7: Good news

Because Qiao Yu's cells had already been partially assimilated by the fungus.

The second genetic fusion optimization was significantly faster than the first, and his body's reaction was also much less intense.

This even gave Qiao Yu the misconception that the effect wasn't as good as the first time.

The blood-red fungal swarm enveloped Qiao Yu completely, like a caterpillar about to transform into a butterfly.

Several hours later, the mycelium on the surface of the cocoon was like catkins consumed by a raging fire, and the scattered ashes dispersed without wind.

Qiao Yu finally completed his second genetic fusion optimization.

"The second optimization used ten times the flesh and blood mycelium. It should at least make me an Advanced Trainee, right?"

[host: Qiao Yu (Advanced Trainee, Psycher Master not awakened)]

[Current flesh and blood mycelium quantity: 13,000 ml]

[flesh and blood mycelium quantity required to advance to Junior Warrior: 1,000,000 ml]

Qiao Yu clenched his fist, and surging power gathered in his palm.

Looking at his upper body in the bathroom mirror, he was no longer as tall and thin as before.

His fair skin, with a hint of redness, was the soft and delicate skin every woman dreamed of.

His entire body's muscles seemed to be sculptures meticulously crafted by Michelangelo, and he even felt his abdominal muscles, which were as distinctly blocky as chocolate.

Two consecutive days of genetic optimization left Qiao Yu's body cells in a state of extreme nutritional deficiency.

Bearing the empty hunger in his stomach, Qiao Yu then looked at the system panel's prompt, and was immediately shocked by the amount of fungal swarm needed for the next upgrade, instinctively punching the wall.

"Holy crap! A million milliliters?"

The movement wasn't large, yet it seemed to shake the entire bathroom.

Upstairs in the Luo family home

Luo Hongguo, who was recuperating in bed, sat up from his couch and looked around with a hint of surprise, 'An earthquake?'

Luo Hua, who was enthusiastically chatting with a female netizen in front of his computer, also took off his headphones. He had been too focused on chatting and only felt a slight tremor. 'What the hell was that?'

And Qiao Yu, the instigator downstairs, quickly retracted his hand after realizing he had caused such a big commotion.

Although his strength wasn't as great as a Warrior's, one punch could still deliver at least 800 kg. A big hammer is 80, so this big punch is worth at least 8000. Clap if you understand.

Fortunately, at this time, most neighbors were either at work or training at the martial arts gym, so there weren't many people staying in the cramped rented apartments.

"As expected, when physical fitness improves too quickly, the brain's control and adaptation to the body still can't quite keep up."

Qiao Yu had been stuck as a Junior Trainee for two years. Although his strength hadn't improved during those two years, his foundation was quite solid.

So, his body quickly adapted to the strength of an Intermediate Trainee during the first promotion.

However, in less than 24 hours, he was promoted again. On one hand, his body hadn't adapted, and on the other hand, it also consumed most of the energy from Qiao Yu's original cells.

Qiao Yu glanced at the clock on the wall; it was a little past five.

Gong Xinlan was about to get off work from the factory. She didn't know that Luo Feng was still in the detention center.

She probably wouldn't be in the mood to cook if she knew, so it would be better to buy some food outside and bring it back. It would also be a good opportunity to talk to Luo Hongguo and the others about his intention to continue cultivating.

Qiao Yu first feasted at a fast-food restaurant by the street, eating nearly ten people's worth of food at a place where the average meal was 15 yuan, which truly surprised the staff when he paid the bill.

Then he bought several jin of ready-to-eat meat and vegetables at a cooked food store. It was already past six o'clock when he returned to the residential area.

He walked to the Luo family's door and knocked.

"Coming!"

Luo Hongguo, who was sitting in front of the TV, put down the remote control and got up to respond. Gong Xinlan was beside him, weeping slightly, while Luo Hua was comforting Gong Xinlan.

The ashtray on the plastic table in front of them was densely packed with countless cigarette butts.

He opened the door and saw it was Qiao Yu. Luo Hongguo, who had a bitter expression, forced a strained smile.

