Chapter Sixty-Five: The Super Soldier Serum

“This genetic structure originates from a three-legged golden toad descended from ancient bloodlines. Doctor, do you have a way to fully awaken the dormant genes within it, so that its bloodline can revert to its ancestral state?” Facing Doctor Pus’s astonishment, Li Yang asked with expectation.

“Based on the chromosomal data you provided, this creature currently exists in a special state. The powerful genes within its body are already in a semi-awake condition. With an enormous amount of energy stimulation, this mysterious ancient genetic chain should gradually revive.”

“This is truly incredible. Generally, as a species evolves, the genetic structure within adapts minutely to its environment. Over time, to better suit its surroundings, the organism’s form, particle structure, and chromosomes all change completely, sometimes even resulting in a new species.”

“But the genetic material you’ve provided, ‘Li’, likely belongs to a species from a remote era—one that evolved in an extremely harsh yet energetically abundant environment. As the ages passed, Earth’s energy became increasingly unsuitable for this creature’s survival.”

“For this race, such potent genes gradually became a burden. To survive, driven by biological instinct, these extraordinary genes fell into dormancy one after another.”

“Generation after generation, the marvelous genetic material endured. Normally, such obsolete genes would vanish through evolutionary processes. Yet, these genes are so formidable and astonishing that they resisted the force of natural selection and survived to this day.”

“The sheer dominance of these genes is beyond imagining. I can scarcely conceive of the power its original form must have possessed. It is nothing short of a miracle in the history of life.”

Watching the seemingly incessant, loquacious Doctor Pus, Li Yang’s face darkened. After all that talk, he hadn’t mentioned any solution.

“Oh, my apologies, ‘Li’. I got carried away. Please forgive a scholar’s devotion to truth—standing in the presence of revelation, one can hardly help but be reverent, can one?” Perhaps realizing Li Yang’s change in expression, Doctor Pus quickly apologized, then continued, “At present, it is not quite feasible to fully awaken such a powerful gene. We should focus on gradual stimulation—developing an agent that can provoke these genes and accelerate their awakening. As for complete activation in one go, given the gene’s voracious demand for energy, the creature would likely be overwhelmed by the surge and die from cellular collapse.”

“Very well, Doctor. We’ll proceed as you suggest. I hope you can accomplish this soon.” Doctor Pus’s assessment was just as Li Yang had expected—after all, cultivation itself is a gradual evolutionary process.

The golden toad, unlike the six-winged golden centipede with its millennia of cultivation and mature bloodline, could only accumulate enough energy through time, stimulating its bloodline step by step toward transformation.

“Doctor Rick, how is your progress?” After learning about Doctor Pus’s side, Li Yang turned to the not-too-distant Doctor Rick, whose brows were furrowed in worry.

“To be honest, ‘Li’, is this really biological fluid you’ve given me? It’s simply impossible. This substance is beyond human understanding of cellular elements. I’ve never encountered such unique energy, nor do I believe any creature on this earth could withstand it. If I must call it genetic, I’d sooner believe it is the cellular tissue left behind by God himself.”

“These genetic fragments—let’s call them genes for argument’s sake—contain an indescribable energy fluctuation, a special wavelength that no one has ever detected. It doesn’t belong to any known magnetic field or radiation, nor is it energy as we understand it. I simply cannot define it.”

Gazing at the golden liquid under his microscope, Doctor Rick’s face was filled with dejection. His pride in his scientific knowledge seemed suddenly useless; this substance was beyond the reach of current science.

“Space. What you’re detecting is spatial fluctuation—a fundamental element in the formation of the universe.” Seeing Doctor Rick’s frustration, Li Yang expressed his understanding. After all, Hausdorff, the mathematician who first articulated the concept of space, might still be buried in his studies somewhere, unknown to the world.

“Yes, space! ‘Li’, you’re a genius. Can you explain what space really is?” Upon hearing the word, Doctor Rick seized on it like a lifeline, gripping Li Yang’s arm with a face full of earnest hope.

“I don’t really know how to explain it, either. My own cultivation hasn’t reached the level where I can truly comprehend space. All I can say is that the universe is formed by the interplay of space and time. If time represents past, present, and future, then space is the extension in all directions.”

“Space is a substance complementary to time, an objective manifestation of form, though the two are inseparable. According to theories of cosmic formation, from the birth of heaven and earth, the universe split from an original ‘oneness’ into diverse forms of existence. This is the origin of the Daoist concept, ‘The Dao gives birth to the One.’”

With his current cultivation and knowledge, Li Yang was far from capable of accurately describing the nature of space. From the perspective of cultivation, it was already an expression of a profound cosmic law.

“Doctor, you needn’t dwell on that fluctuation. Instead, focus on the energy form and specific data of these genes.” After offering comfort to Doctor Rick, Li Yang turned his attention to the frantically busy Abraham Erskine.

“Doctor Erskine, how are things progressing here?”

Scratching his unruly, nest-like hair, Doctor Erskine flipped through his notes with feverish excitement. “‘Li’, your cellular structure is simply beyond my imagination. You’re practically a superhuman. Your cells are the most perfect and robust genetic chains I have ever encountered.”

“Do you know what this means? It means you possess physical abilities and senses far beyond ordinary people, and even your lifespan is several times longer—like an evolved version of humanity. I’m planning to use your cells as a template to invent a new hormone. I’ve already thought of a name: ‘Super Soldier Serum.’ What do you think? It’s a stroke of genius.”

“Do you realize what this would mean for human evolution? From this moment, humanity would enter an entirely new chapter. My God, I can hardly imagine that a being like you exists in this world—your body is truly the work of God.”

Listening to this, Li Yang was utterly dumbfounded. The phrase “Super Soldier Serum” echoed in his mind, drowning out everything else.