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墨書 Inktalez
If the Fire Cult directly sends experts into the Dawn Desert, then a trap will need to be set. In Nordo City, Ye Xin, Ye Wen, and Ye Ying can enter the desert with Jayce. On our side, Beiyue, Ashen, Akali, and Ding Ze will enter the desert from Dawn City. If Wandering is willing to stay and assist with the second plan, then I and Feng can also enter the desert, with Wandering dealing with any potential Mastermind. Alternatively, Wandering could lead the way, continuing to play cat and mouse in the desert while I, Feng, and the recently returned Mi Xiaonan search for the Mastermind. If the mastermind is in Dawn City, I have Zhao Wei and Evelyn as helpers. If in Nordo City, I have Mi Xiaobo, Mi Big Head, and Mi Xiaona as my three assistants.
How should we proceed with the plan?
First, there is a trigger point: Zhao Wei contacted the police in Nordo City. A senior officer has set up a trap at a hotel in a remote town of Nordo City; if anyone inquires about Oasis, they will follow protocol. If the number of visitors is small and they do not exhibit Half-Beast characteristics, they are just ordinary practitioners. Zhao Wei has also arranged traps in a desert town in Dawn City. It is presumed that a hotel in Nordo City will trigger the trap.
Since the prophet's arrival in Nordo City is aboveboard, arrangements were made for the prophet to hire vehicles outside the docks. If Fire Cult scouts investigate, they will discover that the prophet was inquiring about a certain town's location and distance. Upon reaching that town, they would prioritize checking out the only hotel there and show a photo of the prophet to lure them into the desert. These two points were well arranged by this senior officer from Nordo City; although he lacks Force, he is regarded as one of the finest officers on the Eastern Continent.
The bait and hook have been cast; now we must patiently wait for the fish to bite. As for when Fire Cult practitioners will arrive or whether the mastermind will show up—there's no way to know. Fortunately, Cui Ming has a fixed team of ten people; combined with returning Mi Xiaonan and possibly Wandering joining in, we have a powerful lineup of twelve to handle any variables.
While waiting, everyone should relax and not be tense because excessive anxiety can numb one's nerves. Cui Ming has already decided to take it easy first by helping Miss Fortune catch Jinjin. Others can go sightseeing; timing is not critical for this plan. Even if Fire Cultists have already entered the desert for two days, it’s still possible to mobilize forces at this point.
...
The small villa was lively as Wandering, Li Qing, Bufon, Dina, Zhao Wei, and Wei Wei had just arrived. The locals included Beiyue, Ding Ze, Ashen, Akali, Miss Fortune, along with Cui Ming and Feng—a total of thirteen people crowded into the living room of the small villa.
Fortunately, there was a patch of grass in the backyard. As host Beiyue busily rearranged the meeting area outside by setting up several tea tables and contacting hotels to send various fruit platters while ordering food—Beiyue handled everything quite adeptly.
Li Qing and Cui Ming were secretly discussing plans in one of the rooms when Wei Wei knocked on the door and entered. Closing it behind her while looking at both men with a smile she said, "Hehe, you two seem to be brewing something interesting here, right?" It was rare to see so many practitioners gathered together outside of their biannual Assessment Match.
Cui Ming did not deny it: "Miss Fortune was my senior brother's hunter examiner; my senior brother has always been grateful to her. Moreover, we are from Dawn City and do not want to see its tranquility disrupted by outsiders. So we discussed whether we should help the police capture Jinjin. By the way, Wei Wei, Jinjin is a wanted criminal by the Alliance; why do you seem so indifferent?"
Wei Wei sat down and picked up a book from the desk casually flipping through it: "If it weren't for Miss Fortune having a deadly feud with Jinjin, do you think Wandering would withstand Alliance pressure and play by their rules to issue a warrant? Wandering has already stated that he provided Miss Fortune with a platform to resolve her issues and an opportunity; others cannot interfere. After this incident—regardless of who lives or dies—it will all be considered settled. Otherwise, given Evelyn's tracking skills, how could she possibly not know where Jinjin is?"
Cui Ming asked curiously: "What about Miss Fortune?"
Wei Wei sighed: "She doesn’t know; when Miss Fortune was in contact with Wandering, he advised her that hunters punish bad people—not those created by themselves. Wandering said he understands Miss Fortune but can only provide her with a platform and opportunity without using hunters or various official resources."
Cui Ming remarked: "From what you're saying, Wandering actually opposes Miss Fortune seeking revenge."
"Yes," Wei Wei confirmed. "Because Jinjin has indeed reformed significantly over these years. If he weren't Miss Fortune's enemy but just an ordinary member of the Alliance, they would be very lenient about it. So Wandering feels it's somewhat unfair. At the same time he worries about Miss Fortune; he said many people talk about swift vengeance but only feel satisfaction at that moment when killing their enemy—he fears that Miss Fortune might become too obsessed with revenge which could affect her future mindset. Especially you Cui Ming—Miss Fortune has never let go of her hatred for Jinjin but adheres to hunter rules because she cherishes something deeper within herself. However after your bad ideas surfaced Cui Ming—Miss Fortune even thought about creating villains! Revenge is certainly important for her but ruining her inner ideals and pursuits for revenge isn’t good for her at all. Today she might skirt around rules but tomorrow when faced with difficulties she’ll do it again. Perhaps years later Miss Fortune could become someone who stops at nothing to capture criminals."
