"Indeed, this is the modification agent." Zeg pulled out a syringe and handed it over to Liu Hui in exchange.

Holding the syringe, Liu Hui was intensely excited. With this single injection, wouldn't Xiao Hei undergo a drastic transformation?

"Lord Liu Hui, we also have a piece of refined Sun Crystal here; it will provide energy for this creature. Inject the modification fluid into the creature first, then have it swallow this Sun Crystal, and it will soon be able to undergo its first metamorphosis," Zeg stated, presenting a piece of white, transparent crystal to Liu Hui.

"Lord Zeg, I have a question. After Xiao Hei is modified, will it still retain its reproductive capabilities?"

"Since we considered that you only have one controllable creature, and for your future security, we have removed this creature's reproductive functions. This way, it won't enter an uncontrollable state due to its **heat cycle," Zeg explained.

"It's fine if it loses its reproductive ability; otherwise, where would a five-hundred-meter-long Xiao Hei find a **mate!" Liu Hui said with resignation.

"Lord Liu Hui, the strong-gene samples you provided have been immensely helpful to us. Therefore, I've decided to modify this creature for you free of charge until it meets your exact specifications," Zeg chuckled.

"Heh, thank you very much, Lord Zeg," Liu Hui was overjoyed, never expecting that just Xiaoyaozi's blood could save them a thousand kilograms of illicit drugs.

"You carry on with your work. Contact me if you need anything. I still need to continue analyzing that strong individual's gene sample," Zeg said with a smile before ending the communication.

Liu Hui took the syringe and the Sun Crystal, summoned Xiao Hei, and instructed it to coil itself on the table. Liu Hui carefully located a gap between Xiao Hei's scales and injected the drug inside. Then, he commanded Xiao Hei to open its mouth and swallow the Sun Crystal.

Liu Hui concentrated, trying to feel Xiao Hei's sensations. Initially, there was no reaction, but slowly, the creature's entire body began to writhe in intense pain, as if being torn into pieces. Liu Hui hastily withdrew his connection; he had no desire to endure such agonizing torment.

Xiao Hei thrashed uncontrollably on the floor, its body starting to seep blood until its entire form was a mangled, bloody mess, causing Liu Hui waves of dread. Seemingly unable to bear the agony any longer, Xiao Hei suddenly leaped into the air before falling stiffly to the ground, motionless. Liu Hui was alarmed and immediately checked Xiao Hei's condition, discovering that the creature had merely passed out from sheer exhaustion.

Gradually, a gentle white light began emanating from Xiao Hei's body, flowing continuously around it. The white light pulsed out from within Xiao Hei, growing denser, slowly forming a cocoon of light around its body. Finally, the light materialized, hardening into a tangible, egg-shaped object of pure white, enveloping Xiao Hei entirely.

Liu Hui quickly tried to sense Xiao Hei but found it still unconscious, though the intense pain registered within its body had lessened significantly. He immediately severed the mental link. Staring at the bizarre egg formed of light, he was deeply impressed by Zeg's technology—the ability to materialize light—and his confidence in Xiao Hei's modification grew.

Unsure when Xiao Hei might awaken, Liu Hui returned home. Spring Festival was imminent, and he needed to spend quality time with his parents.

The next day was New Year's Eve. That evening, Liu Hui gathered the families of Mei Peng, Liu Lin, and Zhou Tengyun for a joyous celebration. Of course, only Zhou Tengyun was without family present.

The families convened merrily; some were making dumplings, others were rolling tangyuan, and everyone wore an expression of genuine happiness. Liu Hui, Mei Peng, and Zhou Tengyun stepped out onto the balcony overlooking the glittering, bustling nightscape of Hong Kong. In the distance, some homes in Bùdài'ào had already begun setting off firecrackers.

"Boss, Third Brother, it's New Year's Eve, but you two don't seem very cheerful?" Mei Peng asked.

"Second Brother, we are exiles now. On a day that should be about reunion and joy, how can I possibly be happy?" Liu Hui sighed.

"For me, every day is the same; there's no need to be specifically happy about any particular day," Zhou Tengyun stated flatly.

"Even so, look at the people inside; though they are all far from home, everyone seems incredibly happy today. You should try to look happier too, lest you affect the general mood," Mei Peng advised.

"Heh, I am certainly cheerful when I'm with them. It's just that seeing this view brings on some melancholy. Do you begrudge me a moment of contemplation?" Liu Hui laughed, then draped his arms over Mei Peng's and Zhou Tengyun's shoulders, pulling them close until the three stood leaning against each other.

"Gentlemen, this past year has been the start of my career—a year of both excitement and frustration. I gained much over the last year, and I lost much as well. However, in the days to come, I will command my destiny absolutely. I will not allow anyone to threaten me again, nor will I ever again bow to anyone's **might," Liu Hui declared loudly.

"Boss, I support you!" Mei Peng placed his hands on Liu Hui's and Zhou Tengyun's shoulders.

Zhou Tengyun remained silent but also rested his hands on Liu Hui's and Mei Peng's shoulders.

"Boss, we will definitely be better next year, right?" Mei Peng asked slowly, gazing at the brilliant fireworks in the distance.

"Absolutely. Not just next year, but every year after will be better than the last," Liu Hui shouted emphatically.

"Xiao Hui, what are you doing out there? Come inside quickly; the abundant dinner is about to begin," Liu Hui's mother called from the balcony.

"Heh, coming right away," Liu Hui smiled, then returned to the room with Mei Peng and Zhou Tengyun.

Due to the sheer number of people, they were forced to divide into two tables. Faced with the lavish spread of food and drink, everyone’s appetite soared. After Liu Hui’s father offered a series of blessings, everyone began to eat.

