Cosmic Demon

Chapter 223 Supreme Emperor Level, Speed ​​Through the Examination Hall!

At 9:30, Lao Liang, carrying a half-empty bottle, swayed as he climbed the steps back to the teachers' dormitory of the No. 9 Middle School.

Although the school has been changed from a public to a private institution, the dormitory building has not been taken back and is still used by the original teachers with permanent positions.

However, these days, Lao Liang has started looking for a suitable place to live, preparing to buy a cheap bungalow to live out his retirement days.

He had previously considered whether to continue running the tutoring classes, but after thinking about it, he felt it would inevitably raise suspicions of profiting from the Qin Dynasty brand.

Especially after his own apprentice said that today, the students who want their children to succeed will surely flock to sign up.

In fact, ever since Qin Shi won first place in the Hengzhou Top 100 Competition, wealthy businessmen from the Tai'an area have sincerely invited him to join their training school, offering him shares and a high salary.

"Even in my old age, I still have to benefit from my apprentice's fame."

Logically speaking, someone as strong as Lao Liang, who has entered a professional field, should not be affected by alcohol.

But as he drank Beicang wine, he recalled the past: his apprenticeship in Jingzhou, his service in the army, and those scenes were still vivid in his mind.

The wine didn't intoxicate, but the feeling itself made Lao Liang a little tipsy. He walked through the corridor, pushed open the door of the teachers' dormitory, and muttered to himself:

"Liang Zhengxiong, you've been fortunate to have a good master and good disciples in your life when you first started learning martial arts."

He fought in the war and became a soldier, and he had good comrades and good commanders.

"God has been kind to me; I've gotten my money's worth, more than enough."

Old Liang didn't press the switch on the wall, but sat down on the hard bed made of welded iron frame in the pitch black.

He silently tilted his head back, drank the strong liquor in one gulp, and when the bottle was empty, he raised his hand to cover his chest.

It was as if I could feel the beating of that heart.

Boom boom boom!
The dull, drum-like sound reminded Lao Liang of the resounding bugle call of the Fourth Battle Group.

He suddenly clenched his fist and pressed it hard against his chest.

Bang!
My heart stopped for a moment, then suddenly calmed down.

Chain-like patterns cover the surface, resembling black branding marks, shimmering with a strange light.

It seemed as if some terrifying creature was inhabiting it, faintly emanating an aura that sent chills down one's spine.

"Just stay put. My apprentice will need you."

Old Liang forced a smile. The "Secret Manual of the Furnace of the Universe" from the Nanhuang Martial Arts Academy and the "Strategic Methods of War" created by Qin Shuai were a perfect match.

The former pushes the progress of cultivation to a certain percentage, while the latter squeezes out potential to the extreme, increasing the purity of life force and approaching that perfect limit.

"A divine machine of the king level requires a portion of the flesh and blood of a star god to undergo a transformation ceremony under the witness of a pillar, and be forged into an energy core."

Old Liang closed his eyes, his mouth opened and closed, and he said silently:

"If it were a complete Star God, what kind of effect would it have?"

……

……

"Supreme Emperor level! You really dare to dream, Old Fang!"

"The Azure Sky Imperial Edict - Primordial Chaos Warrior from the Southern Huang Martial Arts Academy, coupled with the Giant God Weapon, is barely enough to qualify for the Supreme Emperor level!"

As Chen Ruofu walked out of the Tai'an District Education Commission building into the night, he almost laughed out of anger upon hearing Fang Butang's outlandish words.

"Even if you become the planetary governor of Hengzhou, you still can't possibly create a supreme emperor-level divine machine! In ancient times, that thing would almost be considered a national treasure. If you had one, you could easily rebel and become emperor, or at the very least, be granted a fiefdom and be made a king!"

Fang Butang, carrying his briefcase, said awkwardly:
"Isn't this just putting forward a hypothetical scenario? What if, for example, your little Qin suddenly reaches the Supreme Emperor level, surpasses Yu Li, and becomes the first in the Star Cup Junior Group..."

