Beiyue nodded in satisfaction and said, "Cui Ming, do you find it interesting to play these little tricks? I believe that friends shouldn't worry too much about the details. Based on your mindset, there are two possibilities: first, you might not know how to make friends. Just because you can get along with anyone doesn't mean you understand what friendship truly means. The second possibility is that you do know how to make friends, but you don't see me as one. For instance, if I were to fall into the water, would you hesitate to save me because you'd weigh the risk of drowning against the value of my life? You have a mature perspective on this matter, but you're reluctant to share it with your friends for fear of being blamed."
I was taken aback by his words and found myself speechless. Cui Ming thought for a moment before responding, "The third possibility is that we are friends—familiar friends—but not yet at the closest stage, so we hold back our attitudes towards significant events. At the same time, I believe there are considerable differences in our thoughts and viewpoints, and I don't want my ideas to influence you."
Beiyue accepted Cui Ming's perspective and said, "Let's go... By the way, how often do you speak your mind like this?"
Cui Ming replied, "I speak my mind quite often; I hardly ever lie. But expressing my true inner thoughts like this is probably a first."
I felt as though I was being ignored... I may be small, but I still exist. Mi Xiaonan noticed the exchange of words and glances between the two and casually asked, "So what you're saying is that Beiyue is important to you, Cui Ming, which is why you're willing to share your true feelings?"
Beiyue turned his head and looked ahead seriously while Cui Ming playfully tapped Mi Xiaonan on the head. "You talk too much."
"Huh?" Mi Xiaonan didn't understand.
Cui Ming grabbed Mi Xiaonan and tossed her away. "Go explore the fork in the road."
Mi Xiaonan pouted but quickly ran off to the right to check for any signs of a horse team or people.
"Cui Ming."
"Yeah?"
"Um..." Beiyue thought for a moment and said, "You're too young."
"Uh... oh." Cui Ming understood what Beiyue meant and replied, "I don't know when we'll find a way around. We need to deal with the vultures for dinner; let Wind handle it."
"Cu Ming, I didn't mean it that way. It's just that I don't have the mind to think about unnecessary things right now," Beiyue said.
Cu Ming understood; he was too young. It was the truth. Young not only in age but also in temperament, which seemed rather unstable. Furthermore, from the perspective of a cultivator, his qualities were somewhat lacking.
Beiyue could tell that Cu Ming had misunderstood and couldn't help but chuckle. "So you're a sensitive person... When talking to sensitive people, you must be clear; otherwise, they'll jump to conclusions. You don't have much fondness for me, do you?"
"Well... that's about right."
Beiyue continued, "And I really don't have the mind to think about these things right now. That's the truth. Being young or whatever reason is just an excuse I make for myself. When I say 'young,' I'm referring to my overall impression of you. You tend to focus too much on details. You're very clever, but you often give others the impression of being clever in a petty way, lacking grandeur. Hmm... let me think. You possess a kind of cleverness that lacks philosophical depth and is more akin to street smarts. For example, regarding Li Qing joining the team, you were smart enough to understand what was happening right away, but compared to you, Li Qing's intelligence is more generous."
"Great wisdom appears foolish?" Cu Ming countered.
"Not quite at that level," Beiyue pondered for a long time before saying, "I believe you have the ability to strategize effectively, but you apply that ability to minor details. For instance, in a battle between two armies, you could have lured and killed the enemy general, yet you chose to use that tactic against foot soldiers instead. It may seem like you've gained an advantage in localized combat, but you could achieve so much more. I'm saying this because I consider you a friend; don't take offense."
"I won't," Cu Ming nodded in agreement. "I feel the same way but don't know where the problem lies."
"Lack of ambition," Beiyue replied. "You are unwilling to be the center of attention on stage; to put it bluntly, you're reluctant to take responsibility. Those who shy away from responsibility are never truly grand individuals. In areas where you excel—like planning the itinerary for Twilight City—you show confidence and ambition. However, when it comes to deciding who should accompany Ding Ze to the Western Continent, you're hesitant to voice your opinion because you're worried that if it doesn't work out, others will blame you." Beiyue added, "I'm similar to you in some ways but different in others. The difference lies in my necessity to take responsibility; the similarity is that we are both lonely individuals. Before meeting Li Qing, did you ever trust anyone? I believe not..."
Cu Ming looked at Beiyue and agreed, "Your observations and analysis are spot on."
Beiyue said, "This team isn't mine; it's everyone's. Don't hide yourself away waiting for orders. You need to learn how to give orders because within our team, you're likely the one who thinks the most."
Cu Ming replied, "Honest words are hard to hear; what you're saying sounds uncomfortable, but..."
"But you're rational enough to accept it," Beiyue interjected. "Even if it's uncomfortable, you'll still be grateful for my words deep down." After responding, he added, "See? I can also exhibit this kind of cleverness. Many people can do it; it's just that you're accustomed to thinking this way while others think more strategically."
Cui Ming chuckled, "It's pointless, really pointless. Talking about this is just a waste of time."
Mi Xiaonan returned, her little legs moving swiftly like a windmill, and with her petite stature, she looked exceptionally cute. "I found the way."
Not only had they found the way, but they had also located a merchant caravan—a small group of ten horses, with a Guide from the Mule Team taking a break. Cui Ming approached and pulled out the travel ticket. "Hey there, brother, look at this ticket we bought. Your Guide and nine Bandits tried to take my woman. I took care of them all. Do you think this ticket is still valid?"
Upon seeing Beiyue, the Guide realized that Cui Ming was not joking. They had discussed this ticket last night; several older men believed that even thieves had their principles. However, the leader of the Mule Team was driven by lust and claimed he needed a wife for his stronghold, insisting on leading the team himself to take care of the girl right there…
Damn, the leader is dead…
Cui Ming asked, "Don't believe me? I can take you to meet them; you can ask if I'm telling the truth."
"Big brother, I believe you, I believe you," the Guide replied immediately. "Of course this travel ticket is valid."
Cui Ming continued, "There's one more thing you need to tell your brothers: if I hear about any similar incidents happening in this Grand Canyon again—where someone buys a travel ticket only to be taken advantage of by you guys—I will make sure to invite you all to Set Off together." With that, he tossed Mi Xiaonan into the air. She flew out and landed a punch on a large rock by the roadside, shattering it into pieces. Mi Xiaonan extended her left hand, maintaining her pose. Cui Ming walked over and tapped her on the forehead. "Damn it, showing off can be contagious."
The wind had picked up nearby; everyone heard clearly what was said. What did that mean? Where was I showing off? I'm just cool; do I need to show off?
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