Cosmic Demon

Chapter 209 An assassination attempt that doesn't need to be successful!

On his second day in the city center, Qin Shi experienced all the training facilities in the detached villa.

After sweating profusely, he went to the shower room to wash away the fatigue of his body.

"They even have a special 'medicinal bath room' for taking a bath. This is really top-notch treatment."

Qin Shijing sat naked, quietly cross-legged in the steaming hot spring.

The almost brownish-black liquid in the pool was boiling, containing strong medicinal properties that penetrated the skin and nourished the flesh.

He activated the Body Cultivation Furnace, his mortal body becoming like a bottomless pit, recklessly absorbing the nutrients that were comparable to potent elixirs.

This is the superiority of the seven physical limitations of the old martial arts school.

The violent amplification that devastates the body can only be withstood by relying solely on one's own stats!
Strands of scalding air entered the body, and were instantly absorbed and dissolved by the body-cultivating furnace, transforming into a life-giving radiance that filled the entire body.

In less than ten minutes, the concentrated medicinal liquid in the pool gradually became clear.

When Qin Shi received a dose of medicine meant for seven or eight people at once, his skin only turned slightly red and his body temperature rose slightly.

He opened his eyes, and through his open pores, he exhaled hot white smoke. With the rhythm of his breathing, thick fog billowed and swirled around him, making the room hazy and indistinct, like a sauna heated to its highest temperature.

"People strive for higher positions, just as water flows downhill. No wonder Lao Zhou refused to attend Qiguang Hengda University and gave up staying at the university, all to return to the central city."

Qin Shi sighed, thinking that Zhou Yuanchen, as a rising star recommended by the Education Department, should enjoy no less preferential treatment than this.

Imagine a person who is comfortable in all aspects of life, including food, clothing, shelter, and transportation.

Over time, compared to their peers, they feel much more relaxed and comfortable, both physically and mentally.

Naturally, the cultivation progress wouldn't be too slow either.

His only impression of staying at the state guesthouse was that everything he wanted was readily available, with absolutely nothing lacking.

Moreover, all needs can be met with excellent service and extremely fast response.

“In this environment, one can often maintain a state of cultivation for a long time.”

As Qin Shi ventured further and further down the path of martial arts, he began to understand a principle.

Before achieving a phased goal, there's little point in being a little faster or slower.

If you can maintain a good state for a long time, you will achieve twice the result with half the effort.

"The ultimate achievement that martial artists dream of is establishing their own dojo or training center. Perhaps this is it: to create a perfect environment that is absolutely suitable for oneself and to accommodate one's life's dedication to martial arts."

Qin Shi's thinking was scattered, and he silently speculated.

After finishing his daily training, he asked the housekeeper to prepare a huge, nutritious meal so he could satisfy his appetite before Sister Yu arrived.

"This is the kind of life a genius should live."

Qin Shi gulped down the fragrant plate of pork chops in a whirlwind, and ate until he was about 70% full.

He let out a long sigh and slumped into his chair. Although he could tolerate Sister Yu's terrible cooking, his longing for delicious food remained.

"Qin, you need to try on clothes later. The Governor's Mansion has arranged a banquet, and you need to be there on time."

Holvin, who was in charge of arranging various miscellaneous tasks, appeared quietly and said in a low voice.

"no problem."

Qin Shi made a hand gesture.

As a border region, Hengzhou's governor's office was far less prominent than those of the capital and Haizhou.

The latter is comparable to the "Jiedushi" of ancient times, who held enormous power.

As for the former, as a rising star in administration and a regional governor, many issues still require compromise.

After all, there are quite a few super powers that surpass them.

The arrival of someone like Ying Huang, the first heir of the Ying family, would put a certain amount of pressure on the Governor's Mansion.

Because the influence of the superpower itself is enough to override the laws and regulations of the Eastern Xia administration.

But in most cases, the Governor's House remained a symbol of the center of power.

