Stronger with More Jobs

Chapter 663 - 286: That Deeply Rooted Defiant Streak!!

At this moment, however, the gentle-natured head of the Jiang Family, the deputy minister of Abyss Hunting, bore an unusual seriousness on her face.

"Old man..."

Jiang Ying watched Hong Qitian’s fluid movements, finally unable to hold back as she spoke, her voice carrying a cold disapproval, "The way you treat Fang Qingyu, isn’t it... a bit unsuitable?"

She paused, choosing her words carefully: "Whether it’s in public or private, your exploitation of him is a bit too much. This doesn’t align with the Federation’s standard for treating top talents, especially someone like him... a unique existence. Moreover, he is Fang Qingyu. His potential, his dual systems, his value to the Federation... deserve us to treat him more honestly, more protectively, rather than using him as a... pioneering sharp blade, or even a stone to smash against the reef."

Hong Qitian acted as if he hadn’t heard, remaining focused on the teapot in his hands.

It wasn’t until a clear tea infusion had been steadily poured into the warm white porcelain cup in front of Jiang Ying.

The amber liquid released an intoxicating fragrance as he slowly put down the teapot.

He did not immediately answer Jiang Ying’s question but instead brought his own cup of tea to his nose and inhaled the aroma gently before turning his head to gaze at the snowstorm outside the window.

"Our time..."

Hong Qitian’s voice was deep and hoarse, "is running out."

Jiang Ying’s expression tightened, her body leaning slightly forward: "Is it the battlefield over there? Or?"

Hong Qitian slowly nodded.

"Yes. Last time... that kid from my family came to see me personally."

The "kid" in his words.

Obviously referring to the director of the Divine Management Bureau, currently the Federation’s top figure.

Hong Qitian’s face showed a mix of extreme complexity, even with a hint of bitter smile, as if recalling the scene at that time.

"He said... people are about to die out; we must urgently announce the truth to the world and launch the ultimate plan; otherwise... it will truly be too late."

The old man silently sighed.

"Old man I... in this lifetime haven’t really pleaded with anyone. That time counted as my first... truly pleading with him."

He rubbed the warm teacup.

"The result... at most... we can only hold until after the New Year."

"After the New Year?"

Jiang Ying’s pupils suddenly constricted, her traditionally calm and unruffled eyes now in turmoil.

She asked in disbelief: "So we only have... five months left?!"

Hong Qitian didn’t turn around, just nodded silently.

A barely audible response emerged from his throat: "Mm."

Silence spread like a cold tide.

The sound of wind and snow outside seemed to grow louder.

After a long while, Hong Qitian finally stood up slowly and walked to the large viewing window.

Outside the window was the endless blizzard of the Arctic’s eternal night, devouring all light.

He stood with his back to Jiang Ying.

His figure appeared somewhat hunched before the vast glass window.

"Jiang girl..." Hong Qitian’s voice broke the oppressive silence again, carrying with it a tone of near admiration.

"Don’t be deceived by that kid’s appearance of indifference, as if nothing concerns him except his cultivation and becoming stronger..."

"But actually, hidden in his heart is a kind of... reckless spirit."

"A kind of fearless courage that dares to drag the emperor down from the throne, a reckless and ruthless spirit that I suspect... even he hasn’t fully realized."

Hong Qitian turned around, under the dim light.

His eyes were exceptionally bright, bearing a hint of expectation.

"And as we embark on the ’Universal Recruitment Plan’, facing the impending storm sweeping across the whole world..."

At this, the old man’s voice suddenly became sonorous and powerful.

"The leader of this new generation, the one waving the banner... must possess that kind of reckless spirit."

"Without the daring to question everything, to overturn tables, to wield a knife against the deepest darkness... how can they lead the rest... to survive?!"

Jiang Ying’s hand holding the teacup trembled slightly.

A few drops of scalding tea splashed onto the back of her hand, yet she seemed oblivious.

She looked into the complex and unfathomable eyes of Hong Qitian, her expression dazed, instinctively questioning: "Are you sure... it’s him? Fang Qingyu?"

Hearing this, Hong Qitian’s face unfurled into a slightly mocking and sentimental smile as if he had heard something amusing, retorting: "Otherwise, who?"

"Minister Jiang, could you find me another... young person who can integrate dual systems?"

Jiang Ying was rendered speechless, merely rolling her eyes beautifully in frustration, exasperated: "... I can’t find one! The entire Federation couldn’t produce a second! I’m afraid..."

She paused, with a tone full of concern, "Your blatant use of him, pushing him to confront the iceberg head-on, might breed resentment in him, even... disappointment with the entire Federation. After all, he owes nothing to the Federation. Whether it’s Glazed Light City or this incident, it’s all him cleaning the Federation’s house."

The smile on Hong Qitian’s face gradually faded as he shook his head slowly.

Turning his gaze once more to the blizzard outside that swallowed everything.

His voice was low and certain, as though explaining to Jiang Ying and as if speaking to himself:

"It won’t."

"The more obvious I am, the less disguised... the less he will resent it."

Reflected in the window glass, the elderly man’s eyes were deep and complex.

"Because that kid..."

"He understands what this old man... truly wants."