The diagnosis was in. The man was completely out of his mind.
Kansa stared at Peyton as if looking at a lunatic. Was being alive really that bad? Who in their right mind would actively seek death?
Peyton let out his usual sigh. His eyes were hollow, as if he had long since lost all hope for this world.
"Relax, I am not like Dark Star. I am a man of honesty and integrity," Li Yu promised, not forgetting to subtly put Dark Star down.
Peyton simply sighed. "If Dark Star hadn't vanished bafflingly, I would have already embraced the sweet release of death."
Li Yu felt a twinge of a guilty conscience. anwhile, Mangu had received a report that Li Yu brought yet another person back. This made Mangu rather apprehensive, deeply afraid that it might be another big shot with a terrifying background.
Fortunately, when Mangu saw the utterly dejected Peyton, he used his Smart Terminal to capture the man's face and found no matching Wanted Orders. That allowed him to breathe a sigh of relief.
After so thought, Mangu still asked, "Does he need a forged identity?"
Hearing this, Li Yu pondered for a mont. This guy was a high-ranking Noble, so he probably shouldn't need one. He was just about to decline, but then realized that Peyton's unique status was exactly what made him more likely to attract unwanted attention.
Yet, back in the Tyron Tower, this fellow hadn't triggered any alerts at all.
Normally, the mont a VIP of this caliber appeared, the facial recognition system would capture them and imdiately alert the regional manager.
Furthermore, the Mozambique Family were major shareholders in the Tyron Chamber of Comrce. All their family mbers' data was definitely backed up. How had Peyton gone unnoticed?
"Your identity... it will not bring any trouble, right?" Li Yu probed carefully.
"It will not," Peyton answered indifferently. "My identity data has been completely locked down. Nobody knows who I am, otherwise, I wouldn't have been wandering aimlessly through multiple Tyron Chamber of Comrce branches."
Realization dawned on Li Yu. No wonder he had bumped into Peyton here; so that was the reason.
"Did your family kick you out?"
Peyton thought deeply for a mont. Frowning slightly, he shook his head. "It is rather complicated, but for all intents and purposes, I am currently a man without an identity."
Without an identity, he couldn't enter the Star Glory Empire. Naturally, the other branches of the Tyron Chamber of Comrce wouldn't believe his claims of belonging to the Mozambique Family. He couldn't even secure a eting with a manager.
That was why he ca to the Inuit Hub. The manager here had so history with the Mozambique Family and possessed a special thod to verify his lineage.
Peyton was clearly unwilling to say more, and Li Yu didn't press the issue. He simply turned to Mangu. "Forge an identity for him too."
"No problem." Mangu waved his hand, and several Staff mbers stepped forward to begin collecting Peyton's genetic traits.
Hunter strolled over unsteadily, his expression sowhat unpleasant. Staying in this place for even a second longer felt like pure torture to him.
However, the instant he saw Peyton, he was startled. "Isn't he that..."
Cutting his words short, he clamped his mouth shut and subconsciously dove behind nearby cover. He scanned his surroundings vigilantly. Much like Li Yu's initial reaction, he was terrified that Dark Star had followed him here.
"There is no one else, just him," Li Yu explained, allowing Hunter to finally heave a sigh of relief.
"Who exactly is he?" Mangu stared suspiciously at the two of them. Hunter got goosebumps all over his arms beneath Mangu's alluring and seductive gaze.
Before either of them could speak, the Staff mber collecting the genetic data stood up in sheer disbelief. Eyes wide open, the worker stared at the data on the Instrunts. "How can this be?"
"What is it? Why all the fuss?" Swaying his slender waist, Mangu sauntered over to the equipnt.
Upon seeing the data displayed, Mangu's expression also changed drastically. His enchanting eyes instantly sharpened as they locked onto Peyton. "No data... Out-of-Body Gene Annihilation Technology..."
"You are a Noble?!"
Out-of-Body Gene Annihilation Technology was a highly advanced security asure developed by Nobles specifically to prevent the leakage of their genetic material.
