Cosmic Demon

Chapter 208 The Mind Can Revert, Opening Two Paths!

Qin Shi muttered a few words and rejected the reconciliation proposal.

Holvin told him that the first successor sent by the Ying family to Hengzhou was Ying Huang, a direct descendant.

The other party was different from Ying Lin, a spoiled brat who lived off his family foundation and had no great ambitions.

Yinghuang graduated from one of the four national universities in North China, and was also the student council president of that year. She participated in three national-level projects, making her resume highly valuable.

After graduating and serving for four years, he joined Xuyang Heavy Industry, a subsidiary of the Ying family, and rose to the position of supervisor within five years. Now he is the chief executive officer of the Ninth Battle Group of the Black Xie Starfield, a military defense contractor.

"Mainly producing various ion cannons, military robots, and individual long-range shooting weapons..."

Qin Shi, holding the orange puppy, searched for Yinghuang's life story and marveled at how she had become a senior decision-maker at Xuyang Heavy Industry in just over thirty years of her prime.

They far exceed the category of "social elites" and can be fully called "pillars of society".

"Know yourself and know your enemy, and you will never be defeated. Intelligence is very important."

Qin Shi lowered his head and sighed. Normally, even with his Level 7 citizen privileges, he wouldn't be able to access such detailed information.

The first rank of these nine major clans all have relevant privacy protection mechanisms, and can only be seen after a very deep and complex search and careful screening.

This orange puppy, modeled after the electronic demon, has since been updated in multiple applications.

Besides 【Kill Me】, 【Idiot Map】, and 【Entropy Bank】, there is also 【Baidu Search】.

With the newly emerging application software, Qin Shi instantly filled in many details.

He clicked on several entries related to "Yinghuang" in succession, his eyes gleaming.

"Among the nine most meritorious officials of Dongxia, Commander Ying had the most offspring. Thanks to his protection, the Ying family expanded rapidly and became the largest family among the nine clans."

Aside from direct descendants, there are countless collateral branches scattered throughout the galaxy, which is why the 'inheritance sequence' system arose.

Any member of the Ying family, as long as their bloodline is intact, can contribute to the family, take over businesses or manage companies, thereby advancing in rank and receiving preferential treatment in resources.

When Qin Shi checked the "First Sequence of the Ying Clan," he quickly compiled a list of more than a dozen people.

Among them, "Yinghuang" ranked sixth, which is quite outstanding.

"For those at lower ranks, only 'net worth' and 'asset growth' are assessed. If one wants to become a successor in the first rank, 'personal potential' and 'future growth potential' must also be considered."

Qin Shi glanced at the top three on the list. Their information seemed to be masked, with only a string of meaningless asterisks indicating that they were the most likely to succeed the Ying family and become the head of the family, and were being kept strictly confidential at all times.

"The fact that the Ying family sent Ying Huang, who ranks quite high in the first tier, to meet with me shows that they think highly of me."

After browsing through several of the Ying family's heirs, Qin Shi shook his head and smiled.

A super-powerful tycoon like the Nine Clans, who overlooked Dongxia and controlled everything with one hand, was willing to reconcile with a high school student from Old Factory Street and turn hostility into friendship.

If this were set in an ancient empire, it would definitely be considered a celebrated story of "treating scholars with respect".

"Let's remain unchanged amidst all changes. As long as I stay in Hengzhou, the Ying family can't do anything to me."

Qin Shi released the soft, orange puppy, putting aside his many thoughts.

He felt that he couldn't get involved in this level of struggle, and that he should just follow Lao Zhang's orders.

As the executive director of the Nanhuang Martial Arts Academy, a grandmaster of the old martial arts school, and a super background figure who achieved a perfect defeat against the first generation of ten heroes such as Qi Wuxiang and He Lanchan.

Old Zhang is the strongest offensive force against the Ying family!
"Instead of worrying about how to face Yinghuang, I'd rather hope that Old Zhang lives a few more decades, so that one day I can reach the end of my path, make the final leap, advance to Martial God, and completely pass through my developmental period..."

