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墨書 Inktalez
Cui Ming took the watermelon handed to him by Mi Xiaonan and asked with a grin, "Wandering Senior, do you think the Ye Family and Twilight City are completely unaware?"
Wandering felt cold sweat trickling down his forehead. He didn't know; he wasn't familiar with politics. He only knew that the member countries of the Eternity Alliance each had their own interests. If Twilight City didn't have ambitions for dominance, they wouldn't have developed such advanced technology and military strength to crush the Fire Cult Team. As for the Dawn Empire? He had no idea whether they were aware or not. But Cui Ming was certain that the Dawn Empire knew.
"Wandering Path," Cui Ming continued, "what kind of agreement do you have with the Crow? I'll give you ten times what you're getting."
"Haha, Senior, are you joking? Do I look like someone who can be bought?" Cui Ming replied. "There is no agreement. I confirmed my thoughts through conversations with the Crow. Black Technology probably exists, but it's not as powerful as imagined. With the Fire Cult's level, it's difficult to enhance their research capabilities. And one last thing: a certain country is the origin of Black Technology. Now it gets interesting; if the Eternity Alliance investigates this country, then the Fire Religion Nation will definitely feel threatened. What will happen then? I enjoy watching the chaos unfold; you countries can play your games."
It turned out that Cui Ming was not short-sighted; releasing the Crow required considerable courage. Cui Ming believed it was the right decision. Killing the Crow would only strengthen unity within the Fire Cult. Perhaps the Crow was lying, but Cui Ming didn't think releasing a Crow without its wings would benefit the Fire Cult in any way.
Cui Ming didn't need a video testimony from the Crow; he could have killed it and shared his speculations with Wandering. However, he knew that once Wandering learned everything, war would become inevitable. Cui Ming wasn't worried about an outright war because the Fire Cult currently had no advantages to suppress the Eternity Alliance. What worried him was the Dawn Empire and even Twilight City.
This world might need hegemonic nations, but only to a certain extent; there shouldn't be a single dominant power dictating everything. World culture should be diverse, coexisting with contradictions and harmony. The destructive power of Black Technology in the hands of the Fire Cult was far less than that wielded by the Dawn Empire and Twilight City after acquiring it. The people of the Dawn Empire believed that holding military power would ensure their safety and prevent abuse, and Twilight City naturally thought the same way. But what about other countries?
Wandering left with Ashen and Akali from Dawn City, while Evelyn was responsible for escorting them to the Ferry. Cui Ming and his companions only saw them off to the villa's entrance, listening to the sound of their car departing. Li Qing sighed, "I should have chosen my words more carefully."
"Don't worry; Wandering won't dismiss you over a few words."
"No, I feel like Wandering is somewhat dispirited; he seems exhausted. Especially when you mentioned the relationship between the Dawn Empire and Black Technology, and speculated that Twilight City might be aware—this caught him off guard." Li Qing turned and walked toward the villa, saying, "He's not afraid of fierce and powerful opponents, but he lacks the energy to deal with political matters between nations."
Ding Ze said, "He is a hunter; he shouldn't need to concern himself with so much. He thinks too highly of himself. To put it bluntly, being recognized as the top expert has brought him honor but also led him to lose sight of his own identity. Over these years, he has used his prestige and status to interfere in internal alliance matters. But because of his prestige and status, no one dares to correct him or explain things to him. I think it's a good thing; at least Wandering will reflect on himself."
Cui Ming remarked, "That sounds a bit harsh."
Ding Ze shook his head as he lay back on the sofa, lit a cigarette, and settled comfortably. "Throughout history, many nations have faced similar situations—like Qin Shi Huang or Emperor Wu of Han—who were incredibly wise in their youth and thus accumulated immense prestige. In their old age, they made mistakes but no one dared to correct them; they even forbade others from doing so. This is why a ruler cannot remain in power indefinitely. This is why personal worship is very detrimental. Regardless of anything else, the Fire Cult is in an awkward position."
Yes, the Fire Cult is in an awkward situation. Wandering will definitely inform Bufon about this matter. What the consequences will be is uncertain, but an emergency meeting will surely be convened within the Eternity Alliance. What if the Fire Cult learns that the Eternity Alliance suspects them of developing Black Technology for creating practitioners? Will the Dawn Empire openly admit it or continue to hide it? Just how powerful is Black Technology? These questions remain unanswered, and the attitude of the Dawn Empire is crucial.
Historically, the Dawn Empire's foreign affairs have been dominated by the Elder Council, and this time is no exception. The Elder Council is currently experiencing a power struggle with the parliament and the president. It can be assumed that the president is unaware of the existence of Black Technology. With a presidential term lasting four years and a maximum of two terms, there is no need for the president to know about absolute confidential information regarding biological matters. The Elder Council consists of nine members, led by three individuals, one of whom is Jinjin's father. During these tumultuous times, the Dawn Empire is not faring well either.
Li Qing said, "Junior brother, are you really sending Beiyue alone to Zuan? What on earth?"
"I'm currently breaking through a bottleneck and will be retreating to Stone Mountain for a few days. Beiyue is an adult; he can take care of himself."
"Heh heh." Li Qing chuckled awkwardly.
"Heh heh." Ding Ze also let out a dry laugh, lying down and closing his eyes.
"Heh heh." Mi Xiaonan had just learned this phrase, but upon seeing Cui Ming's glare, quickly added, "What are we having for lunch? I'll call for takeout." Being short has its disadvantages!
"Hot pot?" Cui Ming asked.
"Sounds good."
...
