In this cyberpunk era, why are you still playing the traditional villain?

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Pan Ling was taken aback. She hadn't expected that she still couldn't escape her master's discerning eye. She was indeed not as strong as she appeared on the surface, and she was also feeling quite bad inside. She wasn't a truly heartless person, so how could she so easily break off the relationship?

Her master told her to comfort her sister, but she couldn't comfort her with this kind of mentality, could she? That wouldn't be comforting; it would be more like the sisters huddled together and cried.

However, Xu Shi's words surprised her a bit. Her master and Luo Yu were clearly at odds, yet he didn't force her to cut off all contact with him.

Is this really that petty master? She knew Xu Shi was a vengeful person.

"Of course, if you insist on associating with him, you should also consider whether your teacher will fly into a rage and beat your bottom until it's swollen."

She was wondering what was going on when she heard Xu Shi add a veiled explanation, and she almost lost her balance and fell on him.

"Master, didn't you just say that you'd make me feel comfortable first?"

"That's right, but these are my wishes, and I don't need to consider your feelings first."

Xu Shi flicked a peanut into his mouth. "This is another lesson I taught you: whatever you do, you must have enough ability to cover your losses. In other words, if you crush your teacher in every aspect, then you should be the one who enjoys the benefits first, not me."

"……Yes."

Pan Ling steadied herself and nodded vigorously.

It must be said that Xu Shi does seem very irresponsible, but as long as he is willing to teach, each conversation with him is quite enlightening for her.

Moreover, her master's words reassured her a little; this was the real him... The young girl had been following him for some time and had a relatively clear understanding of her master.

Hearing this, Shen Qin, who was standing behind her, felt a mix of emotions.

Well... I don't think this guy is a very patient person, but he's surprisingly dedicated to teaching his apprentices.

However, he also subtly promoted his own agenda, bringing up Luo Yu again was probably a way to put him down, ugh...

"Brother Xu, you're in high spirits."

After finishing his lesson with his apprentice, Cheng Gujian appeared right beside him, smiling as he recited a sentence.

"I'm just killing time anyway."

Xu Shi returned the smile, "Brother Cheng, how's the training going lately?"

"It's quite effective. Miss Yu's training methods have helped us identify some of the problems we had in the past."

Cheng Gujian nodded and said, "Of course, these weapons are indeed quite good, and they have greatly enhanced the strength of the Royal Knights."

"The royal family's own training methods also have their merits in our view."

Xu Shi politely replied, "I see that most of the people here are 'Chosen Ones,' but they are very organized. Brother Cheng, do you have any insights that I could study carefully?"

"Simply put, we suppressed their differences as much as possible, leaving only the commonalities."

Cheng Gujian said leisurely, “The abilities of the ‘Chosen Ones’ vary, and it’s not always a good thing to teach each one individually. Therefore, we have always tried to train them using their commonalities to maximize consistency. Of course, there are detailed rules as well. If Brother Xu needs them, I can make a copy for you.”

"Then it'll be hard work."

Xu Shi nodded. This was indeed a solution. The "Ascended Ones" in Night City were scattered and many could not gather together. They also lacked a systematic training method. The only solutions were high mechanization and heavy reliance on weapons. Now, this was another option.

At least for low-level "ascendants," this is a very effective method, but it is unnecessary for high-level ones. For example, would you ask Su Linxia and Wuyou to suppress their true nature and conform to others? That would be putting the cart before the horse.

"Of course, this is part of the cooperation."

Cheng Gujian waved his hand and changed the subject, "I heard that those trading posts that were allocated to you have already opened?"

"Time waits for no one."

Xu Shi sighed and said that since the infiltration was necessary, the sooner the better, as everything was ready.

Xie Qingyan was in charge of this matter, and Xu Shi also assigned a group of people from the fleet to assist her. Although they were highly modified, they were indistinguishable from the outsiders, so that the locals would not think that outsiders were monsters.

Xia Ke'an went along too, which is why the little tagalong was absent today.

Yes, time waits for no one.

