Cosmic Demon

Chapter 242 The Gaze of the Tribunal, the Rift in the Netherworld Opens!
"Wow... I never expected this result."

As the aftershocks subsided and the dust settled, Jiang Shijie, who had crashed heavily to the ground, let out a groan.

His eyes were vacant as he stared blankly at the sky, his soul seemingly floating out of his body.

His whole body faded to a pale white, like ashes from a burnt-out fire.

Physical pain is nothing compared to mental breakdown.

"how so!"

This elite soldier of the Seventh Battle Group was filled with doubt and disbelief.

Jiang Shijie had never experienced such a setback in his more than 20 years of smooth sailing life.

He couldn't understand or accept that a high school student who had just entered the professional level could use overwhelming power to push him aside and shatter his proud "Mysterious Light of No Ignorance" with three punches.

Is there truly no reasoning under the starry sky?

This completely contradicts the most basic principles of martial arts cultivation!

"Ahem, could you tell me... how many times did your increase in power?"

Jiang Shijie lay quietly in the deep pit, his scorching breath turning into wisps of white smoke that rose upwards.

After being violently thrown around by Qin Shi, many of his bones were shattered, his internal organs bled, and his organs shifted, making him look like a porcelain vase that had fallen to the ground.

It will disintegrate at the slightest touch.

Even the strongest life force cannot instantly repair the severe trauma of near-death.

A dense radiance covered his mortal body, but it could not provide any effective repair. That powerful and stubborn force remained in Jiang Shijie's body, like knives cutting into his flesh and blood, causing him to frown deeply.

"ten times."

Qin Shi stood calmly in place, his vast and surging aura fluctuating as if a river were flowing backward, quickly receding and returning to his body.

The magnificent beam of light that pierced through the clouds gradually dissipated, like snowflakes melting into tiny particles that lingered around.

"Ten times... Hahaha!"

Jiang Shijie's lips twitched, revealing an ugly smile of sudden relief.

As a young genius who broke through the professional barrier at the amateur level, his physical qualities in all aspects were enhanced tenfold.
Damn it, how are we supposed to fight this?
The stats are insane, is it even playable without nerfing it?!
"I knew it. The successor of the Nanhuang Martial Arts Academy wouldn't be so foolish as to refine a blank attribute."

Jiang Shijie's anxious heart finally died.

He silently closed his eyes and struggled to speak:

"You win, Qin Shi. I accept my defeat wholeheartedly."

Qin Shi nodded, readily accepting, and then they engaged in mutual flattery:

"You're not bad either, you managed to force me to increase my power tenfold."

He turned around, looked at Wu Yong who was standing outside the arena, and waved:
"Carry him away. His injuries aren't serious; he'll recover in half a month."

Wu Yong's throat bobbed as he stared at Qin Shi, as if some incredible mythical creature had descended upon the world.

"By the way, were you also planning to spar with me?"

Qin Shi seemed to remember something, and his gaze focused on Wu Yong.

The latter seemed to have been struck by a high-voltage electric shock, suddenly trembled, and waved its hands repeatedly:

"No, no."

It can increase the "amplification feature" by tenfold.

What’s the difference between this and cheating?
I'll hit you with my head!

Wu Yong couldn't help but curse inwardly.

"Who's winning?"

"That goes without saying! Haven't you heard? The word 'kung fu' is composed of a horizontal and a vertical stroke; only those who stand have the right to speak!"

"The successor of the Nanhuang Martial Arts Academy, a local prodigy from Hengzhou, has reached the professional level! Big news! This trip was definitely worthwhile!"

"Shocking! A sniper from the 7th Battle Group encounters a minor high school student, and despite his best efforts, he cannot defeat him! Title ready!"

"That's an exaggeration..."

The media reporters outside the gate surged like waves, with the outer three layers pushing forward and the inner three layers standing still, not daring to step onto the steps.

The crowd whispered amongst themselves, their behavior restrained by the prestige and reputation of the Nanhuang Martial Arts Academy. Unlike usual, when they would frantically press the shutter, they only dared to take a few rough photos of Qin Shi.

It is foreseeable that today's headlines will all feature this local Hengzhou teenager, Jiao Yang.

……

……

"Xiao Qin won?"

"That's right! A resounding victory! Jiang Shijie was knocked down in just a few punches!"

In the administrative center building of the Tai'an metropolitan area, Chen Ruofu and Fang Butang, the two top officials, met.

The former was extremely busy, as the large-scale development of Hengzhou had reached the preparatory stage and was about to begin in full swing.

The military supplies and weaponry of the Tai'an area were all under the control of the Inspection Department.

As Chen Ruofu's power expanded, the amount of official business he handled also surged, leaving him no time to closely monitor the Nanhuang Taoist Temple and Xiao Qin.

Even the news of Qin Shi's sparring match with Jiang Shijie was learned from Lao Fang.

"This is... a real gem!"

Chen Ruofu's hands clasped together heavily, a stark contrast to his usual composed demeanor.

"I'm trying to find a way to get Xiao Qin selected as a 'Eastern Xia Seed'! To be placed in the highest protection list! Relying solely on the potential assessment given by the administrative rising star and his competition results isn't convincing enough!"

