“One Realm, Three Grades. Just entering the Qi Control Realm means you are Low-Grade Qi Control.”
Tang Fei sized up the Phoenix with a suspicious gaze and asked, "With the cultivation realm of Low-Grade Qi Control, on what basis do you believe you have enough ability to protect yourself? And on what basis do you believe you can ensure those people never return?"
The Qi Control Realm is the second realm within the Mortal Realm.
If Yin is solitary, it cannot grow; if Yang is solitary, it cannot live. Thus, heaven and earth are matched with Yin-Yang Qi. Everyone has Yin-Yang Qi inside their bodies, which we refer to as 'Yin Energy' and 'Yang Energy'.
When Yin and Yang harmonize, it becomes 'Righteous Qi'. In some ancient Wuxia novels, it is also called 'True Qi'.
When you can use Cultivation Methods and secret arts to release the Yin-Yang Qi within your body to injure the enemy and manipulate it freely, you have reached what we call the 'Qi Control Realm'.
The Phoenix looked at Tang Fei with a strange expression and asked again, "Do you truly not understand Cultivation?"
"Do I look like someone who understands Cultivation?" Tang Fei retorted.
The Phoenix’s probing gaze scrutinized Tang Fei for a while before abandoning the unrealistic conjecture in her mind.
Just as he said, for a youth on the Ruins, merely surviving was a difficult matter; where would he have the time and energy to cultivate?
Knowing a bit of Tai Chi or mastering a set of 《Five Animal Frolics》《Nine Sections of Brocade》 does not count as Cultivation; that only counts as strengthening the body.
Cultivation is the complementary combination of Cultivation Methods and mental techniques, requiring guidance from a Famous Teacher to enter the path.
How could Tang Fei possess Cultivation Methods and mental techniques? And how could he possibly have a Famous Teacher to guide his entry?
Thinking of the dirty Old Man beside Tang Fei.
Forget it, forget it, stop thinking about it.
However, how could someone who doesn't understand Cultivation and has never cultivated before show a look of disdainful dismissal upon hearing about her Low-Grade Qi Control realm, as if it were nothing special?
One must know that due to environmental changes and the scarcity of unique secret manuals, the number of people who can cultivate is extremely small, perhaps one in ten thousand.
To reach the Qi Control Realm at her age was even rarer in the world; calling her a 'genius' would not be an exaggeration.
But from Tang Fei's expression and the tone of his voice, one could clearly sense an emotion that shouldn't exist: That's it?
The Phoenix felt she had been subjected to Humiliation!
But considering the current harsh survival environment, the Phoenix decided to pretend she hadn't noticed the Humiliation!
"Indeed, it doesn't seem like it," the Phoenix shook her head and said. "However, cultivators are few and far between, and extremely rare on the Ruins. Isn't Low-Grade Qi Control enough to ensure one's own safety?"
"It's naturally fine on the Ruins, but the pursuers aren't likely to be weaklings, are they?" Tang Fei countered.
"I have a general understanding of their strength. If we operate properly and plan ahead, they won't gain any advantage even if they come," the Phoenix said confidently.
She had to be confident now; she understood this smiling fellow in front of her too well. If she showed even a hint of worry or fear, he might abandon her in this wasteland.
Or demand more money!
"Of course, I don't deny there will be a certain degree of danger. This is why I requested your help. You all know my situation, so now it's time for you to make a choice."
"Continue our transaction? Or cast me out to fend for myself in this unfamiliar and dangerous place?"
The Phoenix bit her delicate lip and said pitifully, "I heard those Predators and the Flame Society are capable of anything..."
When cornered, the Phoenix even resorted to a Honey Trap.
She used to despise women like that, but now, she understood herself.
Little Fatty couldn't bear it, tugged Tang Fei's arm, and said, "Brother..."
Tang Fei interrupted Little Fatty, saying, "Are you hungry again? Wait a moment, let me finish my business first..."
Then Tang Fei's gaze shifted back to the Phoenix's face, and he said in a Deep Voice, "We can take the risk, but it must be worth it to us. I know that in your eyes, the lives of people from Old Earth are not worth much..."
The Phoenix opened her mouth to explain, but her lips moved, and she couldn't utter a word.
Yes, on New Star, these humans left on Old Earth were called 'Refugees', 'Drifters', 'Lowly People', 'The Abandoned', 'The Exiled'...
Did any of those titles carry even a shred of respect?
Tang Fei took in her subtle expression, his signature Smiling Face appeared, and he said aloud, "But everyone only gets to come into this world once, and everyone only has one life. I want to sell this first and only time for a good price."