"Xiao Yu, you're here. How was your rest? Are you feeling uncomfortable anywhere now?"

Luo Hongguo scrutinized Qiao Yu from head to toe, seeing his rosy complexion and vibrant spirit, much better than his own, and felt relieved.

"It's nothing, Uncle Luo. It's almost time for Aunt Lan to get off work and come back, and Luo Feng is still in the detention center. I felt it wasn't right for me to just idle at home, so I bought some dishes to save Aunt Lan the trouble of cooking."

Qiao Yu showed Luo Hongguo the meat and vegetables he was carrying, speaking with a smile.

"Why spend this money, Xiao Yu? Uncle Luo has to tell you off. Young people should plan for their future and not waste money. Cooking yourself saves money!"

"Besides, didn't you give Aunt Lan living expenses? Just eat at Uncle Luo's house. See if you can return these..."

Luo Hongguo pushed the dishes back to Qiao Yu, his face stern and brows furrowed, earnestly advising him.

"No need, Uncle Luo. I just happen to have some good news I want to tell you, Aunt Lan, and Luo Hua. Let's go inside first."

Qiao Yu pressed the back of Luo Hongguo's hand that had pushed the dishes back, signaling him to relax, and then pulled Luo Hongguo inside.

"Xiao Yu, is it about Xiao Feng? Can Xiao Feng come out already?"

Gong Xinlan heard Qiao Yu say he had good news and eagerly stepped forward to ask with concern.

Luo Hua also pushed his wheelchair to Qiao Yu's side. He knew his brother, Luo Feng, was in the detention center and was very worried, wanting to know Luo Feng's current situation.

"Uncle Luo, Luo Hua, don't worry. I've inquired about it. Luo Feng is already a Quasi-Warrior. The detention center is busy providing him with good food and drink."

"Now, as soon as the martial arts gym officially registers the information, Luo Feng can come out immediately."

Qiao Yu rubbed his nose. If he hadn't known the plot beforehand, knowing that Luo Feng would encounter some accidents in the detention center but nothing major, his expression probably wouldn't have been so calm and composed.

The three Luo family members heard that Qiao Yu had already inquired and looked reassured, and their hanging hearts finally settled down.

"It's good that he's fine, it's good that he's fine."

Luo Hongguo and his wife let out a long breath and sat back on the sofa.

Qiao Yu skillfully took out several plates from the kitchen with the meat he was carrying, arranged the packed dishes, and brought them to the dining table.

Luo Hua usually put the rice on to cook, so when Gong Xinlan came back, she only needed to stir-fry a dish, and the family could immediately eat.

"Cough, cough, Uncle Luo, Aunt Lan, Luo Hua, dinner's ready! And there's good news, let's talk while we eat."

Qiao Yu took out four sets of bowls and chopsticks, and seeing Gong Xinlan leaning on Luo Hongguo's shoulder, he coughed twice, slightly embarrassed.

"Xiao Yu, you brought things again, and now you have to prepare them for us..."

Gong Xinlan then realized that she, the hostess, was letting Qiao Yu do the work.

"Aunt Lan, what are you saying? We're family, whoever does the work, it's all the same. I've been resting all afternoon today."

"That's right, that's right, we're family."

"Eat! Eat!"

The four sat around a small dining table. Although everyone knew Luo Feng should be fine, they couldn't help but worry.

"Brother Yu, didn't you say you had good news about yourself? What good news? Did you get a girlfriend?"

Luo Hua picked up a piece of braised goose, eating heartily while looking at Qiao Yu with gossipy and ambiguous eyes.

When Luo Hongguo and Gong Xinlan heard Luo Hua say this, their gossip souls also ignited, and their mouths curved upwards. They looked at Qiao Yu with ambiguous eyes, waiting for him to clarify.

"You brat, you're even teasing me now. Could it be that you have a girl you like?"

Qiao Yu knew that Luo Hua had an online girlfriend named Zhen Nan. Qiao Yu wasn't sure exactly when they met, but he estimated it was around this time.