020. Perfect Mutation!
Li Aozi compared his options and decided that the passive effect of [Armor of the Mountains] was the best choice.
After all, no one complains about having too little mana, and free elements are the most abundant resource in the universe.
Not to mention, elements like hydrogen and helium are everywhere in the universe.
Battles in space can last for years, even decades or centuries, and during such long periods, who has time for resupply? A strong individual must rely on slowly refining cosmic energy.
And when it comes to drawn-out battles, endurance is even more critical.
Li Aozi considered his 'Iron Stomach' mutation option but found it embarrassing to think that, even in space, he might have to chew on asteroids to regain mana.
The impact on morale would be incalculable.
As for [Armor of the Mountains]… this Omega Energy clearly leaned towards the magical side.
Many of the Omega Energies awakened this time had ties to magic and dragons, likely because he had added magical materials to his biochemical pool.
This was a good thing; after all, who could rival the biodiversity of magical civilizations?
[You have chosen [Armor of the Mountains]]
[Gene fragment attached]
[Due to the influence of Omega Energy, your gene load has increased]
Li Aozi's lifespan, extended significantly by the dormant repair of [Blood of Immortality], could handle a few more mutations without issue.
As the Omega Energy awakened and the gene fragment attached to the sequence, Li Aozi's pale skin gradually took on a healthier hue, and his aura became more stable and grounded. He breathed deeply, noticing a significant improvement in his respiratory system. Free elements in the air entered his body through his breath, converting into energy and subtly influencing his body.
This was indeed a good thing.
The [Domination] specialization was the only one that didn't care about bloodlines because, theoretically, it could integrate all excellent bloodline factors for its own use. Even if you started as a mere slime, joining the [Mutant] path could eventually turn you into a world-destroying warlord slime.
Li Aozi's current human race, belonging to the tech side, was the Neo-Homo sapiens, with average potential. However, it could evolve towards three cosmic human races: A1, B2, and C3—this was very intriguing.
A1 had a long lifespan, B2 had high intelligence, and C3 could fight.
Particularly, the C3 Luka-type cosmic humans, known in the universe as the "terror of the upright apes among terror of the upright apes," had immense war potential. They were responsible for the stereotype that all cosmic humans excel at warfare.
Many civilizations liked to recruit some C3 humans—they were reliable and powerful, perfect as pioneers and mercenaries, almost as if they were born for colonization and expansion.
Due to his own considerations, Li Aozi decided not to evolve into a C3 Luka-type cosmic human. The Neo-Homo sapiens racial trait of experience gain was quite useful, and he couldn't find a better option for now.
"I'll stick with this for now. The direction of my race's evolution will need to be found in the universe."
Li Aozi stretched lazily, and the system quickly popped up a new interface:
[Warning: Gene Sequence Unstable!]
[A benign mutation has occurred, gene fragments integrating…]
[Your superior genetic traits are manifesting. Please choose one direction from the following mutation traits]
Li Aozi glanced over them. Seeing that none were perfect mutations, he directly chose to use one of his perfect mutation reset options.
[Reset complete]
[Behold, the flawless product of genetic engineering:]
A——[Gene Grafting Enhanced Psi Capsule]: Foreign genes have further integrated into you, enhancing your original psi capsule. You can now store and combine multiple Omega Energies for simultaneous release.
Choosing this trait will increase your psi capsule's Omega Energy storage limit to 22.
B——[Gene Editing•Reproductive System Detachment]: Gene editing has targeted all your cells for transformation; now, all your cells can become reproductive cells. It's time to create your own race.
Choosing this trait will transform your physiological sex into 'all,' allowing any gendered organism to court you.
C——[Gene Splicing•Combat Race Factor]: A terrifying combination of genes from two invaders has merged, granting you the memories of your ancestors as invaders who slaughtered, annexed, and fused with other races, and enhancing your combat power. Your genes will possess stronger invasive and contaminative capabilities.
Choosing this trait will allow you to genetically contaminate any pregnant organism, ensuring the birth of offspring absolutely loyal to you.
"Oh ho!"
Li Aozi's eyes lit up.
These three perfect mutation effects were incredibly powerful, especially the latter two, which perfectly showcased the selfishness of genes and their desire for continuation.
If paired with the [Reproductive System Detachment] and [Charisma] attribute, Li Aozi could become a universal socialite, completely abandoning labor to acquire the genes of the strong and mass-produce an army of his race.
Does this sound familiar? That's right, Li Aozi was certain this was the succubus factor.
"It's a shame; I still don't want my children sent to the battlefield to die."
As for the [Combat Race Factor], this mutation option undoubtedly exposed the essence of racial expansion and invasion—kill all the men of a race, keep the women, and perpetuate a bloodline and factor filled with sin.
Every civilization has risen this way; powerful empires are never clean. But on the flip side, because of this, every living person can trace their ancestry back to a powerful paternal ancestor, laying the foundation for unity and hope in human civilization.
Victory belongs to the strong, and defeat to the weak. In the universe, this competition is even more brutal.
However, with the progress of civilization and consciousness, people have gradually suppressed the instincts of their genes, choosing competition over war.
Of course, the [Combat Race Factor] was useless in improving Li Aozi's combat ability.
The potential of Azure Star's races was what it was—there's nothing shameful about it. Races that cannot independently develop the capability to reach the stars have no potential. Don't be resentful; this is an unbreakable law of the universe. Some civilizations managed to craft rockets from springs and wood boards, while others were still throwing stones and boiling water—those in the latter category simply lack the 'potential' universally recognized by the cosmos.
For genes, consciousness doesn't matter, nor does the body, as long as the task of reproduction and transmission is fulfilled, anything is acceptable. Therefore, the latter two mutation options were undoubtedly the most perfect.
But as a natural person, Li Aozi was not content with being merely a 'biological mech' controlled by genes.
[Gene Grafting Complete]
[Your [Psi Capsule] has been upgraded]
As Li Aozi completed his mutation selection, the land of the Grand Duchy of Grant was already within sight.
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