Each planetary governor is personally received by the Nine Marshals and, witnessed by the Four Pillars, is granted the supreme power to oversee all matters and manage all affairs.

"How long has our Governor-General of Hengzhou been in office?"

Qin Shi ordered a glass of juice to cleanse his palate and, out of curiosity, inquired about the matter.

He recalled that since Hengzhou was designated as a new administrative district, from the Great Reclamation period to the new generation, there have been a total of seven governors.

Currently, this person is mostly lying low, rarely making public appearances, and even rarely giving interviews.

It is said that the crucial and massive tasks such as issuing decrees and formulating strategies are all handled by "Thai Prince".

Then, core agencies like the Education Department and the Security Department also have a very high degree of autonomy.

Even at regular major meetings, the Governor-General would not attend, leaving the decisions to several department heads to discuss and make.

"Seventy-six years have passed."

Holvin chuckled.

The position of planetary governor in Dongxia is almost a lifetime appointment. As long as they are not dismissed or resign voluntarily, they can serve until they die of old age.

However, the intensity of war during the Great Frontier was extremely high. The average tenure of the first three governors was less than a hundred years, and they all died heroically for their country and were posthumously awarded honors.

"The longest-serving governor in Hengzhou's history was probably over three hundred years old, before he died peacefully in his sleep."

Holvin and Qin Shi get along quite easily, and their conversations sometimes go a bit too far.

“I’ve heard from the older generation that the Great Reclamation of Hengzhou was a very tragic period. This made being the governor of this rising star a high-risk position.”

Qin Shi expressed his understanding, saying that the new Eastern Xia founded by the Nine Marshals could be said to have fully inherited the abundant martial virtue of the ancient Galactic Empire.

In the early stages of the Great Expedition and the Great Reclamation, the highest-ranking officers preferred to lead from the front, while those who sat in the rear to command were rare.

Everyone upheld Commander Qin's iron-blooded style. As soon as the war started, they drove their super machines forward, leaving corpses strewn across the battlefield.

"I think the Governor's surname is Feng? If I shake hands with the Governor, my sister and my youngest sister will be so excited when they see it on TV."

Qin Shi smiled. Although the new Dongxia repeatedly emphasized the equality of civil rights, the deep-rooted class concept and the perception of "officials" were still difficult to erase.

The fact that the highest-ranking official of Hengzhou New Star warmly received him and extended his cordial greetings was a momentous occasion, a source of great pride for his family.

"The governor is from Yazhou. His surname is Feng and his given name is Wuyang. He is a true veteran of the military, a fierce general. As he gets older and can no longer do the work, he took up the post of planetary governor as a way to retire."

Holvin explained, so that Qin Shi would have a better understanding of the situation.

"Which battle group? Brother Huo. The Fourth Battle Group?"

Qin Shi raised an eyebrow and asked.

"Look at what you're saying. Most of the officers in the Fourth Regiment choose to serve for life, especially those at the battalion level and above. The governor was in the Seventh Regiment and served as the chief of staff of a division."

Holvin replied.

It seems we can't establish a connection.

Qin Shi felt a little regretful.

He thought of Lao Liang; since he had returned from military service, he figured he hadn't reached the battalion level.

"He was even planning to write an autobiography called 'My Mentor is a Corps Commander' after he became famous, what a pity. Lao Liang, you weren't ambitious enough!"

……

……

As night falls, the city center is brightly lit, like a vast sea of ​​light.

A local TV station conducted an interview, randomly selecting passersby to ask questions. Among the various questions, one was the most pointed.

So, instead of staying here year after year, day after day, toiling like cattle, why not go to a metropolitan area like Tai'an, or other fortified cities, and live a relatively easier life? The answers are varied and numerous.

But the most widely accepted view is that "the wealth of the central city will not flow equally to everyone, but everyone can share its glory."

