Two days later.
laugh--
The cooling storage tank was opened, and a misty stream of liquid nitrogen flowed out.
Haier's arthropod-operated crank metal clamps pulled out ten test tubes filled with silver potion. This was a gene potion made from the spinal fluid of the Void Dragon Race. Void Dragon have vigorous vitality, and their corpses and spinal cords retain their activity even after death, taking hundreds of years to completely disappear. By extracting the active factors, they can be made into a powerful tonic to enhance physical fitness, which can be taken by most creatures, including humans.
"Ten portions of refined Void Dragon Marrow, these cute little things are yours." Haier's sharp teeth clicked as the translator converted the insect language.
The substantial reward Dragon Calm gave Han Xiao was fifty kilograms of Void Dragon Bone and ten portions of Dragon Marrow. Originally, it was one hundred kilograms of dragon bones, but he specifically requested that half of the dragon bones be replaced with Dragon Marrow. The effect of Void Dragon Marrow is to permanently increase attributes without any side effects or additives, making it extremely precious to players.
Picking up a tube of dragon marrow, Han Xiao examined it closely. Its density was not as heavy and stagnant as mercury; it was translucent and pale silver. The potion was very pure and clear, with a few sparkles. As soon as he touched it, an item notification was triggered. After confirming that everything was correct, Han Xiao directly loaded it into the injection gun and injected the tube of dragon marrow into his vein.
A shiver ran through Han Xiao's body like an electric shock, sending a jolt through him. A glint of silver flashed in his eyes.
[You used [Refined Void Dragon Marrow (High Concentration 42.2%)], permanently increasing your attributes: Strength +3, Stamina +4, Charisma +1]
Han Xiao continued his work, injecting two more vials of the drug. The high-concentration drug randomly increases a wider range of stats. After three injections, he gained a total of +8 to Strength, +11 to Stamina, and +2 to Charisma.
Potions that permanently increase attributes usually have a limited number of uses; Void Dragon Marrow can only increase attributes three times before it stops working.
However, after three uses, although it no longer increases attributes, it has a hidden effect. If you persist in using it and the dosage reaches a certain level, the quantitative change will accumulate and the qualitative change will occur, resulting in a special ability called [Void Gene]. The surface effect is just a normal ability that increases speed and evasion rate, but the real benefit is that it will affect the choices made during racial ascension.
In his previous life, this discovery was made by chance. You see, Void Dragon Marrow is very rare, and if it doesn't work after three uses, most people wouldn't waste it. Han Xiao couldn't help but thank that rich and willful tycoon, otherwise no one would know this secret.
"Based on the cumulative effect of the medication, a low concentration requires about twenty vials, while a high concentration... ten vials should be enough."
Han Xiao pondered in his mind, injecting the dragon marrow into his body one after another. As more and more silver medicine mixed into his blood, he felt waves of palpitations. Some subtle changes began to occur in his body, and the silver light in his eyes grew deeper and deeper.
Haier exclaimed in surprise, "Hiss... Oh, sorry, the translator just fell out. You're injecting too frequently, aren't you afraid of genetic mutation? Stop now!"
Han Xiao shook his head, indicating that he was alright; what he wanted was genetic mutation.
After the seventh injection, Han Xiao's body stiffened. A complex sensation of cold and heat exploded within him. He lost his footing, staggered, and slammed his back against the shelf, panting heavily. His brows were furrowed so deeply they could almost trap a fly.
He gritted his teeth, his nerve endings sending throbbing, tearing pain to his brain, every blood vessel throbbing and bulging!
If there were a superhuman with exceptional perception here, they would have noticed a change in Han Xiao's life rhythm. It was not only more surging and powerful, but also possessed a trace of the void, making it mysterious and profound.
[You have gained the [Void Gene] feat!]
[Void Gene: Your senses can keenly perceive changes in space, granting you stronger reflexes and greater agility; movement speed +28%, evasion rate +15%]
After a while, the pain subsided slightly, but it felt like an eternity. Han Xiao breathed a sigh of relief, wiped the cold sweat from his forehead, and suddenly touched a raised area that felt hard, like scales.
He took out a mirror and looked at himself. His pupils had turned a silvery sheen. His brow looked normal, but he could clearly feel a diamond-shaped patch of skin that had hardened.
By mobilizing one's energy, the cellular energy within the body becomes active, and the rhomboid-shaped skin changes from flesh-colored to a bright silver, which is quite noticeable.
"Whoa! Erlang Shen, the True Lord of Guanjiang Estuary?!"
Han Xiao clicked his tongue in amazement. This silver mark not only did not ruin his handsome appearance, but also increased his fashion sense. If the light were any brighter, he could perfectly imitate the Solar Flare.
This is a new organ resulting from a gene mutation, a change brought about by the [Void Gene], used to increase the perception of space.
Upon opening the panel, he noticed that another specialty had also changed. After reading the notification, Master Han's eyes widened in delight.
[Your [Low-Level Tough Life] feat has been upgraded... Upgrade complete. Original feat changed to [Intermediate Tenacious Life].]
