Chapter 00011: Gene Grades
# Gene Grades
Chapter 11
Novel: After the Myth
Chapter 11: Gene Grades
Ding Huan spoke calmly, "You probably haven't fully grasped what I meant earlier. I mentioned that gene serums not only have different grades but also levels."
"Please enlighten me," Geng Qianxing felt that Ding Huan's tone didn't seem like he was trying to deceive him.
Ding Huan explained, "From my understanding of gene serums, they are categorized not just into levels like first, second, third, and so on, but each level also has its own quality grades: inferior, medium, superior, and premium."
"What do you mean by level gene serums?" Geng Qianxing frowned, feeling his knowledge about genes was lacking.
He knew about first and second-level gene cultivators, but were there also first and second-level gene serums?
Ding Huan clarified, "It's just that you're not aware. The Gene Alliance recently established the levels for gene serums. As for the quality grades, they haven't been officially released yet, but I believe they will be soon. By the way, you do know that after gene fusion, cultivation is necessary, right?"
Geng Qianxing nodded, "Of course, I know that. The Gene Alliance and the Martial Arts Alliance have jointly developed methods for gene cultivation, but these are not accessible to ordinary people like us."
Geng Qianxing felt helpless.
He had heard about gene cultivation methods, but they were too precious for someone like him to obtain.
Without these methods, even after fusing with an alien gene, he could only become a gene-powered individual, not a gene cultivator.
Realizing this, Geng Qianxing suddenly understood, "Are you saying that with gene cultivation methods, once I reach the second level as a gene cultivator, I can then fuse with a second-level gene serum?"
Ding Huan nodded, "Exactly. There are probably second-level gene cultivators now, maybe even third-level ones. That's why the Gene Alliance has categorized gene serums into levels. To fuse with a second-level gene serum, you must first become a second-level gene cultivator."
Ding Huan had seen a powerful figure from the Gene Alliance when he was forced to leave Earth with their fleet.
At the time, he only felt the immense pressure from that person.
Later, after becoming a fourth-level gene cultivator, he suspected that the person he saw on Earth was a third-level gene cultivator.
"What about the gene grades?" Geng Qianxing asked.
"Do you know why many people experience various issues, even death or physical deformities, after fusing with mature genes?"
"Is it because the gene grade isn't high enough?" Geng Qianxing seemed to grasp Ding Huan's point.
Ding Huan confirmed, "Yes, if the gene serum is of premium quality, such issues generally don't occur. Moreover, premium genes are very pure. Fusing with a premium gene serum and then cultivating can lead to rapid progress. I believe the Gene Alliance will soon establish grades based on the purity of gene serums."
Having wandered for two hundred years, Ding Huan had met many people.
Geng Qianxing was simple-minded, with solid knowledge of genes, a potential gem yet to be discovered.
Thus, Ding Huan decided to share some crucial information with him, hoping to win him over.
Geng Qianxing remained silent, feeling that Ding Huan didn't seem to be lying, yet his words sounded too good to be true.
He had always been a fervent gene researcher, but Ding Huan's words forced him to face reality.
Even if he developed a stamina gene and no one could threaten him, what did it matter without gene cultivation methods?
"What if I told you I have a better gene cultivation method, far superior to the best the Gene Alliance has to offer? Would you believe me?"
Geng Qianxing's mouth fell open.
Better than the Gene Alliance's methods? A gene cultivation technique? Was Ding Huan boasting or telling the truth?
Ding Huan chuckled, "Let me share another secret that almost no one knows. Do you think the legendary immortals of China are real? I can't confirm the existence of those named immortals, but I suspect that if gene cultivation reaches its peak, immortals might indeed exist."
Ding Huan's words were shocking, but they were indeed his speculations.
Geng Qianxing snapped out of his silence and shock, regaining his composure.
He realized he was crazy to have listened so seriously.
He said somewhat helplessly, "Are you suggesting that immortals can be achieved through the gene cultivation method you mentioned?"
Ding Huan, unfazed by Geng Qianxing's tone, continued, "I'm not entirely sure yet, but I think if anyone can transcend human limits and reach the level of immortals, gene cultivation is the closest path available to us."
He paused before adding, "Of course, not all genes are suitable for gene cultivation. Genes are categorized into many types, and only those fused with spiritual root genes have the potential to cultivate. Otherwise, one can only enhance their strength through gene meditation, which limits their achievements. From what I've learned, the most precious genes are the spiritual root genes, which are extremely difficult to develop. Besides spiritual root genes, the most important genes for self-enhancement are skill genes, which include abilities like flying, earth tunneling, and defense."
Ding Huan knew all this not just from his two hundred years of wandering in the universe but also from a parchment that broadened his understanding of genes.
From that parchment, he gained extensive knowledge about genes and cultivation methods, which, combined with his own speculations, formed the basis of his gene cultivation framework.
