As mentioned last time, Xi Yan was now well into his eighties. Even with the benefits of psionics and genetic technology, the decline of his bodily functions was inevitable. Only his unwavering devotion to his country kept him working.
Fortunately, Xi Yan did respect modern medicine, and he regularly visited the genetic clinic on the Ring World for checkups.
All examinations were conducted in secret to ensure that no information about the Marshal's health leaked out.
The genetic treatment pod's single-piece hatch lifted upward. Xi Yan stood up inside, dripping wet, and stepped into the dryer. It emitted a special radiation that stripped the treatment fluid from his Marshal's uniform and his body, quickly leaving him dry again.
The genetic physicians in white coats were tensely discussing an electronic report. Seeing that Xi Yan had gotten up, they immediately stopped their discussion, assumed solemn expressions, and saluted him.
"Marshal, how do you feel? Have you had any adverse reactions to the treatment fluid?"
"I've never felt better." Xi Yan shook his head, his gaze shifting to the report they had been discussing. "Well? Is there a problem?"
The lead genetic physician immediately nodded, report in hand. "Yes. Although psionics have kept your body free of any major ailments, you've worked for the Empire without interruption for sixty years. The negative effects accumulated through fatigue, overwork, and an unhealthy lifestyle have eventually weakened all your bodily functions. We estimate that this deterioration will reach a critical point in another hundred to two hundred years."
"Of course, that's really worrying over nothing. A hundred years from now, our technology will definitely be able to cure every disease. We'll be able to make everyone immortal."
One genetic physician answered with a smile, "Exactly. Genetic Ascension is our future!"
The genetic physicians all chimed