69novels Page 148
Page 148
She wanted to become a true queen and establish a kingdom of her own!
Ordinary people may occasionally have such fantasies, but they would never make it their goal.
But Qin Hehuan was serious.
Even Nie Qingyun had to admire this woman's courage at this moment.
Only she would dare to think of and do something like this.
Nie Qingyun composed himself, his gaze becoming serious. After a long silence, he slowly spoke:
"This is definitely not an easy task."
"So, I need your help." Qin Hehuan responded to the other person's gaze without any hesitation.
After receiving another affirmative answer, Nie Qingyun stopped talking, put his arm on the table, buried his head in his arms, and began to think seriously.
Now, he must replan his future.
Assuming Qin Hehuan did not lie about the princess, then joining the Allied Government's forces might not necessarily be a good thing.
Everyone has a different interpretation of "justice," let alone politicians in high positions of power.
In the current situation, any power will stop at nothing to seize control of its own territory in order to expand itself.
As such a crucial pawn, Cheng Yuqiu could not be allowed to remain free once anyone obtained her.
The worst outcome could be being imprisoned in a life support device, never to awaken again.
In comparison, Qin Hehuan's side seems to be the optimal solution.
First, she possesses crucial information about the [Witch's Wand], and second, she is not so powerful that she is beyond my ability to deal with.
At least on the point of protecting Cheng Yuqiu, the two were of one mind.
Time passed by, and Qin Hehuan sat quietly across from the desk, the black tea in the teacup having completely lost its warmth.
But she didn't urge him; she simply waited quietly for his answer.
After an unknown amount of time, Nie Qingyun finally raised his head.
“You never intended to contact military forces with the survivors from the very beginning.”
"Otherwise, with your abilities, you would have reached the laboratory building long ago."
“You are the daughter of the Sabak Consortium. Even if you want to achieve your ambitions, you should first contact your family’s influence and then gain their support.”
"But you haven't done it yet."
"If I'm not wrong."
“You did not inherit any substantial rights from your father, and even if you did, given the current situation, you would not be able to fully control them.”
"So right now, you are just an ordinary person wearing a crown of falsehood, no different from us."
Upon hearing this, Qin Hehuan tapped the table rhythmically with her fingers, not responding immediately, which was tantamount to acknowledging the matter.
After a few seconds, she suddenly spoke:
"A person's ability is always limited."
Do you know why I was able to easily return 1500 [Primal Crystals] to you?
"Because I don't even care about this stuff."
"In the days you were away, these rabble in the main building alone helped me collect no less than 2000 [Primordial Crystals]."
"If you're willing to join me, I guarantee you that acquiring resources will be much faster than if you act alone."
Nie Qingyun waved his hand and said:
"I have never doubted your abilities."
"But have you ever considered that those disciplined forces that haven't been severely damaged by the apocalypse will only develop faster than you?"
How much of a chance do you think you have?
"As long as you're willing to help me," Qin Hehuan suddenly stood up and said with unwavering determination:
"My win rate is 100%."
Upon hearing this, Nie Qingyun was stunned. The other party's unquestionable tone made him blush.
Even he himself wasn't confident that he could defeat the enormous forces left over from the old world.
What gave Qin Hehuan such certainty...?
After a moment, Nie Qingyun twitched his lips, somewhat embarrassed, and said:
"Just me?"
"I'm just an ordinary student..."
"Aren't you overestimating me?"
"With us," Qin Hehuan leaned forward, seemingly so focused on her emotions that she almost pressed her body against Nie Qingyun:
"Your talent plus everything I have."
As she spoke, Qin Hehuan slightly raised her chin, a hint of arrogance flashing across her exquisite face.
"Although I did not inherit the rights I deserved before the end times."
"But the blood of Sabak will always flow in my veins."
“From military heavy industry to people’s livelihood, the Sabak consortium’s industries cover everything people need.”
“Even in this fragmented world, I can still use all of Sabak’s heritage through genetic verification.”
"These things can help us quickly gain a foothold."
"Not only that, I also know the secrets about the [Trial]."
"As long as we win the trial, we can rise above everyone else!"
Suddenly, Nie Qingyun's heart pounded wildly, and his eyes widened in shock.
The word "trial" was only mentioned briefly in the "Apocalypse Survival Guide".
He had never heard anyone mention it before!
But Qin Hehuan seems to have an even more astonishing secret than he does.
Chapter 192: Nie Qingyun in the Eyes of a Bad Woman
"Trial?" Nie Qingyun asked almost instinctively.
He should have avoided appearing so eager, but this matter was far too important for improving their strength in the apocalypse.
More than a month has passed since the apocalypse began, and thanks to his senior's abilities and the [Data System], Nie Qingyun believes that his exploration of this world has surpassed that of most people.