With Beiyue absent, the small villa returned to its usual state. Mi Xiaonan happily tidied up while Li Qing was never satisfied and was quite picky about food. Ding Ze was lazy and preferred lounging around. Sometimes Cui Ming would dabble in little magic tricks, chat, or plan programs. After finishing hot pot one afternoon, Cui Ming found himself alone in the backyard playing with Tarot Cards.
Li Qing went to the back door, stepped up, and climbed onto the clothesline: "Laziness really is contagious. I used to think about taking a walk or finding something to do after a hearty meal. Now, once I'm full, all I want to do is lie down and take a nap."
"Ding Ze gets caught in the crossfire," Cui Ming remarked as he flipped a card.
"Junior Brother, don't treat us like fools. Beiyue is certainly easy to deceive. What's your situation?"
Cui Ming said, "I want to play something big."
Li Qing was taken aback. "Big? Is there still something big to play with? You’re not getting involved in the Fire Cult and Eternity alliance matters, and Beiyue's father's situation isn't that serious. What else is there?"
Cui Ming replied, "Senior Brother, I think you should take a trip to the Eastern Continent."
"What for?"
"The Ye Family has now imprisoned the Leopard Woman. Although Miss Fortune is with her and won't let anything happen, we can't be sure there won't be any unforeseen events." Cui Ming continued, "I believe the Ye Family knows about Black Technology, but after the emergence of the Fire Cult and Half-Beast practitioners, they have remained quiet like the Dawn Empire. What if they pry information from the Leopard Woman? Once they learn about the whereabouts of Black Technology, could they launch a surprise attack?"
"Is Black Technology a person, a device, or a formula?"
"Unclear." Cui Ming put away the Tarot Cards. "I'm going to the supermarket to buy some food in preparation for my retreat at Stone Mountain."
"Okay."
"By the way, I heard Ding Ze is acting a bit strange. You might want to check on him."
"Huh?"
Cui Ming said, "There's a rumor that Ding Ze's former fiancée, Ye Shi, is going to marry Cao Yi."
Li Qing replied calmly, "What's the big deal? It's been so long."
Cui Ming chuckled lightly, "Senior Brother, do you still remember Sister Wei Wei?"
Li Qing thought for a moment and then said, "I should talk to him."
Cui Ming stepped outside, waited for a bus, and headed into the city. Once he arrived, he got off and turned around, saying, "Come out."
From behind a tree on the sidewalk, Mi Xiaonan jumped down with a cheerful smile. "Cui Ming, what a coincidence!"
"What do you want?" Cui Ming asked as he pinched Mi Xiaonan's neck playfully.
Mi Xiaonan made a sad face and replied, "Li Qing asked me to find out your whereabouts."
"Oh." Cui Ming released Mi Xiaonan and walked into the supermarket. Without shame, Mi Xiaonan jumped onto the shopping cart and leaned back inside. Cui Ming casually grabbed her and set her aside.
As he started shopping, Mi Xiaonan hopped onto a shelf and followed Cui Ming closely. "Cui Ming, tell me why you're not going to Zuan with Beiyue?"
"Huh?" Cui Ming looked puzzled.
Mi Xiaonan explained, "Ding Ze said that if you go to Zuan with Beiyue, just the two of you in one tent—a man and a woman—could get up to some mischief. Li Qing said that morally speaking, you should accompany Beiyue on this trip. They all think you wouldn't be so unreasonable, so there must be something very important going on. Plus, you haven't even told us..."
Cui Ming lowered his head in silence for a long time before finally saying, "Actually, you've all misunderstood. There are some things going on, but it's not what you think."
Mi Xiaonan asked curiously, "Then what is it?"
"I can't say. If I do, you'll just scold me."
"I, Mi Xiaonan, promise not to scold you, not just verbally, but also in my heart. Brother Cui Ming, you've always been my idol, truly. You are my best, best friend."
Cui Ming hesitated for a long time before saying, "I got together with Miss Fortune."
"What... what the hell?" Mi Xiaonan was shocked. "Last time Ding Ze guessed that you and Miss Fortune had something going on, we thought he was talking nonsense... No way, Cui Ming, you're being too much."
Cui Ming rubbed his temples and said, "I went to Silent City with Miss Fortune and encountered some spiders. After this is over, I want to be alone for a while. I can't accompany Beiyue to Zuan; if I can't hold back and let it slip, it would be a disaster. I feel guilty and remorseful. Mi Xiaonan, don't ask me anymore. Don't be fooled by my calm demeanor; my heart is in chaos."
Mi Xiaonan fell silent and quietly followed Cui Ming through the shelves. After a long time, she said, "In terms of marrying standards, Miss Fortune is better than Beiyue."
"Nonsense," Cui Ming replied, taken aback.
"Really. Beiyue can't do any housework and has a very stubborn personality. She might be considerate but never expresses it. And let's be honest, you and Beiyue have been together for a long time; there’s a certain feeling between you two. But she avoids emotional connections because she's searching for her father. To put it bluntly, I think love doesn't hold much importance in her heart."
Cui Ming asked in surprise, "What kind of logic is that?"
"I learned it from TV dramas," Mi Xiaonan replied. "A wife should at least be understanding. After a long day at work, you want to come home to a smiling face and hot tea, not questions and nagging. Beiyue doesn’t nag; she just doesn’t talk enough. Remember when the five of us participated in the Assessment Match?"
"Yeah?"
"Well... I want to clarify that Beiyue is one of the best partners and friends. But... look at you, Cui Ming; as long as it's not against your principles or bottom line, let others play however they want. I don't know how to say it; simply put, Beiyue is too rigid. I absolutely wouldn't marry a woman with such a personality." (To be continued.)
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