The Natural Gene Chain

Ye Fan's arrival didn't cause much of a stir in the core laboratory. After all, the work in the lab is not much different from other places; it tends to be a bit dull and tedious. Most of the elites in this field aren't very talkative either.

Liu Miaoyi cared deeply for Ye Fan, treating this fifteen-year-old boy as though he were her younger brother. Ye Fan, who had a knack for charming women and possessed extensive knowledge in genetics, quickly earned her favor. Often, Liu Miaoyi only had to teach him something a few times, and Ye Fan would master it, even going so far as to infer and apply what he learned to new situations, much to her delight.

Compared to the work on the standardized gene production line, the tasks in the core gene laboratory were much more tedious and meticulous. Extracting a natural gene chain, whether in terms of difficulty or workload, was exponentially more complex than working with standardized gene chains.

Standardized gene chains are human-made, while natural gene chains form organically. To extract the desired natural gene chain in a lab, you must first thoroughly decompose the target's genetic system.

This is an enormous undertaking, given the vast amount of data contained in a biological genetic system. Decrypting this data and establishing a gene database in the lab requires considerable human, material, and financial resources.

Of course, this is just the first step, and the simplest one at that. Generally, if the lab is equipped with advanced AI and the staff works systematically, this task can be completed within a few years.

After decoding and establishing the database, the second and most crucial step is locating the target gene chain. The extraordinary abilities of source beasts are fundamentally determined by their genes. However, the gene responsible for a particular ability is not part of the gene system itself but rather an exogenous gene.

Take the Xi Yan Python, for example. It can control Xi Yan, a formidable flame with a temperature capable of burning most substances. However, the Xi Yan gene chain that governs this ability doesn't belong to the python's genetic system.

The Xi Yan gene chain is an exogenous gene chain, relying on the python's genetic system to survive. Despite this, they are closely linked—independent yet complementary, achieving a state of mutual integration.

Typically, a Xi Yan Python will only have one true Xi Yan gene chain, making elemental natural gene chains unique. While the number of Xi Yan gene chains might increase as the python evolves, the number remains small.

This single Xi Yan gene chain replicates itself into countless pseudo Xi Yan gene chains as the python grows. These pseudo chains spread throughout the python's cells via its genetic system.

The pseudo Xi Yan gene chains do not grant the ability to control Xi Yan. However, they enable the cells to withstand the damage caused by the extreme heat of Xi Yan, preventing the python from being incinerated by its flames.

Humans face significant challenges in extracting this single true Xi Yan gene chain from the python due to interference from numerous pseudo gene chains. Identifying the authentic Xi Yan gene chain from among these countless pseudo chains is a daunting task.

However, after countless generations of research, humans have developed a comprehensive and feasible method for finding this unique exogenous natural gene chain. As mentioned earlier, the process involves first establishing a database, then using the genetic information within it to locate the unique exogenous gene chain.

Although this method is cumbersome and labor-intensive, it has proven highly effective. With the assistance of advanced AI, even when the gene data stored in the database reaches astronomical numbers, selective filtering based on experimental differences will eventually lead to the target.

...

Ye Fan sat in front of the AI light screen, which displayed a series of genetic data, all belonging to the Xi Yan Python. Since Professor Billy obtained the Xi Yan Python, the core lab's primary focus had been on extracting the Xi Yan gene chain.

That Xi Yan Python had already reached the pinnacle state of a gene warrior, and consequently, its Xi Yan exogenous gene chain had also undergone significant evolution. Gene chains of this caliber are incredibly valuable, fetching at least a trillion star units at auction.

In his past life, Ye Fan possessed the power of Thunder Flame, a composite exogenous gene chain formed by fusing dozens of lightning and fire attribute exogenous gene chains, of which the Xi Yan gene chain was one.

However, not all Xi Yan gene chains are created equal. Generally, the higher the grade of an exogenous gene chain, the more complex its composition. The Xi Yan gene chain Ye Fan acquired in his past life was extracted from a King Serpent and was several levels above the one Professor Billy was about to extract.

With the experience from his past life, Ye Fan could easily see through the extraction process of the Xi Yan exogenous gene chain that Professor Billy was about to undertake. Complex experiences give one a different perspective when facing simpler tasks. Moreover, Ye Fan, who had reached the pinnacle of human strength in his past life, had genetic knowledge far beyond that of Professor Billy.

