Chapter 222: My Teacher Is Called Liang Zhengxiong!

By the time Qin Shi and Old Yu returned to the State Guesthouse, the sky was already faintly bright.

Too many upheavals and twists had occurred this night.

Ying Lin, the representative sent by the Ying Clan to penetrate Hengzhou, was discarded, and the blood debt owed to the Nanhuang Daoist Arena was repaid.

It counted as putting a half-complete period on the death of Second Senior Brother Shen Zhangyuan many years ago.

Simultaneously, the Great Expansion movement of full mobilization in Hengzhou was also unfolding in full swing.

On the second day's commendation ceremony, it was still Tai Jun presiding, issuing important opinions.

He hoped that all major universities would actively respond, calling on outstanding top students to throw themselves into the crucible of the Great Expansion movement, continuously tempering themselves, and growing into pillars of talent.

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

The manuscript he was to read was written through the night by Huo Erwen, who stayed up all night writing furiously.

This Nanhuang Daoist Arena disciple, champion of the Top Hundred Competition, facing a dense drone swarm, before numerous Center City residents, proclaimed the "full heart of passion" of a genius youth with a sonorous, cadenced voice.

"……I am Qin Shi from the Taian Urban Circle. Standing here today, my heart is filled with surging passion. When the relay baton of history is passed into the hands of our generation, 'how to build a future Dongxia with a youthful me' becomes an era's proposition that every youth must answer.

Here, I wish to pledge 'three persistences' as an oath, to mutually encourage with all fellow students……"

In the Taian Urban Circle, Chen Ruofu and Fang Butang sat in the large conference room, the live broadcast picture presented before their eyes.

The two looked at Qin Shi wearing a crisp student uniform, his brow radiating confidence, like the rising morning sun.

The two old foxes automatically ignored those official clichés they had heard until bored and tired of.

They paid more attention to the significance represented behind Qin Shi openly showing his face in Center City.

"It seems Governor Tai also quite recognizes Xiao Qin's potential; otherwise, he wouldn't have only arranged for Xiao Qin to take the stage and give a speech."

Chen Ruofu was very gratified; after so many years, the Taian Region had finally produced a top-tier genius youth, openly and aboveboard stepping onto Center City's main stage.

Truly not easy!

Looking ahead, basically all are Center City students, enjoying Hengzhou's most concentrated educational resources, cultivation resources.

Like the Four Great National Universities' enrollment quotas, top-tier project registration channels, almost all are monopolized.

What trickles down to other administrative regions is extremely, extremely little.

"Xiao Qin is too dazzling, suppressing everyone; fundamentally no same-aged peer can be found to stand alongside him."

Fang Butang said with emotion.

The masses' eyes are sharp; if a Center City genius were forcibly arranged to stand beside Qin Shi, it would only set him off as dim and lusterless.

Tai Jun took out a Divinity Crystal as a reward, giving Qin Shi a chance to perform, also wanting to tell the crowd of Center City youths.

Whoever feels they can compete with Qin Shi, might as well try.

Facts prove, once the Old Martial Arts' Limit Breaking Path is walked through, it is far beyond what ordinary geniuses can contend with.

"Old Chen, how do you feel the current Xiao Qin compares to Yu Li?"

Fang Butang held it in for a long time, finally asking this question.

"Unclear. That kid Yu Li, I know a bit. He walks the New Martial Path, yet is not bound by schools. Military martial, bionic, extreme, all kinds of advanced martial arts teaching materials he has mastered, ultimately forming his own unique Professional Realm, and the 'True Lan Yun Flow Body' that looks down on peers!"

Chen Ruofu sighed, not blindly elevating Qin Shi, evaluating objectively.

Yu Li is the most watched Chaoyang Level among the new generation.

Besides the halo of being a disciple of Lian Yixing, one of the First Generation Ten Greats.

