https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-65-Special-Civilian-Recruitment-Mission/13030786/
Chapter 64: Transformation
Chapter 64: Transformation
September 25, 2017
Many thanks to 'Brother Pingfan' for the reward!
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"Bandits are actually a vulnerable group, and you might not have a deep understanding of this."
"Because, from the very beginning until now, you haven't been a true bandit. You've been under the protection of the fort and even the rules, so you don't truly understand the plight of genuine bandits."
"Once you leave the fort and choose to go your own way, you'll find that the life of a bandit isn't as easy as you imagine."
"Especially as an outsider among bandits, you'll realize that the whole world seems to be against you. Ordinary commoners fear you, fellow bandits are wary of you, and even want to devour you, while the court and aristocratic families wish to get rid of you as soon as possible."
"That would be a very, very difficult situation."
Wang Pangzi, sitting across from Lu Hai Kong, pondered for a moment before speaking solemnly.
Lu Hai Kong paused, then looked up at Wang Pangzi and smiled, "Are you scared?"
Wang Pangzi opened his mouth to say something, but Lu Hai Kong continued, "To be honest, I'm quite afraid. I'm the kind of person who's rather afraid of death."
"In fact, you're not the first person to tell me that being an outsider among bandits is dangerous. The first time someone said this to me, I was so shocked that I didn't dare go to the county town for several days. It's a bit embarrassing to admit, but it's true."
"Later, I still went to the county town and truly experienced that world. I saw a living, breathing world with blood and flesh, which made me realize how real it was. Strangely, at that moment, I felt my blood boiling, and it was a bit bizarre."
"Perhaps from that day on, I started to change. I can't quite describe the feeling."
"Up until that day, outside Niujia Village, when I saw those villagers who were bending over backward to survive, and that group of raiders trampling on the villagers' dignity without restraint, I felt furious and shocked. My fury was because those villagers didn't know how to resist, and in reality, they were powerless to fight back. Now that I think about it, my anger was quite unreasonable, but the shock at that moment was bone-deep. Because, in that instant, I suddenly felt like I was those villagers."
"I realized that I seemed to live in fear, afraid of the unknown challenges. I didn't dare go to Shanwu County because of this fear. I cautiously avoided raiding merchant caravans on official roads due to this fear. I found that I was just like those villagers, living cautiously and bending over backward. Although this life seemed safe and comfortable, I had to ask myself, was this really the life I wanted?"
"This question lingered until I killed those raiders. Only then did my heart find an answer. No, this kind of life isn't what I want! Otherwise, a mere raider, even one without a horse, could escape within half an hour. If I really wanted to find them, where couldn't I?"
"It's just my subconscious not wanting to find them. My subconscious wanted to expose myself. I'm tired of living cautiously and bending over backward. Why should I live like this?"
"At that moment, it might have been an impulse, but when I came to my senses, the deed was done. In fact, at that point, I could have regretted it. After all, they didn't know who I was, and they couldn't catch me if I kept hiding."
"But I didn't. First, I didn't want the people of Niujia Village to die for me. More importantly, I wanted to break free from my current life. I don't like living like this."
Lu Hai Kong paused, then his face lit up with a sunny smile.
"However, if you ask me whether my choice was right..."
Perhaps I can't give you the answers, but I do prefer this kind of thrill—let the danger come! It's all just a game, who's afraid of whom?"
As Lu Hai Kong finished speaking, he looked at Wang Panzi, who was standing beside him with his mouth agape. A mischievous smile appeared on Lu Hai Kong's face as he said, "Survival? In my eyes, it's just a negative attitude towards life. I'm tired of this attitude. I want something more exciting. But for you, I've decided to take you along, just in case you get left behind by Shanwu County. Whether or not you face these dangers is your choice."
"Don't worry. Even if you don't join me, I won't think less of you for fearing death. At most, you'll just end up in a dead-end situation, or perhaps you'll become glorious and successful, and then you can tell others, 'I once had a friend named Wang Dali, nicknamed Wang Panzi.'"
After saying this, Lu Hai Kong patted Wang Panzi's shoulder, who was still in a daze, and then led Wang Chao Ma Han and the others away with large strides.
It took Wang Panzi a long time to snap out of his daze. He looked around the now empty canteen and couldn't help but sigh.
"Even you can be fooled by someone?" came a scornful voice from behind, startling Wang Panzi.
"When did you get here?"
"I arrived when you started talking, but you just didn't notice me." Wang Lao Tou held a bottle of wine, took a sip, and said leisurely, glancing at Wang Panzi, who was still a bit dazed. "Don't be fooled by his appearance. This guy is sly. Although he probably didn't lie about what he said, he subconsciously avoided your test by throwing the question back at you. I bet he hasn't even thought about his next move." Wang Lao Tou's cloudy eyes revealed a hint of shrewdness.
"You old geezer, can't you say something nice for once?" Wang Panzi wasn't surprised by the old man's words at all. He sighed and smiled, half-mocking.
Today, he had intended to test Lu Hai Kong, specifically on the topic of survival and development. The correct choice for this question was undoubtedly the latter. But once Lu Hai Kong chose the latter, Wang Panzi had follow-up questions.
This was a test of Lu Hai Kong's development strategy. If Lu Hai Kong passed, he would receive a surprise. However, it was clear that Lu Hai Kong hadn't thought about or didn't know how to develop.
This was normal. Lu Hai Kong had only been in this world for a short time, and he barely understood Shanwu County, let alone Yanmen. How could he answer when he knew nothing?
In the 1619 version of the book, it was clear!
Lu Hai Kong knew that he couldn't give Wang Panzi a satisfactory answer at this moment. Fortunately, he didn't have to. He turned the question around and presented his inner thoughts to Wang Panzi. "Look at me now, so reckless and impulsive. Are you going to stick with me, accompany me on my journey, or just leave me?"
"He's a cunning one. I'm starting to believe in him," said Wang Lao Tou with a mischievous smile.
"Was it all an act before?" Wang Panzi gave him a sidelong glance.
"Before, he was my client."
"And now?"
"Now he's rich! Two thousand gold, didn't you hear?" Wang Lao Tou declared, his voice full of conviction.
Wang Panzi: ...
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PS: This chapter is crucial to Lu Hai Kong's transformation.
Lu Hai Kong was once just an ordinary guy. Regardless, adapting to this new world takes time, and his journey from an ordinary person to a mountain bandit and eventually a dominant force requires continuous growth.
(End of Chapter)
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