Section 27: Strategy Hub

"So, Lord Zhenjin, can you still use fighting energy?" Cang Xu inquired.

Zhenjin shook his head, indicating he could not.

He had originally discussed with Zi Di about hiding his inability to use fighting energy. But now that the topic had come this far, there was no point in concealing it.

However, Zhenjin still hid the fact that he had amnesia.

Cang Xu sighed, "If anyone could use fighting energy of gold level or below, it would overturn my hypothesis. In truth, I very much hope my hypothesis is wrong!"

Zhenjin retorted, "Then, Mr. Cang Xu, have you thought of any good strategies for us to overcome the bizarre magic beasts and environment here and safely reach our destination?"

Cang Xu smiled wryly, "My lord, you overestimate me. I am just an old man nearing the end of my life. I have served the Shata family for most of my life, and the reason I resigned this time was to personally study the Beastmen and explore the unique ecosystem of the Beast Race Continent during the final stage of my life, completing my scholarly work."

"I have named this work 'Evolution Theory.' I believe that although nature maintains a good cycle and balance, the forms of life within it are not unchanging. Whether it is humans, dragons, or wild beasts and magic beasts, they are all slowly evolving."

"This evolution is closely related to changes in the natural environment and the ways of life."

Zhenjin nodded, "This will surely be a classic work."

Cang Xu bowed and said sincerely, "The shipwreck was my misfortune, yet encountering so many bizarre monsters here brings me great joy. This will strongly prove my 'Evolution Theory' from another angle. Because of this, I proactively joined the exploration team to be the first to contact these monsters."

"Meeting you here is my honor. During this time, I will serve you with all my effort and wisdom!"

"I am truly unworthy of your expectations, my lord, but please forgive my incompetence. After all... I am merely a scholar."

"I understand." Zhenjin nodded.

He could see that. Huang Zao and Lan Zao sold themselves into slavery, but Cang Xu did not genuinely intend to fully commit to him.

Cang Xu meant that during their distress period on the island, he would fully support Zhenjin. But once they reached the Beast Race Continent, he would part ways with Zhenjin and freely complete his work, 'Evolution Theory.'

"If I become the White Sand City Lord, I will certainly help you gather intelligence on the Beastmen," Zhenjin continued.

"I would be most grateful!" Cang Xu bowed deeply again.

At this moment, Zi Di suddenly spoke, "If Mr. Cang Xu's hypothesis is true, then both this island and the various magic beasts are modified entities. In that case, there must be a central hub on this island. What do you all think will happen if we find this hub?"

This idea was very bold!

Lan Zao quickly said, "That's too dangerous, isn't it? We can't possibly contend against the entity that can modify an entire island and create so many magic beasts. This is practically seeking death!"

Zi Di smiled and slightly shook her head, "Not necessarily."

"Think carefully, everyone. Based on our prior analysis, there are two main possibilities."

"The first possibility, the island's owner is away and not on the island. Attacking the hub now would be the best time."

"The second possibility, the island's owner has always been here but hasn't acted, either monitoring us, toying with us, or ignoring us. However, once we succeed in escaping this island, the owner would surely act to maintain secrecy."

"So, instead, it would be better to strike directly at the hub."

"Once the hub is destroyed, we can stop the teleportations, and the island's environment would return to normal. We would be able to use magic and fighting energy, while those ferocious beasts would collapse. This would greatly advantage our escape."

Lan Zao was dumbstruck. Thinking about it this way, it also made sense!

Zi Di looked at Zhenjin again, her eyes sparkling: "Lord Zhenjin, we aim to reach the Beast Race Continent and seize control of White Sand City. If we acquire such magical technology, producing silver and golden-level magic beasts in large quantities, even if these creatures only last a short duration before self-detonating, how much benefit would that bring us?"

In an instant, Zhenjin's heart pounded.

Having subordinates of golden level would be such a luxurious thing!

And the term "mass production" sounded wonderful.

What was even more remarkable was that these created magic beasts would be utterly fearless of death, truly fighting to the death. This would greatly trouble the enemy, even making them petrified with fear.

Zhenjin gazed into Zi Di's eyes. At this moment, those amethyst-like eyes seemed to shine with the gleam of gold coins.

Zhenjin's understanding of Zi Di deepened instantly.

