Love, Gun, Cupid

"Sure enough, public opinion is always involved at times like this," Hehuan sighed. "Some people have already started digging into the backgrounds of each contestant and making up true and false revelations. I hope Mumian won't see this."

Which contestant does public opinion support?

"Fortunately, the media giants support different candidates because of their different stances and audiences. For example, Fox News, which is currently deeply involved in the anti-intellectual market, supports candidates from lower social classes who have populist views or some kind of extreme ideology."

The Imperial Cable News Network represents the stance of the elite; they will speak for their own people, especially those from Brilliant City.

Lin Jiade understood somewhat: "Senior Kapok came from a prominent family, but she betrayed her own social class..."

"This means that neither side considers her one of their own, and Kapok hasn't expressed any particular inclination: environmental protection, financial policy, human rights (referring only to those with supernatural powers), the Empire's control over supernatural beings, trade, and the Empire's foreign policy—these are the topics that make it easier for the various factions in the Senate to identify her faction..."

Lin Jiade stared in disbelief: "No way, a swordsman has to understand all this stuff?"

"A senior professional title means that you are barely considered someone in the circle of superhumans. Even in feudal society, if you fight alone, you will only die not far from the novice village."

In modern times, with technological advancements replacing some of the effects of supernatural powers, it's no longer possible to climb the social ladder solely through personal force. Therefore, other methods have emerged to replace force.

"Sigh, luckily I don't have such ambitions." Lin Jiade sighed, rubbing his temples. "To be honest, I always thought that the knockout stage was just a series of real battles, and whoever was the strongest would have the last laugh."

"Physical strength is strength, but aren't money and connections also strength?" Hehuan's voice was somewhat low. "Since you don't like these things, why don't you stay at the intermediate level with me and stop moving forward?"

Although this society is filled with a morbid utilitarianism, the jarring laughter of the beneficiaries, and the nauseating complaints of the losers, it still manages to find a place for the weak like me. Unnoticed, yet able to live a leisurely life.

Senior Hehuan, you can live a leisurely life because you have a good family. Lin Jiade thought, while the reason those young people strive is because of the one in ten thousand chance of breaking off a 'golden branch' like you, even though you don't like such people.

Lin Jiade couldn't criticize Hehuan's attitude towards life, and besides, there were too many more pressing matters at hand, so he ended the whisper and looked at the other end of the conference room. With Mumian's unacknowledged brother by her side, Mumian and the unnamed vultures were having a pleasant conversation. After they left, she sighed wearily.

"How so?" Lin Jiade asked.

"They said they could support me with media resources to fill the weakest link in my sponsorship, but on the condition that I cooperate with another contestant they were supporting to put on a show."

Chapter 52 Preparations for War

Lin Jiade's voice suddenly rose: "Fraudulent match-fixing?"

“No, it involves a specific person—they didn’t tell me their name, but they suspect that some competitors are using performance-enhancing drugs to boost their fighting abilities. So, they want me to collect a blood sample from them during our fight and bring it back for analysis,” Kapok replied.

"I suppose they didn't do this to uphold justice."

"They did nothing wrong, but I can guess that if I help them get evidence that the athletes used performance-enhancing drugs, and if they can get the source of the drugs, then they can prepare to short the stock of the source—I suspect they have been planning this for a long time and released this scandal at the right time."

"Of course, it can't be said that they're absolutely certain of success, because it's impossible that only vultures would think of such a thing, or that only vultures would hear the rumors. If someone really does take banned drugs, it could very well turn into a battle between bulls and bears, with the big fish eating the small fish, and the vultures who can only scavenge are likely to be the first to be eliminated," said Kapok.

Aren't they worried that Senior Kapok would leak the secret?

"First, I have no evidence. Even if the leak doesn't have a big impact, large companies receive hundreds of similar rumors every day."

Secondly, they know I wouldn't, because I couldn't possibly have a pharmaceutical company or a financial backer who could provide banned drugs, since the person who made the connection is my... family, and they know everything about me;

Third, I won't leak information, otherwise I'll only offend people for no reason and gain nothing. Whether it's new money or old money, they're all ruthless and combative characters. They won't send someone to fight you one-on-one; there will be drug-addicted gunmen, greetings from law enforcement, and other troubles.