He himself holds the record for youngest Professional Martial Artist, and was exceptionally recruited by the Four Great National Universities.

Since his debut, undefeated, winning battle after battle, taking the undisputed first place in the Star Cup Youth Group points.

This strength, its gold content needs no further words, solid and real.

"Body. Indeed, Xiao Qin is still short this one step! Breaking through the Professional Realm, for Xiao Qin, is as simple as eating and drinking."

Fang Butang thought of this point, his brows involuntarily furrowing tight.

The two hardest steps of the Professional Realm, one is refining "Characteristics", the other is forging a Body.

"The Nanhuang Daoist Arena's 'Universe Furnace Secret Canon', reputed as Dongxia's strongest Body inheritance, can push Body progress to one hundred percent!"

Fang Butang gazed at the youth projected on the television, as if seeing the Taian Region's future on him.

"Elder Zhang's inheritance is not so easily received. The reason the Nanhuang Daoist Arena's 'Universe Furnace Secret Canon' can achieve pushing Body progress to one hundred percent, perfectly developing potential, lies in a special method."

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

"Heard of 'Divine Machine and Man as One'? The Nanhuang Daoist Arena's 'Universal Furnace Body' actually relies on the power of a King-level Divine Machine to carry out Flesh Sublimation. This is a path that takes an unconventional approach, an 'Evil Path'; currently only Elder Zhang has succeeded."

Fang Butang didn't understand; how could a Divine Machine and a Mortal Body fuse?

"Old Fang, you don't know this: a King-level Divine Machine is already a spiritual thing. If the pilot and the Divine Machine are exceptionally compatible, under long-term matching, the Mortal Body is invaded by the Divine Machine, and Flesh Vitality will be greatly increased…… the Highest Research Institute has done related experiments."

Chen Ruofu wore a "I'm very professional" proud look, popularizing science for Fang Butang:

"Many Academicians have specially analyzed why King-level Divine Machines are rare? Because they are not purely mechanical constructs; they not only need sunlight exposure, but also Strange Object smelting, injection of an energy core, conditions are extremely strict.

At the moment a King-level Divine Machine is born, it is like life gestation, condensing a weak consciousness like an infant's.

This also leads to King-level Divine Machines rarely changing pilots, like a young beast imprinting on its master, extremely hard to replace."

Fang Butang listened in a muddle; he was not of the Mechanical Path, nor had military experience, so he indeed understood Divine Machines poorly.

He counted on his fingers; all of Dongxia's King-level Divine Machines, added together, were less than the fingers of two hands.

"The major Dojos' King-level ones are basically all sealed; let me think. Qi Wuxiang's Luo Tian Daoist Arena has a 'Tai Su Star Abyss - Boundless Calamity Wheel'. Lian Yixing's Zhen Yang Dao Guan guards a 'Cang Ming Pure Sea - Xuan Qiong Wonderful Form'.

Apart from these two great gods, probably just the few Military Districts, the more famous ones roughly are 'Seven Kill Heaven Punishment - Punish Sin Forge Soldier', 'Lian Zhen Fire Mansion - Star Axe Slaughter', 'Po Jun Swallow World - Cloud Han Flash Void'……"

Fang Butang counted on, as if understanding Old Chen's meaning, slapped his thigh and said:

"Bad! King-level Divine Machines all have owners! The Nanhuang Daoist Arena's Bi Xiao Yu Chi - Hun Yuan Dou Kui may not suit Xiao Qin! If he wants to push to one hundred percent Body progress, he must inherit a King-level Divine Machine perfectly compatible with himself! Where to find one?"

Chen Ruofu nodded; this was precisely the point he was worried about.

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

The Nanhuang Daoist Arena's Bi Xiao Yu Chi - Hun Yuan Dou Kui has followed Old Zhang for nearly a hundred years.

Having undergone Grandmaster Level "warm nourishment," it would be hard for it to change hands again.

……

……

Old Factory Street, Li Ji Fast Food.

