Upon crossing the gates of the Blue Lotus Chamber of Commerce, Hu Jian and Hu Zhan were greeted by the same assistant from their previous visit, who informed them that he would notify the manager.
Less than a minute later, he returned and led them to the study.
Behind the desk, Lan Tianhua awaited them with a slight smile on his lips and a genuine interest in his gaze. Behind him, Lan Yueqing observed them with curiosity and even a hint of surprise.
"Welcome," he said, interlacing his fingers on the table. "I must admit that your product has caused a considerable impact. Not only did it sell out quickly, but some customers are already inquiring about advance reservations."
Hu Jian nodded and remained silent.
Lan Tianhua seemed to understand the message. Calmly, he took a wooden chest and placed it on the table.
Hu Zhan picked it up and opened it just enough to verify its contents. A quick glance was enough before he closed it again.
"If you can continue providing batches of equal or greater quantity, we could discuss more favorable long-term terms," Lan Tianhua said, resting his elbows on the table.
"Done," Hu Jian replied, sliding a scroll across the desk.
Lan Tianhua, surprised, read the document carefully, scanning each line with a sharp gaze. As he progressed, his expression shifted from surprise to genuine appreciation. Finally, he set the scroll down on the table and gave a faint smile.
"It seems your boss anticipated this," he commented with a sigh as he signed. "That is... impressive."
Hu Jian maintained his impassive expression. Hu Zhan, beside him, also showed no reaction, though inwardly he felt a slight sense of satisfaction. Ethan had precisely calculated the Blue Lotus Chamber of Commerce's ability to absorb more of their merchandise and the speed at which they would do so.
Not only that, but he had also anticipated Lan Tianhua's response, sealing the deal before a more extensive negotiation could even take place.
Lan Tianhua drummed his fingers on the table for a moment before adding, "If possible, I would like to meet with him again in the future to discuss further transactions. This partnership has potential."
"We will relay your message," Hu Zhan responded with a slight nod.
Lan Tianhua gave a faint smile before leaning back in his chair. "That pleases me. Now, is there anything else you would like to discuss?"
Hu Jian nodded and spoke. "We would like to discuss the possibility of exchanging gold for spirit stones."
Lan Tianhua raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "Oh? That is... unusual."
Hu Jian nodded calmly. "We are aware of the value of spirit stones. Even so, we are interested in seeing if such an exchange would be possible."
Lan Tianhua crossed his arms, watching them attentively. "Certainly, spirit stones are a more valuable resource than gold in many circumstances. However... in this case, I am willing to accept."
Hu Jian and Hu Zhan exchanged a glance of surprise before offering their thanks.
"Then, we can proceed with the exchange at whatever ratio you deem appropriate," Hu Jian added.
Lan Tianhua smiled. "Very well. My assistant will handle the details."
Hu Jian stood up, followed by Hu Zhan. "We appreciate your willingness."
In Ethan's laboratory, on a steel table, lay the corpse of a massive reptile. Its skin was covered in thick, dark-toned scales, designed to withstand impacts and cuts. Along its spine, a mane of black spines formed a natural defensive structure, while its four crimson eyes, though lifeless, still retained an ominous glow that evoked a latent ferocity. Its jaws housed a pair of sharp fangs, whose morphology suggested a highly adapted predator.
Beside it, the body of a giant black-furred wolf rested, its dense coat seeming to absorb the dim light from the oil lamps. Its muscular build and dense bone structure indicated overwhelming brute strength, possibly capable of crushing prey with a single blow.
Both specimens had been transported by Shen Bao and the Vespers.
Ethan adjusted his gold-rimmed glasses as he analyzed the bodies with a mixture of concentration and contained fascination.
"AION, initiate structural and biochemical analysis."
His voice was firm, but within him, the excitement was undeniable. It was the first time he had the corpse of a demonic beast before him. The possibility of unraveling the secrets of its biology and understanding its internal structure filled him with an almost scientific anticipation.
[Initiating analysis.]
Ethan used a knife to extract samples of skin, muscle, and blood from both specimens for closer examination. He lit an alcohol burner and began heating one of the samples.
[Analysis complete. Primary composition: carbon, calcium, iron, and other essential bioelements in standard concentrations for highly complex organisms.]
