He arrived at the entrance of a large equipment laboratory, where the soldier stopped.
"Entry permission is required here, so I won't be accompanying you inside. Dr. Li Tanya said that Mr. Lu Luo's identity is quite special; you're allowed to enter, but please do not wander around to avoid any unnecessary trouble."
"I understand, thank you."
The soldier politely activated the access control for Lu Luo, then left on his own.
The hierarchical authority system of Grand Tactical Arms was even stricter than that of Lan Tian; this was not a place where he could linger.
Once Lu Luo entered, he realized that this was more than just a laboratory.
With no one there to greet him, Lu Luo simply took a silent tour for a while.
Apart from various types of biological cultivation vessels, in the center of the laboratory, there was a very unique Mecha on display.
But upon closer inspection, Lu Luo found that this thing couldn't be simply called a Mecha anymore, because it was entirely made of flesh, real flesh!
"This thing, it's like EVA, isn't it?" Lu Luo said with some astonishment.
"What is EVA, Mr. Lu Luo?"
At this moment, Dr. Li Tanya approached with a smile, her assistant in tow, her demeanor humble and her tone friendly.
Lu Luo, needing her assistance, was naturally inclined to keep a low profile and be polite at this time.
"Hello, Dr. Li, it's been a long time since we last met."
"Researchers don't bother with so many formalities. You still haven't told me, what is EVA?"
"EVA, actually, is an exclamation, nothing special."
"Do you think I'm easy to deceive, Mr. Lu Luo? If that's the case, you may leave now. You should understand, I'm rather meticulous. I compromised last time because I needed something from you, but now, you're here asking for my help. So, if you truly want my assistance, it would be wise to tell me what I want to know."
Dr. Li Tanya was as decisive, strong-willed, and tough to deal with as ever.
Lu Luo smiled awkwardly. With no other option, he could only try to placate her using Bai Yuetong's theory.
"Well then, EVA refers to Biomechanical Mobile Armor, a concept proposed by one of our company's technicians. The idea is to use renewable biological resources to replace mechanical armor, putting the Mecha in a semi-biological state. Upon energy infusion, the biological form would trigger specific energy defenses, thus possessing a protective effect that could match or even surpass that of regular armor."
Listening to Lu Luo speak, Dr. Li Tanya's expression became curious.
"This theory sounds familiar; who proposed it?"
"An employee of our company!"
"What's their name?" Dr. Li Tanya persisted.
"Just a newcomer, young and still a bit green, not exactly dependable—her name is Bai Yuetong."
Though Lu Luo spoke disparagingly, his eyebrows arched in pride while talking; the look of self-satisfaction was evident to anyone.
Dr. Li Tanya looked perplexed, observing that Lu Luo didn't seem to be lying.
"This theory, I think I've heard of it before! Has it been published?"
"Yes, she proposed this theory at the age of 17, and then she was mocked by your Inner Ring people."
"Bai Yuetong, Representative Luo Xuemin's daughter?"
Dr. Li Tanya finally remembered who Bai Yuetong was.
"So, Dr. Li, you know her! Yes, that's her, Representative Luo Xuemin's daughter; she's indeed very impressive. The Inner Ring used to scoff at this technology. Are you finding this theory interesting now?"
Lu Luo revealed an expression that was both naive and curious.
However, as soon as Lu Luo showed this expression, Dr. Li Tanya raised her eyebrows with a smile that was not quite a smile. She was not so easily dealt with.
"Mr. Lu Luo, you might as well keep your little schemes to yourself."
"Ah? Haha." Lu Luo, realizing his thoughts were exposed, laughed awkwardly.
Grand Tactical Arms had a very large gap in biotechnology compared to Lan Tian Biotechnology.
This gap in medicine, bio-genetic engineering, and pharmaceutical engineering had become too large to bridge.
Thus, after discussions, Grand Tactical Arms directly abandoned biological pharmaceuticals and medical applications, retaining only some genetic engineering.
Although they could not compare to Lan Tian in these aspects, there were some things that Lan Tian Biotechnology also did not possess.
Such as building Mecha.
If they were to develop a stronger biological Mecha technology, it would require the combination of biotechnology and Mecha technology.
Grand Tactical Arms lacks biotechnology, and Lan Tian lacks Mecha technology.
With this, Grand Tactical Arms and Lan Tian Biotechnology were back on the same starting line.
However, seeing the sly look on Lu Luo's face, Li Tanya realized that she had let some emotion slip through.
She immediately reined in her emotions, restrained her curiosity about Bai Yuetong's prior theory, and didn't inquire further about Bai Yuetong.