It was noon now, not yet mealtime, yet the stall was packed with people.

Li Yuan, dressed in a sharp suit with slicked-back hair, parked his sedan at the alley entrance; the road inside was too narrow to drive in.

Xie Yucheng, sitting in the Passenger Seat, stepped out of the car door, carrying large and small gift bags, and greeted:

"Uncle Li, I'm here again! I say, why not close the stall and enjoy some comfort? Look at how big Brother Yuan's business is now..."

Li Shu, busy at the Stove, vigorously tossing the wok, replied in a displeased tone:

"Close the stall, where would the neighbors eat! It's been open for years, everyone's used to coming and going! Moreover, you businessmen making big money is your business; Li Yuanzi and his wife can support ourselves! Whoever's large portion of fried noodles, come take it!"

"Got it, Uncle!"

The youth sitting obediently seemed like a fawning lackey, holding both hands around the steaming fried noodles, lowering his head to eat.

While wolfing down, he flattered:

"Uncle, your fried noodles are truly authentic! Much better than big restaurants!"

Li Shu ignored him; these "diners" were all employees under his son.

Ever since Li Yuan brought them here for a team-building meal once, they all came running to get familiar whenever they had nothing to do.

"I say Li Yuanzi, can you make your little brothers come less often? They take up seats, how are the neighbors supposed to eat!"

Li Shu pulled the spirited Li Yuan to one side and whispered:

"Also, they all eat a lot, ordering dozens of dishes at a time; my old back can't take it."

Li Yuan, who had the bearing of a successful man, had no airs in front of his father.

"Okay, Dad, I know. Is there an interview with Qin Ge today? Did the television you asked me to buy last time arrive?"

Li Shu pointed at the wall, proudly saying:

"I had Lao Xu make a cabinet specially for it."

He took out the remote control and tuned to the channel broadcast by Center City.

"... Persist in forging personal ideals into Hengzhou's blueprint, persist in measuring responsibility and duty with practical steps, persist in building a solid foundation for life with moral cultivation! With the me of youth, create the future of youth! The Dongxia of youth, the civilization of youth!"

Qin Shi's impassioned voice came through the television into everyone's ears.

Everyone didn't care about the speech's content; they were just all excitedly discussing:

"Our Old Factory Street finally produced a big shot! With so many talents in Center City, aren't they all obediently listening to Little Qin speaking on stage!"

"That's right! I used to live on Bao Gong Street; every time I didn't finish my exams, my mom grabbed a feather duster and hit and scolded me, every time she'd mention Qin Ge!"

"Tell your mom later, being Top of the Hundred Strong Competition is very normal. After all, looking at New Star, few people can catch up!"

"Tsk tsk, truly glorious, promising..."

Li Shu stopped turning the wok spatula, staring at the boy's face on the television.

Though his own son could be considered promising, compared to Qin Shi representing Old Factory Street, representing Tai'an Region, he was still worlds apart.

"You, since childhood liked loitering on the streets, I always scolded you, telling you not to hang out with fox friends and dog companions, lest you pick up bad habits."

"Fortunately, fortunately, in the end you recognized Little Qin, who put you on the right path."

Li Yuan did not refute; he silently nodded, because his poor grades made his parents worry themselves sick.

Later he gritted his teeth and took out a sum of money to sign up for Liang Laoshi's Tutoring Class, thinking to train his body, apply Qi Life Force, and work in the Mining Area.

If he hadn't met Qin Shi, Li Yuan would either go down the mine with Xie Yucheng or follow Brother Ze as a Boxer.

Either path would not end well.

"Liang Laoshi..."

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

Still a crew cut, a middle-aged image in a gray jacket.

The only difference was he no longer limped when walking.

"Liang Laoshi! You're here, shall I stir-fry a few small dishes as usual?"

Li Shu warmly greeted.

"The usual."

