Qinghe Branch

Early the next morning, Li Ming was already awake. It was mainly because he had just arrived in a new environment and wasn't familiar with it, so his sleep had been very light. After folding his quilt, Li Ming went downstairs. After taking a few breaths of fresh air in the yard, he slowly began practicing his punches.

The Cunxin Fist Technique, taught by Hua, was an ancient martial art from Schicksal in the previous civilization, improved with technology from that same era. It could strengthen the body and enhance physical fitness.

Every move and stance in this fist technique contained inherent power. When practiced to a high level, a push or a release could shift the heavens and earth.

However, Li Ming's mind was filled with thoughts of how to use "inch force" to open the heavenly spirit.

This set of fist techniques also came with incantations, which were the "first stance, second stance" that Li Ming had shouted when he practiced yesterday.

Although they were just shouted, they actually had an effect.

Li Ming once felt like it was hypnosis. Speaking of hypnosis, he thought of Divine Sound, but this should be different from Divine Sound, right?

... (¬_¬)

He couldn't figure it out, but it didn't matter. I'm going bald... bah, I've been hypnotized, but I've also gotten stronger.

"Rebirth in Honkai Impact 3rd: I Rely on Hypnosis to Teach Disciples"?

The style suddenly went off track. It was leaning towards R... can't say it, can't say it, or the book will be gone.

The Six Forms of White Tiger Listening to the Wind were powerful and heavy with each strike. Leaves stirred up by the wind were crushed by the force of his punches before they could even fall. Su Qizhe had also woken up by this time and, upon coming downstairs, saw his nephew practicing martial arts in the courtyard.

His punches were heavy and powerful, like a roaring tiger.

He knew a little about his nephew's family background – his parents had passed away, and he was raised by his grandfather. He had started practicing martial arts from a young age under his grandfather. In the past, there were immortals who passed down unparalleled techniques in Schicksal. After a thousand years, these techniques flourished, leading to the widespread popularity of martial arts in Schicksal. However, this also resulted in some counterfeit and shoddy products.

But that old man was indeed skilled. However, it was said that the techniques could not be taught to outsiders, so he had only taught him some methods for nourishing health and cultivating qi.

Now, looking at Li Ming's imposing manner and spirit, he felt a natural urge. "A true man, why not wield a sword?"

"Hahaha, Xiao Ming's skills have indeed inherited some true teachings from his grandfather. His movements are as strong as an ancient pine."

"Uncle Su, you flatter me. I'm just randomly practicing. How could there be any real power?"

Hearing Su Qizhe's voice, Li Ming was a little surprised. Uncle Su is up this early?

Su Qizhe just chuckled. Li Ming's words were not convincing to him at all. "Don't fool me. I learned a few moves from your grandfather, so I can tell the difference between good and bad. Coincidentally, why don't you watch and see if the moves your grandfather taught me are correct?"

Su Qizhe was suddenly inspired and performed a set of moves in front of Li Ming. Although Li Ming considered himself untalented, with the implanted memories and his experiences in the Elysian Realm, he could naturally spot a few errors. However, what intrigued Li Ming even more was that the moves seemed to carry a hint of Hua's essence.

Ah, Hua later became Immortal Chi Yuan. That makes sense.

After guiding Su Qizhe through a couple of moves, they heard a servant's message, and the two then went to have breakfast. Susanna was full of energy and had woken up early, but she was playing with a servant.

Looking at the young Susanna now, Li Ming felt a surge of affection. Come on, a little blonde loli sister, who wouldn't love her?

After breakfast, Su Qizhe asked a servant to help pack Li Ming's belongings into the newly purchased suitcase.

"Alright, I spoke with President Raiden last night. They will be staying in Schicksal for a month. During this month, you will accompany President Raiden to broaden your horizons. Uncle Su has arranged everything for you, so you can prepare to depart when you return. As for the Honkai erosion problem, he will also help you resolve it." Su Qizhe was a bit helpless. His nephew had encountered such a major event right after arriving. His grandfather hadn't said anything yesterday; if he had known earlier, he would have sent people to pick him up.

"Okay." Li Ming thought about it. Raiden Ryoma couldn't be assassinated every day, right?

"By the way, Xiao Ming, how is your English coming along?"

"It's okay, I guess?" Li Ming scratched his head. Although his English before transmigration wasn't great, his original body's English was good. He had to admit that after graduating, he didn't have much time to improve himself, and he used English so little that he had completely forgotten it.

What? You ask how I know Japanese? Hmph, I learned it for the day I would tread on cherry blossoms in the future. Things like "Tokyo Hot" and such. I wouldn't dare to say the specific reasons.

Moreover, the original body also had some knowledge in this area, so Li Ming could converse fluently in Japanese, although he didn't know professional terms.

And ever since his mind felt like it had been flooded, bah, after being infused with the original body's memories, it was as if he had suddenly awakened. He learned everything quite quickly.

