This special train is expected to take about two days and one night to reach the outskirts of the Central City.
After eating the nutritious meal prepared by Senior Sister Yu, Qin Shi returned to his single suite.
The entire carriage was his "exclusive territory," with an independent living room and a walk-in closet.
Moving forward, there was even a spacious panoramic viewing area, as well as a separate tea room and tasting room.
"Too decadent! Still, those within the system know how to enjoy life!"
Qin Shi looked at the wooden panels and the retro brass decorations, each exquisite, comparable to a top-class hotel.
He took off his crisp student uniform, draping it over a chair, and silently watched the scenery outside the window.
As they moved farther from the Tai’an Metropolitan Area, the terrain gradually rose. The train, like an iron dragon lying among the towering mountains, spewed thick smoke and sped forward.
"There really are many untouched wilderness areas in Heng Province. No wonder it’s called ’New Star.’ Compared to the fully developed administrative regions like Hai Province and the Imperial Capital, Heng Province better retains the breath of nature."
Qin Shi’s thoughts diverged. For the Governor’s Mansion, a grand development was imperative.
If more resources could not be seized and more benefits delivered, Heng Province would always maintain the image of a backward frontier.
"Starting the grand development plan, finding rich mineral deposits in the primitive pollution zones, continuously building resource points, is what benefits development."
Qin Shi sipped the fruit juice from the fridge and felt the cool breeze coming through the window.
For once, he didn’t cultivate, letting his spirit relax and enjoying this moment of serenity.
In the evening, the dining bell rang, gently echoing in the carriage.
Qin Shi, who had been resting with his eyes closed, opened them, his refreshed spirit making his eyes particularly bright.
He exhaled, stretched his body, and got up to push open the door.
"The menu provided is quite rich." Google seaʀᴄh n͟o͟v͟e͟l͟f͟i͟r͟e͟.net
Qin Shi arrived at the private dining area but did not see Senior Sister Yu. Not sure if she was still "dominating" the train’s kitchen, tinkering with her "death cuisine," or resting.
He looked at the menu and simply ordered a portion of stewed oysters, a portion of slow-cooked bison meat, and finally a fruit ice cream for dessert.
He must enjoy the delicacies before his taste buds were completely ruined by Senior Sister Yu’s cooking.
While waiting for the chef to serve the dishes, Qin Shi closed his eyes to inspect the Monument Panel.
Previously, after a brutal beating, he had activated a new achievement.
[Armor Stacking: Tempered a thousand times, unmoving like a mountain. The mortal body has limits, but the overlay of will and skill can form a barrier against all. Every injury is a lesson in the ways of defense!]
[Characteristic: Your body will reduce the pain and wound effects of blunt and puncture damage. When attacked, there is a two percent chance to trigger a counterattack.]
[Advanced Route: Either undergo high-intensity defense training daily for 30 days straight, or endure a single damage exceeding fifty percent of your life force to upgrade and unlock corresponding skills.]
"This fits perfectly with my combat strategy of getting stronger by getting beaten."
Qin Shi nodded lightly, feeling satisfied.
He had determined that in future combat, his attack would rely on inserting normal attacks, while his defense would depend on stacking reinforcements.
With a perfect model of offense and defense, he could compete with the masters of specialized domains.
"Hey, we meet again, Mr. Qin!"
As the first appetizer was served, Qin Shi suddenly heard a surprised voice.
He gave up on the tantalizing stewed oysters, looked back, and saw Xia Hong and Xia Ying, the siblings he had met during the Top 100 Competition.
"What a coincidence."
Qin Shi greeted briefly.
"Thanks to you, Mr. Qin, for helping eliminate Zhou Yuanchen, allowing my sister and I to make it to the top three."
Xia Ying said with a bright smile:
"Otherwise, we wouldn’t have had a ticket for this special train."
As an elder sister, Xia Hong said nothing, her big eyes fixed on Qin Shi, as if he were more tempting than the stewed oysters on the table.
"Ahem, sister, control yourself, don’t be too obsessed."
Xia Ying noticed Xia Hong’s expression and coughed lightly, reminding her.
"Mr. Qin... you have gotten stronger again."
Unfazed, Xia Hong regarded Qin Shi differently. Since their last meeting, Qin Shi seemed to have undergone tremendous changes.
She felt an entirely different impact!
"I was in seclusion for a month, made some improvement."
Qin Shi said modestly.
His attention was entirely on those stewed oysters, the milky oyster meat wrapped in a rich golden sauce, the aromatic stir-fried garlic and the dry white wine smell lingered at the tip of his nose. If it weren’t impolite to eat while talking, he would have dived into the dish already.
"Sister, Mr. Qin was the champion of the Top 100 Competition. This trial, fighting with the geniuses of Heng Province, his life force was stimulated, making a big breakthrough, surpassing his original values. It’s quite normal."
Xia Ying said with a laugh.
Xia Hong raised her hand to knock Xia Ying on the head, then sat across from Qin Shi, elbow on the table, chin resting on her palm, looking at Qin Shi with curious eyes:
"Mr. Qin, is it just a simple increase in life force?"
How keen was this woman’s perception?
Qin Shi’s heart skipped a beat.
Usually, the enhancement of life force brings a comprehensive improvement in physical qualities, which is easily noticeable.
But if it involved other aspects, such as the transformation of a mortal body, the tempering of muscles and bones, it was extremely hard to detect.
"What kind of change does Miss Xia think I have undergone?"
Qin Shi temporarily set aside his eagerness to enjoy the stewed oysters.
Xia Hong leaned forward, her head coming a bit closer, making the corners of Xia Ying’s mouth twitch.
The distance and posture were somewhat suggestive!