Chapter 91

Chapter 91

As they had purchased low-grade enslaved females, these types of female insects were generally not favored by high-ranking males. Many exchanges turned a blind eye, selling them off for mining.

This, however, played right into Lu Cian and his group's hands.

Across the cosmos, a large ship was followed by two other large vessels and dozens of small to medium-sized ships.

With such a conspicuous show of force, even if some planets detected their movements, no one suspected their identities.

If they were space pirates, such audacity wouldn’t be limited to just a few ships.

If they were fugitives, they’d be hiding in dark, damp corners, struggling to survive—not flaunting their presence like this.

By some miracle, Lu Cian’s fleet traveled through numerous planets without being exposed.

Perhaps their luck was truly exceptional.

As their route passed more and more planets, the number of female insects gathering in their fleet grew steadily.

Watching the massive fleet trailing behind them on the screen, Lu Cian felt apprehensive.

At first, he thought the expanding fleet looked impressive, but now, seeing its sheer scale, he wondered—was this too much?

He turned to Nair Inan and said, “With so many of us moving in such a grand formation, isn’t this a bit too high-profile?”

Nair Inan replied, “Once we pass the next space station, I’ll have some of them warp back.”

Only then did Lu Cian relax, realizing he was worrying too much.

“Brother Nan, you’re amazing. I pale in comparison.”

Hearing this rare praise, Nair Inan’s expression softened. “You handle far more responsibilities than I do. If anything, you’re the impressive one.”

Lu Cian immediately grinned, pulling a goofy face. “No way! You’re definitely the best!”

The words left him feeling a little embarrassed—it sounded childish.

He quickly changed the subject. “I got a lot of authentic seasonings from Nuo Sen, and I’ve come up with a few new dishes. Let me cook for you.”

Nair Inan: “The robot insects can handle cooking. Don’t tire yourself out—I’ll eat anything.”

Lu Cian: “No, I’m not tired at all! I love cooking!”

As they spoke, they headed toward the ship’s dining area.

“The cake I made last time was pretty good, right?”

“It was delicious. Everything you make is delicious.”

Lu Cian beamed with pride. “I got my hands on pure sugar this time. I’ll make an even better cake for you.”

His previous cake had been decent, but the sugar flavor was artificial, like industrial sweetener—not the real deal.

Now that he had genuine sugar, he wanted to perfect the cake’s taste.

Considering Nair Inan’s preference for milder flavors, Lu Cian estimated he could make several batches with the sugar he had.

This time, he wouldn’t share the delicious cake with the others—the ingredients were too scarce.

“Alright, thank you,” Nair Inan said earnestly.

Lu Cian was in high spirits, thinking how pleasant his Brother Nan’s voice was—even a simple “thank you” sounded so heartfelt.

……

Meanwhile, the laboratory research had also made a breakthrough.

Joseph had finally identified the properties of hemp nettle toxin.

The toxin affected female and male insects slightly differently.

Research showed that the toxin acted almost instantly. Females, with their stronger physiques and higher resistance, were more resilient, while males, being more fragile, suffered greater effects.

However, the toxin wasn’t lethal—it only caused intense distress.

In fact, when properly processed in small doses, it could even benefit the body.

This opened the possibility of developing hemp nettle derivatives.

For females, the toxin not only harmed the skin but also affected psychic energy. However, since female psychic energy was naturally potent, the impact wasn’t severe.

For males, it was different. Anything related to males was subject to immediate recall—if problems arose, the product would be ordered destroyed.

If hemp nettle products were sold in the empire and accidentally harmed males, their entire operation could be exposed.

Recalling how Lu Cian had been affected by deactivated hemp nettle toxin, Nair Inan suspected he might be male. He had informed Joseph from the start.

This piqued Joseph’s interest, so he redirected his studies to focus on male reactions. His findings revealed that trace amounts of the toxin could amplify male emotions.

This had both advantages and disadvantages—somewhat like a stimulant. If it proved addictive, Joseph would have abandoned the research immediately. Unlike unscrupulous scientists, he had principles.

Still, giving up midway felt like a waste. They even considered limiting sales to females only.

But this left Joseph somewhat disinterested in further experiments.

Lu Cian objected, “No way! We finally found something that can be used for male products—it’d be a shame to give up now.”

Truthfully, he just saw it as a cash cow—why let it slip away?

After discovering a plant with such potential, using it only for food seemed wasteful.

Male credits were low-hanging fruit!

Lu Cian proposed an idea: “Male insects in the empire are so hot-tempered—we’d never sell herbal remedies. So let’s pivot.”

