Chapter 494: Boundaries
Chapter 494: Boundaries
Chen Bitong glanced at Chen Chuan and said, "You're perceptive, and your instincts are right. However, you don't need to worry about the future changes here for now; you'll understand in time."
He stepped forward and tapped a few times on the Interdimensional Link, "This is a representation of the damage we inflicted on the Ringed-Neck Armored Rhino's internal structure. Take a look."
Chen Chuan turned his attention to the Link, where two diagrams were displayed. The common feature was the precise shattering of the alien tissue around the heart region, but upon comparison, the extent of the damage he had caused was more extensive.
A realization struck him; it wasn't that Chen Bitong couldn't inflict greater damage, but that he had a better understanding of the creature's structure, allowing him to exert just the right amount of force to reach the limit of killing the creature without wasting any extra energy.
This was incredibly useful, especially in the wilderness, where conserving energy was crucial. Every bit of strength saved could potentially save a life.
"Do you understand?" Chen Bitong asked.
"I do," Chen Chuan replied, "Boundaries."
Chen Bitong spoke in a grave tone, "Whether it's a person or a creature, they all have their boundaries. If we maintain the right balance, we can reduce unnecessary losses and troubles. But if we exceed these boundaries, we'll have to bear unnecessary consequences."
Chen Chuan gave him a quick glance.
Chen Bitong continued, gazing into the distance, "The tissue of the Ringed-Neck Armored Rhino is highly valuable. There's a large demand for it from the rear, and preserving a certain level of integrity during clearance can bring significant rewards."
"Captain Chen, if you can master the techniques to deal with various Fusion Territory creatures, many institutions and research facilities will welcome you with open arms, especially the Pioneer Team. If you get the chance, you should consider joining them."
"The Pioneer Team?" Chen Chuan mused.
He recalled a brief mention of the Pioneer Team by an instructor back at the base.
Unlike regular garrison troops, the Pioneer Team was comprised of the most outstanding fighters, the elite of the elite. They were sometimes tasked with eliminating infiltrating hostile elements, but they also ventured deep into the heart of the Fusion Territory to face unknown creatures, and they might even be dispatched to gather intelligence within the realms of the Old Imperial Palace.
Despite undertaking the most dangerous missions, the Pioneer Team enjoyed better treatment than regular garrison troops. Promotions came faster, and there was no delay in accessing the special medicaments they required.
Chen Bitong explained, "The Pioneer Team is provided with various resources and knowledge not available to the general public. They will teach you how to face opponents you've never encountered before. My time with them gave me invaluable experience and assistance.
However, don't underestimate the dangers of the Fusion Territory. The Ringed-Neck Armored Rhino is considered a small creature within the Fusion Territory.
You might be able to handle medium-sized creatures with some effort, but true large-scale creatures are beyond the capabilities of ordinary weapons or fighters. Even causing them harm is a challenging task."
As they spoke, the sky gradually darkened.
Chen Bitong continued, "The days in the Fusion Territory lean more towards the material side, while the nights favor the spiritual aspect. During the day, we can move freely, and most of what we encounter falls within our understanding, allowing us to rely on conventional means to deal with them. But at night, anomalies arise, and normal methods may not be sufficient."
"Can Mr. Chen navigate the Fusion Territory's nights with ease?" Chen Chuan asked.
Chen Bitong shook his head, "Not yet."
After a moment of thought, Chen Chuan asked, "The remnants of the Old Imperial Palace can move through the Fusion Territory using certain means, like the Iron Demon. I heard it's related to faith?"
"Once they enter the Fusion Territory, they must become a part of it to survive, whether they like it or not. It's inevitable," Chen Bitong explained.
"The old era's state religion has always had a complex relationship with these entities. They didn't suddenly connect; there's a history between them.
I heard you used esoteric rituals to spend a night in the Fusion Territory's wilderness, successfully tracking down the Iron Demon. Esoteric rituals are indeed useful, but they have many drawbacks and aren't efficient enough.
Now, I'll teach you a method to protect yourself using your spirit and consuming divine stillness. This will allow you to survive the Fusion Territory's nights."
As he spoke, he tapped the Interdimensional Link, and some content was transmitted.
Chen Chuan examined it; it was a Soul Pattern Visualization technique. It required observing a specific pattern and constructing it in the spiritual world. Once the pattern was successfully established, one could use it to maintain a particular spiritual state when needed.
Chen Bitong stepped aside and approached a large tree. "This Green Bark Tree is the most common in the Fusion Territory. If you ever find yourself stranded and have to spend the night in the wilderness, you can use this Soul Pattern Visualization technique here.
