Chapter 8: The Three Big Advanced Genetics Inst.i.tutes

Two minutes after Lin Feng had left.

“Jackpot! Brother Long, there’s two dead bodies over here!”

“f.u.c.k your mom, feeling lucky from seeing a corpse. I was just about to hit the casino too, how f.u.c.king unlucky.”

“N-no, Brother Long, these two dead bodies have the rumoured elemental battle suits!”

“f.u.c.k! For real?!”

By now, Lin Feng had left that area long ago.

Avarice h.o.a.rds itself poor.[1] With regards to elemental battle suits, Lin Feng didn’t give them too much thought. He had a grave expression on his face as he sped through a magnificent, fantasy-like metallic forest; he understood very well what the matters today signified. If his strength was just a bit weaker, the ones dead today would not have been Monkey or Lewd Snake—but himself.

“Strength, it’s the basis of everything.”

“Without strength, there is no status. In this world you would only become meat on the chopping board.”

Images of everything he saw today in the Plaza appeared in Lin Feng’s mind; he was finding it very hard to be relieved.

If hypothetically, the events that happened today were to relate to him, and the ones being bullied and humiliated…were his mother and sister, then what?

Thinking up to here, Lin Feng felt a gripping pain in his heart.

“I must become strong like my brother!” Lin Feng bit down on his teeth tightly as the fingernails from his tightly clenched fist dug deeply into his palms.

After returning home, Lin Feng directly entered into the training room.

Pa.s.s the examination to become a Security Guard!

Currently, Lin Feng was very clear about his goal. Being admitted into the Security Guards wasn’t difficult for Lin Feng. The Security Guards belonged to the City Guards Reserve system and had a strict divisions of rank: ordinary police constables, senior police constables, police chief, district police chief, etc. Besides experience, strength was the most important factor in raising your rank in the Guards.

As your rank increases, so too does your benefits and your status.

This point was very crucial.

“Become a police chief in three months, and get promoted to district police chief in nine months.”

“The monthly salary for a district police chief is 10 silver coins. If I take some requests regularly and join a small adventure group to hunt in the Wilderness, then I’d be able to guarantee that my sister would be able to cultivate at the most optimal pace to increase her brain region depth.” Lin Feng secretly thought.

Although he really wanted to enter a sect, enlisting into the Guards wasn’t that bad of a choice.

“After I become a Security Guard, I won’t have as much time to cultivate.” Lin Feng sat cross-legged and took a deep breath to regulate his mental state, “I have to make the most of these last two months and increase my brain region depth.” Thinking quietly in his mind, Lin Feng very quickly entered into a meditative state. As he began to operate the《Nine Dragon Sutra》, Heaven and Earth energy that was as dense as clouds quickly gathered converged once again.

Within the Blazing Sun District, there was a luxurious villa, surrounded by a garden and a beautiful scenery.

“Young master.” An old man in a butler’s clothing was bowing his head.

“Uncle w.a.n.g, were you able to investigate anything?” Shi Wenlong was lying down, eyes closed, on a ma.s.sage table with his upper body bare. On the left and right of him were two girls who looked exactly the same, ma.s.saging him with great care. There was a hint of alcoholic fragrance drifting in the air.

“Reporting to young master, the Security District’s preliminary investigation identified it as a robbery.” Uncle w.a.n.g replied respectfully.

“Robbery?” Shi Wenlong opened his eyes, full of suspicion.

“Yes. Via the codes from the elemental battle suits that young master provided, the Security Guards followed the clues and managed to catch a small gang led by some man nicknamed ‘Brother Long’. They suspect that they had knocked down the hovercar to commit their robbery. Cases like this happens frequently in the Commoner District, there are always people willing to take such risks out of desperation.” said Uncle w.a.n.g with a hoa.r.s.e voice.

“Really now?” Shi Wenlong laughed coldly as he looked towards Uncle w.a.n.g, “How do you see it?”

“In this servant’s humble opinion, there are too many doubtful points in this case. It might be more appropriate to cla.s.sify it as a revenge murder case. Too bad the Security Guard’s actions have always been dictated by the evidence. Thus, it can only be considered the bad luck of  ‘Brother Long’ and that little gang of his,” Uncle w.a.n.g said slowly, “And, according to what young master had said, it is extremely probably that…this was done by Lin Feng and Yang Li.”

