As the genetic material was injected, Di Yi Ye felt as if myriad ants were biting him inside his body, an unbearable itch. His body trembled slightly, and soon sweat beaded on his skin. He involuntarily tensed his muscles, unleashing immense power. If not for the special bandages binding him, he would have attacked uncontrollably.
This was only the beginning. As time passed, the itching sensation gradually gave way to pain. Di Yi Ye's body trembled more violently, and the sweat beaded on his skin began to turn a faint crimson, tinged with blood. His eyes were bloodshot, his teeth clenched, and blood trickled from the corner of his mouth, indicating the agony he was enduring.
Qi flowed through his entire body, and Di Yi Ye's Golden Light Spell activated automatically. The golden light was pure and substantial, even more concentrated than when he finished his cultivation that morning.
Upon closer inspection, the color of the golden light was slightly different, subtly infused with the Buddhist light of a Buddhist cultivator, merging with the Body Protection Golden Light. This fusion made the golden light more potent.
The Body Protection Golden Light could block all external attacks, including Qi and energy condensed from Qi, as well as physical attacks. However, it could not protect his internal organs or the muscles beneath his skin. The intense pain triggered Di Yi Ye's innate use of the Buddhist Golden Bell. Although his cultivation was insufficient to form the Golden Bell phantom, it could still emanate a faint Buddhist light.
Fortunately, Buddhist cultivators temper their physiques. With the Buddhist light now protecting his internal organs and entire musculature, Di Yi Ye's pain was slightly alleviated. Furthermore, having endured this pain seven times before, he had developed some resistance. Thus, his condition was somewhat better than before. At the very least, he remained conscious this time. In his previous seven attempts to awaken his genes, he had fainted six times, and only the seventh and this current attempt allowed him to stay awake.
Having been tempered as a Buddhist cultivator since childhood, Di Yi Ye's physique was extraordinary. Even so, he would faint, which illustrates the excruciating pain involved in attempting gene awakening.
In truth, Di Yi Ye wished he would just faint, so he wouldn't have to endure such torment.
As intense pain washed over him, he could only silently recite the Buddhist Heart Sutra and the Daoist Mind Calming Incantation in his heart to stabilize his mind, thereby further ensuring his mental state wouldn't collapse.
Di Yi Ye also knew that enduring extreme pain was beneficial for him, as it further tempered his mind and Spiritual Power. Strong and pure Spiritual Power enhances control over Qi, naturally increasing the speed of absorbing Cosmic Energy and refining it into Qi.
The entire process lasted nearly an hour. By the end, Di Yi Ye was washed in blood and sweat. He was extremely weak, even more exhausted than after his intense battle with the Fire Mane Rat yesterday.
Assisted by staff members, Di Yi Ye struggled out of the equipment. Unlike others who lay down to rest, he sat cross-legged, exerting his Spiritual Power to mobilize Cosmic Energy to replenish his previous consumption. The Body Protection Golden Light and the faint Buddhist light within him, along with the Qi Flow, were also repairing his ravaged Meridians and physique.
Nearby, under Dr. Murong's gaze, a staff member began to examine Di Yi Ye's condition, also collecting cell samples for future research.
"The process of attempting gene awakening went smoothly. The Gene Power has been fully absorbed. It will be a complete success once enough time has passed to activate the hidden genes."
After successfully extracting the cells, the person reported to Dr. Murong, adding, "Of course, that's assuming the hidden genes can be activated. Given Little Ye's peculiar physique, he'll likely fail again this time because his cells are consuming the gene faster."
As if he had expected this, Dr. Murong's expression remained unchanged. He waved his hand, signaling everyone to withdraw. After confirming that Di Yi Ye's condition was slowly improving, he let out a sigh of relief. He then left to continue his own work without lingering.
This period of recuperation took a full four to five hours. When Di Yi Ye finally woke up, the crimson bloodstains all over his body had completely vanished, and his internal injuries had fully healed.
He opened his eyes and glanced at the clock not far away. Di Yi Ye chuckled softly and muttered to himself, "It only took four to five hours to fully recover. That's an hour faster than last time. Clearly, my recovery ability has improved significantly."
As he spoke, Di Yi Ye leaped up, stretched his body, and swung his limbs. Feeling the surging power within him, the smile on his lips deepened, as he could clearly sense his increased strength and more robust physique.
"Not only has your recovery ability improved, but the speed at which you absorb Cosmic Energy and refine it into Qi has also increased. This is also one of the reasons for your faster recovery. Based on this, you might reach Condensing Soul sooner than I initially predicted."
Dr. Murong's voice came from behind Di Yi Ye. As he spoke, he placed Di Yi Ye's clothes on a nearby table. "Oh, right. I had someone repair your Spear, Tang Saber, and those damaged Arrow Feathers. They've been reinforced with some newly researched metal, improving their toughness and weight. You can fight even more recklessly from now on."
Besides researching Qi and Exotic Beast Genes, Dr. Murong, or rather, this Research Institute, also engages in the research and repair of various weapons. As the institute's foremost 'researcher,' Di Yi Ye naturally enjoys certain benefits, such as being the first to test weapons whose performance needs verification, and having weapons repaired free of charge.
Exotic Beasts are incredibly powerful. Even weapons forged from special metals are inevitably damaged during battles with them, making weapon repair a crucial task.
Multiple Arrow Feathers, a Tang Saber, and a Spear had been damaged to varying degrees during Di Yi Ye's fight with the Fire Mane Rat, either by sharp teeth or scorching flames. This was why Di Yi Ye had brought them to the Research Institute using his Storage Bracelet.
"Old Man Murong, thank you." Di Yi Ye said sincerely.
"If anyone should be thanked, it's me. After all, our research has benefited greatly from studying you. Not to mention, you've made immense contributions to improving the Gene Awakening technology."
Dr. Murong became animated when discussing Gene Awakening technology, talking for several minutes before stopping. After a moment's hesitation, he said, "However, if you truly want to thank me, just save some good materials and powerful Exotic Beasts for me when you encounter them in the future. Our institute is most in need of research data."
"Of course. After all, I'll need to attempt gene awakening again in the future, so I'll naturally bring some materials." Di Yi Ye stated directly. This attempt at gene awakening had significantly boosted his strength, making him even more eager to improve himself through gene awakening.
Naturally, with Dr. Murong's previous words, Di Yi Ye also looked forward to Ability Awakening even more.
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