Qin muttered a few words to himself, silently praying that Old Zhang would live another hundred years, and then began his spiritual practice for the day.

He is currently at a very crucial and important stage.

The mind remains in the embryonic stage of the Holy Embryo, while the mortal body touches upon the hundred-point threshold.

"The 'spiritual essence' and 'physical vitality' of life are both quantifiable, so it is difficult to advance the spiritual energy path and the martial arts path simultaneously."

If one path is taken quickly, the other is destined to be taken slowly, thus creating a bottleneck and hindering progress.

Qin Shi recalled the topic he had discussed with Lao Zhang, Lao Liang, and even Super Xiao He: he was endowed with the "gift" of the unity of body and soul, so there was no need to worry about the first point.

However, if the mind breaks through first and condenses a complete sacred embryo, it can indeed hinder entering the professional field, and vice versa.

"Therefore, I have to open up both roads at once!"

Qin Shi pondered that breaking through to the professional level through martial arts was practically a sure thing, but he still lacked some clues about condensing the sacred embryo through spiritual energy.

"I have absorbed enough energy by bathing in the sunlight to forcibly create a prototype, which should now carry my 'intention' and 'thought'."

He sat cross-legged in the inner realm, his spiritual power spreading throughout his body like a whirlwind, creating intense ripples.

As the sea of ​​consciousness was extracted, beams of "ripples" coalesced, like sharp blades shooting out in all directions.

Super Xiao He acts as a sparring partner, constantly conjuring up human figures that resemble targets.

Qin Shi was in a peaceful state of mind. He used meditation to integrate his easily scattered thoughts into a unified whole.

Gradually, he began to control dimensional energies containing different attributes. Strands of wind and wisps of flame condensed from within his forehead, as if he were an ancient Qi cultivator capable of manipulating wind, fire, thunder, and lightning.

"The most difficult part of the Holy Embryo stage is how to 'refine the essence' after absorbing dimensional energy. Whether it's wind or fire, these natural attributes are like ore full of impurities. If they are not refined, the mind will be polluted."

Qin Shi once heard Super Xiao He say that the biggest difference between the spiritual energy path and the martial arts path is that the latter is about the power returning to oneself, while the former is like navigating a raging sea, with a great risk of capsizing.

Before reaching the level of "manifestation of sainthood," the mind may even experience regression.

He fell from the state of "sitting in oblivion" to "sacred embryo," then from "sacred embryo" to "entering samadhi," and even became an ordinary person.

Therefore, classic stories from ancient times often contain similar plots.

Ordinary people, having experienced all the vicissitudes of life, suddenly attain enlightenment and become immortals;
A single thought can cause a deity with perfect merit to fall into demonic possession and lose all their spiritual power.

These seemingly clichéd plots actually contain allegorical messages about spiritual practice.

"Now I finally understand why Lao He's cultivation speed is so monstrous."

Qin Shi activated the Void Meditation Technique, and an ancient altar appeared in his sea of ​​consciousness. Dimensional energy falling from the rift in the Netherworld was absorbed into it, like iron being smelted in a furnace, removing impurities and leaving only the essence, like droplets of liquid water.

He opened his eyes, his expression one of surprise. He hadn't expected Lao He's self-created "Void Meditation Method" to be so powerful.

The mind operates, embracing all things, encompassing everything, and integrating everything.

This kind of inheritance is like having a cheat code, enough to make people advance rapidly in the psionic path without having to worry about any bottlenecks.

"Senior Sister Yu's specialty is 'Domination'. Judging from this, if I take my spiritual energy path to that level, the specialty I get might be something like 'Instant Refinement'."

Qin Shi had previously doubted He Lan Chan's inheritance, thinking it wasn't as powerful as he had imagined, and that once mastered, it would display an invincible demeanor.

Now I finally understand. It turns out that my level wasn't high enough to unleash my full power.

