Chapter 92: Is There Such a Thing as a Free Lunch?

“Gluttony?”

Seeing this ability recorded on the Entropy-Reversal panel, Lin Qing couldn’t help but feel a surge of joy.

The data on the extraterrestrial lifeform “Orbital Sovereign” he obtained today already listed the various genetic abilities this bloodline could unlock.

There were four third-tier genetic abilities, and three fourth-tier genetic abilities.

As for higher-tier genetic abilities, those remained unclear.

Only third-tier energy could unlock third-tier genetic abilities; fourth-tier energy was required to unlock fourth-tier genetic abilities.

The bloodline evolution serum was essentially a delivery of hidden genetic information containing these abilities.

To activate these genetic abilities, one had to rely on the Bloodline Evolution Method, using powerful energy to gradually optimize one’s own genes toward a specific ability, making them more compatible, until the ability finally manifested.

Only one at a time.

The more genetic abilities one wished to unlock, the more extreme the gene optimization requirements became.

Thus, most people who practiced the Bloodline Evolution Method could only unlock one or two genetic abilities before hitting a wall.

“Though it’s not the core ability ‘Instant Light,’ for me, ‘Gluttony’ is even better!”

Lin Qing couldn’t help but smile.

The Orbital Sovereign bloodline had four third-tier genetic abilities: Enhancement, Invisible Blade, Gluttony, and Instant Light.

Of these four, Enhancement was the most common—a temporary doubling of physical attributes, a very typical genetic ability.

Gluttony was relatively rare.

Others might be dissatisfied, since only one or two abilities could be unlocked, and Gluttony didn’t directly boost combat power.

But Lin Qing had the chance to prepay all four genetic abilities.

So the order mattered greatly.

The Gluttony genetic ability would allow his body to store vastly more energy, increase its endurance and resistance, and enable him to consume and absorb energy more efficiently.

Why could one only practice the Morning Sun Method once daily without taking High-Energy Slow-Release Fluid? Because the body simply couldn’t absorb that much energy—its “appetite” wasn’t big enough!

The Gluttony genetic ability would let his body absorb far more energy.

Once he gained Gluttony, not only would his progress in completing the Morning Sun Method accelerate, he might even attempt taking “Black Nest 16” energy serum! “Order.”

Without hesitation, Lin Qing immediately focused his mind.

“Prepay: Bloodline Evolution Ability—Orbital Sovereign ‘Gluttony.’”

The next instant, a flood of unfamiliar information surfaced in his mind—this was the Entropy-Reversal’s simulation.

To optimize his genes via the Bloodline Evolution Method, to unlock this trace of Orbital Sovereign bloodline, and to manifest this genetic ability, he needed to make seventeen precise, perfectly natural adjustments to his genes.

Vast memories surfaced—his countless attempts at the Bloodline Evolution Method, each time adjusting his genes bit by bit like rolling the dice, trying to align with this genetic ability.

After an unknown length of time, he finally identified the exact genes to modify, and the ability finally manifested.

Simultaneously, Lin Qing’s body trembled slightly, his blood circulating at a feverish pace, and a faint cyan hue surfaced beneath his eyelids.

Within the microscopic world of his cells, a cataclysmic transformation was underway! “Gurgle…”

A deep, resonant rumble echoed suddenly—like thunder—the growl of his empty stomach.

Lin Qing snapped open his eyes.

“Starving.”

He patted his stomach, had no time to feel the newly unlocked genetic ability, and rushed to the fridge, yanking out fast food and devouring it greedily.

But even after emptying all the prepared meals in the fridge, the hunger only lessened slightly.

It wasn’t his stomach that was hungry—it was something deeper within his body.

“Morning Sun Method.”

Lin Qing began practicing the original Morning Sun Method again on the open floor of the living room.

This original version absorbed third-tier mysterious energy; though it could no longer enhance his body, it could still replenish mysterious energy.

As streams of third-tier energy flooded into his body, Lin Qing gradually felt better—the hunger began to subside.

Once, twice, three times! His body, already full from breakfast, practiced three more rounds before finally feeling satiated again.

“I just practiced three extra rounds?”

Lin Qing was startled; the data hadn’t detailed the full strength of the Gluttony genetic ability.