Any biological matter such as blood, hair, or skin cells would cause the gene fragnts contained within to self-destruct the mont they detached from the main body.
Yet, this was rely one of the less precious applications found within Noble Genes.
Noble Genes were not just an empty title; they integrated unimaginable technology, even incorporating powerful Gene Chains into their very bloodlines.
All a descendant had to do was let ti pass. As their bodies naturally adapted, the genetic limiters would slowly unlock, granting them trendous power effortlessly.
This was one of the underlying secrets to the unending reign of the aristocracy. And this was only the scant information known to the public; even more profound secrets remained hidden deep within their physical forms.
"Mm," Peyton nodded, showing no particular reaction.
Kansa gasped sharply in astonishnt. 'Fuck, this crazy person is actually a Noble from the Star Glory Empire!'
Although he was a mber of the Purple Crystal Imperial Family, the truth was, he couldn't even compare to the true Nobles of the Star Glory Empire.
Rumor had it that his father was paving a path to ascend to such nobility, but unfortunately, it was far too difficult a task to accomplish overnight.
Every lineage of the Star Glory Empire's nobility had reached their current standing only through vast, agonizingly long accumulations of ti and power.
The way he looked at Li Yu completely changed. This guy just went out for a short trip and sohow kidnapped a Noble of the Star Glory Empire?
Mangu stared fixedly at Peyton before turning his gaze back to Li Yu, his eyes flickering with uncertainty.
"Ohoho," Mangu suddenly let out a delicate chuckle. "It has been a long ti since I last laid eyes on a Star Glory Empire Noble, so I got a little excited. Since that is the case, things are much simpler now."
"Your genes should naturally possess biological camouflage capabilities. We can just pull any random identity for you. Just rember the genetic traits of your new persona and don't forget to adjust accordingly when needed."
Mangu seed to understand the Star Glory Empire Nobles quite well. Peyton nodded in agreent, and the next step was for Mangu to silence his subordinates.
"Normally, I wouldn't have to enforce a seal even once in a few months. Yet, since you all arrived, I've had to do it twice in a single day." Mangu cast a deeply resentful glance at Li Yu.
Li Yu chuckled awkwardly and subtly took a few steps back. He really couldn't handle that resentful look.
"Silencing" for Mangu ant adding a new command to their Thought Seals. This process was not entirely without a toll on his energy, though it wasn't overly difficult either.
The Thought Seal was a Superpower whose grade was impossible to evaluate. While it provided almost zero amplification to one's personal combat strength, there was no denying its sheer, terrifying utility.
"Master, the Second-hand Dealer has replied to your ssage..."
Claptrap's voice snapped Li Yu out of his thoughts. He opened his Smart Terminal and, sure enough, a ssage was waiting to be read.
Second-hand Dealer: Ready to trade. Ti and place?
Li Yu: Anywhere is fine. I want this done as soon as possible.
Second-hand Dealer: Two hours from now at the Mojilisi Beast Servant Bar. High foot traffic there, so we can both feel at ease.
Li Yu: No problem.
He was purchasing materials to modulate his Gene Chain. This was soone he had contacted on his way back. The biological flesh he was trying to buy belonged to a Swift Thunder Beast.
It was an exceptionally powerful lifeform that could only be born in specific, extre environnts. Integrating it was ant to further enhance the power of his Thunder Elent.
Compared to fire, he was far more inclined toward commanding Thunder.
Interestingly enough, the reason Li Yu chose this specific seller was because the man was also peddling the flesh and blood of a Purple-Winged Tiger.
"Are you purchasing materials for a B-grade Gene Chain?" Peyton, standing nearby, glanced over and spoke up unprompted.
"Are you peeping at my screen?" Li Yu adopted a vigilant expression.
"I am not," Peyton replied, his expression unchanging. "I just happened to catch a glimpse."
"I am preparing to fuse a B-grade Gene Chain. Do you have any brilliant insights?" Li Yu rembered that the guy standing in front of him was an absolute expert in Gene Chains, so he decided to ask.
"What Gene Chains have you fused previously?" Peyton finally seed to regain a bit of spirit. His line of questioning was nearly identical to the Card Master's—they both needed to understand his existing genetic foundation first.
