Chapter 39: The Genetic Expert

Chen Houyan shifted his tone again, saying, "Of course, everything must be done step by step. The first step is the successful cultivation of high-quality stem cells. These stem cells are the 'universal cells' of the biological world; they are the primordial sparks of life and the core energy for the continuation and development of existence! By using specific cultivation methods, we can guide them to grow according to a predetermined framework, thereby breeding brand-new organs."

"Return to the past? Are you truly certain?" Yao Kui’s gaze locked onto Chen Houyan, his eyes filled with a mix of suspicion and anticipation.

"In my view, we must first conquer stem cell transplantation technology. Once successful, we can inject brand-new vitality into you, allowing you to be reborn." Chen Houyan spoke fluently and with such confidence that it seemed as if everything were already under his control.

"What kind of vitality?" Yao Kui’s curiosity was thoroughly piqued, and he asked impatiently.

Chen Houyan leaned closer to Yao Kui, lowered his voice, and feigned mystery. "To be honest, desire is the fundamental driving force of evolution. Nowadays, the state is also investing heavily in life energy research and carrying out projects like 'Homo sapiens modification'; these are essentially explorations into methods of extending and transforming life."

Yao Kui was slightly startled upon hearing this, a hint of surprise welling up within him. "Oh? You’ve heard of it too? Tell me more." In truth, he had vaguely heard rumors that the Chinese Academy of Sciences had launched an extremely secretive project.

Chen Houyan pulled at his signature duck-like voice and described it vividly. "I just received news that the state is carrying out the 'Frozen DF Project' in the southwest. As far as I know, the goal of this project is closely linked to exploring new energy sources and ancient genes."

"So what? How does that help us?" Yao Kui frowned, asking with a puzzled expression.

"I suspect they are also using the fundamental biological principles of growth and differentiation contained within ancient genes to combat the increasingly deteriorating genes of modern humans. This is precisely the key to your rejuvenation." Chen Houyan spoke so persuasively that it seemed as if he had perceived everything with absolute clarity.

"Then how should we act?" Yao Kui asked urgently, his eyes revealing a trace of eagerness and longing.

"If we can be the first to discover and successfully research these genes, it will undoubtedly trigger an epoch-making biological revolution. Not only will we capture the highest awards in global biology, but more importantly, we will certainly be able to completely change your current condition." Chen Houyan swore solemnly, patting his chest with a loud thud, as if success were already within reach.

Listening to Chen Houyan's continuous stream of talk, Yao Kui was half-doubting, squinting his eyes with deep worry. "You won't end up turning me into a monster, will you?"

In truth, deep in his heart, Chen Houyan had already calculated everything. He was well aware that Yao Kui’s physical condition was terminal and beyond medical help, but he saw a perfect opportunity: to use Yao Kui as an experimental subject to realize his own insane dream of creating new life.

He plastered his face with a hypocritical smile and said cunningly, "How could that be, Chairman? Nowadays, extracting high-quality stem cells from human organs is already a quite mature technology. Even extracting effective factors from original cells for regenerative cultivation and bio-printing has become a routine clinical treatment. Doing this will only make your body stronger and your energy more abundant..."

As Chen Houyan spoke, he secretly observed the changes in Yao Kui’s expression, thinking to himself: Even if the Chairman’s illness cannot be completely cured in the future, with these technologies, he will surely become more powerful. By then, even if I haven’t achieved a great feat, I will have put in the hard work, and perhaps I can use this to become famous overnight and reap huge success.

He paused slightly, a flash of hesitation crossing his face, then lowered his voice. "Of course, some operations must be carried out in secret. After all, some of these practices contradict ethics and morality, and they also violate international law..."

At this moment, Yao Kui was already intoxicated by the bright future described by Chen Houyan. Hearing this, he let out a disdainful "humph." "Morality? International law? To me, I am the law! Success is the only truth."

Chen Houyan immediately gave a thumbs up, flattering him profusely. "The Chairman is truly wise! You may not know this, but unlike red and white blood cells, stem cells have no rejection issues. Therefore, introducing foreign stem cells to treat those difficult diseases is undoubtedly the best path. I will fully recommend that you go to the top bio-genetic research institute in Country W. We will certainly forge a superhuman, robust physique for you, making you a king who dominates the field of survival—an invincible genetic warrior."

He became more excited as he spoke, his voice rising, as if he could already see Yao Kui standing at the pinnacle of the world.

Yao Kui was also stirred to boiling blood by this description, nearly standing up, his mind filled with visions of himself possessing superpowers like a superman, roaming the world at will.

