Deep Sea Starship Apocalypse

The morning breeze, carrying a cool dampness, swept across the gray-blue exterior of the teaching building, shaking off the dewdrops hanging from the window sills, which fell to the ground, leaving small damp patches. Yu Moyan and Jiang Duyue walked side by side in the empty corridor, their sneakers making soft, rustling sounds on the smooth marble floor, especially clear in the quiet morning.

As soon as the two reached the classroom door, they heard a heavy, oppressive atmosphere emanating from inside. Yu Moyan gently pushed open the half-closed door, the soft creak breaking the silence. On the platform, the homeroom teacher stood with his hands behind his back, his dark suit making him appear even more imposing. However, his usually gentle face was now as dark as a storm cloud, his brows furrowed with barely concealed anger. The oppressive atmosphere emanating from him caused the students in the classroom to lower their heads and even hold their breath.

"Reporting to the teacher." Yu Moyan withdrew his hand from the door and let it hang at his side. His voice was calm and composed, with just the right amount of respect.

The homeroom teacher slowly turned around, his sharp eyes sweeping over the two people at the door. His tone was filled with suppressed anger as he spoke sarcastically, "Oh, I thought you two weren't coming today. You actually know to come to class? Look at the time!" He pointed to the digital clock hanging on the wall, the screen clearly showing 7:35. Every number seemed to mock the two for being late.

Jiang Duyue frowned slightly, glanced at the clock, then turned to look at her homeroom teacher and retorted softly, her tone tinged with confusion: "Teacher, we're not late. There are still five minutes before class starts."

"You're supposed to be in the classroom for self-study by 7:30. Look at the time! Class is starting in five minutes. You're just barely here, and you dare to say you're not late?" The homeroom teacher's face turned completely black, as dark as the bottom of a pot, with veins throbbing on his forehead. He was clearly enraged by the two students' attitude.

Jiang Duyue blinked, looked at her homeroom teacher with a serious expression, and said in an extremely earnest tone, "Teacher, it's 7:90 now. According to the time, we are clearly still early."

These words were like a spark igniting a powder keg, instantly setting the homeroom teacher's anger ablaze. He slammed his hand on the podium with a deafening bang, startling the students who trembled and held their breath. The teacher roared, his voice filled with fury: "7:90? Do you think I can't count?! You two get out here and stand outside! Don't come in without my permission!"

Yu Moyan and Jiang Duyue exchanged a glance, both seeing a hint of embarrassment in each other's eyes. Yu Moyan gave a helpless smile, while Jiang Duyue stuck out her tongue. The two obediently turned and left the classroom, gently closing the wooden door behind them, and stood quietly in the corridor.

The morning sunlight streamed obliquely through the glass windows of the corridor, casting long shadows on the two of them. Occasionally, passing teachers or students would cast curious glances. Jiang Duyue slightly turned her face to avoid their gazes, while Yu Moyan remained calm, silently activating the system in his mind.

"System, what are the side effects of gene serum when it alters genes? For example, physical pain, regression in cultivation, or any hidden dangers left behind?"

[Host, the gene serum is a top-tier basic modification serum from the system shop. The modification process has no side effects and can perfectly optimize the host's gene sequence, laying the most solid foundation for subsequent cultivation.]

The cold, mechanical system voice rang in Yu Moyan's mind. After receiving an affirmative reply, Yu Moyan ignored the system and stood quietly in place, her gaze falling on the lush camphor trees outside the window, her thoughts drifting into the distance.

Time flies, and day after day, the morning punishment of standing in the corner was like a minor episode, quickly submerged in the mundane routine. In the blink of an eye, two weeks passed like a fleeting moment, quietly beginning his first long vacation since entering this world.

That evening, Yu Moyan returned to her rented room. After closing the door, she immediately activated the system in her mind. The small room was simply furnished: a bed, a desk, and a chair were all her belongings. The sky outside the window gradually darkened, and the sunset dyed half the sky red, casting a warm orange glow over the room.

"System, how many Star Crowns do I have now? Are there enough Star Crowns to buy a bottle of gene serum, plus a set of basic cultivation techniques?"

[Host, current total Star Crowns: 19,000.]

A glint of light flashed in Yu Moyan's eyes. Nineteen thousand star crowns were enough for him to begin his cultivation journey. He took a deep breath and said firmly, "System, exchange a bottle of gene potion for me, and also help me find a suitable cultivation technique."

[Host's instructions received. Gene serum exchange in progress... Exchange successful, delivered to host.]

As the system notification faded, Yu Moyan suddenly felt a cool touch on his palm. He looked down and saw a completely transparent vial lying quietly in his hand. It contained about twenty milliliters of liquid, which was not the usual transparent or colored liquid. Instead, it resembled a condensed, dazzling starry sky. The deep dark blue background was dotted with countless tiny silver-white specks of light, like billions of stars floating and sinking within it. It was breathtakingly beautiful, and just looking at it made one's heart tremble.

