Chapter Sixty-Four: Research [Please Support!]

Early the next morning.

On the rooftop of the research institute, Li Yang sat cross-legged atop the golden toad’s head, enveloped in a gentle crimson glow.

“I... I... surrender...”

Inside the laboratory, the pale-faced French doctor lay exhausted, gazing up through the skylight at Li Yang on the roof, his expression utterly spent.

“The doctor should have done this sooner—there was no need for such suffering.”

Retracting the golden toad, Li Yang leaped from the rooftop; with a thought, the mark on the doctor’s forehead vanished instantly.

“Huff... huff...”

Watching the doctor lying on the floor, gasping for breath, Li Yang handed him a cup of tea.

“Tell me, what do you need me to do?”

Accepting the tea, the doctor asked with a disgruntled tone.

“It’s very simple. I know you’re an expert in both biology and chemistry. I want you to help me develop a drug that can induce atavism in living beings.”

Seated on the laboratory bench, Li Yang slowly explained his plan.

“NO, that’s impossible. The genetic chain of organisms is highly unstable, and their chromosomes are far too fragile. Any slight alteration leads to cellular collapse. What you’re proposing is simply unattainable.”

Listening to Li Yang’s words, the doctor looked incredulous, as if hearing a fairy tale.

“On your own, of course it’s impossible. By the way, are you proficient in Chinese? I have an ancient alchemical manual here. Take a look first, then we’ll discuss what’s possible.”

“I may be French, but I’m fluent in over a dozen languages. My understanding of Chinese culture is second only to my own.” Taking the manual Li Yang handed him, the doctor spoke with pride.

“This... this is unbelievable! Is this the legendary Eastern alchemy? It can convert and combine the essence of all kinds of energy, integrating different elements to create miraculous new ones... This... this is the work of a creator! Truly a magnificent technique. Such knowledge could revolutionize humanity’s understanding of energy today.”

As he perused the alchemical notes, the doctor’s face was fervent, like a mad scientist who had found a treasure. Li Yang had no doubt that, even without the threat of a blood pact, this foreign doctor would follow him faithfully as long as he possessed this manual.

He hadn’t expected the doctor to be so capable—even able to decipher ancient Chinese alchemical terminology. This would certainly save much trouble.

“I’ve traveled the world, studied European vampires, Indian mummies, and Chinese zombies—all in pursuit of a drug to enhance human longevity. I’ve delved deeply into Daoist teachings and ancient Indian Buddhist texts, even sought out experts for tutelage.”

Seeing Li Yang’s surprised expression, the doctor held up the alchemical manual and continued, “With the help of this, I believe my research is just one step away from success. The Nobel Prize in Science will surely be mine—this is the greatest invention of the century! But some parts recorded here are incomplete; there should be another volume.”

“How should I address you? I am Rick Rodin from France, you may call me Rick. My research on human augmentation is extremely complex and cannot be accomplished alone. I need partners. I have a German friend, Dr. Spurr, a geneticist and my collaborator; we came to China to search for new elements for experimentation. He’s currently in Guangzhou. Our apprentice, Abraham Erskine, is a rare genius, skilled in pharmacology and chemistry. I’d like to invite them to join our research. What do you think?”

Only now did Dr. Rick regard Li Yang with respect, bowing humbly in self-introduction.

“Abraham Erskine? Doctor, just call me ‘Li’. The rest is up to you—whatever you need, I’ll do my best to support you, provided you all willingly accept the blood pact.”

Although the apprentice’s name was familiar, Li Yang gave it no further thought, smiling as he stated his condition.

“I will do my best to persuade him. Please rest assured; we are scholars in pursuit of truth, willing to forsake everything—even life—for it.”

Dr. Rick was not surprised by Li Yang’s condition. He turned away, took up pen and paper, and began writing to his old friend.

...

Over two months later, in a secluded mountain outside Renjia Town, a small laboratory had been quietly established.

Inside, the lab was outfitted with state-of-the-art equipment, incongruous with the era. Four people in white coats and masks busied themselves within.

“Oh my god... This is incredible, Li! The genetic sample you brought is utterly astonishing—it holds an unimaginable energy. Its chromosomal mitochondria can proliferate endlessly, which means, in some sense, it could survive forever. The cellular potential is limitless.”

“This... This is like the gene of a god—how can this be?”

Staring at the droplet under the microscope, Dr. Spurr was stunned, as if witnessing a miracle.

After their agreement two months ago, Li Yang didn’t stay long in town. He collected herbs and materials, made his departure from the manor under the pretense of urgent business, and took leave of Master Ren.

As for the matter of Nintendo, Li Yang left it to Ninth Uncle, letting him clean up his senior brother’s mess.

Upon returning to Renjia Town, Li Yang immediately assembled his team and established a small underground laboratory near the manor, transporting all the equipment from Dr. Rick’s former lab.

In less than half a month, Dr. Rick arrived at Renjia Town with Dr. Spurr and their apprentice Abraham Erskine. After accepting Li Yang’s blood pact, Li Yang transcribed and recorded some of the family’s knowledge on alchemy, medicinal herbs, and occult studies for their reference.

Furthermore, Li Yang provided samples of the six-winged golden centipede’s and three-legged golden toad’s bodily fluids, as well as a sample of his own tissue for their research.

Though unfamiliar with modern science, he acknowledged it as an efficient means to understand the essence of things. Cultivation, after all, is a biological evolution; only by understanding oneself can one prescribe the right medicine and achieve personal advancement.

With the blood pact in place, Li Yang had no fear of any treachery; without his permission, not a single word of their research could be leaked.