In doing so, she could regain the initiative in her conversation with Lu Luo, since he was the one seeking help.
"Alright, I have heard about Bai Yuetong's abilities, but I don't have time to discuss this with you now. You've come to me for something, right? Let's hear it, and see if I can help you."
Although Li Tanya's tone was very steady, it seemed as if she deliberately paused when saying the word "help."
There was no choice; she had been fleeced too severely by Lu Luo on the previous two occasions.
Now that she had the chance for a counterstrike, wouldn't she take Lu Luo to the cleaners?
She wants to butcher the pig.
Understood. I'll try my best not to give her the chance to fleece me!
Lu Luo was also aware that he might end up being fleeced by Li Tanya, but he was out of options.
Li Tanya wasn't the slippery type, so he couldn't use slippery tactics against her.
A straightforward, very intelligent, and very decisive scientific researcher is easy to deal with in theory, but only if there's substance to the discussion.
This meant that Lu Luo had to give something up himself.
"Dr. Li is a straightforward person, so I'll just be straightforward as well. The purpose of my visit is very difficult for me individually, but for your company, it should be relatively simple."
"Tell me the specifics."
With her arms crossed, Li Tanya calmly awaited Lu Luo's request.
"I want a bottle of Titan Blood, about 1 kilogram."
Hearing this, Li Tanya gave Lu Luo a somewhat skeptical look, as if saying, Can you actually handle it?
"Titan Blood? Isn't that the kind of stuff generally used for prolonging life and bolstering virility? You're so young, why do you need that?"
What? It also enhances virility? But with my Constitution, I don't need that effect!
Since it was the Unbeliever who needed it, Lu Luo could only start spouting nonsense.
"Titan Blood isn't just for prolonging life and bolstering virility; it's also an excellent alchemical material. Our company currently needs Titan Blood for Refining a particular item, and there's no substitute. I know Titan Blood is extremely rare, but Lan Tian Biotechnology should have even the rarest medicinal materials. That's why I came to you for help."
Li Tanya suddenly burst into laughter. Ah, Lu Luo, Lu Luo, you've finally fallen into my hands.
"Lan Tian Biotechnology has it, so why come to me? We at Grand Tactical Arms sell armaments, not medicine."
"Dr. Li, you must have heard something about our company's relationship with Lan Tian, right? If I didn't trust your capabilities, I wouldn't have come to you for help."
Li Tanya crossed her arms and began to circle Lu Luo.
"Lu Luo, you're asking for Titan Blood right from the start, but do you know how much Titan Blood costs?"
"The last batch of Titan Blood was priced at 290,000."
"How many years ago was that? Once humans discover an item has life-extending and virility-enhancing effects, its value never stays static. Titan Blood can only be obtained by killing a Titan-type Humanoid Lord, which is inherently very difficult. I can tell you unequivocally: the last batch of Titan Blood was bought by Lan Tian Biotech for 550,000 Alliance Currency per kilogram. Our company has a lot of money, but it doesn't grow on trees. Why should I help you?"
Should I take a hit and ask her if I can repay the debt with my body?
"Dr. Li, aren't you very interested in biological Mecha technology? We could actually collaborate. For instance, how about exchanging Bai Yuetong's complete theory on biological armor?"
"Heh, stop joking, Lu Luo. A theory is just a theory. Without sufficient capital, materials, and technical support, a theory can never become reality. You don't even have a complete base right now. On what grounds can you cooperate with me? You don't seriously believe a mere theory can get you hundreds of thousands from me for free, do you?"
In fact, Dr. Li Tanya was very interested in Bai Yuetong's theories and personal techniques. However, just as she said, she couldn't possibly spend hundreds of thousands, even millions, merely out of personal preference for a theory that might not even be useful.
Seeing that his attempt to offer pie in the sky was ineffective, Lu Luo could only nod and yield.
"Uh, Dr. Li, my physique is pretty good. How about I repay the debt with my body?"
Li Tanya narrowed her eyes at Lu Luo, a wicked smile playing on her lips.
"Repay with your body, eh? Once probably won't be enough. Installment payments, however, could be an option. Besides, that theory from Bai Yuetong, I do think we could collaborate on that."
She wants both me and the theory! Lu Luo squinted.
"Alright, how should I repay it specifically?"
"Come with me!"
...
Lu Luo looked at the biological armor in front of him, which was a size smaller than the average Mecha, his expression one of shock.
