C9 The Limit Medicine

Leaving the value of the standard Great Belly Devil Frog Soul Jade aside, the two Mutant Great Belly Devil Frog carcasses were a treasure trove in themselves. Their tongues could be combined with certain materials to craft excellent bowstrings. The meat was not only delicious but also a source of Mutant Gene Counts.

After the battle, Zhang Lieh, with two Mutant Devil Frog Pouches slung around his waist, began to gather his hard-earned loot. Within five minutes, the area was cleared, leaving behind only a pile of extinguished bonfires and the remnants of his foes.

Zhang Lieh then retreated to a secluded cave to process the Mutant Great Devil Frog carcasses. He removed the long tongues, skinned and gutted the bodies, and prepared the frog legs by scoring them with his sword, seasoning them, and then roasting them over a fire.

The previous combat had drained Zhang Lieh's energy, so with this delectable meal at hand, he was ready to indulge himself. The Great Belly Devil Frog's flesh was exceptionally tender, and in less than ten minutes, the frog legs turned a golden brown, wafting an irresistible aroma.

Unable to resist the allure, Zhang Lieh grabbed a roasted leg and began to feast. After consuming a significant amount of Mutant Great Belly Devil Frog meat, he successfully acquired 20 Mutant Gene Points. Now, with the void's will at play, his gene count had significantly surpassed his previous status.

Zhang Lieh was a Common Level Life form.

His cultivation method: the First Transformation of the Nine Transformations of the Fish.

Gene tally: 110 Basic Genes, 60 Mutant Genes, 10 Super Genes.

His Soul Jade collection included the Super Silver Liquid Jade Worm King Soul Jade, Mutant Gale Wolf Soul Jade, Bloodthirsty Ant Soul Jade, Great Belly Frog Soul Jade, and Mutant Great Belly Frog Soul Jade.

His Basic Gene count had reached an unprecedented 110 points. Before the revelation of the basic cultivation method's ability to break limits, the highest anyone could achieve was 100 points. Beyond that, no amount of Genetic Beast flesh consumed would increase the gene count by even a single point. It was only after surpassing the basic cultivation method's threshold that one could break past the 100-point barrier and reach 110 points.

Never underestimate these 10 points. The additional 10 points of ordinary genes can amplify human physical capabilities even more than 10 points of mutant genes.

To break through the limits of basic cultivation, there are only three conditions. It was only after his rebirth that Zhang Lieh truly grasped the third condition.

The first and most fundamental requirement is for the basic cultivation method to reach the tenth level without having started the practice of Genetic Martial Arts.

The second condition requires consuming a substantial amount of the White Liquid Jade Worm's inner shell or ingesting a significant amount of Liquid Jade Growth Essence.

The third condition is that adrenaline levels must reach a certain peak.

These conditions are challenging, and those who are unaware of the intricacies will surely miss the chance to break through their potential limits.

In his past life, Zhang Lieh also missed this opportunity to break through his limits.

It is common knowledge that general cultivation methods have only ten levels. After reaching the tenth level, one can begin training in Genetic Martial Arts.

Most people prepare their Genetic Martial Arts techniques by the ninth level of general cultivation, eagerly awaiting the breakthrough to commence training.

But who would do as Zhang Lieh did, refusing to practice Genetic Martial Arts before breaking through the basic cultivation method, even if it meant being labeled the worst performer?

The second condition is even more bizarre. Who in their right mind would consume so many White Liquid Jade Worm inner shells? Even after acquiring the gene count, the White Liquid Jade Worm's habitat becomes a place seldom visited.

The third condition seems the easiest but is actually the hardest to fulfill. Even Zhang Lieh had no clear standard.

To be frank, adrenaline spikes during a kiss or in a life-or-death moment, but whether it can reach the so-called peak to achieve a successful breakthrough is uncertain.

Under normal circumstances, the breakthrough of the basic cultivation method's limit wouldn't be discovered until seven years later.

With all these conditions in play, Zhang Lieh dares to consider himself the first person to exceed the 100 basic gene limit.

And it's not just the 100 limit he's surpassing. Soon, he will exceed the limits of 110 and even 150 basic genes.

Because right now, he is meticulously planning the composition of the first Limit Medicine.

Zhang Lieh had successfully acquired the main medicine, the Blood Divine Whisker, and only a few supplementary medicines remained. The locations for these were not particularly hazardous for him, so gathering the ingredients for the first batch of Limit Medicine was straightforward.

Upon returning to base, Zhang Lieh sold the harvested genetic flesh and blood, earning 31,000 points and instantly becoming a wealthy man. He stored the surplus medicinal herbs in his locker.

Next, he anonymously listed five Devil Frog Pouches for sale on the trading platform.

Without waiting for buyers to approach him, Zhang Lieh spent 1,000 points to rent a fully-equipped laboratory and began the intricate process of concocting the medicine. The task was complex, and his recollection of the Limit Medicine formula was distant.

Seventeen relentless hours later, after three failed attempts, Zhang Lieh finally succeeded in creating the first vial of Limit Medicine.

Holding the blood-red potion, excitement surged within him. This was undoubtedly the Federation's inaugural Limit Medicine.

