Li Ren, a former PhD in biology, is now a rogue cultivator at the third level of Qi Refining.
While others struggle to absorb spiritual energy, he builds a lab to analyze spiritual-root spectra.
While others fight over ancient cultivation manuals, he designs an industrial production line for pills.
While the sect's prodigies flaunt their innate spiritual roots, he awakens custom-made spiritual roots in his mortal disciples.
An elder of the Azure Flame Sect sneers, “A good-for-nothing with no spiritual root thinks he can cultivate immortality?”
Li Ren adjusts his nonexistent glasses. “Sorry, but in my lab, spiritual roots can be mass-produced.”
The Pavilion Master of Heaven's Secrets looks down on all living beings. “The rules of the cultivation world must not be broken.”
Li Ren activates a holographic projection. “According to Chapter Three of Spiritual Root Coding, your so-called rules are just an inefficient control program.”
Then one day, the sky splits open, and mechanical tentacles descend from above.
A cold announcement rings out: “Test Site 007. An anomalous civilization variable has been detected. Initiating purge protocol.”
Li Ren turns to smile at the million mortal cultivators behind him.
“Class, the experiment is over.”
“Now it's time to teach these ‘Creators’ what... a technological explosion looks like.”
