Cosmic-Level Demon God
Chapter 214 - 147: Martial Arts Supernova, The Battle for Resources

Chapter 214: Chapter 147: Martial Arts Supernova, The Battle for Resources

"Director Zhou, is Qin Shi’s health satisfactory?"

The next day, Chen Ruofu took a car to the largest rehabilitation center in Tai’an to visit Qin Shi.

Wearing a white coat, the fifty-something Director Zhou said cheerfully:

"Student Qin Shi is probably the healthiest ’patient’ in our hospital. His life force is more vigorous than a wild beast, and his physical condition far surpasses his peers."

Director Zhou led Chen Ruofu to the ward, chatting as they walked:

"He’s exceptionally talented in all aspects, especially in digestion and absorption, far ahead of others. He’s simply a natural budding talent for the Martial Arts Path! He eats three portions of our highest-grade nutritious meal, which scares our canteen ladies."

Chen Ruofu laughed heartily; indeed, having a big appetite is seen as a top-tier talent in the Martial Arts Path.

Especially when developing life force to later stages, increasingly rich resources are required to complete the evolutionary map and break through genetic bottlenecks.

Such as the blood essence of various Star Sea creatures, mature fruits of plants, even metallic minerals, and so on.

"Qin Shi is a young talent that even Nanhuang Daoist School couldn’t resist. Elder Zhang has such high standards, and even he couldn’t refuse."

Chen Ruofu stepped into the ward, which was actually a well-equipped living space.

Three rooms and two living areas, excellent lighting, located lakeside with fresh air, akin to a private villa.

Qin Shi’s daily routine was very stable, performing his cultivation tasks, reading, supplementing his historical knowledge of interest, and meditating to keep his mind and body in harmony.

"This child is the most self-disciplined and patient person I’ve ever seen. Even during the few days of recuperation, he never slacked off."

Director Zhou sighed.

At Qin Shi’s age, most are energetic and restless, and likely to feel bored after a while.

A high school student who can sit still and focus is a rarity.

"Qin Shi’s balanced spiritual cultivation has made him very steady. Compared to his peers, he is exceptionally mature for his age."

Chen Ruofu nodded; this was something he greatly admired. In a vast place like Heng Province, there is no shortage of talent.

The Martial Arts Association, the Education Department, and major universities introduce many young talents every year.

Geniuses, by their nature, carry a bit of arrogance, which is understandable.

Chen Ruofu and Director Zhou stood in the reception room, patiently waiting until Qin Shi finished his morning exercise before speaking:

"Qin Shi, the approval for your resource quota just came through."

"Thank you, Uncle Chen!"

Qin Shi sincerely thanked him. He knew that having outstanding talent was one thing, but receiving matching treatment was another.

He, an extern, enjoyed the privileges within the Inspection Department system, which would stir envy in many.

Even students from the Martial Arts Department of Qiguang Heng University, after graduation, often have to endure decades of hard work to reach the rank of Senior Inspector.

Tan Cong, the ’Tiger of the Operations Department,’ who also took the Old Martial Road, was a clear example.

With powerful life force at the Specialized Level, he dared to fight and achieved merits, spending the greater part of his life to finally sit as a Senior Inspector.

"Roughly speaking, I’ve saved myself twenty years of detours."

Qin Shi thought to himself.

"This is the reward you deserve. As our most outstanding certified member in the Inspection Department, you should be rewarded. As the old saying goes, virtue must match the position. I mentioned you in an internal meeting at the Operations Department, and even veterans like Tan Cong and rising stars like Chen Yun voted in favor."

Chen Ruofu’s eloquence made Qin Shi almost believe he was some heroic role model.

"In a few days, the formal selection for the Martial Arts New Star of Heng Province will start. Qin Shi, I hope you can represent Tai’an and the Inspection Department in the competition. I’ve heard that this time, the Martial Arts Supernova can directly enter the youth group of the Star Cup in Dongxia."

Qin Shi’s eyes lit up at the mention of the Star Cup, a name well-known from childhood in Dongxia, but the details of registration and selection were not widely known.

"Uncle Chen, does that mean the Martial Arts New Star of Heng Province is very important this time?"

"Indeed. It’s almost like a war for resources. Qin Shi, the allocation of resources on all administrative planets is coordinated by Dongxia and allocated by the Three Ministries and Nine Departments.

If the Education Department gets more, then the Security Department gets less; this is customary. Every year, departments compete, displaying their divine powers, striving to ensure a fuller purse and a less tight belt."

Chen Ruofu explained the intricacies to Qin Shi. If the Inspection Department could nurture talents who could greatly shine, earning a wave of honor and prestige, it would also bring face to the Security Department in Central City, potentially overshadowing the Education Department.

"Does the Education Department in Central City have any stars they’re backing?"

Qin Shi asked curiously. With his cultivation speed, he was unrivaled in the Tai’an Metropolitan Area, leaving people like Zheng Yun and Lu Hui far behind.

So, he was curious about the geniuses in Central City, wondering what kind of prodigies they were.

As a local insider with top-notch information channels, Chen Ruofu immediately shared detailed insights with Qin Shi:

"The Education Department has been running a ’Ten Top Talents’ program for several years, heavily nurturing exceptional students aged fifteen to eighteen by offering them plenty of resources. Among the notable talents are Mo Zisheng from Qianyang High School, Wu Ling from Xusheng High School, and Han Qian from Ziling High School.

