Permanent Martial Arts Chapter 2

Lin Feng did not allow himself to be blinded by excitement; instead, he maintained his composure. He began a meticulous examination of the various capabilities offered by the genetic fusion device.

Following several hours of dedicated investigation, Lin Feng reached a few definitive conclusions.

First, the process of genetic fusion was unable to merge DNA from the same species. Since Lin Feng was human, he could not integrate the genes of other people, as their fundamental genetic essence was identical to his own.

Second, his DNA was incompatible with plant-based genes.

Third, there was a limit to the power of the genes he could absorb. If the foreign genes were too potent and surpassed the host’s own, they would take control. This would result in Lin Feng transforming into a freak or suffering a total genetic collapse. Consequently, Lin Feng could only merge with the genes of different species that were considered weaker than his own, a "genetic strength" value determined specifically by the device.

As long as these conditions were met, Lin Feng could integrate the genes of other organisms whenever he wished to enhance his natural physical state. However, the process was not without peril. Furthermore, Lin Feng harbored some skepticism regarding whether the genetic fusion device could truly perform such miracles.

Lin Feng pondered his situation for a long time. With only three years of life remaining and no medical cure for his mysterious ailment in sight, this device represented his only hope. Even with the inherent risks, he had to take the gamble.

The question remained: which organism should serve as his first subject?

After a moment of thought, Lin Feng opened his refrigerator and pulled out a portion of frozen Wild Bovine meat. Originally a species of powerful but dim-witted Outland dire beasts, Wild Bovines had been domesticated by humans and were now raised in captivity. Their meat was prized for being tender, nutritious, and flavorful. Lin Feng ate it often, so he always kept a steady supply in stock.

Despite being common, the Wild Bovine was still a dire beast. Even if it was the most basic of its kind, integrating its genes would likely grant Lin Feng a significant boost in raw power.

Taking a breath, Lin Feng commanded softly, “Extract Wild Bovine genes.”

“Wild Bovine genes successfully extracted. Compatibility with human genes confirmed. Do you wish to proceed with fusion immediately?”

Lin Feng paused briefly before clenching his teeth. “Fuse.”

“Commencing fusion with Wild Bovine genes. Estimated time: one minute.”

Boom.

The moment the device began the integration, Lin Feng’s entire frame was wracked by violent tremors. He felt as though he had been struck by a massive truck and then ground into the dirt.

The sound of blood rushing through his veins filled his ears. In his mind’s eye, a vision appeared of a dark, incredibly powerful Wild Bovine charging across the open plains.

Though the fusion took only sixty seconds, it felt like an eternity to Lin Feng. When he finally regained his senses, he looked at his body and noticed no obvious external changes.

However, he was wrong. While his appearance remained the same, he felt a profound shift deep within his bloodline. It was as if he had truly become a Wild Bovine, sprinting freely across the wilderness.

“The fusion won’t actually turn me into a beast, will it?”

Lin Feng gave a dry, self-mocking laugh. Since the Wild Bovine genes were merely being integrated into his own human foundation, his original DNA remained the dominant base. If the process worked as intended, he shouldn't actually turn into an animal.

Now that the process was finished, Lin Feng activated the holographic display to review his status.

Physique: 1.66 Strength: 1.54 Agility: 1.34 Skill: Basic Fist Technique (Proficient, can reach adept level through continued training) Genetic Fusion: Wild Bovine genes (10% fusion level; genes are in a state of rapid development. Ensure high nutritional intake.) Genetic Capacity: 6%

Reviewing these stats, even the usually stoic Lin Feng felt a surge of adrenaline. The sensation of power surging from his core wasn't a delusion; it was real. By fusing with the Wild Bovine genes, his physique, strength, and agility had all seen a comprehensive upgrade.

Furthermore, the Wild Bovine genes had only reached a 10% integration rate. As the fusion progressed toward completion, his physical attributes would continue to climb.

There was, however, an immediate side effect. A crushing, unbearable hunger suddenly hit Lin Feng. He felt as though he could devour an entire horse if one were placed before him.

This was the price of genetic evolution. Since his body was physically developing, these attribute gains required a massive amount of fuel. They didn't just appear out of thin air.

Lin Feng quickly finished off everything in his fridge, but it wasn't enough to sate the void in his stomach. He then reached for several bottles of high-grade white nutrient solution.

