Chapter 499: The Stage
Chapter 499: The Stage
Chen Bitong's gaze met Chen Chuan's, and as he looked into the latter's bright eyes, he spoke slowly, "The simplest way to prove oneself is through the use of medication."
As he spoke, both Chen Bitongs produced a tube-like object.
It was a transparent glass tube containing crystalline particles that shimmered in a bluish-green hue. With a slight shake, the particles danced in a mesmerizing display.
"This is a tranquilizing powder," Chen Bitong explained. "If you join the Pioneer Squad, everyone will be issued one of these. This medication effectively shifts one's focus towards the physical realm, but it does affect the mental state.
After taking this drug, your senses will become dull, and for one to three hours, you won't be able to utilize your mental power. If taken in excess, there will be side effects like fatigue, listlessness, and mental sluggishness.
For an ordinary fighter, it may reduce their combat effectiveness, but it doesn't hinder their survival. However, for an Ink Monster, this is absolutely unacceptable.
As they are inclined towards the mental realm, once restricted by such a substance, they lose their ability to resist.
They will definitely resist vehemently."
As he spoke, the Chen Bitong who had been talking to him opened the tube and poured the powder into his mouth. The other Chen Bitong, who had just emerged, froze and refused to continue.
"If one is unwilling to swallow it, there's a problem," Chen Bitong stated.
As he spoke, the other Chen Bitong gave him a cold look, his eyes turning icy, but then he disappeared without a trace.
"Relying on medication is just one method. But there's another way to avoid this situation most of the time.
Chen Bitong addressed Chen Chuan, "You're currently undergoing psychic cultivation, so remember this: the simplest way to gather your beliefs and strengthen your heart core is to solidify it.
When your heart core reaches a certain level of solidity, unless you willingly allow it or give up, it won't be easily invaded or assimilated by the Ink Monsters.
The pure heart core, that resolute and unwavering force, can be felt by others. It's something the Ink Monsters can't achieve even if they invade and possess one's consciousness."
Chen Chuan nodded thoughtfully.
"And..." Chen Bitong added solemnly, "After discovering the problem, you must find a way to solve it. Over seventy percent of those invaded by the Ink Monsters can't be saved. In such cases, especially in the wild, don't even think about rescuing them. You and your teammates can't afford that risk.
The invaded person knows all your information and plans. Even if the Ink Monster is expelled in time, there's no guarantee that the person won't undergo psychological changes. If you don't make a decision early on, you'll only sacrifice yourself. Remember this, Captain Chen."
Chen Chuan responded solemnly, "Teacher Chen, I've noted that."
Chen Bitong nodded, "Now, I'll let you experience the difference between a normal person and one invaded by an Ink Monster. Since they completely inherit the original person's physique and memories, along with mental enhancement, they naturally exhibit greater strength than before."
At this moment, Chen Chuan sensed something and turned to the side, where Yu Lie walked out, wearing a defiant and wild smile.
Judging by the situation, he seemed to have completely mimicked the original person, as he wouldn't dare show such an attitude after being beaten up.
"You just fought him," Chen Bitong said. "Now, this person standing before you is in a state of mimicry after being invaded by an Ink Monarch. Try to distinguish the difference between the two."
Chen Chuan raised his eyebrows and approached.
Yu Lie seemed to have inherited the original person's temperament and style, and he likely didn't remember the previous fight, as he showed no fear and charged forward before Chen Chuan even got close.
Chen Chuan's strategy remained the same as before—allowing his opponent to grab him first, then countering. However, he immediately felt something different this time.
Yu Lie seemed to sense something too, despite his expertise in grappling techniques. He avoided Chen Chuan and chose to circle around instead of approaching.
Chen Chuan had to change his strategy and take the initiative to attack. The outcome was predictable, and within half a minute, Yu Lie was knocked to the ground.
But if asked about the difference...
Chen Bitong spoke from the side, "Did you notice it?"
Chen Chuan nodded affirmatively, "He anticipated my every move."
Every time, Yu Lie seemed to predict Chen Chuan's actions, so he abandoned tactical strategies and relied on his superior strength and speed to defeat Yu Lie.
"Even if a fighter embarks on psychic cultivation and gathers their will, they may still unconsciously reveal information," Chen Bitong explained. "Ink Monsters, being entities that cling to the mental realm, are extremely sensitive to such cues. Combined with a fighter's experience and qualities, they can judge your intentions.
