I transformed into a cute girl and lived a carefree life in the apocalypse.

"Let's just listen to it for now."

Yan Zimo left and then returned.

—I just wanted to stand up and stretch my body. It's really not because she gave me too much that I changed my mind!

The Great Sage's lips, hidden beneath his veil, curved into a slight smile. "I'll add a little more sincerity. Twenty S-grade obsidian stones in exchange for one of your eggs. Is that enough?"

Oh, why don't you take a few more? Otherwise, I won't feel at ease holding onto these obsidian stones.

Yan Ziming's mind was buzzing. In the short time it took him to get up and sit down again, the number had doubled again!

Does happiness always come so suddenly?

She then realized what she meant and questioned, "You can afford to pay so much? I remember you only made your comeback six months ago."

In the six years that China has fought countless major battles, it has not obtained many obsidian crystals. At least it would not give away twenty S-grade obsidian crystals to others so casually.

All for the sake of having one of her own eggs.

Yan Ziming did not feel that one of her eggs was worth that price.

However, her worries were clearly unnecessary.

"You should not underestimate our heritage. Before our return, the descendants of Odyssey also lay low for a long time... Our existence is not limited to these past six months."

"...May I ask, why are you willing to pay such a high price for one of my eggs?"

Yan Ziming asked cautiously, afraid that the deal might fall through if he wasn't careful.

"Yan Zimo, you underestimate yourself too much." The Great Sage chuckled softly, and it seemed to be the first time Yan Zimo had ever heard her laugh.

"You are an elemental spirit that is seen only once every few thousand or tens of thousands of years, with a beauty that shakes the ages... It is said that the higher the talent of a person, the more extraordinary their child will be... So, do you still think that your egg is worth more than this?"

Yan Ziming's heart skipped a beat.

How did she know I was Lei Ling?!

"Don't be so surprised. Our history is much longer than yours, so naturally we know many things that you don't."

"Hmm... So you want to use my egg to hatch a new Thunder Spirit?"

"That's going too far. Once the deal is done, your eggs will belong to us, and we can do whatever we want with them."

"...Let me think about it."

Yan Ziming fell into deep thought.

39. Additional price

gene.

This thing is too mysterious. Humans have been developing genes for so many years, but we have never fully figured out the secrets of genes. We have only made some progress in a few key areas.

Various countries around the world must have had institutions that housed human eggs and sperm, the purpose of which is self-evident.

Gene technology is said to violate humanitarian values ​​and is resisted by all countries, but in reality, all countries have developed this technology to varying degrees in secret.

This is a super technology that could dominate the world. If I follow the rules, but the other side has already secretly developed it to an extremely high level and uses it against me, and I have no way to resist, then I will really be left with nothing but tears.

Therefore, those countries that obediently follow the rules are destined to be eliminated by the times.

Yan Ziming had reason to believe that China must have conducted research in this area.

She didn't know the scale or whether it crossed the line of humanitarianism, but China would absolutely not give up on this research and wait for others to use this technology against it.

The best defense is a good offense.

Gene technology is like nuclear weapons. Even if countries around the world explicitly ban it before the apocalypse, so what? Aren't there still so many countries flocking to it?

This is why China faced such immense pressure at the time but still had to develop its own nuclear weapons.

Without nuclear weapons, the Chinese people can never stand tall.

The same applies to gene technology. If left stagnant, and others make progress, it will hang like a Damocles' sword over the heads of the Chinese people, suffocating them.

If that's the case... they'll come knocking on our door sooner or later, won't they?

Genes of powerful superhumans are collected in every country, but it is not mandatory; all countries have provided considerable benefits in return.

When high-level superhumans break through to the next level, their genes undergo a transformation. Genes collected in earlier years are outdated, so it cannot be forced; it can only be traded.

Yan Ziming's genes are undoubtedly excellent, so there's no reason for them to let him go. I estimate that the government will also find a time to discuss this matter.

They might even make further demands.

Now... even the Great Sage has come to talk to her about this matter personally, and Yan Ziming herself is quite willing to agree.