Chen Ruofu said helplessly:

"Don't dream at night. What's the difference between you and someone who picks up Qin Shuai, who's traveling incognito, recognizes him as his godfather, and then inherits the Fourth Battle Group?"

"Supreme Emperor-level divine machines are rare even in New Eastern Xia; they're basically the personal vehicles of the Nine Marshals. No one else can operate them, making them practically equivalent to half a Star God. Where can you find one like that!"

He and Fang Butang talked for a long time about the divine mechanism that afternoon, and as a result, Fang started to fantasize about all sorts of "adventures" as if he were possessed.

"Qin Shuai's 'Master of Ten Thousand Heavens - Supreme True Man' was also forged with great difficulty, using the remains of three star gods as the main materials, and even the stellar furnace of the highest research institute was used. Old Fang, I'm telling you, you're not young anymore, can you be more steady and stop thinking about these unreliable things?"

Chen Ruofu hurriedly walked down the steps. The large-scale development of Hengzhou was about to begin, and the Tai'an metropolitan area was designated as the first line of defense. The workload of the inspection department would increase dramatically in the future.

In contrast, Fang Butang, the head of the Education Commission, was left with a lot of free time.

"Old Chen, let's discuss this again. Should we put on a grand welcome ceremony for your son, Xiao Qin, when he comes back?"

Fang Butang stepped forward and pulled Chen Ruofu aside, asking him questions.

"Just go through the motions. Xiao Qin isn't the type to show off. As long as you give him the best treatment, don't let outsiders think that our Tai'an region isn't as generous as the central city."

Chen Ruofu shook his head. Qin Shi would undoubtedly be the leader of the new round of large-scale development in Hengzhou.

Thinking of this, he suddenly frowned and asked:

"Has Xiao Qin failed his qualifying exam yet? Hurry up and prepare the venue and manpower so that the certificate can be issued as soon as possible."

……

……

"research?"

In the bright restaurant of the state guesthouse, Holvin was taken aback when he heard Qin Shi say that he wanted to take a certification exam.

"Old Zhou messaged me saying that the Central City has actually set up a special test center for mecha pilots, which can provide both civilian and military-grade driver's licenses."

Qin Shi swallowed the juicy, medium-rare roasted meat and slowly said:
"Since it was a rare opportunity, I thought I'd give it a try."

Holvin thought for a moment and did not stop him.

After the commendation ceremony, if there are no other scheduled activities, Qin Shi should take the special train back to the Tai'an metropolitan area.

"We still need to be careful. I'll contact the Governor's Office first and ask them to arrange manpower."

Holvin said carefully.

The body of Ying Lin, a direct descendant of the Ying family, has been put on a spaceship and is expected to arrive in Haizhou soon.

As for Ying Huang, the heir of the first tier, she remains in Hengzhou.

Overall, the environment in the central city is not very stable.

Mok Kai-wan, from the Education Department, has been silent for several days, even taking sick leave from the commendation ceremony where he was supposed to attend and speak.

Considering that Hengzhou is about to lift the blockade, many unregistered residents who were originally stranded here need to hurry up and leave.

Based on the above considerations, Holvin chose a more prudent arrangement.

"Thank you for your help, Brother Huo."

Qin Shi didn't feel that his personal freedom was restricted; as a "celebrity," he naturally received more attention.

He and his third senior sister, Yu Weiwei, had dinner and waited until about four o'clock in the afternoon.

The afterglow of the setting sun illuminated the steel forest, making it appear as if it were edged with layers of gold.

The aircraft landed on a wide open space in the Second Ring Road area, and the long gangway was lowered.

The Security Division's agents led the way, followed by Qin Shi, who was surrounded and escorted into the arena.

"Wow! This kind of treatment is even better for the top leader!"

