Brain cells are highly differentiated cells and therefore incapable of division. However, nerve cells can differentiate and regenerate from neural stem cells in a process known as "neurogenesis." This neurogenesis is limited to only two regions: the subventricular zone and the subgranular zone of the hippocampal dentate gyrus. Furthermore, this capacity for neurogenesis diminishes with age. Scientists have found that adult rats produce thousands of new brain cells each day, while humans and other primates produce even fewer. However, the vast majority of these newborn brain cells die off, falling far short of offsetting the number of cells dying daily.
Consequently, under natural conditions, human brain cells remain in a state of continuous decline. This process lasts a lifetime. Around the age of 25, it begins to affect normal life, and by 27, all cognitive faculties enter a downward trend. By the age of 80, about half of the brain cells are lost—a theory that has been confirmed by modern science on the Blue Planet.
Additionally, magnetic resonance imaging shows that overall brain volume begins to decrease as early as age 18. Between the ages of 18 and 60, brain gray matter gradually diminishes, while white matter slowly increases until age 45, after which it also declines.
According to the information found within the Ring, taking the Intermediate Genetic Potion can permanently enhance brain cell vitality, stimulate brain cell regeneration, and promote nerve cell differentiation. This essentially halts brain cell death while continuously reinforcing nerve cells. Practically anyone who takes the Intermediate Genetic Potion will experience a massive enhancement in spiritual force, even reaching the point where spiritual force can manifest externally—much like a magnetic field interacting with iron filings in its vicinity, allowing externalized spiritual force to manipulate objects just like the legendary Divine Sense. More importantly, it broadens the range of human perception, allowing one to perceive the world through the so-called Divine Sense, beyond the traditional five senses of sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch.
Meanwhile, taking the Advanced Genetic Potion not only further strengthens one's physique, enabling humans to adapt to extreme environments in the universe—such as surviving temperatures of tens of thousands of degrees Celsius, environments filled with cosmic rays, and gravity a hundred times that of Earth—but also extends human lifespan by 80,000 to over 100,000 Blue Planet years, while carrying a 30% probability of triggering superpowers. These superpowers refer to the special enhancement of certain human abilities to levels far exceeding those of ordinary people. For instance, some awaken super-speed, others super-strength, and some can even freely control fire, metal, water, and plants. Among all superpowers, the rarest are those related to space and time.
This was presenting an opportunity to become a superman right before one's eyes.
Li Xiangdong could hardly wait, but for the sake of safety, after finishing the introductory knowledge guide, he decided to search the Ring further for more comprehensive data.
Activating the Ring once again, he typed "Primary Genetic Potion data" into the search bar.
To his surprise, he found a wealth of information. First was the aforementioned "Primary Genetic Potion"; second was "Genetic Potion Production Technology Data"; and third was "Primary Genetic Potion User Guide (found inside the physical packaging box)."
Li Xiangdong first retrieved a set of genetic potion production technology documents from the Ring (which turned out to be another 10-inch tablet-sized packaging box) and tossed it aside. Then he picked up a box of Primary Genetic Potion, placed it on his desk, and carefully opened it. On the inside of the lid, he found the previously discovered embedded tablet, alongside a groove containing a bottle opener.
Carefully taking out the tablet and turning it on, he found that it was touch-sensitive and began to read intently.
"The Primary Genetic Potion, produced by Daqin Starriver Technology, can be taken directly orally. Proven through countless modifications and uses by numerous people, it comprehensively improves physical fitness. Its safety profile is exceptionally high, with an adverse reaction probability of less than one in a million."
"Oral Instructions: It is best taken when in good health and in a sound mental state. If taken during illness, it can help patients recover by boosting their immunity, though it will reduce the efficacy of the physical improvement to a certain extent. The consumption process will cause heavy sweating to expel toxins from the body, so attention must be paid to replenishing water."
"The Primary Genetic Potion is a light-blue transparent liquid with a slightly sweet taste. It generally does not spoil when sealed at room temperature. If discoloration or sediment is found, it must not be consumed."
"The Primary Genetic Potion can also be used to improve carbon-based lifeforms other than humans, though the enhancement effect is less pronounced than in humans, and the efficacy varies greatly among different species."
"The Intermediate Genetic Potion can only be used at least one month after taking the Primary Genetic Potion; otherwise, it is prone to causing unpredictable consequences."
It seemed that the conditions for taking the Primary Genetic Potion were not complicated. Furthermore, Li Xiangdong learned from the data that aside from drugs promoting genetic evolution, the main component of a genetic potion largely consisted of the Life Energy required for human genetic repair. If the necessary energy replenishment was lacking during the process of genetic evolution, it would cause genetic collapse and lead to evolutionary failure.
Reading through this information in one breath, Li Xiangdong knew that the primary genetic evolution potion was quite safe. Although he was extremely satisfied with this result, for the sake of his own skin, he still forcefully suppressed the urge to take the Primary Genetic Potion immediately.
"No rush, no rush. Since it's also effective on animals, I'll let the family's mongrel dog try it first. Once I confirm there are no problems, I'll take it myself."
He picked up a bottle of Primary Genetic Potion, retrieved the bottle opener from the box lid, and went downstairs to fetch Xiaohei, the family's pet mongrel (scientific name: Chinese rural dog).
Xiaohei was a half-grown mutt. The moment it saw Li Xiangdong, it wagged its tail furiously, displaying an eagerness as if it knew a treat was coming its way.
"Xiaohei, I've got something good for you to drink."
Bringing Xiaohei to an unnoticed corner of the courtyard, Li Xiangdong carefully used the bottle opener to score the glass at the top of the Primary Genetic Potion bottle. He tilted the dog's head up, opened its jaws, and poured the entire small vial of pale-blue liquid into its mouth. The little black dog smacked its lips, stretched out its tongue to lick repeatedly, as if wanting more.
Li Xiangdong patted its head. "Still complaining it's too little? This is a miraculous elixir; eat too much and you might explode and die."
After playing and frolicking with Xiaohei for a bit, Li Xiangdong carefully checked its condition—everything was completely normal.
"I'll see how it looks tomorrow before deciding whether to take it myself."
Returning to his bedroom, Li Xiangdong turned on his desk lamp and inspected the empty genetic potion bottle, noticing the imprint: "SW-76-1573." Not knowing what the string of numbers meant, he simply placed the empty glass tube back into the box, tidied up the various packaging boxes around the room, and made the bedroom look much neater.
Next, of course, was to continue studying.
He opened the "Popular Science Education Study Materials" and began reading earnestly from the beginning.