71: Survival of the fittest!

The raindrops were endless.

This rain was still continuing.

After many days behind closed doors, people who had received the antidote were finally able to touch upon the beginning of evolution.

The fear associated with the rain was being cleared away.

However, what followed was the complete paralysis of river and sea transport routes.

Distress calls from merchant ships were continuous.

Warships also gradually began to feel the pressure.

The Sea Monsters were not stupid; they could bully merchant ships at will, but they had to be more cautious with warships.

But as time passed, warships would also gradually become targets.

Therefore, the current global situation was that all warships were frantically returning to port—because some small-tonnage ships had already started to be targeted by Sea Monsters.

In addition to this...

There was the demand for Professionals.

Facts proved that all the great powers of the old era would vanish in the torrent of the new era.

Professionals were the new era.

And the Strengthening Potion that allowed ordinary people to become Professionals was the key to this new era!

The production lines in Suhang were fully operational, yet it was still not enough.

It could never be enough.

At least ten vials of Potion No. 2 were needed to push an ordinary person to the level of a Professional.

Production simply couldn't keep up.

Furthermore, there was the price!

Li Qing had no intention of hoarding goods for a high price; his price increases were all passive.

After all, on the black market, a spot for an Evolver cost at least ten million!

Daxia had too many middle-class people; the phrase 'don't let your child lose at the starting line' alone could mobilize their assets.

Currently, the Suhang Research Institute had several partners.

The Imperial Capital didn't count, as Suhang and the Imperial Capital had an agreement, which was the one Zhang Zhenzhong left behind when he helped Li Qing in Suhang.

The Su Hang Grand Camp didn't count either; they could be considered the backbone of Suhang, and they would not and could not be transferred away.

The remaining ones were the quotas for the Research Institutes of major cities, the quotas required by the military of major cities, and finally, the exhibition and sales model in collaboration with the Club.

Among them...

Zhao Yuan's 'Tiancai Club' held the most channels and quotas.

This was negotiated as a second-best option after Zhao Qiming came to Suhang at the time of Ye Su's 'death' and was ultimately rejected by Li Qing.

Li Qing's fatalism was playing its part.

In his heart, Professionals were ranked;

The first tier consisted of those like Ye Su and Cui Hu, who possessed terrifying Luck.

Slightly below them were those like Zhao Yuan, who grew at an insanely fast pace in the era of Professionals.

Li Qing had no selfish motives.

His ultimate goal was only one: in a Gu-rearing model, the strongest King of Gu would lead this civilization forward.

Therefore, these Professionals were ranked in his eyes.

It could only be said...

This era was full of monsters and demons!

--- "My god, the energy contained in this turtle's flesh is too immense; it simply surpasses Spirit Medicine!"

In the temporary Research Institute by the Xiang River, a researcher exclaimed in amazement.

Indeed.

For now, the flesh essence of this Great Turtle truly surpassed the value of a first-tier Spirit Medicine.

Li Qing held the report, his mind thinking rapidly.

On the other side, the video of Ye Su slaying the Great Turtle with a single strike was being replayed repeatedly;

'Ye Su has clearly grown, and he has grown to an unimaginable level.'

'With the resources currently available in the world, this is unattainable.'

'Then... this turtle... no... the Great Turtle, could it possibly be a new kind of Spirit Medicine?'

'A second-tier Spirit Medicine that can support the rapid growth of Professionals at level 20 and above?'

'But, this is a life!'

'Could it be that—'

A terrifying thought emerged in Li Qing's mind.

He reached out and summoned Black Tiger, who was also a Professional with 21 points of Physique.

"Black Tiger, draw a vial of blood and bring it here."

Li Qing said.

"Okay!"

Black Tiger responded, then cooperatively drew a vial of blood for Li Qing to study.

Half an hour later.

Li Qing closed his laptop, shut his eyes, and took a deep breath.

He had touched upon a Law of nature!

'Life Essence exists in Black Tiger's blood; this Life Essence can allow Professionals with over 20 Physique to grow rapidly.'

'Though it's a small amount, it's effective!'

'From another perspective, Black Tiger is also a Spirit Medicine for Professionals!'

'No, all Professionals are Spirit Medicines for other Professionals.'

'Between them, there exists a relationship where they can devour each other to become stronger.'

'The most primitive Law of nature—survival of the fittest!'

This discovery made Li Qing, who had never been in combat, feel the cruelty of this era deeply.

It turned out that eating people could also make one stronger!

'I won't be able to keep this viewpoint buried for long; every country is conducting research on Professionals.'

'Perhaps someone has already researched this path before me.'

'In that case—'

Li Qing closed his eyes, simulating in his mind just how crazy this could be.

Using other means to cultivate a large number of Professionals.

Once they were 'mature', their flesh essence would be extracted to nourish the strong.

This was a method, and even more so, an industrial line!

Phew—Li Qing finally discarded this model from his mind, not even telling the high-level officials of Daxia.

If standing from a God's perspective,

We would have to say;

Li Qing, congratulations, you have probed the core of the Demonic Cultivator path for Professionals!

Cannibalism!

--- The next day.

The morning light woke Ye Su.

It was a peaceful night; the rain outside the window had flowed all night along with Mo Xiaoyu's breathing.

Unfortunately, even though it was dawn, the sunlight still could not penetrate the gray clouds to shine down.

Ye Su stood up.

His joints crackled throughout his body.

The Life Essence of the Great Turtle, acting as medicinal power, was still taking effect.

However, after he reached 41 points, the speed had slowed down.

The more you grow, the higher the purity of the energy source required.

The Great Turtle had changed from a precious medicine at the start into an ordinary tonic.

"A new day has begun. Today, I am going to the Shennong Forbidden Zone."

Ye Su murmured.

Then he woke Mo Xiaoyu.

Mo Xiaoyu woke up, feeling a bit embarrassed.

Ye Su had been 'grinding' all night again, while she hadn't, which gave her a sense of embarrassment.

So she said;

"Captain Ye, I seem to have comprehended a Secret Technique."

Things in dreams shouldn't be taken seriously, but after Mo Xiaoyu truly woke up, that Secret Technique was engraved in her heart.

To make up for her embarrassment at not 'grinding', she spoke directly to Ye Su about this.

Ye Su's expression froze.

Was the legendary Rain-summoning Divine Envoy about to start showing her power?

"Oh? Demonstrate it for me in a bit. Go wash up first; I'll go find Li Qing. We're going to the Shennong Forbidden Zone today."

Ye Su said.

"Okay!"

Mo Xiaoyu responded, her mood brightening slightly.

Afterward.

Ye Su found Li Qing.

There were many bloodshot streaks in Li Qing's eyes; he must have stayed up all night.

When he saw Ye Su, he immediately handed over a report.

Ye Su opened it curiously.

The more he read, the heavier his expression became.

Finally, there was a fair amount of hostility in his eyes;

"According to current resource standards, is anyone growing rapidly?"

Li Qing sighed;

"Yes, there are!"