Fang Butang, carrying a thermos, with his hands behind his back, nodded slightly.
"It's like a pillow being delivered when you're sleepy. This Xiao Qin really makes things easy for us. The Wind Scythe Sequence Army of the Seventh Battle Group has a great reputation and has risen rapidly in recent years."

The elite guard personally promoted by Mo Zhenting lost to Xiao Qin from the Nanhuang Martial Arts Academy, providing the perfect stepping stone! This is even more valuable than the Hengzhou Top 100 Tournament!

Chen Ruofu was in a great mood, with smile lines appearing at the corners of his eyes. It wasn't easy to obtain a spot in the Eastern Xia Fire Seed program.

Not to mention the thirty-two administrative planets, where countless powerful and influential families are eyeing the opportunity, the competitors from the four major nations alone are as numerous as carp crossing a river, hoping to seize this chance to "leap over the dragon gate".

"The Eastern Xia Seed, possessing the highest security sequence, also represents entry into the central government's vision in the capital."

Fang Butang unscrewed the lid of the thermos, took a sip, and said:

"Looking at the military leaders and council members over the past two millennia, 40% of them are from the list of 100 people who came from the Eastern Xia Fire Seed."

The four major powers described it as a "Great Dragon Gate," a gateway through which one could leap to the pinnacle of power and have a limitless future.

Chen Ruofu sighed:

“In previous years, the nine surnames controlled the upward space, and there were too many paths blocking their way, making it difficult to overcome them.”

The only exception was the quota for the torchbearer; from its drafting to its approval, the entire process was decided by the court, and the nine clans dared not and could not interfere.

The two were having a lively conversation when Fang Butang poured cold water on their enthusiasm:
"Those people in the court are indeed difficult to deal with; they are all totalitarians. In the seventh millennium, that presiding judge surnamed Fei proposed that 'if loyalty is not absolute, then it is absolutely disloyal,' which became popular within the court."

Unless you're like them, you can always find fault with them.

The reason why the conditions for obtaining the Eastern Xia Fire Seed were so stringent was mainly due to the background investigation.

Which of the nine prominent families would dare to undergo a thorough background check by the court?

If you dragged out a hundred people, they'd probably all be shot.

Chen Ruofu frowned, puzzled by Fang Butang's meaning:
"Do you think Xiao Qin can't pass the court's background check? He was born in Jiuchang Street, a typical working-class family. Going back, his ancestors all participated in the reclamation of Hengzhou. He is a typical laborer."

If Xiao Qin accepts the conscription and serves in the combat unit, he will be a worker, peasant, and soldier, a truly red and righteous person!
This can't even be considered a spark for Dongxia? I absolutely must appeal to the central government in the capital! I accuse the court of corruption!

Fang Butang sighed:

"Old Chen, have you forgotten that your Xiao Qin has another identity?"

He was favored by all four pillars, a rare occurrence where all four gods chose him.

Chen Ruofu's passionate emotions seemed to have hit an iceberg, and his gaze suddenly turned cold.

He remained silent for a long time, acknowledging Fang Butang's reminder. The factions within the court were complex, and due to their long existence, they had gradually ceased to be a monolithic entity.

Some people revere the divine pillars, believing that they are the key to the continuous inheritance of the Eastern Xia dynasty, and the protectors and sword-bearers of civilization;
Some were extremely wary, even resistant. They preferred the Ninth Marshal's policy, believing that the newly established Eastern Xia, if it wanted to avoid following the old empire's path, had to bravely leave its cradle and venture beyond the Milky Way.

The four pillars were merely playing the role of "farmers," treating Dongxia like turkeys to be fed.

"On the bright side, Xiao Qin can also win the acceptance of another group of court members."

Despite saying that, Chen Ruofu's expression was solemn. The label of being chosen by the Four Gods could not be erased, and it would inevitably become an obstacle for Qin Shi to pass the Eastern Xia Fire Seed review, and might even be a hidden danger.

"When Xiao Qin brought down the four pillars all at once, I was very happy. I suppressed the matter for a while, thinking of it as a trump card to deal with Central City."

Sigh, there are pros and cons, gains and losses; now it's time to have a headache.

Fang Butang, glancing sideways at the worried Chen Ruofu, put down his thermos and smiled:

"I have a plan, Old Chen, do you want to hear it?"

"Fuck away!"

Chen Ruofu said irritably.

He hates riddle tellers the most.

Old Fang's "wise strategist" demeanor, in particular, is really infuriating.

"Most of the totalitarian figures in the court are fervent admirers of Commander Qin. If your son Qin can get into the Fourth Battle Group..."

Chen Ruofu's eyes lit up, and he immediately realized what was going on and took over the conversation:
"That's right! Xiao Qin's teacher, Liang Zhengxiong, is a retired veteran of the Fourth Battle Regiment."

However, this person has some serious problems, but I'm not entirely sure what they are. All I know is that he was once tried in a military court.

Fang Butang raised an eyebrow. Was that really the case?

