Cosmic Demon

Chapter 305 Hundred-segment Explosion, the Sun Shines Brightly!
The simulation room fell into a deathly silence.

All eyes were fixed on the Great Star Sea Medal, their expressions complex.

There is longing, there is anticipation, there is envy...

Made of deep-space metal, the eight-pointed star shines brightly, exuding a heavy honor and an aura of majesty that crushes all arrogance.

"..."

Wang Hui's face froze, and his expression became serious.

He opened and closed his lips twice, as if he wanted to say something, but all his resentment turned into a sigh.

Finally, the bald major silently raised his palm.

salute!

This is an ironclad rule for soldiers!
Medals must be respected!

Respect for honor!

When facing a soldier wearing the "Order of the Great Star Sea", regardless of their rank, you must pay the highest respect!
Wang Hui's actions broke the almost frozen, heavy atmosphere in the simulation room. Several majors behind him also raised their hands, their five fingers pressed together like knives, their fingertips pressing hard against their temples.

Without prior arrangement, they all gave Qin Shi a standard military salute.

It was as if some kind of switch had been turned on.

All the senior officers in the simulation room straightened their backs and saluted solemnly.

Even though Qin Shi only held the rank of major and was only a professional-level fourth-dan officer, he was not recognized by everyone.

"Lieutenant Qin, I hope your abilities are worthy of it."

Wang Hui lowered his arm, pointed to Qin Shi's chest, and said in a deep voice:

“Every recipient of the Great Star Sea Medal in the history of Dongxia has made indelible contributions and played an indelible role in large-scale battles.”

Hopefully, Lieutenant Qin will be no exception!

Qin Shi did not respond, repeating the same statement: words are pale, actions speak louder than words.

He slowly sat down, quietly waiting for the war council to begin.

Half a minute later, the side door of the simulation room slid open silently.

Lieutenant Colonel Gu Xiaomeng walked in, still wearing her close-fitting silver-gray combat uniform, her steps steady and her figure graceful.

This unusual female lieutenant colonel seemed oblivious to the tense atmosphere in the room. She walked to the head of the table and broke the silence with a cool voice:

"Ladies and gentlemen, please be seated. The meeting is now in session."

Everyone took their seats.

Gu Xiaomeng began to state the known information about the various areas of the maze:

"The rift is not a geological structure; it is a necessary path to the core of the labyrinth, but every entrant is subjected to triple life erosion."

Firstly, metabolic consumption increases by 200% to 300%, so you have to think carefully about every battle, as you may face exhaustion.

Secondly, the release of vitality is subjected to varying degrees of burning sensation, roughly like being immersed in a pool of sulfuric acid. It is not fatal, but caution is advised.

Thirdly…

Qin Shi was taking notes diligently. With his life force purity and energy reserves, he was not afraid of the harsh environment of the Rift Valley.

The super stomach can store the energy factors that you ingest daily in every cell.

"After entering the rift, we will probably have to face three clans of relatives, whose leaders are all at the peak of the third level of disaster."

Gu Xiaomeng swiped the data panel, and clear projections intertwined and emerged.

"Acado, Vargas, Gromat."

After introducing the three leaders of their respective clans, Lieutenant Colonel Gu Xiaomeng began discussing resource allocation and the personnel assignments for the combat teams.

Their mission is to "clear" the Rift, reach the core of the Maze, and rendezvous with the other two elite teams to complete the decapitation operation.

"Finally, everyone, please remember one thing: once you enter the Rift Space, all combat operations must be carried out with 'speed and efficiency'."

Because the longer it is delayed, the more exponentially the body's condition and vitality decline.

Speedrun?

This is one of my specialties.

Qin Shi pondered that if he could obtain some high-level strategic resources, he was confident that he could quickly kill the leaders of his relatives and clans.

Unfortunately, when Lieutenant Colonel Gu Xiaomeng announced the resource allocation plan, she did not show any favoritism towards herself.

"I was with Wang Hui's team, serving in a support role rather than a combat unit, so I couldn't expect to receive many resources."

Qin Shi was having a bit of a headache. He needed convincing achievements to prove himself and gain attention.

A Grand Star Sea Medal may earn you the respect of other senior officers, but it cannot inspire awe.

"We have about seven days to rest and recuperate."

Lieutenant Colonel Gu Xiaomeng turned off the data panel and calmly said:

"I hope everyone stays in good shape and is mentally prepared to deal with any unforeseen dangers."