Cui Ming remained silent for a moment before Li Qing spoke up: "Cui Ming—I agree with Wei Wei this time; those who wish to become hunters should not do so out of mere indulgence but because they have faith. Jinjin isn't worth Miss Fortune sacrificing that faith for. Wandering has already tarnished the reputation of hunters for Miss Fortune’s sake—even if outsiders don’t feel it—we can certainly sense it ourselves."
Cui Ming nodded, "It sounds like Miss Fortune is aware of the situation as well. How about we let Miss Fortune decide for herself? Should she let Jinjin go according to the rules and order, or should she kill Jinjin out of justice and hatred?"
Wei Wei reminded, "First, Miss Fortune needs to find Jinjin."
Cui Ming replied, "Sister Wei Wei, you underestimate me. Although I don't have the ability to track criminals, I'm quite familiar with Evelyn. By the way, I suddenly feel that the alliance's rules of immunity and tolerance are quite ridiculous."
Wei Wei said, "You think it's ridiculous because of your position. If you killed a few people out of anger, you certainly wouldn't want to become a wanted criminal."
Cui Ming laughed; that was indeed the case. Speaking of which, Jinjin was a bit excessive during the fan conflict, but she still managed to keep it within limits. Who knows who is right or wrong? Cui Ming didn't even know what to do for Miss Fortune's sake. He had no beliefs, honor, ideals, or any of those messy issues. These things were like faith; they could make people steadfast and brave while also serving as a measure and reflection of one's values in life—important for some people. For Cui Ming, they were worthless. He knew this was his fault, but there was nothing he could do; his personality was just like that. Beliefs, honor, and ideals couldn't be cultivated in his current state.
So he decided to let Miss Fortune choose for herself. First, he needed to get Jinjin out and ensure that Miss Fortune could choose slowly without feeling threatened. Even without that night, he felt grateful for Miss Fortune accompanying him into Silent City; that gratitude was enough for him to do something bad. If he fell from grace and acted like a villain, who else would do the bad deeds?
At that moment, Bufon knocked on the door and said from outside, "Wei Wei, it's almost time; we need to catch the boat. Cui Ming, Li Qing, we're leaving now."
Leaving already? He still wanted to pull Wandering in as labor. Cui Ming and Li Qing saw them out into the living room but couldn't find an opportunity to talk with Wandering. Wandering smiled cheerfully but didn't give Cui Ming a chance to speak. When the car arrived, everyone exchanged polite words before Wandering, Bufon, Dina, and Wei Wei got into the car and headed towards the dock.
After sending off their guests and returning to the grassy area, Cui Ming whispered a few words to Zhao Wei before addressing everyone, "I have some matters to attend to; feel free to do as you wish." Wandering's smile as they got into the car held a different meaning.
Beiyue asked, "You just got back this morning... are you coming back for dinner? I've already contacted hotel services."
"No," Cui Ming replied briefly, nodding at everyone before leaving with Zhao Wei.
...
In the car, Zhao Wei said while driving, "I've never liked that woman Jinjin; I didn't expect her to be a spoiled child from a noble family. Hey, are you sure Evelyn tracked down Jinjin?"
"Absolutely; Evelyn is quite experienced."
Zhao Wei nodded and reached for a cigarette. Cui Ming helped him pass one over; after lighting it up himself, he handed it to Zhao Wei. Zhao Wei was pleased with Cui Ming's helpfulness: "I really appreciate your attitude when you need something from others; I can't stand it when you wait for others to ask you for help."
"Buddy, even if I don't ask you for favors, I'm still good to you."
"Pfft! Where's the goodness?" Zhao Wei retorted before looking ahead and asking, "So what's going on between you and that Miss Fortune?"
"What's going on?"
"I don't know, but I find it strange. Logically speaking, you and Miss Fortune have been through thick and thin together. When Miss Fortune sees you, she is so composed, yet your expression when talking to her is quite odd. Besides, all this effort you're putting into Jinjin's matters, isn't it for Miss Fortune? I really suspect you might have done something wrong to her."
Cui Ming felt a pang of guilt and said, "Damn you, Zhao Wei. We haven't talked in years, and your skills have improved. Now you even pay attention during friend gatherings."
"You're the one being fake. Miss Fortune asked about the calligraphy on the wall in the living room, and it was a casual conversation, while you were incredibly nervous, spending a whole minute detailing the history of that painting. That's not your style, Cui Ming," Zhao Wei replied. "Is Miss Fortune really that important? You just got back today and missed the chance to sit down for dinner with your friends?"
Cui Ming was taken aback.
Zhao Wei shot him a sideways glance. "Could it be that you don't know how to face Miss Fortune, so you're making excuses to run away?"
"You talk too much," Cui Ming retorted. "Just guess; it's nothing serious. By the way, how's your relationship with Evelyn?"
"How's it? It's just like that."
Cui Ming nodded. "You act like you can't stand her, yet deep down you hope for her approval?"
Zhao Wei exploded in anger. "What nonsense are you spouting? When have I ever hoped for her approval?"
Cui Ming chuckled softly.
Zhao Wei threatened, "Laugh again, and I'll pull out all your teeth." (To be continued.)
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