"Unfortunately, the Iron Curtain defense of the central city is even stronger than that of the Tai'an metropolitan area, making it impossible to absorb a large amount of dimensional energy."

Qin Shi felt a little regretful. If he could bathe in the sunlight again, he could use the Void Meditation Technique to refine a massive amount of essence and fill the empty twelve-sided crystal.

"Little He, Little He, do you have any way to help me open up two paths?" After finishing his training course, Qin Shi sought help from the almost omnipotent Super Little He.

Regarding climbing routes, the latter is more useful than [Baidu Search].

"Haven't you already figured it out yourself? Why are you asking me again?"

Super Xiao He remained expressionless. The interior scene was a complex interplay of emotions, and unless Qin Shi deliberately concealed it, his thoughts would be revealed with every emotional fluctuation.

"I'd like to discuss the feasibility with you."

Qin Shi rubbed his hands together, his unusually active mind sparking a breakthrough that allowed him to comprehend a method that offered him the opportunity to connect the two paths of spiritual energy and martial arts.

“He Lanchan did this. Why do you think the ‘Void Meditation Method’ was created? It’s a bridge connecting the two paths for those who unite the spirit and the body.”

Super Xiao He said calmly.

"Old He and I are thinking the same thing."

Qin Shi punched and slapped his palm, which was quite exhilarating.

Since He Lanchan has already put it into practice, it proves that his idea is perfectly valid.

"Use the 'Void Meditation Method' to absorb dimensional energy, refine its essence, and then use natural attributes such as 'wind,' 'fire,' 'thunder,' and 'lightning' to train the physical body and transform the mortal form. In this way, both paths progress simultaneously and are opened up in one go!"

This is the method that Qin Shi devised.

"However, this method also carries risks."

Super Xiao He frowned and tried hard to remember:

"Before He Lanchan broke through the two paths, he would often inexplicably burn himself, be struck by lightning, or suffer frostbite because he absorbed too much natural energy essence. In ancient times, this was called 'tribulation,' because he was too powerful and attracted the calamity of heaven and earth."

Qin Shi's lips twitched. He thought to himself that he was just entering a professional field, so it shouldn't bring him any great calamity, right?
……

……

As night deepened, the brightly lit city center pierced through the clouds, revealing a large, full moon that cast a serene and gentle glow.

A long shuttle-like aircraft flew through, dispersing wisps of cold clouds.

Logically speaking, every capital city of a rising administrative power should have no-fly regulations. Even trains traveling on the suspended tracks cannot exceed a certain height, let alone aircraft that openly appear in the inner ring area of ​​the city center.

But faced with this silver-white aircraft bearing the emblem of a three-legged bird, all ground units remained silent, as if they hadn't seen it, allowing it to swagger down onto the helipad of the Second Sky Garden.

A young man dressed in haute couture stepped out of the open hatch and onto the soft grass.

His long hair, reaching his waist, was striking; it was fiery red, not dyed, but rather seemed to be burning, and it swayed gently in the night breeze.

This person is Ying Huang, the first successor of the Ying family.

"Ying Lin is stuck in the Little Red Building and can't come out, so I have to go see him in person."

Yinghuang was handsome, with very thin lips that gave him a somewhat aloof air.

Even though his smile was gentle, there was a hint of mockery and ridicule in it.

He was followed by a middle-aged butler, who always lagged half a step behind, yet maintained a safe distance.

"Young Master Huang, Holvin has not yet given a reply, but silence is sometimes a form of expression."

If that successor of the Southern Huang Martial Arts Academy truly wanted to reconcile, he wouldn't have delayed until now.

Yinghuang walked quickly and entered the gate in no time. The No. 2 Sky Garden was the most high-end and luxurious area in the central city, apart from the Governor's Mansion.

The magnificent architectural complex, resembling a rolling mountain range, lay prostrate in the pitch-black night. However, due to Yinghuang's arrival, the entire sky was illuminated, and soft, non-glaring light spread out, as if the ocean were embracing the red-haired man.

