Bloodline Upgrade

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"Identity confirmed. We can proceed with the handover."

"Bai Yuan, here's the Bloodline Evolution Agent you requested."

The manager spoke as he opened the briefcase.

A slender syringe lay inside, filled with liquid that shimmered with rainbow colors.

With a click, the manager closed the case and handed it over.

"Thank you." Bai Yuan reached out and took it.

His counterpart said nothing more, turning to board his spacecraft and leave.

Bai Yuan wasted no time either. He took the case and hurried back to the castle.

He opened the briefcase, took out the syringe filled with shimmering liquid, pressed it to his arm, and injected himself without hesitation.

Almost instantly, an intense pain shot through his entire body like an electric current.

Fortunately, he had prepared himself mentally. He gritted his teeth and endured it.

In fact, the pain didn't seem as terrifying as he'd expected.

When the Earth Trio had used the Bloodline Evolution Agent, their experience had probably been far more excruciating.

It didn't take him long to figure out why.

Luo Feng and the others had Earthling bloodlines, which ranked ninth. Their transformation had been more thorough, so their reactions were naturally much more intense.

His own bloodline ranked sixth, so the Bloodline Evolution Agent had a relatively limited effect on him. That also meant less pain.

But it still hurt!

About an hour later, the effects of the Bloodline Evolution Agent wore off.

The process of bloodline evolution also consumed a great deal of life force. Though Bai Yuan was exhausted in both body and mind, he immediately took out a Wood Bud Crystal and began cultivating.

A Wood Bud Crystal contained vast, pure life energy. It was a precious treasure that promoted the evolution of life, making it the perfect choice for this moment.

However, an ordinary Bloodline Evolution Agent ultimately had limited effects on someone with a sixth-rank bloodline like him.

Before long, he felt his body reach saturation and could absorb no more.

"Fifth rank of the Planet Realm... not bad."

Bai Yuan exhaled and sensed his condition. A flicker of surprise crossed his eyes.

"My Brain Domain Width actually increased a little, reaching sixteen. Also, it's time to focus on cultivating the Immortal Diamond Body."

--

The Treasure Pavilion specialized in all sorts of rare treasures. Rumor had it that its pavilion master was a Universe Realm powerhouse.

"I wonder if your pavilion has all the treasures on this list."

The manager took the list from the black-robed man, glanced it over, then smiled and nodded.

"Rest assured, we have everything you've listed in stock. However, these items are quite expensive. I'll waive the loose change, bringing the total to 5.2 billion Black Dragon Coins."

5.2 billion Black Dragon Coins was no small sum. It was enough to buy a top-grade second-tier Origin Force weapon or several C-class spaceships.

Bai Yuan said nothing and transferred the money.

"The money's been sent. I want the goods ready within three days."

"Hahaha, what a decisive customer! Why wait three days? Half a day will be plenty! If you're not in a hurry, you can wait in the VIP room. Our Treasure Pavilion has countless treasures—and beauties in abundance, too."

The manager laughed heartily. His gaze toward Bai Yuan had changed completely.

This man had handed over 5.2 billion Black Dragon Coins without blinking. He was either a powerful expert keeping a low profile or a core disciple from some great faction out on a trial.

"I'll wait, but you can keep the beauties. I don't want anyone disturbing me."

Only after entering the VIP room did Bai Yuan realize there was more to it than met the eye.

It had everything from fruit platters to fine wine, along with an array of entertainment facilities.

It was less a VIP room than a luxurious private lounge.

After finding a seat, Bai Yuan carefully recalled the cultivation principles of the Immortal Diamond Body, and gradually began to understand them.

His special ability, Diamond Body, already gave him a physique far stronger than an ordinary person's, so he could skip the first stage of the technique, Foundation Casting and Body Forging, and go straight to the second stage: Material Fusion and Body Refining.

Simply put, this technique didn't make one stronger by raising one's level of life. Instead, it strengthened the body's structure at its core by continuously fusing it with all kinds of rare treasures and special metals.

If breaking through realms was a vertical ascent, then the Immortal Diamond Body pursued horizontal expansion to the utmost.

For that reason, the greatest challenge in cultivating this technique wasn't talent or comprehension, but the vast resources it required.

In other words, it was a money sink.

Just like when he'd first met Bai Kuangren, the man's mountainlike build was probably the result of cultivating this technique, which had transformed his body so dramatically.

Of course, the technique's effects were astonishing.

It had six levels, corresponding to the Planet Realm, Star Realm, Universe Realm, Domain Lord Level, World Lord Level, and Immortal Realm.

Once mastered, it granted the cultivator a Diamond Indestructible Body, with defensive power comparable to an Origin Force Armor of the same level.

If he wore a battle armor over that physique, creating an absolute defense both inside and out, then there would probably be very few people at the same level who could break through it.

On top of that, the technique provided additional boosts, increasing every aspect of the cultivator by 20 percent. This included not just physical strength but also Genetic Origin Energy and Brain Domain Width.

A 20 percent increase in any single area might not seem impressive, but the combined improvement across the board would bring a qualitative leap.

For some reason, he suddenly thought of the Southern Cloud State Lord from Snow Eagle Lord.

The Southern Cloud Sacred Body he had created involved refining countless rare treasures into the body.

If anyone asked what was special about him, the answer was that he lacked everything under the heavens—except money.

As for the Immortal Diamond Body, Bai Yuan even suspected that the undying being who had created the technique was at least a Marquis Immortal.

Still, compared to treasures like the Soldier Armor and General Armor, this technique seemed far less outrageous.

After all, even the lowliest Soldier Armor could grant its user a thousand times the power of a Peak World Lord, bringing its might close to that of a Marquis Immortal.

It could completely block attacks below a thousand times the power of a Peak World Lord, and weaken stronger attacks by 90 percent.

By comparison, a technique that strengthened the body didn't seem all that absurd.

As for the Calamity Armor, which could give birth to Soldier Armor and General Armor, it was a treasure made by Mountain Sitting Guest himself, a former God King. Its power was immeasurable.

An hour later, the manager came in with a troubled expression.

One look at him was enough for Bai Yuan to know something had gone wrong.

"What happened?"

The manager explained awkwardly, "I'm terribly sorry, sir. We originally had all the materials you requested in stock, but Young Master Meng Xun just arrived and asked for ten Sun-Facing Grass. You need three as well."

"We only have eleven left in stock now. Would you be willing to take just one for the moment? We'll have the other two ready for you within ten days. To make up for the inconvenience, we can give you a 20 percent discount and refund the difference now. What do you think?"

Bai Yuan was puzzled. "Didn't you say the Treasure Pavilion had a Universe Realm expert backing it? Why would you still need to be wary of a young master?"

The manager had no choice but to be frank. "Young Master Meng Xun's great-grandfather is the head of the Meng Family and a genuine Domain Lord. How could the Treasure Pavilion afford to offend someone like that?"

"I see." Bai Yuan nodded. "Then let's do that. I'll come back in ten days to pick up the remaining Sun-Facing Grass."