"That's good, then I can make the arrangements. Now, you should go with Steward Zhao. Time is of the essence, President Raiden is waiting at the Qinghe Branch. I've got you a mobile phone, and the SIM card is already set up. Contact me by phone if anything comes up."

"Alright, thank you for your trouble, Uncle Su." Li Ming quickly said his thanks.

Su Qizhe just waved his hand. "It's no trouble at all. We're family, why speak as if we're from different households? Go on, go."

Susanna was very reluctant. She ran over, her footsteps pattering. "Brother Li Ming, remember to write a diary and record all the fun things outside!"

"Okay, I won't forget my promise to Susanna for anything!" Li Ming patted Susanna's little head and comforted her.

After saying goodbye to everyone, Li Ming left with Steward Zhao. It had to be said that although he had only been here for a day, the Su family was indeed very kind.

"Young Master Li, this way." Steward Zhao took a key from a servant and led Li Ming towards the Qinghe City Branch. According to the information Li Ming had just found online using his phone, Destiny existed in every place in this world, and in North America and Europe, Destiny was comparable to a nation.

However, in Schicksal, where martial arts were prevalent and immortals offered protection, the degree of autonomy was higher. Organizations like Destiny and Anti-Entropy were more like departments.

But due to the somewhat skewed technological development of this world, Destiny had already developed Valkyrie individual combat armor, and Anti-Entropy had developed quite a few mechs, and was currently working on developing Peacekeepers. Naturally, these mechs had considerable use in civilian engineering.

In fact, one couldn't glean much from the internet. From the forums, it seemed people could discern some friction between Anti-Entropy and Destiny, but the exact reasons were unclear.

And Li Ming naturally knew the hundred stories that had to be told between Destiny and Anti-Entropy. Li Ming didn't believe that the person in charge of the Schicksal headquarters was unaware of this. However, regarding these matters, it was likely that the higher-ups were aiming for a balance of power. If the World Serpent hadn't shown its face yet, Li Ming guessed that the Schicksal headquarters might even involve the World Serpent.

The conflict between Anti-Entropy and Destiny in Schicksal was probably that Anti-Entropy mechs were useful in rescue and construction, while Destiny's Valkyries contributed significantly to punishing evil and upholding good. Especially in Schicksal, with its prevailing custom of chivalry, there was a unique admiration for Valkyries.

The higher-ups were happy to see this, as progress comes from competition, didn't it?

And the branches established in each city were more like management layers, where everyone worked in one place. The person in charge was clearly afraid that Destiny and Anti-Entropy would not fight.

As his thoughts deepened, in the blink of an eye, Steward Zhao had brought Li Ming to the Qinghe Branch. Looking out, a complex of nearly five square kilometers came into view. The surrounding buildings became sparser, as a large area was allocated to facilitate the takeoff of warships.

But despite its size, it had everything. It was unusually convenient.

An egg-shaped dome covered the surroundings, made of iron-gray material, appearing incredibly sturdy. The four large red characters "Qinghe Branch" were hung on the dome.

Following Steward Zhao, carrying his suitcase, Li Ming entered the branch and gained a further understanding of the grandeur of this place. He hadn't seen much of the world before, at most he had traveled out when he participated in provincial competitions.

Seeing such a grand spectacle, Li Ming's heart stirred.

Mechs stood tall, painted in a pale blue with heavy armor, nearly twenty to thirty meters high. The cannons mounted on their sides exuded an aura of iron and blood.

Valkyries in armor weaved through them, not only catching the eye but also refreshing the spirit with their valiant demeanor.

What excited Li Ming even more was that as the mechs exited their bays, their lower limb propulsion systems, accompanied by the operation of pneumatic cylinders, moved without any hint of clumsiness. When these mechs moved out, the ground trembled.

The Valkyries, meanwhile, rode in warships, some equipped with long swords, others with heavy cannons. The eggshell-shaped cockpits opened, and the warships flew out.

Li Ming's mouth was now wide enough to fit an entire lightbulb (please don't try this yourself).

As Li Ming entered with Steward Zhao, a receptionist took something from Steward Zhao and hurried away. A moment later, a young and beautiful woman came to greet them.

"Steward Zhao, is there something important today?" the woman asked with a natural smile, not appearing obsequious.

"The master said the young master had something to discuss, related to yesterday's incident. The young master was infected yesterday, and the master said to handle it."

Hearing this, Li Ming felt a warmth spread through him. Even if Raiden Ryoma hadn't helped him with the erosion, Uncle Su had already found a way for him.

"So that's how it is. Then, little brother, you'll come with me."

Steward Zhao didn't say much more, handing Li Ming over to the woman before leaving.

Li Ming obediently followed behind the woman. Although she was only wearing a standard uniform and had her hair in a high ponytail, Li Ming could feel the strength hidden beneath her body.

"Infected by Honkai Energy? You didn't manage to escape yesterday? Your safety drill wasn't up to par!"