Yu Moyan held the potion bottle and waited patiently. One minute, five minutes, ten minutes... a full twenty minutes passed, and apart from the Starry Sky Potion in his hand, nothing else appeared, and the promised cultivation technique had vanished without a trace.

Yu Moyan frowned slightly, a hint of doubt flashing in his eyes. He asked in his mind, "System, where's my cultivation technique? Didn't you say you'd help me create a set? Why is there only medicine, and the technique is nowhere to be found?"

[Host, you must select the cultivation techniques yourself from the system shop. The system only provides the exchange channel and does not handle automatic matching.]

Yu Moyan fell silent for a moment, his lips twitching involuntarily. He realized he'd been expecting nothing. He shook his head helplessly, deciding to stop worrying. "System, open the system shop."

[Host's command received. System shop is now open...]

The next second, a semi-transparent blue panel appeared out of thin air in front of Yu Moyan. The words on the panel were clear, and a dazzling array of cultivation techniques were listed in categories, from basic to advanced, with all kinds available. The prices of the Star Crowns were also clearly displayed.

Body Refining Technique

1. The Fundamental Canon of Lingzhao: 100 Star Crowns

2. *Zhaoqiong's Body Protection Technique*: 190 Star Crowns

3. *Qiongxi Ningxing Technique*: 125 Star Crowns

4. *Mysterious Spirit Guiding Technique*: 115 Star Crowns

5. *Linghui Guankong Jue*: 165 Star Crowns

Body Technique

6. *Wei Zhao Bu*: 80 Star Crowns

7. "Strolling in Tranquility": 100 Star Crowns

8. *The Shadow Follows You*: 135 Star Crowns

9. "Pure and Unfettered Steps": 175 Star Crowns

10. "The Silent Lightness Technique": 200 Star Crowns

Secret Technique

11. *Qiongji Finger*: 120 Star Crowns

12. *Zhenyi Dianxuanzhi*: 130 Star Crowns

13. Yi Qing Tan Xuan Zhi: 155 Star Crowns

14. "Myriad Shadow Techniques": 140 Star Crowns

Soul Cultivation Technique

15. *Chenluo Qingyin Jue*: 110 Star Crowns

16. The Ultimate Clarity Breath Convergence Method: 160 Star Crowns

17. The Art of Concealing Dust: 145 Star Crowns

18. *Qingxi's Shadow Escape*: 150 Star Crowns

19. *Moonlight Lightness Technique*: 180 Star Crowns

20. *Zhaoling Shouxin Jue*: 90 Star Crowns

Star-Rank Cultivation Technique

Body Refining Techniques

1. *Qiongji Zhenxiao Jing*: 5000 Star Crowns

2. *Qiongxiao Yingxing Jing*: 5100 Star Crowns

3. *Qingchen Ningxing Dian*: 5200 Star Crowns

4. *Lingqiong Guanxing Ce*: 5600 Star Crowns

5. *Chenqing Zhenxing Jing*: 5700 Star Crowns

6. *Qiongji Yingxiao Dian*: 6600 Star Crowns

7. *Qingji Ningzhou Juan*: 6700 Star Crowns

Body Techniques

8. "The Moonlit Sky Scroll": 5300 Star Crowns

9. Xi Ji's Star-Guiding Method: 5400 Star Crowns

10. The Moonlit Serenity Method: 6800 Star Crowns

11. *Xiqiong Town Star Almanac*: 7000 Star Crowns

Secret Techniques

12. *Qingxi Yingzhou Dian*: 5500 Star Crowns

13. *Qingxiao Ningqiong Jing*: 5800 Star Crowns

14. *The Imperial Light Reflects the Silence*: 5900 Star Crowns

15. "The Clear Sky of the Sea of ​​Gems": 6100 Star Crowns

Soul Cultivation Techniques

16. "Moonlit Serenity Scroll": 6000 Star Crowns

17. *Chenji Yinji Fa*: 6200 Star Crowns

18. The Ritual of Cosmic Guidance: 6300 Star Coronas

19. *Zhaohua Zhenchen Ce*: 6400 Star Crowns

20. *Xuanyi Qingji Shu*: 6500 Star Crowns

Domain-level cultivation technique (Domain Lord level)

