Starting Cultivation in Wasteland-Chapter 398 - 276: Cooperation?

Pan Yifu understood clearly, don’t be fooled by the fact that Blazing Fire is just an Earth Level Team. The things they’ve done recently are quite sensational.

When you do things brilliantly, naturally people will support you. It’s imaginable that there wouldn’t be a shortage of A-levels willing to back them up.

Don’t even mention the attention from higher-ups like Black Rain, even the one in front of him leaned towards Blazing Fire.

The members of Blazing Fire were beheaded and displayed first, and then this person went on to decapitate the ninth chief of the Star Thieves.

Some people think it’s a coincidence, but how is that possible? This person is clearly taking a stand for Blazing Fire!

Even though Pan Yifu, as an A-level, found it difficult to intentionally offend the interests of Blazing Fire, so he could only remain silent.

The Earth Attribute Warrior’s heart was mixed with emotions, he truly didn’t expect the other side to really pick a bone with him.

You’re a dignified Empire A-level Warrior, actually concerned about the plight of a Sinful Follower—Blazing Fire might not even care, right?

However, he grumbled inwardly, but his face showed a painful expression, "I am willing to apologize, he can name any condition."

"It was actually a misunderstanding, I was trying to prevent Lord Pan from being discovered... By the way, is Sullivan still alive?"

Qu Jianlei snorted coldly, "I don’t even know if he’s alive, mentioning him was just to remind you..."

"Remember, don’t speak too confidently, there might be spies among the Indigenous People you’ve tortured."

The Earth Attribute Warrior was stunned at first, then smiled bitterly, "Everyone else does it, if I don’t, it’s not sociable."

Still dared to retort? Qu Jianlei fired back directly, "Everyone else died, you survived... that’s not sociable either."

The Earth Attribute Warrior dropped his eyelids and kept silent, at this moment, he really wanted to roll his eyes—you’re calling this sociable?

Fine, you’re an A-level, you’re the boss!

His attitude remained correct, "For these unintentional mistakes, I’m willing to slowly compensate, without missing any."

While they were talking, Pan Yifu watched coldly from the side, although he didn’t speak, he sorted out some thoughts.

"Wen Xin, do you have any connection with Blazing Fire? If so, you can take him away, I definitely won’t stop you."

"Handle it as you see fit," Qu Jianlei said indifferently, "I just hope, when the time comes, don’t make yourself passive."

His original intention was just to complain a bit, to let the other party understand that it’s not that you think you’re innocent that you really are.

However, Pan Yifu was really unsatisfied upon hearing this.

He is not a reckless person, he appreciates assessing the situation, as seen from his changing attitude towards Youyou.

However, at his level of cultivation and status, some things still need to be fought for—like dignity.

The other party continually resisted his attempts, making him slightly annoyed, but due to previous favors, it was inconvenient for him to erupt.

Now he finally found an opportunity to hit back in a harmless way, to express his dissatisfaction.

"No problem, I’ll take him to pull out the thorns... should count as making amends for his crimes, no problem, right?"

Since you insist on targeting him... then I’ll try to protect him, not just with words, but with actions!

The Empire doesn’t insist on killing all Star Thieves, those without severe crimes simply do hard labor.

As for those clearly forced into becoming Star Thieves, they may only have to do chores—similar to community service.

Complete exoneration is impossible, as that would mean the Empire was wrong and caused someone to turn from a good citizen into a Star Thief.

At most, those unwilling to do chores, with sufficiently minor crimes, can pay a fine instead of doing chores.

Pan Yifu knows very well that given the current situation on Zarif Star, Pioneers can freely kill Star Thieves and those who join them.

But he insists on challenging—according to the Empire’s laws, some Star Thieves can be forgiven.

He’s not trying to challenge the entire Zarif Star Pioneer Team, just wanting to see Wen Xin’s reaction.

However, Qu Jianlei couldn’t understand this mentality; he felt that the Earth Attribute Warrior’s life or death had nothing to do with him.

Speaking of which, he felt others were careless with lives, but for himself... he wasn’t much different.

Others might think low-tier lives aren’t valuable, while high-tier ones are different.

In Qu Jianlei’s eyes, there’s no distinction between high and low tier, everyone has only one life.

He is somewhat indifferent to life and death, treating nobles and the humble with the same regard in his heart.

He doesn’t care much for even his own life—living might just be a gesture of development, death perhaps another starting point.

As long as the death is worthwhile.

Because of this kind of equality that others can’t comprehend, Pan Yifu’s questions seem strange to him.

"That’s for you to consider, is it necessary to ask me?"

After saying this, he stood up, not wanting to hear the next person’s interrogation anymore.

Knowing this is enough, this person isn’t lying, and the other one won’t know more.

But Pan Yifu called him back, his expression unprecedentedly serious.