"So, according to you, the stamina gene I've been researching is a skill gene?" Geng Qianxing felt Ding Huan could have been a great insurance salesman with his persuasive talk.
Ding Huan replied indifferently, "Strictly speaking, the gene you're researching is just one type of stamina gene. There are many genes that can enhance stamina; you've only discovered one of them, which is still impressive. Genes that enhance strength, speed, stamina, flexibility, and agility are collectively known as physical genes. These are also crucial because physical fitness is essential for becoming a strong individual. In a few years, top martial artists will be everywhere, thanks to the assistance of various genes. Although humans can't fly or tunnel through the earth with these genes, they can significantly enhance their martial potential."
"Are you done? If so, please leave. I need to get back to work," Geng Qianxing had no intention of continuing the conversation.
Ding Huan suddenly said, "The stamina gene you're researching probably starts to disintegrate at a one-tenth concentration, unable to stabilize, right?"
"You don't need to tell me; it's clearly written in my notes," Geng Qianxing said coldly, pointing to the words "disintegration at one-tenth concentration" on his desk.
Ignoring Geng Qianxing's attitude, Ding Huan continued, "Every gene has stabilizing factors, just like traditional Chinese medicine requires a balance of ingredients. Try adding the PT short-chain gene from Zhongxin grass. If you don't know what the PT short-chain gene is, refer to last month's edition of 'The Complete Guide to PT Short-Chain Genes' by Roche. Also, if you're unfamiliar with Zhongxin grass, Du Chong should know. Du Chong has a variant type, which is Zhongxin grass, also mentioned in 'The Complete Guide to PT Short-Chain Genes.'"
After saying this, Ding Huan turned to leave but paused at the door to add, "If you succeed, you can find me. I'll be conducting experiments next door."
Ding Huan entered the adjacent laboratory, feeling that Yujiang University was beyond saving.
Gene laboratories were supposed to be highly secretive and important places, yet here, they were left unmanaged and unguarded, allowing anyone to enter and conduct experiments.
It was both laughable and unbelievable, yet it was happening.
The materials needed to refine a wood-type spiritual root gene, apart from the blood of reincarnation, weren't particularly rare.
Ding Huan planned to try using his own blood first; if that didn't work, he would seek the blood of gene beasts.
Unlike Geng Qianxing, who didn't even lock his laboratory door, Ding Huan locked his as soon as he entered.
First, he ate to fill his stomach, unsure how long this gene experiment would take and with no plans to go out for meals.
...
Yujiang University was on the verge of bankruptcy, and even the coffee shop at its entrance was nearly empty.
However, for the past few days, two men had been sitting inside.
One had fair skin and looked scholarly, while the other had a fierce appearance.
Their sole purpose was to monitor the university's entrance.
They had been watching for over a week.
Initially, with few people coming and going, it wasn't strenuous.
But recently, as more people entered and exited the university, their task became more challenging.
"Donggu, have you noticed the sudden increase in people entering Yujiang University these past few days? We can't keep watching like this. Any slight oversight, and we might miss him," the fair-skinned man said, rubbing his tired eyes.
Donggu stood up, "Let's go to Ding Xiaotu's residence. I don't believe a little grasshopper can escape us."
"Going to his residence isn't appropriate," the fair-skinned man, Li Changqi, shook his head.
Donggu snorted, "What's inappropriate about it? This university is about to collapse. Li Changqi, you're too timid."
Li Changqi retorted, "It's not about being timid. The admissions for the top ten academies on Blue Star are about to begin."
Donggu was puzzled, "What does that have to do with Yujiang University? This place is doomed anyway. Even if it weren't, it has no connection to the top ten academies. How could such a school even be considered for the top ten?"
Li Changqi scoffed, seemingly disdainful of Donggu's ignorance, but explained, "The top ten academies have quota allocations; not just anyone can participate. As a legitimate university, Yujiang University has a certain number of spots. Many students who can't participate in the admissions from other schools but believe they have potential try to transfer to Yujiang University to use its quota. Moreover, Yujiang University itself hopes to use this competition to revive its fortunes."
Li Changqi didn't bother explaining further that participating in the admissions of such prestigious academies, even if one didn't get in, significantly increased one's value.
It was a valuable asset for future job searches or other opportunities.
Additionally, participants could gain extensive knowledge and potentially network with future influential figures.
"No wonder..."
Donggu finally understood.
The recent influx into Yujiang University included not only its own students aiming for the top ten academies but also outsiders seeking to transfer temporarily to use its quota.
"So, we can't enter Ding Xiaotu's residence, but we can wait outside. That way, as soon as he returns, we can catch him," Li Changqi suggested.
"Alright, let's do that," Donggu agreed with Li Changqi's plan.
(That's all for today's update.
Goodnight, friends!)
(End of Chapter)