Genes had 0, 1, 2, 3 and other numerical tiers in sequence.
The road of the interstellar cultivator was also the path of gene evolution. With each upgrade of their genes, it would bring their vitality a step closer to that of mythological beings.
In Ancient Earth Era, every single primitive creature was a dictator of the food chain: dinosaurs, gigantic apes, terrifying alligators…
Having awakened tier-1 gene meant that you had achieved power which rivaled those primitive creatures, standing on top of the food chain as they had done.
Hence, if tier-0 gene was the foundation to gene evolution—also known as basic genes—then, tier-1 gene would be the primeval genes.
Even then, this couldn't be considered anything at transcendent level.
What would count as transcendent?
The power and lifespan which surpassed an average human being!
