204: food crisis

To make this building truly majestic and fitting for Lin Tianwei's temperament, Ouro even contacted professional architects for its design.

Although the farm, to the main city, was perceived as a monstrous threat, heavy rewards attract brave individuals.

After offering a sufficiently high price, the task was gladly accepted by an architect.

Despite using only the simplest lines and designs, with the effect of lighting and special coatings, the building appeared extremely majestic, perfectly suited for Lin Tianwei's residence.

Aside from Lin Tianwei's core residence, another striking feature was a giant statue near the center of the farm.

A twenty-eight-meter-long statue, it was a one-to-one replica of Lin Tianwei's body during his most prosperous period.

It was also entirely golden, shimmering brightly in the sunlight.

However, this sculpture of Lin Tianwei had no shortcuts; it was entirely crafted from gold.

It was truly difficult for Ouro.

It was hard to imagine where he obtained so much gold.

In front of the statue was an extremely vast plaza.

This replaced the previous Tiger King Plaza as the new location for daily prayers.

It was also the venue for weekly celebrations.

Besides these structures, there were the living quarters for the farm's inhabitants.

These buildings were much more unpretentious, featuring only the simplest and most basic structures.

Like guards, they encircled Lin Tianwei's residence at the heart of the farm.

In addition, there were the banners that gave Lin Tianwei an immense headache.

Although Lin Tianwei personally removed them, Ouro not only didn't abolish these banners but actually intensified them.

They became larger and more numerous, and the words on them became even more exaggerated.

It was as if they were solely praising a true god who lingered among mortals.

Shaking his head, Lin Tianwei returned directly to his residence.

As long as his residence was completed according to his requirements, the other things were fine as long as Ouro was happy.

Like a gust of wind, Lin Tianwei entered his residence.

He found that the ground was incredibly soft, already meticulously covered with a plant called Rolling Grass.

This plant, Rolling Grass, was actually an Awakened Plant form of a weed.

Aside from being very soft and suitable as a cushion, it had no other use.

It was a type of Awakened Plant with absolutely no economic value.

However, it was precisely this seemingly useless Awakened Plant that Ouro acquired at a high price.

It was laid on the ground to serve as Lin Tianwei's mattress.

Besides this, the residence, apart from some basic facilities, housed Lin Tianwei's five Clone Tigers.

Under Ouro's meticulous feeding, they showed no signs of hunger.

At this moment, they were comfortably snoring, sleeping soundly.

It's quite good.

It seems there should be an opportunity to properly reward Ouro.

Thinking this, Lin Tianwei approached Number One.

During this trip, he collected a large number of powerful genes.

Perhaps it was also time to test the power of Directed Modification.

If possible, he could even bestow some powerful Talents upon others.

This could be considered a blessing from him to them.

At this thought, Lin Tianwei directly activated the Directed Modification Talent.

Under the radiation of his own Directed Modification energy, Number One's body quickly began to change.

Coupled with the life force provided by Lin Tianwei, Number One's Claws and teeth quickly began a second growth.

They became even sharper.

These were genes Lin Tianwei plundered from certain creatures, capable of making the target's teeth and Claws sharper.

And more lethal.

Under equivalent conditions, it could increase Number One's lethality by at least thirty percent.

Weapons, from ancient times to the present, have always been the best reliance for defeating enemies beyond one's league.

However, Lin Tianwei immediately frowned.

Although Number One acquired the Talent of Claws and Sharp Teeth, its genes also changed accordingly.

As is well known, genes have stability; modifying genes is not simply about forcibly inserting other genes.

The stability of the genes also needs to be considered.

Under normal circumstances, without Lin Tianwei's ability for Directed Modification, merely adding a small gene segment would be incredibly difficult.

However, while Lin Tianwei could perfectly add genes to the target's genes, he couldn't resolve the inherent rejection of the genes themselves.

The tiger genes currently in Number One's body were like the foundation of a building.

Every gene added to Number One was like countless floors.

Once the number of floors exceeded the foundation's capacity, the only outcome for the building was collapse.

It was certainly possible to find the optimal method through continuous trial-and-error and fusion experiments.

This would allow Number One's genes to be compatible with more powerful genes.

But this would require a significant amount of time and resources.

Clearly, Lin Tianwei did not have the time to waste on this.

Furthermore, if too many resources were invested in Number One, it would lose its significance as a clone.

Because if these resources were directly applied to Lin Tianwei himself, they could exert a much greater effect.

Perhaps it was precisely for this reason that even humans, with their mature genetic technology, had not developed any powerful genetically modified beasts.

