Cosmic Demon

Chapter 296 Entering the Fourth Stage, the Frontiers All Focus on the Same Person!
Returning to Baiyang Fortress City, Qin Shi's identity is completely different.

From a rookie recruit in the Yellow Springs Training Camp to a first-class combat hero on the western front, and an honored recipient of medals.

Not long ago, in the blink of an eye...

The Kirov airship slowly descended and came to a stop on the wide platform.

Qin Shi stepped off the gangway, the wind whipping his coat around him.

He straightened his peaked cap, stepped forward to salute, and then shook hands with Yao Guodong, who had come to greet him.

"Greetings, Commander."

Yao Guodong was excited; these were combat heroes who had come from their Baiyang Fortress City, and he was naturally proud of them.

"Thank you for your hard work, Xiao Qin."

Yao Guodong was not good with words, and spoke dryly.

A powerful minion of the fourth level of disaster is capable of destroying a fortified city without a defense system.

Qin Shi's ability to repel him head-on means that he can defend the city single-handedly and ensure that the position is not compromised.

"Serving Dongxia and doing my best for Hengzhou is my duty."

Qin Shi's answer was rather official. He is currently the focus of the eastern and western battlefields, and every word and action of his could be used as material by the propaganda department, so he has to be careful.

Standing behind Yao Guodong were Fu Lei and Song Xing from the Huangquan Training Camp, both of whom were old acquaintances.

"You're amazing! You single-handedly boosted morale on the Western Front!"

Fu Lei wasn't so particular; he casually stepped forward and patted Qin Shi on the shoulder, his excitement overflowing.

"Old Fu, watch your manners! Lieutenant Qin is a combat hero!"

Song Xing coughed twice, reminding Fu Lei.

Qin Shi is not what it used to be. Through a strong attack at the front line, they killed the relatives of two third-level disasters and even successfully blocked the fourth-level disaster, Blood River Typhon, which greatly boosted the morale of the entire western front army and strengthened their fighting spirit.

It can be said that Lieutenant Qin has become a benchmark figure in the Great Expedition.

In some respects, he is now more important than the highest-ranking officers in fortified cities, or even senior generals on the Eastern and Western fronts—in terms of strategic value.

"Old Fu is lucky to have found such a talented person."

Yao Guodong remarked that he and Qin Shi walked ahead and were the first to enter the elevator.

"The Governor General will personally award you the medal."

Qin Shi was slightly taken aback. He should have received the commendation from Feng Wuyang, the governor of Hengzhou, during the top 100 competition.

However, the latter did not actually appear, leaving the entire responsibility to the active consciousness entity, Taijun.

"That would be my honor."

Qin Shi said.

The Governor-General of Hengzhou is the highest-ranking official overlooking this planet.

He was also an undisputed regional governor of Dongxia, a figure who could almost be considered a big shot standing at the pinnacle of power.

Receiving the Governor's medal under the spotlight was undoubtedly another glorious achievement in his life.

As soon as Qin Shi stepped into the reception room, Yao Guodong's face darkened instantly, and he asked in a serious tone:
"I heard that you fought Blood River Typhon and were affected by the activation field, and your injuries were quite serious?"

Qin Shi nodded and answered frankly:
"Yes. The characteristics of the fourth level of disaster are enough to penetrate my field defenses."

Blood River Typhon's 'residual properties' remain in my body.

The rapid response medical team on the front lines immediately conducted a comprehensive examination on Qin Shi.

The results were consistent with Long Qiuyuan's judgment.

This is a mark of a dependent from the fourth level of disaster, which cannot be resolved by conventional means.

Even if a "priest" performs purification or blessing through mechanical means, it can only alleviate the symptoms, not eradicate the problem.

Even though the Western Front Command was quite resolute and issued a strict order to spare no medical resources to ensure Lieutenant Qin's "physical health," they still insisted on this.

However, the diagnoses of the various bigwigs were powerless. Blood River Typhon was no ordinary servant; it was deeply favored by the Lord of Gluttony and could enter and exit the deepest part of the polluted zone—the Sea of ​​Decay.

The "brand" personally placed by Typhon of Blood River cannot be permanently erased unless a grandmaster intervenes.

"Xiao Qin, don't worry. I believe the Governor's Office will not stand idly by."

