Herta Space Station, Confinement Zone.
This was originally the place where Herta entertained distinguished guests. However, aside from fellow members of the Genius Society, almost no one was worthy of being personally received by her.
As a result, the area gradually fell into disuse and was later appropriated by Ruan Mei for various cultivation experiments.
At this moment, Nolan and Ruan Mei stepped out of the space elevator together. The place was dim and looked as though no one had maintained it for quite some time.
"Identity confirmed. Welcome back, Ms. Ruan Mei."
A small floating robot with a flashing red light flew out. After successfully verifying her identity, the lights in the compartment automatically turned on.
"Let's go. We need to deal with it before Herta notices," Ruan Mei said, glancing sideways at Nolan.
It was no secret that she conducted cultivation experiments in the Confinement Zone, but that was under the premise that they did not involve cultivating an Emanator.
After all, artificially cultivating an Emanator was a rather insane undertaking, especially when it came to cultivating an Emanator of Propagation from the Swarm.
In a sense, since the Swarm was one of the cosmic calamities of the universe, cultivating their Emanator was not much different in nature from Emperor Rupert, who once created the Anti-Organic Equation.
Of course, with Ruan Mei's strength, she would not be incapable of handling the "pseudo-Emanator" she had cultivated. However, if others found out about it, her reputation might become similar to that of the "Primitive Doctor."
The Primitive Doctor was also a member of the Genius Society, but infamous. Many of his experiments endangered interstellar society, making him widely despised.
From this perspective, daring to cultivate a Swarm Emanator on the space station was indeed quite bold of Ruan Mei.
"Mm."
Nolan nodded lightly and continued walking forward alongside her.
Beneath the slit of her qipao, her snow white legs moved gracefully, and her dark navy high heels produced crisp sounds against the floor. Her smooth black hair swayed gently as if brushed by a faint breeze.
Before long, the two of them arrived at a room filled with numerous cultivation pods, though none of them currently contained any lifeforms.
Just then, Nolan saw two adorable little creatures emerge from a corner.
One resembled a small cat with a pastry-like shell, while the other looked exactly like a white steamed bun. They made soft, cute "mew-mew" sounds as they hopped closer to Ruan Mei and rubbed against her feet.
Ruan Mei glanced at them but continued walking without responding. The two little creatures bounced along behind her.
Nolan blinked in surprise.
"Ms. Ruan Mei, what are these little ones?"
"They are creations I cultivated during previous research experiments. Their intelligence is not yet mature, so they tend to be somewhat attached to their creator," Ruan Mei explained briefly.
"To speak so casually about creating entirely new species…"
Nolan could not help but sigh in admiration.
Under normal circumstances, the natural emergence of a species required millions, tens of millions, or even billions of years of gradual evolution.
Yet Ruan Mei could drastically shorten that process and effortlessly cultivate entirely new species. Perhaps this was what it meant to be a genius.
Nolan could understand that. In a sense, he was also a "genius," only manifested in his rapid growth in strength.
For anyone else, it would be difficult to imagine that someone could rely on themselves to reach such unattainable heights of power within such a short time.
When they reached the stepped exit on the other side of the room, Ruan Mei lowered her gaze to the two little creatures at her feet.
"Go back. Stop following."
What awaited them next was an Emanator of the Swarm. It would be dangerous.
"Miwuu…"
Hearing Ruan Mei's words, the two little creatures stopped, lowered their heads, and muttered softly. It was unclear what they were saying, but they seemed extremely dejected.
"Uh, they look upset. Shouldn't you comfort them a little?" Nolan suggested.
Ruan Mei paused, thought for a moment, then looked at the two creations she had cultivated and spoke again.
"It's dangerous ahead. Stay here for now."
"Miwu!" The two little ones bounced lightly, as if to say they understood. Their mood seemed less downcast than before.
"Bye-bye!"
Nolan waved at them as well before continuing down the steps alongside Ruan Mei.
As they walked, he said curiously, "Ms. Ruan Mei, it feels like you're not very good at interacting with them."
"Perhaps. From planets down to microorganisms, the lifeforms I cultivate are nearly endless. It's impossible for me to care for each of them at all times. I can only try to find suitable places for them," Ruan Mei replied calmly.
"That makes sense. Then leaving these little ones on the space station seems quite fitting. They can at least see you from time to time."
Nolan felt her reasoning was understandable.
"I only come here occasionally when Herta needs something. Most of the time, I am not here," Ruan Mei shook her head.
The day to day research for the Simulated Universe project could be handled remotely. Under normal circumstances, there was no need for her to come in person.
"I see."
Nolan chatted with Ruan Mei a bit longer. Soon, they reached a lower level and continued forward for quite some time before arriving at a sealed door.
After another round of identity verification, the door opened automatically, and the two of them stepped inside.
It was a vast, open chamber. A massive cultivation tank stood before them, containing a deep blue giant insect.
[Level: 153]
[Starcrusher Swarm King, Skarakabaz (Pseudo): A replicated Starcrusher Swarm King cultivated by life sciences expert Ms. Ruan Mei. The original is a direct offspring personally bred by the Propagation Aeon, Tayzzyronth. Its mouthparts can emit a death ray capable of splitting celestial bodies, making it a nightmare across realms. This replica possesses thirty percent of the original's power. Due to the integration of Star-Devouring Whale genes, it can absorb planetary energy to sustain its existence. Without an energy supply, it will self-disintegrate after ten minutes.]
Nolan activated his Golden Judgment Eye, combined with Yae Miko's affection skill, to take a closer look. The deep blue insect before him was indeed the Propagation Emanator Ruan Mei had mentioned.
Although it only possessed thirty percent of the original's strength, it was still level 153, slightly stronger than Phantylia, whom he had encountered before.
"Ms. Ruan Mei, you truly deserve your reputation as an expert in life sciences and a rare genius of the galaxy. To think you can even cultivate an Emanator!"
Nolan showed genuine admiration.
No matter how powerful he was in battle, no matter how high his life level rose or how much his cognitive abilities improved, he could never rely solely on his own knowledge to cultivate a true Emanator.
Perhaps this was the charm of a scholar. Even without great physical strength, they could still move the world with ease.
(End of Chapter)
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