Chapter 2347 - 2080: In the Midst of Evolution...

At that moment, Zhang Zhi lost it. From a certain perspective, this was indeed not a very scientific situation. Although theoretically these cellular structures are indeed very intricate, they belong to the cellular level. If every cell possesses this degree of structure, Zhang Zhi somewhat understood the Romans.

Even if the strength provided by these cellular structures is only five percent higher than normal cells, accumulating across the whole body would result in a significant increase.

Of course, Zhang Zhi hadn’t thought much about this extent yet. He was more focused on considering other things, like viruses and epidemics.

Because of the microscope, these things could now be observed. Although only tiny dots could be seen, without discerning their form, theoretically speaking, in Hua Tuo and Zhang Zhongjing’s thoughts, these could be considered alive.

As the research deepened, they also understood the essence of epidemics. Essentially, these tiny dots start attacking the cells, and when the cells can’t withstand them, the dots multiply, leading to more deaths and mutations until there’s no recovery.

However, upon seeing this layer of metal-like structure, Zhang Zhi deeply suspected whether the viruses effective on the Central Plains people would have any effect on the Romans.

That dull silvery-grey, even if Zhang Zhi were ignorant, he could guess it was some kind of heavy metal. With his current research, metals are fatal to most living beings once they exceed tolerable levels, and they are almost incurable.

This fatality affects large organisms, humans, and microorganisms alike. Excess heavy metals lead to lethal damage, and for normal viruses to attack these cells, Zhang Zhi had completely lost confidence in the viruses.

He estimated that apart from coexisting here with Romans for a few hundred years and evolving to be immune to heavy metal toxicity, other viruses entering Roman bodies would likely be eradicated soon by these cells with toxic attributes.

"In conclusion, Romans have clearly undergone a holistic evolution. The Romans we’ve recently observed are robust or half-dead, which is actually the cost of this wave of evolution. But according to my comparative observations, inferior types will be covered up within at most two generations." Zhang Zhi said solemnly, changes have occurred on the cellular level!

"Evolution?" Jian Yong looked at Zhang Zhi, puzzled, unable to understand the term at all.

"That’s right, this term was coined by Marquis Chen. My master confirmed the existence of such conditions during his research, but according to our observations, this situation exists only among life forms with very short life spans." Zhang Zhi said with a bitter smile, "As for human evolution, this is my first time witnessing it, initially my master led us in conducting a wave of research."

Actually, Zhang Zhi hadn’t thought about it, as when Zhang Zhongjing conducted related experiments, he had limited time, only being able to use enormous quantities of microorganisms that have a life cycle lasting a few hours for validation. Otherwise, with other subjects, Zhang Zhongjing would have passed away without having made these research discoveries.

"Theoretically speaking, so-called evolution is actually the adaptation of living beings to the environment, changes occurring to survive, which through generations accumulate into generally applicable existence, where those unable to adapt are eliminated." Zhang Zhi possibly saw Jian Yong’s confusion and reluctantly explained.

"You mean the Romans’ cellular skeleton was actually born from environmental adaptation?" Jian Yong asked, a bit of a headache.

"If unforeseen, then indeed so. Although I’m quite curious about what kind of environment induced the Romans to develop such a structure, but none of that matters now." Zhang Zhi said helplessly, "I finally understand why the Roman’s bronze bodies sometimes exhibit a metallic sheen."

"I don’t really grasp these things, but I only want to say, what’s the significance of having more of that?" Jian Yong said solemnly.

"With more of this, Romans will inherently be tougher physically than us, slightly so. If they can understand cellular-level concepts and use Inner Qi for nurturing, it’d be like wearing an additional layer of defense. Even if not actively nurtured, natural nurturing will also enhance them." Zhang Zhi thought and spoke, not understanding warfare but understanding medicine.

"You mean that from the lowest ranks, their basic quality will generally surpass ours?" Jian Yong asked, his expression suddenly becoming three shades heavier, looking at Zhang Zhi for confirmation.

"Yes, that’s the situation, but it’s fine. Regarding cellular structures, Physician Hua and Dr. Zhang have actually researched some techniques, and with the injectable concoction formulated from General Dian’s blood, it actually has a similar effect." Zhang Zhi nonchalantly said.

If not for reaching this research depth, who would notice the difference between Roman cellular structures and those from the Han Dynasty side? Zhang Zhi was merely curious how Romans were naturally born with such metal-like cellular structures, knowing the majority within the Han Dynasty had barely observable cellular structures, and those whose structures could be observed generally had bodily strength far exceeding the norm.

