Chapter 399 - 71: Dangerous Intuition (Part 2)

Finally.

The last trace of medicinal power was completely absorbed.

"HUUUFF!!"

Lu Chao let out a long, heavy breath.

The bulging, writhing veins on his skin gradually returned to normal, and the pores of his flesh, which had seemed to be breathing, slowly closed.

He looked at his palm. The color of his Martial Arts Flame had grown a shade deeper.

Beyond that...

[Life Energy: 152→154!]

[Potential Progress: 46%]

Over the course of nearly a month, his Life Energy had increased by a total of four points, and his accumulated potential was gradually approaching the halfway mark.

This wasn’t just from the Essence of Qi he had just consumed, but also from the dozen or so High-Level Nutrient Potions he had taken and absorbed over time.

He had also secretly spent 10,000 contribution points earned from a mission with Di Xiong and his partner to exchange for a low-grade resource.

’All in all, I’ve spent over three million Alliance Coins just for this small boost.’

’No wonder it gets harder and harder to advance at the Superpower Level. So many people get stuck at the Peak of Limit-Breaking...’

Lu Chao thought of people like Li Gusha—talented prodigies on the fighter path who had broken through to the Superpower Level long ago, only to remain stuck at the Peak of Limit-Breaking, unable to advance further.

Even a genius like Yao Jin from the Yao City Headquarters had spent a massive amount of resources to reach 169 Life Energy, yet she still couldn’t externalize her Qi Flame and remained stuck just before the Exploration Level.

At this thought,

’I still have 20,000 contribution points.’

’I could exchange them for more resources, but I shouldn’t use them lightly unless it’s absolutely necessary.’

A glint appeared in Lu Chao’s eyes. He had his own agenda.

Even if he exchanged for resources now, he couldn’t break through to the Exploration Level in one go.

He would rather use the contribution points to acquire the Superpower Knowledge for the [Biological Alchemist] profession, which would grant him the ability to create Essence of Qi and energy mineral essence.

Besides, he was confident he could tap into the Dark Web’s channels to convert his Alliance Coins into nutritional resources, thereby saving his contribution points.

BUZZ BUZZ!

Just then, the watch on the table beside him suddenly vibrated.

Lu Chao walked over to the side of the Cultivation Chamber, picked it up, and looked at the bright screen.

[Aunt You: The Beast Tides in the wilderness have been rampant lately, making a few minerals and medicinal plants hard to find.]

[Give me some time. I’ll figure something out and gather them for you.]

Over the past month, aside from his Superpower Bureau missions, he hadn’t been idle.

To complete the biological serum formula, he naturally needed to put in some practical work and accumulate experience.

Moreover, he was curious to see what percentage of the serum’s efficacy he could replicate with his current knowledge.

Therefore, he had entrusted You Qiulin to help him purchase and collect some materials through the Hunter Guild’s channels, including the flesh and blood essence of a Beast King Level creature, as well as some rare minerals and medicinal plants.

"Hope it works out."

Lu Chao sent a brief reply, expressing his thanks.

Then, he put down the watch and looked out the window.

Nearly a month had passed. ’It’s probably time to give the Dark Web a try.’

’At the very least, I need to see if I can convert my payment from the previous commission into the resources I need.’

...

「A few days later.」

Satellite City No. 4, Block Three.

Skyscrapers lined both sides of the street, and blue virtual projections hovered around the square and buildings.

SPLASH!!

A virtual dolphin broke through a wave, its spray hitting the air and dissolving into fine streams of magnetic light.

Immediately after, a massive, lifelike projection rapidly materialized. It floated in mid-air, holding a potion, and said with a smile, "Blue Dolphin—Senior-Level Genetic Enhancement Potion."

"It can make you faster and double your nerve response..."

The familiar advertisement echoed around the block. Many young people who were developing their Life Energy stopped in their tracks, looking up at the projected ad with complicated expressions.

Envy, hesitation, longing...

Amidst this mix of emotions, Lu Chao, dressed in a gray hoodie, walked at a slow pace. He followed the tiled path outside the malls and shops at the base of the skyscrapers, weaving through the crowd.

His gaze swept over the young people, and for a flash, it was as if he saw his former self in them.

For most people, potions were a part of their potential.

He himself was no exception; to a large extent, he also relied on Nutritional Potions to advance more quickly.

That was precisely why the pharmaceutical companies that controlled the potion formulas—especially mega-corporations like Biotechnology and Primordial Oasis—remained so dominant, and why the Alchemist profession always held such an important position on the path of superpowers.

With that in mind, Lu Chao quickened his pace, heading straight for the Dark Web branch he had inquired about.

His face was different from usual. He had deliberately taken a day off from the Superpower Bureau, changed his clothes after leaving his apartment building, and put on a mask. Using [Resilient Body], he had transformed his face into one that was plain and unremarkable.

He had also made subtle adjustments to his build, making himself appear somewhat gaunt. It was difficult to discern his true identity from his appearance, which was even different from his previous appearances as [Celestial Hunter].

With steady steps, he drew closer to his destination and looked up toward the center of Block Three.

[Platinum Hotel].

The two bright words glowed with neon light, embedded in a steel frame on the rooftop of a tall building.

Unlike the surrounding skyscrapers with their magnificent style of floor-to-ceiling windows and glass canopies, that building was rather unique. Its off-white tiled walls, stretching up dozens of stories, gave it a solemn feel.

Square windows appeared on every floor, some closed, some half-open, and occasionally, you could see people moving about in the hotel rooms.

Below, there was a large, open plaza sectioned off by iron railings. Inside were flowerbeds, a fountain, and a number of parked luxury cars like the [Sharp Light] and the [Feast].