This was a premium product; a single small bottle contained the nutritional equivalent of a mountain of food. It was far beyond the budget of an average person. Because Lin Feng had been frail since childhood and often lacked an appetite due to his failing organs, his family kept these expensive solutions on hand for him.

These could be swallowed or injected. To speed up the process, Lin Feng injected three bottles directly into his system. The bloodstream delivery was far more efficient than digestion.

The effect was nearly instant. After the three injections, the gnawing hunger began to fade. A pleasant warmth spread through his body, making him feel as though he were relaxing in a hot spring. Every cell in his body seemed to be vibrating with satisfaction.

Enveloped by this soothing sensation, Lin Feng drifted into a profound sleep right there on his bed.

In his dreams, he was the Wild Bovine again. He ran with a massive herd across the plains, an unstoppable force that made other dire beasts flee in terror.

A single Wild Bovine was unremarkable, but a stampede of ten thousand or a hundred thousand was a force of nature.

Yet, the dream shifted. Several human experts descended from the sky. With a casual swing of a blade from one of the men, a colossal streak of light appeared between heaven and earth. It cleaved mountain peaks in two and made the ground groan. The devastating blade aura swept across the plains, completely wiping out the entire herd.

Lin Feng snapped awake, his forehead drenched in cold sweat.

“Was that just a dream? Or a memory embedded in the genes?”

He whispered to himself, shaken. The vision had been too vivid to be a mere dream. It felt like a genuine memory passed down through the DNA—a memory of the very beast that had likely been slain by that flying human warrior.

“Walking on air... and such a terrifying blade aura. Was that an inhuman expert who broke the genetic lock?”

Lin Feng’s heart raced. He had grown up hearing tales of those who had shattered the genetic lock. Legend said they possessed god-like power, transcending humanity to walk the skies and shatter mountains. They were the guardians of the human race, heading into the Outland to slay skyscraper-sized dire beasts so that civilization could survive in peace.

Ordinary citizens rarely witnessed such power, as inhuman experts were forbidden from fighting within city limits. Looking at the memory of that devastating strike, Lin Feng understood why. Their power was so destructive that a single battle could level an entire city.

Lin Feng checked his wrist. The watch that the device had mimicked was still there. After his rest, he felt revitalized, a complete transformation from the sickly boy he had been just a day ago.

“How far has the fusion progressed?”

He pulled up his attribute panel once more to see the results of his sleep.

Physique: 4.36 Strength: 4.12 Agility: 3.34 Skill: Basic Fist Technique (Proficient, can reach adept level through continued training) Genetic Fusion: Wild Bovine genes (35% fusion level; genes are in a state of rapid development. Ensure high nutritional intake.) Genetic Capacity: 6%

Lin Feng’s eyes nearly popped out of his head. His physical condition had improved exponentially. His physique and strength were now four times that of a normal human, and while his agility was lower, it was still triple the human average.

This massive jump had happened in just one night, and the fusion was only at 35%. His body was still evolving; the growth wasn't over yet.

As he balled his fists, he felt a wellspring of power. It was almost disorienting how fast he was becoming stronger. He knew he would need time to grow accustomed to this new level of physical capability.

“I wonder if this can actually cure me?”

His illness remained his primary concern, but without professional medical scanners, he couldn't be sure of his internal health.

He spent a few more minutes studying the device. It was clearly far beyond any known modern technology. Regardless of how it ended up on his shelf, it belonged to him now. He knew he had to keep it hidden. With a simple thought, the device vanished from his wrist, merging back into his body, ready to be summoned whenever he needed it.

His stomach growled again. The hunger had returned, and he was out of nutrient solutions in his apartment. Since his body was still rapidly processing the Wild Bovine DNA, he needed real food. Seeing it was already midday, he decided to head to the university cafeteria.

The Central Sea University cafeteria was a massive facility bustling with students. Usually, Lin Feng avoided the place. His poor health meant he rarely had an appetite for standard meals, especially mass-produced cafeteria food.

Today was different. He was starving, and even the distant smell of cooking food made him feel better.

Scanning the options, he focused on nutrient-dense dire beast meat. He ordered enough for four people and sat down, immediately devouring the meal with animalistic hunger.

“Lin Feng? You’re actually eating in the cafeteria?”

A familiar voice interrupted his meal. He looked up to see Qu Chen, the girl widely considered the goddess of the martial arts club.