Yao Kui suppressed his inner excitement and raised a hand to interrupt Chen Houyan. "Alright, alright. As long as you can help me achieve my wish, I will agree to whatever conditions you set. From now on, I officially hire you as the bio-genetic expert for our Fu-Kui Group."

Chen Houyan was overjoyed. He had worried that the plan would be difficult to advance, but he had not expected Chairman Yao to be so generous and open-minded, not only readily agreeing to the treatment plan but also specially appointing him as an expert. He thanked him repeatedly, swearing that he would ensure the Chairman went to Country W to receive treatment from the most top-tier specialists.

Yao Kui had heard that most countries usually used mesenchymal stem cells, and that if one wanted to be legally approved for fetal stem cell transplantation, only Country W was currently feasible. At this moment, on one hand, he was filled with visions of becoming a super genetic warrior and achieving the dream of immortality; on the other hand, he was secretly on guard, thinking he would wait and see if this Chen Houyan truly had real talent. If he could really succeed, everything would be fine; but if he was just spouting nonsense with no results, then he should not blame him for being ruthless, for he would certainly make him pay.

Soon, Chen Houyan was secretly settled into a biological research base in the suburbs of Kunming. He felt immensely proud, believing that with his work experience in a genetic laboratory in Country W, and in the mid-21st century where clinical stem cell transplantation was prevalent and countries around the world were vigorously carrying out related research, he was undoubtedly the most competitive talent. If the Fu-Kui Group didn't hire him, who could they hire?

After arriving at the base, Chen Houyan began to actively and tirelessly build an atavistic gene laboratory. He planned to extract multi-functional stem cells from the blood, bone marrow, cells, and even placentas, umbilical cords, and living bodies of ancient organisms, determined to cultivate the most powerful genes in the world.

He knew that once these powerful genes could be successfully combined with the factors in the Chairman's cells and trigger a genetic mutation, the miracle of rejuvenation would be highly likely to occur, thereby achieving a complete transformation and repair of life.

Meanwhile, Xiao Biao and his brother Duan Jinhu, who had successfully escaped from the Black Box Prison, had transformed themselves into Yao Kui's confidants and right-hand men, serving him hand and foot.

On the other side, Captain Zheng Hongwei of the Southwest Special Police Brigade received an urgent bulletin from Interpol. The bulletin stated that a shocking prison break had occurred in Country E, involving dangerous individuals such as the biological freak Chen Houyan, the murderous taekwondo master Xiao Biao, and the local thug and bully Magua Lailuo, who had successfully escaped and were on the run.

According to reliable intelligence, these criminals used special kinetic energy during their escape and were now highly likely to have fled to the southwest region of mainland China. Interpol requested the Chinese police to fully assist in the investigation and ensure these dangerous individuals were brought to justice as soon as possible to eliminate potential social security hazards.

Zheng Hongwei stroked his chin, falling into deep thought.

He knew that these seemingly unrelated events might hide a complex web of connections. Could the lost KC20 energy material, the prison break, and the abnormalities at the ice-bound experimental station be the work of the same dark force?

He turned his gaze back to the file on the "Cornucopia Future Company." The photo of Bao Tianxi, who appeared kind-hearted, caught his eye, yet he vaguely felt that this man was definitely not simple. A geologist who transitioned into the antique business and could still navigate complex social relationships with ease, earning the title of "never missing a beat," suggested the methods and connections behind him were unimaginable.

Zheng Hongwei picked up the phone and dialed the technical department. "Help me dig deep into all information about Bao Tianxi, including his capital flow over the past five years and key figures in his social circle—especially any traces related to the Fu-Kui Group and Meng Yang. Find it all for me."

After hanging up, Zheng Hongwei opened the dossier on the Himalayan Frozen Experimental Station and carefully reviewed the detailed records of the neutrino leak incident. He noticed that before and after the leak, some unidentified vehicles had appeared around the station. Although they had not attracted much attention at the time, looking back now, these might all be key clues.

Meanwhile, Zhong Hao returned to his office and began to organize the information he had on Bao Tianxi. He recalled his several encounters with Bao Tianxi, who had indeed appeared generous and righteous, but as an experienced policeman, he knew he could not be deceived by appearances.

He first contacted several informants who had dealings with Bao Tianxi, asking indirectly about his recent movements and abnormal behaviors. One informant revealed that recently, Bao Tianxi had been frequently contacting some outsiders who looked suspicious, and every meeting took place in hidden locations.