This summer, these three participated in the ’War Base Summer Camp’ on Yinghuo Ancient Star, experiencing a month of sentinel life and learning various combat techniques."

Qin Shi couldn’t help but feel that there’s always more to learn, as there are always greater talents. Genius treatment varies by region as well.

While the Tai’an Metropolitan Area focuses on life force growth, the Central City already emphasizes combat technique training, progressing both quality and strength.

"Besides Central City, cities like Yan City and Zhou City will also send their best students to strive for local resource allocation. That’s why I said this is a battle for resources. How efficiently the resources are utilized will be judged by the level of produced talents."

Chen Ruofu smiled:

"I’ll have Secretary Huo send you a more comprehensive dossier later."

Qin Shi nodded. Throughout his journey, he received help from many and carried many of their hopes.

For instance, Old Liang very much wished to see him one day step onto the Star Cup arena.

Also, Nanhuang Daoist School, including Elder Chen, who went to great lengths to mobilize various resources.

There’s no such thing as undeserved kindness or unquestionable dedication in this world.

The only thing Qin Shi could do was to cultivate diligently to meet these expectations.

"Uncle Chen, I won’t let you and the others down."

"Qin Shi, don’t bear too much pressure. Besides you, the Education Commission has picked some good seedlings, and the Martial Arts Association also has arrangements."

Chen Ruofu waved his hand:

"In the future, if you lack anything, just mention it. The Inspection Department’s resource quotas are primarily focused on cultivation and combat purposes. The Education Commission emphasizes inheritance of cultivation techniques and faculty strength."

Qin Shi thought to himself that with Old Liang and Nanhuang Daoist School as his guides, plus the encyclopedic Xiao He, he didn’t highly value the Education Commission’s resources.

"By the way, Uncle Chen, can you find me an expert in weaponry? I recently acquired a fine weapon of exceptional quality."

Qin Shi was troubled that his Perfect Level Electric Shock Saber was gathering dust, which seemed wasteful.

"The Operations Department’s Tan Cong is proficient in all kinds of weapons! He led Qiguang Heng University’s martial society to consecutive triumphs in combat competitions, winning the championship for three years in a row!"

Chen Ruofu smiled, glancing enviously at the saber leaning against the wall.

Having divine spirits descend with tangible rewards is no easy feat.

The majority of the blessed receive only beneficial aura blessings.

"Alright, I’ll consult Brother Tan in a few days."

Qin Shi showed a delighted expression. With a weapon in hand and his body enhanced through three limit breaks, his combat power would raise at least two levels.

"By the way, do you want to attend the after-school activity organized by the Education Commission this afternoon?"

Chen Ruofu asked before leaving.

"They’ve invited several instructors from the New Martial Sect to give lectures."

Qin Shi pondered briefly and nodded in agreement:

"Uncle Chen, should I also attend as an auditor?"

"Given your outstanding performance in the Sword-Washing Operation, who could make you sit in the audience? For this after-school activity, the Education Commission provides three instructors, and the Inspection Department provides three. You’ll wear an instructor badge and share your actual combat experience."

Chen Ruofu chuckled. Considering Qin Shi’s current status and displayed talent, it was impossible to view him as an "ordinary student."

...

...

At 3 PM, at the Youth Palace, the Education Commission chose this venue for the after-school activity.

Due to its large space and capacity, and it being under the Education Commission’s jurisdiction.

Elite class top students from various schools entered in groups.

They all wore blue badges around their necks, indicating their personal information.

"I heard there was an incident during this anti-crime Sword-Washing Operation."

"It seems there was an Esotericist conducting live sacrifices in secret!"

"Apparently, experts from the Inspection Department stepped in to resolve the crisis..."

Listening to these whispers, Xu Mo had mixed feelings, thinking about Lu Hui’s words from yesterday.

After the activity, there would be a live combat demonstration under the eyes of the instructors.

If he performed outstandingly, he could be selected as a reserve for the Martial Arts New Star.

Xu Mo glanced at Lu Hui, sitting at the front row independently, and felt a huge psychological pressure.

"Zheng Yun is here."

Zhao Yunzhu nudged Xu Mo’s shoulder.

He turned his head to look at the entrance.

A tall, robust youth with solid, powerful arms entered confidently, sitting in New No.1 High School’s area.

Not just Xu Mo and Zhao Yunzhu, even Lu Hui, who seemed indifferent to everyone else, closely observed Zheng Yun as soon as he appeared.

"He’s grown stronger! Zheng Yun’s life force might have broken past forty points, maybe even reached fifty!"

Lu Hui thought of the time in the elevator when Qin Shi told him he’d reached forty-nine points himself.

He figured Zheng Yun shouldn’t be any less than that.

Given the resources of major corporations in Central City.

"Quiet, everyone."

After the headcount and confirmation of full attendance, an Education Commission staff member took the stage, setting up equipment.

The bright windows were covered, darkening the room.

Then the lights intertwined, projecting scenes.

The students silently held their breath, following the first-person perspective of various externs, immersing themselves in the exploration of restricted areas.

The battle against criminals, using force to eliminate crime rings, fighting through gang encirclements... The footage pieced together by recording devices made the students’ blood boil with enthusiasm.