It turned out that Grand Tactical Arms had progressed beyond mere theory in their biological Mecha research; they had actually produced combat-ready test models.
"This is the G1-Toxic test subject; its life cells actually originate from that piece of Ganmu meat you brought back. We cultivated and replicated those chunks of meat and used them to create this toxic biological armor. The pilot is our company's Third Tier Transcendent, quite capable. Lu Luo, since you're selling yourself to repay a debt, then start by warming up and help me test the data on this Mecha. Don't break it, okay?"
No sooner had Li Tanya finished speaking than the G1-Toxic began to move.
It was extremely fast; due to the cooperation between biological muscles and mechanical joints, it could perform more complex combat maneuvers than regular Mechas.
For example, a side roll with a Slash Strike, an attack maneuver that usually only very agile Transcendents could perform.
From the viewing platform, Li Tanya murmured in confusion, "What is Lu Luo doing? Isn't he going to dodge?"
Lu Luo didn't use any weapons but just raised his arm. The force from his steam Qi He and his body's strength suddenly erupted, solidly blocking the slash.
CLANG!
The sturdy alloy floor beneath his feet did not shatter, but it was completely dented, showing how powerful that strike was.
Scorching steam emanated from Lu Luo's body, shrouding him in mist and making his face indiscernible.
But his composure did not seem to be feigned.
Lu Luo glanced at his arm; his torn clothes were stained with a spot of blood.
"It broke the skin!"
The steam suddenly made an Outburst as Lu Luo clenched his fist and threw a punch.
BANG!
The G1-Toxic was actually knocked back several steps by Lu Luo's punch.
However, its formidable defenses protected the Transcendent inside; he wasn't instantly killed by Lu Luo's blow.
Lu Luo was also surprised by its defense. That was the peak power of Steam Second Gear, yet it took my punch and seemed largely unaffected. Truly formidable.
"Since we're testing weaponry, we should go all out, a true head-on clash, to get accurate data. Don't you agree, Dr. Li?"
Li Tanya looked somewhat excited. Though merely an ordinary person, such a visceral clash between Transcendents was precisely the kind of spectacle she enjoyed most.
"Heh, go on then!"
To satisfy this arrogant woman, Li Tanya, to get the Titan Blood, and for the dusk ritual on December 19th, Lu Luo had no choice but to cooperate fully with this biological Mecha. Since they wanted experimental data, he would give them a good fight.
"Then, I shall continue!"
Although the opponent's pilot was also a Third-Tier Transcendent, he was neither a Hunter nor a Believer, nor a member of the Constitution Guard Corps.
Therefore, to Lu Luo, such a Third Tier had virtually no reference value.
Lu Luo suddenly accelerated, and the G1-Toxic surged forward in kind.
BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
Flesh and the biological Mecha collided with full force, again and again, across the testing ground.
Overheated steam currents swirled chaotically within the laboratory.
Unconsciously, Li Tanya's hands had found their way to the railing.
Lu Luo's physical speed was so formidable it could rival the biological Mecha, something she found hard to imagine.
After 10 minutes, the assistant beside her couldn't help but remind her, "Doctor, the data recording is almost complete! Should we ask them to stop?"
However, Li Tanya disagreed. She felt she was about to see something even more interesting.
"Lu Luo, you're holding back, aren't you? Go all out. Show me your true strength, and let me see the true potential of this biological Mecha."
Lu Luo turned his head, his gaze focused.
"My full strength? Are you sure?"
"Positive!"
"Then... alright."
THUMP!
Everyone in the laboratory heard a forceful heartbeat, even more intense than when he used Steam Third Gear earlier.
Lu Luo's muscles began to swell rapidly, but the activation from the electricity made his body even more elastic and resilient.
THUMP! The second heartbeat sounded.
Steam Fourth Gear - Overcharge.
Lu Luo's intense aura oppressed the laboratory.
It wasn't just the opposing pilot; even Li Tanya, standing on the viewing platform, sensed something was wrong.
HAAAH!~
The exhaled steam was filled with drifting electric sparks.
Deliberate Bombardment Fist - Thunder Slash.
BOOM!
He threw a punch, and a torrent of electricity and steam instantly enveloped the biological Mecha. The violent force tore the entire machine to shreds in an instant, sending flesh flying everywhere.
When the dust settled, Lu Luo's fist was hovering before the chest of the Third Tier pilot.
As for the original biological Mecha, the G1-Toxic, only its two legs remained somewhat intact.
Lu Luo withdrew his fist and turned to look at Li Tanya on the viewing platform.
"That, I suppose, is my full strength!"
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