Yao Guodong comforted him.

The relatives of the fourth level of disaster are too terrifying.

Moreover, Blood River Typhon is one of the best among them.

It was already commendable that Qin was able to defeat them head-on, which boosted the morale of the army.

"The impact of the revitalization efforts is not severe. I have reported this to the Western Front Command and the Governor's Office."

I can handle it; I don't need higher-level medical resources.

Qin Shi shook his head:
“The number of casualties on the front lines is rising every day, and medical resources are scarce. Many soldiers need treatment more than I do.”

Approval showed in Yao Guodong's eyes; his composure and humility were rare qualities.

Some people can remain clear-headed while admiring geniuses, but they cannot control their emotions and face things calmly after becoming war heroes themselves.

Because the praise for the two is not on the same level.

Dongxia has never lacked geniuses, but not every genius can grow into a hero.

Qin Shi's composure and calmness won Yao Guodong's admiration.

This is the key factor for standing higher and going further in the future.

"Young Qin is already showing legendary qualities."

Yao Guodong thought to himself.

"You should rest well and in a couple of days, you will be in your best condition to receive the medal from the Governor."

This is an honor and recognition ceremony broadcast live to all major war zones and even the four alliances; our combat heroes can't afford to look too haggard.

Qin Shi nodded; his condition wasn't as bad as outsiders thought.

Blood River's activation domain is indeed troublesome, as its residual properties constantly draw upon its own life force.

But with its extraordinary body unlocked to its five limits, it can withstand it completely.

After chatting with Yao Guodong and catching up with Fu Lei and Song Xing, Qin Shi returned to his room.

He closed his eyes and focused on his cultivation.

The mark left by Blood River Typhon is both a threat and a stress test.

That lingering characteristic continuously drained Qin Shi's life force, like a tube inserted into his body, drawing blood.

However, Qin Shi's extraordinary physique, through his mastery of the "Void Meditation Method" and the "One and Only Way Through the Ages," formed a "Dual Furnace."

The two paths of psychic energy and martial arts have been combined and are operating with unprecedented efficiency.

"Fortunately, there is the 'generous gift' of the two servants, Russell the Deep and Kazan the Insightful."

Qin Shi silently operated the twin furnaces, and the platinum sun surged and roared.

Each time it releases light and heat, its extraordinary body acts like a highly efficient centrifuge, frantically compressing and purifying the incoming life essence.

Russell the Deep One's life essence, Kazan the Insightful One's spiritual origin, and even the high-energy nutrients they had just ingested were all extracted into their most refined form under this violent, high-concentration crushing.

Qin Shi took a deep breath, resembling a "supernatural being" sitting cross-legged in the very center of an infinite dimension.

He clearly "saw" that the life force, which was originally surging like a river, was forcibly collapsed at the core of the Platinum Sun, and its density increased at an alarming rate, like a celestial body collapsing inward.

An intense burning sensation spread throughout my body; it wasn't pain, but rather a surging feeling of power being extremely concentrated and about to explode.

The threshold between the fifth and fourth dan levels of the professional level becomes clearly visible under this immense pressure from both internal and external forces.

"The vitality index is rising rapidly. Perhaps this is the opportunity to unlock the sixth major limit."

During the Qin Dynasty, Qin Shi was single-minded and his body and mind were in perfect harmony. The two furnaces roared, forging an extraordinary body.

If he can pass the fourth stage of the professional level, he will be able to officially "forge his martial arts body".

Little by little, the imprint of the field is engraved into every inch of flesh and blood, every bone.

In ancient times, this would have been called the "ultimate leap".

Crossing this step transforms a frail individual into someone who truly grasps the evolutionary essence of the martial arts path, evolving into something "sacred."

"The 'Holy Breath' bestowed by the Great Boss [True Dragon] has the effect of purifying flesh and blood and cleansing filth, and it can also counteract the activating effect of Blood River Typhon."

As the twin furnaces began to take shape, holy light flowed across the surface of the Platinum Sun.

"Suppression!"

Qin Shi opened his eyes, his gaze materializing like lightning.

The red branding, tightly wrapped around flesh and blood, emitted a burning pain, which at this moment became the best catalyst.