Like students hearing the bell ring for the end of get out of class, everyone stood up, their expressions serious.

The interior of the labyrinth is a complex and intricate space, making it difficult to guarantee a survival rate.

Even if he were to follow Lieutenant Colonel Gu Xiaomeng, it would be the same.

After all, the ultimate mission is to kill the Mother of All Senses and destroy the core of the Labyrinth.

This means that everyone must face a terrifying kin with the fourth ability of disaster, and one that cannot be destroyed.

"Lieutenant Colonel Gu."

Qin Shi suddenly spoke, his voice not loud, but like a pebble thrown into a calm lake, instantly attracting everyone's attention, including Gu Xiaomeng who was about to turn around.

The latter stopped what he was doing, and his eyes, which seemed to see through everything yet were devoid of emotion, turned and fell on Qin Shi.

"Lieutenant Qin, what's the matter? Please speak."

"I have some objections regarding tactical positioning and resource allocation."

Qin Shi said frankly.

He needs a chance to prove himself.

Otherwise, in Ironthorn Fortress, he would always be a marginalized "star lieutenant".

The atmosphere in the simulation room tensed up again, like a fully drawn bowstring.

The other officers displayed expressions of surprise, amusement, or scrutiny.

Is this Lieutenant Qin a troublemaker?
Lieutenant Colonel Gu was known for his incorruptibility and impartiality, and he didn't give an inch to anyone.

Moreover, a second lieutenant questioning a lieutenant colonel.

This in itself is a form of "transgression," which constitutes an act of crossing the line.

If Qin Shi cannot provide a sufficient reason, he may be kicked out of the team.

"Oh?"

Gu Xiaomeng remained expressionless, revealing neither joy nor anger, and simply gestured for Qin Shi to continue.

“I believe that auxiliary positioning cannot enable me to play my greatest role. The key to ‘speeding through’ the Rift Space is to defeat the three-headed servants in the shortest time and at the lowest cost… I feel that I should act as a combat unit and execute assault tactics.”

Wang Hui couldn't hold back any longer, as if he had found an opportunity, and coldly snorted:
"Lieutenant Qin, Lieutenant Colonel Gu's arrangements have their own considerations! You may disregard my great Star Sea Medal, but Lieutenant Colonel Gu is your direct superior, your number one leader."

I advise you to rein in your 'young master' temper!

Qin Shi ignored Wang Hui's interruption, treating him as if he were invisible, and continued:

"Whether in terms of vitality or field characteristics, I have great resistance to the Rift Space."

Similarly, my stamina and energy recovery efficiency far surpasses that of my peers, meaning my sustained combat ability and peak combat power duration far exceed that of the vast majority of people present.

Upon hearing this, a series of soft gasps filled the simulation room!
The group of high-ranking officers, who had initially been watching with a detached, amused themselves.

That kid is way too arrogant!
That's incredibly disrespectful!
If Gu Xiaomeng hadn't been there to oversee things, several of the majors, who were at the late stage of the fourth rank of the professional level, would have already rolled up their sleeves and started fighting.

For the first time, a noticeable change appeared in Gu Xiaomeng's eyes. She spoke slowly, each word carrying a chilling weight:
"Lieutenant Qin, you should understand that I cannot change the battle plan based solely on your statement."

The implication is obvious.

This female lieutenant colonel needs to prove it with facts.

"Therefore, I hope Lieutenant Colonel Gu can open the phase-folding combat pod for me."

Qin Shi said calmly.

The phase-folding combat pod is currently the most advanced tactical training equipment in Dongxia.

By utilizing powerful energy fields and phase folding technology, a temporary and stable combat space is created.

It can be set with various parameters, allowing participants to experience near-real pain, energy depletion, environmental stress, and even the feeling of being on the verge of "death".

This equipment is a realistic combat space specially designed for professional-level high-ranking experts, and it is far superior to ordinary holographic projection training grounds.

"I can accept fighting in the Rift Valley environment."

Qin Shi expressed his demands and intentions, then turned to look at Wang Hui beside him:

"Welcome Major Wang as my opponent."

Wang Hui was stunned for a moment, then revealed a fierce look.

"You delivered this to my doorstep, Lieutenant Qin. You can't say I'm bullying the weak."

He straightened up abruptly and said in a loud voice, "Lieutenant Colonel Gu, I agree to Lieutenant Qin's request!"

