The Story in 3 Sentences
An ordinary Earthling, Xia Fei, accidentally consumes a mysterious, unbranded gene serum, catapulting him from a lazy civilian into a universe where human potential is unlocked through genetic optimization and cosmic power struggles.
His journey shifts from surviving local threats on a backward Earth to navigating intergalactic politics and ancient godly conflicts, guided by the ghost of a legendary assassin and fueled by his unparalleled speed ability.
The story’s direction arcs from personal survival and power acquisition to defending entire civilizations, culminating in battles against primordial deities as Xia Fei evolves from a lucky beneficiary into a cornerstone of universal order.
Why It Stands Out
1. The Unkillable Mentor in Your Pocket
Xia Fei’s greatest asset isn’t just the serum; it’s Phantom, the universe’s most unlucky assassin, whose consciousness resides with him. This isn’t a typical wise old master. Phantom is a sarcastic, battle-hardened ghost with unfinished business, offering brutal, pragmatic advice that cuts through the usual cultivation fluff, turning every training session and fight into a darkly comedic masterclass in survival.
2. Speed as the Ultimate Equalizer
In a cosmos teeming with strength-based brutes and esoteric power users, Xia Fei’s speed ability is a beautifully executed game-changer. It’s not just about moving fast; it’s a tactical, almost philosophical edge that forces enemies to adapt or perish. The narrative consistently explores the limits and creative applications of pure velocity, making his fights uniquely thrilling and intellectually satisfying against increasingly powerful foes.
3. From Backwater to Cosmic Keystone
The novel’s world-building shines in its escalation. It begins with Earth as a .5-star backwater, a detail that grounds the early story in relatable sci-fi tropes, before exploding into a vast, multi-galactic human empire with ancient histories and god-like entities. Xia Fei’s personal growth mirrors this expansion, transforming him from a man trying to get compensation for a kidnapping into a figure whose actions determine the fate of stars, making his rise feel both earned and epic.
Characters That Leave a Mark
There’s Phantom – the spectral assassin bound to Xia Fei, a being of immense skill and profound bad luck, whose cynical wisdom and hidden vulnerabilities make him far more than just a plot device.
You’ll meet Avril, who evolves from a potential love interest into Xia Fei’s steadfast partner and mother of his children, her quiet strength and unwavering support providing a crucial emotional anchor amidst the cosmic chaos.
And Connor? They’re the one who initially captured Xia Fei, mistaking him for Phantom, and whose decision to compensate him with the gene fluid sets the entire saga in motion, representing the rigid, often flawed, intergalactic authority.
The Flaws Fans Debate
The narrative flow is frequently disrupted, with jarring shifts in the protagonist’s personality and motivations that make his character feel inconsistent and underdeveloped.
The world-building, despite its vast scope, is often shallow, with alien races and advanced technologies mentioned but rarely described, leaving readers to fill in massive gaps with their imagination.
A significant portion of the fanbase criticizes the novel for promoting overt Chinese nationalism and featuring uncomfortable, potentially pedophilic, subplots involving underage female characters.
Must-Experience Arcs
Ch. 1–60: Earthbound Awakening – Xia Fei grapples with his newfound powers on a technologically backward Earth, learning the basics of the gene system and forming his uneasy alliance with Phantom, setting the foundation for his future.
Ch. 400–800: Galactic Trials and Tribulations – Venturing into space, Xia Fei competes in deadly interstellar tournaments and uncovers deeper conspiracies, his speed ability becoming his signature as he clashes with galactic elites and ancient sects.
Ch. 1500–1632: The War Against the Old Gods – In the endgame, Xia Fei confronts primordial entities seeking to reshape or destroy the universe, forcing him to master the highest laws of speed and power to protect everything he holds dear.
Killer Quotes
“He’s the hero of our universe and an undefeatable war god, but so what? You’re not getting any younger; you can’t just spend the rest of your life always waiting.”
“Xia Fei’s speed is over ten million!”
Cultural Impact
The novel amassed a massive readership, with claims of over 8 million readers on WebNovel, sparking intense debate and a dedicated, if divided, fanbase.
It became a frequent topic in forums, often cited as an example of both the potential and the pitfalls of the “space cultivation” genre, particularly regarding its controversial themes.
Despite being officially dropped by WebNovel mid-translation, its completed 1600+ chapter run in Chinese ensured its legacy, with fan translations and discussions keeping it alive in niche communities.
Final Verdict
Start Here If You Want:
A classic underdog-to-god story fueled by a unique and well-utilized superpower.
Fast-paced, action-heavy chapters that prioritize thrilling combat and constant progression.
A sprawling, completed epic that promises a definitive ending after a long journey across stars and dimensions.
Study If You Love:
Analyzing how web novels blend sci-fi concepts like genetic engineering with traditional xianxia cultivation tropes.
Exploring the narrative function of a non-corporeal mentor figure and its impact on protagonist development.
Debating the cultural and ethical implications embedded within popular Chinese web fiction, particularly regarding nationalism and character portrayal.
Avoid If You Prefer:
Deep, consistent character development and psychological depth for the protagonist.
Rich, immersive world-building with detailed descriptions of alien cultures and environments.
Stories that avoid controversial themes like nationalism or uncomfortable age-gap relationships.