The residual properties of Blood River Typhon acted like a red-hot branding iron, forcing the dual furnaces to unleash efficiency beyond their limits.

Qin Shi's breathing became slightly rapid. He could feel that the flesh and blood that the brand was trying to revitalize was being highly compressed.

The extremely condensed life force suppressed it, preventing it from spreading and forcing it to struggle frantically in a localized area, like a trapped beast. This process, in turn, further stimulated the activity of the flesh and blood, like rocket fuel propelling life force to new heights.

"This isn't the first time I've experienced treating my physical body as a battlefield."

Qin Shi recalled that in the fragmented crystal, Lao He and Lao Qi used themselves as "experimental fields" and each gave the true meaning of inheritance.

He silently "enjoyed" this extreme confrontation, with infinite dimensions opening their doors and energy factors flowing like a torrent.

Several hours passed.

A certain critical point has finally arrived.

hum-

A low rumble, audible only to Qin Shi, resounded within his body.

Throughout the entire body, at the center of the field.

The sun, compressed to its limit and burning white with intense heat, suddenly collapsed inward!
Immediately afterwards, a new, more refined and profound power erupted from it!

It is no longer a surging river, but a bottomless abyss!
The total amount of vitality did not increase dramatically, but its quality underwent a tremendous change.

Each life unit contains an energy density far exceeding that of the past, and its operation carries a powerful sense of calm, condensation, and perfect harmony.

Rumbling--

Platinum Thunder is in turmoil!
The area expanded again, spreading outwards.

The faint platinum glow that had been there before now flowed around him like a solid liquid metal.

Professional level 4th dan!
The intense solar tremors, imbued with the power of reality, caused countless dimensions to collapse and disintegrate, only to be reborn, seemingly orbiting a celestial body and continuously providing it with energy factors.

"Take a solid step forward."

Qin Shi breathed a sigh of relief. The effects of Blood River Typhon's activation domain had been weakened by most, and he clearly sensed that the surrounding space seemed to have become clearer.

The movement of the air, the trails of dust, and even the distant footsteps of patrolling soldiers all carried an unprecedented sense of "realism."

The invisible field released by the Platinum Sun seems to have the ability to "interfere with reality," like tentacles that exert influence in more subtle ways.

This is the initial manifestation of the "real scene"—no longer a pure energy confrontation, but beginning to touch upon the essential laws of matter and energy.

"Come in."

Qin Shi remained seated cross-legged, then suddenly spoke.

Then the door opened.

Long Qiuyuan, who was standing at the door, was very surprised.

"Boss... the high-energy nutrients you requested."

"Put it on the table."

Qin Shi's voice was calm, and although he was right in front of Long Qiuyuan, he inexplicably had a sense of being ethereal and distant.

"Boss, is that you?"

As a professional-level expert, Long Qiuyuan had extremely sharp perception. She seemed to sense something and stared intently at Qin Shi.

"Well, a breakthrough."

Qin nodded, as if he were merely stating a trivial matter.

Long Qiuyuan opened his mouth, but in the end, it only turned into a powerless sigh:
"Is the gap between an ordinary genius and the pride of humanity... really that huge?"

She was once known as a "prodigy" and a "high achiever".

But faced with the extraordinary performances of Qin Shi, he was undoubtedly like a green recruit, unable to even muster the desire to compare himself to them.

How long has it been since the battle against the third-level calamity's retinue, the attack on Typhon of Blood River, and the arrival at Poplar Fortress?
Ordinary people would be lucky to survive such severe injury and pollution, but Qin Shi made a crucial breakthrough while in a state of serious injury.

"I've said it before, battle is the best catalyst for evolution."

Qin Shi, however, thought it was quite reasonable, as high risk often comes with high reward.

He felt the surging life force within him, and the powerful fluctuations that were completely different from what he had imagined.

An extraordinary body unfolds its domain, and the platinum sun contains reality.

The burning pain of Blood River Typhon's brand still lingered, but under the suppression of the newly born superhuman body, it was more like a stubborn stone than a deadly tumor, posing no direct threat.

"Boss, you make it sound so easy. If a normal person took such a risk, they'd be buried three meters tall by now."

Long Qiuyuan shrugged, feeling a bit speechless, like listening to a top student impart their methods and then being told that as long as you do more practice questions, you can get into one of the top four national universities.