To deal with such beings, in addition to the method you just mentioned, it is crucial to strengthen one's mental cultivation. When traveling through the Convergence Zone, a weak spirit can only perform defensive tasks at the rear. To gain strategic initiative, one must take the offensive and not merely defend.
Chen Chuan agreed with this idea, which aligns with the philosophy of fighters—defense is to protect oneself while seeking opportunities to counterattack. If one doesn't counterattack, they can only be on the receiving end without posing a threat to the enemy.
Chen Chuan thought to himself that he needed to further enhance his mental cultivation after returning.
Chen Bitong, seeing that he had already gained some understanding, didn't delve deeper and said, "Let's continue."
Chen Chuan nodded and followed.
For over half a month after that, he went to the training class every day and learned something new almost every day. These skills might be useful in the next training session and could handle various complex situations.
He knew that this was probably the culmination of Chen Bitong's twenty years of experience, but he felt that Chen Bitong was a bit too eager in imparting this knowledge to his subordinates so quickly.
During these days, anyone who couldn't keep up with the training pace would be eliminated without mercy.
It was rare for someone like Chen Chuan, who had received guidance from the very beginning and had been training for almost half a month, to not be eliminated.
Even the garrison personnel above had noticed his situation and sent some information to the Defense Department.
Councillor Pei also received these reports. He thought for a moment and contacted Specialist Liang through the Interdimensional Connector, saying, "Specialist, it seems that Chen Bitong values Captain Chen highly. This proves that our initial idea was correct, but we don't know how the higher-ups will arrange things for Chen Bitong from now on."
Specialist Liang said, "The previous matter hasn't been fully investigated. The higher-ups want Chen Bitong to continue his leave here, but some people have different opinions, believing that it's not appropriate for him to stay in Central City for too long."
Councillor Pei was taken aback, "Is it... because of that incident?"
Specialist Liang spoke gravely, "One thread pulls the whole body. That breach hasn't been sealed yet, and many things can't proceed according to the established process. We have no choice but to act earlier."
"Isn't this a bit rushed?"
"Something slipped through earlier. If it hadn't been so proactive, we might not have discovered it so quickly. Perhaps there's only one of them, which could lead to unpredictable changes. If this matter can be resolved smoothly, then we can talk. The original plan may not be able to proceed as planned."
Councillor Pei thought for a moment and said, "Should we inform Captain Chen about this?"
Specialist Liang said, "Find a time to mention it to him. At his level, he should know about this, and he needs to know. Moreover... it's hard to say how things will turn out in the end."
"I understand."
After ending the call, Councillor Pei's expression turned solemn. He glanced out the window, where numerous airships were docked at the mooring point.
Recently, many airships had gathered in Central City in preparation for that incident.
This time, the situation was different because a breach had been created, making unexpected changes highly likely.
However, he decided to leave these matters for the higher-ups to consider.
He turned and took out the radio, starting to transmit the latest situation. After finishing, he sent a message to Chen Chuan via a secret channel, asking to meet when it was convenient for him.
Chen Chuan had just returned to the dormitory from the training class and received the message. After some thought, he realized that tomorrow was a rest day, so he set the meeting for the next day.
He checked the date; it was already March, and Wei Chang'an and the others were supposed to arrive around this time. However, he had just spoken to them on the phone, and they said that due to some complicated wrap-up work for the commission company and additional requests because of personal relationships, they couldn't set off yet.
As for Luo Kaiyuan and Feng Xiaoqi, they felt that since they were part of the same team, they would come to Central City together later, around April or May.
He thought it was better to delay their arrival a bit. Recently, his schedule had been quite packed, and it wouldn't be easy to arrange for so many people.
At this moment, he felt a Heart Jade emitting a radiant light in the mental world.
Compared to last month, it was clearly more condensed and brighter.
In fact, under normal circumstances, mental cultivation progresses slowly at the beginning. However, the hammering technique he mastered, coupled with the daily assistance of Crimson Whip during practice, greatly aided his cultivation.
By now, the incense medicine given by Teacher Xue had gradually become less effective, indicating that he had adapted to his current cultivation and could move on to the next stage.
So, he immediately contacted Teacher Xue via the Interdimensional Connector.
...
...
(End of Chapter)
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