Gu Xiaomeng did not shift her gaze, which remained fixed on Qin Shi:
"And you, Lieutenant Qin? Are you sure you want to withstand the oppressive environment of the Rift Valley and engage in an unfair battle?" Meeting Gu Xiaomeng's piercing gaze, Qin Shi calmly replied:
"Yes."

Two simple words, yet they resonate deeply!
……

……

A few minutes later, Gu Xiaomeng's application to open the phase-folding combat pod was approved.

The group left the simulation room and silently headed towards area C-11.

The interior of Sector C-11 is quite spacious. The central area is not a traditional arena, but rather three silver-gray hulls that resemble huge metal eggs.

The surface of the cabin was covered with dark blue energy patterns, radiating spatial fluctuations like subtle ripples.

An operator in a white technical uniform approached and saluted Gu Xiaomeng: "Lieutenant Colonel Gu, the simulation parameters have been loaded."

Gu Xiaomeng nodded slightly, her gaze sweeping over Qin Shi and Wang Hui.

"To confirm again, Lieutenant Qin, are you willing to accept this unfair battle?"
If you fail, you will be disqualified from participating in Operation Breakthrough.

Qin Shi nodded without hesitation.

"Major Wang, what about you? Are you willing to become Lieutenant Qin's opponent? You will be independent of the Rift Valley environment and will not be affected by anything."

Wang Hui rubbed his hands together, seemingly eager to get started:
"I'm a very helpful person and I don't want to refuse Lieutenant Qin and disappoint him."

The two combat pods opened, and Qin Shi and Wang Hui stepped inside.

Consciousness sinks in.

Start up synchronously.

When Qin Shi opened his eyes, a highly corrosive gas suddenly rushed into his lungs, causing a burning pain.

My body felt as if it were being pressed down by an invisible weight, making each breath extremely difficult, and the depletion of my life force was very clear.

This means the environment of the Rift Valley has come into effect.

"Let me teach you a lesson, Lieutenant Qin."

Wang Hui was only wearing a tight-fitting combat vest, his terrifyingly bulging muscles, as strong as iron, radiating a ferocious aura like that of a savage beast.

"In the army, a great melting pot, junior officers have no right to prove themselves; they only need to obey orders from their superiors!"

Qin Shi didn't speak, but calmly unbuttoned the collar of his officer's uniform and took off his coat.

Although the combat pod is a mind link, it can achieve 100% simulation, and any damage suffered will be transmitted from the mental level to the physical body.

Seeing Qin Shi maintain such composure despite being suppressed by the rift valley environment, Wang Hui was furious.

He let out a low growl and stopped waiting!

With a push of his feet, his heavy body unleashed a terrifying speed completely disproportionate to his size!

The ground groaned shrilly, as if a deep trench had been plowed out of it!
"It's actually a top-tier specialty trait, 'Explosion'."

Qin Shi instantly saw through Wang Hui's true nature. The other party was clearly pursuing the new martial arts path and possessed characteristics that perfectly matched his specialized field.

Wang Hui was like a rocket that had been ignited, tearing through space in an instant with a blinding red tail flame and destructive heat!

During his charge, his right fist suddenly stretched backward, and hot lines resembling lava cracks gradually appeared on his arm, which then burst out with dazzling light!
A torrent of intensely hot energy began to roar, violently compressing and ionizing the air!
"New Martial Art! Chain Explosive Fist!"

Wang Hui had no intention of procrastinating with Qin Shi; he immediately launched a deadly attack.

That terrifying explosive punch was unleashed!
Countless layers of crimson energy stacked upon each other, forming a destructive shockwave that continuously exploded and advanced!

"It's actually the hundredth level of the Chain Explosive Fist."

Qi Ming's eyelids twitched. The Chain Explosion Fist was a new martial art tailored for Wang Hui.

The core idea is to build energy nodes within the body, and when attacking, detonate life force through the nodes to produce a near-chain reaction effect!
The power of each explosion is amplified to the next, creating terrifying destructive force!
Wang Hui has clearly reached the "hundred-stage level" in his cultivation, which means that he can detonate hundreds of nodes the moment he throws a punch!

Qi Ming had once seen Wang Hui use it once; its power was enough to melt the divine machine into molten iron and turn a football field into ruins!

Boom boom boom boom——

A crimson, furious dragon composed of hundreds of secondary explosions appeared before Qin Shi's eyes.

