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The Crow, upon hearing Cui Ming's question, took a long moment to gather his thoughts before responding. "Strategy... Do you know that there was a very special position in football over a decade ago called Freeman?"
"I've heard of it." Freeman refers to a player who has the freedom to play without being constrained by the team's tactics. However, with the evolution of football, the Freeman role has long been phased out.
The Crow continued, "In a football team of eleven players, the Force division happens to be eleven as well. Each player has their own responsibilities and characteristics, just like each practitioner in their respective divisions. The Freeman has been eliminated from modern football not because there is no market for such tactics, but because, in a general sense, the Freeman lacks a market. Strategy—what nonsense! I don't know who invented this term. Strategy is about elite divisions; a Freeman can fill any position but cannot surpass others in the same role."
Cui Ming understood. A Strategy practitioner can cultivate in any of the other ten divisions without much difficulty. For instance, Spiritual Connection, Magic System, and Enhancement divisions cannot specialize while supporting others; most people cannot cultivate a third division after specializing in one. Strategy does not have this problem; they can practice freely. However, generally speaking, because Strategy lacks clear positioning, their development levels tend to be lower, resulting in many being only half-baked. There are also a few elite practitioners within Strategy whose levels exceed those of typical Strategy cultivators. Although they may not reach the strength of specialization in any division, with dedication, they can achieve above-average proficiency.
Cui Ming's Enhancement division, Enhanced Flying Card, does not rank among the top in the enhancement realm but possesses undeniable lethality. Then there's the Strategy Class, which leans towards the Magic System; although it lacks the offensive power of the Magic System, it has its unique aspects. Both belong to atypical categories of Magic System and Enhancement.
What about Fate Card? The Fate Card's teleportation is closer to Toad and Burrowing Beasts; however, theirs covers longer distances and takes a long time to recharge after use. In contrast, Cui Ming's ability has a shorter range and can recover within twenty minutes to half an hour.
The Fate Card's Force wave detection is similar to Li Qing's sound localization but clearer and unobstructed.
The Skull Head is akin to Spiritual Connection, providing danger perception.
Cui Ming suddenly realized that without Strategy involved, he was just a mishmash of abilities.
Cui Ming laughed. "So this is what Strategy is about. The rumors hold some truth; achieving success in Strategy is indeed challenging."
The Crow replied, "I don't know about you, but my cultivation in Strategy has been successful due to luck."
"That's true for me as well."
As they chatted further about Strategy meeting Strategy, there was a sense of camaraderie between them. Cui Ming did not dislike the Crow; he had always regarded him as a mysterious senior figure with considerable strength. This earned the Crow enough respect from Cui Ming. Unfortunately, some interests were irreconcilable; the Crow did not hide his affiliation with the Fire Cult Eagle Sect and did not believe in any gods. However, he viewed Fire Cult doctrine as an effective tool for binding and regulating state governance that he must uphold while hoping that through strength competitions, people would gain respect.
The impression the Crow left on Cui Ming was multifaceted: first, he was very intelligent; second, he was fighting for survival; third, what he said about Master Bei was likely true; fourth, he was not the supreme leader of Fire Cult practitioners.
The last point was crucial—Cui Ming believed that the Crow belonged to someone who stood above many yet below one person: a strategist or behind-the-scenes manager who devised plans. Above the Crow was another individual whom he respected greatly despite his distrust of religion. This made Cui Ming uneasy; like himself respecting Wandering but not to an extreme degree. In fact, throughout history on this planet, no one had ever truly earned his complete admiration. Yet the Crow's attitude toward this person was not just respect but submission.
Under the guiding principle of loyalty to the ruler, there are many forms of submission. One is when everyone loves their monarch as if their lives depend on it. One day, when the nation falls, a person of low intelligence claims to have royal blood, not just any blood type but that of the emperor's Bloodline. At that moment, everyone would fight for him; this is one form of submission.
The second form involves exceptionally talented individuals. If someone surpasses you slightly, you may feel jealousy. However, if someone reaches a height that you cannot even aspire to, you will admire them.
The third form often occurs in youth, characterized by a fanatical obsession with pop idols, even leading to extreme actions such as suicide over an idol's marriage.
The fourth form arises when the other party possesses an overwhelming power that you cannot resist. This fear and trepidation lead you to submit to such power, using it to become someone others fear. While this sounds noble, it can be bluntly described as being sycophantic. Although people despise those labeled as sycophants or lackeys, they also strive to become such figures because their masters wield power that is impossible to resist.
The third form can be dismissed, as the Crow does not trust religion and certainly does not believe in the noble lineage of ministers and princes. The reason ministers and princes are considered noble is that they can elevate their own kind to heights unattainable by outsiders. Ironically, some from lower classes believe this is due to a heroic bloodline.