Zhang Hai gritted his teeth and said with a hint of sourness.

"Still not convinced? Old Zhang, if your mortal body had a mouth as tough as that, you might be able to hold your own against Qin Shi."

Zhou Yuanchen crossed his arms over his chest.

The two were designated by the Education Department as reception staff to accompany Qin Shi throughout his free time.

In the words of officials, it's because "geniuses tend to have more in common when they're together."

"Zhou Yuanchen, what are you so smug about? When it comes to my defeated opponent, I didn't lose directly to Qin Shi, unlike you who had your professional barriers crossed and were beaten to a pulp!"

Zhang Hai was always short-tempered, like a powder keg ready to explode at any moment, and he couldn't stand Zhou Yuanchen's sarcastic remarks.

"Ha, you talk as if you've ever beaten me. Old Zhang, do I need to remind you of our head-to-head win rate?"

Zhou Yuanchen glanced at the other party. His brilliance as a supernova only seemed slightly dimmed when he stood next to Qin Shi.

"Both of you are pillars of the central city, so please don't let a conflict break out and become a laughing stock in the Tai'an region." The official tried to mediate, but didn't receive a friendly response from Zhang Hai and Zhou Yuanchen.

"Old Zhou, it's been quite a few days."

Qin Shi breathed a sigh of relief once the security officers surrounding him dispersed.

Actually, with his third senior sister Yu Weiwei protecting him, he wasn't worried about his personal safety.

However, the central city needed to express its stance, so Qin Shi had no choice but to accept this large-scale mobilization.

"Old Zhou, you're taking certification exams too?"

Qin Shi stepped forward and asked.

"The Governor's Office asked us to accompany them to discuss, exchange ideas, and learn together."

Zhou Yuanchen shrugged. In public, he needed to keep his distance from Qin Shi and cultivate the image of a "lifelong enemy."

"However, I think it's completely unnecessary! I, Zhou Yuanchen, have never been inferior to anyone in my life, and sooner or later I will prove to the world that I am no less than you!"

Zhou Yuanchen recited the lines he had written down in his notebook with great emotion.

Qin Shi shook his head. Old Zhou's performance was too exaggerated, even a bit pretentious.

He quickly took over the role, saying coldly:
“Old Zhou, your vision is still too narrow. You see me like a frog in a well looking up at the moon. When you reach my level and possess my talent, and are lucky enough to touch the edge of the Sun-level, you will understand what it means to be ‘an ant seeing the blue sky’.”

Zhang Hai's eyes widened.

First look at Zhou Yuanchen, then look at Qin Shi.

The smell of gunpowder is so strong!

Moreover, how could Qin Shi say something so arrogant!
"How wonderful it would be if I could say these words!"

Zhang Hai clenched his fists and gritted his teeth.

Unable to compete in talent, he lost without a doubt even in the realm of "showing off in front of others".

What a disappointment!

Zhou Yuanchen looked surprised. So this is how geniuses talk?
It seems I was too mild-mannered before, lacking a bit of youthful exuberance.

After leaving behind the prophetic sayings, Qin Shi, greeted by staff, arrived at what could be described as a massive training ground.

The ceiling is nearly 30 meters high, designed to accommodate various models of the Divine Machine Armor.

Qin Shi looked up and saw several "soldier-level" divine machines painted in dark black lined up, like steel guardians clad in armor.

"These were all transferred from the First Military Academy, but military-grade Shenji aircraft require the highest level of pilot's license to board."

The staff member said this in advance.

"If you'd like to test drive one, Qin, there are a few civilian-grade ones over there."

Although Qin Shi's status is extraordinary, he cannot openly violate the regulations.

How do I get a driver's license?

Qin asked.

The reason he wanted to come here was because he heard that the Nanhuang Martial Arts Academy had a King-level Divine Machine, which belonged to Old Zhang and was extremely powerful.

