Cosmic Demon

Chapter 222 My teacher is named Liang Zhengxiong!
By the time Qin Shi and Yu Weiwei returned to the state guesthouse, it was already dawn.

Too many upheavals and changes occurred that night.

Ying Lin, who represented the Ying family in penetrating Hengzhou, was abandoned and forced to repay the blood debt owed to the Nanhuang Taoist Temple.

This can be considered a partial, satisfactory conclusion to the death of my second senior brother, Shen Changyuan, many years ago.

At the same time, a large-scale development campaign was launched in Hengzhou with full mobilization.

On the second day, Tai Jun presided over the commendation ceremony and delivered important opinions.

It is hoped that all universities will actively respond and call on their top students with excellent academic performance to devote themselves to the crucible of the Great Development Movement, constantly temper themselves, and grow into pillars of society.

In the final segment, Qin Shi was specially called up on stage.

The manuscript he was to read was one that Holvin had stayed up all night writing.

This successor of the Nanhuang Martial Arts Academy, the top-ranked contestant in the top 100 competition, faced a dense swarm of drones and, in front of many residents of the central city, spoke in a high-pitched and melodious tone about the "enthusiasm" of a prodigy.

"...I am Qin Shi from the Tai'an Metropolitan Area. Standing here today, my heart is filled with surging passion. As the baton of history is passed to our generation, 'How to use our youth to build the future of Dongxia' has become a question that every young person must answer."

Here, I would like to pledge to uphold three principles and encourage all of you students…

In the Tai'an metropolitan area, Chen Ruofu and Fang Butang sat in the large conference room, watching the broadcast.

They looked at Qin Shi, who was wearing a crisp school uniform, his brows radiating confidence, like the rising sun.

The two old foxes automatically ignored the official platitudes they were tired of hearing.

More attention is being paid to the significance behind Qin Shi's public appearance in the central city.

"It seems that the Governor also recognizes Qin's potential; otherwise, he wouldn't have only arranged for Qin to give a speech."

Chen Ruofu was very pleased. After so many years, a top-notch genius had finally emerged in the Tai'an area, and had stepped onto the main stage of the city center in a fair and square manner.

It really wasn't easy!

Looking ahead, most of the students are from the central city, enjoying the most concentrated educational and cultivation resources in Hengzhou.

The enrollment quotas for the four major national universities and the application channels for top-tier programs are almost entirely controlled by them.

Very few ended up in other administrative regions.

"Xiao Qin is too amazing, surpassing everyone else. There is simply no one of her age who can be compared with her."

Fang Butang sighed.

The masses have discerning eyes. If a genius from the central city were forcibly placed next to Qin Shi, he would only be overshadowed.

Tai Jun offered the Divine Crystal as a reward, giving Qin Shi a chance to shine, and also wanted to tell the young people of Central City.

Anyone who thinks they can compete with Qin Shi should give it a try.

As it turns out, once the old martial arts school's path to breaking limits is successfully established, it is far beyond the reach of ordinary geniuses.

"Old Chen, what do you think of Xiao Qin now compared to Yu Li?"

Fang Butang had been holding back for a long time before finally raising this question.

"I don't know much about Yu Li. He follows a new path in martial arts, but he's not bound by any particular style. He's proficient in military martial arts, bionics, extreme martial arts, and various advanced martial arts textbooks, eventually forming his own unique specialty and the 'True Storm Cloud Flow Technique' that he can rival among his peers!"

Chen Ruofu sighed, offering an objective assessment rather than blindly praising Qin Shi.

Yu Li is the most promising young talent among the new generation.

Aside from the fact that he became Lian Yixing's disciple and was one of the first ten outstanding disciples, he was still a disciple of Lian Yixing.

He holds the record for the youngest full-time martial artist and was exceptionally recruited by the four major national martial arts schools.

Since their debut, they have been undefeated, winning every match and taking the top spot in the junior group of the Star Cup by a wide margin.

This level of strength is undeniably impressive and of high quality.