Yet, even though Ye Fan knew how to quickly extract this Xi Yan exogenous gene chain, he didn't dare to reveal it outright. However, he would occasionally drop subtle hints. Of course, his purpose was not to genuinely assist Professor Billy but rather to gain some benefits from the situation.

"Hey, Sister Miaoyi, do you notice anything different about this set of data?"

Ye Fan, his face brimming with excitement, pointed to a set of gene chain data and spoke to Liu Miaoyi.

At first, Li Miaoyi didn't pay much attention to Ye Fan's excitement. After all, although she recognized Ye Fan's talent in genetics, she believed that due to his age and limited knowledge, it was unlikely he could truly identify the exogenous gene chain. As a result, she dismissed his enthusiasm as nothing more than a young boy's eagerness to impress.

However, her initial thoughts didn't linger long before they were replaced by a wave of surprise and excitement. As a student at Tianlan Academy, Li Miaoyi might not have had a wealthy background, but her talent in genetics was undeniable. After a brief moment of contemplation, she fully grasped the value of what Ye Fan had pointed out.

What Ye Fan suggested was nothing short of a breakthrough in their extraction work, potentially saving them a significant amount of effort. The realization of such a discovery filled Li Miaoyi's eyes with astonished joy.

Without thinking, an excited Li Miaoyi leaned down and kissed Ye Fan on the forehead. She didn't notice his stunned expression as she quickly stood up and headed straight for Professor Billy, who was not far away.

"I can't believe I just got kissed!"

Feeling the lingering warmth on his forehead, Ye Fan's heart fluttered, and a helpless smile crossed his face. As he watched Li Miaoyi walk away, her graceful figure caught his eye, and a strange look flickered in his dark pupils.

Li Miaoyi recounted Ye Fan's discovery to Professor Billy, who was initially taken aback. After checking the gene database against what Li Miaoyi described, he burst into hearty laughter.

The commotion immediately drew attention within the lab. Ignoring the stir he had caused, Professor Billy turned to Ye Fan, giving him a long, thoughtful look before saying, "This kid has talent. Liu, upgrade his status to the highest level. And give Miaoyi a raise for her contribution as well."

"Yes, Professor!"

The steward standing beside Professor Billy responded in a deep voice.

The workers in the lab began to grasp what had happened, and as they looked at their new colleague, their eyes were filled with envy. A few young men even showed signs of jealousy.

Ye Fan noticed these reactions but didn't dwell on them. These young men were also students at Tianlan Academy, but they came from average families and hadn't even undergone their first blood transformation. Such minor characters were of no concern to Ye Fan.

However, the professor's decision to elevate his status to the highest level took Ye Fan by surprise. He knew that the benefits in the core lab were already significantly better than those on the production line.

The highest level of benefits was so desirable that it made others envious. Based on what Ye Fan knew, if he truly enjoyed the highest level of treatment, he could complete his second blood transformation in just six months.

"Thank you, Professor! We will work hard!"

Li Miaoyi's charming face lit up with a joyful smile. She was already close to completing her first blood transformation, and this promotion would accelerate her progress significantly.

"Ye Fan, aren't you going to thank the professor? He's planning to give you special attention!"

Li Miaoyi, noticing Ye Fan's dazed expression, quickly walked over to him, patting his shoulder as she spoke.

"Thank you, Professor!"

Ye Fan snapped out of his trance, his voice filled with excitement.

"Good. Work hard, and becoming a gene warrior might not be out of reach!"

Professor Billy nodded approvingly, encouraging Ye Fan.

Ye Fan, visibly excited, nodded repeatedly. However, a hint of doubt began to creep into his mind. He had indeed hinted at the information to gain some benefits, but Professor Billy's generosity seemed a bit excessive.

After all, the monthly cost of the highest-level benefits would exceed two million star units. This level of support was usually reserved for training gene warriors. As he pondered, Ye Fan couldn't shake the feeling that something was off about Professor Billy's unexpected generosity.

"Never mind, he's just a peak gene warrior. Since he's offering me such benefits, I might as well accept them!" Ye Fan thought to himself, deciding to take the benefits without hesitation.

With these advantages, he could rapidly improve his strength. As for any hidden agendas, Ye Fan wasn't concerned. After all, as a former pinnacle human warrior, even in his current diminished state, he wasn't someone a mere peak gene warrior could easily manipulate.