Chapter 122

Chapter 122: The Test

Cold Moon Star

Qin Mu was deeply engrossed in his research. The bloodline evolution agent provided by the Virtual Universe Company was far superior to anything he had developed himself. After using it, his bloodline had evolved to the Planetary level, a significant leap forward.

Thanks to this experiment, Qin Mu's self-developed bloodline agent had broken through the seventh-tier limit, skipping the sixth-tier entirely and reaching the fifth-tier! This breakthrough left his body in a state of extreme hunger, requiring him to absorb several Mu Ya Crystals to recover.

"I've broken through!" Qin Mu exclaimed.

As the life-rich energy from the Mu Ya Crystals infused his body, his cells, which had undergone a fundamental transformation, began to devour the energy. In his sea of consciousness, nine miniature stars rotated, and his strength naturally advanced to Star Level 9.

"From now on, my main body will stop cultivating," Qin Mu said, his eyes shining with determination.

Only Star-level individuals could participate in the Genius Battle. In the original timeline, Luo Feng had stopped cultivating his human body after reaching Star Level 9 while his Golden Horned Beast body advanced to Universe Level. Of course, this only applied to his human body; the Swarm would continue to develop, and his comprehension of the laws would not be neglected.

Qin Mu wasn't the only one who had broken through. Hong and Lei Shen had also made significant progress.

Hong had successfully advanced to the Star level and, through the insights gained during his breakthrough, had reached the fourth level of domain comprehension. His talent for law comprehension was truly terrifying.

Lei Shen had also reached Star Level 2.

"Haha, this feels amazing!" Lei Shen laughed heartily.

In the sky, two figures clashed—Hong and Lei Shen, now both Star-level experts, were sparring.

Normally, bloodline evolution agents were only effective the first time they were used. Subsequent uses had minimal effects. This was one reason Qin Mu hadn't given Hong and Lei Shen his self-developed agents.

As for Qin Mu, his situation was different. As the Swarm's ruler, he had used his innate genetic modulation abilities twice before, modifying his genes through the Nest. These modifications were almost indistinguishable from natural evolution. This time, while using the bloodline evolution agent, he had the Nest monitor and fine-tune the process, ensuring a perfect evolution tailored to his body.

"Qin Mu, you're here!" Lei Shen called out when he saw Qin Mu emerge. Though he was eager to spar with Qin Mu, the vast difference in their strength made him quickly abandon the idea.

"Sigh, even after breaking through, I'm no match for you. This is so frustrating," Lei Shen lamented, feeling like the eternal third wheel.

"Qin Mu, Lei Shen and I are planning to venture into the universe. Staying on Earth isn't helping us improve much anymore," Hong said, ignoring Lei Shen's theatrics.

"That's a good idea. However, I won't be joining you just yet. I need to pass the Virtual Universe Company's pharmacist assessment first," Qin Mu replied.

"I've reviewed the privileges of external members. There are some training planets you can access. I suggest you start there and further improve your strength before attempting the Trainee Mercenary Exam. The exam takes place in an Sector Lord's inner world, and most participants are at Star Levels 8 or 9. While you could rely on slaves to pass, I don't think that would be meaningful."

Seeing that the two were eager to move forward, Qin Mu offered his advice. In the original timeline, Luo Feng, Hong, and Lei Shen had taken the exam when Luo Feng was only a Star Level 3 spirit master. They had relied heavily on two Star Level 9 slaves and later a Universe-level Cloud-Vine to pass. While they had been lucky to encounter the World within a World and gained immense wealth, the experience hadn't done much for their personal growth.

Relying on slaves to pass the exam would mean entrusting their lives to others, which wasn't true self-improvement. It was better to find a suitable environment to train step by step.

"You're right. We plan to explore first before considering the Trainee Mercenary Exam," Hong agreed. The training planets available to external members of the Virtual Universe Company were indeed suitable for him.

As they chatted, Qin Mu's auxiliary computer vibrated, signaling an incoming message.

"Lord Ming Yu has sent a message. His pharmacist friend has scheduled a test for me. If all goes well, I can proceed to the formal assessment," Qin Mu said, his eyes lighting up with excitement.

"You better prepare well. I'm counting on you to make it big so I can freeload off you," Lei Shen joked.

"Don't worry! I'll make sure to get you some good stuff," Qin Mu replied with a smile.

After bidding farewell to the two, Qin Mu returned to his residence and logged into the Virtual Universe to prepare for the upcoming assessment.

During his research on the "Primordial Insect Canon," Qin Mu had also studied some pharmacological texts from the Yun Mo inheritance. While these texts were far inferior to the Swarm's knowledge in bloodline research, they offered unique insights into human pharmacology, providing valuable references.