Li Yu repeated the sa answer he had given the Card Master. Peyton did not hesitate for long before giving his verdict. "Thunder Fla Fighting Ape. That is the most suitable biological material for you."
Without another word, Li Yu went straight to the Black Hole Network to run a search. Given that the network catered to the entire universe, soone was indeed selling this exact biological material.
The Thunder Fla Fighting Ape originated from the distant Feilie Civilization. As an endemic species, it was strictly protected by their governnt. However, that didn't stop a steady stream of poachers year after year.
Li Yu found a few sellers to inquire about the price and was nearly shocked out of his wits. Typically, a single portion of biological material needed for a B-grade Gene Chain weighed around one tric ton, costing roughly one billion on the Black Hole Network.
Yet, the price for the Thunder Fla Fighting Ape sat at three billion, nearly matching the market price of a fully completed B-grade Gene Chain itself.
What was worse, there wasn't a single seller in the Inuit Hub offering this material.
"Rarity dictates value..." Li Yu sighed heavily. If he could only sell the Athyst Core, he would be more than wealthy enough to splurge.
The crucial problem, however, was that the Athyst Core couldn't be fenced right now.
"I need to find an Easy Mark to take it off my hands..." Li Yu muttered. He looked up, glancing at Mangu, but then shook his head. 'Forget it. Scrimping friends isn't a good look.'
The Athyst Civilization hadn't publicly disclosed the theft of the Athyst Core. This was a temporary boon for Li Yu, proving there was still a possibility of pawning it off.
Checking the ti, Li Yu decided to focus on his imdiate priorities. Things had to be tackled one step at a ti.
Riding an Athyst Flying Vehicle, he traveled to the southwest sector of the Inuit Hub. His destination was a booming comrcial street bustling with endless streams of alien races, filling the air with deafening clamor.
The foot traffic here was indeed imnse. The streets were extraordinarily wide, centering around an athyst fountain plaza, flanked by all sorts of diverse shops.
Following the given address, Li Yu arrived at the storefront. Although it was still constructed in the sa cold, prismatic architectural style, glowing holoscreens plastered across its surface played an array of alluring and seductive videos.
Countless biological entities of indistinguishable genders wearing highly revealing outfits perford enchanting dances, posing suggestively.
A single advertising slogan played on loop, translated into various popular interstellar tongues and the universal language: "Mojilisi Beast Servant Bar, giving you a feeling just like ho."
Li Yu couldn't shake the feeling that this particular slogan carried so profound, implicitly vulgar undertone.
The main doors were wide open. The flow of patrons here was massive, with an unceasing stream of interstellar creatures moving in and out.
Stepping into the bar, a cacophony of noise instantly flooded Li Yu's ears. A chaotic blend of music from dozens of different species blasted against his eardrums. He truly couldn't appreciate the aesthetic.
The Titan Colonization Armor extended over his ears, effectively blocking out the disruptive external noise. Casually sending a ssage to the Second-hand Dealer, he scanned his surroundings. The ambient lighting flickered continuously, plunging the room between bursts of neon glare and heavy shadows.
All sorts of interstellar races mingled together indiscriminately, grinding feverishly on the dance floor. He had no idea what kind of demonic charm could be found in their repetitive, monotonous thrusting.
Various beast servants weaved through the crowd. Many weren't even humanoid, and Li Yu couldn't even tell their genders apart, yet the patrons clearly didn't care. They frequently reached out with groping hands, copping feels off the passing servants and drawing out flirtatious giggles.
'What kind of race looks like a literal pile of shit? Is that a sli?'
'And that Lapnirian over there! Your whole hand is buried inside it!'
'Taking advantage of a Goblin? Can you even call yourself an Interstellar Human anymore?'
Speechless, Li Yu forced his gaze away. In the Interstellar Era, the aesthetics and carnal desires of certain species simply weren't restricted to their own kind.
Politely brushing off several aggressively affectionate creatures of indeterminate gender, Li Yu glanced down at his Smart Terminal. The Second-hand Dealer had replied: "Private Room 17."