Old Liang's spirits were much better than before; ever since his old injury was healed by Disciple Qin Shi's Half Blood Flower, his temperament gradually recovered, sweeping away his decadence and low spirits.

"Hello, Liang Laoshi."

Li Yuan and Xie Yucheng subconsciously pressed both hands against their trouser pockets, standing straight.

Even though they had long graduated, seeing Old Liang they could still feel that strong "pressure."

"A Yuan, A Cheng, I heard from Little Qin that you two are doing Not Bad!"

Old Liang said laughing hehe, but his eyes looked at the television cabinet hanging on the wall.

Qin Shi's speech had reached its end—

"... On the journey of comprehensively building New Dongxia, writing the glorious chapter of youth belonging to our generation!"

Old Liang's face completely relaxed, unable to help but show a smile.

This was his disciple, this was Hong Sheng's True Disciple!

"Heaven opened its eyes, letting me, at the end, accept such a good disciple."

Old Liang found an empty seat to sit down, then suddenly said to Li Shu:

"Old Li, get me two more Bottles of North Warehouse!"

Old Li asked with a smiling squint:

"Liang Laoshi, you said just a while back you'd quit smoking and drinking."

Lao Liang shook his head:

"I'm happy today, breaking the abstinence once won't hurt! Go to the liquor shop on Dong Street for me—their North Warehouse authentic stuff, high proof."

Lao Li waved his hand, grabbed a few banknotes, and had his young son who helped out run the errand.

The half-grown child sprinted off, back and forth in just a few minutes, panting as he delivered two bottles of North Warehouse Daqu to the table.

"Far more sensible than your brother. Take this spare change of mine, buy some snacks."

Lao Liang waved his hand, poured himself a cup, and held it to his nose to sniff gently.

While listening to his disciple's long-winded speech, he used chopsticks to pick up a drinking dish and chewed carefully.

Unbidden, his mind recalled the catchphrase his Master Uncle was always saying—Ba De Hen!

On the television, a formal speech addressed to all of Hengzhou ended, Qin Shi stepped down from the stage and was surrounded by media from all sides, long and short guns crowding in front of him, aimed at that youthful face.

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

"Study hard, make progress every day."

"Qin Classmate, you've come all the way from Old Factory Street to Center City. Do you have any thoughts on this journey?"

"Personal choice is very important, especially when you're stuck in a quagmire—struggling might get you ashore, giving up will only sink you further."

"Qin Classmate, you're hailed as the most talented genius Hengzhou has seen in twenty years, very likely to top the Chaoyang Level. May I ask if you can introduce yourself as a newcomer to all the students of Hengzhou?"

Qin Shi looked calmly at the camera, his gaze seeming to cross space, passing through the countless figures like tides and waves, landing on the familiar Old Factory Street.

"Hello everyone, I'm Qin Shi, from Yangdong Street, Dangyang, Tai'an Region. My teacher is Liang Zhengxiong, who teaches physical education at Zi Fu No. 9 Middle School."

"I'm very grateful to him, I very much want to tell him, Lao Liang, you're the best teacher I've ever met!"

"And I will become your most outstanding student!"

Lao Liang, who was sipping high-proof alcohol in small mouthfuls, was suddenly stunned, and everyone in the stall looked at him at once.

You must know, the official line Tai'an promoted to the outside world was that Qin Shi was either a Nanhuang Daoist Arena Disciple or the successor of the First Generation Ten Greats He Lanchan.

No one mentioned "Liang Zhengxiong"!

Because a title like Physical Education Teacher at Zi Fu No. 9 Middle School simply couldn't be brought out!

It absolutely couldn't be placed alongside the Champion of the Hengzhou Hundred Strong Competition and the Tai'an Region Supernova!

The peanut held by chopsticks snapped and fell, Lao Liang silently lowered his head.

The strong liquor in the cup was like a stone falling into a stream, splashing ripples.

(Chapter End)