"Gather information about the 'Sea of ​​Decay' for me."

Qin Shi said that as he entered the fourth stage of the professional level, his vitality seemed to have become more resilient, with a trace of "resistance" against pollution.

As you gently clench your fist, the power surges forth, and a clearer, more "real" tactile sensation extends outward.

The space is like a piece of fabric being kneaded, revealing layers of fine folds.

"Once I have fully 'refined' the mark of Blood River Typhon, I will possess even greater power, and... a more fundamental grasp of that power."

Qin Shi's eyes flickered as he quietly awaited the next hunt, hoping to unlock the sixth limit and once again undergo a transformative rebirth.

……

……

Two days later.

Qin Shi stood on the circular elevator platform and slowly rose from below, arriving at the highest point of Baiyang Walled City.

The moment darkness turned to light, a deafening roar crashed down from the outside.

The sound wasn't like a cheer, but more like some kind of tangible pressure, hitting Qin Shi directly in the face.

The collar of his military uniform, which Long Qiuyuan had arranged meticulously, was now slightly tight, making him want to loosen it.

"Such passionate emotions."

Through the fluctuations of his mind, Qin Shi could truly feel the new recruits and soldiers of Baiyang Fortress City, their hearts surging with emotion, like a turbulent inner world.

Admiration and worship, reverence and longing, seem to materialize and quickly infect others.

Ultimately, they converged into a kind of spiritual torrent, surging forth!

"Boss, this is a live stream from all four alliances, we can't just treat it casually."

Long Qiuyuan's voice came through the headset, sounding somewhat erratic and drowned out by the loud noise.

The surrounding sentry posts successively switched on their searchlights, like spotlights on a stage, revealing the scene below—

The reviewing stand was filled with frontline officers, a dense, dark mass; below them stood soldiers in square formations, thousands of them identical, their power armor gleaming with a cold, hard metallic sheen under the lights.

Due to the transformation of the field and the enhancement of perception, Qin Shi could also smell rust, engine oil, and the ozone scent unique to the operation of large energy shield generators in the air. These mixed together to form a rough smell belonging to the battlefield.

"salute--!"

A highly penetrating command rang out.

Immediately following was a deafening rumble of thunder!
That wasn't thunder; it was the deafening sound of ten thousand soldiers simultaneously pounding their breastplates with their fists!
The new recruits and veterans marched in perfect unison, their steps shaking the ground.

Qin Shi's gaze swept over the nearest soldier formation, and a familiar face flashed by—Zhao Su, his "comrade-in-arms" from the Yellow Springs Training Camp.

However, the tall robe that was always with him was nowhere to be seen.

Was it a sacrifice?
Zhao Su seemed to notice Qin Shi's gaze as well, and his eyes hardened, like tempered steel.

At the highest point of the reviewing stand, Governor Feng Wuyang stood.

The dark blue commander's uniform was exceptionally crisp, without any medals, except for a small golden dragon head emblem pinned to his left breast, which gleamed faintly under the searchlight.

Qin Shi strode forward, his military boots echoing clearly as they struck the hardened ground.

He met the other man's gaze; the governor of Hengzhou's eyes were as calm as a frozen lake, revealing no emotion.

"Such a powerful mind, almost unshakeable."

Feng Wuyang's voice came through the loudspeaker, not loud, but strangely suppressing the noise below:

"Today's awarding of medals is not for the merits of any one person in battle."

Feng Wuyang raised his hand and pointed to the huge holographic projection in the sky above the square.

The scene instantly shifted, transforming into the moment when the crimson sky was cleaved open during the Qin Dynasty—a stream of platinum light tore through the darkness, piercing through everything.

The final image is frozen in the moment the sword is swung down.

"That slash was really cool."

Qin Shi gazed at his own shining moment and silently sighed.

The cheers below suddenly rose, like a tsunami crashing on the shore, almost knocking people over.

The soldiers pounded their breastplates excitedly, creating an even more frenzied roar.

The attendant, holding a medal box in both hands, quickly walked to Feng Wuyang's side.

Everyone's eyes, including the focus of countless cameras, were fixed on what was inside the box.

"Lieutenant Qin, come forward to receive your medal."

(End of this chapter)