Bloodline Evolution

The Ranking Battle had settled, and Qin Zhao's name swept through the entire Planet-level core layer of the Glacier Sacred Land like a storm, even drawing the attention of some higher-level existences. By defeating Shi Feng, who possessed the Ninefold Domain, in an absolutely crushing manner and seizing first place, his strength and potential had become impossible to overlook.

The rewards were distributed quickly. Fifteen thousand points were directly credited to Qin Zhao's Identity Token, and combined with the remainder he had left over, his total approached sixteen thousand points. As for the most precious item, the [Longke Race Bloodline Evolution Agent], it was personally escorted by a World Lord and handed over to Qin Zhao.

It was a transparent crystal tube about a foot long and as thick as an arm, sealed at both ends with special metal. Inside the tube flowed a viscous liquid that seemed like melted sapphire, shimmering with specks of starlight, and occasionally, threads of silver lightning could be seen flickering through it.

Even through the crystal tube, Qin Zhao could sense the vast life energy contained within, along with the bloodline pressure of some ancient, powerful race. The Longke Race—adults reached Universe Level by default. The value of this evolution agent was immeasurable.

"Bloodline evolution requires abundant energy to support it. It's best to pair it with a realm breakthrough for optimal results." Qin Zhao did not rush to use the evolution agent immediately.

Bloodline evolution was a leap in life level, demanding a massive amount of energy during the process. If he could reach Planet Level Nine Peak before absorbing this bloodline evolution agent, relying on it might allow him to directly break through to Star Level! For Qin Zhao, this was undoubtedly the most cost-effective choice.

Although the Glacier Sacred Land lacked convenient items like the "Nutrient Solution" produced by higher-tier forces, as an official power within a primary cosmic nation, its resource repository naturally contained auxiliary cultivation resources with similar effects.

Thus, Qin Zhao logged into the Virtual Universe, entered the resource exchange list of the Ice Plains Divine Realm, and carefully filtered through the options.

"'Star Source Marrow,' extracted from the core essence of ancient stars, contains pure cosmic origin energy, easy to absorb, and can rapidly enhance the genetic force cultivation of Planet-level warriors... Each portion requires 800 points."

"'Soul Crystal Jade Dew,' nourishes the soul and condenses the body's genetic force, with remarkable effects for breaking through realm barriers... Each portion requires 600 points."

"'Earth Mother Qi (Diluted),' a wisp of pure Earth-style origin energy, greatly beneficial to Earth-style cultivators, can solidify foundations... Each portion requires 1200 points."

These were top-tier resources suitable for rapidly improving Planet-level cultivation without side effects. Qin Zhao calculated that to ensure he could safely and without hidden risks push himself from Planet Level Five to Nine Peak, and to provide sufficient energy for the bloodline evolution and subsequent breakthrough to Star Level, he would need at least five portions of Star Source Marrow, three portions of Soul Crystal Jade Dew, and two portions of Earth Mother Qi (Diluted).

Total: 800*5 + 600*3 + 1200*2 = 8200 points.

This was a massive expense, consuming more than half of his reward points. But Qin Zhao did not hesitate. Points were meant to enhance strength—if not now, when? He decisively placed the order.

The resources were quickly transmitted through the Virtual Universe channel to the receiving point in his real-world residence. Looking at the ten neatly arranged jade boxes and crystal bottles, each radiating astonishing energy fluctuations, Qin Zhao took a deep breath, knowing the preparations were complete.

He first adjusted his own state, accumulating his Genetic Force Star to the most perfect level within his current realm, his mind calm, free of joy or sorrow.

Three days later, inside the cultivation meditation room.

After thorough preparation, Qin Zhao finally began his actions. Sitting cross-legged, he placed all the exchanged resources and the precious Longke Race Bloodline Evolution Agent before him. Taking a deep breath, he first took out the five portions of Star Source Marrow and three portions of Soul Crystal Jade Dew in sequence.

The Star Source Marrow flowed like a silvery river of stars, while the Soul Crystal Jade Dew emitted a cool, refreshing aura, like intangible crystal. He channeled his genetic force, pressing his hands over these resources!

The next moment, pure cosmic origin energy and soul-nourishing power surged into his body like a hundred rivers returning to the sea. The Genetic Force Star in his dantian spun and expanded at an unprecedented speed, continuously condensing and strengthening.

This process lasted an entire day and night. When all the energy from the Star Source Marrow and Soul Crystal Jade Dew was completely absorbed, Qin Zhao's aura had reached the true peak of Planet Level Nine. His genetic force was surging and abundant, as if only a thin veil separated him from the door to Star Level. He could even feel that his perception and absorption efficiency of the surrounding cosmic energy had improved significantly.

"My state is at its peak. It's time."

Qin Zhao's gaze fell on the last two jade boxes, containing the two portions of Earth Mother Qi and the Longke Race Bloodline Evolution Agent.

He first opened the jade box holding the Earth Mother Qi. Inside were wisps of condensed, unfading, profound yellow mist, heavy as mountains. He took a deep breath and drew the two wisps of Earth Mother Qi into his body. Instantly, an immensely thick, pure Earth-style origin energy, as if born from the dawn of creation, merged into his limbs and bones, penetrating every cell. It resonated with his already super-grade Earth-style talent, further solidifying his foundation. A faint, warm profound yellow luster rippled across his skin.

With that done, the preliminary preparations were finally complete.

Qin Zhao then picked up the crystal tube. His fingertips touched the cool wall, sensing the restless, vast vitality within. Following the instructions, he used his genetic force to activate the metal at one end. In moments, a thin, gleaming needle silently extended from the top of the tube.

Without hesitation, Qin Zhao aimed it at the main blood vessel in his left arm and slowly inserted it.

"Chi..."

A slight sting came, and then the blue liquid, as if condensed from stars and oceans, began to flow into his veins under the push of an invisible force.

At first, there was no significant sensation—just a cool fluid spreading rapidly through his body.

But only a few breaths later—

"Sss—this is deadly!"

An indescribable, life-origin-level agony erupted violently! Like billions of red-hot steel needles piercing from inside his blood vessels, it instantly swept through every muscle, every bone, every cell! This pain far exceeded physical torment, carrying a soul-rending sensation of forcibly rewriting the code of life, tearing apart and reassembling the genetic chain!

Qin Zhao's body convulsed violently. Veins bulged on his forehead, and cold sweat instantly soaked his clothes. He clenched his teeth so hard that blood seeped from his gums, but he did not let out a single groan of pain. His consciousness, like a small boat in a raging storm amidst the terrifying waves of agony, was on the verge of capsizing at any moment. Yet his powerful will, along with the [Soul Resistance +10%] buff, steadied his mind like a divine pillar.

Inside his body, earth-shattering changes were taking place. The energy of the Longke Race Bloodline Evolution Agent acted like the most domineering invading army, forcibly charging into every cell nucleus, attacking, dismantling, and reassembling the original genetic sequence. Old, relatively weak gene fragments were forcibly removed and annihilated, while new, stronger, more complex Longke Race advantageous gene templates were injected and expressed.

His height began to stretch slowly. His bones emitted faint but dense cracking sounds, becoming tougher and denser. Muscle fibers tore and regenerated, gaining explosive power. The most noticeable change was on his forehead—the bones on both sides swelled slightly, bulging, and two flexible, light-blue antennae slowly emerged from the skin. Though still short, they had already taken shape.