots for the assessment. Many students from other schools who cannot take part in the recruitment of the Ten Great Colleges, but who feel confident in their own abilities, seek ways to join Yujiang University to take advantage of this quota. Furthermore, Yujiang University itself wants to use this competition to see if they can make a turnaround." There was another point that Li Changqi didn't bother explaining to Dong Gu: simply participating in the assessments of such elite institutions, even if they didn't get in, would greatly enhance their worth. Whether it was seeking employment or moving elsewhere, it would be an asset to them. Moreover, those who had participated in the assessments of such high-level institutions would gain a broader personal experience, possibly even making connections with some of the future movers and shakers. "No wonder..." Dong Gu finally understood why these days, aside from some students from the university itself wanting to participate in the Blue Star Ten Great Colleges examination, there were also outsiders seeking temporary transfer into Yujiang University. "So, we should not enter Ding Xiaotu's dwelling, but we can wait outside of his place, ready to catch him as soon as he returns," stated Li Changqi. "Alright, let's do just that." Dong Gu nodded, agreeing to Li Changqi's suggestion. (Today's update ends here, good night, friends!)