Su Lin previously heard the phrases "Mutated Beast Meat" and "Genetic Martial Artist," and a sudden intense hatred surged from his past memories, the root lies in this.
Looking around the entire Su Family, including Su Lin's family, only three people had never tasted Treasure Meat.
Su Yingying is still young, and eating Treasure Meat won't grant her combat power.
Although Su Tongxi shares the same surname, she is ultimately an outsider.
As for Su Lin himself, he is the only blood-related direct descendant who has not benefited from it.
His cousin ate it, even his cousin-in-law Zhao Yaxin benefited from it and practiced the Dawn Breathing Technique, but he was excluded.
The bitterness and resentment of being neglected have always been etched in his former self.
Su Lin could only shake his head to this.
A lazy good-for-nothing, what use is it to eat such a rare treasure? It would just be a waste, his former self was truly unaware.
Six people from the Su Family sat around the Eight Immortals Table.
Su Lin lowered his head and looked at the Treasure Meat on the red cloth that was as dazzling as a ruby, a captivating aroma continuously slipping into his nostrils.
Suddenly, with a "clang," he drew out a dagger he carried with him and cut off one-third of the Treasure Meat under the astonished gaze of the Su Family.
He raised his head, his gaze sweeping over his grandfather, second uncle, and the cousin-in-law with a cold demeanor but a hint of surprise and contrasting cuteness in her eyes, pushing the one-third Treasure Meat over to them.
"Second Uncle said this meat is not very effective for him, I suppose it's the same for you, Grandpa. If that's the case, let's give this one-third to sister-in-law."
Su Lin spoke calmly, "I'm being greedy and taking this larger piece."
As soon as these words were spoken, the shock on their faces deepened, almost unable to believe that the usually "heartless to relatives" Su Lin could say such things.
Su Qi knew that "Su Lin" had previously held a grudge against this matter, so he gravely confirmed:
"Are you sure? You must understand that by giving up this one-third, it might precisely prevent you from unlocking the Blood and Flesh Genetic Lock. You might have to wait until you find the next piece of Treasure Meat to make a breakthrough, which could take months or a year, no one can say for sure."
To practice the Dawn Breathing Technique and become a First-Transformed Genetic Martial Artist, one must unlock the Skin, Flesh, Tendon, and Bone four genetic locks in sequence.
Unlock the Skin Lock, skin toughens like cowhide!
Unlock the Flesh Lock, strength comparable to tigers and bears!
Unlock the Tendon Lock, flexibility greatly increases, enabling the transmission of power!
Until the Bone Lock is broken, all four shackles removed, one becomes a true First-Transformed Genetic Martial Artist, possessing extraordinary power!
Each genetic lock's unlocking is a leap in life level.
If Su Lin could unlock the Blood and Flesh Lock, he'd be confident enough to shout like Yip Man's master, "I want to fight ten men!" against roles like Zhao Zhu.
Treasure Meat is extremely precious, in this village, there are only a few who can obtain Treasure Meat and unlock two genetic locks.
Facing such tremendous temptation, Su Lin looked calm, even with a slight smile:
"Grandfather, Second Uncle, I'm not afraid to be honest. I am clear now, seeing how outrageous my actions were when I was bewildered in the past.
"But after my parents had problems, not only did you not despise me, you instead supported me in secret, despite me being an undeserving descendant.
"I feel both guilty and deeply grateful for this kindness."
These words were heartfelt.
Though he is lazy, lustful, rogue, thick-skinned, and has a strong air of hostility from his transmigration.
But he is not like his former self as an "orphan," internally knowing how rare and precious this familial affection is in the apocalypse, understanding how to cherish and be thankful.
If not for Second Uncle Su Qi, when he first transmigrated, he might have already been cornered by Chang Kun, unable even to protect the little wife Su Tongxi!
If not for Old Su Can, how could Chang Sanheng be so humble to "compensate for punishment"? He would likely have hit him when he was down, as easily as he dealt with Hou Yong!
Second Uncle Su Qi opened his mouth, wanting to say something, but Su Lin shook his head and interrupted:
"Let's not talk about the past. This one-third of Treasure Meat, whether I eat more or less, the difference might only lie in unlocking one Blood and Flesh Genetic Lock. But sister-in-law..."
He turned his attention to Zhao Yaxin: "Sister-in-law has been stuck on the Tendon Gene Shackles for some time now, hasn't she?"
