Chapter 162: Dragon Vein Evolution
The ball ended, but Kuku and Li En returned to their bedroom early.
In the huge alchemical demon cauldron, demon medicine had been cooking long ago, with a large quantity of precious dragon-series materials thrown into it.
The chaotic large pot faintly shimmered with luster; the originally clear water had turned turbid, becoming a deep, bottomless dark vortex.
In alchemy, the large cauldron of demon medicine also symbolizes the warm bed of life.
Demon medicine is not merely a drug, but a "newborn fetus (life)," allowing it to return into the flesh and undergo "decompression like unzipping a file."
That is a rebirth in life medicine (physics) and religious theology (magic), signifying the opening of the path of evolution.
"Uh, is there any anesthetic?" Li En looked at the scalpel above his head, feeling a bit panicked; wasn't it said that early-stage advancement only required taking some medicine?
"No. But you can enter the dream space shortly; you probably won't feel the pain."
Kuku marked lines on Li En's body, preparing the positions for the incisions, while on a nearby table, black dragon dragon crystals, dragon eyes, and dragon breath glands and other large items were soaking in solution.
Evolution is not something achieved in one step; an evolution with a slightly larger leap requires at least half a month or even half a year of "treatment."
Whether to perform surgery specifically, and how many times to take demon medicine, depends on the "Evolutionist's" skill level.
Obviously, Kuku is top-tier in this regard.
"I can indeed let you take some demon medicine to slightly raise your species grade and physical limit... but can you ensure that within half a year, you will find a more trustworthy Evolutionist?"
The answer is obvious; since it is unlikely to find an Evolutionist of this level and trustworthiness later, Kuku decided to first handle the major part for Li En.
First, plan the route well, lay the foundation and framework; afterwards, one only needs to find other Evolutionists to patch things up when problems arise or new needs appear.
A normal first evolution slightly breaks life shackles, involving at most minor incisions, whereas Li En's case this time is clearly the opposite.
"Black Dragon Breath requires Black Dragon Crystals and Black Dragon Breath Glands to be paired; these things cannot be obtained through simple evolution. I will pair them for you first; when needed, just activate them."
The change of demon medicine is more like an essential gradual evolution, akin to upgrading components inside a computer case, but many "peripherals" are difficult to obtain stably.
Red Dragon Dragonborn Li En can evolve Red Dragon Breath, but its internal conflict makes it nearly impossible for him to acquire Black Dragon Breath and similar abilities through demon medicine; thus, "peripheral" transplantation is required for him.
Worth mentioning: since Main Brain materials were obtained, this auxiliary material also yielded some Main Brain Essence, which should be used to upgrade Li En's "second core," likely enabling a permanent overclocking mode.
After confirming Li En had awakened psychic abilities, he also created an external output port for a "Psionic Crystal," facilitating Li En's external projection of psychic abilities.
An excellent Evolutionist can adjust the evolution route based on the materials and the subject's condition.
Surgery and demon medicine are considered common methods for Evolutionists; therefore, a normal Evolutionist often operates a workshop, which must include Alchemists, Pharmacists, and Potioneers; some high-end ones even have Enchanters and Necromancers.
"You can cry out in pain, but absolutely do not move; if my hand shakes, you might cry for half a year."
Kuku gripped the dagger and slowly sliced across Li En's back, beginning to prepare for the transplantation surgery; the current "peripherals" will link with the flesh and blood during the demon medicine evolution.
"Use your Soul Ability to activate the Second Long Jing, letting it serve as a second brain; it will take over the power of the Black Dragon system. Afterwards, you need to take three to five doses of demon medicine. I have written down the Black Dragon materials needed; finding a normal Potioneer can solve it."
Simultaneous internal and external changes are required to truly open the path of evolution, but stabilizing it still requires time.
An Evolutionist of average skill might need to perform surgery several times (adjustments) and administer medicine for a long time during the first evolution, but Kuku is confident in getting it right in one go.
In Kuku's view, now is the most suitable time for evolution; Li En is about to enter Dragon Sleep to digest the Black Long Longlong Soul; thus, it is equivalent to "fusing" the complete Black Dragon system within Li En's body.