However, the strongest item obtained from the vast world is only a blue-quality B-grade equipment, and the only S+ item, [Liu Chengyuan's Epitaph], was passively transformed by [Noise of Causality].
If nothing unexpected happens, purple equipment around grade A should be the limit that can be produced in the vast world.
Apart from that, the only skill that provides the greatest boost to "Transcendentalists" is the one awakened by "Single-minded Aspiration".
To further improve, you can only do so through the [Trials].
However, the "Apocalypse Survival Guide" does not provide a detailed introduction to the "Trials," only mentioning them briefly in the descriptions of other items.
Therefore, even Nie Qingyun had to pay extra attention when he heard these two words.
Qin Hehuan noticed the change in Nie Qingyun's expression, and a look of surprise flashed in her eyes:
"You know about the [Trials]?"
"I know a little, not much, just enough to know that it exists," Nie Qingyun answered truthfully.
However, Qin Hehuan's expression suddenly became serious, and her voice rose a few decibels.
"You have touched a fragment of the Book of Time and Space!"
"What is that?" Nie Qingyun asked in astonishment. This name had never appeared in his memory before, so he immediately searched for it in the [Apocalypse Survival Guide].
However, no relevant search results were found.
Qin Hehuan remained silent, staring intently at Nie Qingyun for a long time with an extremely aggressive gaze. Only after confirming that the other party did she breathe a slight sigh of relief and say:
"It's alright, let's ignore that and continue talking about what we were just discussing."
Nie Qingyun's pupils contracted slightly. He instinctively felt that there must be some secret hidden in this unfamiliar word, but Qin Hehuan changed the subject at this moment, clearly unwilling to go into details. So he didn't press further, because information about the [Trial] was equally important to him at the moment.
Qin Hehuan adjusted her speaking speed and continued:
"You can think of the [Trial] as a [copy] existing in this data-driven world."
"The size of the [copy] and what exists inside are unpredictable."
"It will occasionally descend upon various parts of the world in the form of red mist, and these areas shrouded in red mist are the entrances to the [Trials]."
Nie Qingyun was immediately startled and interrupted:
"Do you know the exact time and location of the entrance's descent?"
Qin Hehuan shook her head:
"I know the approximate time, but I don't know the exact location where the entrance will appear."
Nie Qingyun frowned slightly and said:
"Does that mean that, under the current conditions, the only way for ordinary people to participate in the [Trial] is through luck?"
"More or less," Qin Hehuan replied, and continued:
"In addition, a group of people will be randomly selected to become 'Chosen Ones' and be transported to the [Trial]."
Nie Qingyun's expression turned solemn as he tried to process the other person's words, before replying:
"In other words, participation in the [Trial] is not entirely voluntary; any survivor could be forcibly added to it."
"In other words, there is no such thing as safety as long as you live in this world."
Even if you hide away and live a peaceful life, you can't guarantee that one day you won't be inexplicably teleported into some kind of [dungeon].
"It seems that all the survivors have left is to keep getting stronger."
"Not entirely," Qin Hehuan said, looking at Nie Qingyun with a hint of appreciation.
"The content and rules of the trial are unpredictable."
"Sometimes it might be a fragment of a 'story' that requires teamwork to achieve victory; other times it might be a battle royale where the winner is determined in a life-or-death struggle."
"But strength is only a necessary condition for passing the [Trial], not a sufficient condition."
"For example," seeing the other person's puzzled expression, Qin Hehuan tapped her head with her finger and continued:
"Sometimes the rules for passing a trial might be to solve a puzzle."
"It could also be a straightforward rock-paper-scissors match."
"The loser dies. At times like this, it doesn't matter how powerful your items, attributes, or skills are."
"The key is to use a flexible mind and the ability to adapt to the situation."
"And you happen to be an outstanding individual in this field. You are one of the few geniuses I have ever met."
"My expertise lies in political coordination and control; my knowledge of combat is only barely scratching the surface."
"I need you to help me overcome difficulties at critical moments."
Nie Qingyun was slightly embarrassed. He hadn't expected the Queen of Linjiang Terrace to have such a high opinion of him, but he wasn't an arrogant person, so he said helplessly:
"Just surviving is already a struggle for me; there are plenty of people in this world who are better than me."
"There's no need to belittle yourself," Qin Hehuan said, her eyes slightly narrowed.
"Although I don't know how you removed my [soul imprint], you did survive that desperate situation and escaped my control."
"And he took Cheng Yuqiu from my hands, and successfully formed a deep bond with her."
"I am now forced to cooperate with you."
"Furthermore," Qin Hehuan paused, then continued:
“I watched the entire battle between you and Liu Chengyuan.”
"Anyone who possesses the ability to interfere with cause and effect, regardless of the level of their skill, has already transcended the realm of mortals."