"Did the senior agree?" Lin Jiade asked.

"I said I'd think about it and then decline." Mu Mian rubbed her temples. "Now, public opinion is starting to focus on me. The only advantage I have over Tianlong, which is half a home advantage, might be lost."

"senior……"

"The outcome of this matter will be announced on Wednesday, but there's no point in expecting it. This forces me to abandon all illusions and focus on defeating the tournament favorite, Tianlong, in the competition. He has his team, and I have ours. I believe mine is better than theirs."

“That’s more like it,” Wei Ying muttered. “What’s the point of a swordsman who doesn’t trust his own sword and is always thinking about underhanded tricks?”

Once Mumian made the decision, the entire team began to act around one idea: the first item to arrive was a set of lightweight combat uniforms customized for Mumian by FN Company, with every detail incorporating ergonomic design... That's what their instruction manual said, but Lin Jiade couldn't see it because under the cover of confusion magic, Mumian looked no different from usual.

This combat uniform is a youthful version of the previous generation of military uniforms, about 15 years behind the combat uniforms currently used by the military, but it can be considered high-tech by the average equipment level of civilians.

At Kapok's request, FN engineers changed the area of ​​focus of the combat uniform shield's protection from the front and head to the bottom and back, in order to compensate for her vulnerability when facing the opponent's three-dimensional offensive in the air.

Secondly, she bought a rechargeable scabbard specifically for Lin Jiade's sword form. Lin Jiade slid into the scabbard and immediately felt as if he were being embraced by both sword orchid and jasmine at the same time, with a sensation of one cold and one hot sweeping over his chest and back.

Third, she spent money to purchase the right to use witchcraft from Gladiolus in order to deal with the possibility of the Heavenly Dragon directly controlling her shadow.

This was also Lin Jiade's busiest week. As the Great Sword, he had to be held by Mu Mian to fight against the Reed Warbler, who was simulating the Heavenly Dragon Battle Technique, and improve his teamwork with Mu Mian. After returning home at night, when Jian Lan smiled at him, he had to bite the bullet and fly into her room to have functions developed beyond the Great Sword's original design.

It was a strange feeling, so much so that Lin Jiade was enveloped in warm seawater in his dream, constantly tracing back to the roots of life, trying to return to the dark cradle.

Now, how he longed for a dry dream, but the gladiolus wouldn't let him, nor would the kapok, for he was a sword, and swords need maintenance. So after training, the kapok would always wipe him clean, check for nicks and scratches, and then apply oil, gently and meticulously.

The feeling of being cared for was just as strange as the feeling of being used by the sword orchid. Lin Jiade dared not tell Jasmine about this because Jasmine was practicing her dragon breath. Although Lin Jiade was still a virgin, he was no longer pure. He was very worried that Jasmine would make him into a barbecue dish.

As a human, his training of parading through the streets with celestial weapons continued, accompanied by beautiful women, but Lin Jiade felt no joy at all. He felt as if he had returned to the busiest period of his senior year of high school or freshman year of college.

"By the end of this weekend, the first phase of your basic training will be over. This phase is to turn you into a decent sword. Next, we will turn you into a real sword, invincible and unstoppable," Wei Ying said with anticipation.

"Does that include you?" Lin Jiade asked.

“Unfortunately, you cannot fight me the way I taught you, unless you find a swordsman who can match me.” Wei Ying looked at him gently. “We are on the right path, and I will correct you so that you are on the right track.”

The gentler Wei Ying was, the more horrified Lin Jiade became. He wished she were the same cold and arrogant person she was when they first met, but their relationship could not go back to the past. She firmly believed that she was doing the right thing, and then imposed her so-called rightness on him.

If he still has any motivation to fight, it's to spank the reed warbler. But spanking a god is probably harder than killing the god himself.

So Lin Jiade was just thinking about it; if he could spank, he wanted to spank Du Juan too.

"Lin Huang, you've lost weight."

These are the impressions expressed by everyone who meets Lin Jiade, but they also have a hidden feeling in their hearts: Lin Jiade's eyes are brighter and his temperament is sharper, and looking into his eyes for a long time often causes a feeling of pain.

