Capítulo 90: Chapter 90: Transaction, Original Liquid, Genetic Modification Technology
"You got here fast!" Ding Chenghai remarked, surprised.
"I'm at a research facility on the south side of Laoshan," he continued. "This used to be a weapons testing site. When you see the no-entry sign at the fork, just turn in."
The call was on speaker, so everyone heard clearly. Lin Feng glanced at Han Yuxin, who recalled the route and said it would only take twenty minutes.
Lin Feng replied, "Alright, we'll be there in half an hour. Get my stuff ready, and gather some people; these live insects aren't easy to move."
After hanging up, they soon spotted the fork off the main road in the dimming sunset. A rusty old military restricted area sign still hung under the streetlight, warning passersby.
Chen Yanyan made a right turn, driving into the path. A wire gate blocked the way, but Lin Feng, not wanting to get out to unlock it, had her drive the Flying Wing Vehicle right through. The massive spiked prow tore through the rusty gate effortlessly.
Driving along the tree-shaded path into Laoshan, years of dead branches and leaves had covered the cement road, suggesting it was rarely traveled. After ten minutes of winding around the mountain base, they finally arrived at an old, long, factory-like white building, bathed in the last rays of the setting sun.
Lin Feng instructed Chen Yanyan to stop at the widened entrance and turn around to position the trunk facing the research facility. He honked to signal their arrival.
Soon, a few towing vehicles emerged from the side of the research facility, led by one with Ding Chenghai inside. Just like when Lin Feng first met him at the university dorm rooftop, Ding was unkempt with a scruffy beard, though he seemed to have gained some weight, making his round face appear even fuller.
The institute's food must be treating him well.
Upon meeting, they exchanged brief pleasantries before getting to business:
"The Tiger Bug's mandibles are on the truck, though we punched a couple of holes in them. That shouldn't affect your use, right?" Ding gestured to the massive mandibles on the trailer, extending several meters beyond the truck bed, weighing over a ton...
"Lv22 Tiger Bug Mandibles, Orange Quality, Precious Fusion Material, Can Upgrade Red Items," the appraisal revealed. Lin Feng smiled, satisfied, and nodded to Ding Chenghai:
"They're fine. Let me get your goods."
Lin Feng returned to the Flying Wing Vehicle's trunk. The fading light limited visibility, and most of Ding's team were only mid-to-low-tier enhancers, so they couldn't see clearly.
However, Ding, sharp-eyed, noticed the unusual modifications on the large vehicle, particularly its heavy armor and concealed armor-piercing prow, akin to a heavy tank! The numerous protruding gun barrels highlighted its formidable firepower, making it a small mobile fortress.
Yet, despite its strength, it lacked mass production feasibility. The modifications and performance were top-notch, but factoring in fuel consumption and production materials made it extremely wasteful. Only a "wealthy player" like Lin Feng would invest so heavily in armor upgrades.
As a researcher, cost-effectiveness was a crucial consideration in weapon development.
While Ding admired the vehicle, Lin Feng unloaded the remaining five live Black Spinal Bugs and the legless Blue Wing Bug from the folded-space trunk. There were four live Blue Wing Bugs in total; Lin Feng kept three, unwilling to reveal his full strength or the trunk's spatial folding.
Such advanced technology could lead to unnecessary misunderstandings and trouble.
Circling the Flying Wing Vehicle, Ding's focus quickly shifted to the live insects outside the trunk. Their institute had handled only two live Black Spinal Bugs, quickly taken by Jincheng dignitaries to avoid accidental deaths. Each Tier 1 live insect meant a chance for a superpower awakening, turning ordinary enhancers into powerful awakeners, a priority over research for some.
Now, acquiring five additional live Black Spinal Bugs and a rarer Blue Wing Bug from Lin Feng, Ding was overjoyed. He was even more concerned about leaks attracting unwanted attention. Hence, the transaction was highly discreet, involving fewer than five researchers.
Each department would receive one, with Ding's weapons research institute getting the extra Blue Wing Bug. Ding had long coveted the insect's enlarged "flapping dragonfly" form, eager to study its structure and stable flight secrets.
Once he verified their vitality, Ding confidently directed his team to unload the massive Tiger Bug mandibles from the trailer.
"Need a truck to help transport it back?" he offered.
"These mandibles, though large and iron-hard, are surprisingly light. The insects combine some metallic element with biomass to create them."