From a distance, the second sky garden was dazzlingly bright, almost overshadowing the full moon hanging in the night sky.

“I’ve said it several times, Lao Li, you should curb this arrogance of a big family. If you still treat Qin Shi as a poor student from the old factory street who got lucky and inherited He Lan Chan’s legacy, and was also fortunate enough to be taken in by the Nanhuang Martial Arts Academy, then there is no point in trying to reconcile.”

Yinghuang smiled, but her smile did not bring a sense of warmth or comfort.

"Take everyone in stride if you try to communicate with them properly. This is the most important lesson I learned during my five years at Xuyang Heavy Industry."

Let's look at it another way. That successor of the Nanhuang Martial Arts Academy is Hengzhou's future superstar. I heard that Kang Yun'er has published several articles on the front page of Outlook Weekly, calling him a rising star from the borderlands and a role model for the children of the four alliances.

In Ying's evaluation system, his personal potential reached level S, and his future growth potential was even more terrifying level SS.

What does this mean? It means that his probability of replicating He Lan Chan and becoming one of the new generation's top ten is almost 70%.

Yinghuang spoke eloquently as he entered the spacious hall, which resembled a palace. A long line of waiters stood on both sides, bowing and scraping as soon as they saw him.

“Sometimes, showing respect to those of lower status can bring unexpected surprises. Moreover, I believe that regardless of whether the successor of the Nanhuang Martial Arts School is a poor student or has any other identity, we should respect the objective facts and the results of the calculations.”

Qin Shi, with an overall rating of SS, deserves our patience.

Butler Lao Li remained silent; Young Master Huang always liked to bet on unpopular options.

However, the successor of the Nanhuang Dojo has an irreconcilable conflict with the Ying family. Putting aside the death of Shen Changyuan, Qin Shi inherited He Lanchan's mantle, cultivated the "Void Meditation Method," and showed amazing potential. He may very well embark on the ancient Heavenly Path after the Star Cup.

All these factors are enough to sentence the other party to "death".

“I understand your concerns, and the family’s concerns. But after discussions among the elders and calculations based on the large model provided by ‘Feipeng,’ reconciliation is the most appropriate option.”

Ying Huang walked through the lobby and was led to a private room. He put his hands in his pockets, and his fiery red hair was particularly eye-catching.

He stood quietly by the window, looking down at the city below from the panoramic view of the sky garden.

After a long pause, he turned around and said:
"Besides, I think that rather than following orders from above to erase all traces and past of He Lanchan, it would be better to..."

Yinghuang paused, then uttered a treasonous statement that terrified the steward, Lao Li, so much that his face turned pale:

"It's better to look forward to the appearance of that thing. Back then, our ancestor participated in the Revival Society and became the supreme hero who created the new Dongxia. The legacy of that is still inexhaustible today."

"If I could invest in a future emperor destined for greatness, that would be considered meritorious service, and being granted a princely title wouldn't be a problem, would it?"

Old Li's legs were trembling as he said in a deep voice:

"Young Master Huang, please be careful what you say! What if 'Tai Jun' of Central City catches you..."

Yinghuang shrugged, took out a bottle of her favorite spirit from the liquor cabinet, and without using a glass, directly uncorked the bottle and gently sniffed its rich aroma.

"Just kidding. In the council chamber of Dongxia, the restoration faction has the least voice. As long as the Ninth Marshal is still alive, they will not allow anyone to turn back the clock and let the Zhu family take control of the Mandate of Heaven again."

But then again, can the Ninth Marshal survive the ninth millennium?

Old Li had just breathed a sigh of relief, but Ying Huang's words spurred him on again. He pleaded with a bitter face:

"Young Master Huang, please stop talking!"

Yinghuang tilted her head back and took a swig of strong liquor, saying helplessly:
"Alright, look at you, so timid. If we don't receive a reply from the Southern Huang Martial Arts Academy by tomorrow, then please have the Governor's Office arrange a meeting."

I hope to resolve this matter before the awards ceremony.

(End of this chapter)