Then, the most crucial step in the "Secret Manual of the Universe's Furnace"—forging a 100% perfect body—also requires the use of divine technology.

Therefore, Qin Shi decided to familiarize himself with the basics.

"Qin, are you talking about the civilian grade? That's actually quite simple, for a genius like you."

The staff member introduced the product enthusiastically:
"The Divine Armor is no different from other types of armored weapons. The only difference between them lies in the drive core."

The crystal energy of the Divine Armor comes from a technological breakthrough by the highest research institute. The pilot must develop his life force to a considerable depth in order to operate it.

The passing standard for a civilian-level junior pilot is roughly between amateur level 5 and 1, while intermediate and advanced levels require professional level.

Qin, your life force purity has basically reached the level of your professional field, so there's no need to worry about this issue..."

Qin Shi's gaze remained fixed on those divine mechs that resembled towering giants.

He said softly:

"What about military-grade? If I want to fly a military-grade aircraft, do I need to obtain the required pilot qualification?"

The staff member was stunned, wondering if they had misheard.

"Qin, to get a military-grade pilot's license, you first need to pass the civilian-grade senior pilot qualification exam."

He said it tactfully.

Every teenager dreams of piloting a mecha.

The staff were very understanding.

Even if the supernovas from the Education Department and the Security Department came here and met those "big guys".

They all seemed very excited and expressed their desire to test drive the vehicle.

This was the first time he had ever encountered someone who immediately said they wanted to open a military-grade vehicle.

"Let's start with the civilian-grade."

Qin Shi rubbed his hands together, his face full of anticipation.

This feeling of overcoming a challenge filled him with fighting spirit.

"Does he plan to serve in a combat unit and apply to a military academy in the future?"

Zhang Hai was puzzled. Professional-level martial arts paths rarely involve piloting divine machines, unless one is a fierce general or elite soldier from a battle group.

"Maybe. I heard he rejected offers from the four major national universities, perhaps he wants to take another path."

Zhou Yuanchen frowned.

The main piloting of the divine machine is a complete and systematic framework, which is not easy to master.

Beyond the fusion and interconnection of life force and energy core, and basic operations, there is also an extremely complex "machine language".

How to collaborate, how to coordinate, how to execute tactical maneuvers... the books on these topics could fill an entire room.

Twenty minutes later.

Zhang Hai and Zhou Yuanchen exchanged glances, then watched Qin Shi exit the cabin.

How long has it been since he obtained his civilian junior pilot's license?
Before the certificate could even be issued on the spot, Qin Shi began to challenge the intermediate exam.

Forty minutes passed in a flash.

Zhang Hai and Zhou Yuanchen stared intently at the civilian-grade mechs in the training field, who were striding, walking, and making various poses just like ordinary people.

In just forty minutes, Qin Shi had already progressed to the point where he could throw a punch, twist his body, and then complete a spinning kick with 99% accuracy.

"I understand that geniuses learn faster than others. But isn't it a bit excessive for someone as prodigious as him to learn everything so quickly?"

Zhang Hai gripped the railing with both hands, his eyes filled with deep incomprehension.

"Insane, absolutely insane! Even top students from military academies wouldn't be this fast, would they?"

It was rare for Zhou Yuanchen to agree with his mortal enemy.

One hour is over.

Qin Shi quickly exited the cabin and headed towards the advanced qualification certificate.

The sky outside the training ground gradually darkened, as if veiled in mystery.

Zhang Hai and Zhou Yuanchen ate their boxed lunches while staring at the steel armor in the huge open space.

After a full two hours, Qin Shi finally obtained his civilian senior pilot qualification certificate.

All that could be seen was a tall, imposing figure in a combat suit, ejected from the shoulder of the mech.

He gestured "continue" to the staff.

His voice rang out through the loudspeakers, resounding throughout the venue.

"Thank you all for your hard work. I'll be leaving Central City in a couple of days. So I plan to take the speed test tonight."

(End of this chapter)