What is the definition of life?
This is a topic within the universe that, though somewhat trivial, must be discussed.
After all, civilizations that can step into the universe are mostly beyond the fear of hunger, and once thatâs no longer a concern, everyone starts pondering life.
The definition of life, in its simplest form, is a tool for passing time when squatting, but in a larger sense, it can even determine diplomatic relations between civilizations.
After all, an extinction regime and a mixed-blood federation can never play along together.
In the eyes of intelligent species, independence and freedom symbolize life.
But this is just the view of some intelligent species. Symbionts, bacterial races, nano-consciousness, and insect nest minds disagree.
In the universe, there are indeed many intelligent species that, while not independent or self-determined, still live well.
This type of intelligent species is most prevalent in carbon-based civilizations.
Saying so much is just to prove one thing: some species, like âKeramosâ, only care about evolution and are indifferent to certain unique human perspectives, such as loyalty, freedom, belonging, and betrayal.
Their sole purpose of existence is evolution.
And their means of evolution is through being researched.
First, they were researched by âWater Monkey Scientistsâ, then by the âKnight Orderâ, and later by âGaoâ.
To put it simplyâ
Their only aim is to become the mayorâs wife, and they donât care who the mayor is.
Therefore, when Gao Gong demonstrated his techniques, especially those that could further aid their evolution, it was only natural for âKeramosâ, the King of Deep Sea Leeches, to choose cooperation.
Based on this foundation, they together tricked and killed the âBlack Standard Bearerâ.
...
At the deepest part of the Eye of the Ocean, there is an ancient sea trench, where at this moment, a colossal creature squeezed out from within a black hole.
Just the parts extending out would be enough to make someone with a fear of large objects faint instantly.
Segments of black intestines with a diameter of ten meters protruded out, as if endless, stretching all the way to the vicinity of the sea surface before finally stopping.
In height, even the skyscrapers of the Cyber Era canât compare.
In the next moment, a terrifying suction power was emitted, creating one gigantic whirlpool after another on the ocean surface.
Summoned by âGodâ, a large number of âOcean Knightsâ rode their Cloud Wing Beasts out from the sea bottom, their eyes wild with fervor, chanting strange incantations or perhaps songs, and their targets of attack were no longer the mixed-blood Sea People but their former alliesâthe Knight Order!
Thus, an unexpected battle broke out.
From the direction of the submarine, a biomechanical knight roughly grabbed a Water Monkey Scientist by the neck, nearly tearing it off.
"What are your people doing, tell them to stop immediately! Or Iâll kill you!"
Outside the submarine, a large number of Ocean Knights appeared, recklessly besieging the biomechanical knights without any regard for their own lives, exchanging ten for one, or even a hundred for one, without hesitation.
The already understaffed biomechanical knights immediately fell into a high-intensity casualty situation.
The Water Monkey Scientist remained calm:
"43% of our bodies are cells, and the remaining 57% are microorganisms."
"In the human genome, 37% of genes are derived from bacteria, 28% from eukaryotes, 16% from animals, and 15% from vertebrates. Only 6% are entirely new genes."
"The flesh is not the essence of life."
The biomechanical knight flew into a rage, tearing off one of the opponentâs arms while shouting:
"What do you mean!?"
"What I mean is, what you refer to as death is the end of self-awareness, but for us, itâs just a new life journey. Our genes, cells, and other microorganisms will unite with the mother, waiting for the next âbirthâ."
"Itâs strange, you possess advanced biotechnology, yet your thinking is completely aligned with humans, incredible."
âCrack,â the neck of this Water Monkey Scientist was snapped.
"Kill them all!"
Accompanied by the roar of the biomechanical knight, all the Water Monkey Scientists were slaughtered, and even many human scientists were caught in the aftermath and perished.
As the thick outer steel of the submarine was torn open, the beast pupils of Ocean Knights shone brightly at the breaches.
...
And in the ancient trench, as âKeramosâ revealed its full form.
From the âsmall intestine areaâ, a body slowly squeezed out, with countless transparent leeches clinging to her body surface, absorbing fragments of her consciousness, preventing her from emitting any biological signals.
Gao Gong also appeared, floating across from her, his hair growing long and turning red, transforming from ordinary hair into neural bundles.
A head full of red hair shot out, stabbing into various parts of her body.
S-Level Talent, âFlesh Fusionâ activated!
[Your Power +1]
[Your Agility +1]
[Your Power +1]
[Youâve acquired the random talent âBiological Hard Diskâ]
...
As the âStar Absorption Skillâ unfolded, the female Standard Bearerâs flesh visibly paled, as if suffering a severe illness, with her bodyâs nutrients rapidly depleting.
Seeing her weakened to a certain extent, Gao Gong immediately used his other talentâReverse Symbiosis.
Reverse Symbiosis (Bloodline Talent): The greatest capability of a symbiote is to devour the opponentâs body and acquire their abilities. However, as an artificial symbiote, you can separate a portion of your âfleshâ, allowing the other party to obtain your ability.