The genes of creatures modified by Beta Gene and Gamma Gene already possess extreme stability.

Modification alone is incredibly difficult.

Not to mention creating a powerful genetically modified beast according to one's own ideas.

Humans ultimately abandoned this unrealistic idea.

Perhaps after they rule Blue Star, they will use a long period of time to attempt it.

But now, what they urgently needed was a method that could be directly converted into combat power.

Every bit of resource was precious, so it was naturally impossible to waste it on such a long-term project.

After a moment of thought, Lin Tianwei had a new idea.

Since Number One's gene capacity was limited, he didn't need to choose those inferior Reinforcement genes.

He would directly add the most powerful Reinforcement genes to Number One for modification, allowing it to gain even greater strength.

With this thought, the light of Directed Modification radiated out once more. This time, Lin Tianwei would perform a new modification on Number One.

First, removal.

Removal of the previous Claws and Sharp Teeth Reinforcement.

Before determining Number One's capacity, Lin Tianwei naturally couldn't add these meaningless things.

With a thought, the extraordinary Super Multiplication gene, acquired from Polar Bear King Tasika, began to infuse into Number One's body.

Number One's genes began to gradually change.

Contact, fusion, and then the birth of new genes.

Soon, a look of pain appeared on Number One's face.

Even though it had little instinctive consciousness left, the pain originating from its genes made it incredibly uncomfortable.

But under Lin Tianwei's Mental Power control, it couldn't move, only able to emit faint wails.

Pain, in fact, is the body's self-protection mechanism.

It is the body's instinctive warning of danger.

This situation also made Lin Tianwei hesitate.

Should he still proceed with the Directed Modification as originally planned?

After a moment of hesitation, Lin Tianwei still chose to continue the modification.

If Number One could not acquire the power of extraordinary Super Multiplication, its significance to him would become negligible.

Things that are not powerful enough are destined to be eliminated.

It would be better to proceed directly with the final modification and decide its fate before investing resources.

Thinking this, Lin Tianwei no longer hesitated.

While replenishing Number One's life force, he began to frantically perform Directed Modification.

If it couldn't obtain the power he needed, then Number One had no reason to live.

Faint wails emanated from Number One's mouth, yet they couldn't affect Lin Tianwei's actions in the slightest.

Number One could only be forced to change, little by little, into the form Lin Tianwei desired.

As time passed, this modification reached its final moment.

The fusion of Number One and the extraordinary Super Multiplication gene had already reached eighty percent.

Similarly, Number One was already on its last breath.

If it weren't for Lin Tianwei's terrifying infusion of life force, it would have already lost its life.

Eighty-five percent!

Ninety percent!

Ninety-five percent!

One hundred percent!

Under Lin Tianwei's forceful modification, Number One finally completely accepted the extraordinary Super Multiplication gene.

However, it was already at the end of its rope, its life about to reach its conclusion.

Lin Tianwei naturally couldn't allow Number One to die. Life force poured out frantically, attempting to hold onto Number One's life.

Success? Failure?

Finally, half an hour later, Number One's breathing became steady.

Life itself is a miracle.

It will try every means to survive.

Number One was no exception.

Its genes ultimately fused with the extraordinary Super Multiplication gene, acquiring new power.

However, Number One's genetic potential had also been completely exhausted.

Now, its body's genes could not even accommodate the smallest segment.

Like a barely running, bug-ridden program, any genetic modification would cause its body to directly collapse.

But it doesn't matter.

Possessing the extraordinary Super Multiplication gene is already enough.

Polar Bear King Tasika, relying on this Talent, dominated The Far North.

He hadn't even fully unleashed the full power of this Talent.

As long as the power of the extraordinary Super Multiplication gene can be fully unleashed, as his clone, Number One is already sufficient.

Thinking this, Lin Tianwei turned his gaze to Number Two, Number Three, Number Four, and Number Five.

As his clones, they would also undergo the same modification.

Perhaps because of the experience with Number One, the subsequent four modifications were completely smooth for Lin Tianwei, all successful.

If the scientists outside knew, they would undoubtedly be green with envy.

Effortlessly allowing ordinary Awakened Beasts to acquire such terrifying power.

This was simply a miraculous power.

However, Lin Tianwei immediately got another headache.

The five clones did acquire the power of the extraordinary Super Multiplication gene.

But this didn't mean they could directly develop into terrifying behemoths like Tasca.

Or even larger terrifying behemoths.

They still needed an endless supply of food to grow, little by little, into terrifying behemoths exceeding a hundred meters.