After reviewing the those texts, the time for the test arrived. Qin Mu was led by a staff member to a private chamber in the Killing Hall.

Inside the chamber, besides the burly Ming Yu, there was a tall, thin man with fine scales on his face.

"Qin Mu, come in. Let me introduce you. This is my friend, Ronny, a member of the Virtual Universe Company's Pharmacology Department. He'll be testing you today," Ming Yu said, standing up.

"Lord Ronny, thank you for your time," Qin Mu said respectfully.

Ming Yu then turned to Ronny. "This is Qin Mu, the special-tier genius I mentioned. Please test his pharmacological abilities today."

Ronny, who had a gentle smile, nodded. "No need for formalities between us. I'm curious about this special-tier genius's talent in pharmacology."

"Qin Mu, tell me, what areas of pharmacology are you skilled in?" Ronny asked.

Without hesitation, Qin Mu confidently replied, "I specialize in bloodline evolution agents and the genetic modulation of certain creatures, such as the Skyfire Crows."

Ronny raised an eyebrow. "Bloodline evolution agents? That's quite rare among pharmacists. What level can your agents achieve? And what about the Skyfire Crows—what level can you modulate them to?"

Pharmacology was a broad field, with many specializations. Different pharmacists excelled in different areas.

"In terms of bloodline agents, I can create fifth-tier agents, though I'm still some distance from the fourth-tier. As for the Skyfire Crows, I can modulate them to Star Levels 6 or 7," Qin Mu answered respectfully.

Indeed, after obtaining the Virtual Universe Company's bloodline evolution agent, Qin Mu's research had made a significant leap, directly advancing to the fifth-tier.

"What? You can create fifth-tier bloodline evolution agents?" Ronny was shocked. He had expected Qin Mu to be talented, perhaps capable of producing seventh or eighth-tier agents, but fifth-tier was beyond his expectations.

Pharmacology, unlike combat professions, required extensive knowledge. Bloodline evolution agents were among the most challenging areas of pharmacology. No amount of resources could produce an excellent pharmacist.

"How old are you? What kind of talent is this?" Ronny marveled.

The Virtual Universe Company's elite bloodline evolution agents, which often reached the Planetary level, were the result of the company's vast resources and the expertise of its master pharmacists. For Qin Mu to achieve such results on his own was extraordinary.

"Who is your mentor?" Ronny asked.

Pharmacists were a small community, and most renowned pharmacists knew or had heard of each other.

"I don't have a mentor. I learned through inherited knowledge and self-study," Qin Mu admitted after a moment's hesitation.

"What? No mentor?!" Ronny's expression turned to one of disbelief, followed by excitement.

"Alright, let me test your foundational knowledge of bloodline evolution agents. What is the principle behind them?"

Qin Mu answered confidently, "The principle of bloodline evolution agents is essentially the optimization of one's genetic code, allowing the body to reach a more perfect state..."

As Qin Mu elaborated, Ronny nodded. These were basic concepts that most pharmacists knew. He then proceeded to ask more advanced questions, only to find that Qin Mu could answer them all, often providing unique insights.

The more they discussed, the more excited Ronny became. Eventually, their conversation shifted from a test to a deep discussion on bloodline evolution agents.

After waiting for a long time, Ming Yu finally couldn't help but ask, "Ronny, how is Qin Mu's talent in pharmacology?"

Ronny glanced at Ming Yu and said, "We're in the middle of a discussion. I'll tell you later. I've already contacted my mentor. He'll be here soon!"

With that, he continued his conversation with Qin Mu. Ronny was amazed to find that Qin Mu's ideas often provided him with new insights. When he brought up problems he had encountered in his own research, Qin Mu offered solutions and even new approaches.

What kind of genius was this?!

Ronny, a Domain Lord-level pharmacist specializing in bloodline agents, could only produce fourth-tier agents. The fact that Qin Mu, with no formal mentor, could achieve fifth-tier results was astounding.

A pharmacist capable of producing Planetary-level bloodline evolution agents would be highly respected in any organization.

Initially, Ronny had considered taking Qin Mu as his disciple. But the more they talked, the more he realized that Qin Mu's understanding of bloodline evolution agents surpassed his own in some areas.

This was unbelievable! Abandoning the idea of taking Qin Mu as a disciple, Ronny immediately contacted his mentor.

"Your mentor? He's coming here?" Ming Yu was stunned. Ronny was a genius in the Virtual Universe Company's Pharmacology Department and a Domain Lord-level expert. His mentor was an Undying-level powerhouse!

An Undying-level expert was coming personally! This was huge!

*****

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