Possessing imnse strength and boldness, Li Yu naturally had nothing to fear. He headed straight up to the private rooms on the second floor.
The second floor was considerably quieter, lined with sealed private booths. Occasionally, a door would swing open, letting out distinctly indescribable and erratic moans.
Pushing open the door to Room 17, he found a single humanoid creature inside. It had vertical prismatic eyes with yellow pupils, abnormally short limbs, and a disproportionately large torso.
It was a mber of the Prismatic Yellow-Eyed Remnants. They were another fallen race that had lost their howorld, their population slaughtered to the brink of extinction.
Any interstellar species suffering such a fate was broadly classified as a Remnant Race.
"Great Sage Equaling Heaven?" the dealer asked, citing Li Yu's online alias.
"Second-hand Dealer?" Li Yu countered.
Neither spoke for a mont, silently confirming each other's identities before Li Yu took a seat opposite him.
A smile surfaced on the Second-hand Dealer's face, though paired with those alien eyes, it looked more horrifying than welcoming.
"Hello. I didn't expect Your Excellency to be an Interstellar Human..."
He offered a few simple pleasantries, which Li Yu casually returned, and the two quickly cut to the chase.
"The goods I requested..." Li Yu let his sentence trail off, waiting for the other party's reaction.
"Naturally, I brought them," the Second-hand Dealer nodded. He then asked, feigning nonchalance, "For Your Excellency to be in such a rush to trade, are you preparing to leave soon?"
Li Yu slightly narrowed his eyes but showed no outward suspicion. "Yes," he sighed. "I have urgent business and must depart. I still need to go buy logistical supplies afterward..."
Stopping midway, Li Yu clamped his mouth shut, acting as if he had realized he said too much.
'He has to buy his own logistical supplies personally? Is this idiot operating completely alone? Have I stumbled upon an Easy Mark?'
The Second-hand Dealer's movents paused for a split second. He then retrieved a tal Crate from his Compressed Space. Punching in a sequence of passwords, the container whirred open with a chanical hum, spilling thick white frost into the air.
Neatly butchered blocks of flesh and blood were presented before Li Yu. Perhaps due to the cryogenic freezing, only faint electrical arcs crackled across their surfaces.
"Can you... guarantee the authenticity of this?" Li Yu asked, lacing his voice with doubt.
"Of course it's real. The flesh of a Swift Thunder Beast bears a shade of Number 47 Purple. It possesses Thunder Patterns and is interspersed with speckled White Fat. You can verify all of this on the Interstellar Network," the Second-hand Dealer explained ticulously, before casually adding,
"Did Your Excellency not bring a scanner? One test would clear any doubts..."
"I didn't... It's my first ti buying sothing like this, so I'm not too clear on the standard procedures," Li Yu answered, putting on a perfectly "simple-minded" act.
A sharp gleam flashed through the Second-hand Dealer's eyes. He nodded and offered, "If Your Excellency is truly uneasy, I can accompany you to the Tyron Tower to have it officially appraised."
"The material is indeed the flesh of a Swift Thunder Beast. However, it is synthesized at taken from the tail. You would need at least ten tric tons of this garbage to formulate a single Gene Chain."
Peyton's voice transmitted directly into Li Yu's ear, relayed through a faint glimring device hidden beneath his shirt.
On any biological entity, not all flesh and blood could be used to manufacture Gene Chains properly. Many body parts contained too few viable gene fragnts, making modulation practically impossible.
Parts like the tail or ears required exponentially larger quantities to yield any results. Instead of being used properly, they were often mass-synthesized by swindlers specifically to scam gullible novices.
Li Yu's expression remained neutral, though he summoned an embarrassed smile. "Then let's go get it appraised..."
"Not a problem. Integrity is the foundation of my business."
The Second-hand Dealer showed no signs of panic or anger. On the contrary, he was incredibly cooperative and practically radiated enthusiasm.
This left Li Yu rather confused. Was it possible that this swindler was in cahoots with the Tyron Chamber of Comrce? How else could he act so blatantly confident?
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