Chapter 162: Dragon Vein Evolution

The ball ended, but Kuku and Li En returned to their bedrooms early.

In the massive alchemical cauldron, a potion had long been brewing, with numerous precious Dragon-type materials tossed in.

The chaotic cauldron faintly shimmered; the once-clear water had turned murky, forming a deep, bottomless dark vortex.

In alchemy, the alchemical cauldron symbolizes the cradle of life.

The potion is not merely medicine—it is a "newborn fetus (life)," returned to the flesh to undergo "compression-file decompression."

This is a rebirth in both life medicine (physics) and religious theology (magic), signifying the opening of the path of evolution.

"Uh, do you have any anesthetic?" Li En stared at the surgical scalpel above him, panicked—wasn't initial advancement supposed to just require taking pills?

"No. But you can enter the dream space afterward—you won't feel any pain."

Kuku marked lines on Li En's body, preparing the incision points, while on the nearby table, large items like Black Dragon Dragon Crystals, Dragon Eyes, and Dragon Breath Glands all floated in solution.

Evolution is not something achieved overnight; any significant leap requires at least half a month—or even six months—of "treatment."

Whether to perform surgery, how many potions to take—all depends on the "Evolutionist's" skill level.

Clearly, Kuku is at the absolute top in this field.

"I could indeed give you potions to slightly raise your species rank and physical limits. But can you guarantee that within six months, you'll find a more trustworthy Evolutionist?"

The answer was obvious: since it was unlikely he'd ever find another Evolutionist of this caliber and trustworthiness, Kuku decided to handle the major part first.

Plan the route, lay the foundation and framework—afterward, he only needs to seek other Evolutionists for minor repairs when problems arise or new needs emerge.

Normal first evolution slightly breaks the life shackles, involving only minor incisions; Li En's case is clearly the opposite.

"Black Dragon Breath requires a Black Dragon Dragon Crystal and Black Dragon Breath Gland—these cannot be obtained through ordinary evolution. I'll equip them for you now; when needed, just activate them."

The potion's transformation is more like a gradual, essential evolution—like upgrading internal components in a computer case, but many "peripherals" are hard to stabilize and acquire.

Li En, as a Red Dragon descendant, could evolve Red Dragon Breath, but internal conflicts make it nearly impossible for him to obtain Black Dragon Breath or similar abilities through potions alone—so he needs "peripheral" transplantation.

Notably, having obtained the mainbrain material, there were extra mainbrain essences left over, which could be used to upgrade Li En's "dual-core"—likely enabling a constant overclock mode.

After confirming Li En had awakened psychic abilities, he also installed an external port for "Psychic Crystals," making it easier for Li En to project his psychic energy.

A skilled Evolutionist can adjust the evolutionary path based on materials and the recipient's condition.

Surgery and potions are common tools of Evolutionists; thus, a normal Evolutionist typically runs a workshop requiring Alchemists, Medicinal Experts, and Potion Masters—some high-end ones even include Enchanters and Necromancers.

"You can scream, but don't move—a single slip of my hand and you'll be crying for half a year."

Kuku gripped the dagger and slowly sliced along Li En's spine, preparing for the peripheral transplant—these "peripherals" will link with his flesh during potion evolution.

"Use your Soulforce ability to activate the second Dragon Crystal—it will become your second brain and take control of the Black Dragon system. Afterward, you'll need to take three to five potions. I've listed the required Black Dragon materials—any ordinary Potion Master can handle them."

Only through simultaneous internal and external change can the path of evolution truly open—but stabilizing it will take time.

An average Evolutionist might need multiple surgeries (adjustments) and prolonged potion use for the first evolution; Kuku, however, is confident he can achieve it in one go.

In Kuku's view, now is the ideal time for evolution: Li En is about to enter Dragon Sleep to digest the Black Dragon Soul—effectively fusing the complete Black Dragon system within him.

The Dragon Crystal is gradually dissolving in the potion, gathering Dragon essence to become Li En's second core. For an ordinary Dragon descendant, this would mean madness.

"Done."

Kuku reached in and lifted out a pitch-black crystal, faint arcane luminescence flickering around it, like a star fallen to earth.

"Perfect. Eat it. Your first potion."

A potion isn't always liquid—this "Dragon Crystal" has absorbed vast essences of Dragon materials and can be regarded as a "parasitic Black Dragon egg," forming a second "Dragon head" within Li En. Li En sighed, opened his mouth—the crystal dissolved instantly. Honestly, it was slightly sweet.

"Any more?" Li En's composure remained steady—he could even joke.

"One more. Performing surgery here was precautionary—we can harvest more if needed." Normally, one would suffice, but if Li En is a "big eater," or if the surgery or potion absorption fails, a second one will be necessary.

Another small Black Dragon has been secured as backup material.

Violet Rose would likely help Li En with the procedure, and the Goddess City Lord would happily pretend she saw nothing.

Some unlucky souls, encountering incompetent Evolutionists, might need three or four times the materials.

Repeated surgeries aren't meant to enhance evolution—they're just patching up past mistakes.

"Ha, poor thing."

"Eeek!" But Li En's sarcasm ended abruptly—his body temperature spiked violently, his head throbbed as if splitting.

Rejection reactions will be extremely intense; without medicinal aid, death from pain is possible.

"Enter the Hall of Heroic Souls. I'll handle the rest. When you wake, it should be nearly complete—just remember to take your potions on time."

Li En's consciousness grew hazy; when he opened his eyes again, he was inside the Hall of Heroic Souls, the pain gone—Kuku must have severed his sensory input.

He glanced at the Hall's entrance—figures were already attempting to enter. Everyone had gone to bed early tonight; perhaps they all knew today was the final day.

"Come in. It won't affect anything." Beside Li En's twitching body, Kuku continued his steady, efficient incisions.

"Hey, leaving already? Master Kuku, let me see you off." Violet Rose poked her head through the door, smiling in.

Seeing Li En's healthy flesh and the surrounding setup, she nodded in satisfaction.

The greatest cheat of the Magical Girl system is that their bodies can infinitely "beastify," ultimately becoming beasts—they need no effort in bloodline evolution, as beast bloodlines are destined to stand at the pinnacle of the world.

"Just say it. I'm busy." Kuku didn't turn around—he saw through everything.

He couldn't care. Didn't want to care.

"Uh, this is a bit embarrassing—how can a lady say such things? He won't hear, right?"

"No. If you're asking about his physical condition—after he wakes, with healing magic, he'll be as strong as an ox. No, as strong as a dragon."

"Oh, stop it. I was just asking about our date schedule. You're serious?"

Five minutes later, Violet Rose departed satisfied—she had gotten the answer she wanted.

In truth, she was busy—both Magical Girls' conditions were dire, requiring her constant maintenance; tonight seemed especially dangerous.

Listening to Violet Rose's skipping footsteps fade away, Kuku sighed and shook his head.

"Beasts, always thinking by instinct—truly enviable."

Over an hour later, Kuku finished his work. "Kusula" shut down, its consciousness entering the Hall of Heroic Souls.

At this moment, most disciples had arrived; Li En looked up with eager anticipation.

Kuku patted Li En's shoulder, gave him a sympathetic glance, then turned his attention to the "disciples."

"Class begins. Final lesson. Ask me anything you don't understand, any wild ideas— I'll answer as best I can. Don't worry, don't doubt—my story has already ended. I hope you too one day enter the Hall of Heroic Souls."

(End of Chapter)