This method can reduce your presence, allowing you to blend in with these trees spiritually and even in terms of your aura. It can help you avoid anomalies, but it's not a foolproof method. So, the best approach is still to avoid being in the wilderness.
However, don't get too close to bear the consequences if things go wrong. Someone once thought they were clever and dug a hole in a tree, only to discover the next day that they had become part of the tree.
"Emphasizing his point, he said, 'These trees don't naturally undergo such changes during the day, but after the day passes, when the material aspect weakens, it tilts towards the non-material. You never know what might happen, so be extra cautious.'
Chen Chuan nodded, 'I understand, Mr. Chen.'
Chen Bitong added, 'Even with mimicry, try to avoid mimicking large areas of darkness. Otherwise, uncontrollable situations may arise, and while the Mumia won't be affected, those utilizing the resources might. Small portions are fine, though. You can give it a try.'
Chen Chuan acknowledged, and he proceeded to sit in a meditative posture before the Green Bark Tree, following the visualization method from the Interdimensional Link.
Before long, Chen Bitong's voice interrupted, 'Time's up.'
Chen Chuan opened his eyes, finding himself still seated on the soft cushion as if he hadn't moved at all. The other trainees, including Ding Mai, were each in their designated positions.
Checking the time, he realized exactly two hours had passed since they began.
Despite it being just a two-hour session, the time was packed with Chen Bitong's continuous guidance, covering a wealth of content that made Chen Chuan feel he had learned a great deal.
Chen Bitong stood before them, waiting for everyone to regain their focus. Then he spoke, 'Your evaluations will be sent to your Interdimensional Links shortly. Those who fail will not need to come tomorrow.
Those who pass can continue coming here if they have the time, but if you fall behind even for a day, you will still be eliminated.
We need to give opportunities to those who are more suitable. I hope you understand.'
Chen Chuan contemplated this. The entire Central City was built upon the Mumia, and most of the domain resources were utilized by the city government and major corporations. It was no easy feat for them to allocate two hours of resources daily, and he could imagine Chen Bitong's efforts in securing this arrangement, which explained his stringent requirements.
Noticing that everyone seemed to understand, Chen Bitong said, 'Now that you all get it, you may leave.'
The group stood up from their seats, bowed slightly, and exited the training hall.
Once outside, Ding Mai approached Chen Chuan, 'Captain Chen, how about we gather as a group?' He looked at the others, 'What do you say, everyone?'
The others readily agreed.
Although they came from different places, they were now classmates in the same training class, fostering a bond that might prove beneficial in the future.
Chen Chuan had no objections, and they headed to the bar on the lower floor.
After ordering drinks and taking their seats, Ding Mai raised his glass and took a big gulp before speaking, 'I learned more today than in the past few years combined. Training with Mr. Chen is truly beneficial.
It's a shame I only have three days.'
Everyone nodded in agreement, but a young officer remained silent for a moment before sighing softly, 'I'm afraid I'll have to return tomorrow.'
Ding Mai was taken aback, 'Lao Yan, you?'
Lao Yan shook his head, 'Today, I overthought things. The more I thought, the less control I had. This shows I still have many shortcomings. The evaluations aren't out yet, but based on Mr. Chen's strict criteria, I don't expect a high score. I need to go back and keep training.'
He raised his glass, 'My friends, I bid you farewell for today. I won't be coming tomorrow.'
Initially feeling dejected, he seemed to find solace in expressing his thoughts, and a smile appeared on his face, 'I hope you won't be eliminated like me.'
Those present offered him words of comfort and clinked their glasses with his before taking a sip.
As Chen Chuan was drinking with them, a small ant icon flashing on his Interdimensional Link caught his attention. It was Chen Xiaojin trying to contact him, so he accepted the call.
'Chen Xiaojin?'
Chen Xiaojin's voice came through, and he asked tentatively, 'Captain Chen, do you have a moment?'
Chen Chuan replied, 'I'm right here in the building where the training class is held. Do you have a question for me?'
Chen Xiaojin gave an enthusiastic affirmative.
'Captain Chen, I want to learn about Freehand Strength. I'd like to ask for your guidance.'
Chen Chuan pondered for a moment before responding, 'Starting your training earlier than others is suitable for this stage, but Freehand Strength is a path with significant implications for your future. How much do you know about it? Does Mr. Chen know about this?'
Chen Xiaojin said, 'He won't interfere with my choices.'
Chen Chuan didn't answer immediately but took a moment to think. After a brief pause, he said, 'Where are you right now?'
Chen Xiaojin's excitement was evident as his voice rose unconsciously, 'Captain Chen, I'm in the activity room on the twelfth floor!'
Chen Chuan said, 'I'm in the bar. I'll take the elevator down to meet you there.'
...
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(End of Chapter)
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