Abyss Solo

Chapter 90: 055 Face the Gale!

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As the morning sunlight streamed in through the window, Yang Ming, exhausted from the night, opened his eyes.

He instinctively patted the pillow beside him, remembering that he returned to his own suite last night and didn’t linger in the gentle embrace for long.

“How do you feel, boss?”

Lyu’s sneaky voice piped up beside him.

Yang Ming’s expression was quite indescribable.

A few beams of light intertwined from his watch, and Lyu cheerfully emerged, staring at the pensive Yang Ming, wondering,

“Why do you feel disappointed, boss? Based on my observations of the human species, your performance last night, if not unparalleled, was at least outstanding.”

Yang Ming sighed deeply.

“That sister knew more than I did.”

Lyu generated a few question marks above her head to express her misunderstanding of this subtle feeling.

She complained,

“Boss, if you want to indulge in your desires in the future, please consider the increased workload for your assistant.

“Your biological information cannot be leaked casually. Although you took protective measures and used the machine that hardens the skin to prevent flake shedding, it’s still not foolproof.

“I need to monitor the target closely for more than a month.”

Yang Ming cleared his throat, “Alright, let’s not discuss topics unrelated to business. Did they return?”

“Yes, boss,” said Lyu softly.

“The princess’s mental endurance is very limited. When pressure from all sides accelerated to swell, she quickly couldn’t hold on anymore. Last night, she hastily staged a scene with three trusted people finding her, blaming everything on her desire to see an opera.”

“What about the lady-in-waiting, the guards, and the fake Talisha?”

“Temporarily safe,” Lyu said softly.

“And the military’s reaction?”

“Quite interesting,” Lyu said in a lighthearted tone.

“Most of the military’s top brass want to maintain the status quo.

“Gudun Mah made a late-night audience with the Emperor of the Luofeng Empire, and although the two merely had a simple cup of tea, the signal released to the outside world was one of military submission to the royal family.

“This was also a tiny initiative the princess secured for the royal family in her brash action.

“The Emperor didn’t blame the princess, instead consoled her with a few words, only telling her not to go out casually. The lady-in-waiting and guards were warned, and the fake Talisha was transferred to serve the First Prince, likely becoming a bargaining chip in the prince’s negotiations with the military.”

Yang Ming pondered for a moment.

He wouldn’t let a mere one-night stand sway his judgment of the situation.

“Thankfully, I have foresight,” Yang Ming chuckled, “we made a total of one and a half million from the princess!”

“The usual plan?”

“Yeah, the usual plan. A million to invest in the New Federation’s stock market and fifty thousand as a reserve fund,” Yang Ming said coolly, “the factory costs can be handed over to Kolev.”

“Boss, your move to fleece your subordinates is simply… to my liking.”

Yang Ming exchanged a glance with Lyu and then chuckled softly.

Everything they planned next would cost money.

Developing the administrative star and assembling a powerful fleet—all required astronomical figures, and they had to learn to reduce costs from the start.

“But, boss,” Lyu asked softly, “what do you think of this princess?”

“Specifically?”

“Potential, leadership qualities, things like that.”

Yang Ming adjusted his collar in front of the mirror, thought for a while, and said slowly, “I understand what you mean, Lyu. After the first test, we’ll have a second, a third. If we can control the Luofeng Empire entirely in the future, there will be tremendous advantages.”

“Yes, boss.”

“Lyu, human hearts are treacherous, human nature like a beast hiding in the darkness, ready to show its fangs. The princess is full of uncertainties.”

Yang Ming smiled, continuing,

“At this stage, trying to seize a planet is already very difficult, not to mention running such a massive regime. Let’s first stand firm on the first step.”

“Okay, boss, I’ve devised two plan routes based on the current situation in the Luofeng Empire.”

A screenshot appeared on Yang Ming’s watch.

The first route: Military merit.

Rising rapidly in the Luofeng Empire’s army, taking advantage of Gudun Mah’s convenience.

The advantage is a quick promotion, as long as there is money and connections.

The disadvantage is needing to muddy along with the military, likely having to dirty one’s hands.

The second route: Royal family.

Approach the Second Prince, who lacks ambition, through the princess, then find a way onto the official career path.

The advantage is a possibly quicker effect, while maintaining high-frequency noble social interactions.

The disadvantage is being prone to getting caught between various forces.

Yang Ming pondered deeply for a moment, speaking slowly, “How about finding a way to enter the military from the royal family?”

Lyu was a bit puzzled, “But, the royal family and the military are opposing forces right now.”

“Indeed,” Yang Ming said warmly, “but the royal family’s most urgent matter now is probably reclaiming military power. If we get involved in this process, it will offer us more opportunities. Lyu, your study of strategy is still lacking.”

Lyu remained silent for a moment, “It all depends on your performance.”

“What we need to do now is just wait.”

Yang Ming did a chest expansion exercise, feeling that his physical fitness was slightly declining from not working out these days.

He casually tapped, and a hidden interface in the projection screen before him appeared, with a dark red box popping up.

This was his personally designed attribute board.

…

ID: 0000000001

Character Name: Yang Ming

Title: High-dimensional Ancient Relic Cadet, Subordinate Ancient God Life Form, Wanderer

Occupation: Genetically Modified Enhanced Warrior

Comprehensive Strength Assessment: C (For reference: Valkyrie’s first-phase status is B)

Potential Threat Level: Ship Destruction Level (Squad Level, Team Level, Ship Destruction Level, Legion Level, Planet Level, Dreadnought Level, Constant Star Level, Divine Envoy Level, Star Cluster Level, Cosmic Level.)

…

Below the comprehensive strength assessment, there were various attributes such as strength, agility, and maximum speed. It included an equipment section, and all enemy defense equipment such as the Light Sword and Light Shield had been meticulously graded by Lyu.