[Traces of unidentified compounds have been detected, particularly in the dermal and skeletal structure. The blood and certain internal tissues contain an unknown substance with unclassified properties.]
Ethan frowned as he observed AION's preliminary data. Although he had a hypothesis, he needed greater precision.
"Perform a more detailed analysis of the unknown substance." His tone was firm, but his mind was already formulating possible correlations.
[No previous references exist in the database. However, structural analysis reveals a microscopic crystalline arrangement with a high energy absorption capacity. A possible interaction with external energy sources has been detected, suggesting a bioactive functionality. Tentative correlation with the phenomenon known as 'Qi.' Provisional classification: Compound D.]
Ethan observed the faint violet glow in the blood exposed to heat. It was not a simple thermal phenomenon; the fluorescence indicated a possible energy reaction, perhaps an activation of Compound D in the presence of high temperatures or external stimuli.
"AION, analyze the spectral response of the sample under different conditions."
[Initiating tests...]
Minutes later, AION provided the results.
[Results obtained: Compound D exhibits resonance at wavelengths associated with unconventional energy interactions. Its crystalline structure suggests an affinity for external energy flows, allowing its absorption and storage in biological tissues. Additionally, catalytic properties have been detected that could facilitate its integration into living systems, accelerating metabolic and regenerative processes.]
Ethan frowned. "In other words, this compound not only absorbs energy but also enhances the organism's ability to utilize it... A biological system optimized for survival and growth."
[Correct. Its concentration in musculature and bones indicates that it acts as a structural and energetic reinforcement. Under extreme conditions, it is likely to function as a means of accelerated adaptation.]
Ethan exhaled slowly. This aligned with the nature of demonic beasts. Unlike cultivators, who refined their Qi internally, these creatures used a hybrid biological system: their growth depended both on absorbed energy and consumed resources.
"AION, adjust the analysis to determine if Compound D can integrate into human tissues without causing rejection."
[Initiating compatibility simulations...]
As the data processed, Ethan returned to his initial hypothesis. If he could adapt this substance to human biology, he could artificially recreate the evolution of demonic beasts, granting physical enhancements without the need for cultivation.
The future no longer depended on Qi. It depended on science.
AION processed the data while multiple graphs and three-dimensional models Compound D's molecular structure interacting with simulated human tissues appeared in his vision.
[Preliminary results: Based on current samples, there is a 32.4% probability of partial integration into human tissues without immediate adverse effects. However, long-term stability and interaction with complex biological systems remain uncertain. More samples and experiments are required to validate compatibility and minimize risks of rejection or uncontrolled mutation.]
Ethan adjusted his glasses while analyzing the information. "A promising percentage, but insufficient for safe applications."
[Recommendations: Conduct tests on human cell cultures to evaluate potential cytotoxic effects. It is also suggested to experiment with animal models to observe systemic response and assess its impact on general physiology.]
Ethan nodded. "Then the next step is to expand the research. We will need more samples from different demonic beasts to compare variations in Compound D's composition."
He observed the corpses before him. If he could fully understand the nature of this substance, he could develop genetic medicines that altered the human body, granting abilities previously exclusive to demonic beasts.
Ethan exhaled slowly as he stored the samples in sealed containers. He assigned a code to each vial, ensuring he recorded the exact extraction and preservation conditions. He knew that any variable, no matter how small, could alter the results.
He walked through the laboratory, the sound of his boots echoing against the metallic floor. AION processed the data in the background, displaying equations and molecular models in his vision. Ethan studied the simulations carefully: the integration of Compound D into human tissues seemed possible, but there were still too many unknown factors.
If the compound was the key to demonic beasts' growth, how could that process be replicated in humans without side effects?
Cultivators' bodies adapted to Qi, strengthening over time. In contrast, demonic beasts seemed designed to consume and transform energy directly, without the need for advanced techniques. It was a purely biological process. Raw. Instinctive.
Ethan adjusted his glasses and stopped in front of a table filled with tools. "To implement this in humans, I'll need a stable administration method. Injections? Tissue infusion? Or perhaps a deeper genetic modification?"
[A more detailed analysis of cellular interaction is recommended before defining an administration method.]
Ethan smirked slightly. "Yes, step by step."
But in his mind, an idea was taking shape. This wasn't just medicine. It was the first step toward artificial evolution.