"As of now, none. The institute's seniors are interested, but their research is still on mutating creatures. Although their genes have significantly changed compared to their originals, the genes of martial artists have shown negligible differences from ordinary humans.

However, many previously incurable genetic diseases vanish once one becomes a martial artist. This suggests human evolution, albeit different from animals. Combining two distinct genes is near impossible. Even if successful, it just creates a monster, more prone to genetic rejection and mutations."

"What would they look like?" Zhou You envisioned beast-headed humans from old movies.

Shao Qi shared, "The most successful case I've seen involved integrating Two-Headed Blackline Snake genes into a human. The man developed snake scales, became more flexible, had deteriorated vocal cords but enhanced senses. However, he couldn't walk or use his limbs, still alive, though."

Alarmed, Zhou You pondered the less successful experiments.

Gravely, Shao Qi said, "Many subjects died from gene rejections. The survivors were deformed, thoughtless masses, without even basic strength. Frankly, these so-called 'scientific experiments' are inferior to Master Wei's creations, which at least resemble humanoid weapons."

"So, their aim with human experiments was to obtain greater power?" Zhou You reasoned that becoming a powerful martial artist through surgery, bypassing rigorous training, would appeal to many.

Assuming that after the procedure, one remains human and can think normally.

"Most undergo it willingly, but some opt for genetic modification in an attempt to overcome illnesses. Some terminal cancer patients have volunteered for such surgeries, but as of now, there haven't been any successful cases. This program has been explicitly banned by the government."

Zhou You leaned in and whispered, "Is it true that the Flame Brigade wasn't created through human modifications? How did your army cultivate so many experts?"

Shao Qi, pushing him back slightly with a hand against his chest, his breath warm against Zhou You's ear, responded, "They were shaped through relentless training and hardships unimaginable to most. Not all are masters; their combat skills are just superior. Many of the so-called sects in the civilian world are disorganized mobs, easily defeated."

"There are only a few sects with true depth and prowess. How can ordinary sects compare with a regular army? They're easily dispatched."

"Have you ever sparred with the experts from those prominent sects? Like those from Shaolin or Wudang? Aren't they touted as prodigious masters? Their fans flood the StarNet with posts about them."

Shao Qi grinned at him, adjusting Zhou You's bathrobe slightly. "In any case, they wouldn't stand a chance against you. Perhaps Han Xi from the Emei Sect could pose a challenge; her martial skills are genuinely commendable. The rest are not bad, but they still fall short compared to you."

Zhou You glanced down, noting the overly large robe revealing more than he had intended. But considering the other had been entirely unclothed in his presence, he didn’t find it much of an issue.

"Am I really that formidable?" Zhou You knew he was stronger than most martial artists, but the well-renowned masters couldn't all be overrated. It would be good to spar with them someday.

"Do you know why I never allowed you to assess your own rank?"

"Why?"

"For fear that your outstanding results might intimidate others. Many young prodigies don't falter due to lack of talent or effort, but get lost in the adoration of others."

"But I'm not that young anymore."

"Yet you're handsome. I predict you're at least of 'Wushuai' level. Once such news is made public, you'll amass a huge following and become an idol for many. From then on, unless you disconnect from the net, your life will be constantly scrutinized, making peaceful cultivation challenging."

Zhou You thought of the top celebrities before the apocalypse, how hard it was for them to step out. He was slightly apprehensive, but reasoned the current network couldn't be as efficient as before. Things that happened here might take a long time to spread out, so perhaps there wasn't much to fear?

Seeing Zhou You’s indifference, Shao Qi realized he hadn’t taken the warning seriously. Of the few young masters renowned worldwide, apart from Han Xi truly deserving her fame, the rest had stagnated.

It's not that they lacked talent, but their progress over the years had been too slow, a disappointment to Shao Qi.

"For a martial artist to progress, they must consistently challenge themselves. Once surrounded by constant praise, one might lose oneself, believing they're invincible." This was one reason Shao Qi was reluctant to reveal Zhou You to the world.

Of course, the primary reason was his fear of Zhou You leaving.

Shao Qi tentatively suggested, "If you want to test your level, we can do it privately. I'll need some time to prepare. The system data isn't easy to erase, and as soon as it's generated, it's sent to the back end."

Feeling it too troublesome, Zhou You declined, "It's not essential. Let's focus on resolving the lab issue. Get some rest; I'm leaving."

As Zhou You was about to leave, Shao Qi grabbed his robe's sleeve, suggesting with a smile, "Join me in meeting Cheng Zi'ang tomorrow. We need to demonstrate some of our abilities to ensure his willing cooperation."

"You mean today, right? It's almost 5 am."

Glancing at the clock and realizing dawn was approaching, Shao Qi watched Zhou You close the door behind him. He laid on the bed, staring at the ceiling, feeling an unmet longing inside.