Damn!

Why is this map of Yen so damn short, sending me straight into a death trap!

Within three seconds of observing the Old Emperor's aged face, Yang Ming understood the perilous situation he was in.

He couldn't give this blood.

First, the Emperor forbade bioengineering—though desiring an extended lifespan, the stability of the Empire necessitated a continual turnover of the throne. If the Emperor were to receive this blood and the affair blew up, he wouldn't take the blame—Yang Ming would.

He would be accused of a crime and became an enemy to the Imperial Military Department, Elder Court, Great Nobles, and even those princes and princesses.

Second, there was a risk of cloning. No one could be sure to what extent the Empire's biotechnology had developed or how far the research on the Ancient God Cells had progressed.

Third, if the Emperor were to successfully undergo the Ancient God Life Form transformation, even as a lowly 'third-level' life form, with the power at the Emperor's command, Yang Ming and the Valkyrie would eventually become mere blood pumps. And if the Emperor were to die from the blood's derivative, the blame would still fall on Yang Ming.

His opportunity to face the Emperor was an Empire's political stunt to perfect its historical position, not because of his strength.

Privately, from the perspective of the Emperor, it was just an inconsequential trial.

Yang Ming had assumed that having just performed such a great service for the Empire, he was in the honeymoon phase of their relationship. But now, he realized how fragile that 'relationship' was.

What could he do now to refuse the Emperor's request and still ensure his continuity in the Empire...

"Emperor," Yang Ming said softly, "I apologize, but I can't give you this blood."

The Emperor's smile didn't change; he merely arched an eyebrow and squinted with a smile: "You're refusing me, is that right?"

"No, it's not a refusal."

Thoughts raced through the bottom of Yang Ming's heart.

If he refused, the Emperor wouldn't act against him directly; this Emperor seemed to value 'reputation' a lot.

"Emperor, allow me to elaborate on the dangers of this matter. You know my name, White Ghost. If I may be so bold, do you know the story behind it?"

Yang Ming was betting that the Emperor hadn't poured over too many Military Intelligence Bureau dossiers.

The Emperor spoke with a smile, "Do tell."

"It's because I've actually died once before."

Yang Ming sighed softly.

The Emperor couldn't help but frown slightly.

"Faya, this term should be familiar to you—it refers to a civilization."

The Emperor sat up, leaned in close to Yang Ming, and whispered, "Where did you learn this term?"

"I've encountered them, Your Majesty," Yang Ming said, "It's related to the powers I've acquired. You've heard, I assume, about my Valkyrie, a higher life form? She is a creation of Faya."

A fire of contemplation flickered in the Emperor's eyes as he scrutinized Yang Ming.

"Young man, do you realize what you're saying?"

"I certainly and clearly know," Yang Ming's gaze was clear and earnest.

Back on Earth, while reading novels, he chanced upon a sentence—The most flawless lies in the world are made of truths, it only takes the omission of some truths.

The Old Emperor seemed to have a sort of nervous sensitivity to the word Faya.

Yang Ming waited quietly, as the Old Emperor's gaze slowly returned to calmness.

He whispered softly, "Hanton, this is taboo. Absolutely do not mention it to outsiders."

"Because the person before me is you," Yang Ming said, "if there were only one human in the Milky Way aware of this name, it would surely be you."

The Emperor cracked a faint smile, "Continue... Don't worry, none can overhear our conversation. These two behind me are deaf-mutes."

"Kigrov's experiment is a continuation of a research project that the Empire has conducted for hundreds of years, which centers around a group of Ancient God Cells."

Yang Ming spoke unhurriedly, making sure the Emperor grasped the logic.

"Normally, Ancient God Cells can't maintain a cellular cluster state; they either die swiftly or proliferate and divide into new Ancient God Life Forms.

"But how can the Empire possess a cellular cluster for hundreds of years without suspicion?"

"They told me that our technology has reached that level."

"That's ludicrous," Yang Ming said, "I don't mean to insult your loyal and dedicated research team, but there's one important thing—if I wanted to vanish before you, I could simply let this body self-destruct, suffer serious damage, then regenerate myself using a reserve cell cluster I'd left outside."

The Emperor arched an eyebrow slightly.

With a bitter smile, Yang Ming said, "Though the process would be painful and I'd lose further remnants of my human sanity. You must've studied me and known that every time I fought the Valkyrie, I could kill her, but she always came back to life. It's because I can't find her reserve cell cluster."

"Hold on a moment."

The Emperor gestured to the side and a Maid brought over a 'tablet'.

The Emperor leaned to the other side, glancing at the tablet for a while before tossing it aside, then turning sharply to stare at Yang Ming.

Yang Ming:...

Seems like they just investigated him!

"You are not a product of our civilization," the Emperor said with regret.

Yang Ming nodded slowly and spoke in a low voice:

"Emperor, the fact that I can survive is also due to Faya interference. Only with Faya help can the Ancient God Life Form grafting be completed.

"And this chance is very, very slim. The Faya people told me they've been adjusting human samples since the beginning of the experiments, starting directly with human embryos."

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