Cosmic Demon

Chapter 295 Commendation and Awarding of Medals: The Youngest Combat Hero!
Inside the western command post, a deathly silence lasted for a full three seconds.

Until the liaison officer responsible for monitoring the battlefield said in an incredulous, trembling voice:

"Energy reading in the uninhabited area confirmed to be zero! Blood River Typhon's signal has disappeared!"

Only then did the entire command center seem to come "alive".

The staff officer carrying the major on his shoulder breathed a sigh of relief, his heart, which had been in his throat, finally settled back down.

He grabbed the communicator:
"Have Lieutenant Qin report the status!"

After a few minutes' delay, Qin Shi's steady breathing could be heard through the fully open communication channel.

This was followed by a calm voice:

"Target has been repelled. Requesting medical support."

His tone was flat, as if he had just completed a routine training session.

Upon receiving a definite answer, the western front command instantly erupted in excitement.

"Incredible!"

"Professional Level 5! He's only Professional Level 5, yet he can already defeat a level 4 Disaster's familiar head-on!"

"This defies common sense! I remember that in the 'Supernatural Combat Power Assessment Manual' compiled by the Imperial Capital of North China, the fourth level of disaster energy is infinitely close to the second to first stage of the professional level."

"What exactly are Lieutenant Qin's field characteristics? If I'm not mistaken, he withstood Blood River Typhon's 'activation' without being affected?"

"That's absolutely right. It also defies common sense!"

The analysts in the command center were puzzled and perplexed.

According to the principle of covering the characteristics of extraordinary fields.

The level of vitality and purity determines the quality of characteristics.

In other words, Blood River Typhon's "Activation Domain," located at the fourth level of disaster energy, is certain to overwhelm Lieutenant Qin and have an effect on him.

"Whether Blood River Typhon's characteristics failed to overwhelm it, or Lieutenant Qin withstood it, both results are astonishing."

A look of fervor appeared in the eyes of the chief strategist in the command center.

"Our Hengzhou Rising Star, the pride of humanity, has the potential to catch up with the legends."

The definition of "legend" for the new Dongxia is very simple.

Like Qi Wuxiang and He Lanchan, they left their mark at the pinnacle of fame.

That will be humanity's most glorious moment as a great civilization.

"Dispatch a rapid response medical team immediately."

The Supreme Commander gave the order.

"Prepare a victory celebration banquet, to be held at... Poplar Fortress City."

……

……

"Battle report from the Western Front!"

The communications officer's voice was somewhat strained as he knocked on the door of the operations room at the Eastern Front Command.

Several senior generals are studying strategic plans, and the advance on the eastern front remains stable, maintaining a good momentum of daily progress.

For some unknown reason, the clans and families on the eastern front withdrew very quickly and resolutely.

"Lieutenant Qin of the White Poplar Fortress at the forefront of the western front... has repelled Blood River Typhon head-on!"

The senior general, who was studying the sand table, almost spilled his tea because he couldn't hold his enamel cup properly.

"Say it again."

The senior officer seemed not to have heard clearly and stared blankly at the communications officer.

"To be precise, Lieutenant Qin severely injured and forced Blood River Typhon to retreat!"

The communications officer swallowed hard.

"A counter-offensive is underway on the western front. The front line has advanced 1,800 meters in a single day."

The operations room was quiet, suddenly enveloped in a profound stillness.

The generals on the Eastern Front knew all too well what the fourth level of disaster represented.

The most devastating of the past expansion campaigns was the cost of three dedicated fourth-level powerhouses in order to defend a fortified city.

Every invasion by the fourth-level kin of a disaster is inevitably accompanied by enormous sacrifices and casualties.

Therefore, when the senior generals on the Eastern Front learned that Lieutenant Qin had defeated Blood River Typhon single-handedly, their first reaction was shock and doubt.

They then realized that military intelligence reports could not be faked, and their initial disbelief turned into deep joy.

"Good thing!"

"If the western front keeps up with the pace of the advance, it won't be long before we strike at the heart of the enemy's stronghold!"

"Ending this large-scale development project as soon as possible will also reduce unnecessary casualties..."

The Eastern Front general, holding an enamel mug, took a breath and said:

"Is this the point? Get those guys on the western front to pull up the battle footage right now!"

"I can't wait to see how that lieutenant will defeat the fourth-level disaster-related creatures!"

Soon, intelligence about the western front spread like wildfire to every corner of the front lines.

"The fourth level of calamity, Typhon of the Blood River. Known as the most favored 'offspring' of the Lord of Gluttony."

Its activation properties have a very high growth ceiling; if it completes its ultimate evolution, the entire planet will become its breeding ground and paradise…

Next to the Eastern Front Operations Room was Mo Zhenting's office.

