145: Chapter 145 A Mismatched Couple, SSS-Grade Dragon Flame Ore

Lin Yuan slaying Qi Changhe with one sword strike not only stunned Tang Tianhao on the spot, but Mu Qianqian and Xiao Zhantian were equally shocked, their eyes wide, mouths agape in disbelief.

"Didn't he say he could fight a Ninth Tier? This isn't just fighting a Ninth Tier, this is instantly killing a peak Ninth Tier! He's too monstrous! ..."

Mu Qianqian cried out in her heart. This young lady from the starry sky was truly shocked beyond measure by this monster, Lin Yuan.

A monstrous wave also surged in Xiao Zhantian's heart. The Military Department was not short of geniuses; he had seen plenty of them.

But at such a young age, to slay an absolute expert that even he considered troublesome with a single sword strike—let alone seeing or hearing about it, he wouldn't dare dream of such a thing...

After Lin Yuan activated Heavenly God Descends, his combat power instantly reached 3 billion. Coupled with the Slaughter Domain's 50% boost to his base combat power, his power directly reached 3.5 billion.

What concept is 3.5 billion combat power? The standard combat power for a peak Ninth Tier expert is 2 billion. Exceeding the standard by 1.5 billion, it was almost doubled. This level of power was even approaching that of a Half-Step Martial God...

"Ding! Congratulations to the host for completing the mission, system rewards have been distributed!"

Lin Yuan retracted the domain and divine abilities from his body, and the swimming dragon sword was put back into his storage space. Only then did he look at the crowd and feel slightly awkward seeing their shocked expressions.

"Ahem... Um... Everyone, the battle is over," Lin Yuan coughed dryly.

"Oh, oh, right, it's over. Lin Yuan, are you really the Soldier King of our Military Department?" Xiao Zhantian was the first to react and asked.

"Marshal Xiao, it's absolutely true. I really am the Soldier King," Lin Yuan replied with a smile.

"With your strength, being a Soldier King is a waste of talent. I think you are suited to be... the Third Marshal," Xiao Zhantian said seriously.

"Uh... No, please don't joke with me. Being the Soldier King is fine. I'll just be the Soldier King."

Lin Yuan didn't care if the other party was joking or serious; he didn't want too many constraints. He only wanted to pursue a higher martial realm.

...

Tang Tianhao also walked over and interjected: "Lin Yuan, you don't have a girlfriend yet, do you? What do you think of my daughter? Young, beautiful, gentle, and generous. How about we set the wedding date right now?"

"I'm outta here!"

Lin Yuan jumped three feet high, scared to the point where he immediately wanted to flee. He glanced at Mu Qianqian, whose eyes were full of resentment, and quickly said:

"Uncle Tang, stop joking. Tang Wanrou and I are just ordinary friends. Please don't arbitrarily arrange a match..."

"Why is it arbitrary? Feelings can be cultivated slowly," Tang Tianhao said, unwilling to give up.

"Uh... I already have someone I like, so I won't delay Miss Tang,"

As Lin Yuan spoke, he glanced at Mu Qianqian, who immediately showed a hint of sweet joy.

"Think about it some more. Young people should try a few things to know which one is better, don't you think?" Tang Tianhao gave him a look that implied he understood.

Hearing this, Lin Yuan casually ripped open a portal, grabbed Mu Qianqian's small hand, and plunged inside: "Marshal Xiao, Uncle Tang, we have business to attend to, we'll take our leave first!" Before the portal closed, Lin Yuan's voice was heard.

Tang Tianhao looked regretful as the two departed.

"What's wrong with me? You're only satisfied when you scare people away, right? I haven't even spoken much with Lin Yuan yet. Hmph! Let's go. You clean up the rest!" Xiao Zhantian turned, soared into the sky, and vanished into the horizon.

"What did I do? Such a fine son-in-law, is it wrong for me to try and secure him? Is it easy for me?..."