"Physical skills. Indeed, Xiao Qin is still one step away! Breaking through to a specialized field is as easy for Xiao Qin as eating and drinking."

Fang Butang frowned as he recalled this.

The two most difficult steps in a specialized field are refining one's "characteristics" and mastering the skills.

"The 'Universe Furnace Secret Manual' of the Southern Huang Martial Arts Academy is known as the strongest martial arts inheritance in Eastern Xia, capable of pushing the progress of martial arts to 100%!"

Fang Butang stared at the boy projected onto the television screen, as if he saw the future of the Tai'an region in him.

"The legacy of Elder Zhang is not so easy to inherit. The reason why the 'Secret Manual of the Universe' of the Nanhuang Martial Arts School can push the progress of the skill to 100% and perfectly develop potential lies in its special method."

Chen Ruofu seemed to know the inside story better and said pessimistically:

"Have you ever heard of the integration of man and machine? The 'Universal Furnace Body Technique' of the Nanhuang Martial Arts Academy actually uses the power of a King-level divine machine to sublimate flesh and blood. This is a 'heretical' path that takes an unorthodox approach, and so far only Senior Zhang has succeeded in it."

Fang Butang didn't understand how divine power and mortal body could be integrated.
"Old Fang, you may not know this, but a King-level Divine Machine is already a sentient being. If the pilot is exceptionally compatible with the Divine Machine, and after a long period of matching, the mortal body will be influenced by the Divine Machine, and the vitality of the flesh and blood will be greatly enhanced... The Supreme Research Institute has conducted related experiments."

With a smug look on his face, Chen Ruofu explained to Fang Butang:

"Many academicians have specifically analyzed why the King-level Divine Machine is so rare. It is because it is not a purely mechanical creation. It not only needs sunlight, but also needs to be smelted with rare materials and injected with an energy core. The conditions are extremely harsh."

The moment a King-level Divine Machine is born, it is as if life is being conceived, condensing into a faint consciousness like that of an infant.

This also means that King-level Divine Machines rarely change pilots; they are like cubs that have chosen a master, making them extremely difficult to replace.

Fang Butang was confused. He was not a mechanical person and had no military experience, so he really didn't know much about the Divine Machine.

He counted on his fingers and found that all the King-level Divine Machines in Dongxia, even if you added them all together, numbered less than two hands' worth.

"The king-level members of several major academies have been basically banned. Let me think. Qi Wuxiang's Luo Tian Daoist Temple has a 'Tai Su Xing Yuan - Wu Liang Jie Lun'. Lian Yixing's Zhen Yang Daoist Temple has the 'Cang Ming Jing Hai - Xuan Qiong Miao Xiang'."

Aside from these two great gods, there are probably a few major military regions, and the more famous ones are probably 'Seven Killings Heavenly Punishment - Punishment and Weapon Forging', 'Lianzhen Fire Palace - Star Axe Slaying', and 'Breaking Army Devouring the World - Cloud Milky Way Pulling the Sky'...

As Fang Butang counted, he seemed to understand what Old Chen meant, and slapped his thigh, saying:
"Damn it! All the King-level Divine Machines have owners! The Azure Sky Imperial Edict - Primordial Chaos Divine Machine from the Southern Huang Martial Arts Academy might not be suitable for Xiao Qin! If he wants to push his cultivation progress to 100%, he needs to inherit a Divine Machine that is compatible with him! Where can we find one?"

Chen Ruofu nodded; this was precisely what troubled him.

If Qin Shi wants to take that step, he must inherit a perfectly compatible King-level Divine Machine.

The Azure Sky Imperial Edict of the Southern Huang Martial Arts Academy - Hunyuan Dou Kui has been with Old Zhang for nearly a century.

Having undergone the "nurturing" of a master, it is unlikely to change hands again.

……

……

Old Factory Street, Li's Fast Food.

It was noon, not yet lunchtime, but the food stalls were packed with people.