Tang Fei looked at the Phoenix and finally revealed his trump card, saying, "On top of double the supplies, I want three passes to New Star..."
You mock me, and I am very Angry.
So, I want to join you and become one of your members.
That way, would you still have the nerve to call me a Drifter or Lowly Person?
Tang Fei's principle for dealing with the world was simple: fight if you can win, join if you can't.
Dignity? Non-existent.
Besides, only on New Star could one live with dignity.
At least, to live like a human being.
The Phoenix was dumbfounded, staring wide-eyed at Tang Fei, and said, "Passes? Three of them?"
"Yes," Tang Fei nodded.
His expression was resolute, his gaze firm, looking like he wouldn't give up a single one.
One for him, one for Little Fatty, and one for the Old Man...
Although the Old Man treated the two of them like beasts of burden every day, he was still the only two relatives Tang Fei had in this world.
No matter what, he could not abandon him.
"Don't you know? Resources on New Star are limited, and they closed the immigration channels from Old Earth long ago."
In the past, New Star countries would grant certain rewards, including New Star residency status, to some outstanding talents from Old Earth, or to Refugees who had provided assistance to important figures.
However, with the energy shortage on New Star and the growing opposition to the immigration wave, the countries on New Star all closed the immigration channels.
"I didn't know," Tang Fei shook his head.
"..."
"Tang Fei, I truly am willing to help you," the Phoenix said seriously, looking at him. "I am very willing to repay your life-saving kindness. I know that if you hadn't helped, I might already be dead..."
"I also really like Little Fatty because I can feel he is a very kind person, and he has spoken up for me time and again... Such people are rare even on New Star."
"But what you are asking is something I cannot do. I truly cannot agree to this request..."
"You really can't do it?"
"I really can't do it."
Tang Fei waved his hand and said casually, "If you can't do it, forget it. We aren't unreasonable people either..."
"..."
The Phoenix looked at Tang Fei with surprise. What kind of person was this guy?
What if she had agreed just now...
Tang Fei patted Little Fatty's shoulder and said, "Little Fatty, time to work. The Escape Pod landing here is too dangerous; it's easy to be spotted. It would be troublesome if the Predator Organization or those seeking revenge found it."
"I know a cave. That cave is very hidden and spacious enough to put it inside. Carry it and follow me."
"Got it," Little Fatty agreed.
Without needing any external help, not even needing Tang Fei or the Phoenix to lend a hand, he just let out a shout and hoisted the thousand-jin Escape Pod onto his back.
"..."
The Phoenix was stunned by the sight before her.
This youth possesses Innate Divine Strength...
Then, she looked resentfully towards Tang Fei.
Is this what you meant when you said your whole family—the old and the young—were all Helpless?
Tang Fei, is there a single truthful word in your mouth?
Tang Fei didn't care what the Phoenix was thinking. He strode forward, leading the way like a guide. Then, he arrived in front of a cave covered by dead Branches and Leaves, pointed to the cave, and said, "Little Fatty, carry the Escape Pod inside."
Little Fatty responded, bent over, and carried the massive object inside.
After Little Fatty had properly placed the Escape Pod, Tang Fei found some dead Branches and Leaves to cover the cave entrance tightly, and he also set up a few small Traps using what he had on hand.
For an experienced hunter who had been through countless battles, anything and any terrain could become a tool for capturing Prey.
Tang Fei was quite satisfied with his setup; without careful inspection, it would be hard for outsiders to even notice the existence of the cave.
"Let's go back," Tang Fei said with the demeanor of a leader, waving his hand grandly.
On the way back, the Phoenix kept sizing up Tang Fei and Little Fatty pensively...
Are all the survivors on Old Earth like these guys? Based on the survival wisdom and practical strength they displayed, they are not inferior even to the regular army on New Star, only that the New Star army has superior equipment.
If a group like this were armed, what a terrifying fighting force they would be?
Strong survival ability, fearless of death, and shameless...
"Brother, a rabbit..." Little Fatty suddenly pointed towards the grass ahead and shouted.
Before Little Fatty's voice had fully dropped, the Phoenix saw a blur before her eyes; Tang Fei's figure had already shot off in pursuit of the Mutant rabbit, which was over a meter tall with blood-red eyes.
The rabbit ran fast, but Tang Fei ran faster than the rabbit!
"What a freak!" the Phoenix thought secretly.
She dared not make any sound, worried that doing so might provoke disgust from Tang Fei and Little Fatty.
While thinking this, her face even adopted the look of an admiring fangirl, thinking, 'Wow, he's amazing!'
A seemingly sincere Smiling Face and words of praise—this was a compulsory course she had taken since childhood.
Under the respectable name of: Court Etiquette.