Did this mean that even without any serum, his innate Gluttony talent alone could grant him four times his previous efficiency? If so, the completion speed of the original Morning Sun Method would far surpass its past pace! Previously, even with the AT-series High-Energy Slow-Release Fluid, he could only manage three rounds daily; now, thanks to Gluttony, he could add three more!

The original plan required nearly four months to complete; now, it would take less than two.

“What about Black Nest 16.”

Lin Qing took a deep breath. “Black Nest 16’s energy is too immense. Those without awakened genes normally can’t absorb that much—over 90% is wasted, and it damages the body. But now…”

The Gluttony genetic ability not only boosted absorption efficiency but also increased energy storage, endurance, and resistance.

Perhaps he could now safely consume Black Nest 16?

Regardless, even if there was some damage, it could be healed medically—and the efficiency would be far higher than Life River.

The key was, it was much cheaper.

“I’ll order ‘Black Nest 16’ energy serum from headquarters today at noon.”

Lin Qing decided silently.

After all, to repay his debt, he had to use the Bloodline Evolution Method to make seventeen precise, perfectly natural adjustments to his genes.

The Life River he’d just consumed had been fully depleted and hadn’t even completed half a single adjustment.

Not to mention meeting the requirements of “precise” and “perfectly natural.”

This was precisely what practitioners of the Bloodline Evolution Method craved most! Normally, it was like a blind man touching an elephant—everyone had to fumble through trial and error to optimize their genes.

But he had already successfully perfected this portion of gene optimization; even if he practiced the Bloodline Evolution Method again, he couldn’t improve it further—only sufficient energy was needed to complete it.

He didn’t need to test it—he knew his current gene awakening probability, or gene optimization index, was already around 21%.

Third-tier gene optimization typically raised the index by about 10%.

Fourth-tier gene optimization raised it by about 20%.

But without gene awakening, exposure to fourth-tier energy was extremely dangerous; achieving fourth-tier gene optimization was absurdly difficult.

Theoretically, if he could unlock all four genetic abilities from this bloodline evolution serum, his gene optimization index could rise by 40%!

Then he’d reach 50% gene optimization.

Headquarters could at least provide three or four more gene optimizations—he’d easily surpass 80%!

“Seventeen adjustments shouldn’t take long.”

Lin Qing mused silently, “Before mastering the original ‘Zi Zai Shen’ combat technique, I should maximize my genetic abilities.”

Of course.

Even reaching 80% still fell short of the average for the Zhixing Group’s extraterrestrial civilizations—the innate gap was too vast.

It was said Zhixing Group could now safely use fourth-tier energy for gene optimization.

“Unless I unlock a fourth-tier genetic ability, my ceiling will probably be 80% or 90%…”

Lin Qing wasn’t overly concerned—he understood this was unavoidable.

…

That same noon.

In the Combat Technique Chamber.

“You’re buying ‘Black Nest 16’ energy serum?”

The hoarse voice said: “Are you certain? Before gene awakening, Black Nest 16 damages the body.”

“I know,” Lin Qing nodded slightly. “I’ll buy two vials first—maybe I have high resistance to Black Nest 16 and suffer less damage?”

“Fine, give it a try.”

The hoarse voice said: “Inspector Tang said your future Bloodline Evolution Serum purchases must go through her. One vial of Black Nest 16 is 3.5 million. Two vials: 7 million.”

Lin Qing nodded and paid on the spot.

Of course, the money was actually transferred to Inspector Tang.

Lin Qing was deeply grateful.

To Inspector Tang, this was probably just a small favor—she lost nothing, merely using her inspector authority to legally help a future subordinate acquire supplies.

But to him, it was a lifeline in the snow.

…

Additionally, Lin Qing purchased AT-series High-Energy Slow-Release Fluid and gene optimization serum to complete the original Morning Sun Method.

Fortunately, his cousin’s 50 million, plus his previous 10 million savings, barely sufficed for now.

“Sixty million won’t be enough—I need to find ways to earn money…”

Lin Qing began pondering how to make money.

The underground forces in Lin’an City had been completely purged.

To earn money legally through martial strength, he could only become an instructor, combat technique coach, or bodyguard—all high-paying roles.

If he worked seriously through legal means, earning ten million a year—or even twenty or thirty million with good luck—was possible.

