https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-801-Invitation-to-Battle-on-the-High-Seas/12982917/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-803-On-the-Art-of-Skill-Transmission/12982919/
Chapter 802: Seeking Guidance
Chapter 802: Seeking Guidance
Yao Zhiyi was slightly taken aback and asked, "Really? You've killed his disciple?"
He pondered for a moment and seemed to understand the situation. After a brief pause, he continued, "This matter involves the continuation of the Wave Surge Pavilion, and the Wind Crane Pavilion Master probably won't care about it. Even if he does, he'll act as if he doesn't."
He paused again, as if someone on the other end was speaking to him. After a while, he said, "The Intelligence Department of the Defense Department just received a message that the Linax Federation had previously contacted the Wind Crane Guardian, probably to recruit him, but the outcome is unknown."
"In that case, if he invited you, there's a good chance he wants to negotiate with us and ask for something in return. But we're not afraid of his demands; we're afraid he won't ask for anything at all. If he turns to the Linax Federation, that's not good news for us."
"Not because of his martial prowess, but because the islanders in the Outer Ocean have long regarded these fighters as gods. Their mindset is deeply rooted. If we can get him on our side, it will greatly help win over the local populace, and it will be much more convenient for us to operate in the Outer Ocean."
"Moreover, the position of the Second Island is crucial. It's right in the heart of the area we've encircled. If we let the Linax Federation use this opportunity to drive a wedge into our territory, it will be very uncomfortable for us. We should try our best to bring him to our side."
Minister Chen listened until this point and then asked, "Principal Yao, what about the other pavilion masters in the Outer Ocean? What are their thoughts?"
There were three major pavilions in the Outer Ocean: Wave Surge, Wind Forest, and An Yao. Each pavilion had its own resident fighter. In this situation, not only the Wave Surge Pavilion but also the Wind Forest Pavilion and An Yao Pavilion would have to make a choice.
Principal Yao said, "The Wind Forest Pavilion will definitely follow the Linax Federation to the end. Their Red Gold Island is within the reach of the Linax Federation's influence."
"Their disciples actively cooperated with the Ferris Wheel Corporation, and many of them even hold positions in the Federation. The two sides are deeply intertwined, and there's almost no chance of them switching sides."
"As for the An Yao Pavilion, it's hard to say. There hasn't been any news from them yet. However, if you can create an opening with the Wave Surge Pavilion, even if the others turn to the Linax Federation, it won't hinder us much. After all, the Wave Surge Pavilion is the closest to us. Let's focus on what we can achieve first and then worry about the rest."
Minister Chen nodded and said, "Principal Yao, I understand the situation now."
Principal Yao said, "That's good, Minister Chen. I need to return as soon as possible. Although there's no unusual activity from the Former Imperial House, Mr. Xue has also left, and I'm not at ease leaving everything to Wan alone."
Minister Chen acknowledged and ended the call.
He carefully considered the matter and decided that it couldn't be delayed. So, he prepared to set off as soon as possible and informed the Government Hall of his plans.
Originally, he had planned to go out for maritime cultivation, but now he decided to stay at his residence, as there might be further updates.
By the afternoon, there was still no response from the Government Hall or the Defense Department, but Chang Dong had contacted him.
"Minister Chen, Mr. Zhuang has returned from the Convergence Zone and wants to meet with you."
Minister Chen was surprised. "Oh? Mr. Zhuang is back?"
Mr. Zhuang had been walking towards the Radiant Light, but his injuries were not fully healed, and to conserve energy, he didn't rush. Later, he realized that the Radiant Light seemed to be shifting, so he wandered for a long time. Eventually, he lost sight of the light.
Fortunately, at that moment, the Great Prosperity Defense Department's troops entered the Convergence Zone, and he took the opportunity to return by airship.
Chang Dong said, "Mr. Zhuang is currently at the southern industrial zone branch."
Minister Chen replied, "Good, I'll be right there."
He left immediately, driving a Gard Vehicle alone towards the outskirts. On the way, Secretary Qiao Yang contacted him, informing him that the Radiant Glory District had arranged a residence with complete facilities, many of which were specifically designed for fighters' cultivation. It even had an airship mooring point for convenient travel.
Minister Chen understood that this was a suggestion for him to travel, but on second thought, his previous residence was indeed unsuitable for his current needs. While it was fine for spiritual cultivation, the space was too limited for practicing techniques, so it was time to move to a new location.
He informed Qiao Yang that he would accept the residence when he had the time.
After more than an hour of driving, he left the Central City and arrived at the southern industrial zone branch. Chang Dong had already arrived and greeted him, offering to open the door.
Minister Chen stepped out of the vehicle and thanked him. Chang Dong smiled and said, "Mr. Zhuang is waiting for you inside."