A hundred impacts, a hundred superimposed explosions!
It forms a devastating torrent capable of instantly vaporizing steel and destroying small fortifications!

Where Wang Hui's fist passed, the air was completely expelled, forming a vacuum channel!

The scorching heat and blinding light caused everyone in the audience to instinctively close their eyes.

It was as if they couldn't bear to witness Lieutenant Qin's miserable state of being smashed to pieces.

Severely suppressed by the Rift Valley's environment and facing Wang Hui's deadly offensive, Qin Shi had no chance of winning no matter how he looked at it.

A devastating crimson shockwave instantly engulfed the spot where Qin Shi was standing!
The latter did not seem to be able to make any effective dodge maneuvers.

The violent energy tore through the air, producing a series of deafening explosions that merged into a deafening roar of death!

The intense light and shockwave swept across an area spanning several miles!

ended?
Qi Ming, who was watching the battle, thought to himself.

But before the light faded and the shockwave subsided, a bright, white-gold sun suddenly rose.

All the senior officers watching the battle on the screen stared wide-eyed.

They witnessed a horrifying scene that instantly shut down their minds—

Qin Shi stood firmly in place.

The crisp, everyday clothes fluttered slightly under the violent shockwave, but not a single wrinkle was added.

His right hand was extended horizontally.

It was less than half a foot away from my palm.

The hundred-segment explosive shockwave, powerful enough to destroy a small fortress, crashed into an invisible, intangible, yet indestructible, thick barrier!
The crimson light was firmly imprisoned and compressed into a small space!

The destructive power was pinned to the spot, and not even a wisp of shockwave could escape!
"How can it be……"

Wang Hui's eyes bulged as he stared intently at his fist.

He could feel the chain-like explosive energy, powerful enough to destroy everything, as if he had crashed into a massive celestial body.

All the impacts, all the explosions, all the heat were suppressed by an absolute force!

"Major Wang."

Qin Shi simply said:
"That's it?"

The words have not yet been spoken!

The outstretched right hand suddenly tucked its five fingers inward!
Confined and compressed within a small space, the incredibly ferocious crimson dragon was as if it had been squeezed tightly by an invisible giant hand and then crushed!
Click, click, click, click!
A series of terrifying, teeth-grinding cracking sounds, as if space itself was groaning, suddenly rang out!

Boom!

An indescribable, terrifying explosion erupted between the two men, less than half a foot in front of Wang Hui's fist!
However, the shockwave and destructive energy of the explosion were forcibly reversed, with the vast majority heading towards Wang Hui himself, as if he had been hit hard by a rebounding artillery barrage!

"you……"

The blinding white light engulfed Wang Hui's figure.

The shockwave violently lifted him up like a rag doll, and the ground beneath his feet shattered and melted!
His skin was charred black from the terrifying heat and violent impact.

puff!
A large mouthful of blood mixed with pieces of internal organs gushed out of his mouth like a fountain!

He was struck head-on by a massive hammer, and was thrown back at an even faster speed than when he charged!

Bang!
Its heavy body crashed into the mountain, carving deep into the mountainside for tens of meters!

The whole place was dead silent.

The room where you watch the game is so quiet you can hear your own heartbeat.

All the officers froze in place, while Ba opened his mouth unconsciously.

Lieutenant Qin blocked it head-on?

And it was done barehanded?

He just crushed a hundred-segment impact blast like that?

The explosion... bounced back?

Wang Hui... was blasted into charcoal by his own ultimate move?

A jumble of incoherent thoughts arose in everyone's minds.

For a moment, everyone seemed to lose the ability to organize their thoughts into words.

The door to the combat pod where Qin Shi was located opened.

He stepped out first and looked at Gu Xiaomeng.

"Lieutenant Colonel Gu, I hope to be able to serve as a combat unit for the assault."

After a slight pause, Qin Shi added:

"If possible, I would also like to apply for the opportunity to operate independently and to act freely."

In the empty room, Qin Shi's words were like a stone thrown into a deep pool, but instead of ripples, they stirred up a raging torrent.

This time, the waves surged in everyone's hearts, but no one dared to utter a sound.

Gu Xiaomeng didn't say anything.

Nearly twenty seconds of silence.

Finally, the female lieutenant colonel seemed to have reached a conclusion after careful and rational consideration and analysis.

He uttered a soft, emotionless reply:
"permit."

(End of this chapter)