Chapter 37: The Consistent Traits of Monsters

Something like this, capable of converting inorganic matter into organic matter—isn't that essentially a roundabout way of creating life?

Shen Yu rubbed his temples. He wasn't a professional scientist and didn't have much deep knowledge in this field, but one thing was certain: this was another monster that far exceeded current understanding. It held immense research value and would undoubtedly be treated as a priority even by an interstellar civilization.

Beyond that, the data also included studies on its edibility. Every creature used in the consumption experiments had died, yet the cause of death remained unknown; no known toxins were found. The results were neither good nor bad. If combined with the technology of an interstellar civilization or the techniques of a martial arts civilization, and if the safety issues could be resolved, this thing could become a god-sent food source. It wouldn't even require a complete specimen; just a severed piece of flesh that retained its vitality could be cultivated by feeding it inorganic matter.

Truly "farmable" meat! This could allow a martial arts world to achieve self-sufficiency. However, everything depended on first solving the issue of food safety, so for now, it had to be set aside. Shen Yu remained deeply concerned about this creature that expanded in an uncontrolled manner, hiding underground and rarely appearing.

He turned his attention to the other entity. The other "creature"—the "zombie" crisis occurring in the Western Alliance—had only broken out two days ago, yet it had already been subjected to preliminary research. The results were equally shocking.

This was not the "virus" people had initially imagined, but a unique form of "bacteria." Even though Shen Yu hadn't attended university, he knew the difference. Bacteria are independent biological entities with complete cellular structures, whereas viruses are non-cellular forms consisting only of nucleic acid molecules and proteins, incapable of independent survival or reproduction, and far smaller than bacteria.

In other words, while those zombies appeared to be individual beings, they were actually composed of countless such bacteria; their original cellular tissue had long since been devoured. Moreover, these bacteria exhibited powerful differentiation and coordination effects. They could differentiate into the various tissues necessary for collective action—such as bacteria mimicking muscle fibers or hard bacteria with high penetrative capabilities. To ensure these bacteria functioned as intended, they must be tightly linked and undoubtedly possessed a unified control center. Calling them bacteria was misleading; in reality, they were more akin to insects, like an ant colony.

They worked with clear divisions of labor, efficient information transmission, and impeccable order.

"These are all creatures that completely defy previous understanding." Shen Yu looked away from the complex technical jargon, his brows knit tightly.

Undoubtedly, all three monsters, including the ocular worms, appeared different, but they shared two identical traits. First, they all possessed the potential to destroy the world! Second, they all became increasingly terrifying as time passed! The ocular worms and zombie bacteria grew in quantity, while the devouring worms grew in size. All of them were constantly replicating and expanding!

Before the situation spiraled beyond salvation, eliminating these monsters was humanity's only choice.

"Boss," Ji Mingshu walked in from outside, "the envoys from the Western Alliance and the Northern Union have arrived at the company building."

They were still staying at the company. It wasn't that there weren't better places to go; it was simply Shen Yu's personal habit. A familiar environment made him more comfortable. Furthermore, he had ordered the entire building to be purchased. Even now, the other companies in the building had mostly finished moving out, leaving the entire premises to the Shen Group. Consequently, the arrival of the Western Alliance and Northern Union envoys would not attract onlookers. Of course, this couldn't be hidden from those who were paying attention, but there was no need to hide.

Gray Mist Walkers and association members did not need to hide in the shadows! Saving the world was the greatest light of all!

"Go to the meeting room and wait for me. Don't bring too many people, just the key figures," Shen Yu instructed.

"Yes," Ji Mingshu replied.

Shen Yu noticed that Ji Mingshu's expression held a hint of unconcealable fatigue. He feared she hadn't rested at all over the past few days. There was simply too much to do.

"Perhaps I should set up some benefits for the freelance staff and the families of our members," the thought crossed his mind. But that wasn't something to address right now.

He smoothed out his attire and walked directly into the meeting room. Upon entering, he saw the three sets of representatives sitting in their respective spots. This included two people from the Eastern Nation's Meteorite Crisis Response Department: one was the liaison, Chen Ran, and the other was the slightly plump department head he had met at the previous meeting, Qi Shichang, who held a very high rank.

The Western Alliance and the Northern Union also had two representatives each. One of the Western Alliance's representatives was someone Shen Yu found familiar; he was a high-ranking official often seen on international news, and apparently, he had a powerful background. Having done business abroad often, Shen Yu knew full well that in some regions, the official voice was not as influential as that of a powerful family. Combining both, he was truly a "big shot."

However, at the very moment they saw Shen Yu walk in, these big shots stood up, their faces beaming with incredibly warm smiles.

"It is a great honor to meet you, Mr. Shen. Your appearance is like a gift from God to us. Many of us regard you as the embodiment of God..."

The moment they opened their mouths, a stream of enthusiastic praise was thrown his way as if it cost nothing, delivered in rather standard Chinese. The assistant accompanying the Western Alliance representative, a beautiful blonde woman with fair skin, stared at Shen Yu with eyes glued to him, showing absolutely no restraint. Even the corners of Qi Shichang's eyes twitched. The intent was far too blatant.

However, what relieved Qi Shichang was that in the face of such a direct display, Shen Yu's expression remained entirely unchanged. He was no longer the person he was when he first gained his power and status; after eight years of living as a billionaire, there was nothing he hadn't experienced.

"There is no need for meaningless pleasantries," Shen Yu said, sitting directly in the main seat. His tone was not polite. "I have read the data, and I am astonished by the inefficiency of your actions. Could it be that you have already built a spaceship to escape the home planet? Does it have a ticket for you and your family, Olinard?"

"..."

The voice of the Western Alliance representative, Olinard, came to an abrupt halt, a trace of embarrassment surfacing on his face. Although the spaceship to escape the home planet was not yet finished, its construction was indeed being rushed. Naturally, he had a ticket for it.