Chapter 29: The Strategy of Fighting Poison with Poison

On the podium, Liu Yi brimmed with a deep concern for his country and its people. Confronted by the increasingly severe global disease crisis, Liu Yi understood that this was akin to national defense: only when a nation is strong in the field of biotechnology can it safeguard the health and lives of its people. Otherwise, if one falls behind in biotechnology, Africa stands as the starkest example—needing to import all medicines, suffering countless deaths from disease each year, many of which could be cured by the simplest drugs. Even the most basic medicines are precious and rare in many African countries.

Every year, the World Health Organization sends vast quantities of medicines and medical personnel, yet relying on external aid is but a drop in the ocean. Throughout Africa, the average lifespan is far below the global average; in many countries, people barely reach the age of forty. Diseases spread unchecked across the continent, with AIDS especially rampant—some nations have reached the point where half the population is infected, utterly powerless before such devastation.

A nation can only face catastrophic diseases with composure if it possesses robust biotechnology. Moreover, as countries around the world develop terrifying biological weapons, lacking strength in this domain exposes one to tremendous threats.

Below the podium, Li Fu, who had been listening quietly, slowly raised his right hand, indicating he had a question. The classroom was silent; as Li Fu raised his hand, all eyes turned to him.

Liu Yi, standing on the podium, smiled gently at Li Fu and nodded, inviting him to speak.

“Teacher, you just mentioned that viruses, in essence, are a form of life. If that is so, why can’t we try to combat viruses from a biological perspective? Take HIV, for instance—could we find a virus that can suppress or eliminate HIV, yet is harmless to humans?”

Li Fu rose and spoke calmly.

His words were not made at random. In recent days, Li Fu had learned many novel methods and concepts for dealing with biological viruses from the seed of the Super Civilization, and what he proposed was one such approach.

“Student, could you introduce yourself?” Liu Yi smiled after hearing Li Fu’s question, not answering directly but instead asking about Li Fu.

“My name is Li Fu. I’m a junior in Class Two of the Biomedical major.”

Li Fu nodded, giving a brief introduction.

“Li Fu, your idea is very interesting. In the words of the ancients, your approach would be ‘fighting poison with poison.’ Of course, this phrase isn’t used in the global medical or biological community today, but there are relevant cases in medicine.”

“One major focus in medical research now is cancer. If we liken cancer to poison, then chemotherapy and radiotherapy are both examples of fighting poison with poison, since these treatments themselves pose significant harm to the human body, and even so, they are difficult to call effective against cancer.”

“Furthermore, during the era of widespread opium addiction, to relieve patients’ pain and reduce casualties among soldiers on the battlefield, medical scientists isolated the analgesic components from opium and invented morphine. At the time, morphine’s pain-relieving effects were remarkable, but later its addictive properties were discovered, leading to strict regulation.”

“When morphine’s addictive dangers became apparent, someone combined certain components of morphine with synthetic substances and invented heroin. During the period when heroin was considered a medicine, it was a panacea for all kinds of pain—whether stomachache, headache, or limb pain, a bit of heroin would relieve it all. But now, everyone knows what heroin has become.”

Liu Yi nodded at Li Fu as he continued, weaving his vast knowledge into stories. He was deeply versed in biotechnology and biomedical affairs, able to recount a myriad of cases with ease.

“My purpose here is not to deny your new line of thought, Li Fu. On the contrary, I find your idea quite remarkable—innovative and unique.”

“In the cases I just discussed, whether chemotherapy or radiotherapy, their essence is to help patients escape the clutches of disease. If we truly could discover or cultivate a new virus that targets specific illnesses without affecting the human body, or whose effects are within controllable limits, it would usher in a new chapter in human biological history. Perhaps, in the future, this could be realized and shine brightly.”

Liu Yi’s affirmation of Li Fu’s proposal surprised everyone present. The earlier examples seemed negative, yet in the end, Liu Yi commended Li Fu’s innovative thinking and even gave it high praise, believing that if realized, this approach could open a new era in biology and make outstanding contributions to humanity’s battle against disease.

“Li Fu, your ideas are excellent. I hope you pursue this path, just as immunology emerged when humans discovered that injecting viruses could create immunity, enabling us to defeat smallpox.”

“Perhaps in the future, your new methods might help humanity conquer more diseases and benefit all people.”

With a smile, Liu Yi encouraged Li Fu. He had always appreciated young people with ideas, and enjoyed supporting them in chasing their dreams.

Li Fu could only smile in response, never expecting Liu Yi to offer such high praise. His admiration for Liu Yi deepened, especially for his courage in affirming unprecedented new ideas—a rare spirit in scientific exploration.

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Liu Yi’s lectures were lively and engaging. His deep research in biotechnology allowed him to explain complex concepts in accessible ways, referencing diverse cases to make his teaching witty and captivating. For two hours, he lectured nonstop, and the entire class listened with rapt attention; no one was distracted by their phones as often happened elsewhere.

It must also be noted that Yanhuang University, as the top institution in China, attracts the most talented youth, all passionate about learning. Even with the relaxed environment of university life, they maintained excellent self-discipline.

As the bell rang, Liu Yi finished his lecture. One class per week, two hours in total—he did not rest or even take a sip of water throughout, a level of dedication enough to shame many.

Li Fu tidied his notes and gathered his belongings, preparing to visit the library. Recently, he spent almost all his time there, immersing himself in scientific books.

Thanks to his persistent cultivation of vital energy, his body and mind grew ever more capable. Li Fu absorbed knowledge at an astonishing rate—he could now read ten lines at once and remember everything perfectly. Combined with daily study of the Super Civilization’s technology, his learning was extraordinary.

Li Fu soon realized there was ever more to learn, and only the vast collection of Yanhuang University’s library could satisfy his growing hunger for knowledge. He dove into study, utterly absorbed in the ocean of wisdom.

“Li Fu.”

A young man approached, wearing black-rimmed glasses and radiating a scholarly aura—a clear intellectual at first glance.

“Who are you?” Li Fu regarded the stranger, finding him entirely unfamiliar.

“I’m Tang Li, assistant to Academician Liu Yi. The professor asked me to invite you for a conversation.”

Tang Li smiled warmly. He, too, was a graduate of Yanhuang University’s biomedical program, now a doctoral student studying virology under Liu Yi—a budding biologist of some renown.

“Ah!” Li Fu was stunned, never expecting Liu Yi to seek him out for a private discussion.

“Haha, it’s a good thing. Perhaps the professor wants to take you as a student. Then we might be fellow disciples one day.” Tang Li grinned. He knew his mentor well—when encountering exceptional students, Liu Yi often considered accepting them as protégés. Li Fu’s performance in class had greatly impressed him, prompting Tang Li to research his background and confirm Li Fu’s potential. Thus, Tang Li was sent to invite him over.

The professor intended to have a thorough conversation, to better understand Li Fu before deciding whether to accept him as a student. As one of the country’s top biologists, Liu Yi had every right to take on protégés—be they graduate or doctoral students.

Of course, he was highly selective, only accepting those he admired and whose character he found impeccable. No amount of money or favors would sway him otherwise.

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