Body Refining Techniques

1. *Xiaoyou Zhenji Jing*: 30 Star Crowns

2. *Youchen Zhenyu Jing*: 31 Star Crowns

3. *The Book of Opening the Domains of the Celestial Empire*: 32.5 Star Crowns

4. *Wanji Zhenyu Jing*: 41.5 Star Crowns

5. *Xiaochen Kaiji Dian*: 42 Star Crowns

6. *The Silent Realm Scroll*: 43 Star Crowns

Body Techniques

7. "Chenji Kaichendian": 32 Star Crowns

8. *The Pure and Tranquil Scripture of the Imperial Realm*: 33 Star Crowns

9. *The Book of the Silent Suppression*: 34 Star Crowns

10. "Xuanchen Yukongju": 44 star crowns

11. The Law of Returning to the Realm of Eternal Silence: 45 Star Crowns

Secret Techniques

12. The Scroll of Tranquility in All Realms: 35 Star Crowns

13. "The Tranquil Realm of Silent Peace": 36 Star Crowns

14. The "Jichen Boundary Determination Scroll": 37 Star Crowns

15. *True Profound Domain Treatise*: 37.5 Star Crowns

Soul Cultivation Techniques

16. *The Book of Silent Truth and Profound Understanding*: 38 Star Crowns

17. *Chengyi Yuyu Ce*: 39 Star Crowns

18. *The Mysterious Instrument for Controlling the Universe*: 40 Star Crowns

19. *Yichen Yuyu Fa*: 40.5 Star Crowns

20. *The Law of Returning to the Emperor*: 41 Star Crowns

Looking at the cultivation techniques on the shop panel, Yu Moyan's gaze swept from the basic techniques all the way up to the domain-level techniques. When he saw the prices of hundreds of thousands of star crowns, he couldn't help but complain in his heart: "System, why are the later techniques so ridiculously expensive? Hundreds of thousands of star crowns, how long would it take to save up enough to afford them?"

[Host, Domain-level and above cultivation techniques are high-level cultivation manuals, suitable for Domain Lord level and above. Your current level is too low to use them at this time, nor is it necessary. Later, you can obtain a large number of Star Crowns by killing alien beasts, completing system tasks, and exploring secret realms, at which point you can exchange them for high-level cultivation techniques.]

Upon hearing this, Yu Moyan stopped worrying about the price. The most important thing right now was to complete the gene modification and lay a solid foundation; the matter of advanced cultivation techniques could be planned later. He changed the subject and asked, "System, how many levels are there in the cultivation realm of this world? What are the specific divisions?"

[Host, viewing the complete realm division requires 1000 Star Crowns. Confirm viewing?]

Yu Moyan hesitated for a moment as he looked at the pop-up notification on the panel. A thousand Star Crowns, while not a large sum, were still resources he had accumulated over a long period. However, upon further reflection, he realized that knowing oneself and one's enemy was the key to victory; understanding the complete cultivation system would allow him to better plan his own path of cultivation. He immediately nodded: "Confirm and view."

[After deducting 1,000 Star Crowns, current remaining Star Crowns: 17,000. The Realm Division Panel is now open; please check it.]

The next second, the system shop panel disappeared, replaced by a brand new golden panel that clearly listed the complete cultivation realm system in ancient font:

Nine Minor Realms

1. Wei Zhao

2. Ningqiong

3. Luo Chen

4. Tranquility

5. True Instrument

6. Psychic Communication

7. Wanhui

8. Ultra HD

9. Breaking the Mystery

Ascending to the Nine Realms

1. Lingzhao Realm

2. Qiongji Realm

3. Qingxi Realm

4. Moonlit Realm

5. Xiaoyou Realm

6. Chenji Realm

7. The Realm of Tranquility

8. Xuanyi Realm

9. Zhouqing Realm

Nine Realms of Return to Tranquility

1. Taiqiong Realm

2. Chenyuan Realm

3. Xi Xuan Realm

4. The Realm of Tranquility

5. Youqingjing

6. Wanji Realm

7. Xuanchen Realm

8. Silent Realm

9. Returning to the Profound Realm

Looking at the twenty-seven realms densely packed before him, and comparing them to the meager few cultivation techniques displayed in the system shop, Yu Moyan's face darkened, his tone tinged with dissatisfaction: "Seriously, system? So many realms, from the basic to the Returning to Nirvana Realm, such a vast span, and you're only showing me these few basic and mid-level cultivation techniques? I can't even see a shadow of a high-level technique?"

[Host, your access to the system shop's cultivation techniques is bound to your cultivation level. Currently, you are at the mortal stage, not yet at the Microcosmic Realm. You only have permission to view basic techniques and some Star-Rank and Domain-Rank techniques. Higher-rank techniques, such as World-Rank, Immortal, Venerable, and even Chaos-Rank techniques, will unlock automatically after you advance your cultivation level. Please examine your own actions and do not blame the system.]

Yu Moyan was speechless after being choked by the system's words. His face turned pale and then red. In the end, he could only snort coldly and simply ignored the system. He looked down at the Starry Sky Potion in his hand. The stars inside the bottle were still dazzling. Without hesitation, he uncorked the bottle and drank the starry liquid in one gulp.

