Chapter 209: An Assassination That Need Not Care About Success!

The day after arriving in Central City, Qin Shi experienced every cultivation facility equipped in the standalone villa.

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

"Even bathing has a dedicated 'Yao Yu Fang'; this treatment is truly maxed out."

Qin Shi sat naked in quiet meditation in the steaming hot spring.

The nearly brownish-black liquid in the pool boiled, containing potent medicinal properties that permeated his skin and nourished his flesh and blood.

He operated his Self-Cultivation Furnace; his mortal body was like a bottomless pit, greedily swallowing the nutritional components of the medicine that could be called tiger-and-wolf fierce.

This is the superiority of the Old Martial Arts' Seven Great Limits of the Flesh.

For the violent amplification that ravages the body, one endures purely by relying on one's own numerical values!

Strands of scorching airflow drilled into his body and were instantly absorbed and dissolved by the Self-Cultivation Furnace, transforming into life radiance that filled his hundred bones.

In less than ten short minutes, the rich medicinal liquid in the entire pool gradually turned clear.

Qin Shi, who had accepted a dosage for seven or eight people at once, merely had slightly reddened skin and a slightly elevated body temperature.

He opened his eyes, and through his dilated pores expelled scorching white smoke; following the rhythm of his breathing, large clouds of thick fog coalesced and lingered around him, making the room hazy and blurred, like a sauna heated to the maximum.

"People go upward, water flows downward. No wonder Lao Zhou refused Qiguang Heng University, gave up staying on as faculty, and insisted on returning to Central City."

Qin Shi sighed with emotion; as a Supernova recommended by the Education Bureau, the standard of treatment Zhou Yuanchen enjoyed should be no worse than this.

Assuming a person's clothing, food, housing, and travel are all comfortable.

Over time, compared to peers, both body and mind are much more at ease.

Cultivation progress naturally would not be slow either.

His only experience staying at the State Guesthouse was that whatever he wanted, he got, with absolutely no shortage.

Moreover, all needs could receive the best service and the fastest satisfaction.

"In this kind of environment, the cultivation state can often be maintained for a long time."

As the Martial Path went farther and farther, Qin Shi began to understand a principle.

Before completing a stage goal, the significance of being a bit faster or slower is not great.

If one can maintain a good state for a long time, it achieves twice the result with half the effort instead.

"The highest achievement Martial Artists dream of — establishing their own Dao Guan and Daoist Arena — perhaps is just this. Constructing an absolutely suitable perfect environment to contain a lifetime of Martial Path heart-blood."

Qin Shi's thinking diverged, silently speculating.

Finishing today's daily training, he had the butler prepare an extra-large portion of a Nutrition Meal, seizing the chance to satisfy his appetite before Fish Senior Sister appeared.

"A genius should live this kind of life."

Qin Shi wolfed it down in a whirlwind, rapidly devouring the fragrant, sizzling large plate of meat chops, eating until he was about seventy percent full.

He let out a long breath and slumped in his chair; although he could endure Fish Senior Sister's Dark Cuisine, his longing for delicious food always existed.

"Qin Classmate, later you need to go try on clothes. The Governor's Mansion has arranged a welcome banquet, and you need to attend on time."

Huo Erwen, responsible for arranging various miscellaneous matters, appeared quietly and said in a low voice.

"No problem."

Qin Shi made a hand gesture.

As a Borderlands, the Governor's Mansion's presence is far inferior to the Imperial Capital and Haizhou.

The latter are comparable to the ancient era's "Jiedushi," holding enormous power in their hands.

The former, as an Administrative New Star's Provincial Governor, still needs to compromise on many issues.

After all, there are not few Superpowers above them.

Like the arrival of the Ying Family First Sequence Heir, Ying Huang, it would bring a certain degree of pressure to the Governor's Mansion.

Because the Superpower's own influence is sufficient to bypass Dongxia's administrative laws and regulations.