As the highest-ranking officer of the Seventh Battle Group's Wind Scythe Sequence Army, Mo Zhenting received top-tier treatment.

He could even directly enter and exit the highly classified command post and participate in observing combat deployments.

"He inherited He Lan Chan's legacy, but his rise to power was earlier and more intense than He Lan Chan's."

Once he reaches the pinnacle of the stars, who can stop him?

Mo Zhenting stood by the window, his eyes deep and unfathomable.

He was once the pride and glory of Hengzhou's rising stars, having been admitted to one of the four major national universities ahead of schedule with perfect grades, and then being recruited by the Seventh Regiment after graduating from military academy...

"Such a talented person should serve the country, not become a destabilizing factor that divides Eastern Xia."

Mo Zhenting stood with his hands behind his back, his figure towering like a mountain, exuding an unshakeable and imposing aura.

"I hope to meet with Lieutenant Qin after this great development campaign is over."

Hera noted down this schedule.

"A face-to-face, in-person meeting? In the name of the Seventh Division Commander, or... a private, personal meeting?"

Mo Zhenting instinctively wanted to answer "in his private capacity," but he stopped himself from saying it.

"In the capacity of the 7th Battle Group Wind Scythe Rank Division Commander, I cordially invite Lieutenant Qin to a meeting."

Hera nodded and said:
“Okay. I will send a formal letter to obtain permission from the Governor’s Office.”

Mo Zhenting sat back down and began to study the direction of the advance on the east-west front.

"Feng Wuyang launched a two-front war and allowed the Hengzhou military to advance deep into the contaminated area."

Such a deployment carries a high potential risk; if the intensity of the war escalates to an unimaginable level, the casualties among humans and their families will reach unbelievable proportions.

"If the slumbering Lord of Gluttony were to stir, it would lead to the failure of the entire Great Expedition..."

Mo Zhenting, as the highest-ranking officer of the Wind Scythe Army, has extensive experience in both combat and leadership.

He was keenly aware of the inherent dangers simply by observing the advance routes on the war sand table and the rapid advances on the eastern and western fronts.

In any large-scale battle, the most crucial factor to consider is the uncontrollable variables.

Especially beings like the Lord of Gluttony, who are "outsiders" of the chessboard.

Once it takes effect, it could lead to the worst possible outcome—a complete loss.

"Is Feng Wuyang not worried at all?"

A look of doubt rose in Mo Zhenting's eyes. If it were him, he would definitely choose to proceed slowly and gradually, extending this great expansion movement to seven or eight years.

By constructing defensive fortifications and purifying contaminated areas, the living space of the dependent tribes will be reduced. "The only drawback is that the number of casualties will continue to rise, reaching a terrifying level."

Mo Zhenting didn't think it was an unacceptable problem.

Large-scale warfare inevitably involves bloodshed and sacrifice.

For a commander, it is essential to deeply understand the cold truth that "the death of 10,000 people is just a number, and the death of 100,000 people is still just a number."

"Could it be that Feng Wuyang intends to achieve his goal in one decisive battle?"

An absurd thought flashed through Mo Zhenting's mind, but he shook his head, dismissing this outrageous idea.
the reason is simple.

The source of the kin and the disaster of pollution both lie in the slumbering star god.

But Feng Wuyang could not possibly defeat that gluttonous master.

The fundamental purpose of the Great Expansion Movement was to curb the rampant expansion of polluted areas, thereby preventing the Star God from growing stronger.

"At this rate of progress, in another three months, we will be able to break through the contaminated areas on the east and west sides and reach our stronghold."

Mo Zhenting tapped his fingers on the table.

He can stay at Hengzhou Rising Star for another three months.

After that, they went to the military headquarters to undergo the "review period" for those aspiring to become army commanders.

……

……

The Governor's Office convened an emergency meeting, which was attended in person by Feng Wuyang.

The holographic projection displayed a scorched, glassy battlefield.

"Repel the fourth level of disaster and boost morale on the western front."

Feng Wuyang gazed quietly at the tall figure kneeling with his sword in hand, and said softly:
"Lieutenant Qin deserves a commendation and a medal."

Those present at the emergency meeting all raised their hands in agreement, and no one raised any objections.

This was an undeniable and resounding victory.

The western front advanced 1,800 meters in a single day, sweeping away two strongholds in the contaminated area.

Lieutenant Qin deserves the commendation and medal as the one who made the greatest contribution.

Despite the enemy's excessive youth and lack of experience, that is the beauty of war.

It can create a ladder for countless young soldiers to move up, allowing them to break through the barriers and obstacles that are insurmountable in peacetime and step into a new level.

This is also why Hengzhou Rising Stars are not opposed to the Great Expansion Movement.

"According to the 'Eastern Xia Hero Act,' such meritorious service deserves to be awarded the honor of 'First-Class Combat Hero' and the 'Star Sea Grand Medal'."

