Xiao Zhigang looked at the people surrounding Qin Siyang, his expression full of anger.
He scanned the group and saw a few figures that shouldn't be there, "Chu Zhongxiong! You'd better figure out where you stand!"
Seeing that Chu Zhongxiong, the director of the Heavenly Research Institute, was also standing beside Qin Siyang, Xiao Zhigang flew into a rage.
Chu Zhongxiong was completely unfazed.
As a former deputy minister of the Ministry of Finance, his reassignment to the research institute had come with certain hidden tasks. In terms of rank, he was on equal footing with Xiao Zhigang.
Now, this idiot Xiao Zhigang had not only messed things up himself but still wanted to boss him around. Of course, he wouldn't accept that.
"Minister Xiao, you'd best get one thing straight. I'm not your subordinate."
"But you're the director of the research institute! Doesn't the research institute fall under the Ministry of Education?"
"If you think I'm wrong, I can go to Chairman Gu and resign as director. You're free to find someone else more capable."
"You—"
Xiao Zhigang clenched his fists.
Chu Zhongxiong had been reassigned with the backing of the United Government's top brass. There was nothing he could do to him.
His gaze then landed on Wang Bozhong, the director of the Earthly Research Institute standing behind Qin Siyang, and he snapped angrily, "Wang Bozhong! You're with the United Government's research institute—whose side are you on?"
Wang Bozhong patted the shoulder of Ivanov, the Minister of Armaments, who was standing next to him, "I'm with the United Government's research institute, but not your Ministry of Education's research institute."
"Good, good, good! Each and every one of you. I finally see the bigger picture now!"
Xiao Zhigang gritted his teeth and pointed at Qin Siyang, "Professor Qin, well played. I hope you can laugh till the end."
"We're leaving!", With that, Xiao Zhigang stormed off with his people.
Qin Siyang pulled Li Tianming aside and asked, baffled, "Old Li, this Xiao Zhigang acts like a clown. How did he manage to become the Minister of Education?"
Li Tianming sighed, "Xiao Qin, don't underestimate anyone. You need to understand that after the apocalypse, everything in the safe zones was rebuilt from scratch. Everyone in power today rose up through the reshuffling."
"Qian Wenzhao is sharp and well-connected, yet he's just a bureau chief. Chen Zhongming is composed and adept at maneuvering, yet he's only a regiment commander. Jonathan has deep connections, yet he's only a governor. Now, tell me—what kind of person can rise to the ministerial level in the core hierarchy of the United Government?"
Hearing Li Tianming's question, Qin Siyang was momentarily stunned, unsure of how to answer.
Li Tianming patted his shoulder, "You're already getting drawn into the whirlpool, so you'd best be careful. From now on, never underestimate any enemy you face."
"Old Li, that was kind of sudden."
"It's not sudden. You say what needs to be said in the right place."
Li Tianming lowered his voice, "Look at my example—you've seen it firsthand. I was set up, my connections completely severed, and I almost couldn't make a comeback. Luckily, I met you."
"But if you get set up and end up in a miserable situation, I might get dragged down with you and won't be able to help. Do you think you'd be as lucky as me, finding a lifeline in time?"
"Being cautious never hurts."
Qin Siyang understood that Li Tianming was trying to teach him a lesson.
Thinking about how Old Li had spent the past two years in obscurity, he could see the concern behind his words.
Qian Wenzhao had done nothing wrong. Hhis career just happened to be smooth sailing, and he still got trapped in a deadly scheme by Feng Shouben and Pan Youguang.
And he, with the Crimson Crystal in his possession, was an even bigger target.
Qin Siyang looked at the crimson crystal in his hand, glowing with a dark red light, lost in thought.
The commotion caused by the Crimson Crystal seemed far greater than that of the Vine Core.
If he publicly bonded with this Crimson Crystal, it would inevitably shake up countless interests.
Only with his permission could others study the Crimson Crystal.
That led to one crucial issue—
As long as Qin Siyang was alive, the Crimson Crystal could be used.
At that moment, he realized that to ensure his survival, others would become highly invested in his safety.
That meant his actions would inevitably be restricted.
At the very least, casually heading outside the safe zone to hunt deities, like he did now, would no longer be an option.
While the Crimson Crystal could protect his life, it also took away his opportunity to continue hunting deities to grow stronger.
No matter how valuable the treasure, a Sequence Four Banquet Domain was far from enough.
Without overwhelming power, he'd just be a trapped rat, constrained at every turn.
Besides, he already had plenty of Crimson Crystals in his storage.
He wasn't desperate for this one.
So, Qin Siyang made a bold decision, "Old Li, if I give you the chance to bond with this Crimson Crystal, would you take it?"
Li Tianming frowned, "What do you mean?"
"Exactly what it sounds like. Drop your blood on it, and the authority over this Crimson Crystal will be yours."
"Why?"
"I can't hold onto something this valuable. Besides, I still want to explore outside the safe zone, and once I bond with it, that'll be impossible. You're different. You're in research. With this Crimson Crystal, it'll be like adding wings to a tiger."
Li Tianming wanted it badly, but he hesitated, "But… something this precious…"
Qin Siyang's gaze was firm, "It's fine—nothing is more valuable than our bond."
"Xiao Qin, you're making me nervous with that speech."
"Nervous about what?"
"Be honest. Do you have your eye on Fenghe? If you're giving me the Crimson Crystal to make me back off from Fenghe, I won't accept it!"
"You—"
"Alright, alright, I get it. That's not what you meant. But this thing is too valuable—I'd feel guilty accepting it."
"There's nothing to feel guilty about. I'm giving it to you. If you develop any good research results or powerful God-Hunting Weapons, just let me have a share. Otherwise, keeping it with me is like casting pearls before swine."
Li Tianming's eyes flickered, and after a moment of silence, he nodded, "I understand. I'll repay this favor."
Qin Siyang grinned at him, then turned back to the crowd with Li Tianming.
Facing the gathered people, Qin Siyang spoke, "Leaders, officers, elders, and my fellow church members, I have something to say."
As soon as he started, the crowd fell silent.
"To be honest, obtaining this Crimson Crystal was pure luck. And without Professor Li Tianming as my Insurer, I wouldn't have been able to kill the Blood Salamander, let alone return alive."
"When I got back, I found that many people had already assumed I was dead. Yet, instead of caring about me, everyone was only focused on this Crimson Crystal. Only Professor Li Tianming made sure I had a decent funeral."
"In school, Professor Li was my principal—he taught me."
"In god hunts, he was my Insurer—he protected me."
"In my supposed death, he arranged my funeral—he treated me like family."
"I can say this. I was raised by my mother, supported by the United Government, taught by Chief Qian, and truly understood by Professor Li."
"So, here and now, at my own funeral, I'd like to say something that I've long kept in my heart."
"Professor Li—you've worked hard too!"
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