But in most cases, the Governor's Mansion is still the symbol of the power center.

Every Planetary Governor receives a personal audience from the Nine Marshals, and under the witness of the Four Pillars, is granted the highest authority to control everything and supervise all affairs.

"How long has our Hengzhou's Governor Tai been in office?"

Qin Shi asked for a juice to cut the grease, and took the opportunity to inquire curiously.

He remembered that since Hengzhou was designated as an Administrative New Zone, from the Great Reclamation Period to the New Generation, there had been seven Governors in total.

The current one is the most 'lying flat,' rarely making public appearances, and even rarely accepting interviews.

The promulgation of decrees, the formulation of strategy — such critical massive work is said to be all handed over to "Tai Jun" to handle.

Then core institutions like the Education Bureau and Security Bureau also have very high autonomy.

Even regular major meetings, the Governor Tai can skip, directly letting the few Bureau Chiefs deliberate and decide.

"Seventy-six years."

Huo Erwen said with a hehe laugh.

Dongxia's Planetary Governors are practically life tenure; as long as they are not dismissed or don't request retirement themselves, serving until death of old age is no problem.

However, the war intensity of the Great Reclamation Period was extremely high; the average tenure of the first three Governors did not reach a hundred years, all dying heroically for the country and being posthumously honored with glory.

"The longest-serving Governor in Hengzhou's history was probably three hundred-some years, dying a natural death."

Huo Erwen got along with Qin Shi relatively easily, so the chat content would also "cross the line" a bit.

"I heard older generations say that Hengzhou's Great Reclamation past was too tragic. Making the Governor of this New Star a high-risk post."

Qin Shi expressed understanding; the New Dongxia founded by the Nine Marshals can be said to have completely inherited the abundant martial virtue of the ancient Galactic Empire.

In the initial stage of the Great Expedition and Great Reclamation, the highest commanders all liked to play the lead-from-the-front routine; sitting in the rear to command was the rare type.

Everyone upheld Qin Shuai's iron-blooded style; once war started, they drove Divine Machines and charged forward, killing until corpses lay across the fields.

"The Governor Tai seems to be surnamed Feng? If I shook hands with the Governor, my sister and the youngest at home seeing it on TV, who knows how excited they'd get."

Qin Shi smiled; although New Dongxia repeatedly emphasizes the equality of citizens' human rights, the deep-rooted class concepts and the cognition of "official lords" remain difficult to erase.

The highest official of Hengzhou New Star received him enthusiastically and expressed warm greetings; no matter when, this would count as an honor to his ancestors.

"Governor Tai is from Yazhou, surname Feng, name Wuyang. A genuine War Corps veteran, a fierce general of the military; he only assumed the post of Planetary Governor when he got too old to work, as a way to support his elderly years."

Huo Erwen introduced this so Qin Shi would have a bottom line in his heart.

"Which War Corps? Brother Huo. The Fourth War Corps?"

Qin Shi raised an eyebrow and asked.

"Look at what you're saying; most of the Fourth War Corps choose lifelong service, especially officers at battalion level and above. The Governor is from the Seventh War Corps, and served as Chief of Staff at the division level."

Huo Erwen replied.

It seems there's no way to climb the connection.

Qin Shi felt a slight regret.

He thought of Lao Liang; since he retired and came back, he probably didn't reach a battalion-level unit.

"He still planned to write an autobiography titled 'My Master Is a Commander' after becoming famous; what a pity. Lao Liang, you're not up to snuff!"

……

……

Night fell, Center City was brightly lit, like a vast sea of light.

The local TV station did an interview, randomly selecting random teammates to ask questions; among all kinds of questions, there was one most sharp.

That is: instead of year after year, day after day, staying here doing cow and horse, why not go to places like Taian Metropolitan Area, or other Bi Lei Cheng, and live a relatively easy life?

The answers were strange and varied, all kinds existed.

But the one that got the most recognition was: "Center City's wealth won't flow evenly to everyone, but its brilliance everyone can share."