Han Xiao obtained this template feat a long time ago, which accompanied him through various crises. Last time, he was injected with a different gene serum. This time, the Void Dragon Marrow has caused this BOSS template to evolve again. The conversion ratio of stamina to health has increased from 1:15 to 1:30, doubling, and it also has an additional 25% resistance effect.
It was a complete surprise. Players couldn't have template feats, and Han Xiao was overjoyed to learn for the first time that template feats could be upgraded. His maximum health increased by more than 4,000 points, which was equivalent to one-third of the original.
"I've gone down the path of carnivorousness and there's no turning back." Han Xiao's eyes gleamed as he secretly speculated, "Even more precious gene serums can enhance the level of Tenacious Life. To level up, one needs to inject more gene serums into the body... However, gene serums can't be used indiscriminately, otherwise, it could cause rejection reactions, gene mutations, or even gene collapse, which would be disastrous. The best choice is definitely a serum like this one with no side effects."
This discovery gave Han Xiao a new idea, making his need for template expertise even more urgent. Unfortunately, this wasn't something you could just get whenever you wanted. He kept the remaining three dragon marrows, these precious items would be perfect as "favorability bait," he'd set an exorbitant price to make players do the hard work out of genuine interest.
After putting away the materials, Jenny's communicator rang, and she requested to make the call.
"Black Star, Ames needs to speak with you."
A new virtual holographic screen popped up on the communicator, revealing Ames's exquisite face. Her body floated directly in the vacuum of space, protected by a force field. Behind her, countless rays of light surged, seemingly filling every inch of space, a scene comparable to a laser barrage from an interstellar fleet, suggesting she was engaged in battle with a powerful enemy. However, all the light was deflected by an invisible force field barrier, raining down on a barren planet beneath her feet. Clearly, the battle had been ongoing for some time. A tenth of the planet's volume had shattered, resembling a bitten apple. Fragments of meteorites and dust swirled around the planet, mixing with dissipated gases to form a ring of clouds. It was estimated that if the fighting continued, this planet would die billions of years prematurely... No, this should be called a premature death, a beautiful woman's life cut short.
With just one glance, Han Xiao could confirm that Ames was engaged in a fierce battle with another Beyond Grade A being from the Shattered Star Ring. Within three days, the interstellar news would surely report the following:
[Shattered Star Ring Express: Two Powerful Beings Engage in Unruly Brawl, Innocent Planet Suffers Tragedy!], [Beyond Grade A Powerful Being Maliciously Destroys the Environment, Planetary Protection Association Strongly Condemns!], [List of Planets Cancelled Today]...
'Speaking of which, it seems that Ames was in a bad mood and started a fight because of my news. What a pity for a young planet...'
Han Xiao's eye twitched, and he coughed lightly, asking, "Your Dragon Emperor, what task do you have for me?"
Ames spoke, but there was silence. She realized what was happening, manipulated her force field to grab a wisp of gas from the planet, created a large energy field to envelop herself, and then spoke.
"I heard Jenny's report. Your team has excellent combat capabilities, and it would be a waste for them to stay in Dragon Calm. Anyway, you were originally a mercenary, so I approve your operations outside. I happen to have a mission for you... You've met my teacher, so find out about him for me," Ames said.
A few days ago, he made a request to Jenny, using the excuse that Dragon Calm had enough manpower and that his staying would be a waste, to apply for field operations. Dragon Calm only had three management positions: guards, butlers, and logistics, and was short of the Field Operations Department. The undying Black Star Mercenary Group was the best choice, at least there was no need to worry about losses. Jenny thought it made sense and reported it to Ames. Ames always trusted the people she used and was not worried that Han Xiao would leave her if he left Dragon Calm. She was very confident.
Han Xiao's eyes lit up.
Not being confined to Dragon Calm is great news, as it won't delay the mercenary group's growth. While Dragon Calm is desirable, joining it was ultimately a last resort. As long as he can move freely, this problem will greatly reduce his distress.
After finalizing the results and hanging up the communication, Han Xiao felt relieved. The high-ranking officers of the three major legions would be arriving soon, and he could go back with them to hand in the mission.
"Everything went smoothly today." Han Xiao said with a cheerful expression. Could it be that his bad luck had finally run its course and his fortunes were starting to turn around?
Aroshia waited at the door. Han Xiao waved and led her away from the warehouse. He didn't feel comfortable letting Aroshia run around alone, so he always kept her by his side whenever he had time.
After walking for a while in an empty street, Han Xiao suddenly lost his relaxed expression, frowned, and sensed that the atmosphere was strange. He quickly shielded Aroshia behind him and cautiously looked around.
"Good perception."
A voice suddenly rang out, carrying a cold, judgmental tone, and an air of arrogance that revealed an extreme confidence in its own abilities. The voice sounded familiar to Han Xiao.
At the same time, hard walls suddenly rose from the ground around them, blocking out the sky and trapping the two inside like a cage.
Warriors from the DarkStar Task Force appeared and surrounded the two.
Ashes stood directly in front, scrutinizing Han Xiao with a blank expression, as if he had everything under control.
"Black Star Mercenary Group Leader, we need your cooperation. Come with us, and you'll suffer less if you don't resist."
Upon hearing this, a solemn expression, like that of an icy mountain range, gathered deep within Han Xiao's eyes.