However, in that case, the resources contained within this seemingly vast farm would clearly be somewhat insufficient.

Even though it had just expanded its territory by three times.

Perhaps continuing to expand its territory was the best choice.

A flash of understanding crossed Lin Tianwei's mind, and he immediately called out to Ouro...

At the farm.

On Tiger King Square.

Everyone was gathered here, celebrating wildly.

Jointly commemorating Lin Tianwei's return.

After all, Lin Tianwei hadn't hidden his whereabouts; if they were diligent in their search, it would be impossible for them not to know the time of his return.

However, just as everyone was having a good time, Ouro received Lin Tianwei's summons.

He immediately disregarded the ongoing celebration and rushed in the direction of Lin Tianwei.

Facing Ouro's sudden departure, the crowd showed no sign of blame.

Instead, they looked at the hastily departing Ouro with eyes full of extreme envy.

Judging by the direction, Ouro must have been summoned by the Tiger King.

What a great honor this was, enough to drive people mad with jealousy.

If only they had been the one summoned this time, they all thought.

But there was nothing they could do.

Because without Lin Tianwei's summons, they dared not disturb his rest.

They could only watch Ouro leave with eyes full of envy, jealousy, and resentment...

Receiving Lin Tianwei's summons, Ouro was overjoyed.

Even his steps became lighter.

In a moment, he arrived in front of Lin Tianwei's new residence.

However, he didn't choose to walk straight in, but instead knelt outside and waited.

For the omnipotent Tiger King, he should maintain sufficient reverence.

Maintaining an appropriate distance was the most basic principle.

After all, a true god cannot be seen.

His Tiger King was someone who would act without a word.

Serving him carefully would never go wrong.

Presumably, the Hellfire Ants never imagined that the so-called 'Ant-Driving Tiger-Swallowing Plan' would be completely reversed.

It had become a 'Tiger-Driving Ant-Swallowing Plan'.

Its good neighbor, Mad Forest, also suffered an undeserved calamity, being completely annihilated.

Thinking of this, Ouro said, "Respected Tiger King, if you have any needs, please command."

Lin Tianwei pondered for a moment, then stated his needs in the simplest terms, saying:

"Food, I need more food."

"If necessary, you can trade with the corpses of the Hellfire Ants."

With Lin Tianwei's terrifying perception, he could even capture electromagnetic signals floating in the air.

Everything happening on the land of America, except for some highly confidential places, was seen by Lin Tianwei.

Therefore, Lin Tianwei knew the importance of the Hellfire Ants very clearly.

Of course, the same applied to the so-called plan b and Plan M.

However, Lin Tianwei was not panicked at all.

It wasn't that he was too reckless.

Rather, he was confident that he could defeat all enemies.

Joking aside, if he, possessing the Talent Extraction System, couldn't suppress everything.

Then it would be his own fault if he died.

Of course, the prerequisite was that Lin Tianwei could obtain enough food to grow.

So, using resources that seemingly aided the enemy to trade with America for resources that could help him grow.

This was simply a sure-win situation.

Their technological development speed could never be faster than Lin Tianwei's growth speed.

The Tiger King thinks there isn't enough food?

Trading Hellfire Ants for resources?

Ouro instantly felt that as Lin Tianwei's servant, he was a complete failure.

Not only could he not meet Lin Tianwei's most basic food requirements.

But he also had to let Lin Tianwei use his spoils of war to exchange for food that should have been provided by the servants.

After a moment of hesitation, Ouro said, "Tiger King, please forgive me."

"Your servant Ouro is truly useless, which is why you have such worries."

"Rest assured, we will find a way to provide you with enough food."

"As for using the Hellfire Ants for resource exchange, that is completely unnecessary."

"Tiger King, you may not know, but America, or rather the entire Blue Star, is implementing a mecha project called Plan M."

"The goal is to create terrifying, peerless mechas."

As for the purpose, Ouro didn't explicitly state it; he believed the Tiger King knew better than him.

For him to say it would seem like questioning Lin Tianwei's strength.

Facing Ouro's persuasion, Lin Tianwei said in an unquestionable tone, "Mechas? They're just bigger toys."

"Do as I say."

"Providing me with enough food, that is the meaning of this farm."

Since Lin Tianwei had spoken to this extent, Ouro naturally could not refuse.

If enough food could not be provided, the farm would lose its reason for existence.

That is to say, Lin Tianwei might leave this farm.

Without Lin Tianwei's protection, this farm, which was like paradise, would surely be destroyed.