Pain evolves into fear, and fear leads to sorting out. Lin Jiade is heartbroken to see his friends growing further and further away from him, yet he is powerless to do anything about it. Those who are not afraid of him, such as Teacher Yang and Lao Mu, scrutinize him with even more strange eyes.

Lin Jiade could somewhat understand the loneliness Jasmine felt at school. When he got back, he hugged Jasmine and said, "You've worked so hard. Now I can understand how you feel a little better."

“It’s not the same,” Jasmine replied, “because you have me, and I have you. As long as we embrace like this, a tight embrace, loneliness will not fill the gap between us.”

Chapter 53 Stardew Valley (Bonus Chapter)

On Wednesday, the tournament organizers called and, with an apologetic tone and sincere words, made it clear to Kapok that her home advantage was no longer guaranteed and the game would be moved to Pelican Town in Stardew Valley.

Pelican Town is nominally a neutral location, but it is controlled by the Joja Corporation. Some tabloids have reported stories of the townspeople fighting against foreign capital to protect their backward but leisurely and peaceful lives. However, they are facing the Joja Corporation, a manufacturing giant that covers multiple fields such as transportation, storage, sales, mining and energy drinks.

Joja Corporation is also one of the sponsors of Tianlong. This group is ruthless and profit-driven, with just as many allies and enemies. It needs powerful superhumans to oversee things and prevent competitors and insiders from launching real business wars. This is also the reason why large companies are keen to sponsor intermediate-level superhumans who participate in the elimination rounds.

Stardew Valley was once known for its beautiful scenery, but when Cotton and his group arrived in Stardew Valley by helicopter on Friday morning, they found that it had been transformed into a huge fortress, filled with all sorts of factories and twisted buildings.

They landed on the 30th-floor platform and saw Shinra Security Company mercenaries patrolling the area. Then, the event organizers' reception staff led them into the Hanmen Hotel. After checking the room, Du Juan said, "Don't mess around."

"Ok?"

Du Juan said, "This place is decorated in a very romantic style, making it convenient for men and women with romantic intentions to sneak out late at night to relieve their loneliness, especially the Black Palace resort which is equipped with artificial hot springs."

I don't think that even if Joja Group is outrageous, it's impossible for them to plant listening devices in the Hanmen Hotel to secretly photograph your documents in order to understand the internal operations of the Kapok team and help Tianlong gain an advantage.

However, you must be careful not to cause trouble in the Black Palace, especially since you are now Mumian's trusted advisor. I don't want Joja to find evidence of you having affairs with any character, which could then be used to launch a public opinion attack against Mumian.

"No way!" Lin Jiade cried out, "Do I look like someone who's having an affair?"

"Who was the person who transformed into a sword under the pretext of getting up to use the night and stayed in Jianlan's room for twenty-five minutes at 11 p.m. on December 4th?"

Who was it that took advantage of the club meeting at 7 pm on December 5th to stay in the shower room of the martial arts classroom with Jianlan for seventeen minutes?

At 6 a.m. on December 6, she transformed into a sword and flew into the kitchen to meet with Jianlan. Half an hour later, when Jasmine woke up and talked to Jianlan in the kitchen, where was her boyfriend?

On December 7th, which is this morning at 8:12 AM, you and Jianlan spent some time in the helicopter. What made you so sleepy that you yawned and even dozed off in the helicopter?

"You've violated my right to privacy!" Lin Jiade protested.

"Speaking of invasion of privacy, Lin Jiade, ever since September 9th, when I announced to you that my torso was enveloped in holy light magic and was suitable for all ages, you have been sneaking peeks at my torso, trying to find flaws in the holy light magic 171 times."

Lin Jiade changed the subject: "It's not my fault. Ever since I discovered that my greatsword form was suitable, Jianlan has been very eager. That's when I realized she had been suppressing it for so long."

Now, without betraying my vow of fidelity to Jasmine, I have fulfilled my responsibility to Gladiolus… though the way I took responsibility was somewhat strange, it brings me peace.”

"I don't mean to stop you, but you should be careful with my sister. She's still a teenager, and it wouldn't be good if she started imitating out of interest."