"Uh, I didn't run yesterday."

"Hmm, you didn't run. What's your name, which school are you from, and how old are you?"

Li Ming was taken aback by the woman's rapid-fire questions and quickly replied, "I'm here to see Mr. Raiden Ryoma."

At this, the woman's eyes sharpened. "Looking for Mr. Ryoma?"

After a moment of thought, she led Li Ming in a different direction.

Finally, Li Ming was brought to what looked like a conference room. Pushing the door open, Li Ming saw Raiden Ryoma and Raiden Yae sitting inside. They seemed to be answering questions from a stern-looking man seated opposite them.

As the woman entered, the man's eyes lit up. "Yo, a rare visitor! Isn't this our Qinghe Branch's number one Valkyrie, Xie Qingming? What, no mission today?"

"Captain Wang Sheng of Titan Alpha Squad, I don't see you on a mission either?" Xie Qingming retorted without holding back.

Seeing Li Ming, Raiden Ryoma smiled and greeted him, gesturing for Raiden Yae to pull Li Ming down to sit. They ignored Xie Qingming and Wang Sheng's bickering.

"Uncle Ryoma, good morning?"

"Good morning, little brother Li Ming. We meet again."

Raiden Yae still seemed a bit wary of him, clearly still affected by the head-patting she received when they parted.

Li Ming didn't mind; there would be plenty of time to get along in the future.

"So, what's going on now?"

Looking at the two still arguing, Li Ming was confused. What was he even here for?

"Regarding the incident yesterday where we eliminated the suspected Quasi-Herrscher, we, as participants, need to file a report."

"Alright, let's get down to business. Mr. Ryoma, please continue."

Ultimately, Wang Sheng conceded, and Xie Qingming clearly hadn't gained the upper hand, so she sat to the side with a sullen expression, arms crossed.

Once they calmed down, Raiden Ryoma continued.

"At that time, it was this young brother Li Ming who first noticed something was wrong. Upon seeing the target, suspected to be a Quasi-Herrscher, appear, he immediately moved to suppress its actions. Then, my bodyguard, due to close contact with a high concentration of Honkai Energy, rapidly transformed into a Mantis. This forced me to eliminate my bodyguards who had already turned into Mantises."

"Hold on, Mr. Ryoma, was your USP registered?" Wang Sheng asked routinely.

"Naturally, it was."

"However, the power of your [Modified USP] exceeds the scope of commonly registered weapons, so Mr. Ryoma, you should have registered it as a B-class weapon." It was Xie Qingming who spoke so bluntly.

Raiden Ryoma merely smiled. "That will certainly be done."

"Alright, please continue."

"Then, my little brother Li Ming and I cooperated to corner the suspected Quasi-Herrscher. The Quasi-Herrscher subsequently detonated its core. Despite this, we were unable to destroy the core in the face of the released Honkai Energy."

"After that, I'll let little brother Li Ming tell you."

Li Ming, who had been zoning out, thinking about when his erosion problem would be solved, was suddenly called upon. He blinked in surprise, then saw everyone looking at him.

"Ah, yes, I've eaten. Ah, no, that's wrong. I, I just shot the core at the end, and then the core exploded from that shot. It was that simple."

Wang Sheng and Xie Qingming looked bewildered. Raiden Ryoma had described everything so dramatically, but it sounded so easy when Li Ming said it.

Xie Qingming composed herself before managing a smile. "Then, little brother Li Ming, your gun also needs to be registered, as well as your family's martial arts."

"These also need to be registered?" Li Ming felt a headache coming on. The martial arts were one thing; his original body had practiced martial arts, so it wouldn't be an issue. But how to explain Moon God's Protection? Could he say it was a reward for spending thirty thousand yuan on the first top-up?

That would be too absurd!

He felt that if he said that, he'd be sent to a mental hospital immediately.

Seeing Li Ming hesitate, Xie Qingming and Wang Sheng released some of their pressure. "Mr. Li Ming, these matters are very important. Please do not conceal anything. We need to assess you and this suspected Quasi-Herrscher monster. Moreover, this is also beneficial for you. The branch will not embezzle your credit, and the serum you need will be provided immediately."

Li Ming had no choice. Under their gaze, he couldn't avoid it. He couldn't exactly say he left it at home and didn't bring it. If Li Ming were to call back, they would find Su Qizhe searching the entire villa without finding any trace of Moon God's Protection.

With no other option, Li Ming closed his eyes, put his hands in his pockets, and immersed his consciousness into the system. He opened his backpack and equipped Moon God's Protection.

Then, Moon God's Protection appeared in Li Ming's hand.

Xie Qingming and the others only saw a flash of yellow light, and then Li Ming pulled a pair of twenty-five-centimeter-long handguns from his pocket.

Yae looked at Li Ming's pocket with curiosity. Was it an interdimensional pocket? It could hold guns that were twenty-five centimeters long?