C31 Basic Limit

Before taking any further action, he realized he needed to sell some information and offload some inventory, given his dwindling points.

Zhang Lieh, clad in black, didn't immediately leave the base after exiting the hotel. Instead, he took a seat at the base's entrance to observe the comings and goings of the crowd. It wasn't until a woman with an air of valor, accompanied by four or five team members, emerged that he discreetly followed them out of the base.

No sooner had they left the base than Zhang Lieh, still in black, muttered to himself in surprise, "Hmm? How did my basic cultivation technique advance again?" Although he spoke softly, the bewilderment in his voice caused the valiant woman and her teammates to glance his way.

One of the woman's teammates couldn't help but sneer, considering basic cultivation techniques to be a distant concern. However, the woman herself looked intrigued.

"Young man, what do you mean by another breakthrough? Could it be that your basic cultivation technique has reached the tenth level?" she asked.

Zhang Lieh, sensing he had piqued her interest, feigned panic and stammered, "No, no, it was just a... a misperception!"

Despite his claim of a misperception, Zhang Lieh was visibly disoriented, hastily retreating back into the base. His behavior only served to heighten the woman's curiosity, prompting her to halt her advance and, to the confusion of her teammates, follow him back inside.

Beneath his black attire, Zhang Lieh's face was a mask of smiles, but his actions grew increasingly frantic. Upon realizing the woman had followed him back, he broke into a desperate sprint.

This only fueled the woman's curiosity further, leaving her to wonder what secrets this enigmatic young man in black was harboring.

In a narrow alley within Black Iron Base, Zhang Lieh found himself cornered. He let out a shriek, "This is the base, don't mess around!"

The woman laughed softly, "Mess around? You flatter yourself. You know why we're after you, don't you?"

"Relax, the Chu family doesn't prey on the weak, and I, Chu Lan, certainly don't. Let's discuss your basic cultivation technique."

"If I find it valuable, I'll pay you a certain number of points. How does that sound?"

Chu Lan's face, marked by a strong sense of righteousness, was brimming with goodwill, prompting Zhang Lieh to inwardly sigh with relief for having chosen the right person to approach.

But despite his internal relief, the show had to go on.

With a sudden jolt of excitement, Zhang Lieh exaggeratedly exclaimed, "Really? You're actually going to give me points? How many are you thinking?"

Chu Lan replied irritably, "That will depend on how much your information is worth!"

Zhang Lieh immediately responded with disappointment, "Oh, so it's whatever you say it is!"

"Don't worry. The Chu family is known for being fair. We won't shortchange you on the points."

Chu Lan reassured him, but Zhang Lieh remained skeptical, his face betraying his smug disbelief.

"You lack sincerity. This information is worth five million points; I can't just give it away!"

Upon hearing this, someone beside Chu Lan scoffed, "Sister Lan, this kid seems all mysterious, but he's really just a damn fool!"

"Five million points? Do you think you've hit the jackpot?"

"Do you have any idea how much money five million points is? 500 million federal coins? You're asking for 500 million for a single piece of information? You must be out of your mind!"

The two members of the Chu family mocked Zhang Lieh, making him seem worthless.

Yet Zhang Lieh remained unfazed, bursting into a wild laugh, "Haha, what if I told you that after breaking the limits of the basic cultivation technique, the Void Will indicates an increase in the upper limit of the Normal Gene Count?"

At this revelation, Chu Lan and the others were completely taken aback.

The idea of breaking through the limits of a basic cultivation technique and raising the Normal Gene Count's upper limit seemed far-fetched, almost laughable.

They all questioned the plausibility, lacking any frame of reference or prior consideration of such a possibility.

But what if it were true? In that case, the information could indeed be worth 500 million.

It's well-known that upon advancing from the Void Realm to the Second Realm, the Gene Point determines the final level of bodily enhancement.

Thus, the Void Realm serves as the cornerstone for all Genetic Warriors, with the strongest among them fully integrating all three genes of the Void Realm before progressing to the Second Realm.

A solid foundation paves the way for a Genetic Warrior's expansive future.

Take, for instance, certain Supreme Grade cultivation techniques that require a higher Gene Point count to practice.

If this information is accurate and the other party holds the secret to surpassing limits, then even 500 million would be an understatement.

After all, it would signify that the Gene Points of our family's Genetic Warriors are inherently superior to those of other families.

Such a lure was irresistible to Chu Lan, a high-ranking member of the Chu family.

"Young man, are you certain you're not spinning tales?" Chu Lan was intrigued.

Zhang Lieh burst into laughter, "Hahaha, ridiculous!"

"Spinning tales? Believe me, if I spread the word right now, there would be a flood of people weeping and begging to collaborate!"

Chu Lan quickly responded with a warm smile, "Hold on, my friend. We're destined to meet, aren't we? Plus, the Chu family isn't short on funds."