Tang Tianhao grumbled as he incinerated all traces of the battlefield with a burst of fire, then went to the perimeter to eliminate all the mercenaries responsible for the blockade before returning to the Martial Alliance base.

Lin Yuan did not return directly to the Military Department. Instead, he sent Mu Qianqian back to Qing University, intending to visit his family while he was at it.

"Lin Yuan, are you really not considering Tang Wanrou? I think that girl is quite nice," Mu Qianqian asked with a smirk as soon as they arrived at Qing University.

"Mmm, she is indeed quite good. She is gentle, beautiful, and exceptionally kind-hearted..."

Lin Yuan deliberately praised Tang Wanrou while suppressing a smile, watching Mu Qianqian's little mouth gradually pout...

"Why is it that I just don't like such a wonderful girl?" Lin Yuan shifted his tone, and Mu Qianqian immediately revealed a radiant smile.

"Then who do you like?" Mu Qianqian shyly lowered her head and asked softly.

"The person I like is the most beautiful woman in this world. Once I return from the Black Abyss this time, I will formally confess to her," Lin Yuan looked at Mu Qianqian affectionately.

Hearing this, Mu Qianqian felt delighted: "Then why not now, but after returning from the Black Abyss?"

"Because only after returning from the Black Abyss can I truly possess the strength to protect her. I will tell her everything then," Lin Yuan said seriously.

"Mhm," Mu Qianqian responded softly.

"Qianqian, I'll go home to see my family first, and then I'll return to the Military Department... Wait for me..."

"Mhm, I'll wait for you to come back."

Lin Yuan smiled slightly, turned, and vanished from the spot.

Mu Qianqian watched the disappearing figure of Lin Yuan, her heart filled with sweetness...

...

Lin Yuan went home to see his parents and younger sister, spent time talking with them, and ate a meal before returning to the Military Department.

By the time Lin Yuan returned to the Regimental Headquarters, the news that he had won the Great Xia Genius Competition had already spread. Everyone who saw him showed looks of reverence.

As soon as he returned to his barracks, Commander Zhang walked in.

"Hahahaha... Lin Yuan, you are truly amazing! You actually won the championship of the Genius Competition! Our regiment is famous in the Military Department now. Many people came today wanting to catch a glimpse of your demeanor, but I sent them all away."

Commander Zhang was in an exceptionally good mood, and his voice was much louder than usual...

"Commander, thank you. I prefer quiet, so please don't let me be mobbed," Lin Yuan said with a smile.

"Understood, understood. Oh, right, the Military Department held a meeting just now and decided to reward you. This storage ring contains your prize, take a look quickly.", Commander Zhang handed a ring to Lin Yuan.

Lin Yuan took the ring and swept it with his divine sense. There were two things inside. The first was a metal ore chunk, over a meter in diameter, emitting scorching energy.

The other was beast crystals, piled up like a mountain...

"Commander, what is this ore?" Lin Yuan asked.

"This ore was found inside the Ninth Tier fierce beast you killed. It is a piece of Dragonflame Ore, the favorite ore of Fire-attribute Dragon Beasts. Its grade has reached SSS-Grade, making it an invaluable treasure," Commander Zhang explained.

Upon hearing this, Lin Yuan was overjoyed. His swimming dragon sword was S-Grade. Although he had added rare metals, raising its rank above most S-Grades, it was still a bit low. Now he could use this to improve its quality.

"The beast crystals inside are also your reward. Our Military Department's funding is limited, so general rewards are usually just beast crystals. You can use them to exchange for whatever supplies you need," Commander Zhang continued.

Lin Yuan nodded. He actually needed a batch of beast crystals to improve the realms of Second Dragon and Da Long.

Next, he needed to enhance the quality of the swimming dragon sword, and then it would be time to head to the Black Abyss. Lin Yuan couldn't help but feel a bit excited.

"The Black Abyss, the gathering place for Blue Star's genius experts, and also a gathering place for fierce beasts. It truly makes one look forward to it..."