Divine Strategy Army, Xicheng Branch Base.

Dining Hall.

Li Ling and Bai Pu sat facing each other.

Seeing Bai Pu's pale face due to Spirit exhaustion, Li Ling couldn't help but say, "Aren't you pushing yourself too hard? You should balance work and rest."

But Bai Pu smiled happily, "No. I've spent enough time in the wheelchair."

Bai Pu cherished the current state of being able to run, jump, and fight. While others might see hard work as a daunting path, Bai Pu immensely enjoyed the process.

In fact, if Li Ling hadn't called him this time, Bai Pu would still be practicing hard in the White Bone Cave.

"Sister Ling, no need to talk about other things, what's the important matter?" Bai Pu asked.

"I told you before, the Commander wants to see you," Li Ling said, "This Commander isn't simple, he's also a staunch supporter of our Divine Strategy Army organization."

Bai Pu understood and nodded, "When?"

Usually, meeting such high-level figures requires some preparation, maybe even pre-prepared Q&A rehearsals practiced many times over.

"The Commander specifically said there's no need to prepare in advance; it's today," Li Ling smiled, "After lunch, come with me. This Commander comes from an Awakened powerhouse background and doesn't care for formalities."

...

In an office, Bai Pu met the Commander. He found the Commander's aura imposing and solid like a mountain, clearly at a level of strength that Bai Pu could not measure.

"Hello, Bai Pu. My surname is Nie."

Commander Nie had a serious demeanor, but upon seeing Bai Pu, he smiled warmly, showing great appreciation.

"Hello, Commander."

Bai Pu greeted politely.

"Have you received the top scholar's reward? What good stuff did you draw?" Commander Nie asked with a chuckle, "Don't worry, I'll keep it a secret for you."

Bai Pu felt a stir in his heart and immediately set the [Iron Waist Guard of the Immortal King] to exhibition mode.

"Wow, not bad! You actually drew a set piece, and it's quite a famous set," Commander Nie, clearly experienced, remarked.

"Commander, I want to sell this set piece. Do you know which force wants to purchase it?" Bai Pu asked.

Li Ling held her forehead with her hand; she didn't expect Bai Pu to be so bold.

"Sell it?"

Commander Nie was a bit surprised, "Are you willing to sell it? The drop rate of set pieces is very low and extremely rare. The Immortal King set is quite suitable for Tank Type Awakened and can be worn until an Awakened graduates."

Perhaps because he himself came from an Awakened background, Commander Nie's wording was free of official jargon and quite colloquial.

Bai Pu expressed his consideration, "I don't have the money to acquire other pieces, and I don't expect to have the good luck to get another one soon. Having it in my possession is equivalent to just a Golden equipment."

Commander Nie laughed, "You sure are able to let go. However, the forces willing to spend big money on purchasing the Immortal King set pieces are usually those who already have other pieces. A force without this set in their inventory might not pay a high price."

Just as Bai Pu didn't have the confidence to gather other set pieces, other forces aren't sure they can get them in the future, so they are naturally unwilling to pay a premium.

"So which force is willing to pay a high price to buy it?"

Commander Nie's expression suddenly became a bit strange. After hesitating, he said, "This force you also have heard of, it's the Superstar Alliance... They've already obtained three pieces of the Immortal King set; one is a helmet, one is an upper body Armor. The other one is unclear."

"Superstar Alliance?"

Bai Pu was speechless. The Superstar Alliance is the core organization of the Superpower Group; how could they be willing to spend a high price on Bai Pu's set piece?

Even Bai Pu wasn't willing to sell the set piece to the Superstar Alliance. They already have three pieces, and obtaining one more would give them a four-piece set, unlocking extremely powerful set effects!

Bai Pu certainly didn't want to aid the enemy. If he encountered an enemy exploring the Spirit Realm wearing the Immortal King four-piece set, and this enemy was one he had a hand in equipping, it would be truly regretful.

"I advise you not to rush to sell it. I have experience with this kind of thing; a hasty sale won't fetch a good price."

Commander Nie also had no intention of acquiring it for the military. He waved his hand and said, "Bai Pu, if you're willing to join the army and become a professional soldier, you won't have to worry about Spiritual Points. You might even take over my position in the future..."

Bai Pu knew this was a joke and shook his head with a wry smile.

Commander Nie said, "I know strong ones don't like Binding. Those who can carve out a territory in the Spirit Realm have unrestrained imagination and the courage to break norms, belonging to the most free type of people. Expecting them to become disciplined, orderly soldiers is inherently incompatible."

Li Ling interjected to Bai Pu, "That's why the Commander supports the Divine Strategy Army in absorbing experienced non-governmental Awakened to fill the gap of Hero Profession that the military lacks."

Commander Nie sighed, "Even so, Hero Profession Awakened willing to serve national security are still very few, leading to a problem: insufficient strength against awakened crime and external invasions."

Bai Pu said, "This seems different from what I understood."

What he knew was that Awakened generally behaved in reality. After all, giving up a leisurely life for a life of being hunted and in constant fear, any normal person would know what choice to make.

"What you previously understood was just a partial impression created by propaganda."

Li Ling chimed in, "In fact, Awakened crime has always existed. After all, possessing a weapon, the urge to kill arises.

"This also involves the world's reputation, infamy, and fame, which are both forms of world reputation. Some Awakened with actions leaning towards evil don't mind using civilians' blood to spread their infamous reputation and increase their world fame."

In this aspect, Bai Pu had considered it. He mainly suspected the living space for evil Awakened.

"The official Secret Arrow Shooter force and Firearmsman force should have overwhelming advantages against individual Awakened. Where do these evil Awakened have room to survive?" Bai Pu voiced his doubt.

Li Ling said, "You're right, but you overlooked one point: the existence of Boundary Lands.

"You've only been to one Bone Mountain Range Boundary Land, which is periodically closed, mainly for Awakened to gain experience. But there are many Boundary Lands that remain open all year round and never close."

Such Boundary Lands often become places where Awakened trade resources, belonging to a gray area beyond the reach of the law, where only the Controllers of Boundary Lands hold sway.

If an Awakened committed a crime, they could hide in a significant force's Boundary Land and gain shelter. Then, whether to flee or change identity, they have ample time to prepare without worrying about official pursuit.

The official Awakened forces certainly cannot enter these Boundary Lands on a large scale.

"If, say, the official Awakened forces are like an unstoppable hammer, evil Awakened are like venomous insects hiding under stones. As long as the venomous insects dare to crawl out from under the stone and are caught, they would be smashed into pulp by the hammer."

Commander Nie used a vivid metaphor, "But many venomous insects are very cunning, hiding in the cracks of the stones, leaving the officials with no power to utilize. They suddenly appear, sting you quickly, and then swiftly hide back, which is very detestable."

Bai Pu said, "If the hammer is strong enough, capable of smashing the rock sheltering the venomous insects, I believe there would be fewer venomous insects in this world."

"Yes, but there are many restraining Forces. While smashing the rock, the hammer will also suffer wear and even damage!" Commander Nie sighed, "Losing the hammer's deterrence, the external venomous insects and beasts will take advantage of the opportunity."

Bai Pu nodded slightly.

Commander Nie looked at Bai Pu, "Therefore, in addition to the hammer, we need a nimble and sharp surgical knife to eliminate those pests from the rock crevices!"

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