“It should be Yang Li.” A sharp glint flitted across Shi Wenlong’s eyes, “Lin Feng is nothing more than a cripple currently.”

With a hoa.r.s.e voice, Uncle w.a.n.g replied, “According to what was displayed from the computer’s data, Yang Li certainly has this amount of power. However, their actions were too clean. Even the watches were destroyed, leaving no evidence to be found.”

“Hmph!” Shi Wenlong sneered, “How smart.”

After hesitating a bit, Uncle w.a.n.g opened his mouth and said, “Because the two deceased are students, this case has garnered the attention of the Inst.i.tute and they have begun to investigate. In light of this, as a bit of rea.s.surance, I hope that the young master will stay at home during this period of time in order to avoid getting caught up in this dispute, and risk affecting your graduation two months from now.”

Shi Wenlong had a chilly look on his face as he opened his eyes wide, “Let them off this easily after killing my men? How would I be able to show my face from now on?”

“The master has attached great importance to the young master’s graduation. So, I hope that the young master does not treat this lightly; please do not disappoint the master.” Uncle w.a.n.g said with a low voice, “This servant has already looked over the information and data regarding Lin Feng; there is no rush to deal with him. You only have to wait two months time for him to leave the inst.i.tute, and when the time comes—to kill or to cut—the young master can decide it all with just one word, no?”

Shi Wenlong’s eyebrows lightly perked after listening and he nodded his head in satisfaction.

His words had merit. Killing a commoner was much simpler than killing a student, and much safer too.

“Alright, I’ll do as you say, Uncle w.a.n.g.” Shi Wenlong laughed coldly and closed his eyes as he continued to enjoy the pleasurable feeling from his ma.s.sage, “I’ll let that brat, Lin Feng, live for an extra two months.”

“When the time comes…I’ll take my time in dealing with him.

Autumn turned to winter, and with this transition, came the fact that graduation was one step closer.

On December 1st, Lin Feng gifted his final bottle of genetic fluid to Yang Li and immediately returned to his training room to continue his closed-door training. Lin Feng was very clear that his starting point already lagged much behind other people; the him, who had only started to cultivate as an ancient martial artist at the age of 17, must recover this lost time. Hence, he must try ten times harder, a hundred time harder than other people.

With a firm belief and astonishing willpower, Lin Feng advanced towards his goal unceasingly.

“I must become an ancient martial artist as quick as possible!” This was Lin Feng’s only thought. Right now, he desperately wished that he could use one hour as if it were ten hours worth of time.

As for the graduation exam on January 1st, Lin Feng basically didn’t care.

That was specially arranged for the Inst.i.tute’s outstanding talents. He was once one of them, but the him right now…was not.

Two months time pa.s.sed by very quickly.

Fireworks were being set off at Blazing Sun’s Martial Plaza, as countless people shouted out the New Year’s countdown in chorus. On an enormous fluorescent curtain of light, bright and colourful animations were being broadcasting. The great wheel of time had officially shifted from Warring Era, 101st year, to Warring Era, 102nd year.

January 1st, the first day of the new year.

“This will be the last time.” Lin Feng walked along the Inst.i.tute’s gravel road as he stared at all the strange and dazzling school buildings all around him. The Magnetic Levitation Fort. The Capsule Room. There was a glimmer flickering in his eyes, the rest is all memory now. Today was the last day he would enter this place with the ident.i.ty as a student; six years had quickly flown by here. This place…had too many memories.

From an ignorant little boy, he grew up to what he is today.

There was bitterness, but also happiness; there was joy, but also sorrow.

“10th ranked genius?” Lin Feng smiled calmly. Even now he could hear all kinds of idle gossip from around him, and all kinds of different looks. Yet, his mind remained as tranquil as water. After having recovered from the heavy blow he suffered one year ago, how could he possibly care about what others had to think.

“Three months of cultivating as an ancient martial artist went by pretty smoothly. Only, a bit of a hurdle came up in the later stage. I’m not sure whether my brain region depth increased, and by how much?”

“5.3%? 5.4%? Or perhaps…a bit higher?”

Lin Feng laughed and stepped onto the magnetic floating stairs in front of him.

