C6 Extreme Plan
To Zhang Lieh's surprise, when he returned from his trip, there were already interested buyers for the three fire-attribute martial arts he had listed. Settling into a budget hotel to browse the trading page online, Zhang Lieh couldn't help but curse under his breath at the audacity of one particular trader.
Zhang Lieh was incensed by the other party's outrageous demand: one water-attribute martial art in exchange for his three fire-attribute ones. Did this person have a screw loose?
He replied, "Three water for three fire. Don't you know the trading rules?"
To his astonishment, the other party was active on the trading page and swiftly responded, "Your three martial arts are inferior. Combined, they barely match the value of one of mine."
Zhang Lieh scoffed, "Haha, as if you're that impressive."
The other party retorted, "It's not about being impressive. Water-attribute techniques aren't exactly niche, but trading three at once isn't easy."
Zhang Lieh shot back, "So you're saying you can't produce three and want to trade just one?"
With a smug tone, the other party replied, "You're half right. I only have two water-attribute martial arts, but one of them is equivalent to three of yours."
"Let's see it then."
A projection was sent over, showcasing a palm technique named Stacking Waves Three Palms. The technique unleashed three successive palms, each more powerful than the last. This high-tier martial art was among the best and finding a superior one in the Void Realm would be a challenge.
"It's quite good, but still not worth three of my martial arts," Zhang Lieh stated.
The martial art presented was not legendary. With two high-tier techniques like the Fiery Sword and the Flaming Mantra in his possession, Zhang Lieh was reluctant to even consider a two-for-one trade, much less three.
"Show me the second martial art," he demanded.
The video of the second martial art arrived. It was a footwork technique named Wave Treading Step. While not extraordinary, in the Genetic Space, the value lay not in the ferocity of the attack or an impregnable defense, but in a technique that enhanced agility and speed.
Life comes but once, and if you can't defeat your opponent, you must outrun them.
Zhang Lieh laid out his terms, "These two martial arts, plus fifty grams of S metal."
"Wasn't it supposed to be a three-for-one exchange?"
Zhang Lieh replied with irritation, "Only an idiot would do a three-for-one exchange with you. These two aren't peak martial arts. A one-for-one exchange is fair at this level. The second martial art is comparable to my Explosive Fire Step, so you'll need to throw in another fifty grams of S metal for the Explosive Fire Fist."
Being overly polite in the trading forum would make others perceive you as lacking confidence, and they would dominate you.
"That's absurd. The Stacked Waves Three Palms are worth at least two. It's a formidable palm technique. At the same level, it can inflict significant damage on a super creature. The Wave Treading Step has better endurance than your Explosive Fire Step."
Zhang Lieh gave a dismissive glance and said, "Don't think I'm some greenhorn who just joined the trading forum. I've encountered plenty of bullies like you. The Stacked Waves Three Palms are decent, but their power only comes from overlapping the three palms, which is a glaring weakness."
Armed with his past life's martial arts experience, Zhang Lieh could instantly spot the flaws in his opponent's techniques.
"The Wave Treading Step is a water-based martial art known for its endurance, while the Explosive Fire Step, as a fire-based martial art, is renowned for its burst power. Each has its merits, making them equally valuable."
"Damn, you're an old-timer pretending to be a newbie? Is that amusing to you?"
The other party was taken aback, having assumed the account belonged to a novice and hoping to make a hefty profit, only to discover it was a veteran in disguise.
"Actually, it's quite amusing."
"Despicable."
"Are we going to make a deal or not? Two martial arts plus fifty grams of S metal."
"Of course, we'll trade, but fifty grams of S metal is too much. I can't come up with that. I can only offer you ten grams."
"Make it thirty grams, or we can call it off."
"Deal!"
After completing the transaction, Zhang Lieh exited the room and used fifty points to rent a training space for the entire day, where he began to practice the Three Layered Waves technique.
The Three Layered Waves was a stark contrast to Soft Water Strength Transforming. It incorporated the concept of waves, each one building upon the last. With his extensive martial arts experience from a previous life, Zhang Lieh quickly recognized that the Three Layered Waves should not be viewed as a single entity. Instead, it should be broken down into three distinct parts, which could then be gradually layered on top of one another.
Initially, the Three Layered Waves technique was slow, with a significant pause between each palm strike. Yet, as Zhang Lieh diligently practiced, these pauses seemed to vanish, and eventually, he appeared to casually flick his palm outwards.
Slap! Slap! Slap!
A single palm strike produced the illusion of three, with the shadows of each palm overlapping.
In reality, Zhang Lieh had executed three palm strikes in that fleeting moment.
After half a day of mastering the basics of the Three Layered Waves, Zhang Lieh chose not to proceed with practicing the Wave Treading Step, opting instead to rest.
The gene martial skill, once imprinted into the gene core, necessitated a period of adjustment for both the brain and the body. Proper rest could make subsequent training far more efficient.
As the adage goes, a balance between labor and leisure is essential; sometimes, rest is an integral part of training.
After taking some time to recharge, Zhang Lieh resumed browsing the trading platform.
Cultivation techniques, being a form of knowledge, could be transacted electronically. Physical items, like S metal, required placement in a trading box, which would then secure the item. If the trade was between different bases, the Teleportation Device would be used to transport the item, incurring a service fee.
Upon entering the transaction number and password, the machine would automatically retrieve the specified item. When the box opened, it revealed a piece of greyish-black metal the size of a thumb.
This seemingly insignificant piece of metal could fetch an exorbitant price anywhere, the sort that was beyond valuation.
The greyish-black metal, known as S metal, was a rare forging material. When combined with materials from other super creatures, it could easily inflict damage on Super Gene Life.
Armed with the newly acquired S metal and the spine obtained from the mutated Gale Wolf, Zhang Lieh made his way to the base's forging machine. This automatic forger was not just any machine; it was an intelligent robot designed to craft weapons from mutated genetic materials.
Zhang Lieh placed the Gale Wolf's spine on the machine, followed by the S metal. The electronic voice of the forger informed him that the process would cost 300 points and take half a day to complete. Having paid the points, Zhang Lieh returned to the training room to practice the Wave Treading Step.
The Wave Treading Step required a unique environment for proper practice. Thankfully, the training room was well-equipped. With sufficient points, Zhang Lieh could tailor the room's environment to his needs. He set the floor to mimic the undulating motion of waves and began his practice. Starting slowly and gradually increasing speed, within three hours, Zhang Lieh had become a master of the Wave Treading Step, moving as if he were riding the waves.
Leaving the training room behind, he headed straight to the forge to retrieve his new weapon. The sword, primarily silver due to the fusion of the Gale Wolf's bone with the S metal, had a hilt resembling a wolf howling at the moon. It was both lightweight and aesthetically pleasing.
Zhang Lieh was thoroughly pleased with the sword. After feeling its sharp edge, he whispered to himself, "I shall name you the Wind Sword." This Wind Sword was vastly superior to the grade C alloy sword he had previously wielded. If the old sword's performance was rated a 5, the Wind Sword would easily score around 50.
Eager to test out the Wind Sword, Zhang Lieh began organizing his backpack. With preparations complete, he was ready to embark on the next phase of his plan: herb gathering for the ultimate evolution project!
Everything in order, Zhang Lieh stepped out of the base, only to be unexpectedly confronted as soon as he exited the door. "Zhang Lieh, you spineless turtle, you've finally decided to show yourself!"
Wang Xiaohua, accompanied by her four teammates, stood at the entrance with a look of gloom etched on their faces.