Without this thing, Yang Ming always felt like something was missing.

Later, any improvements in his indices would be recorded and updated by Lyu.

As for that potential threat level, it was outright copied from “Abyss.”

The potential index for Valkyrie was at the Planet Level.

Yang Ming estimated that his current potential was at most at the Legion Level.

Three high-ranking Thought Bodies claiming to be of secondary civilization, the Patroller, the Grave Keeper, and the Examiner, had once given Yang Ming some hints.

After passing the first phase of trials, Yang Ming could choose the type of technology he wanted to undertake, including the technological accumulation in the direction of gene fusion.

As long as Yang Ming could obtain new Ancient God Cells, absorb and digest these technological accumulations, and develop genuinely usable instruments, it would be completely possible to enhance his potential further and transform himself into a humanoid Ancient God.

In short, in terms of personal strength, there was a bright future ahead.

So far, the benefits Yang Ming had reaped through this strength were too many to count.

Whiz!

Yang Ming closed his personal panel, smiling as he looked at the scenery outside the window.

“Today will probably be another day of property viewing.”

“Boss,” Lyu chuckled, “that guy is here again.”

“026?”

“Yes, boss,” Lyu chuckled, “they’ve prepared an entirely new script; it seems they want to stick with the persona of the rich young lady.”

Yang Ming’s expression was somewhat peculiar.

He shook his head, “Don’t bother with such trivial matters, keep an eye on the royal family and the military. As for Gudun Mah, I still need to find an opportunity to deal with him.”

“Okay, boss, remember the safety measures, hehe.”

“Screw you.”

…

Kolev found Yang Ming in the cafeteria, rushing up with a spring in his step and blinking several times at Yang Ming.

“Did that one leave?”

“She left,” Yang Ming smiled, “Uncle, what do you want to eat? I’ll go get it for you.”

“Oh, no need, I’ll just grab something casually,” Kolev said, casually picking up the knife and fork next to Yang Ming, beginning to share Yang Ming’s simple breakfast.

The old man mumbled, “See, I said it was a dream.”

Yang Ming raised his eyebrows but didn’t explain further.

“We have to continue checking site locations for the factory today,” Kolev said, “but in the afternoon, we need to come back early; I’ve scheduled an afternoon tea with two ladies.”

Yang Ming suspiciously glanced at Kolev’s old waist.

Kolev glared at Yang Ming, “Don’t overthink, I’m old. If my daughter finds out about this, she’ll go to her mother’s grave to lay flowers again.”

“Haha,” Yang Ming wondered, “did she really do that?”

“More than once,” Kolev spread his hands, “even though she’s my daughter, I have to admit, at times, her desire for control is a bit overbearing.”

Several suit-clad bodyguards at the door burst in despite the waitstaff’s attempts to stop them.

A slightly petite figure pressed on their heels, striding quickly towards Yang Ming and Kolev with high heels and a thin strap shoulder bag, a flurry of motion drawing attention from many guests.

This was a young girl with a near-perfect figure, elegant makeup, flowing long hair, and slim legs, meeting all the current beauty trends.

When men developed an interest in her figure, just a glance at her pure, sweet round face would incite a faint feeling of guilt.

Kolev looked up, reminding Yang Ming, “Is she looking for you?”

Yang Ming slowly looked up, somewhat puzzled.

026 bit her lip, a few traces of anger on her face—clearly, her acting had improved compared to yesterday.

“Hello, is something the matter?”

Yang Ming asked softly, continuing to fiddle with his utensils.

She grabbed her bag and slammed it into Yang Ming’s chest. There wasn’t much force behind the designer bag, seemingly purely an emotional release…

Face the wind!

Instinctively, Yang Ming swung his right arm, the back of his hand snapping against the bag and sending it flying back with several times the speed!

Bang!

026 was hit by the returning bag, staggering backward and landing flat on her backside, momentarily dizzy, a large red mark appearing on her forehead, and tears quickly forming at the corners of her eyes.

Yang Ming hadn’t meant for his reflexive action to be so harsh.

Two thoughts flashed through his mind: he saw this potentially as an opportunity, so he quickly stood up, somewhat tensely leaning in to check on her.

“Are you alright? I didn’t expect such a perfect setup, I’m a handball player… Oh, I’m terribly sorry, I think we should go to the hospital!”

Hospital?

026 immediately became alert.

She endured the searing pain and quickly shook her head.

If she went to the hospital, even a simple blood test would expose the drugs she used!

But Yang Ming pressed on, “We must go to the hospital to have it looked at, madam. To express my remorse, I will cover all your expenses.”

Obviously, his conversation with 026 was relayed to Karmi’s ears through a bug on 026’s button.

The bodyguards were already rushing forward, shouting at Yang Ming.

“Let go of our young lady!”

“You scoundrel! What have you done to our young lady!”

Was Karmi trying to reel in 026?

Yang Ming laughed inwardly, quietly asking, “They’re your bodyguards, not undercover police, right?”

“Y-yes,” 026 said pitifully, red forehead and all.

Yang Ming stood up, calmly taking off his suit jacket and tossing it onto an empty chair next to Kolev.

Dressed in gray suit pants and a gray vest, he looked even more upright.

Yang Ming flexed his wrist and neck.

Kolev immediately displayed an excited expression, shoving a sausage into his mouth.

The bodyguards exchanged glances.

Yang Ming beckoned with a finger, smiling, “I can’t stand people yelling at me, especially some domesticated attack dogs.”

The bodyguards were instantly infuriated, clenching their fists and charging forward.

026 instinctively covered her mouth.

But Yang Ming had already moved nimbly, landing a simple knee strike to the abdomen of the foremost bodyguard.

The motion was natural and smooth, holding back a lot of his strength.

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