After all, teaching the Qiqi version of the Morning Sun Method cost 20,000–30,000 per session; teaching the original version started at 100,000, and even nominal fees at training centers added up.

But earning more than that was difficult.

“I have no assets. Even with the title of Inspector, I can’t secure much of a loan,” Lin Qing sighed helplessly.

If he became an assassin, he might earn quickly—but as an inspector with a bright future, being caught would destroy his career.

“Think again,” Lin Qing temporarily shelved his money-making plan.

…

That evening, headquarters delivered the two Black Nest #16 vials Lin Qing had purchased.

This time, the escort for the transport vehicle wasn’t the short-haired woman from before, but another burly man; since two vials were being delivered, it had to be done in two trips.

Following protocol, after consuming the Black Nest #16 in the vehicle, Lin Qing immediately used his Combat Technique to rush home and begin cultivation.

The effects of the Black Nest #16 were unexpectedly excellent.

Though both were Level Three energy, the energy released by the Black Nest #16 supplement was several times greater than that of the River of Life! Lin Qing’s Gluttony gene ability unleashed fully, greedily devouring the energy with complete satisfaction, nearly consuming it all without waste.

Although the Level Three energy of the Black Nest #16 did impose a heavier burden on the body, it caused little actual harm—merely some fatigue, easily resolved with rest.

“One vial of Black Nest #16 is just enough to give me a perfectly timed, seamless gene optimization—exactly what I need.”

Lin Qing mused to himself, “At this rate, seventeen gene optimizations would require seventeen vials of Black Nest #16—that’s tens of millions already…”

He knew, however, that this pace was already fast and remarkably efficient.

Other Senior Patrol Inspectors cultivating Bloodline Evolution Techniques often used the River of Life—each vial costing millions, and they’d consume hundreds at a time!

“Wait a minute…”

Lin Qing couldn’t help but wonder, “A Patrol Inspector’s legal annual income isn’t that high—can Senior Patrol Inspectors really earn this much?”

If it were illegal income, there might be some possibility.

But it couldn’t be that all Senior Patrol Inspectors had illegal income. Lin Qing suspected headquarters might be hiding something—he wondered if these resources weren’t bought with money at all.

He wasn’t in a hurry. After consuming both vials of Black Nest #16, he returned to the Combat Technique chamber and contacted headquarters, casually asking—and immediately received an answer.

“Yes, you’re right. Headquarters doesn’t purchase these resources with money—it uses a point system.”

The hoarse voice said, “Since you haven’t officially joined headquarters, you have no points—you can only buy them with money.”

“I see.”

Lin Qing sighed, shaking his head, “I was hoping to buy more Black Nest #16 to speed up my Bloodline Evolution cultivation.”

“More?” the hoarse voice asked, surprised. “Doesn’t Black Nest #16 harm you?”

“Slightly, but negligible,” Lin Qing said.

“You have this talent? Wait a moment.”

The hoarse voice hurriedly said, “I’ll report this to Inspector Tang. If she’s willing to help you a little, this is a minor issue.”

Lin Qing had indeed considered this possibility, which was why he waited two days—only returning after consuming both vials. He didn’t want to trouble an Inspector over every small thing.

But this “minor issue” took him half an hour to resolve.

“Lin Qing, headquarters can advance you a portion of your points—you’ll repay them later.”

The hoarse voice spoke again: “But after deliberation, headquarters has added a condition.”

An advance? Lin Qing’s expression turned odd.

Still, he asked, “What condition?”

“This is essentially a wager agreement.”

The hoarse voice said, “Some senior officials at headquarters doubt your cultivation of [Minute] Stellar Bloodline. Thus, they’ve agreed to let you advance no more than five hundred points’ worth of resources.”

“If you uncover one gene ability from your bloodline within this year, you’ll only need to repay the full amount you advanced.”

“If you uncover two gene abilities within this year, you’ll only need to repay half.”

“If you uncover three gene abilities within this year, you won’t need to repay anything at all!”

The hoarse voice added, “Of course, if you uncover none, you’ll have to repay double the points. How about it? Acceptable? If not, Inspector Tang can personally lend you one hundred million.”

Lin Qing was stunned.

A point wager? Such a thing exists?

(End of Chapter)