Thinking of this, Ouro replied with an incredibly firm tone, "Ouro will certainly find enough food for the Tiger King."

"Please, Tiger King, wait patiently."

At the same time, secrecy also needed to be emphasized.

If the news of the farm's food shortage spread, it would certainly be blockaded by all of America.

At that time, it would instead put the farm, and even Lin Tianwei, in a passive position.

However, just as Ouro was about to leave, he found his body unable to move.

He understood this was Lin Tianwei's divine power, and immediately gave up resistance, awaiting Lin Tianwei's divine power to descend.

To be honest, as the enemies grew stronger, Ouro's strength was also becoming somewhat insufficient.

Coincidentally, Lin Tianwei had gained the ability of Directed Modification, and it was time to bestow Ouro with greater power.

After some thought, Lin Tianwei found the answer.

Mental Power was perhaps the most suitable Talent for Ouro.

Combined with the Language Talent, it would allow Ouro to possess terrifying powers of persuasion.

Although this might seem a bit unethical.

But Lin Tianwei's moral standards were not high to begin with.

Thinking of this, Lin Tianwei immediately began to use Directed Modification to bestow the Mental Power Talent upon Ouro.

At the same time, a large amount of life force began to infuse into Ouro's body, improving his physical condition.

This Reinforcement sounded complex, but in reality, it took Lin Tianwei less than three minutes.

After all, Ouro was just a human, and his genetic tolerance wasn't that strong.

Therefore, the level of Mental Power Talent Lin Tianwei could bestow upon him would not be too high, only reaching an intermediate level.

Such a simple operation did not require much of Lin Tianwei's time at all.

The extra time was instead spent on reinforcing Ouro's body using life force.

Rejuvenation.

And increasing body strength.

Both measures combined took some time.

As soon as three minutes were up, Ouro landed precisely.

He looked at his body in disbelief, a body as young as an eighteen-year-old.

He even pinched himself repeatedly, trying to confirm that he wasn't dreaming.

However, he quickly reacted.

Such behavior was indeed a desecration of Lin Tianwei.

He immediately knelt again, thanking Lin Tianwei profusely.

But Lin Tianwei didn't want to hear his nonsense.

With a thought, he directly sent Ouro flying.

The terrifying force propelled him thousands of meters away, landing squarely on Tiger King Square.

He fell into the crowd that was attending the celebration.

Flying immortal from beyond the heavens?

Such a miraculous event naturally attracted everyone's attention.

Especially Legisamon, who even adopted a combat stance, attempting to attack any potential enemy at the first moment.

However, upon seeing the person's appearance, Legisamon was stunned.

Familiar clothes, an unfamiliar person.

He asked in disbelief, "Ouro?"

Under Lin Tianwei's skillful force, Ouro landed steadily on Tiger King Square, without suffering any harm.

Facing Legisamon's question, Ouro replied, "It's me."

"Don't be surprised, the miracle you see is actually very simple for the Tiger King."

"Alright, everyone continue to celebrate."

"After the celebration, there are important matters waiting for us to do."

"This is the Tiger King's command."

"By the way, Legisamon, you were once a member of Las City, and even held a high position."

"This matter might require your help."

Help?

Legisamon immediately bowed respectfully to Ouro, saying, "It is my honor to be able to work for the Tiger King."

"Whatever the command, just tell me, and I will complete it even if it costs me my life."

Although the one giving orders was Ouro, he represented Lin Tianwei.

Legisamon naturally dared not be negligent in the slightest.

His respectful expression was like that of a warrior ready to sacrifice for a true god at any moment.

In fact, not only Legisamon, but everyone looked at Ouro with anticipation.

Being able to work for Lin Tianwei was their honor.

Moreover, there was the miracle that had just happened to Ouro.

If this matter was handled well, perhaps they too could experience the miracle of Rejuvenation.

However, Ouro merely glanced at the crowd and then said to Barioss:

"Barioss, I might need your help."

This mission might be extremely dangerous; bringing Barioss, who possessed the ability to teleport, was the best choice, whether for advance or retreat.

Barioss naturally could not refuse Ouro's summons.

Because this represented Lin Tianwei's summons.

He immediately bowed respectfully to Ouro, saying, "Please, Lord Ouro, command me as you wish."

With that, the personnel were considered to be all present.

Thinking of this, Ouro said to the others, "You all continue to celebrate, we have important matters to attend to."

After speaking, he took Barioss and Legisamon to his villa.

The next steps needed careful discussion to ensure Lin Tianwei's command could be fulfilled with the smallest possible cost.

To obtain enough food for him.