Liu Hui enthusiastically toasted the elders present and chatted with his peers; the atmosphere was incredibly lively. After the meal, they moved to the pharmaceutical factory's recreation room. Some played Mahjong, some sang karaoke, some watched movies, and others set off fireworks. Liu Hui participated in every activity. After all, what was all the hard work throughout the year for, if not to enjoy a happy Spring Festival?

Seeing everyone having a wonderful time, Liu Hui quietly slipped away to the basement. Xiao Hei’s light cocoon remained unchanged, but Liu Hui sensed that the creature was safe, and the pain emanating from it had subsided considerably.

Liu Hui activated his communicator and initiated a call to Alexander from the Magic Plane. Alexander answered quickly.

"Respected Teacher, it is a joy to see you!" Alexander said happily.

"My dear Alexander, I am also delighted to see you today. Look what I have brought you," Liu Hui said with a smile, producing exquisite pastries and beverages before trading them to Alexander.

"Teacher, what are these things?" Alexander asked curiously, looking at the items in his hands.

"These are extremely delicious foods and drinks. Try some first," Liu Hui instructed with a smile.

Alexander curiously placed a pastry in his mouth; the rush of flavor instantly altered his expression. He chewed vigorously, swallowed, and immediately reached for another piece.

"My dear Alexander, eat slowly; there's no need to rush; I have plenty more. Also, don't just eat pastries; you must have some of these drinks and wine," Liu Hui watched him with a gentle smile.

Alexander opened a nearby bottle of beverage and drank deeply. The deliciousness made his eyes widen, and he finished the small bottle in just a few gulps.

"Heh, Alexander, don't be so eager; sip slowly, or you might choke," Liu Hui reminded him.

Alexander finally recovered from the shock of the gourmet food and apologized sheepishly, "Respected Teacher, please forgive my previous rudeness; I have never tasted anything so exquisite."

"Heh, it's no trouble at all. Since it is the New Year here, our manners have been a little rough," Liu Hui replied.

"Teacher, what is this 'New Year'?" Alexander inquired curiously.

Liu Hui then explained the significance and various customs of celebrating the New Year in his world to Alexander.

"Oh, I understand. Because today is the New Year, Teacher specifically brought me delicious things, is that right?" Alexander mused.

"Yes, the New Year is the most important day in our world, so I hoped you could share in the joy," Liu Hui confirmed.

"Teacher, thank you!" Alexander said sincerely.

"You don't need to thank me; it was a small favor. By the way, how have your recent developments been progressing?" Liu Hui asked.

"Teacher, the task you assigned me—to survey the surrounding terrain and draw maps—that work is complete," Alexander said, shifting to serious matters, and immediately traded a sheet of paper over.

Liu Hui looked at the paper, which contained hastily sketched patterns. He held the drawings up to the screen and asked, "Your map is quite rough; I can barely make out the details. Explain it to me now!"

"Teacher, look here, our current settlement is located here—this slightly flatter area. This settlement is surrounded by countless mountains, with no main roads leading to the outside world. Only once a month do the Elf Lords who collect ore send people into our area. After scouting, our people discovered a massive canyon beyond the mountains to the east of the settlement—it's right here."

Liu Hui followed where Alexander pointed and saw an enormous canyon not far from their current location, hidden behind the mountain range.

"That canyon is immense, with steep cliffs on all sides, possessing only one small exit. Inside the canyon, there is a great deal of fertile land, a river, and a lake. If we relocated the settlement inside, it could probably support the lives of at least a million people. However, that canyon is currently occupied by a swarm of Slimes," Alexander explained with frustration.

"Slimes should be very weak creatures, why haven't you driven them out?" Liu Hui asked curiously, as that canyon seemed an ideal place for humanity to expand.

"Slimes are Tier One Magical Beasts; ordinarily, we wouldn't fear them. But our reconnaissance found that the canyon hosts countless Slimes—though we don't know the exact number, the initial estimate is no less than ten million. If these Slimes acted independently, we could break through them in sections. Unfortunately, there is a Golden Slime King commanding them inside. Under the Golden Slime King's control, any creature entering that canyon is instantly dissolved by the Slimes' saliva. A projected spray of hundreds of thousands of streams of corrosive slime is something virtually no creature can evade," Alexander lamented.

"What tier of Magical Beast is the Golden Slime King?" Liu Hui inquired.

"The Golden Slime King is a Tier Four Magical Beast. If it were eliminated, those Slimes would immediately fall into disarray, and we could drive them out and develop that canyon. But the Golden Slime King is protected by the bulk of the Slimes right at its center. It occasionally patrols its territory, but it keeps far from the surrounding cliff faces, so we can't get a clear shot," Alexander explained.

"How close does the Golden Slime King usually get to the cliff walls?" Liu Hui asked.

"About a thousand meters, perhaps," Alexander thought for a moment before replying.

"Understood. Continue your reconnaissance. Find the Slimes' weaknesses, and I will help you devise a plan to eliminate the Golden Slime King," Liu Hui instructed.

"Teacher, here are the Tier Four Magical Beast cores you asked me to find last time; I'll hand them over now!" Alexander said, gesturing towards a large pile of assorted cores on the ground.

"Good. Trade them over to me," Liu Hui said, looking at the cores with pleasure.

Qian Yu Chu Hai begins a business trip starting this noon, heading to another city. Since the travel time alone will consume four hours, I don't know if I can make it back tonight. If not, there will only be one update today; I hope for everyone's understanding!

Thank you to the reader: Mao Mao Xiong Panda for the reward!