Hearing the name 'Dr. Murong', Di Si Qing Wu's pretty face immediately changed, while Di Er Meng beside her also showed a look of heartache, but the latter was stopped before she could say anything.
"Don't worry, it's just a little pain, I can bear it."
Di Yi Ye said nonchalantly.
Dr. Murong is not like the old scholars from Earth before; he specializes in researching cultivators and exotic beasts, and is considered an authority in this field. He is most skilled at helping cultivators awaken their hidden genes, and is the foremost person in Luo City, and even all of China, at helping cultivators awaken beast genes. For example, the werewolf form that Tong Wei awakened was facilitated by him.
Awakening genes is not an easy task. First, you need a corresponding gene as a medium or catalyst. For instance, Tong Wei obtained a Giant Wolf back then, and Dr. Murong extracted the Giant Wolf gene as a catalyst, then used special methods to stimulate him, causing him to awaken the Giant Wolf gene.
Obtaining a certain gene is only the first step. Dr. Murong's special technology is the key. Although this technology is becoming increasingly mature, cultivators must endure extremely intense pain during gene awakening. This pain is far more agonizing than childbirth, and many cultivators often collapse due to their inability to withstand it, becoming mentally incapacitated in mild cases, or dying directly in severe cases.
Of course, it's not guaranteed that one can complete gene awakening just by possessing a gene, having a catalyst, and enduring the pain of gene awakening. It also depends on one's physique. According to Dr. Murong's research, there is only a one or two percent chance of successfully awakening a gene unless the genes are extremely compatible.
In the past, such a cruel and inhumane technology would have been banned. However, at this critical juncture of human survival, all means that can enhance a cultivator's strength are being valued and even implemented. Therefore, gene awakening technology is permitted in China and even among all humans on Earth.
The process of gene awakening is extremely painful. It is precisely because of this that Di Er Meng and Di Si Qing Wu's expressions changed drastically and they showed heartache after hearing Di Yi Ye's words.
From Di Er Meng and Di Si Qing Wu's words, it can be seen that this is not Di Yi Ye's first attempt at gene awakening. In fact, he has already tried seven times. Although he persevered with his strong physique and extremely tenacious mind, he has not yet awakened his genes.
Seven attempts, and none were successful. This is unprecedented among humans. Few people can endure such pain, and even fewer would try again after one or two failures, let alone try seven times.
"Brother Ye, the old man said not to awaken your genes if you can avoid it, as there are too many side effects, and it hasn't been definitively determined yet if there are other side effects. Please don't try again."
Di Er Meng earnestly persuaded him.
"Yes, especially since you've tried seven times without success. It's clear your physique isn't suitable for gene awakening."
Di Si Qing Wu hurriedly agreed.
"Perhaps I just haven't encountered a compatible gene. After hunting the Fire Mane Rats this time, maybe their genes will be compatible with me."
Di Yi Ye said, half-jokingly and half-seriously. Seeing that Di Er Meng and the others still wanted to say something, he quickly stopped them: "Even if I can't awaken my genes, it's fine. At the very least, the intense pain will stimulate my body and spirit to improve again, and perhaps I'll be able to reach the Soul Condensation Stage smoothly afterward."
"At least my strength will improve," Di Yi Ye added.
"But, but awakening genes is extremely painful..."
Di Er Meng was a little anxious, but she was interrupted before she could finish.
"Don't worry, my body and spiritual power have improved a lot compared to before. Plus, I've already tried seven times and am used to it. It's just a little pain."
Di Yi Ye said nonchalantly, his expression resolute as he spoke, clearly having made up his mind.
Knowing Di Yi Ye's personality and that he never changes his mind once it's made up, Di Er Meng and Di Si Qing Wu sighed softly and said no more. However, their resolve to become stronger deepened, as only by doing so could they alleviate Di Yi Ye's pressure.
After accompanying Di Er Meng and the children for a rare grand meal, Di Si Qing Wu took some processed Fire Mane Rat meat and fur to exchange for various daily necessities. After instructing Di Er Meng to take good care of the children, Di Yi Ye went to find Dr. Murong. In his Storage Bracelet, there was still a Fire Mane Rat head, the head of a Second-tier Fire Mane Rat. Clearly, this was the catalyst for gene awakening.
He soon arrived at his destination. What greeted Di Yi Ye's eyes was a villa occupying a considerable area, dozens of mu in size. There were clearly cultivators at the Soul Condensation Stage and even stronger guarding the surroundings. To possess such a villa and numerous experts as guards at this time, Dr. Murong's status and importance were evident.
This was Dr. Murong's residence and research institute. Of course, besides some assistants and guards, there were also multiple researchers here. After all, many people study exotic beasts and cultivator cultivation, and much knowledge and technology are interconnected, allowing for cross-pollination. Therefore, being together facilitates the development of new achievements.
After greeting the guards in a friendly manner, Di Yi Ye smoothly entered the research institute. The reason for this was naturally that he was already a frequent visitor here, and even held a special identity—a subject of research. After all, someone who could endure the pain of seven gene awakenings without a single success was worthy of study. Moreover, science is verified through continuous research and experimentation, and having perfect research subjects is indispensable. Di Yi Ye was undoubtedly the best research subject.
It was precisely because of this that Di Yi Ye became a honored guest of Dr. Murong and could easily enter the research institute. He didn't even need to pay a hefty price like others to undergo gene awakening.
That's right, despite the extreme pain, many people still attempt gene awakening. And Dr. Murong, for his livelihood and to obtain various research materials, cannot provide gene awakening for free. Therefore, everyone who wants to attempt gene awakening needs to pay a high price.
Di Yi Ye was an exception. He didn't need to pay anything, only needing to bring the gene as a catalyst. Sometimes, Dr. Murong would even use his own funds to take out some rare materials as catalysts for him, thereby facilitating his gene awakening. His treatment here was evident.
Ignoring the admiring, somewhat mocking, or playful gazes of the many guards behind him, Di Yi Ye walked towards Dr. Murong's location, muttering to himself as he walked: "I hope this time I can successfully awaken my genes. Fire Mane Rats are also a very powerful exotic beast, especially since they can control Fire Attribute Qi Flow. After awakening, and as my realm improves to a certain extent, I will also be able to control Fire Attribute Qi, and my strength will greatly increase."
✦✦✦