Chapter 40: Genetic Enhancement? Do They Deserve It?

"An explanation? Heh..."

Inside the Extraordinary Management Bureau, Ye Guohong let out a disdainful scoff as he looked at the official statements and demands issued by Little Sakura's side.

"Old Ye, should we respond? This is a formal diplomatic notice from Little Sakura's government. If we don't reply, they probably won't let the matter rest," Tang Wensheng said.

Han Zhaoyu, with an expression of mingled amusement and exasperation, remarked, "I honestly have no idea what method that person used to bring back so many cultural relics without being detected. The targeting is so precise that, even aside from Little Sakura thinking this way, if I didn't know the inside story, even I would be tempted to suspect whether one of our people truly went behind the scenes to steal them without filing a report."

Ye Guohong immediately burst into laughter. "Taking only our own cultural relics certainly makes the objective obvious. But, as I said before, they want us to give an account without a shred of evidence? Do they even have the right?"

"Then shall we reply to them in the same manner as our last response?" Tang Wensheng asked.

"Mhm," Ye Guohong nodded.

Hearing this, Tang Wensheng pondered for a moment and said, "Old Ye, given the sudden return of so many cultural relics, we actually don't have to announce all of them. At a juncture like this, since we have the controllable nuclear fusion technology provided by that person, I don't think it's necessary to come into direct conflict with Little Sakura. It's better to keep our heads down and focus on development first."

"Old Tang, I naturally understand the logic. However, I deliberately want to piss them off," Ye Guohong said leisurely.

A look of confusion flickered across Tang Wensheng's face.

Ye Guohong continued, "First, Little Sakura's tech summit broadcasted that simulated strike video—their arrogance is simply too overbearing, and we must knock them down a peg. Second, we cannot let the deeds done by that person go completely unnoticed."

"We now possess controllable nuclear fusion technology, and that person has also agreed to help us prepare for the research of military forces. Under such massive advantages, if we were to continue keeping a low profile, it would simply be spineless!"

Hearing this, Tang Wensheng and Han Zhaoyu exchanged glances and silently nodded.

"What's more, we share an age-old feud with Little Sakura. That person accomplished several deeply satisfying feats a few days ago, and the public's enthusiasm is soaring right now. An unprecedented sense of unity and cohesion has emerged—something we haven't seen in many years. Since that's the case, we might as well make them even happier."

A sharp glint flashed through Ye Guohong's eyes.

"Besides, with the help of this young friend, we are bound to settle accounts with Little Sakura sooner or later. For now, this is only the beginning."

Tang Wensheng and Han Zhaoyu instantly grasped Ye Guohong's intention.

In the past, they couldn't act rashly because various nations held each other in check and balanced one another out.

But things would be different from now on. Once they mastered controllable nuclear fusion technology, combined with Lin Yang's assistance, any breakthroughs in military power would mean they no longer needed to weigh their options so heavily.

Allowing the emotions of the domestic populace to find a release was also a strategic move.

And facts proved this to be true.

As they watched the Cultural Relics Bureau release announcement after announcement, everyone was ecstatic.

They were thrilled that an elite figure could bring the cultural relics back home, and even more excited by the current strength of their motherland, which allowed them to announce this matter without concealment!

An unprecedented wave of pride and national cohesion was sweeping across the nation.

Inside Little Sakura's borders...

***

Meanwhile, as the collection of cultural relics progressed, Lin Yang continually received system notifications regarding completed tasks.

Following a series of task alerts, his National Treasure Value reached six hundred and sixty points!

In addition to that, he had harvested several more achievement points.

Completing the collection of all cultural relics in a corresponding region for the first time always granted one achievement point.

Two days later, Lin Yang received a special system prompt.

"Congratulations to the host for completing the collection of all cultural relics within a Tier-2 region. You have received a Second-Class Reward, as well as one special lucky draw chance. Would you like to execute the draw immediately?"

Upon hearing this prompt, Lin Yang was momentarily stunned before realizing that, without even noticing it, he had already completed the collection of cultural relics across an entire provincial-level region!

"As expected of a petty, pint-sized nation; walking through an entire provincial-level region was so fast!"

Taking only three or four days to wrap up the cultural relic collection of an entire provincial-level division only proved just how small Little Sakura truly was.

One had to bear in mind that every place he visited required actual time spent searching for relics; it wasn't a matter of simply passing through and checking off a box.

With a mental scoff of disdain, Lin Yang asked the crucial question, "System, what kind of things can be won in a special lucky draw?"

"Answering the host: theoretically, the special lucky draw can yield any item existing within the system. The exact prize will be determined by what you draw!"

"Oh, any item at all? Does that mean if my luck is good enough, even powerful technological products from advanced alien civilizations are possible?" Lin Yang's eyes lit up.

"Yes, host!"

"Then let's draw immediately!"

There is no time like the present!

A lucky draw of this sort relied entirely on being swift, ruthless, and precise!

If one hesitated and dawdled, the luck might just vanish.

"Understood, host. The lucky draw roulette has been activated. Please initiate it!"

Following the system's reply, a virtual screen that only he could see materialized before Lin Yang's eyes.

It was a gigantic lucky draw roulette wheel!

At a single glance, it was impossible to fully take in how many different categories of items were contained on the wheel!

"So flamboyant..."

"Please confirm the draw, host!"

The system reminded him once again.

***

"Confirmed!"

"The draw has been initiated. Countdown: ten, nine, eight... three, two, one!"

"The draw has concluded."

"Congratulations to the host for obtaining one bottle of Brain-Enhancing Genetic Serum (Perfect Grade)!"

"Would the host like to consume this serum immediately?"

"..." Lin Yang was left dumbfounded.

What the hell did he just hear?

Genetic serum?

And it enhances the brain?

"Sys-System, you're not joking, are you? Such a serum actually exists?"

He found it somewhat hard to believe!

"Answering the host: genetic serum is a product of advanced technological civilization. Every part of the human body can be enhanced to a certain degree through the consumption of genetic enhancement serum."

"Uh... are there any side effects?" Lin Yang blinked.

"Answering the host: ordinary genetic serums carry certain side effects, but a Perfect-Grade genetic serum has zero side effects. You may use it with absolute peace of mind."

"Oh... after using it, my brain will be enhanced?"

"Yes, host."

"Does this enhancement refer to physical bodily enhancement, or does it enhance my cerebral capacity and cognitive abilities?"

"Answering the host: the brain-enhancing genetic serum enhances your brain's cognitive and thinking capabilities."

"That overpowered? Doesn't that mean everyone in an advanced technological civilization is a genius?" Lin Yang could not help feeling a shock in his heart.

"Answering the host: even among advanced technological civilizations, genetic enhancement serums are extremely precious and rare commodities. The more advanced the genetic serum, the harder it is to acquire—especially Perfect-Grade genetic serums. Many advanced technological civilizations may not even possess a single vial."

"Therefore, the concern the host is worried about will not occur."

"This..."