Chapter 41: The Heavenly Mermaid's Tear
Chapter 41: The Heavenly Mermaid's Tear
A smug smile flickered across Song Chi's face, perfectly portraying the delight of someone who had stumbled upon a hidden treasure in the gene serum shop. He subtly glanced around, ensuring no one was watching, before leaning in close to Gor's ear and whispering:
"It's the advanced version of the gene optimization serum, ten times more potent than the regular one. I managed to secure one at great cost, and the effects were simply intoxicating. Unfortunately, the shop has a strict policy—only one per customer. Otherwise, I would have bought them all."
Gor's reaction was immediate, like a rabbit whose tail had been stepped on. He nearly jumped out of his skin.
"What? Ten times more potent than the gene optimization serum? Is there really such an advanced version?"
As if in response, the holographic screen in the center of the shop flickered, displaying new text.
[Advanced Gene Serum: Only nine units remain, with effects far surpassing the regular gene optimization serum.]
Alongside the text, nine glowing blue vials appeared on the counter, their packaging clearly more refined.
Pop!
One of the blue vials was partially opened, and a faint, sweet aroma wafted out. Although it was quickly sealed again, the mere whiff was enough to make Gor's entire body feel invigorated. His cells seemed to cheer, and his already optimized genes showed signs of further awakening.
Instinct told Gor that this advanced gene serum could significantly elevate his lineage. While one vial might not fully restore his peak royal bloodline, two or three could certainly bring it back to a significant degree.
With that thought, he suddenly shouted aloud.
"Please hold these nine advanced gene serums for me. I'll be back soon."
Seeing his intense reaction, Song Chi remained calm, but the holographic screen changed once more.
[Advanced Gene Optimization Serum is extremely expensive and rare. Only a thousand-year-old deep-sea pearl can be exchanged for it.]
Gor quickly glanced at the message, then turned and left the market at a speed even faster than before.
---
Back in the conch shell island's inner palace, the chief of the Tongge Tribe flicked his fish tail, sending a powerful current of water rippling outward. The pressure from a second-stage creature was terrifying.
"Ridiculous. Do you think a thousand-year-old deep-sea pearl is just any trifle? Or do you—"
Before he could finish his tirade, Gor produced over thirty basic gene optimization serums and handed them to his father.
When the chief of the Tongge Tribe took one of the basic serums and opened it, he immediately reacted the same way Gor had. His eyes lit up, and his depleted bloodline seemed to come back to life.
"Is this the serum you mentioned? It really has such an effect?"
"Are you certain there's an advanced version ten times more potent?"
Gor nodded vigorously, his confidence unwavering.
The chief of the Tongge Tribe clutched the serum tightly, pondering for a moment before looking back at Gor.
"This is a heaven-sent opportunity for our Tongge Tribe. Since you're sure about it, go and exchange for it. However, I don't have any thousand-year-old deep-sea pearls right now. Take this and try your luck."
"Remember, this item is extremely precious. Try to get as many advanced serums as possible."
---
In the marketplace of the shattered realms, Song Chi refocused his attention on the gene serum shop as he waited for Gor's return.
Hearing Gore's response, Song Chi's brows furrowed, and he felt a deep disappointment.
"Without the Millennium Deep-Water Pearl, you can't exchange for the advanced gene optimization serum."
Just as he was about to manipulate the virtual screen in the shop to reply, Gore preemptively took out an item.
"Although I don't have the Millennium Deep-Water Pearl, this item is even more valuable. It is a rare treasure, a tear from a mermaid, known as the 'Mermaid's Tear.'"
As he spoke, Gore placed the so-called Mermaid's Tear on the counter in the shop.
He continued, "This drop of Mermaid's Tear was produced by my ancestor, a third-class mermaid. It can significantly enhance the life stages of most star sea creatures."
The moment the crystalline tear, even more luminous than a Deep-Water Pearl, appeared, Song Chi's entire attention was drawn to it.
He was very familiar with Mermaid's Tears, as they were one of the few known items that could increase the success rate of upgrading Ember Fleet ships.
According to Gore, this Mermaid's Tear was produced by a third-class mermaid, meaning it could boost the success rate of upgrading third-class and lower Ember Fleet ships.
From first to second class: 10% increase.
From second to third class: 5% increase.
These percentages might seem small, but for any captain about to upgrade their ship, they were almost as important as their own lives.
Song Chi clearly needed this item. The success rate for upgrading his mother's Dragonfly was too low, and even though his father was doing everything he could, the outlook was not promising.
If they could get an item to boost the success rate, his father would have used it long ago. The Titanium Crystals were still just a distant hope.
Therefore, he had to get this Mermaid's Tear.
[Third-class Mermaid's Tear, valuable item.]
[Given the item's value, the limit of one advanced gene optimization serum per person is lifted. You can exchange for three advanced gene optimization serums.]
Initially, he had thought of offering one serum, but then he reconsidered. Pressing too hard might make Gore refuse the exchange, and he didn't want to haggle over the virtual screen.
He had set the trading AI in his shop to be completely fair and firm on prices to maintain its integrity. To avoid ruining this reputation, he decided to offer three serums.
This number was neither too much nor too little, and he believed Gore would accept it.
As expected, Gore initially tried to haggle, but when the AI did not budge, he ultimately agreed to the trade.
With three advanced gene optimization serums in Gore's hands, Song Chi also obtained the Mermaid's Tear, his heart filled with joy.
With the Mermaid's Tear, and if his father could find a way, the success rate for upgrading the Dragonfly in seven months should easily exceed 50%.
Although it was still not entirely secure, it was a significant improvement from 24%. If they could get the Titanium Crystals later, it would further boost the chances.
(End of Chapter)
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