116: Chapter 116 The Allure of the Gene Lock and the Prestige of a State Guest

Early morning at Bangkok Camp, it was so quiet that only the rhythmic footsteps of the patrol could be heard.

Li Lanzhi was still fast asleep; the madness of last night had exhausted her. Zhang Cheng got up lightly, threw on a bathrobe, and walked into the secret chamber next door that only he could enter.

There were no windows here, only a massive electronic screen and a computer that looked quite ordinary. Yet, this place was the true brain of the entire North Myanmar Joint Autonomous Region.

"System."

Zhang Cheng sat in the boss chair, waking the mysterious entity in his mind.

A pale blue light curtain unfolded on his retina, the credit balance numbers jumping, displaying a stable daily income of 10,000 points.

But Zhang Cheng's attention today was not on the equipment bar; he clicked directly into a category he hadn't paid much attention to before—[Gene Optimization and Life Technology].

The child Li Lanzhi mentioned last night had created a sense of urgency in him.

It is hard to conquer the world, but even harder to keep it. If his descendants were incompetent, or born with a rebellious nature, then what was the meaning of everything he was striving for now?

The light curtain shifted, and lines of text that made his heart race appeared:

[Primary Gene Optimization Fluid: Comprehensively improves physical fitness, grants immunity to most conventional diseases, and slightly extends lifespan (approx. 20 years). Redemption price: 1,000,000 points/unit.]

[Advanced Gene Optimization Fluid: Significantly develops brain capacity, physical functions reach the human limit, and moderately extends lifespan (approx. 50 years). Redemption price: 5,000,000 points/unit.]

These were good things; he could arrange them for himself and his core subordinates once he had enough points. But Zhang Cheng's gaze finally settled at the very bottom of the list, on that option radiating a golden light:

["Guardian" Embryo Gene Editing and Optimization Technology]

[Effect: Ensures the descendant's genes are perfectly purged of defects, directionally enhances talents such as intelligence, physical ability, and leadership. Key characteristic— "Bloodline Loyalty Imprint": The subject is born with absolute loyalty to parents and family, eliminating the possibility of betrayal at the genetic level.]

[Redemption price: 20,000,000 points.]

Twenty million points!

Zhang Cheng gasped. This was simply an astronomical price! Even with his current daily income, it would take years of saving, even if he didn't eat or drink.

But... it was worth it! Totally worth it!

"Loyalty Imprint"—this was a divine artifact tailored for passing down a family dynasty! With this, he wouldn't have to worry about the melodramatic scenes of fathers killing sons and brothers fighting each other from history playing out in his own home. His children would be the most perfect successors and the most loyal guardians.

"Looks like I need to speed up the rate of making money and earning points." Zhang Cheng turned off the system, a flash of ruthlessness in his eyes. "Those dishonest ones in the south, and that so-called containment circle from the Eagle... It seems it's time to use you all to farm a big haul."

Just then, the access control to the secret chamber sounded. Old K's voice came through: "Master, urgent intelligence. The Dragon Kingdom has sent a top-level diplomatic note."

Zhang Cheng raised an eyebrow and walked out.

In the office, Old K handed over a gold-stamped document: "The Dragon Kingdom has decided to send a delegation of vice-national level to visit Pangkham. The pretext is 'inspecting the frontier technology cooperation center,' but in reality, this is a top-tier political endorsement."

Vice-national level!

These were real big shots! In the past, such high-level leaders would only visit the capitals of sovereign states. Now, they were actually coming to his autonomous region, which hadn't even been fully recognized by the international community?

What did this mean? It meant the Dragon Kingdom was determined to back him all the way!

"Good! Very good!" Zhang Cheng slapped the table. "This is them sending us a DF-21D! It must be received with the highest protocol! Get the honor guard and the military band practicing! Bring out our best spirit and appearance!"

A few days later, Pangkham Airport.

Red carpets were laid out, and colorful flags fluttered. Thousands of fully armed, high-spirited soldiers of the Kokang National Army lined both sides; the momentum was more formal than that of a regular army.

When the special plane painted with the five-star red flag slowly landed, thunderous cheers erupted across the entire airport.

Zhang Cheng stood at the end of the red carpet, but he was not alone as usual.

Beside him stood Li Lanzhi, dressed in grand attire. She wore a dignified and elegant custom gown, her makeup exquisite, possessing both the gentleness of an Oriental woman and the composure of someone in a high position.

Previously, there had actually been some noise within the autonomous region. Those old stubborn folks in the Cultural Affairs Office had even suggested something like "selecting a concubine" to find Zhang Cheng a partner with more political marriage value.

But today, Zhang Cheng slapped everyone in the face with his actual actions.

When that white-haired, dignified vice-national level leader of the Dragon Kingdom walked down the gangway, Zhang Cheng brought Li Lanzhi up to meet him.

"Greetings, Chief! Welcome to Pangkham!"

The leader kindly shook Zhang Cheng's hand, said a few words of encouragement, and then turned his gaze to Li Lanzhi beside him.

Zhang Cheng smiled slightly and introduced her generously: "Chief, this is Li Lanzhi, the Chief of Civil Affairs of our autonomous region, and also... my partner."

"Oh?" The old leader's eyes lit up, and he took the initiative to reach out. "Chief Li, I've heard so much about you. I heard the livelihood construction in the autonomous region is thriving, and it's all your credit. The two of you are a talented man and a beautiful woman, a perfect match—truly a blessing for the people of Northern Myanmar!"

This handshake and this sentence were recorded by countless cameras on the scene and transmitted around the world via satellite.

What was this? This was an "official endorsement" from the highest level of the great Eastern power!

In the banquet hall, the lights were brilliant.

Li Lanzhi held Zhang Cheng's arm, mingling among the guests. Those officials who had once whispered about her status were now all smiles, calling her "Madam" affectionately.

She knew that from this moment on, she was no longer that "ordinary girl" people gossiped about; she was the woman truly standing by Zhang Cheng's side, the mistress of this land.

Zhang Cheng held his wine glass, looking at the radiant Li Lanzhi beside him, then looked at the Dragon Kingdom military representatives whispering with Old K in the distance.

On the surface, it was the glory of blooming flowers and flourishing times; in the shadows, it was the preparation for war, with swords drawn and steel torrents ready.

"Old K." Zhang Cheng took the opportunity while turning to whisper an order: "After the guests leave, have the main force of the Eastward Expeditionary Corps move west in secret. The Dragon Kingdom has given us such great face, we must return the favor with some military achievements."

"Since the Eagle wants to play at containment, I'll chop off one of their claws first to liven things up for everyone!"

A red glint flashed in Old K's eyes: "Understood. Who is the target?"

Zhang Cheng looked to the northwest, a cruel smile curling at the corner of his mouth: "The Kachin Independence Army. That kid Gan Shuang has been jumping around too much; it's time to let him know what it means to 'punish even from afar'!"