Amidst the vast sea of ​​light, a spacecraft takes off and lands on the first floating island.

Yinghuang sat in the first-class cabin, a wine glass filled with crimson liquid. This first-order heir seemed to have a particular fondness for drinking, taking a few sips at any moment.

"Xiao Zhou, try this. It's one of the top-tier collectibles, called 'Kiss of the Datura.' Even a mid-level professional can feel the intoxicating sensation after a few drinks. The slightly sweet taste and just the right amount of acidity make you feel like you've been kissed by a datura flower, leaving you feeling blissful."

Ying Huang enthusiastically recommended her collection, but Zhou Yuanchen, sitting next to her, seemed quite reserved and politely declined:
"I am still in the transitional phase of consolidating my professional field and cannot engage in harmful behaviors that could damage my health, including drinking alcohol and smoking."

Yinghuang put away her wine cup and said in surprise:

"This is a habit of the pure school of old martial arts. I didn't expect that you, Xiao Zhou, also know how to learn from the strengths of various schools and were not bound by the framework of new martial arts."

Zhou Yuanchen forced a smile. Being next to this first-order heir of the Ying family was like sitting on pins and needles, feeling extremely uneasy.

the reason is simple.

As far as he knows.

Regardless of her family background, Yinghuang is exceptionally capable, but her hobbies are rather peculiar.

They are passionate about collecting and possessing all things "beautiful," such as fine wine, beautiful scenery, and even beautiful women.

That's right, not "beautiful woman", but "beautiful woman".

Knowing this, even though Zhou Yuanchen thought he was definitely not "beautiful," it was hard for him not to show resistance to physical contact.

"Xiao Zhou, what do you think of Qin Shi? He was a formidable opponent you faced in the top 100 competition, and the ultimate winner who defeated you. You should know something about him."

Yinghuang smiled and swirled the wine cup in her hand.

Holvin has yet to respond.

This indicates that the successor of the Nanhuang Taoist Temple was indeed unwilling to engage in reconciliation talks.

This means there are many more problems to solve.

"Without a doubt, he is a genius, a genius in every aspect. Qin is the most well-rounded and least weak 'rival' I have ever seen. Physique, speed, reaction, potential... he possesses all the elements that judge strength, and the values ​​are extremely high."

Zhou Yuanchen told the truth.

"It sounds a lot like He Lanchan."

Yinghuang smiled.

"I'm really looking forward to my first meeting with him."

……

……

Bang!

Inside the little red building, the sounds of smashing and breaking were incessant.

Luo Bing, the steward who had come from Haizhou with Ying Huang, lowered his head and silently waited for Ying Lin's anger to subside and for him to regain his composure.

"What has the family asked me to do that I haven't done? I'm not from a collateral branch! Brother Qi and I are both direct descendants! In order to erase He Lanchan's traces, we were sent to a remote place like Hengzhou. How much hardship have we endured?"

Ying Lin's eyes were red, not from sadness, but from the bloodshot pupils that appeared particularly ferocious after taking illegal drugs.

"To bury Shen Changyuan, almost my entire family was wiped out, even Brother Qi lost his life! I'm the only one left, kept in this building like a prisoner! Then Qin Shi came along, and I bet everything I had on him... Tell me, isn't what I've done for the family enough?"

Luo Bing remained silent, as if frozen in fear. At this moment, Ying Lin was like a madman, and absolutely untouchable.

Twenty minutes passed, and Ying Lin, wearing a bathrobe, finally got tired.

He stood on the bedroom carpet, surrounded by a mess.

Many bottles of expensive wine were smashed and spilled, the crimson liquid seeping in, as if stained with blood.

"Luo Bing, you are the person I trust the most. Tell me, is there any way to prevent me from becoming a pawn? Ying Huang is the kind of person who likes to play peacemaker. Compared to dealing with Qin Shi, he will definitely think about dealing with me first."

Ying Lin rubbed his pale face, snapping out of his frenzy and becoming extremely calm.