According to the calculations from the cultivation he had done in the past, on average, brain region depth increases by about 1.1% to 1.2% each year. Naturally, cultivating is a bit faster for those who have just started; however, ancient martial artists cultivated at much lower speeds than that of which genetic warriors cultivate at. Although these three months he used the amount of time he had to the limit, nevertheless, he could still not match up to even half the efficiency that absorbing genetic fluid gave.

“It’s okay, as long as there’s improvement then it’s fine.”

“Even if it’s only 5.01%.”

Lin Feng walked up, one step at a time; his mind was very relaxed and at ease.

Only students who applied for the Three Big Advanced Genetic Inst.i.tutes would attach importance to the graduation exam. To Lin Feng, it was actually quite simple. All he had to do was go through a series of procedures, complete the testing, along with enduring the final bit of ridicule, and finally…like the majority of the students, enlist into the Blazing Sun District Security Guards. Security Guards don’t take into consideration your brain region depth, but rather, your actual combat capabilities.

With regards to his own combat capability, Lin Feng still had complete confidence.

“At last.” Lin Feng’s eyes lit up. At the end of the magnetic floating stairs was a half-oval shaped stronghold that was kept afloat in mid-air through magnetism; constructed from l.u.s.trous metal frames along with reinforced gla.s.s, it was like an enormous fortress. This was the fruit of modern technology—floating high in the sky, steady as Mt. Tai.

Brain Region Depth Testing Centre.

“Di~~” Following a scan of his palm print, Lin Feng’s ident.i.ty was confirmed.

Palm print was more complex than fingerprints, and more accurate.

“Oh, a lot of people.” Lin Feng’s view suddenly lit up. There were tightly packed crowds of people as far as the eye could see. Every year at this time, he would see the other students graduate. This year, it was finally his turn. And at this point, the liveliest area inside the Testing Centre was no doubt the two ‘VIP platforms’ on the left and the right.

Every year, only on the day of January 1st would the two VIP guests show up.

“Sunset City Genetics Inst.i.tute.” Lin Feng’s gaze swept across the VIP platform on the right side, and finally settled on the VIP platform on the left side. Seated there was an arrogant-looking instructor from Crown Elite Inst.i.tute, with arms were crossed on his chest. His cold countenance compared to the expression from Sunset City Genetics Inst.i.tute’s instructor was a stark contrast.

Within the Three Big Advanced Genetics Inst.i.tutes at Sunset City, the top rank does in fact belong to Crown Elite Inst.i.tute; but in reality, for the past few years, Sunset City Genetics Inst.i.tute has been hot on their heels, and the difference was becoming smaller and smaller.

The compet.i.tion between the two big advanced genetics inst.i.tutes was quite fierce, and naturally, this included the fight for talented people.

“Ah Feng!” A loud and cheerful voice travelled over, which caused Lin Feng to smile wryly

Yang Li’s big voice instantly attracted everyone’s gazes. However, he wasn’t conscious of this in the least, and was just waving his hands energetically.

Laughing helplessly, Lin Feng immediately walked over.

“Look, it’s that Lin Feng!”

“Really? He actually came to test? He didn’t find last time humiliating enough?

“You idiot. Today is the graduating test, how could he not come? Even if his brain region depth degenerated and his genes suffered damage, only we know that, others don’t know. When the time comes he could at least take his graduation certificate to sc.r.a.pe a living somewhere by fooling people. It’s still better than being an ancient martial artist that can’t even breakthrough the limit, right?”  

“Once a well and proper genius, what a shame.”

“A bunch of busybodies!” Yang Li glared at the surrounding students angrily.

“We can’t stop the mouths that grow on other people’s bodies, just leave them be.” Lin Feng laughed casually.

Yang Li snorted his nose, “They can only feel superior now. Wait until they leave the Inst.i.tute. Hmph. A life of being a Security Guard awaits them.”

With a six year career at the Inst.i.tute, whether they were dragons or snakes, it was clear to see. Those with potential and apt.i.tude would not be overlooked. Like with Xiao Shiyuan. Even though his family is impoverished, he could still distinguish himself from the others; like with Yang Li, he still had hope to take some risks in the future; however, a majority of the students’ lives were pretty much just like that, being able to become a genetic warrior was already their limit.

“And you?” Lin Feng lightly laughed, “Did your brain region depth breakthrough 9%?”

“No problem!” Yang Li patted his chest, full of confidence, “If I can’t reach a brain region depth of 2nd rank even like this, then I’d be extremely unworthy of the three bottles of genetic fluid you sponsored me with, Ah Feng.”