The Long Jing is gradually dissolving in the demon medicine; it will gather dragon nature and become Li En's second core. For an ordinary Dragonborn, one would just wait for schizophrenia.
"Done."
Kuku scooped it up, and a pitch-black crystal was lifted; faint arcane spiritual light shimmered around it, like a star fallen to the mortal world.
"Perfect. Eat it; this is your first bottle of demon medicine."
Demon medicine is not necessarily in liquid form; this "Long Jing," having absorbed the essence of a large amount of dragon materials, can be viewed as a "parasitic Black Dragon Egg," forming a second "Dragon Head" within Li En's body. Li En sighed, opened his mouth... it melted instantly upon entering; surprisingly, it was even a bit sweet.
"Is there more?" Li En's mindset was at least relatively steady; he could even make jokes.
"There is another one... Performing surgery here is also due to concern that materials might be insufficient; we can take them on the spot." Under normal circumstances, it should be enough, but if Li En is a "big eater," or if the surgery fails or the demon medicine absorption fails, then a second one will be needed.
Another small black dragon has already been locked on; if necessary, it can serve as backup material.
Purple Miss Zi Qiangwei would probably be willing to help Li En with the deed, and the Goddess City Lord would happily pretend to see nothing.
Some unlucky souls, encountering a shoddy Evolutionist, might need three to four times the materials.
Repeated surgeries in such cases are not to increase or evolve, but to patch up the errors of the previous attempt.
"Ha, it really is miserable..."
"Uh-uh!" But Li En's cold remarks stopped there; his body temperature suddenly skyrocketed, and his head throbbed as if about to split.
Various rejection reactions will be quite intense; without drug assistance, dying from pain is possible.
"Go into the Hall of Heroic Souls; I'll handle the rest. When you wake up, it should be mostly done; just remember to drink the medicine on time then."
Li En's consciousness gradually blurred; when he opened his eyes again, he had already entered the Hall of Heroic Souls, and the pain all around him was no longer felt; Kuku must have cut off his senses.
He looked at the entrance to the Hall of Heroes; someone was already faintly attempting to enter. Everyone seemed to be sleeping quite early today; perhaps everyone knew today was the last day.
"Come in; it won't have any effect." Beside Li En's convulsing body, Kuku continued to cut steadily and efficiently.
"Hi, are you leaving? Senior Kuku, I've come to see you off." Purple Miss Zi Qiangwei stuck her head out from the door, smiling as she looked inside.
Seeing Li En's healthy flesh and the surroundings, she nodded in satisfaction.
The most cheating aspect of the Magical Girl system lies in the body's infinite "beastification," eventually turning into beasts; they do not need any effort in bloodline evolution, for the bloodline of beasts is destined to stand at the world's peak.
"Speak directly; I'm busy." Kuku didn't even turn his head; he had already seen through everything.
He couldn't manage it, nor did he want to.
"Uh, a bit embarrassed; how can a lady say such things... He won't hear, right?"
"No. If you are asking about his physical condition... after waking up, plus healing spells, he'll be as strong as an ox... no, as strong as a dragon."
"Annoying, I was just asking about the date schedule... Are you telling the truth?"
Five minutes later, Purple Miss Zi Qiangwei left in satisfaction, having obtained the answer she wanted.
Actually, she was quite busy; the situations of the two Magical Girls were both dire, requiring her maintenance; tonight also looked like a dangerous period.
Hearing Purple Miss Zi Qiangwei's skipping footsteps as she left, Kuku sighed and shook his head again.
"Beasts always think with instinct; it's truly enviable..."
Over an hour later, Kuku finished his work; "Kusla" collapsed and shut down, and his consciousness stepped into the Hall of Heroic Souls.
At this moment, most of the disciples had arrived, and Li En looked over with a face full of expectation.
Kuku patted Li En's shoulder, gave him a sympathetic glance, then shifted his attention to the "disciples."
"Let class begin. This is the final lesson. If there is anything you do not understand, any whimsical thoughts, tell me; I will do my best to answer. Do not worry, do not doubt; my story has long ended. I hope you too will one day step into the Hall of Heroes."
(End of this chapter)
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