The attendees stated frankly.

Feng Wuyang nodded:
"I will personally award him the medal."

A collective gasp filled the meeting room.

At such a young age, he was personally awarded the honorary title of First-Class Combat Hero by the Governor and received the prestigious Order of the Stars.

Lieutenant Qin's future can only be described as infinitely bright.

……

……

On the Kirov airship, Long Qiuyuan was frantically bandaging Qin Shi's wounds.

As a senior expert at Xuyang Heavy Industry, Long Qiuyuan should not be so unprofessional.

However, there was nothing that could be done; Qin Shi's injuries were quite bizarre and beyond Long Qiuyuan's comprehension.

"boss……"

Qin Shi's upper body was bare; after removing his overcoat and crisp military uniform, his skin appeared crimson.

Thin, snake-like threads climb and coil, covering the waist, abdomen, and torso, resembling strangely beautiful flowers in full bloom.

"It's not a big problem."

Qin Shi stood with his back to Long Qiuyuan, maintaining steady breathing.

"The characteristics of the fourth level of disaster are indeed powerful enough."

Parts of my flesh and blood have been affected by 'activation' and are continuously absorbing my life force.

Long Qiuyuan really wanted to say, "Boss, how can you talk about something like this in such a nonchalant tone?"
It's like catching a minor cold and telling yourself that it's activating your body's immune system.

"I have reached the fourth stage of the professional level. My field is more solid, and the characteristics of my extraordinary body are also more powerful."

Therefore, Blood River Typhon can only 'activate' a part of my body.

Qin Shi raised his hand, a wisp of pure white flame dancing at his fingertips—the lingering echo of [Holy Breath].

Feeling the new energy circulation within my body:
The platinum-gold sun slowly rotated in the dantian, each rotation driving the life force to complete a tempering process;
The ripples of emptiness in the spiritual world rise and fall like breath, filtering out impurities;
The holy energy circulating within accelerates this process like a catalyst.

It seems that I have successfully navigated the path I had envisioned.

"It was precisely because I broke through in the midst of battle that I was not turned into a deformed monster by Blood River Typhon and then used as nourishment for it."

Long Qiuyuan said solemnly:
"When that fourth-level disaster's familiar also branded you, boss."

Qin Shi's eyes gleamed with platinum light:

"As long as the activation properties cannot 'eat' me, it's not serious."

I can regard this process of life force being absorbed as a special form of cultivation.

"Once I can completely erase the mark left by Typhon of Blood River, I'll probably be able to reach the third stage of the professional level."

The boss is a true cultivation fanatic.

Long Qiuyuan was helpless; what normal person would still be thinking about cultivation at this moment!

That was the mark left by the fourth level of the disaster's dependents.

If one is not careful, one will be unable to resist, and one's flesh and blood will mutate, further deepening self-contamination!

"I think the boss still needs a professional medical team."

Long Qiuyuan carefully wrapped the bandage around the "red areas" gently to avoid causing the boss any pain.

Although Qin Shi described it lightly, the process of having one's life force drained was like stabbing a nerve with a knife tip—extremely torturous.

Qin Shi narrowed his eyes, staring at his palm, recalling the transformation of the Dual Furnace Technique at the critical moment of life and death;
He casually said:
"Of course. Have the rear prepare a lot of high-energy nutrients for me."

Long Qiuyuan said that the Western Front Command wished it could give all its strategic resources to the boss.

"The entire war zone's communication channels were blown up the moment you, Boss, repelled Blood River Typhon."

"As long as you say the word, boss, the supply department will guarantee you're always stuffed."

"I have just completed a qualitative change, and what I need next is a quantitative change."

Qin Shi recalled what Lao Qi had said:

A true strong person is not defined by how much power they possess, but by how well they can utilize every ounce of their power.

Looking at the still-rising number on the monitoring instrument, Long Qiuyuan couldn't help but swallow hard and asked curiously:
"Boss, your current vitality..."

"Close to three hundred points."

Qin Shi gave a brief answer.

The real field he condensed, with its platinum sun shining in the void, resembled an eternally burning star releasing light and heat against a backdrop of pitch blackness.

The brilliance of life transforms into bursts of flame, forming a scorching storm.

"The war is not over yet. When I return to the front lines next time, it may be the decisive battle."

Outside the window, the setting sun dyed the clouds golden red.

Qin Shi gazed at the advancing torrent of steel in the distance. He needed to rest before continuing his "hunt."

"Since Blood River Typhon has left its mark on my extraordinary body, then conversely, it will be easier for me to find it."

Listening to his boss's mutterings, Long Qiuyuan felt utterly powerless.

The fourth level of the Hunting Disaster's familiars?
The boss is really imaginative.

(End of this chapter)