Chapter 714
In the Xia calendar year 6205, in Ying Continent.
Lu Xuan stood on the rooftop of a tall building, looking out at the experimental facility several kilometers away. The facility was now engulfed in raging flames, with firefighters trying to extinguish the fire. Even though some of the firefighters were skilled in water manipulation magic, they struggled to contain the intense fire because Lu Xuan had tampered with the lab.
The laboratory was destroyed by Lu Xuan himself. Before destroying it, he personally killed everyone inside, including his trusted researcher who had followed him for years.
He even created a decoy of himself to be inside the lab. This way, even the most thorough investigation would conclude that he perished in the fire.
Lu Xuan did this to keep his research results to himself and to cover up the evidence of his crimes. Over the years, he crossed many ethical boundaries in his research, using dozens of live subjects. Whether judged by law or morality, he was considered a despicable person.
"Saying goodbye to the past, I am ready to embrace my new life."
Lu Xuan took a final look at the city in front of him. This city, in the context of the Ying Continent, was not large, just an ordinary medium-sized city. However, Lu Xuan had lived here for many years, so he felt a bit sentimental.
Leaving the rooftop, Lu Xuan felt his body. He was in good condition, thanks to genetic modifications. His cells were highly active throughout his body, like little vacuums absorbing the spiritual energy freely flowing in the air.
He then directed this energy into his dantian, where he could easily transform it into his own spiritual power with a simple transmutation process.
And he had already figured out that even if he didn’t actively practice his skills, just standing there, his cells would absorb more spiritual energy every day than if he had practiced hard for three days, which means his cultivation speed is three to four times faster than before. This is still in a normal city, in a normal environment, but if he enters a place with abundant spiritual energy, his speed will be even faster.
Of course, genetic modification has more than just these benefits; there are many functions. It is these things that give Lu Xuan confidence, allowing him to bid farewell to the past and start a brand-new life.
Two days later, news of the fire at the research institute reached Zheng Yi, but he didn’t pay much attention to it. There are not just five hundred, but also three hundred such private research institutes in the Ying Continent. Their funding and technological strength are not strong enough, so he doesn’t think these research institutes can make any significant breakthroughs.
He is more concerned about the official research institutes which, with their strong support, have now achieved some considerable results. Perhaps one day, they could become his trump card.
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"The current scientific research track is very competitive."
Lin Jiang looked at a report in front of him and said. The report was issued by the Huaxia Spiritual Energy Research Institute. It summarizes the scientific research directions of various forces.
"Where’s the competition? There are only a few forces now. The Huaxia Spiritual Energy Research Institute has been developing in all areas and researching various fields, while Qingyun and Zhou Liao, though also claiming comprehensive development, everyone knows that their total annual research and development investment is not even half of what Huaxia invests."
"Things are a bit unsettled over on the Ying Continent. The five countries in alliance are working together, but they can only make progress in certain specific areas."
Cao Ying said. There are over one hundred countries in the world, but only a few of them truly have the ability to research and develop. The other countries are just supporting roles, providing resources, without much influence, and they can’t even guarantee basic safety.
"We have indeed been a bit domineering in our actions. Over the years, we have drained the world’s resources, even attracting top scientists from Qingyun and Zhou Liao. They have become weaker and weaker."
"This is all your doing. Don’t act hypocritical."
"Haha, you’re just showing off. But this report is quite valuable; the research paths taken by several powers are interesting. Qingyun focuses on genetic potions, attempting to enhance cultivators’ strength in one go, raising them to high-level. Zhou Liao is interested in alchemy and material studies. Meanwhile, the Ying Continent is banking on demon beasts contaminated by nuclear radiation."
"Uncle, these powers all want to cooperate with us. Qingyun even wants to buy my essence blood for research. Zhou Liao wants to invite Cao Wang and others to collaborate, while Ying Continent wants us to relax restrictions on certain high-tech products."
"In the era of cultivation, Qingyun’s behavior would be considered suicidal."
Lin Jiang said. Cultivator’s essence blood is crucial. If it falls into enemy hands, who knows what will happen? Unless it’s a close relative, one wouldn’t dare to offer it.
"I’m not that petty. I only broke the leg of Qingyun’s envoy."
Cao Ying giggled and said. Just breaking a leg already shows good temper, you know. As the top human, making such a request to her is quite offensive.
"Don’t let those people bother you anymore."
"I’m planning to visit Penglai Continent in a couple of days. Will you come along?"