Volume One: The Planet of Ten Thousand Beasts Chapter 14: The Power Elixir

It was a vial of red potion, about the size of an adult’s ring finger, contained in tempered glass. The reason for not using plastic was that plastic containers lacked stability and would release substances under high temperatures, causing the potion to deteriorate. Although it was only a fleeting glimpse, Li Juxu immediately recognized it—it was the strength potion, the one he had longed for.

Almost instinctively, he accelerated suddenly, grabbing the strength potion just before it hit the ground. Quickly, he stuffed it into his clothes and, seizing the chaos, hurriedly left the street. Even after returning to the inn, his heart still pounded wildly.

He was uncertain whether the explosion was related to the strength potion. Given the value of such potions, conflicts were common. Yet, this was a gathering place, and using bombs here broke the rules. He didn’t know the identities of the conflicting parties; if it was just some reckless youths, their deaths would be regrettable but expected. Otherwise, severe punishment would surely follow.

Suddenly struck by an idea, Li Juxu left the inn again, heading in the opposite direction of the explosion. He bought a roast chicken, a leg of lamb, and ten pounds of cooked beef, spending a third of his living expenses at once. Returning to the inn, he closed the door behind him and took out the strength potion. Only then did he notice small cracks in the tempered glass—surely the impact of the explosion. He felt fortunate for his quick reflexes at that moment; had he not caught the potion, it might have shattered on the ground, wasting it entirely.

Since the apocalyptic war, humanity had placed great emphasis on self-study, obsessively pursuing the creation of superhumans. But becoming a superhuman from an ordinary person was no easy feat. After countless scientists’ relentless day-and-night research and experimentation, some progress was finally made: super potions, with the strength potion as a prime example.

An ordinary person who consumes the strength potion experiences an increase in power.

At humanity's core lies a deep craving for strength, and on the Planet of Beasts, this desire reached its zenith. Here, death lurked constantly; the greater the strength, the higher the chance of survival.

Cao Gang, aside from some lapses in treating his girlfriend, was generally fair and principled. When the team divided loot, he always let others choose first and took his pick last. Yet, for the strength potion, he shamelessly abandoned his principles—strength was simply too important.

This was Li Juxu’s first time obtaining a strength potion. Though he had never taken one before, he was no stranger to them. He had heard countless stories from other hunters, and though unfamiliar with its taste, he recalled every detail about the potion. After filling a tub with cold water, he poured the potion into his mouth. It was warm and slightly sweet.

After one minute, his body felt mildly warm; by three minutes, heat spread through him; after five minutes, his skin flushed red, breathing grew rapid, and his heartbeat quickened. Ten minutes in, his breath was hot and dry; fifteen minutes later, he felt as if a furnace was burning within him, and he longed desperately for water—but he resisted. At eighteen minutes, double vision began to blur his sight, yet he endured. At twenty-five minutes, he climbed into the bathtub, the cold water awakening him slightly. He then grasped the food he had prepared and began devouring it ravenously.

The strength potion does not create power from nothing; rather, it stimulates the body's cells, unlocking potential and thereby increasing strength. This process burns tremendous energy, and if one fails to replenish it promptly, the effect diminishes drastically. Many inexperienced people suffered greatly.

The best way to replenish energy is with nutrient supplements, which cost nearly as much as the strength potion itself. Li Juxu had never even had the chance to access such supplements, and even if he had, he could not afford them. Meat was the preferred choice for most, but it demanded great willpower. The potion’s effects caused intense pain, and many fainted before they could eat enough meat to restore energy.

Before taking the strength potion, Li Juxu believed himself strong-willed, able to endure any hardship. But after experiencing its torment firsthand, he realized his strength was limited. Fortunately, he had filled the bathtub with cold water beforehand; otherwise, he might not have stayed conscious.

After finishing the beef, he could eat no more. Yet to maximize the potion’s effect, he forced down bite after bite of lamb. When he reached for the roast chicken, he simply could not eat more—his stomach was swollen like a balloon. He feared that if he tried to eat further, he might vomit.

The water in the tub had warmed, so Li Juxu refreshed it with cold water, striving to remain alert and carefully sensing his body’s changes. Beyond the pain and discomfort, he felt a faint, almost imperceptible transformation within—so subtle it could be likened to a slow dribble of water from a leaking tap. Small drops, barely noticeable, but over time, enough to sense a slight coolness and dampness.

An hour passed; the excruciating pain peaked and gradually subsided. The internal heat became more bearable, and his bloated stomach eased. He finished the roast chicken bite by bite. After another half hour, his skin returned to normal, breathing steadied, and the fog in his mind cleared. Two hours later, all adverse effects vanished. Emerging from the tub, Li Juxu felt unprecedented comfort.

It was like awakening after a week of relentless suffering, having finally slept for three days—suddenly, the world seemed beautiful. His body’s surface showed no visible change, but he knew he had grown stronger. Exactly how much strength he had gained remained to be tested, yet he could sense the progress within.

After tidying his room, he stepped out and saw Wild Boar and Rat discussing the explosion on the street. Without any official announcement, rumors abounded. The two were curious why Li Juxu had returned so early, and he explained it was because of the blast. Their curiosity was satisfied.

Though Li Juxu was the youngest in the team, his demeanor was remarkably steady. He avoided trouble, disliked spectacle, knowing that excitement often invited risk. Steering clear of potential problems suited his nature perfectly.

He kept the strength potion a secret. Despite being a well-acquainted team member, some secrets were best kept from others. None could know what the future held—enmity might one day arise.

Wang Xiaoxin was not at the inn, whereabouts unknown; Cao Gang had yet to return. Li Juxu requested several decks of playing cards and returned to his room.

Wild Boar and Rat were not surprised. After witnessing Cao Gang’s skill with flying stones, Li Juxu rarely envied others. Cao Gang was generous in sharing his techniques, but Li Juxu’s strength was insufficient for effective flying stones. Cao Gang suggested he learn to use playing cards instead. Since he couldn’t follow the strength path, he might as well hone his skill. A well-thrown playing card could sever a throat.

Thus, practicing with playing cards became Li Juxu’s second great passion alongside firearms.