"Just give me a moment; I'll notify our young master immediately so he can personally negotiate this deal with you."

"Believe in me, believe in the Chu family. We'll offer you a truly fair price."

At that moment, Chu Lan felt a rush of excitement coursing through his veins.

If everything turned out to be true and an agreement was reached, it would herald a revolutionary transformation for the entire Chu family.

Chu Lan soon got in touch with Chu Feng, and after a brief conversation, they settled on a place to meet.

Unexpectedly for Zhang Lieh, Yun Bing happened to be there when Chu Lan reported back. Having caught snippets of the conversation, she saw no option but to get involved.

Consequently, what was initially a bilateral discussion evolved into a trilateral negotiation.

In the confidential chamber of Chu Feng's tavern, Zhang Lieh, Chu Feng, Yun Bing, Chu Lan, and Yun Gang sat with poise.

Zhang Lieh couldn't have anticipated that the presence of the stunning Yun Bing would take things in such an unexpected direction.

The other four, naturally, focused their attention on the enigmatic Zhang Lieh.

As the host, Chu Feng broke the ice, "Young man, we're all alone here. Can you reveal your true identity now?"

Zhang Lieh shook his head firmly in response, "I can't risk that. You all belong to influential families. What if you go back on your word before we finalize the deal? I'd be utterly doomed."

"Besides, a deal's a deal. There's no need to show your face, is there?"

Zhang Lieh's cautious approach didn't put anyone off. On the contrary, it actually boosted their confidence in the intelligence he possessed.

After all, the idea of breaking through the fundamental cultivation technique's limits seemed like pure fantasy to him.

Yet, for some reason, seeing the careful demeanor of this young man before them, they found themselves more convinced by this seemingly fantastical news.

Yun Bing couldn't help but chuckle, "Well, little brother, I must admit, your caution has earned you quite a few points in my book."

"So, how do we proceed with the transaction?"

A smile can be disarmingly charming, but sadly, Zhang Lieh was long past the age where he'd be stopped in his tracks by a beautiful woman.

Without any hint of discomfort, and with a touch of awkwardness, he said, "The transaction is straightforward. You may ask me three questions about breaking through limits first."

"As long as they don't touch on any core secrets, I'll answer them truthfully!"

"If you're still interested after that, you can choose to keep listening. Naturally, if you decide to continue, you'll need to pay me a deposit."

"Next, I'll have you prepare the candidates, and then you'll witness firsthand what breaking through a limit entails. After completion, you'll pay me the remaining fee."

"What do you say? If you agree, we'll get started. If not, we can go our separate ways and save ourselves the time!"

"Alright, young man, I like the way you get straight to the point! I won't beat around the bush either. I'll ask the first question!"

"Setting aside the process of breaking through the Limit Gene, I want to know by how much the Normal Gene Count's upper limit can increase after breaking through the limit."

Zhang Lieh's no-nonsense approach impressed Chu Feng, who eagerly asked the first question, which was also the most pressing concern for everyone there.

The amplification effect!

Exactly, the specific upper limit increase effect after breaking through the limit!

After all, if all his efforts resulted in something as useless as a chicken rib, he'd be spitting blood – 5 million points was no trivial sum.

Zhang Lieh anticipated the group's first question and responded with poise, "10 points!"

"Once you break through the tenth layer limit of the basic cultivation method, the upper limit of the Normal Gene Count increases by 10 points!"

"However, this surplus of 10 points has a more potent effect on enhancing physical strength than an increase of 10 points in mutated genes!"

"Do you grasp the significance of this?"

As Zhang Lieh's words hung in the air, a hush fell over the crowd.

Just 10 points! Merely 10 points!

Yet, the overflow effect causes these 10 basic genes to surpass the enhancement effect of 10 points in mutated genes!

It's like being born with a 10-point advantage in mutated genes over the opponent!

This is game-changing!

If the increase in the upper limit of 10 basic genes doesn't significantly impact combat strength, then...

The disparity created by 110 mutated genes is stark, visible to the naked eye.

In essence, surpassing the enhancement of more than 10 mutated genes signifies a transformation in physical strength.

At that moment, the only thing on the minds of the four individuals from the Yun and Chu families was to secure this secret. Whether it cost 500 million or 1 billion, it was imperative to acquire it!

This information was not only critical for the Yun and Chu families; it represented a milestone that could reshape the genetic evolution history of the entire Federation.

It took a good ten seconds before everyone regained their composure, their eyes sparkling with realization.

Yun Bing, from the sidelines, regained her senses and excitedly said, "I must admit, this information is explosive. It's no wonder you started the bidding at five hundred million."

"If this news is true, then we've all struck gold!"

"However, with such a remarkable effect, there must be some prerequisites for achieving this breakthrough, right?"

"My question is straightforward. What are the prerequisites needed for this breakthrough?"