Ryan Lincoln used to always feel as if there was a membrane between his meridians and dantian, but now that sensation was gone; it was as if these implants had always been a part of his body.

　　Ryan Lincoln focused his senses for a moment, then let out a surprised exclamation: “Professor, I feel like there are a lot more branches between this core and my meridians.”

　　His eyes were filled with confusion, unable to understand where these branches had come from.

　　Professor Smith smiled, “Those branches are your body’s twelve principal meridians and eight extraordinary vessels—the meridian system that humans naturally possess. Amazing, isn’t it? It’s very similar to the meridian system of the Celestials. In fact, the scientific community has long suspected that Celestials may have visited Earth in ancient times and made contact with humans, and that there may even be Celestial blood in our veins, with reproductive isolation broken and hybridization occurring long ago.

　　The medical field has also been researching how to utilize the human meridian system to assist implant warriors in their cultivation. I happened to join a project that developed a technique to connect artificial meridians to the body’s twelve principal meridians, which can increase the efficiency of various artificial meridians by about twenty percent. Unfortunately—”

　　He didn’t continue, instead turning to his personal office panel to write a medical order: “I’ve prescribed you some medication to help reduce rejection reactions and stabilize your mental strength. It’s all included in the implantation fee this time. Just go to the pharmacy window to pick it up in a bit.

　　Also, the next four hours are your adaptation period. Don’t engage in any strenuous activity. After four hours, you can try practicing martial arts. I saw you have three gene enhancement serums in the fridge you brought. You can try injecting one during practice to ramp up the intensity. If you feel any discomfort, let me know immediately and I can help you make further adjustments.”

　　A look of anticipation appeared in Ryan Lincoln’s eyes.

　　He was eager to try and see what was so special about this set of “Divine Thunder and Heavenly Flame” on his body.

Chapter 10: The Mysterious Blood Drop

　　When Ryan Lincoln returned to his residential complex, it was already six in the evening.

　　Inside the base, night had fully fallen. The artificial sun had been extinguished and replaced by an artificial moon, causing the temperature in the entire city-base to drop sharply.

　　Ryan Lincoln had just ridden his rented shared hover-bike to the entrance of the complex when his younger sister Sean Lincoln messaged him again.

　　Summer’s End Thoughts (Sean Lincoln): Didn’t you say you’d be back around six? I’ve already made dinner—why haven’t I seen you yet?

　　Summer’s End Thoughts (Sean Lincoln): Bro, did you really get 11th place in the combat assessment? You’re not lying to me, are you?

　　Ryan Lincoln couldn’t help but laugh. He’d already told Sean Lincoln his results after the assessment at noon, but this girl just couldn’t believe his score.

　　He was about to reply when, out of the corner of his eye, he caught sight of Colonel Bennett’s villa up ahead.

　　Ryan Lincoln’s brows furrowed slightly.

　　The feeling he’d had when passing this villa that morning returned—an overwhelming surge of murderous intent and hostility welled up inside him without warning.

　　He did his best to suppress his emotions, stopping his vehicle and gazing solemnly at the three-story villa still cordoned off with yellow police tape.

　　The villa’s exterior was mostly glass curtain walls. Through the reflection, Ryan Lincoln noticed that his own eyes had turned blood-red.

　　A chill ran through Ryan Lincoln’s heart.

　　This was definitely the influence of the battle spirit’s obsession—the side effect of the copying skill was beyond his expectations.

　　Was there any way to resolve it?

　　Just then, another message appeared in Ryan Lincoln’s mind.

　　Usage Note 4: Increasing your own soul strength can help resist the influence of the battle spirit’s obsession.

　　Usage Note 5: Helping the battle spirit fulfill its obsession can weaken the intensity of the obsession, eventually rendering the battle spirit harmless.

　　As Ryan Lincoln pondered these two lines in his mind, a thoughtful look appeared in his eyes.

　　He judged that increasing his own soul strength could only address the symptoms; the real cure was to help the battle spirit fulfill its obsession.

　　Yesterday, he’d been so pleased with himself for copying George Bennett’s three master-level martial arts, never expecting that there was no such thing as a free lunch in this world.

　　At that moment, another message appeared in Ryan Lincoln’s mind.

　　Mission: Battle Spirit No. 1 has issued you a mission. He wants you to investigate the crime scene and look for clues about the murderer. After completing this mission, you can copy one skill from Battle Spirit No. 1’s skill list at no cost.

　　Ryan Lincoln was momentarily stunned, surprised that the battle spirit could even issue him a mission.

　　Just by checking out the crime scene, he could get a free ability?

　　Ryan Lincoln used his mind to open George Bennett’s skill list and found that there was a new skill available for copying.

　　He figured it was related to the improvements in his mental strength and physical fitness after the new meridian implants.

　　Ryan Lincoln glanced around.

　　It was rush hour, and the internal street of the complex was bustling with people and vehicles. Ryan Lincoln also saw two patrol officers standing nearby, and a team of security guards patrolling the street.

　　This must be the government’s response to the murder, strengthening security in the area. Clearly, now was not a good time to sneak into the villa.

　　Just then, Sean Lincoln messaged again.

　　Summer’s End Thoughts (Sean Lincoln): Where are you? Do you want me to drive to the city rail station to pick you up?