Chapter 36: All Crows Under Heaven Are Equally Black

Curled up on the sofa, Li Yu boredly scrolled through the holographic projection. Displayed on it were various Gene Chains, such as the Flaming Mosquito Gene Chain and the Thunder Light Mouse Gene Chain. Each one carried an astronomical price tag, reaching up to tens of millions of Star Coins.

And these were only evaluated at D-rank, commanding such prices because they contained rare Attribute Power.

For example, the Flaming Mosquito Gene Chain granted weak control over the fire attribute as well as a slight boost in speed. It even came with a demonstration video.

The video featured a human subject. While demonstrations for various biological lifeforms were available, Li Yu had specifically selected the human version.

The human stood completely naked as crimson flames slowly materialized around him, clinging to his skin. When a piece of iron was brought close to the fire, it rapidly turned glowing red.

This alone proved the sheer intensity of the heat, yet it was classified merely as a slight enhancement.

"I really want it..."

He opened another demonstration video. This one showed a human wreathed in lightning, moving so fast he was practically a blur.

Li Yu estimated that even with his Bullet Time, he would likely struggle to track that trajectory.

He sighed with deep longing as he glanced at his depressingly empty wallet.

"Have you developed your third Gene Chain to its absolute limit? Are you already preparing to integrate a fourth one?" Mo Duo asked, glancing at the disheartened Li Yu.

Humans were naturally Two-Chain Organisms. To walk the Path of Evolution through Gene Chains, one had to push their inherent genetic potential to the absolute maximum, becoming an F+ Grade Lifeform.

Only upon reaching that stage could a person safely fuse with a Foreign Gene Chain. Otherwise, the external genetic material would suppress their native genes, and in severe cases, cause partial, grotesque mutations.

The path of a Genetic Warrior required proceeding orderly and methodically. Forcefully integrating a Gene Chain that vastly exceeded one's current strength would lead to disastrous consequences.

"Huh?" Hearing Mo Duo's question, Li Yu suddenly realized something. It seemed he hadn't even integrated a third Gene Chain yet.

His current strength came entirely from the amplification provided by the Stabilized T-Virus Strengthening Agent, not from any Gene Chain.

"Does that mean..." His eyes sparkled as an idea struck him.

Immediately, he adjusted his search filters to look for E-rank Gene Chains. Instantly, those exaggerated prices vanished. However, it was only a relative drop; the costs still hovered around several million Star Coins.

The absolute cheapest option was the Gugu Chicken Gene Chain, which could be purchased for a mere five hundred thousand Star Coins.

Gugu Chicken Gene Chain: A weak, herbivorous poultry with incredibly low IQ.

This particular Gene Chain did not even have a demonstration video.

"Why are the sales for this one the highest?" Li Yu muttered, noticing the massive sales figures listed next to it.

This was the internal network of the Tyron Chamber of Commerce, meaning it wasn't limited just to the Heavenly Desolation Star branch. While there was no markup on the items, purchasing from afar required exorbitant interstellar delivery fees.

"The third Gene Chain provides a foundational boost by its very nature. Even if the Gugu Chicken is weak, pushing it to its limits will still guarantee the user becomes an E+ rank lifeform," Mo Duo explained, noting that not everyone possessed the capital to buy those overwhelmingly powerful Gene Chains.

"How are these Gene Chains even created?" Li Yu asked casually as he continued browsing.

"They are directly extracted from living creatures. As long as you have enough genetic samples, you can produce one." Mo Duo educated him on the matter, as it was hardly a secret.

"However, the equipment needed for genetic extraction costs an astronomical amount and is monopolized by major factions. Ordinary people have absolutely no way to acquire it."

Li Yu's eyes flickered, and he asked with feigned nonchalance, "Say, if someone discovered an unknown Gene Chain, could it be sold for a high price?"

Mo Duo gave him a strange look. "Only if it comes from an entire ethnic group that can provide an endless supply of genetic samples. If it's just half a corpse, a few drops of blood, or something similar..."