The cousin-in-law, coldly beautiful as a glacier, her eyes slightly flickered, avoiding his gaze.
Su Lin's actions and words overturned the strong impression she had in her heart, leaving her a bit at a loss on how to face this little brother-in-law who once shouted, "The older brother departs, the younger brother marries the sister-in-law."
Su Lin didn't mind, and instead, smiled at Grandfather and Second Uncle:
"Between me unlocking one more Flesh Lock and sister-in-law breaking through the Tendon Shackles, which one is more beneficial to the currently endangered Su Family? The answer is obvious."
He couldn't resolve the grand crisis facing his grandfather and the Su Family, but he could offer a token of sincerity, hoping the Su Family could weather the storm.
After a moment of silence, Old Su placed his calloused tiger palm heavily on Su Lin's shoulder, emitting a loud "thump, thump."
Su Lin grinned despite the pain, standing unwavering and letting his grandfather pat him.
"Hahaha!" Su Can beamed brightly, his voice like a bell, "Good! Good boy! Your Second Uncle was right, you truly are repentant! Okay! It's up to you! Hahahaha!"
He couldn't help but laugh heartily, like a tiger roaring in the mountains, his laughter causing the roof to tremble.
Su Qi also couldn't help but show a relieved smile.
His nephew's words assured him that the paternal love he and the grandfather invested in was not in vain.
This understanding and sense of responsibility even lightened the pain underneath his ribs a bit.
Su Tongxi looked at her Brother Kirin, tears of excitement glistening at the corners of her eyes.
She silently thought: Mr. Su and Mrs. Su, if you have spirits in the heavens, how wonderful it would be to see Brother Kirin like this?
Young Su Yingying, though not understanding the adults' emotional ups and downs, grinned with her missing-tooth smile as she saw the room filled with laughter, giggling "haha" foolishly, both funny and cute.
The shadow brought by Chang Sanheng seemed to be dispersed quite a bit by the laughter at this moment.
Once the laughter subsided, Su Lin mentioned the other purpose of this trip: borrowing materials to upgrade the construction platform.
Su Can and Su Qi exchanged a meaningful glance.
Last night, Old Su had already informed his son about Su Lin upgrading to Level 2 Safe House and successfully resisting the beast tide.
'This kid, not only has his temperament changed, but he also carries some secrets.' The father and son mutually understood.
However, Su Lin's earlier actions had already tightened the blood ties between them.
Trust, naturally increased.
Old Su waved his big hand, "Alright! Later bring back the materials needed to upgrade the doors, walls, and two workbenches, so you don't have to keep coming back and forth."
Su Lin and Su Tongxi quickly expressed their thanks.
Su Can waved his hand, indicating not to be formal with the family.
Second Uncle Su Qi asked worriedly, "Are you sure you can guard against the Level 2 beast tide all night tonight?"
"No problem," Su Lin answered decisively, "Today I'll build two more mechanisms, enough to handle it."
"Good!" Su Can stroked his beard, deciding, "I'll give you ten more silver coins as well. Also, check the market for suitable mechanical blueprints and buy a few."
Burdens don't weigh on debtors, Su Lin happily accepted.
He then brought out those two ancestral AKs, mentioning Hou Yong's desire to join the second team.
The grandfather told him to find the second team's captain, Liu Jun, or Old Liu.
"Just right," Su Can nodded, "You'll need him to cook the Treasure Meat. Let your sister-in-law take you there."
Su Qi also added, "I've had a relapse of an old injury last night, so I won't be able to take you outside the village to gather supplies these days. You should also take a break for now, wait until Old Liu cooks the Treasure Meat; you focus on practicing the Dawn Breathing Technique, and get yourself into shape first!"
Saying this, he glanced disdainfully at Su Lin's thin body.
Su Lin awkwardly scratched his head.
"That's it," the grandfather decided, "Let Yaxin take Xiao Lin to find Old Liu. Meanwhile, Tongxi and I will help you bring back those materials."
The Su Family internally mourned the loss of eldest son Su Ming, with Chang Sanheng as a lurking threat externally.
But at this moment, Su Lin's change and sense of responsibility seemed to tighten the family bond amidst turbulent times.
Let the wind blow, let the rain fall.
This distinguished Su Family, stands unyielding.