The Science of Cultivation

Chapter 255: Damaging Deoxyribonucleic Acid

Li Lang’s new poison was simple in theory. After observing how Qi was the cure-all wonder substance that could not only eliminate all toxins, but also cure wounds when processed into Recovery Pills, Li Lang began wondering just how that worked.

Normally, when the body healed, it used the genetic information stored in the DNA to guide cell repair and regeneration. The healing when employing Recovery Pills or specialized Qi arts was fast, but he believed it should follow the same rule. With that in mind, he began wondering what would happen if he created a poison that damaged the very foundation of this healing process, the DNA.

Unfortunately, Ruby couldn’t simulate the effects of these techniques on living samples. Nothing alive but him could exist in the artifact space. It was the same reason he couldn’t cultivate his techniques in the pocket realm, while he could test out various craft techniques.

With both his offensive power and time lacking, he ended up never having the chance to carry out the corresponding tests to test this theory. It was only now, during the anticipated Dark Sea Arena, that he would have a chance to test out all the poisons he had prepared.

While it took his full power to simply break the skin of powerful Qi beasts within his realm of cultivation, it was more than enough to apply his work. He carefully monitored the effects of the new types of poisons he employed, noting down the area of effect, severity, onset time, duration of actual damage, and other telling indicators.

At first, it surprised Li Lang that his idea had worked. The regenerative abilities of Qi beasts didn’t address the DNA damage of their cells, only speeding up the cell division process. This meant the newly divided cells copied over the damaged DNA. The body had its natural way of repairing DNA, but the Qi-empowered healing process didn’t seem to include those.

“Interesting. The wounds are still healing, but are leading to overgrowth and mutations. The areas closest to the wound are even showing signs of apoptosis. It’s causing this scorpion to lose balance and control of the affected area.”

With over a dozen different poisons to test, Li Lang actively

“Brat, you say?” a newcomer interrupted.

The trio turned to find a young girl glaring their way. Behind her was a middle-aged man with a clean-shaven face. His appearance made Jian Beiyun stop his conversation with his Junior Sister so he could greet the man. He had his usual friendly demeanor, but his eyes weren’t smiling at all.

“If it isn’t the Whispering Half Saint. To what do I owe the occasion to?”

“Don’t worry. I didn’t come to see you. I don’t dare to ask for an audience with the great Slithering Shadow so easily, after all.”

Sparks could be seen flying between their gaze. The young woman known as Wang Xiuying ignored the confrontation and walked over to Wei Ping and his companions.

“Senior Uncle, I must’ve misheard earlier. You wouldn’t ever call a charming lady like me a brat, right?”

Hearing this, Wei Ping’s two friends looked at him in amusement. He had been with them long enough that nothing good was to come of this. He wisely tried to change the subject.

“Anyway, t-this is Wang Xiuying. She was the one w-who helped me out in that illusionary realm.”