The young knight couldn't help but think: This young girl in front of him, worthy of being the guild's chairman, was willing to momentarily cast aside her life in pursuit of enormous potential benefits!

However, Zhenjin did not express his opinion and instead looked towards Cang Xu.

"Mr. Cang Xu, what do you think?" Zhenjin showed his regard for Cang Xu.

The previous conversation had significantly elevated Zhenjin's opinion of Cang Xu. From the latter's insights, Zhenjin truly felt the power of knowledge.

Cang Xu's broad vision, extensive knowledge and experience, and profound understanding seemed to unveil a layer of mystery on this enigmatic island for Zhenjin and Zi Di.

"My lord," Cang Xu slowly said, "I do not agree with Lady Zi Di's suggestion."

"Firstly, we do not know the exact location of the hub. Searching for it would require venturing all over the island, facing various bizarre beasts and harsh natural conditions."

"Secondly, even if we find the hub, logic dictates that the island master would have placed formidable defenses there. Can we, by ourselves, breach these defenses? If we rashly attack the hub, might we alarm the possibly absent island master?"

"Thirdly, regarding the existence of the island master, terrain mutations, and these fierce beasts, everything is my hypothesis without the most direct evidence. Perhaps my conjectures are wrong, and this is merely a peculiar island, fashioned by the forces and will of nature which we can never fathom."

"Fourthly, despite the teleportation, this mechanism has intervals. Theoretically, as long as we maintain the correct direction and a swift pace, we can traverse forests and other terrains and return to the beach. Even if we are re-teleported en route, the teleportation would most likely be random. Thus, repeatedly following this course of action might eventually lead us to our destination."

Zhenjin thought for a moment, then nodded, "Very well analyzed. The hub is too elusive, and the risks too high. Our strength is insufficient; therefore, our primary goal is to reunite with the main team and quickly construct a ship to escape this island."

"As you command, master," Lan Zao immediately responded.

Cang Xu seemed to breathe a sigh of relief.

Zi Di opened her mouth, wanting to speak, but ultimately remained silent.

"Give the order, rest for another quarter-hour, then we proceed," Zhenjin commanded.

"My lord," Cang Xu spoke up again, "I have a small suggestion."

"Please go ahead, Mr. Cang Xu."

"My lord, allow me to report a delightful discovery." Cang Xu pointed to a small map of the forested area, "Here, at the furthest point of our current exploration, lives a large sheep herd, numbering at least a thousand."

"I strongly suggest we hunt down this herd. That way, we will have ample food supplies."

Zhenjin frowned slightly, "A large herd of about a thousand sheep?"

The young knight looked at Cang Xu, then glanced at Lan Zao.

Lan Zao immediately said, "Master, it's indeed a large herd of sheep. We've already tried and successfully hunted two. They are timid and gentle, only thinking of escape, not dangerous. Many exploration team members believe this is a gift from heaven!"

"However, our current food supplies are quite sufficient," Zi Di interjected.

"For now, yes," Cang Xu nodded, "but we must guard against potential incidents. For instance, if we are teleported to a desert region."

Cang Xu looked at Zhenjin again, knowing that Zhenjin was the true decision-maker: "Based on our investigation, the leader of this sheep herd only emits a Bronze level aura."

"Lord Zhenjin, there is no need for excessive concern. This herd is at the bottom of the natural cycle, surely preyed upon by many beast groups, including golden-level beasts. That white-boned feathered deer might be one of them. Hence, our greatest risk in hunting this herd is not from the sheep themselves, but from other predators."

"This risk is easy to guard against, as we do not directly confront these predators."

Zhenjin pondered silently.

Cang Xu continued, "Lord Zhenjin, the primary purpose of our exploration team's departure was to gather enough food for everyone building the ship. Although we have been lost on the island for many days, bringing back substantial food will likely greatly boost morale and help them considerably. This, in turn, aids you, my lord."

Zhenjin nodded, "This is a good suggestion, so we will amend our plan slightly. First, we hunt the sheep herd, then set off."

Given past experiences, Zhenjin knew that such easy hunting opportunities were scarce on this perilous island.

It was even possible that passing up this chance now would deny such opportunities in the future.

According to his future plans, he didn't intend to venture so deeply into the island's interior again.

Therefore, he adhered to the flow willingly.