Chapter 1: Unlocking the Genetic Lock
Today was a major day for the Second Young Master of the Colen Family — Tony — as he prepared to unlock his genetic lock!
The Colen Family estate was bustling. Guests arrived in a steady stream, smiling and congratulating the family head, Bucky Kelalunsi.
Inside the grand main hall, a young man stood at the center.
He was about sixteen years old, with a handsome face, black hair, and black eyes that made him stand out from the surrounding nobility. Yet something about him felt off — his eyes were dull and vacant. Even though he was surrounded by the Empire's dignitaries, he paid them no attention.
Instead, Tony's gaze was firmly locked onto the mechanical component in his hand, as if it was the only thing in the entire hall that interested him.
This young man, Tony, was the protagonist of today's event — the one about to unlock his genetic lock.
Sixteen was the perfect age for this ceremony, a crucial moment to reflect on the past sixteen years of effort and talent. The stronger the foundation and the greater the talent, the higher the Energy levels generated during the first unlocking!
As a descendant of a Celestial Awakening, many held high expectations for Tony, despite quietly believing that he seemed a bit... slow.
After all, Tony's older brother, Bucky Rui, had set the Empire's record two years ago when he unlocked his genetic lock:
Genetic Energy Level: 13 points!
Brain Region Energy Level: 15 points!
The Genetic Energy Level represents an individual's martial strength. Normally, achieving 5–8 points during the first unlock already qualifies as genius. But Bucky Rui had soared to 13 points!
Even more astonishing was his Brain Region Energy Level — a staggering 15 points — representing his exceptional ability to pilot Mechas. At the same strength level, a person capable of piloting a Mecha was practically invincible.
A general's lineage produces no weaklings. Bucky Rui had proven that the Colen bloodline was still strong, and was destined to become one of the Empire's future pillars.
Now, the attention turned to Tony — Bucky Rui's younger brother.
Everyone quietly anticipated that he would once again shake the world today.
No wonder Bucky Kelalunsi had returned directly from the battlefield just to witness this moment.
Seeing that it was time, Bucky Kelalunsi smiled and said to the old man standing beside him, "Mr. Isaac, let's begin."
Isaac nodded, took out a syringe filled with dark green liquid, and injected it into Tony's arm.
This was the Genetic Original Fluid — a pinnacle achievement of technological civilization, capable of unlocking the human body's latent combat potential and shattering genetic limits.
As the fluid entered his veins, Tony felt a sudden rush of vitality flood through his body.
Bucky Kelalunsi nodded in satisfaction. Reaching this stage almost guaranteed a successful unlock. Now, all that remained was to measure Tony's Energy levels!
Standing next to Bucky Kelalunsi was a strikingly handsome young man — Bucky Rui. He watched Tony with a dark, unreadable expression. Despite being brothers, the look in Bucky Rui's eyes held no warmth — only wariness, even hostility, like seeing a potential rival.
At that moment, a surge of energy exploded from Tony's body.
"Congratulations, Lord Bucky Kelalunsi! Your son has successfully unlocked his genetic lock. The Empire will have two future pillars!" the guests congratulated enthusiastically.
Bucky Kelalunsi smiled modestly and waved a hand. "My son's values have not yet been tested. Let's not jump to conclusions. Mr. Isaac, please proceed."
Isaac smiled and brought over a scanning device, attaching it to Tony's arm.
Two numbers quickly appeared on the screen.
Everyone leaned in eagerly to see the results — but then froze.
Displayed clearly were two shocking numbers: 1 and -3.
A stunned silence fell over the hall.
Tony's Genetic Energy Level was 1, and his Brain Region Energy Level was -3 — worse than that of an ordinary person!
"Is the device broken? Try another!" someone called out.
Isaac hurriedly pulled out a second scanner — but the results were the same.
And a third. And a fourth. No change.
The truth was undeniable: Tony was a cripple.
If a person's Energy Level was below 3 points after the first unlock, they were effectively considered incapable of cultivation.
Gasps and murmurs filled the room.
"Honestly, just looking at the Second Young Master's blank expression, I thought he might be slow, but this... this is even worse than expected."
"A descendant of a Celestial Awakening... not only a fool but a complete waste!"
Bucky Kelalunsi's face darkened. Slamming the table, he roared at the nearest attendant, "Was Tony not cultivating at all these past years?! Even casual cultivation wouldn't produce such terrible results!"
The attendant dropped to his knees, trembling. "Family Head, forgive me! The Second Young Master was completely obsessed with mechanical components. If he didn't have them nearby, he would wail uncontrollably. Proper cultivation was impossible!"
A flicker of triumph crossed Bucky Rui's face. He subtly signaled to a guest among the dignitaries.
The guest immediately stood up and loudly proclaimed, "Lord Bucky Kelalunsi, according to Empire law, any citizen who reaches sixteen without cultivation talent must serve five years on the frontline logistics planets!"
"Surely, as the Empire's Marshal, you wouldn't bend the rules for personal reasons?"
Bucky Kelalunsi's gaze turned icy.
He recognized this official immediately — a political enemy. Of course, they would seize the opportunity to humiliate him publicly.
Still, Bucky Kelalunsi wasn't someone to bow to pressure. He turned toward Tony, his voice heavy with meaning:
"Son, tell me... will you cultivate seriously from now on and abandon your obsession with mechanical components?"
If Tony showed the slightest willingness, Bucky Kelalunsi could invest resources and salvage the situation.
But Tony, upon hearing the suggestion of giving up his beloved mechanical components, immediately panicked:
"No! No! I'm almost done! Just one more piece and I'll finish it!"
The entire hall erupted into laughter.
Even now, Tony only cared about his mechanical toys!
Bucky Kelalunsi's face twisted with fury and disappointment. Even if he wanted to protect Tony, he couldn't do it now.
"My Colen Family has no need for useless fools!" Bucky Kelalunsi declared coldly. "Send him to the Mechanical Repair Department on the logistics planet! Let him 'play' with machines to his heart's content."
"From today onward, strip him of the Colen surname. Take him away!"
With those cold words, Bucky Kelalunsi dismissed his own son.
Two attendants came forward to escort Tony out.
As he stumbled toward the door, Tony remained engrossed with the mechanical parts in his hand. Then suddenly — click — he successfully disassembled the component, revealing two separate pieces.
"Hehehe... The last one... finally done..."
His childish laugh echoed down the hallway, causing another wave of mocking laughter behind him. Bucky Kelalunsi's expression grew even darker.
But at that moment, unbeknownst to anyone else, a strange electronic voice rang out in Tony's mind:
> "Ding... Accomplishment achieved: Analyzed one million mechanical components. Mecha Martial Venerable System activated..."
> "Ding... System activation complete. Sealed consciousness returning..."
> "Ding... Genes modifying... Transforming carbon-based body into Starlight Body... Nine Luminaries Star Body acquired..."
> "Ding... Cultivation Technique unlocked: Starry Sky Limitless Celestial Art..."