The moment the medicine entered my mouth, it wasn't bitter or sweet as I had imagined; instead, it had a slightly cool, refreshing taste as it slid down my throat and into my stomach. But the next second, excruciating pain swept through my entire body!

It felt as if countless sharp blades were frantically cutting through his meridians, bones, and even cells, as if his body and soul were being torn apart by two invisible hands, and then pulled madly in opposite directions by two enormous black holes, trying to rip him to pieces.

The intense pain caused Yu Moyan to tremble violently. His forehead was instantly covered in a dense layer of cold sweat, which slid down his cheeks and dripped onto the ground. Fine beads of blood seeped from every pore of his body, staining his clothes red. Bright red blood slowly flowed from his seven orifices, making him look horrifying. He clenched his teeth, blood seeping from his gums, and couldn't help but let out a suppressed groan. His body curled up, unable to hold on any longer, and he collapsed to the ground.

"Damn it! System... think of something... stabilize it... I can't hold on much longer!" Yu Moyan roared through gritted teeth, his voice hoarse and filled with the despair of someone on the verge of death.

[Host, you can consume 5,000 Star Crowns to activate the gene stabilization buff, alleviating the pain of the modification and ensuring its successful completion. Activate?]

"Hurry up! Activate it now! If you don't activate it... I'm going to die!" Yu Moyan shouted with his last bit of strength.

[After deducting 5,000 Star Crowns, current remaining Star Crowns: 12,000. Gene stability buff activated...]

As soon as he finished speaking, a dark, viscous substance suddenly appeared around Yu Moyan, slowly surging like ink, dotted with countless tiny silvery halos, resembling a miniature starry sky. This substance, as if alive, frantically poured into Yu Moyan's body, enveloping his damaged meridians and bones, and slowly repairing his injuries.

The excruciating pain gradually subsided, replaced by a gentle warmth that flowed slowly through his limbs and bones. Yu Moyan collapsed to the ground, panting heavily, his body soaked in sweat and blood, utterly weak. The transformation process lasted for several hours, finally ending late at night.

Yu Moyan struggled to sit up, leaning against the bedside, feeling his strength gradually returning. He then mentally roared at the system: "System! Explain yourself! You clearly said the gene serum had no side effects, but the excruciating pain just now almost killed me! Blood was flowing from all seven orifices, my flesh was torn apart—and you call that no side effects? This is blatant deception!"

[Host, the system has never deceived you. The system only states that the gene serum has no side effects, meaning that the modification will not leave any hidden dangers or damage your foundation, and will perfectly optimize your genes. However, the system has never promised to eliminate the pain and life-threatening risks during the modification process. The host must clearly distinguish between side effects and modification risks.]

Yu Moyan was completely speechless, rendered speechless by the system's logic. He calmed down and carefully sensed the changes in his body, but no matter how he tried to perceive them, he felt no different from before the transformation. There was no surge of power, nor did he feel any improvement in his physique, as if the intense pain he had just experienced was just an illusion.

"System, what's going on? The gene modification is clearly complete, but I can't feel any changes at all. Did the modification fail?"

[Host, the genetic modification is complete. Your genetic sequence has been optimized to its fullest extent, and your physical potential has been greatly enhanced. However, genetic modification only lays the foundation and cannot directly grant you power. You need to spend Star Crowns to purchase cultivation techniques to activate the latent genetic power within your body in order to feel the changes.]

Yu Moyan suddenly understood; so that's how it is. He was about to ask to choose a cultivation technique when he suddenly remembered something and quickly asked, "By the way, system, I haven't checked in today, have I? What's today's check-in reward?"

[Host, you haven't checked in today. Would you like to check in now?]

"Check-in!"

[Check-in successful! Congratulations, host, on receiving a special reward: a meteorite from outer space. This meteorite originates from deep space and carries special cosmic matter on its surface, which can further break through the host's genetic limitations and enhance the modification effect. The meteorite's coordinates have been locked, and it is falling towards the host's planet, expected to arrive in one day.]

Yu Moyan raised an eyebrow. A meteorite from outer space? It could break through genetic limitations? That sounded like a good thing. However, he was too exhausted at the moment. Concentrating on fighting the excruciating pain during the gene modification had almost exhausted all his energy. He ignored the system, struggled to get up, quickly cleaned the blood off his body, and then collapsed onto the bed, falling into a deep sleep.

Unbeknownst to him, in the distant reaches of outer space, a jet-black meteorite, its surface shimmering with a faint silver light, was tearing through the endless darkness, hurtling towards this azure planet with unparalleled speed. Where the meteorite passed, space itself distorted slightly, as if even time itself was affected by its velocity; a cataclysmic event was quietly brewing. And the optimized genes within him were about to form an intricate connection with that soon-to-fall meteorite, embarking on a legendary journey of his own, a journey of ethereal solitude.