Since males were violent, lazy, and prone to abusing females, why not give them an outlet to channel their aggression? That way, they’d be too exhausted to lash out.

But amplifying their emotions couldn’t mean fueling their aggression.

After long consideration, Lu Cian announced, “Let’s make an aphrodisiac. Get those males to go seven rounds a night—let them do their part for population growth.”

Nair Inan: “???”

Milo: “!!!”

Joseph: “…”

Nair Inan: Only yesterday, Lu Cian still seemed like a youngster. How did he grow up so much in a day’s time?

Milo: "Lord Lu is also a male Zerg, so why would you have such an idea? Could it be that... Your Excellency is... impotent?!"

Joseph, on the other hand, reacted normally. He felt that having a great researcher like him study something as basic as an aphrodisiac was a complete waste of his talent!

Wait... an aphrodisiac for male Zerg?

Joseph's eyes grew thoughtful. Products for male Zerg... weren't entirely out of the question.

Mild hemp nettle toxin could amplify male Zerg's emotions and selectively stimulate corresponding senses. Lu Cian's request for Joseph to develop an aphrodisiac specifically for male Zerg aimed to profoundly satisfy their inner void.

That amplified sensation should be... quite stimulating.

Male Zerg usually enjoyed flogging female Zerg to seek stimulation. Now, with something even more intense and gratifying, once they got a taste of it, the aphrodisiac would likely become very popular among male Zerg in the Empire, right?

Milo thought he had guessed the truth and eagerly agreed with the idea. Although Joseph initially felt that creating such a product was beneath him, it still counted as a research achievement.

Recently, Joseph hadn't produced any significant results, so having one now was somewhat satisfying.

He was also quite enthusiastic about researching male Zerg-related products.

If they could really sell it, they would undoubtedly make a fortune. Credits were a good thing—no one ever had enough of them.

After repeated profit incentives from Lu Cian, Joseph finally "compromised."

Formulating an aphrodisiac was no technical challenge for a research scholar. The Empire's market already had similar products, and for a researcher like Joseph, it was even less of an issue.

Two days later, the finished product was ready.

"We did it! We finally succeeded!" Milo exclaimed excitedly.

Joseph looked at his overly excitable and utterly undisciplined assistant, thinking the other Zerg lacked composure.

Of course, they could produce something this simple.

However, there had been a minor setback during the process.

Considering the product's success and its relevance to male Zerg, Joseph allowed himself a faint smile.

For some reason, Joseph was particularly interested in experiments related to male Zerg.

Upon hearing the product was ready, Lu Cian and Nair Inan rushed over.

Lu Cian examined a tube of translucent pale green liquid and asked curiously, "How is this supposed to be used?"

Joseph had Milo, his assistant, demonstrate. Milo immediately spoke with confidence.

"This lighter-colored solution can be taken orally or applied externally, though the external effects are relatively mild. The darker one is more potent—half a dose is sufficient if taken orally."

"Both can quickly arouse male Zerg's interest. Due to their gentle nature, the release of effects afterward is even beneficial for physical and mental health..."

"However, overindulgence can be harmful. Excessive dosage or frequency may lead to depletion."

"Of course, as long as it's not something extreme like dozens of doses a day, the minor damage can easily be replenished. It won't affect Your Excellencies' ability to demonstrate their virility—seven females in one night!"

As he spoke, Milo gave Lu Cian a meaningful look.

Lu Cian almost spat. What had he just heard? Dozens of doses a day? Seven females in one night? Wouldn't that... leave them raw?

Lu Cian had arrived in the Zerg race soon after reaching maturity. At home, his father had been strict, worried he'd be corrupted, often warning him that early indulgence was harmful and could lead to diseases.

Sometimes, he wondered if his older brother's refusal to marry even in his thirties was due to their father's excessive preaching, creating a rebellious mindset.

Of course, when his father explained matters between men and women, he didn't use explicit videos but instructional animations instead.

Lu Cian found his father's patronizing approach a bit exasperating—it wasn't as if he knew nothing.

Now, however, he had truly opened the door to a new world, even learning all about the dynamics between male Zerg!

Milo then took out a jar containing a viscous white cream and said, "This was just made and hasn't fully solidified yet. It's for external use on male Zerg, though it can also be used on females—with milder effects."

"If female Zerg use it, combining it with a female-specific product on the market and applying it to the... rear... should yield better results."

"For male Zerg, applying it to the front... will intensify arousal, boost stamina, increase staying power, and intensify sensory stimulation..."

Listening to Milo's description of the effects, Lu Cian grew increasingly uncomfortable. The whole discussion felt... rather vulgar.