Amidst the vast sea of light, a flying vehicle rose into the air, descending toward No. 1 Floating Island.

Ying Huang sat in the first-class chamber, crimson wine flowing in a high-stemmed glass; this First Sequence heir seemed exceptionally fond of drinking, always needing a few sips at all times.

"Little Zhou, you taste it; this is a top-tier item from my collection, called 'Kiss of Datura'. Even at a professional-level medium standard, drinking a few cups lets you feel that drunk sensation, a slightly sweet texture and just-right acidity, making you feel as if kissed by a datura flower, heart and mind swaying."

Ying Huang enthusiastically recommended his collection; Zhou Yuanchen sitting beside him appeared very constrained, and he politely declined:

"I am still in the consolidation phase of the professional realm's transformation; I cannot engage in harmful behaviors that damage the body, including drinking and smoking."

Ying Huang took back the wine glass and said in surprise:

"This is an Old Martial Arts pure school habit; I didn't expect Little Zhou you also know to draw on the strengths of various schools, and aren't bound by the New Martial Arts framework."

Zhou Yuanchen forced a smile; staying by this Ying Clan First Sequence heir's side, he felt like sitting on pins and needles, like a thorn in his back, full of unease.

The reason is very simple.

According to his understanding.

Ying Huang this person — family background aside — personal ability is quite outstanding; only in hobbies is it somewhat strange.

Obsessed with collecting and possessing all "beautiful" things, for example fine wine, beautiful scenery, even beautiful people.

That's right, not "beautiful women", but "beautiful people".

After learning this point, even if Zhou Yuanchen considered himself absolutely not qualifying as "beautiful", it was hard not to show physical contact resistance.

"Little Zhou, how do you view Qin Shi? He's the strong enemy you encountered in the Top Hundred competition, the final winner who defeated you. You should have some understanding."

Ying Huang held a smile at the corner of his mouth, shaking the wine glass in his hand.

Until now, Huo Erwen still hadn't given a reply.

Indicating that that Nanhuang Dojo disciple indeed isn't too willing to engage in reconciliation talks.

This way, the problems needing to be solved just increased.

"Without a doubt, he is a genius, a genius in all aspects. Qin Classmate is the most balanced, most shortcoming-free 'strong enemy' I've ever seen. Physical body, speed, reaction, potential... all elements judging strength, he possesses them, and the values are extremely high."

Zhou Yuanchen spoke truthfully.

"Sounds a lot like He Lanchan."

Ying Huang laughed.

"Truly looking forward to my first meeting with him."

……

……

Clang!

In Xiao Hong Lou, the sounds of smashing and crashing were incessant.

Luo Bing, the steward who came from Haizhou together with Ying Huang, lowered her head, silently waiting for Ying Lin's anger to subside a little and regain calm.

"What the family had me do, which one didn't I do? I'm not a branch either! Me and Brother Qi both belong to the direct line! To erase He Lanchan's traces, we were dispatched to a frontier land like Hengzhou, how much suffering did we eat?"

Ying Lin's eye rims were red, not from sorrow but from taking contraband; blood vessels filled his pupils one by one, making him look exceptionally ferocious.

"To bury Shen Zhangyuan, our family nearly died out, even Brother Qi lost his life! Only me left, raised in this building like a prisoner! Then a Qin Shi pops out, I bet my entire wealth on him again... you tell me, is my contribution to the family still not enough?"

Luo Bing was mute as a winter cicada; at this time Ying Lin was like a madman, absolutely not to be touched.

A full twenty minutes passed; Ying Lin in a bathrobe finally got tired.

He stood on the bedroom carpet; the surroundings were already a mess.

Many bottles of precious wine were smashed and spilled, the crimson liquid seeping in, as if blood staining.

"Luo Bing, you're the person I trust most. Tell me, what method can avoid me becoming a discarded pawn? Ying Huang this person loves being a peacemaker most; compared to resolving Qin Shi, he'll definitely want to resolve me first."