Minister Chen looked at the slightly old factory gate and walked in. Inside, he found that the once spacious factory had been renovated. A bulletproof barrier was erected in front of the entrance, and steel-framed metal staircases and corridors were built on both sides. He glanced around and headed up the staircase on the right.
Upon reaching the upper level, Mr. Zhuang was seated on a metal platform, wearing a black mask that was noticeably damaged. In front of him were several sofas encircling a coffee table.
As Chen Chuan approached, Mr. Zhuang stood up, shook his hand, and said, "When we learned that Minister Chen had become a fighter, Mr. Zhuang and I were both delighted. Congratulations, Minister Chen."
Chen Chuan replied, "Thank you. Without the support from within the organization and from you two, my progress wouldn't have been this swift."
Mr. Zhuang smiled and said, "We are all brothers within the organization, and it's only right that we support each other. It's your own efforts that have brought you this far, Minister Chen. Please take a seat."
Chen Chuan nodded and sat down, then asked after taking his seat, "How has Zhao Zhenye been doing since your return?"
Mr. Zhuang answered, "Zhao Zhenye was injured previously, and he's currently practicing a secret technique. He likely won't emerge until he masters it. Are you concerned about his potential attack on Great Prosperity's base? Well, that's not likely. As of now, there's no indication that he's working for the Former Imperial House, and he wouldn't engage in such a thankless task.
Even if he truly intends to attack, it won't be easy. In areas controlled by the military, besides building sturdy fortresses, they also conduct numerous secret sect rituals.
In the Convergence Zone, due to the environment and the ritual setup, along with the materials used and the addition of certain residues, these rituals can be highly effective.
With the cooperation and persistence of the fighters during these rituals, they can reduce their consumption within a certain period, allowing them to act without restraint. If they are truly overwhelmed, retreating under favorable home conditions is not difficult.
As for those military forces, they usually hide in fortified strongholds, and it's nearly impossible to dismantle them one by one. Even if you exhaust all your energy, you might not be able to destroy them completely. Almost no fighter would willingly expend their energy targeting these forces. Even if the military were to cooperate in attacking and capturing strongholds, enemy fighters could still find ways to bypass and ambush them from behind or attack other vulnerable areas. Therefore, if both sides engage in battle, it's essential to eliminate the elite combatants beforehand.
Regarding this offensive plan, it's said that the Defense Department's insider took a long time to figure out the Former Imperial House's rituals in the Convergence Zone. They used residues to lure Wei Guozhen away and then sent in a fighter proficient in secret rituals to partially disrupt the rituals, thus making it possible to capture the base..."
Chen Chuan thought to himself that this fighter proficient in secret rituals was probably Mr. Xue.
Mr. Zhuang continued, "Even with the plan in place, the Former Imperial House didn't actually make a mistake. They were cautious enough and even involved Zhao Zhenye to plug the leak. If it weren't for the government's foresight in sending us to guard against them, even if they failed to obtain the residues, they wouldn't have suffered significant losses."
Chen Chuan said, "In the end, it's because the high-end combatants they can deploy are limited."
"You're absolutely right!" Mr. Zhuang agreed wholeheartedly. "The reason they lost this time is that they had fewer high-end combatants than us. If those two had stayed hidden in their base, it would have been difficult to deal with. We could retreat if we couldn't defeat them, and they would be exposed to their weaknesses as soon as they separated, allowing us to capture and defeat them immediately."
He seemed to become enthusiastic when discussing this topic, but then he raised one hand, knocked on his mask without expression, and coughed twice. "I've digressed. Let's talk about your situation, Minister Chen."
He looked at Chen Chuan seriously and said, "Before we left, you requested guidance for your cultivation from headquarters, and they notified us about it. So, today is also a good opportunity to respond to your request. Minister Chen, how much do you know about your future cultivation path, and do you have any thoughts on it?"
Chen Chuan replied, "I've already read some introductory materials and have decided to choose the Human Form Path."
Mr. Zhuang smiled and said, "The Human Form Path is something our organization should be very happy you've chosen. Among the several major sects in the country, each has its own in-depth research and expertise.
The Refinement Sect has made significant progress in the Unusual Form Path because most of its members are high-ranking elites. Many are former high officials and nobles from the old era, and many of the relics from that time are in the hands of the sect members. Therefore, in this path, they are almost unmatched.
The Fusion Sect, on the other hand, has the most in-depth research on the Divine Visage Path. Among them are many followers of the old national religion, and they are suspected of having long-term communication with certain beings.
As for our Pure Sect, based on our principles and traditions, our understanding of the Human Form Path is unmatched by other sects. We can provide you with a lot of useful help." He paused and emphasized, "Even if there are any deviations in your cultivation, we can find ways to help you correct them."
...
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(End of Chapter)
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