Biochemical Martial Arts: Supreme Heavenly Venerate

Outside Linghu Mingde's study, Linghu Tianchou and Fang Ranran were sitting together.

Linghu Tianchou had been eyeing the study door with suspicion. On one hand, he was carrying out his father's task to ensure no one could approach; on the other, he wondered why his father valued Lin Rui so highly and why he had kept him alone inside.

Fang Ranran then asked with a strained voice, "Uncle, aren't my aunt and my cousins at home today?"

Today was Linghu Mingde's grand birthday, yet Tianchou's wife and children were not at home.

"They went back to her mother's." Linghu Tianchou gave a bitter smile. "Her mother is ill, and she wanted to take the kids to see her."

Fang Ranran's expression was complex, both sad and helpless, "It's all my fault, my situation has put you all in a difficult position."

Actually, her aunt had previously been very good to her, truly raising her like her own daughter. Fang Ranran could feel that her aunt genuinely cared about her.

However, ever since Linghu Mingde had invested heavily in her favor, even going as far as to sell Mingde University to help her secure her mother's inheritance early, Ranran clearly felt a shift in her aunt's attitude.

"What are you thinking about?"

First, Linghu Tianchou pinched Fang Ranran's cheek, then vigorously rubbed her head. "Your aunt is a little angry about this, but you are really underestimating her too. Your maternal grandfather is very fair; he has nurtured several of us brothers without sparing any effort. Linghu family's generation had several outstanding people, and he put great efforts into them, but none could really hold the fort.

"Your aunt is a sensible person; she knows if no one from the Linghu Family can stand out, we wouldn't be able to keep our family estate. Now, the only hope for the Linghu Family is you, only if you become a Congressman, can you inherit his network in the Federation government."

Linghu Tianchou shook his head, "Let me tell you the truth. Actually, your aunt was following your grandfather's orders to take her children to her maternal home for safety. Although your grandfather has confidence, there's always the fear of the unexpected."

Upon hearing this, Fang Ranran's heart sank. Had her grandfather really started planning for Linghu Tianchou's family to avoid disaster?

From this, it was visible that his health was very pessimistic, possibly worse than Fang Ranran had anticipated.

At his prime, Linghu Mingde could even counter the head of the Security Bureau.

In the past, it was Linghu Mingde who had protected the former President, meeting Li Xianglong of the Ninth Realm Emperor, and battled Li Xianglong for half an hour without falling short.

His fight with Jin Bolong should have been easy, too.

"This is also to reduce our family's vulnerabilities, extract as much power as possible, and concentrate our forces, making our punches painful."

Linghu Tianchou sighed, "This is all because we brothers are incompetent. If only your mother were still alive, would father need to be troubled over our affairs even as he approaches the decline of his life?"

Fang Ranran also looked distressed.

She wished heaven could grant her a bit more time.

Even just half a year more would change their family's circumstances, and she definitely would be able to become elected as a congressman, shielding the Linghu Family from the looming storms.

※※※※

Inside the study, Linghu Mingde and Lin Rui sat facing each other, Mingde personally pouring tea for Lin Rui, answering his questions, "Li Tianxing indeed has significant interests tied with Jin Bolong. He did indeed come to give me a final ultimatum on behalf of Jin Bolong, but to say he'd get involved in this war himself for Jin Bolong, that's absolutely impossible."

By then the teacup was full, and Linghu Mingde gestured, "Drink, try my homemade tea blend, it combines the best of Sky Extreme Star and Earth Federation."

Lin Rui tentatively took a sip, found the flavor intense, and it instantly revitalized his spirit.

He thought to himself that Linghu Mingde's taste must be off; how could such tea taste good?

But the revitalizing effect was indeed good.

Lin Rui, for the sake of Linghu Mingde's reputation, downed it in one gulp and continued asking, "Is Li Tianxing a member of the Longevity Association?"

"The power of the Longevity Association is indeed frightening, almost equivalent to that of a nation. But really, it's a collection of many factions, and its leaders joined with different goals, similar to the former Divine Church. So, don't see them as a singular entity."

Linghu Mingde couldn't help but chuckle. "I have two friends inside the Longevity Association with significant influence. As long as they hold their positions, Jin Bolong will find it hard to mobilize the Longevity Association's power against me. You know, once a power grows large, bureaucracy is unavoidable.

"He thought Lin Rui liked his tea, so he continued pouring more, "Besides, having deeply rooted myself in Sky Extreme Star and within the Federation for so many years, making so many friends, if I were to be overpowered by Jin Bolong, wouldn't that imply incompetence?

"To be audacious, if not for my approaching end due to limited life span, with relationships turning cold, Jin Bolong wouldn't even be qualified to be my opponent."

Lin Rui thought to himself, I believe this, for just before, having observed those few from the Ninth Realm except Minister Li, most still sided with Linghu Mingde.

However, compared to the near-death Linghu Mingde, they were more reluctant to offend the Minister of State-Owned Enterprises, Li Tianxing.

He also slightly felt a headache looking at the tea before him, thinking, This tea is truly awful!