Otherworld Advance Team
Chapter 948 - 941: Accepting Criticism

Chapter 948: Chapter 941: Accepting Criticism

"Do you say this to every person you try to recruit?" Axia asked him with a smile.

"Uh..." Luo hesitated for a moment, then replied seriously, "The general concept is the same, but the actual words vary slightly. We are just trying to demonstrate the benefits that come with the progress of civilization, and if you agree with our methods, we naturally welcome you to join us in promoting this progress."

Axia hadn’t expected Luo to admit it so frankly. She pondered for a long time before raising her head and sighing, "To be honest, I still don’t trust you enough. You said yourself that there are contradictions and disputes within your group, so I can’t guarantee that what you are saying is correct."

"We will prove it with our actions," Luo responded.

"Then we shall wait and see," Axia said with a slight smile, and then she took her plate and left him.

"What about those weapons?" Hu Daoke asked, holding a hot drink by the fireplace.

"Just take them," Cheng Ziang said, glancing at Axia before adding, "I reckon we won’t be coming back here after this trip."

"Where to then?" Hu Daoke inquired.

"The passage to Luscaque has thawed. If we find what we want, we’ll head directly to the port and sail south, landing at Winter Harbor or Blue Bay," Cheng Ziang explained.

"These are all old guns, not very effective in a fight," Hu Daoke shook his head.

"That Browning should be all right though, it does have a high-capacity magazine of thirty rounds," Cheng Ziang noted.

"Forget it, it’s called an automatic rifle but shoots bolt-action rifle bullets. Who can handle that recoil?" Hu Daoke shrugged.

"What’s there to argue about? We just use them to make up the numbers, and get rid of them once we reach Luscaque," Tangmo interjected from the side.

Hearing his words, the two men looked at each other, then Cheng Ziang continued, "The only thing I’m worried about now is those people getting to the Ancestors’ Holy Book before us."

"Hey, didn’t Aunt Axia say that the noble’s tomb they were going to is quite dangerous and not easy to breach?" Hu Daoke spread his hands.

"There’s always a ’what if.’ If these people find the Ancestors’ Holy Book before us, then we’ll have no choice but to take it by force," Cheng Ziang declared.

"That doesn’t seem right," Hu Daoke said.

"What’s wrong with that? We’re not exactly saints. Are you still expecting to treat them with courtesy?" Cheng Ziang asked.

"No, what I mean is, we might not be able to beat these people," Hu Daoke shrugged.

"Ha," Cheng Ziang chuckled and shook his head, "As long as we stay focused, there will always be more solutions than problems. When have we ever had an even fight in all these years? Haven’t we always been the weaker side?"

"Regardless, it’s better to set off sooner rather than later," Luo said, holding his head as he joined the conversation.

"Are you sure you’re okay?" Cheng Ziang eyed him with concern.

"Minor issues. With the Soul Summoning Bell, Tana can’t do much to me for the time being," Luo waved his hand.

"Just make sure you know that. Don’t be too careless; if something happens to you, I can’t manage the Advance Team," Cheng Ziang said.

"I know. I was wrong before. I want to apologize to all of you here, sorry..." Luo said apologetically.

"Forget it," Cheng Ziang turned his face away and waved his hand dismissively, "If you want to prove your remorse, do it with actions, not with these formalistic gestures."

"I will try my best to prove it," Luo’er said sincerely.

Cheng Ziang glanced at him, then rolled his eyes and looked away, "Since you mentioned leaving as soon as possible, how about we rest for a day tomorrow and set off the day after?"

"Yes, that’s what I was thinking too," Luo’er nodded in agreement.

"Furthermore, I think we need to talk about our command system reforms for this mission," Cheng Ziang continued after a small hesitation.

"Uh..." Luo’er hesitated upon hearing this, seemingly averse to the subject.

"There’s nothing to be squeamish about. Let Fulajie’er come out, she is now the combat commander of the Advance Team and has an obligation to accept criticism and suggestions," Cheng Ziang said with a wave of his hand, expressionless.

"She’s still young; I’ll talk to her," Luo’er said somewhat awkwardly.

"Luo’er," Cheng Ziang looked at him, "Since you chose Fulajie’er as the commander of the Advance Team from the start, you already believed she isn’t a child. Shouldn’t we criticize mistakes and suggest improvements? Isn’t that what we should be doing for her?"

As they spoke, Fulajie’er, who was originally hidden in the air, bravely popped out and then addressed Cheng Ziang, "I’m not hiding; tell me what’s on your mind!"

"That’s gutsy!" Cheng Ziang approved with a nod, then sobered up and continued, "This action revealed many of your issues, including battlefield situational analysis, command scheduling, and ensuring our own targets achieved tactical purposes, among other things. Of course, I admit, having you juggle all these tasks, mistakes are inevitable, but since you’ve chosen to take on the role of commander, you should accept the responsibility and be open to everyone’s suggestions."

"We’ve been together for over a year and have always been open with each other, so we won’t over-criticize you but will offer constructive suggestions for improvement. Of course, you must understand the gravity of your responsibility because any negligence on your part can lead to casualties. ’Casualties’ might not sound so harsh, but remember, your mistake could mean never seeing one of us again,"

"I understand, just say whatever you have to, no need for beating around the bush. I don’t want to lose any of you, Luo’er or anyone else. I don’t know how you all see me, but I’ve always considered you family..." Fulajie’er said, but her voice suddenly stopped. When everyone looked at her, they saw she had shyly turned away.

At her words, everyone looked at each other, embarrassed. Cheng Ziang scratched his cheek and then coughed, "It’s good you think this way. In the following days, Luo’er and I will teach you the skills of command and combat. You must learn earnestly. Only then can you truly protect everyone."

"I will, I’ll ensure the safety of you all. I am a deity!" Fulajie’er said, her expression showing a touch of determination.

The Advance Team had decided to leave Aunt Axia’s place. Regardless of whether they found the Ancestor’s Holy Book or not, they would not return there but would head directly to Luscaque to rest and resupply.

With the maritime routes thawing, ships heading north from the south were enlivening the once remote port of Winter Harbor. The team needed to go there to resupply ammunition and provisions, for if they stayed at Aunt Axia’s, they would have no chance to restock their weapons and ammunition.

However, judging by Aunt Axia’s actions, she seemed to have also prepared for an extended journey. According to her own words, if the Advance Team were heading to Xia Yue Island, she would accompany them.

After all, as a follower of Xiapei Kam, she hadn’t yet had a chance to make a pilgrimage. This rare opportunity to travel with the team presented an ideal chance to go along.

With her decision made, Aunt Axia started to pack up her residence. What surprised everyone though, was that instead of reinforcing the Magic Array Traps within her home, she began dismantling them.

"Aunt Axia, what are you doing?" Luo’er asked hesitantly upon seeing her actions.

"Since I’m leaving this place anyway, why set traps to hurt others? I won’t be coming back here, so it’s better to leave it for those who enter the Snow Domain, giving them a temporary refuge."

"If you’re leaving, where will you go?" Luo’er asked blankly.

"What do you think?" Aunt Axia gave him a glance and a faint smile appeared on her face.

"Oh, oh, of course, no problem, we will take good care of you. Let me help you pack," Luo’er, grasping Aunt Axia’s intention, was instantly overjoyed.

Search the lightnovelworld.cc website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.