Cheng Gujian agreed with this statement, "The expedition to subdue the Sea God will set off immediately, and the preparations of the Holy See are no slower than ours... I know that they seem to have increased their manpower as well, and even added three more Silver Knights. Brother Xu's influence is still quite great."

Xu Shi just smiled. You know exactly what happened.

However, he didn't care. Even if the under-the-table deal wasn't made public, people would still think that he was closer to the royal family. If he made it public, he would just go with the flow and it wouldn't have much of an impact.

He never expected that the steward Chen who had been following him that day was actually the older brother of the current Royal Knight Commander, who had reportedly retired due to injury... Good heavens, you Grand Duke are truly something else, you've really mastered the art of manipulating people.

"Brother Cheng still has more power."

He recited it sincerely.

"Each each other."

Cheng Gujian accepted it calmly, saying, "If I went to your territory, I would most likely be the one flattering you."

"No way, I'm just an employee. I do whatever the governor tells me to do."

"Then we're even more alike; I'm merely assisting the Empress."

The two exchanged compliments, and as it grew late, the training on the field came to an end, and the knights dispersed in twos and threes.

"Want to come over for a drink?"

Upon seeing this, Cheng Gujian extended an invitation, saying, "I have been feeling bad ever since I was not well received last time."

"Let's celebrate when we get back."

Xu Shi smiled and politely declined, "Or tomorrow? I'm going to the trading post later to check on things."

"Then tomorrow."

Cheng Gujian didn't insist. After exchanging a few pleasantries, he prepared to lead his team away.

"By the way, Brother Cheng, there's something I'm curious about."

Xu Shi suddenly called out to him, "When you 'Chosen Ones' cultivate your abilities, do you rely solely on your own training? Or do you also use some auxiliary methods?"

"What do you mean specifically?"

Cheng Gujian thought for a moment and replied, "We will use them when necessary. The royal family has some drugs to break the shackles, and the Vatican also has baptism as a means. I have experienced both myself."

"I see, then we're about the same."

Xu Shi nodded slightly, "Let's talk sometime."

"no problem."

The question seemed abrupt, but Pan Ling, standing nearby, knew that her master was asking it specifically for her.

Was this a way of reassuring him about using drugs to enhance his strength? After all, his own persuasive power might not be enough, but someone like Grand Duke Gujian carries enough weight, right? If he doesn't shy away from it, what are you afraid of?

To put it bluntly, such methods exist everywhere; it's just that she had been staying on the island and hadn't been able to access them before.

However, she did not expect Xu Shi to do this. She originally thought that he would just say a few words of comfort and the matter would be over... Although he said he would not consider it, Xu Shi had always been very considerate of her feelings. He would only consider it over if any problem was perfectly resolved.

From a human nature perspective, Pan Ling absolutely cannot deny that Xu Shi is a good person.

But judging from these small details, he really is a good teacher...

She had long forgotten her previous idea of switching allegiance to Xia Shiniang, mainly because she felt there was no difference.

Because, it seems that Madam Xia herself doesn't have much of her own opinion, and she still listens to her master in many things...

If she really did that, all she'd get in return would be a slap on the buttocks.

Ten thousand words, I mean it, and I'll finish the rest as soon as possible.

By the way, let me explain the ethics of lifeboats. I'll use the wiki version directly, which is more intuitive than the textbook version.

In 1974, Garrett Harding published two articles in Psychology Today and Biological Sciences to explain the lifeboat ethics model.

The regulations stipulate the maximum number of people allowed on lifeboats (60 people) and the current situation at sea (50 people on board, 100 people at sea).

Harding points out that there are three possible interpretations regarding the people on the ship:

1. All 100 people who had fallen into the water were brought onto the boat, which began to sink, taking everyone to their deaths. Harding called this "perfect justice, perfect catastrophe."

2.100. Ten people will be selected from the 10 who have fallen into the water to board the boat. Harding believes that minimizing safety will eventually come at a price, and then asked, "Which 10 people should we let on board?"

3. Refuse any swimmers boarding the boat. "While it may be necessary to be prepared to resist those who attempt to board," this ensures the safety of everyone on board.