Lin Feng declined the offer, stepping forward to lift the mandibles himself. Without the original owner's strength, they were mere materials, easily manipulated by Lin Feng.
As a fully awakened Tier 1, even without physical enhancement, his 150 constitution allowed him to lift three to four tons effortlessly.
Witnessing Lin Feng place the mandibles into the trunk, leaving three meters of the tips protruding, Ding realized Lin Feng's awakening level surpassed his expectations. Yet, considering Lin Feng's ability to capture live insects at the front, it made sense he was exceptionally powerful.
After the transaction, Ding advised:
"Stick to small roads. Once on the highway, you should be clear. As for the human awakening defect we discussed, breaking limits is a potential solution, but practical cases are rare..."
"Few can awaken dual-attribute superpowers for both spirit and constitution."
"Most physical enhancers, even after killing several Tiger Bugs, find their base constitution weaker than their insect counterparts."
"Only using abilities and entering a berserk state can they surpass the same-tier Tiger Bugs."
"Our physicality isn't outstanding; our spiritual talent is, but awakeners in that area are rare, and their constitution is a weakness..."
Lin Feng nodded, recalling Qin Hu, and asked softly:
"Is there a modification plan? The Major Qin I mentioned, after losing a leg, was invited for voluntary modification..."
Ding frowned, leading Lin Feng to a corner by the road. Under the blood-red sunset, he revealed:
"I'm not directly involved but know they're developing complementary biological weapons..."
"This technology is a top-secret project, tightly controlled. I believe it's linked to the recent 'Decapitation Plan' proposed by the military, aiming to create super-strong biochemical soldiers for underground hive raids."
"Initially, the plan was too radical, facing internal opposition. But as the Federation suffered defeats with millions dead, legal and moral constraints weakened."
"They began studying insect cells, probing their monstrous resilience. Breakthroughs came from extreme experiments on death row inmates."
"Insect cells, highly resilient and adaptable..."
Ding pointed to the live insects being loaded, able to heal severed limbs quickly, still aggressive despite injuries.
"They extracted stem-cell-like progenitor cells from live insects, merging them with human cells..."
"I'm not clear on the technology, related to cloning and genetic programming banned in Congress. Yet large corporations and labs secretly pursued it."
"Inmates injected with the extract mutated into insect-like forms."
"Becoming human-insect hybrids."
"Though unstable, most subjects died within hours or minutes..."
"Autopsies revealed the insect gene extract triggered awakenings, turning ordinary people into physical enhancers!"
"Skipping nine enhancements!"
"They're refining dosages and secretly experimenting on enhancers and awakeners."
"Awakeners have stronger constitutions, higher spirit, better mutation tolerance."
"Latest reports say gene extract from a Tier 2 insect's brain can push late Tier 1 awakeners to Tier 2!"
"Faster and easier than killing a Tier 2 insect for awakening."
"Amid the current crisis, it offers high value!"
"Gene-modified humans, under insect gene stimulation, have metabolisms accelerated dozens of times, shortening lifespans."
"Some aged rapidly, cells dying."
"Humans can't match insects, balancing high spirit and strong bodies means sacrificing lifespan."
After venting his view, Ding sighed deeply, lamenting the situation.
Lin Feng, quietly listening, asked the key question:
"What's the current success rate? Can it regrow Major Qin's limb?"
Ding shook his head, spreading his hands:
"Only they know the exact rate, but reports indicate they're confident enough to redirect resources from us to them."
"Success seems likely, at least for mass-producing Tier 2 gene-modified humans."
"As for limb regrowth, insect cells, with strong vitality, make it feasible."
"If Major Qin, having completed Tier 2 awakening, has the strongest constitution, it might boost his modification success..."
"They won't waste such a valuable subject, hoping he can overcome societal concerns."
Lin Feng nodded, taking a deep breath:
"Thanks, this information is crucial."
Ding's eyes showed disdain:
"Not my project. I dislike those experimenting maniacs, and unstable gene mutations could cause bigger problems."
"Pursuing quick solutions invites disaster from the monsters they create..."
Lin Feng shrugged:
"Before that..."
"Let's win this war first."
Ding frowned, but nodded:
"True, defeating the insects is humanity's priority."
Lin Feng acknowledged, glancing at the loaded live insects:
"By the way, Red Armor can integrate Black Spinal Bug mandibles or Blue Wing Bug wings."
Offering Ding some ideas, Lin Feng boarded the Flying Wing Vehicle, leaving Laoshan under the sunset...
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