"It can only be auctioned off to individuals who have highly specific needs."

In truth, Gene Hunters were not uncommon across the interstellar expanse. Those standing at the absolute pinnacle of Genetic Evolution Bodies were constantly searching for advanced and unique lifeforms.

And as everyone knew, advanced lifeforms were not only incredibly difficult to breed, but they were also terrifyingly powerful. Many people could hunt for years before finally scraping together enough genetic samples.

"Why are you looking through E-rank Gene Chains? You don't need one anymore," Mo Duo said, catching a glimpse of Li Yu's screen and feeling somewhat curious.

"Would you believe me if I said I'm picking one out for Hunter?" Li Yu replied dismissively.

"Huh?" Hunter, who had been completely silent until now, suddenly looked up with a bewildered expression.

Mo Duo shot Li Yu a deadpan look, too lazy to even entertain his nonsense.

Iron Armor Bear Gene Chain: Provides a minor strength amplification. Once developed to its absolute limit, it allows the user to grow defensive scale armor.

In the demonstration video, Li Yu watched as brown scales slowly surfaced all over the human subject's body. Each scale was about the size of a thumb and could withstand direct hits from kinetic mechanical weapons, as well as resist small explosives at close range.

'This is pretty similar to Mad Snake's Gene Chain... Let's go with this one...' Li Yu pondered. He didn't possess a third Gene Chain yet, so if he successfully integrated one, he should experience another significant boost in strength.

This was already considered a top-tier E-rank Gene Chain, as it was impossible for E-rank Gene Chains to contain Attribute Power.

"Three and a half million Star Coins... Damn it... Why is there an additional five hundred thousand for delivery? This is outright robbery!" Li Yu suddenly cursed as he prepared to check out. His heart ached so terribly it felt like someone was slicing off his flesh.

'That was the money my brother Third Fatty painstakingly saved up bit by bit, and now it's just gone?'

He had also paid Widow a million Star Coins as a hiring fee. According to her, that was already the discounted price.

"Ding! Congratulations on your successful payment. The Tyron Chamber of Commerce will dispatch your item from the nearest available inventory. It will arrive within three days at the latest. Please wait patiently."

"Due to the special nature of Gene Chain products, we do not accept returns or exchanges unless there is a critical flaw with the Gene Chain itself."

A small notification window popped up. Li Yu clutched his ribs, suddenly feeling an inexplicable, dull ache.

'Still, three days isn't too bad. It's not that long...' Based on Li Yu's extensive online shopping experience from his previous life, these estimated delivery times were always calculated using the maximum possible delay.

"Interstellar delivery... I wonder how they actually transport this stuff. A spaceship? Quantum teleportation? A black hole?" Li Yu muttered to himself.

About ten minutes later...

Ding-dong!

The doorbell chimed, followed by an elegant, polite voice. "Greetings, esteemed customer. The item you ordered from the Tyron Chamber of Commerce has arrived. Please receive your delivery."

Li Yu, who was just mumbling to himself, suddenly widened his eyes. 'This fast?! What kind of technology is this? How terrifying. As expected of the Tyron Chamber of Commerce!'

The mechanical door slid open, revealing an Enville man dressed in a crisp white uniform and wearing white gloves.

A golden emblem was embroidered onto his chest. He wore a faint, professional smile and held a silver metal box in his hands.

He stepped into the lounge and spoke in a smooth, even tone, "Delivery from the Heavenly Desolation Star branch of the Tyron Chamber of Commerce. Please inspect your goods."

Li Yu, who was fully enjoying the premium service, blinked in confusion. A sudden, terrible premonition washed over him. "Wait a second, are you saying this thing was delivered to me from right here?"

"Yes, that is correct. We retrieved the item from the nearest available Chamber inventory, which happens to be this very location," the courier explained with a polite smile.

"Then what about my five hundred thousand in interstellar delivery fees?!" Li Yu demanded indignantly.

"Regarding that matter..." the man replied slowly, still holding the silver metal box. "Please consult customer service."