"Phew, that’s good, that’s good." Jian Yong nodded, reassured significantly. If Romans had a fundamental advantage starting from the base, action against the Han Dynasty would require reconsideration as preemptive measures.

In fact, Zhang Zhi was completely unaware of how much Romans invested in evolving to have such a metal-like cellular skeleton.

If not for the existence of Heaven and Earth Essence in this world, even after Earth Essence was obstructed, it remains present, otherwise Romans would practically be finished by now. Without Heaven and Earth Essence, Romans wouldn’t possess such adaptive traits, lacking which they’d face extinction from heavy metal poisoning over centuries.

Because Heaven and Earth Essence exist, Romans, even with limited quantities, have the capital to resist lead poisoning, waiting for the first meteorite to land, with the slight rise in Heaven and Earth Essence, truly providing Romans the capital to evolve.

After the second meteorite was shattered, the intense fluctuation destroyed the initial suppression. With the rapid ascent of Heaven and Earth Essence, Romans, relying on environment-induced metal-like cellular structures, finally stabilized, spending centuries with countless Romans falling for this cause, ultimately perfect bodies emerged, Romans ingesting lead faced it without fear.

More importantly, not only fearless, but gradually supplementing their metal-like cellular skeletons, granting potential to surpass human limits from basic level.

Yet, hundreds of years of Roman accumulation burst forth, only to be outmatched by a single injection developed by the Han Dynasty research, allowing them similarly to acquire the hard-earned accomplishments of Romans over the centuries, albeit with differing cellular components, essentially equivalent.

Therefore, rather than living through mutation to strive, the Han Dynasty persists in advancing through technology, with breakthroughs transforming opposing mutations into mere experimental material.

"I plan to conduct free medical consultations in Rome City, diagnose illnesses helpfully, draw some blood, and figure a way to transport it back. I reckon my master might find substantial interest in such subjects." Zhang Zhi said excitedly, Rome being a state full of research material.

"You go, then." Jian Yong waved his hand with an exhausted expression, sending Zhang Zhi to conduct consultations. As for Zhang Zhi’s intent, Jian Yong quickly deduced it.

As Zhang Zhi commenced free consultations in Rome City, the Roman Senate was equally entangled. Initially believing Kushan was boasting, confirmations arose that the Han Dynasty had not inconsistently brought six Military Spirit Legions, an intimidating quantity for all.

Though in Kushan’s presence Romans made bold statements, they weren’t foolish, Parthia must be defeated, yet going to war with the Han Dynasty just for this purpose seemed wrong, anyone recalling six Military Spirit Legions felt their heart sink.

"Papinian, should we first establish contact with the Han Dynasty? It’s evident from this wave of Han Dynasty envoys that there’s a high nobility among them, the noble named Nangong Xue is actually the escort of the regiment commander." Supervisor Cirio hesitantly spoke.

"We aren’t qualified, Han Dynasty envoys must be received by His Majesty the Emperor, we can handle related matters but can’t politically or militarily negotiate for our nation with the Han Dynasty. Additionally, it’s not reached that dire stage yet." Papinian shook his head dismissing this proposal.

Many in the Roman Senate considered Nangong Xue a high nobility because Nangong Xue frequently interacted with Roman city guardians in Rome’s Senate backyards, sparring in matches without losing.

This ability was seen by Romans as indicative of a status level comparable to a Roman City Guardian, while Nangong Xue held Jian Yong in utmost reverence, thus the Roman Senate deemed Jian Yong a high nobility of the Han Empire.

Essentially, those who can make decisions regarding national policy amid the geopolitical situation, thus the Roman Senate intends to communicate with Jian Yong, explaining the situation, proposing the Han Empire join them in defeating Parthia.

This represents Rome’s current predicament; they must extinguish Parthia, yet wish not to confront the Han Dynasty, hence Rome debates whether they should pull the Han Dynasty aboard their vessel.

Hence, with Parthia’s vastness, as long as Romans annihilate them, anything west of Media, even west of Taysi Sealed, any inaccessible parts are freely available to the Han Dynasty, Rome holds no concern.

However, this proposal while genuine, Romans feel stating it plainly portrays them as timid. Despite not needing those areas, articulating it seems cowardly, perhaps awaiting the emperor’s return for further action feels prudent.