"I see."

But the cuckoo was so fickle; she made Lin Jiade avoid the reed warbler, yet she also brought the reed warbler closer to Lin Jiade. The reed warbler's thirst transformed into energy that filled the cuckoo's body, making her stronger.

The service at the Hanmen Hotel was first-class, but the group had no time to enjoy it while on enemy territory. At 10:30 p.m., after saying goodnight to Jasmine in a video call, Lin Jiade checked the information he had compiled on his computer about Kapok's strengths, weaknesses, connections, and threats, then shut down his laptop and went to soak in the hot springs.

In the hot spring, Kapok and Reed Warbler sat facing each other. The moment Lin Jiade saw them, he realized he had gone to the wrong place and turned to run away. Reed Warbler threw a bar of soap, which slid into Lin Jiade's feet and made him fall.

Lin Jiade scrambled to his feet and said, "I didn't peek!"

"Hey, what are you doing here?"

Lin Jiade turned around and saw Jianlan standing there. She said, "It's not good to peep at girls taking a bath."

"So I wasn't the one peeking!"

“He watched it openly and honestly,” Kapok said.

"I accidentally went to the wrong place..."

Lin Jiade remembered Du Juan's warning. Although they were all wearing swimsuits, and Gladiolus was even wearing the most conservative competition swimsuit, Lin Jiade still felt provoked, so he quickly left before the House of Commons could get going.

Gladiolus flicked her black-painted nails, and golden patterns lit up on them. A magic circle of the same color rotated on the wall, sealing off the entrance and exit.

Wei Ying looked around with interest: "Light, sound, electromagnetism, heat, and energy are all sealed inside. My understanding of magic is average, but I wonder if the Empire has more than two hundred people who can do this in the blink of an eye."

“This is the power of a master of high-level sorcery; I merely borrowed it,” Gladiolus replied.

“Aren’t you a master of top-tier sorcery?” Wei Ying asked.

“Having her power, possessing her knowledge, and taking her place does not mean I am her. I am merely playing the role of Korobochka. Now, I am Gladiolus.”

Gladiolus placed her hand on her chest, the pink gladiolus pattern appearing through the fabric of her competition swimsuit. Its essence was an oracle of submission, forcing Gladiolus to submit to Lingard, but Gladiolus seemed to enjoy it and had no intention of relinquishing it.

“In short, as a third party, I have been invited to mediate your conflict and explore ways to coexist,” Jianlan said. “So, who will begin?”

Kapok shook her head: "I think you can't just stand aside like you think, Ms. Gladiolus, because our discussion also involves Lin Jiade."

"Dividing up Lin Jiade? Hmm, that sounds like a very bad idea."

Jianlan was already somewhat prepared, so she wasn't too surprised by what Mumian said. She called Jasmine and brought her into the meeting to divide up Lin Jiade via video link, while the parties being divided up remained completely unaware of this.

Lin Jiade fled back to his room in a disheveled state, just in time to see someone sneaking out of his room. He activated his soul vision and saw completely unfamiliar patterns, immediately realizing that a stranger had lingered in his room.

This chapter is an extra chapter for Spain's victory over Croatia. Because Germany lost to England, there was no extra chapter for that match.

Chapter Fifty-Four: The Battle at the Dry Gate Hotel

Lin Jiade has two choices. The first choice is to shout "Thief!" to alert the hotel security. In most cases, with the security's unfortunate cooperation, the suspicious person will either escape or be killed. They will get nothing but shock and confusion.

The second option is for him to summon gang members to secretly arrest people. There is a chance they won't be caught, and the suspicious people they do catch may just be ordinary passersby. There is also a chance they can extract information that is beneficial to Kapok from them.

After taking two steps, Lin Jiade chose not to raise his voice to warn others. He opened his phone and sent "E" to the group chat. This meant that the team had prepared for scenario E for operations in an away game, which included situations such as suspected eavesdropping/detection that could lead to the leakage of intelligence.

The first person to meet up with Lin Jiade was Hehuan. Her room was on the route taken by the suspicious person. After receiving the group message, she opened the door and tried to block the suspicious person's route.