“That’s good then.” Lin Feng’s gaze fell on the two VIP platforms which were currently jam-packed with people. Most notably, there were especially a lot by the side of Sunset City Genetic Inst.i.tute’s instructor, where many students were making inquiries, and among them was a familiar figure—Shi Wenlong. The him, who was normally filled with overweening arrogance, was presently putting on a flattering smile like his two lackeys.

“Not going to attempt to curry favour?” asked Lin Feng.

“At most my brain region depth just barely reaches 2nd rank, how could they take a liking to me.” Yang Li said casually, “Pops always taught me that it’s important to know one’s limitations. What’s the point of waving my tail around like a dog, and begging for pity? After the graduation test concludes, I’ll go and apply to the War Inst.i.tute.”

The War Inst.i.tute.

Of the Three Big Advanced Genetics Inst.i.tutes, it ranked last.

Every year, Crown Elite Inst.i.tute and Sunset City Inst.i.tute would fight for the good saplings with 1st ranked brain region depths. After that, they’d choose the best 2nd ranked brain region depth students to recruit. The students with 2nd ranked brain region depth that were unselected would then go and apply to the War Inst.i.tute, and go through a rigorous selection. This was basically the convention,

“Have confidence?” asked Lin Feng.

“Nope.” Yang Li suddenly became like a deflated balloon, his face full of worry, “There’s a total of 60 districts in Sunset City, and adding on top the students from Sunset City, every year the there are up to 400 plus applicants to the War Inst.i.tute, while they only accept 100. There’s an 80% fail rate, 80%!”

His head was shaking incessantly as he talked. Indeed, Yang Li’s confidence was severely lacking.

Lin Feng knew about the apprehensions that Yang Li had, and didn’t blame him for it. In the Blazing Sun District, Yang Li just barely qualified for the application; he was more or less the bottom of the barrel. Not to mention all the students applying to the War Inst.i.tute from within the entire Sunset City. 400 plus people and only taking 100 people, this 80% fail rate was truly quite cruel.

However, it is all matter of your own effort.

“Three Big Advanced Genetics Inst.i.tutes…” Lin Feng’s eyes flickered, a bit of longing appeared in his heart. If he could get into one of them, not only would he be able to receive the guidance of an instructor, but even more, he would receive endless resources and the best cultivation environment. Even the most basic benefit provides two bottles of genetic fluids each month, the treatment was extremely good.

Yet, just like ‘flower seen in the mirror, moon on the water’s surface’[2], this was not something he could grasp—a beautiful, but unattainable dream. It no longer had any connection with himself.

The flickering in Lin Feng’s eyes became radiant light that pa.s.sed by in a flash, and a relieved smile once appeared.

I, already put it all down a long time ago.

Just at that time, the entrance to the Testing Centre opened up once again, instantly giving rise to cries of surprise. Lin Feng looked over and stopped to see an impressive-looking middle-aged man who had a bit of white hair on the two sides of his head, and a body of steel-like muscles that could make people cower in fear. As he strode forth with his head held high, clad in a bronze-coloured genetic armour which exuded an air of dominance, an imposing aura befitting that of the powerful surged forth, giving others the feeling that they were in the presence of a lion.    

“President Shi!” Standing firmly, Lin Feng felt a chill in his heart, a look of visible respect and reverence could be see on his face.

President Shi Shi.[3] He was the legend and pride of the Blazing Sun District. Moreover, he was the expert that the students talked about the most regularly, and admired the most.

He instantly became the focal point upon his appearance. The originally noisy Testing Centre became so quiet that one could hear a pin drop. Furthermore, even the arrogant instructor from Crown Elite Inst.i.tute was currently standing up in respect. From behind President Shi, there was Yin Rushuang, Li Mang and the other seven instructors, accompanied with dozens of drillmasters following behind, forming an enormous line up.

“President Shi.” Both the instructors from Crown Elite Inst.i.tute and Sunset City Inst.i.tute saluted with respect.

“En.” Making a casual sound as a reply, Shi Shi, with the gait of a lion king, pa.s.sed through the middle of the two people with large strides, in a disdainful and domineering manner.

His appearance signified that this year’s Blazing Sun District’s Primary Genetics Inst.i.tute’s graduation exam had officially … begun.