"Wen Xin, the situation is already very dangerous now, are you sure you still won’t cooperate with me?"

The Star Thieves lost two A-level leaders, but with Diamond and Fat Fox’s defection, they added three more A-levels.

In the Pioneer camp, they truly lost three A-levels, and Black Rain’s Fangcao also temporarily lost combat power.

Even with the addition of Pan Yifu and Wen Xin as two A-levels, the Pioneer camp still suffered losses.

This is the change in A-level combat power, temporarily excluding B-level and C-level; even in ordinary combat power, the Pioneers sustained heavy losses.

Diamond’s entire Celestial Level team, at least half of the ordinary combat power would leave—especially if some refuse to be coerced.

However, do not underestimate ordinary combat power.

In such a major battle, advanced combat power is undoubtedly important, but a large amount of ordinary combat power could more likely influence the direction of the battle.

The premise is, as long as ammunition is sufficient.

Think about Qu Jianlei being blasted with artillery; even with his strength, he doesn’t want to experience it again.

Pan Yifu said this, clearly already realizing the seriousness of the problem.

The opposite side’s attitude is neither active nor friendly, even giving a feeling of being distant, yet he still hopes to band together for warmth.

Qu Jianlei gave him a look, thought seriously, and then calmly stated.

"Cooperation is possible, but there’s a premise: my opinion must be the priority. Can you accept that?"

He doesn’t reject cooperation, previously cooperating with Xiao Moshan and others was effective, but there needs to be an agreement on who leads.

Even doing business in partnership requires a leader; otherwise, once caught up in disputes, it’s countless troubles.

And right now, it’s a battlefield where a slight mistake could lead to death; the situation changes swiftly and the enemy won’t give you a chance for disputes.

Pan Yifu was startled by these words: You and I are both A-level, isn’t cooperation supposed to be negotiated?

He knows the other’s cultivation level and combat power, likely stronger than his, but wants to take charge just because of that?

He believes his decades of experience outweigh the other’s, "Dare I ask how old you are?"

Qu Jianlei helplessly rubbed his forehead, understanding the other’s intention, so he answered frankly, "Much younger than you."

Seems you’ve understood! Pan Yifu said frankly, "I’ve been with the military for almost forty years, my experience is rich enough."

"When we encounter disagreements, we can deliberate; if we can’t persuade each other within a minute... then let’s draw lots to decide."

His attitude already respects the other a lot, even providing a solution for resolving conflicts—drawing lots could be seen as relatively fair.

But Qu Jianlei completely cannot accept it; in one minute... how many times can we die?

Not to mention drawing lots—I firmly believe what I insist on is correct, why should I accept the "possible draw to you" result?

He calmly stated, "Sorry, I can’t accept this suggestion because I need to be responsible for many people."

Thinking of having to assist Blazing Fire’s wounded, he felt teaming up with old Pan had too many inconveniences.

"Tsk," Pan Yifu clicked his tongue and shook his head helplessly, losing his temper.

He thought the "responsible for many people" mentioned by the other meant those who cooperated with Wen Xin.

No doubt, Wen Xin’s information is very well-connected, providing help during battles, at least having an efficient small team.

So it’s reasonable for them to take charge, while he, a lone A-level, what’s the basis for competing for voice?

However, it’s utterly impossible for him to unconditionally follow Wen Xin’s command.

Eventually, he suggested, "How about this, later I’ll get you a handset, so we can stay in touch and share information."

"No problem," Qu Jianlei nodded, finding the scattered approach of combat a bit tiresome.

If there could be allied forces nearby to respond and fight together, while sharing intelligence, it would be excellent.

Also, it’s limited cooperation, affecting each other little, without mandatory responsibilities and obligations.

"Then wait a moment," Pan Yifu said, "I’ll finish interrogating this guy, then get you a handset."

Qu Jianlei could modify the handset’s secure frequency, but he didn’t want to raise suspicions about any connection with "Wen Xin" and Black Heaven.

So he quietly waited for the interrogation of the Wood Attribute Warrior.

This person was quite cooperative, but indeed didn’t know much.

After explaining, he cautiously asked, "Would Lord Pan allow me to make amends for my crimes?"

"You’re overthinking," Pan Yifu coldly replied, "Your time has come!"

He drew the dog leg knife from his waist and sliced off the person’s head.

Pan Yifu also carried a gun, but didn’t use it nor any technique, indicating he’s also aware of conserving resources.

However, two B-levels with the same defection end, treated worlds apart; it just emphasizes... A-level freedom to act capriciously.

Yet in the next moment, Qu Jianlei’s eyes narrowed slightly, stepping forward to grab the man’s head.

Pan Yifu blinked, wondering if the traitor’s head needed to be displayed?

However, it wasn’t as he thought; Wen Xin directly pried open the man’s mouth, "Sure enough, there’s a locator!"