After all, it's such a large sum of money, and right now he's just short of obsidian. Under normal circumstances, Yan Ziming would probably have refused.

But Odyssey... Yan Zimo was genuinely worried. Their technology far surpassed all the research projects of major human nations. Entrusting such a crucial egg to them could lead to unforeseen and significant changes in the future.

But she really didn't want to give up these twenty obsidian crystals; her sister needed them for her breakthrough, and she was equally reluctant to part with them.

Seeing that Yan Ziming hesitated and seemed about to refuse, the Great Sage simply offered his final price:

"Here's what we'll do: fifty S-grade obsidian stones. That's our greatest offer."

Fifty pieces!

It more than doubled again in an instant!

If she gets her hands on these, along with what she just received from the government, her sister might be able to directly attempt to break through to the eighth rank, and it would be a breakthrough in both her supernatural abilities and physical body.

Yan Ziming's scales tipped again, completely overwhelming the other side.

However, her rationality had not been completely shattered by the obsidian, and she still did not agree immediately. She felt that the overall situation should be considered first.

"Could you give me a day to think about it? There are too many things involved, and I find it difficult to make a decision."

"Okay, I'll be here all day tomorrow, and I'll prepare all the supplies. I hope it will be a deal without any regrets."

This seemed to be within the Great Sage's expectations, and he agreed readily, showing his sincerity.

Yan Ziming was naturally somewhat grateful for this, and prepared to get up and leave, intending to find some people to ask him properly.

However, she had only taken a few steps when the Great Sage added:

"It's best if the Chinese side doesn't find out about this yet, otherwise I might be kicked out, and then the business deal won't be possible."

"...Is it really necessary to kick someone like you out over something like this?"

"You have no idea how wary your country is of us, especially since what I want is your eggs... How can they tolerate outsiders touching their 'property'?"

The great sage smiled somewhat mockingly, and with a fold of the screen, he disappeared from sight. The thin screen seemed to separate them by thousands of miles, and not a trace of his presence could be felt.

While inwardly marveling at the Great Sage's profound strength, Yan Ziming was also pondering her last words with a mocking smile.

Is this considered sowing discord?

No, this method isn't even clumsy.

After all, she was just stating a fact...

but--

I, Yan Ziming, do not own any part of my body! Even if I did, it could only belong to them!

My body is not for anyone else to decide!

Yan Ziming turned and left with a flourish, slowly disappearing into the hazy night...

...........

She called Mu Mu to come pick her up, and the first thing Mu Mu asked upon seeing her was, "How did the talks go?"

"Well... in short, I've agreed, which is within my expectations."

"What's wrong? Shouldn't you be happy that the deal went through? You look preoccupied."

Mu Mu embraced her, her soft body pressed against Yan Ziming's, and quickly kissed her cheek. Then, pretending nothing had happened, she ran her hands across the corner of her eye.

Yan Ziming decided to just pretend that he had just been... well, that wasn't very kind to him either. He'd just pretend that his thirsty little wife had kissed him!

"What's bothering you? Tell me." Mu Mu took the opportunity to hug her even tighter.

Yan Ziming gave her a charming sidelong glance. Luckily, it was late at night and there weren't many people passing by, otherwise her image would have been ruined.

"I just met with Xingwan."

Who is Xing Wan?

"......"

Should we start from here?

I accidentally called out the Great Sage's name. I bet Mu Mu is going to get jealous again. This guy doesn't need a reason to be jealous.

"Uh, it's the Great Sage. She just came to talk to me about a business deal, but... this deal is a bit special."

To avoid being used by Mu Mu to extort benefits again, Yan Ziming continued the conversation directly: "She offered fifty S-grade obsidian crystals for one of my eggs."

Sure enough, Mu Mu's attention was instantly diverted from 'why Xiao Mo Mo knew the Great Sage's name' and became completely absorbed in the business matter.

"Fifty S-grade obsidian crystals for just one of your eggs? That's quite generous!"

Her eyes narrowed slightly, a hint of danger in them. "You didn't actually say yes, did you?"