Wearing a sharp suit and with his hair slicked back, Li Yuan parked his car at the entrance of the alley. The road inside was too narrow to drive in.

Sitting in the passenger seat, Xie Yucheng stepped out of the car, carrying bags of gifts, and greeted them:

"Uncle Li, I'm here again! If you ask me, why don't you close down the food stall and enjoy your retirement? Look how big Brother Yuan's business is now..."

Uncle Li, who was busy at the stove and vigorously tossing the wok, said irritably:
“If the food stalls are closed, where will the neighbors eat? They’ve been open for years, and everyone’s used to eating there! Besides, it’s your business if you make a lot of money in business. Yuanzi’s mother and I can support ourselves! Whoever wants a big portion of fried noodles, come and take it!”

"Alright, Uncle!" The young man, who had been sitting obediently, seemed to be fawning over his lap, holding the steaming hot fried noodles in both hands and starting to eat.

While showing off, he also flattered her, saying:
"Uncle, your fried noodles are really authentic! Much better than those in big restaurants!"

Uncle Li ignored them; these "diners" were all his son's employees.

Ever since Li Yuan brought them here for a team-building dinner, they've all been coming over to get acquainted with him whenever they have a spare moment.

"Hey Yuanzi, could you please ask your gang to come less often in the future? They're taking up seats, how are the neighbors supposed to eat?"

Uncle Li pulled the energetic Li Yuan aside and whispered to him:
"Also, they all eat a lot, often cooking dozens of dishes at a time, which my old back can't handle."

Despite his successful demeanor, Li Yuan doesn't put on any airs when he's with his father.

"Okay, Dad, I got it. Is there an interview with Brother Qin today? Has the TV I asked you to buy arrived yet?"

Uncle Li pointed to the wall and said smugly:
"I had Lao Xu make a cabinet specifically for me."

He found the remote control and tuned it to the channel broadcast from the city center.

"...Upholding personal ideals to forge the blueprint of Hengzhou, measuring responsibility with practical steps, and building a solid foundation for life through moral cultivation! With the youth of myself, let us create the future of youth! The youth of Dongxia, the youth of civilization!"

Qin Shi's impassioned words reached everyone's ears through the television.

People weren't concerned with the content of the speech; they were just excitedly discussing it.
"Our Old Factory Street has finally produced a big shot! So many geniuses in the Central City still obediently listen to Little Qin speaking from his position!"

"That's right! I used to live in the Baogong Street area. Every time I didn't finish my exams, my mom would grab a feather duster and beat and scold me, and she would always mention Brother Qin!"

"When you tell your mom later, it's normal that he's not as good as the top 100 in Hengzhou. After all, looking at the rising stars, there aren't many who can catch up!"

"Tsk tsk, how glamorous, how successful..."

Uncle Li stopped stirring the pot and stared at the boy's face on the television.

Although his son was quite promising, he was still a long way from Qin Shi, who represented Jiuchang Street and the Tai'an region.

“You’ve always liked hanging out on the streets since you were little. I used to scold you and tell you not to hang out with bad friends, lest you pick up bad habits.”

Thankfully, thankfully, you finally recognized Xiao Qin and was guided onto the right path.

Li Yuan did not refute; he nodded silently because his parents were very worried about his poor academic performance.

Later, he gritted his teeth, took out a sum of money, and enrolled in Teacher Liang's tutoring class, thinking that he could improve his physical fitness, develop his vitality, and work in the mining area.

If he hadn't met Qin Shi, Li Yuan would either have gone down into the mine with Xie Yucheng or become a boxer under Brother Ze.

Neither path will lead to a good outcome.

"Teacher Liang..."

As Li Yuan's thoughts wandered, he caught a glimpse of a familiar figure out of the corner of his eye.

He still had the same buzz cut and gray jacket, a typical middle-aged look.

The only difference is that he no longer walks with a limp.

"Teacher Liang! You're here. Shall I cook you a few dishes as usual?"

Uncle Li greeted them warmly.

"same as usual."