Ying Lin rubbed his pale face; the whole person detached from the crazy state, becoming extremely calm.

"Young Master Ying."

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

"Shou Er Ye plans to cut ties between you and the Ying Clan; this is an important step he's preparing for reconciliation. The only path now is for Young Master Ying you to bind yourself and the Ying Clan together, thoroughly destroying the possibility of writing off grievances."

Exclusive steward and direct line disciple have always shared glory and shared loss.

If Ying Lin fell from grace, then Luo Bing would lose all value as well, so he plucked up his courage to offer his schemes.

"You mean?"

"Create a commotion large enough, and an assassination carried out in plain sight."

Luo Bing licked his lips; compared to the frenzied Ying Lin just now, he now resembled a gambler who had lost everything, hoping to recoup his losses with one final throw.

"You want me to publicly assassinate a Supernova who is about to receive the Governor's commendation?"

Ying Lin very much wanted to say: am I the one who's gone mad, or is it you who has a screw loose?

"There is only this choice, Young Master Ying. Shou Er Ye is the heir of the First Sequence, and his decision represents the opinion of the family. But the reason a family is a family is that whether collateral branch or direct line, everyone must become one whole at the critical moment."

"Otherwise, how could the Ying Clan's Three-Legged Bird Emblem shake the Galaxy and inspire awe!"

Luo Bing raised his head, meeting Ying Lin's gaze, his eyes burning and excited as he said:

"Whether or not the assassination of the Nanhuang Daoist Hall Disciple succeeds. As long as Young Master Ying does it, Shou Er Ye and the family cannot hand you over. The Ying Clan can actively seek reconciliation, but it absolutely cannot show weakness and lower its head! These are two different matters!"

Ying Lin pondered carefully, his mind seeming to turn a corner, and he understood the true meaning behind Luo Bing's words.

"You want me to 'kidnap' the family? I ruined Ying Huang's plans and defied the family; even if I escape the fate of being a sacrificial pawn, I will still face severe punishment afterward."

Luo Bing stepped forward, no longer like a servant of the Ancient Era maintaining a posture of bowing and bending his knee.

He stared fixedly at Ying Lin, his eyes seeming to contain fire:

"Young Master Ying, you converted all your assets into an equivalent amount of Void Coins, yet that could not stop Qin Shi from sweeping through the Top Hundred competition, nor prevent the Nanhuang Dojo from winning. He is destined to fight in the Star Cup and tread that Ancient Heavenly Road."

"In terms of results, you have completely failed; the family will not regard failure as a contribution. Shou Er Ye has come to Hengzhou, and you have only two outcomes: either the Ying Clan reconciles with the Nanhuang Dojo and you are discarded; or reconciliation fails, you still cannot prove your worth, and you will still be cast aside."

"Perhaps you can be guaranteed to live, but I fear you will find it hard to leave this building."

Ying Lin fell silent in an instant.

He surveyed his surroundings; these years "imprisoned" in Xiao Hong Lou, from the initial secret relief at surviving the disaster, to the increasingly manic helplessness.

As a direct-line descendant of the Ying Clan born with a golden spoon in his mouth, Ying Lin had enjoyed most of the world's pleasures, but trapped in such a small space for so many years, he finally understood that "freedom" is the rarest thing in life!

"How do you plan to arrange it?"

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

Rather than live as a prisoner, he would rather go all-in on one gamble.

Even if the final result is failure, just to see Ying Huang's shocked and furious expression would be worth it!

"I will find someone for Young Master Ying; what Hengzhou lacks least are desperate men stranded here due to the blockade. A single ship ticket is enough to make them risk everything!"

Luo Bing replied.

This is a public assassination where success or failure does not matter.

It is not difficult to carry out.

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

Ying Lin's pale and sinister face rarely showed a trace of tenderness.

"Everything I obtain in the future will include your share."

(Chapter End)