When news of Shao Qi's demise first arrived, they could only mourn his loss. Now that he had returned, they realized the challenges he would face, leading them all to rally to his aid.

Chapter 234: Rejection

Upon returning, Shao Qi underwent a complete medical examination. All reports indicated he was perfectly healthy, except he still couldn't cultivate internal energy. Otherwise, he was no different from an average person.

"Cosmetic surgery is a minor procedure. Modern biotechnology can produce synthetic human skin that has no rejection issues. Would scheduling the operation three days from now be acceptable?" asked the young doctor under the watchful eyes of several higher-ups.

"Alright." Shao Qi nodded.

Today, accompanying Shao Qi, apart from Zhou You, there were several medical experts from the research institute. They were members of the rehabilitation team established for Shao Qi by Dean He.

Geng Qinglu reviewed various reports and examined Shao Qi once more, expressing in astonishment, "Honestly, your recovery rate exceeds my expectations. On the first day, I believed you might rely on medication for the latter part of your life."

After dressing, Shao Qi said, "I feel much better than before."

He discovered that the Taiyi Heart Sutra indeed had a miraculous effect in mending damaged meridians. Though he still couldn't cultivate inner strength, he felt a noticeable improvement in his physique, no longer gasping for breath after just a few steps.

Geng Qinglu glanced at the others and remained silent. After everyone finished their checkups, he collected the data and left for a meeting to discuss further.

Late that night, two individuals covertly knocked on the front door of Shao Qi's home.

"Come in. What couldn't you discuss in daylight that you had to approach so surreptitiously?" Shao Qi wasn't surprised, recalling Geng Qinglu's hesitant demeanor that morning.

Accompanying him was Lin Shuqing. They only removed their disguises after entering, indicating they wished to remain unrecognizable.

Zhou You served tea for the two, inquiring to Lin Shuqing, "Professor Lin, when did you two become so close?"

Geng Qinglu wrapped an arm around Lin Shuqing's and introduced, "Let me formally introduce you, this is my beloved."

Zhou You paused momentarily, then laughed, "Congratulations! I never imagined Professor Lin had such charm."

In Zhou You's perspective, Geng Qinglu had the persona of a playboy - intelligent, emotionally smart, and skilled in martial arts, seemingly able to win over anyone he desired.

Lin Shuqing, on the other hand, seemed much more reserved, so their union was unexpected.

Lin Shuqing replied with a smirk, "Back then, I instantly recognized Marshal Shao's ulterior motives towards you."

Shao Qi motioned for Zhou You to sit down, countering, "Speaking of ulterior motives, look at the person beside you."

Geng Qinglu rolled his eyes at them, "Focus, we're short on time. If we linger, we might get discovered."

Zhou You was also curious about their clandestine visit, sensing the gravity of the situation.

Lin Shuqing produced a USB drive from his pocket, borrowing Zhou You's laptop to display a document, saying, "I'll cut to the chase. This unpublished paper represents my latest research. I thought you should see it first."

"A research paper? How does this pertain to me?" Shao Qi skimmed the content, realizing it discussed the regenerative research of blue beetle cells and their potential medical applications.

"That beetle was initially brought by you. You're not oblivious to its immense vitality and ability to absorb spiritual energy. What would happen if these were integrated into a human?"

Geng Qinglu added, "We're all aware that Shao Qi's significance to the nation isn't just due to his exceptional martial skills. He's a cornerstone of the country. However, if his abilities were to wane, that cornerstone might crumble. Thus, we're seeking ways to restore his skills."

"So you intend to implant the beetle's genes into him?" Zhou You, having met Sun Lu, understood that human and animal genes could fuse.

Lin Shuqing nodded then shook his head, "That's the idea, but the beetle's genes alone might not suffice. After all, it's just a small insect, not necessarily potent enough to fully restore him."

He then accessed another encrypted file, "Based on Sun Lu's accounts, we've extensively researched the essence of the Jiang Shun project. Although it's yet to be validated experimentally, I'm 80% confident that with the appropriate genes, this project could succeed."

Lin Shuqing looked fervently at Shao Qi. He himself had emerged from that laboratory. Although he had never been involved with this particular project, he had some understanding of it.

"I'm aware that human experimentation is prohibited, but that's only without the necessary approvals. If the marshal consents, it would be just another surgical procedure, with a high likelihood of success."

Zhou You wasn't sure how Shao Qi would react upon hearing this, but he personally disagreed. It wasn't about gaining power; he simply couldn't accept the fusion of man and beast.

After reviewing the documents, Shao Qi turned to Lin Shuqing and inquired, "You've seen the failures in Jiang Shun's hands before, haven't you?"

"Yes... but things are different now. With successful cases and ample information in my possession, the probability of success is very high."

Shao Qi waved his hand dismissively, continuing, "But have you seen any successful specimens, other than Sun Lu?"

Lin Shuqing frowned, "To my knowledge, he's the only one so far."

"Indeed, I've never met him. I heard he's the most successful case, retaining human form, memories, and cognition. He appears no different from a normal human. However, most I've encountered are distinct anomalies.

I've fought against them. They're undeniably powerful, more physically robust than humans. Their techniques might be raw, but with proper training, they can be formidable. Their intellect is on par with an average adult, but they lack memories."

Shao Qi cast a fleeting glance at them, remarking coolly, "What does this imply? That upon becoming these half-human, half-beast entities, they lose their past? Do you envision me as another Sun Lu, or one of those memory-less beings?"