This leaves only the second and fourth forms. Cui Ming undoubtedly embodies the second type because the Crow is clear-headed and calm, even indifferent to life and death. The Crow knows what he needs and what he is doing. This is not something achievable by the fourth type; the fourth type submits externally but remains internally unconvinced. Cui Ming views the second type as inconsequential; talents of great renown do not concern him.
What truly worries Cui Ming is a combination of the second and fourth types: possessing immense power that cannot be resisted while also being exceptionally talented and capable. Further analysis reveals that the Fire Cult has not undergone significant changes in recent decades, suggesting that this genius has no direct connection with Fire Cult politics or livelihood. The only remaining possibility is that this genius has developed Fire Cult Practitioners, breaking centuries-old disadvantages in both quality and quantity.
...
The Training Island features buildings equipped with batteries for daily electricity needs, such as lighting; however, these are not particularly useful for practitioners who primarily rely on fire. Outside, a bonfire blazes as Cui Ming prepares meat for marination before roasting it over the flames.
Meanwhile, the Crow is conversing with Beiyue. Cui Ming knows how this will end—Beiyue will undoubtedly be persuaded to accompany the Crow to Zuan in search of her father. Cui Ming does not intervene; this presents a good opportunity for him to gauge the Crow's reliability. He believes that once the Crow escapes his predicament, he will inevitably turn against Beiyue; no one wishes to leave their fate in another's hands. Given the Crow's cunning nature, Beiyue would certainly not stand a chance against him, nor would Cui Ming himself remain vigilant for long.
Beiyue approaches alone and sits by the bonfire, accepting a skewer of roasted meat from Cui Ming. "Do you think I should go?" she asks.
Cui Ming replies, "I would say you shouldn't go; if you don't hear from your father for decades, you'll always be thinking about Zuan. On the other hand, going with the Crow is definitely not advisable. So my suggestion is: you can go, but don't travel with him."
Beiyue looks surprised. "Cui Ming, I thought you would come with me to Zuan."
Cui Ming responds, "I have some matters to attend to."
Beiyue remains silent as she adds more wood to the fire.
Cui Ming continues, "The environment in Zuan is harsh; there are no large creatures but there are Toxic Swamps and stagnant waters making survival difficult. I believe Vik isn't a bad person, but believing doesn't equate to knowing... The Warden might require a month or more just to reach Zuan while searching for Vik in the jungle isn't easy at all. Even the Crow doesn't know where Vik's home is located. If I were to go with Beiyue to Zuan, it's certain that the Warden would appear there too. It's not like Three Continents where I have friends and allies everywhere. But leaving Beiyue alone makes me uneasy."
"I want to borrow Ye Ying from the Ye Family," Cui Ming said. "Ye Ying is very familiar with these areas, and with the help of the Force Eagles, you can find them faster. But..."
"But you're still not at ease with me handling things alone," Beiyue interjected. "Ye Ying will only follow orders and won't notice anything on her own."
Cui Ming nodded.
"I'm not even confident in myself," Beiyue continued. "But there has to be a first time for everything. I'm a hunter, and sooner or later, I have to venture into desolate places to carry out missions. Right now, there doesn't seem to be any danger, and there are no large creatures around. If I can't go alone now, then I'll be even more hesitant to undertake solo hunting missions in the future. This is a form of training."
"Ye Wen is very familiar with Zuan; he lived there alone for two years, challenging himself. According to him, the real threats in Zuan come from people's needs. Food isn't a concern; there are plenty of wild animals. However, water is the biggest hassle due to various diseases, so it must be boiled before drinking. You're different from Ye Wen; he camps near a water source where plants and animals are abundant. You will be searching and exploring constantly, getting lost, facing threats like water scarcity and the Toxic Swamp. How about I ask my senior brother to accompany you?"
Beiyue shook her head. "No need; this matter has already troubled everyone enough. I can't waste any more of your time. I've made up my mind to go alone. I'll first learn some outdoor survival skills locally, then look for the indigenous people near Zuan to learn how to survive there. I'll bring along medicine and various supplies; I will find Vik and the others."
Cui Ming chuckled. "It feels quite bad for a man to watch a woman venture out alone."
"Cui Ming, I have more courage than you," Beiyue replied. "Look at you—barbecuing, handling household chores, cooking, and doing laundry are all your strong suits. I'm much stronger than you..."
Cui Ming laughed heartily and gazed at the campfire for a moment. "I really can't go."
"I'm curious inside," she said.
"I won't tell you," Cui Ming replied with a grin. (To be continued.)
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