Without hesitation, Zhang Lieh tipped his head back and swallowed the potion. The taste was singularly intense: spicy! Incredibly spicy!

His blood erupted into a boil as if under the effects of a Blood Boiling Spell. The power of the Blood Divine Whisker, the main medicine, burst forth, spreading a scorching sensation throughout his body, as if he were submerged in a bath of chili water, an experience both agonizing and exhilarating.

Zhang Lieh could distinctly feel his body cells invigorated to their peak, with every pore seemingly ablaze.

His muscles tightened and pulsed, growing more resilient. His meridians thickened, signaling a genetic enhancement from the core.

Sweat poured from him as if he had just run through a downpour, his body soaked, and his perspiration tinged with mysterious black specks. A peculiar odor filled the air as his body rapidly purged impurities.

Once the impurities were expelled, Zhang Lieh's tolerance to the potion's fiery potency increased. He began to harness the medicinal power, channeling it through the first technique of the Fish Dragon Nine Changes.

After running his energy through dozens of cycles, Zhang Lieh's Dantian expanded once more, displaying an array of peculiar colors. The pale blue fish within seemed to come alive, almost as if it were a true spirit. The latent growth from the Gene Count was entirely transformed into a formidable Origin Power. Under Zhang Lieh's intentional direction, it was all channeled into the Fish Dragon Nine Changes Arts inscribed on his gene core.

Three hours later, with the medicinal power and Origin Power coursing through him, the arts finally advanced from the early stage to the mid-stage. Zhang Lieh's body appeared to have shrunk, resembling someone who had recovered from a severe illness, yet in truth, he was now several times stronger than before taking the medicine.

"Gurgle!"

His stomach groaned, but Zhang Lieh wasn't in a rush to check on it. Instead, he turned on the laboratory's electronic screen and ordered a hearty meal. With plenty of points to spare, a lavish feast was a mere ten points—a trivial expense for Zhang Lieh, given his current point-earning capacity.

Soon, a robot delivered his meal, and Zhang Lieh dug in with gusto. The first Limit Medicine had not only elevated his cultivation technique but also significantly bolstered his physique. Now, he could effortlessly unleash an attack with twice his usual strength.

Crucially, his basic gene potential had risen by 50 points, meaning Zhang Lieh could now accommodate 160 basic genes. While these additional 60 Gene Points might seem minor, they promised a decisive edge when fully utilized.

The first Limit Medicine was merely the initial phase of the Limit Evolution plan. Still ahead were the second Limit Medicine to enhance Mutant Gene Count, the third to amplify Super Gene potential, and the elusive fourth Limit Medicine of the future.

At present, Zhang Lieh could just manage to collect all the ingredients for the first Body Strengthening Medicine. He knew where to find the second Limit Medicine, but his current power fell short for its collection. And the materials for the third Limit Enhancing Medicine were out of the question.

Reinvigorated after his meal, Zhang Lieh eagerly resumed his work in medicine concoction.

You should know that this item is one of a kind in the entire Federation. If word got out, it would certainly cause a sensation.

After another full day, having used up all the Blood Divine Whisker he had, Zhang Lieh finally succeeded in creating five bottles of the Number One Limit Medicine.

Zhang Lieh had no intention of parting with the Number One Limit Medicine lightly. He was well aware of the risks that come with possessing such a treasure.

If his secret were to be revealed, his current capabilities wouldn't be enough to protect him from being completely devoured by some powerful conglomerate.

Once he had securely stored the medicine, Zhang Lieh meticulously erased any traces of his work and exited the laboratory.

He then converted 20,000 points into cash. Given the substantial sum, Zhang Lieh was issued a transaction receipt and a black card at the base.

It was time to deal with the trouble that Wang Xiaohua and the Wang family had caused.

The black card functioned like an old-fashioned check; it could be used to withdraw two million New Coins from any bank in the Federation.

Having completed all these tasks, Zhang Lieh returned to the present day via the Teleportation Device.

His sister was overjoyed to see Zhang Lieh and hurriedly wheeled herself over to him. In her eagerness, she nearly toppled out of her wheelchair.

Zhang Lieh quickly stepped up to steady her, his heart brimming with tenderness.

His sister had been too isolated, with no friends and their only relative frequently absent in the Void Realm, leaving her with little company.

She had always been understanding, seldom voicing any complaints to Zhang Lieh, but he knew that her constant companionship with books was her way of offering him the utmost support.

"Why weren't you more careful?" Zhang Lieh chided gently.

"Hehe," Han Shuang responded with a giggle, simply embracing Zhang Lieh with a contented smile.

"How long was I in the Void Realm?"

"Exactly three days."

"Brother, don't worry too much about the money. We still have time. If it comes to it, we can move out. As long as we're together, anywhere can be home!"

Zhang Lieh's eyes gleamed with resolve as he patted his chest and said, "Now that your brother is back, the money issue is resolved. I'll take care of it first thing tomorrow."

"Really? Did you make a lot of money in the Void Realm?"

"Absolutely. When have I ever deceived you? You haven't had dinner yet, have you? How about I treat you to a feast?"

"A feast! Yes, please! Han Shuang hasn't been out in such a long time, but... won't a big meal be expensive? Maybe... we shouldn't go after all."