He also discovered Liang Zhengxiong's extraordinary resume after reviewing Qin Shi's materials, which is why he thought of using the identity of the Fourth War Group as a cover to downplay the obvious label of being chosen by the Four Gods.

"But on some level, it shows that he does not have any fatal problems, at least not crimes of treason, leaking secrets or desertion."

Otherwise, the court wouldn't have let him get away unscathed.

Fang Butang added, "Thinking things through carefully."

"Let's hope so. In Dongxia today, there are too many ideologies and trends of thought, and undercurrents are surging."

I made Xiao Qin the spark of Dongxia so that he would have a strong layer of protection.

Through Shen Changyuan of the Nanhuang Martial Arts Academy, I've come to understand one thing: in all things under heaven, heroes and great men are often defeated by petty people.

Chen Ruofu spoke earnestly, his eyes filled with deep worry.

"Do what you're capable of."

Fang Butang, however, was more open-minded and offered words of comfort:

"Wait until you become the planetary governor before you think about these things, old Chen."

……

……

"Ninth Senior Sister, Senior Brother Ren... Have all the media reporters left?"

Qin Shi, who remained standing motionless like a statue, asked Jian Yuzhu and Ren You, who had approached him, in a soft voice.

"Everyone dispersed. Although there are regulations prohibiting them from taking photos or videos while filming those two from the Seventh Battle Group, it's not wrong to take written interviews."

Ren You glanced around; the open space in front of the door was already quiet.

Thanks to Chen Yun and the inspection team who set up a cordon, the crowd of onlookers dispersed like a receding tide.

"Then quickly help me up, I can't stand up anymore, Senior Brother Ren."

Qin Shi maintained his domineering stance for nearly ten minutes before finally collapsing.

The side effect of the tenfold amplification feature is that the body is completely drained and squeezed dry.

Upon hearing this, Ren You hurriedly stepped forward and helped up Junior Brother Qin.

"Are you okay?"

Jian Yuzhu asked with concern.

"It's alright, I'm just exhausted and need to recover my strength."

Qin Shi was like a patient with myasthenia gravis, and had his senior brothers and sisters help him into the backyard.

He sat cross-legged, his perfect core slowly rotating, absorbing free energy factors.

After breaking through to the professional level, cultivation efficiency was enhanced once again.

As the Southern Huang Dojo gained access and its lockdown level was lowered, the overlap between the Netherworld Ocean and the material world gradually increased.

The energy factors, which were usually as thin as mist, suddenly became dense, like streams converging, gradually emitting a loud "whooshing" sound, like a surging river, surrounding Qin Shi.

Whether it's the "Void Meditation Method" or the "Universe Furnace Secret Manual," including the "Military Strategy" that he mainly studied.

They all belong to the "big eater" level!
Like a fully grown glutton, it can never get enough to eat!

Now perfectly integrated and controlled by the core, once it starts operating, it's as terrifying as a sea eye.

The energy factors rushed into the Nanhuang Dojo like an inverted waterfall, making it look as if space had been torn apart and the sky had opened up.

Streams of energy burst forth, rushing into Qin Shi's mortal body to replenish the energy depletion caused by his tenfold amplification.

"Phew! Breaking through to the professional level feels completely different."

A sentiment expressed during the Qin Dynasty.

The mortal body, having reached its limit of exertion, is nourished, like parched land suddenly showered with sweet rain.

Billions of cells came to life, eagerly absorbing the energy factors.

"This is so enjoyable! If I can maintain this pace of cultivation every day, catching up with Old Liang will be just around the corner!"

As Qin Shi immersed himself in the story, he kept glancing at the ever-expanding spatial rift, feeling somewhat worried.

Could this attract some great demon from the underworld, or the pillars and followers of the Chaos faction?

After all, two major incidents have occurred in the old factory street area.

Qin Shi vividly remembered the massive explosion at the military factory and the previous electronic demon.

But he waited for a long time, and the inner realm never sensed any unusual aura.

……

……

Inside the meditation room of the Nanhuang Taoist Temple, Yu sat with her eyes slightly closed, her serene face bathed in a soft glow.

From a distance, it looks like a goddess statue.

The friction of thoughts and the collision of minds give rise to wisps of flame, which illuminate the sea of ​​consciousness and form several dazzling rings.

"Junior Brother Qin's cultivation is quite a spectacle."

The fish slightly opened its eyes, suddenly stood up, soared into the air, and appeared in the rift where the Netherworld Ocean and the material world overlapped.

He took a step and entered.

The moment she entered the Netherworld, a spiritual halo hanging behind her head enveloped her entire body, drastically changing her appearance.

His figure moved with the graceful ease of flowing clouds, his feet disappearing into the surging mist, like an immortal in the clouds.

Yu Wei gently unfurled her wide sleeves, the ribbons fluttering across the Netherworld Ocean, and golden flowers bloomed one after another.

A vast, dark mass, like the pillars and retinue of a raging tide, was shattered and collapsed.

"He is under my protection."

Yu Weiwei, who has always been like a friendly older sister next door, now revealed a domineering and cold demeanor.

"Get away."

(End of this chapter)