"Should be less."

Luo Bing's throat bobbed, and she said with difficulty:

"Young Master Huang intends to sever ties between you and the Ying family. This is an important step in his plan to reconcile. Now, there is only one option: Young Master Ying, you must bind yourself to the Ying family and completely destroy any possibility of severing ties."

The personal butler and the direct descendants have always shared the same fate, rising and falling together.

If Ying Lin were to fall from grace, Luo Bing would also lose all value, so he boldly offered his advice.

"You mean?"

"To create a large enough commotion, and to carry out an assassination in full view of everyone."

Luo Bing licked his lips. Compared to Ying Lin's earlier outburst, he now resembled a gambler who had lost everything and was hoping to win back his losses with one last gamble.

"You want me to openly assassinate a supernova who is about to receive the governor's commendation?"

Ying Lin really wanted to say, "Am I crazy, or is there something wrong with your brain?"

"This is the only option, so we should reduce the number of people. Young Master Huang is the first-order heir, and his decision represents the family's opinion. But what makes a family a family is that, whether from the collateral branches or the direct line, everyone must become a unified whole when necessary."

Otherwise, how could the three-legged bird of Ying's clan have aweeded the Milky Way and inspired such reverence?

Luo Bing raised his head to meet Ying Lin's gaze, his eyes burning with excitement as he said:

"Regardless of whether the assassination of the Southern Huang Martial Arts School's successor was successful or not, as long as you, Young Master Ying, have done it, Young Master Huang and the family cannot hand you over. The Ying family can take the initiative to reconcile with others, but they absolutely cannot show weakness and bow down! These are two separate matters!"

Ying Lin pondered carefully, and it seemed as if his mind had suddenly cleared up, allowing him to understand the true meaning behind Luo Bing's words.

"You want me to 'kidnap' the family? I've ruined Yinghuang's plans and disobeyed the family. Even if I escape the fate of being abandoned, I will still be severely punished later."

Luo Bing stepped forward, no longer maintaining the obsequious posture of a servant from ancient times.

He stared intently at Ying Lin, his eyes seeming to blaze with fire.

"Young Master Ying, even though you converted all your assets into equivalent Void Coins, it didn't stop Qin Shi from breaking through the Top 100 Tournament and winning the Nanhuang Dojo. He is destined to conquer the Star Cup and embark on that ancient Heavenly Road."

In conclusion, you have completely failed. The family will not consider failure a contribution. With Young Master Huang's arrival in Hengzhou, you only have two outcomes: either the Ying family and the Nanhuang Martial Arts Academy reach a reconciliation, and you are abandoned; or the reconciliation fails, you still cannot prove your worth, and you will still be discarded.

"Perhaps I can survive, but it will be very difficult to leave this building."

Ying Lin fell silent instantly.

He looked around, reflecting on his years of being "imprisoned" in the Little Red Building, from the initial secret relief of surviving the ordeal to the increasingly frantic helplessness.

As a direct descendant of the Ying family, born with a silver spoon in his mouth, Ying Lin had enjoyed most of the world's pleasures. But after being confined to a small place for so many years, he finally understood that "freedom" is the rarest thing in life!
What are your plans?

In just a few minutes, Ying Lin made the boldest and most risky choice of his life.

Rather than live a life of ignominy as a prisoner, he'd rather go all in and gamble.

Even if the final result is failure, it's worth it just to see Yinghuang's bewildered and angry expression!

“I will find people for Young Master Ying. Hengzhou has no shortage of desperados stranded here due to the blockade. A boat ticket is enough to make them risk everything!”

Luo Bing replied.

This was a public assassination attempt where success or failure was irrelevant.

It is not difficult to implement.

"Go. If... I can get through this."

A rare hint of warmth appeared on Ying Lin's pale and gloomy face.

"Everything I acquire in the future will include a share for you."

(End of this chapter)