Old Liang is in much better spirits than before. Ever since his old injuries were healed by his apprentice Qin Shi's half-flower of blood, his demeanor has gradually returned, sweeping away his decadence and slump.

"Hello, Teacher Liang."

Li Yuan and Xie Yucheng instinctively pressed their hands tightly against their pockets and stood ramrod straight.

Even though he had already graduated, Lao Liang could still feel that strong "pressure".

"A-Yuan, A-Cheng, I heard from Xiao Qin that you two did a great job!"

Old Liang chuckled as he spoke, but his eyes were fixed on the TV cabinet hanging on the wall.

The speech during the Qin Dynasty has come to an end—

"...Let's write a glorious chapter of youth belonging to our generation on the journey of building a new Dongxia in all respects!"

Old Liang's face relaxed completely, and a smile involuntarily appeared on his face.

This is his disciple, and this is the true teaching of Hong Sheng!

"Heaven has opened its eyes, allowing me to take in such a good disciple before I die."

Old Liang picked an empty seat and sat down, then suddenly said to Uncle Li:
"Old Li, get me two more bottles of Beicang!"

Old Li asked with a smile:
"Teacher Liang, you said you were quitting smoking and drinking a while ago."

Old Liang shook his head:
"I'm in a good mood today, so breaking my vows is no big deal! Go to the liquor store on East Street for me; their Beicang liquor is authentic and has a high alcohol content."

Old Li waved his hand, grabbed a few banknotes, and sent his youngest son, who was helping with the work, to run the errand.

The boy, barely a teenager, ran like the wind, and in just a few minutes, he delivered two bottles of Beicang Dajiao liquor to the table, panting heavily.

“He’s much more sensible than your brother. Take the rest of your change and buy some snacks.”

Old Liang waved his hand, poured himself a glass, picked it up and held it to his nose to smell it.

While listening to his apprentice's long-winded speech, he picked up some snacks with his chopsticks and chewed them carefully.

Involuntarily, I recalled the clerk's favorite saying—"It's really great!"
On television, after a formal speech addressed to the entire Hengzhou, Qin Shi stepped off the stage and was immediately surrounded by various media outlets, with cameras and microphones crowding in front of him, all aimed at his young face.

"Qin, do you have anything to say to all the students in Hengzhou?"

"study hard, improve every day."

"Qin, you've walked from Jiuchang Street to the Central City. What are your thoughts on this journey?"

"Personal choices are very important, especially when you are stuck in the mud. Struggling may get you to shore, while giving up will only make you sink."

"Student Qin, you are hailed as the most outstanding genius in Hengzhou in the past twenty years, and you have a great chance of reaching the top of the Pride of the Sun level. May I ask if you could introduce yourself to all the students in Hengzhou as a newcomer?"

Qin Shi looked calmly at the camera, his gaze seemingly transcending space, passing through the surging waves of figures, and landing on the familiar old factory street.

"Hello everyone, my name is Qin Shi, and I come from Dangyang East Street in Tai'an. My teacher is Liang Zhengxiong, who teaches physical education at the No. 9 Middle School for Children of Families."

I am very grateful to him, and I really want to tell him, Lao Liang, you are the best teacher I have ever met!

And I will become your best student!

Old Liang, who was taking small sips of strong liquor, suddenly froze, and everyone in the food stall looked at him.

It should be noted that, according to Tai'an's external propaganda, Qin Shi was either a successor of the Nanhuang Daoist School or the successor of He Lanchan, one of the first ten outstanding figures.

No one mentioned "Liang Zhengxiong"!
Because the title of "physical education teacher at No. 9 Middle School" is really not presentable!

There's absolutely no way to put him on the same level as the top-ranked player in the Hengzhou Top 100 Tournament, a rising star from the Tai'an region!
The peanuts held between the chopsticks fell to the ground with a thud, and Lao Liang silently lowered his head.

The strong liquor in the glass splashed like a pebble dropped into a stream, creating ripples.

(End of this chapter)