Returning to White Poplar Barrier City again, Qin Shi’s identity was vastly different.
From a rookie soldier at the Huang Quan training camp to a first-class combat hero on the Western Front, a recipient of commendations.
It hasn’t been long in the blink of an eye.
The Kirov airship slowly descended, landing on the wide platform.
Qin Shi stepped down the gangway as the fierce wind blew and lifted his coat.
He adjusted his wide-brimmed hat, saluted, and then shook hands with Yao Guodong, who had come to greet him.
Yao Guodong was visibly excited, as this was a combat hero from their White Poplar Barrier City, naturally sharing in the glory.
"You’ve worked hard, Xiao Qin."
Yao Guodong, not one for words, said dryly.
The fourth-level disaster’s mighty followers were strong enough to destroy a Barrier City without defense systems.
Qin Shi’s front-line defeat of them meant he could single-handedly defend the city and ensure the position was inviolable.
"Serving Dongxia, striving for Heng Province, is a duty."
Qin Shi’s response was relatively formal. He is now the focus of the Eastern and Western battlefields, and every action and word could be materials for the publicity department, requiring caution.
Behind Yao Guodong stood Fu Lei and Song Xing from the Huang Quan training camp, both old acquaintances.
"You kid are impressive! The Western Front morale was raised by you alone!"
Fu Lei didn’t care much; he eagerly approached and patted Qin Shi’s shoulder, his excitement overflowed.
"Old Fu, be mindful of the impact! Lieutenant Qin is a combat hero!"
Song Xing coughed twice to remind Fu Lei.
Qin Shi is quite different now; through a strong offensive at the very front, he slew two third-level disaster followers and even blocked the fourth-level disaster Blood River Typhon, greatly boosting the Western Front’s morale and unifying spirit.
It can be said that Lieutenant Qin has become a benchmark figure for the grand pioneering movement.
In a sense, he is now more important than the highest officials of the Barrier City and even the senior generals on the Eastern and Western fronts—strategically speaking.
"Old Fu, lucky you, finding such a talent."
Yao Guodong sighed. He and Qin Shi walked ahead, entering the elevator first.
"The Governor will personally award you."
Qin Shi was slightly stunned; he was supposed to receive the commendation from Heng Province’s Governor Feng Wuyang during the Hundred Strong Competition.
But the latter never truly appeared, entrusting the event entirely to the active consciousness Tai Monarch.
"That would be my honor."
Heng Province’s Governor is the highest official overlooking this planet.
Likewise, an indisputable Governor in Dongxia, practically standing at the summit of power—a significant figure.
In the eyes of all, receiving the Governor’s commendation is undoubtedly a glorious addition to one’s life résumé.
As Qin Shi stepped into the reception room, Yao Guodong’s face instantly darkened as he solemnly asked:
"I heard you fought Blood River Typhon and were affected by the activated domain, significantly injured?"
Qin Shi nodded, honestly responding:
"Yes. The fourth-level disaster’s characteristics were enough to penetrate my domain defense.
Blood River Typhon’s ’trait residue’ remains in my body."
The rapid response medical group on the front line conducted a comprehensive examination on Qin Shi immediately.
The results were consistent with the judgment of Long Qiuyuan.
This was an imprint from a fourth-level disaster follower, unsolvable by conventional methods.
Even employing mechanical means, ’Priests’ for purification or blessing could only alleviate, not eradicate.
Though the Western Front’s command headquarters had firm resolve, issuing orders to spare no medical resources to ensure Lieutenant Qin’s "physical health."
Yet, the diagnosis from all major players was powerless; Blood River Typhon was not an ordinary follower. It was deeply favored by the Lord of Gluttony, able to infiltrate the deepest regions of the contaminated zones—the Decay Sea.
The "imprint" laid personally by Blood River Typhon could not be eradicated unless a Grandmaster intervened to obliterate it.
"Xiao Qin, you needn’t worry; I believe the Governor’s Mansion won’t stand idly by."
Yao Guodong comforted.
The fourth-level disaster’s followers were too terrifying.
Moreover, Blood River Typhon was among the elite of them.
Qin Shi’s ability to repel it head-on was already commendable, uplifting morale.
"The effect of the activated domain isn’t too severe. I’ve communicated with both the Western Front headquarters and the Governor’s Mansion.
I can handle it; there’s no need for higher-level medical resources." Nᴇw ɴovel chaptᴇrs are published on ɴovelfire.net
Qin Shi shook his head:
"The front line’s casualty count increases daily, and medical resources are scarce; many soldiers need treatment more than I do."
Yao Guodong’s eyes showed appreciation. Not becoming arrogant is a rare quality.
Some can stay clear amidst the praise for geniuses but cannot control their inner self once they become combat heroes, facing calmly.
Because the praise for both is not of the same magnitude.
Dongxia never lacks geniuses, but not every genius can grow into a hero.
Qin Shi’s composure and calmness earned Yao Guodong’s admiration.
This is the key factor to standing higher and walking further in the future.
"Xiao Qin has a hint of legendary grace."
Yao Guodong secretly thought.
"Rest well and present your best self in a few days to accept the Governor’s commendation.
This is an honorary recognition broadcast live across all battle zones to the Four Alliances; our combat hero mustn’t appear too weary."
Qin Shi nodded; his condition was not as bad as outsiders imagined.
The activated domain of Blood River Typhon was indeed troublesome, its trait residue constantly drawing on his Life Force.
But opening the five major limits of the Extraordinary Body could fully sustain him.
After chatting with Yao Guodong and catching up with Fu Lei and Song Xing, Qin Shi returned to his room.
He closed his eyes, immersed himself in cultivation.