Chapter 36: Ethical Praise

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The reason Pela didn't delve deeper was simple—it wasn't considered significant.

So...

After a brief tour and assigning rooms to everyone,

Pela departed.

The four members of the Trailblazer team temporarily settled down in Belobog, even acquiring legitimate identities.

Following a thorough inspection for any listening devices or similar equipment without finding any, they gathered in the living room to discuss.

"We're already being watched. It seems we can't access the Underworld... at least not for now."

"What should we do?" March 7th looked at Dan Heng. "Should we start working here in Belobog to make a living?"

"Hm... Let's follow Pela's suggestion for now and use this opportunity to gather intelligence on Stellaron." Dan Heng paused briefly before adding, "Bochang, keep an eye out for Sampo. I suspect he may come looking for you again."

"Alright."

Bochang nodded.

March 7th, seated on the sofa, leaned back and said, "Feels like we're moving so slowly... Why don't we just lay our cards on the table? Although it might be risky, at least it would be quick?"

Laying their cards on the table indeed could be swift.

Since those harboring secrets would directly come forward, it would save everyone considerable time and effort.

Dan Heng sighed.

"March, although we are strong, we aren't invincible. In the vast universe, we can encounter creatures more powerful than ourselves at any moment. It's best to remain hidden when possible, avoiding many potential troubles."

"Fine, you decide then." With a casual wave of his hand, March 7th showed no interest in listening to further elaboration.

Dan Heng continued, "This time, our luck has been quite good... Belobog's own registration system had issues, allowing us to easily blend in. Next time, such an opportunity may not present itself again. We must seize this chance now, and the two newcomers can also gain some experience."

"Experience? What kind of experience?" Stelle tilted her head slightly.

Thinking for a moment, Dan Heng replied, "From starting with nothing, gaining survival skills within society, as well as... experience in gathering information. Don't assume finding Stellaron is solely my task; you both need to contribute by uncovering intelligence too."

"Oh... I see..." Stelle nodded thoughtfully.

Dan Heng then shook his head.

"Based on our situation today, reaching the Underworld seems like a very challenging endeavor. In fact... it might even be impossible to enter the Underworld at all. We were likely misled by Sampo; he could be someone from the Upper Tier."

As a non-transmigrator, Dan Heng couldn't ascertain the true identity of their contact like Bochang did. Drawing this conclusion was understandable given the circumstances.

Bochang had no intention of contradicting him.

The group of four discussed their plans in the living room for about fifteen minutes before finalizing their next steps and ending the meeting.

Due to their activities with Pela during the day, much time had been spent, and now it was evening.

It was time for dinner.

As usual, Dan Heng chose to eat out, spending several dozen Shields.

This expense wasn't insignificant.

While dining, Dan Heng mentioned that from now on, they should buy groceries and cook themselves instead of always eating at restaurants.

Naturally, this honorable yet challenging task...

fell upon Bochang's shoulders.

There was no other choice.

Both March 7th and Stelle claimed they couldn't cook. The pink-haired girl even remarked, "It's perfectly normal for beautiful girls not to know how to cook."

Although Dan Heng knew how to cook, he stated that he needed to focus on gathering information and might often be unable to return home on time.

So...

Bochang reluctantly accepted this responsibility.

After finishing dinner, the group returned home.

Bochang prepared to practice his gunmanship again. The small villa arranged by Pela featured a spacious backyard, ideal for training with firearms - far better than their previous lodging.

"This time, use your own weapon..." Dan Heng pulled out his Jiyun spear. "I'll accompany you with my Jiyun, allowing you to learn faster."

Dan Heng's gunmanship originated from the Cloud Knights. The techniques he taught Bochang were straightforward and unadorned, characterized by wide, sweeping movements.

Under the starlit night,

Bochang had a sudden thought and lifted his head, saying, "Alright."

Within less than a minute, the Vow Spear descended from the sky.

It ultimately hovered beside Bochang.

Since it was nighttime, no outsiders could witness this scene.

Even if someone did see it, they would likely mistake it for a shooting star...

Observing this, Dan Heng swung his long spear, its motion resembling a black dragon dancing through the air.

"Today, I'll teach you the technique of exerting force. Watch carefully."

Bochang's eyes widened as he focused intently.

Soon...

Both Dan Heng and Bochang began wielding their spears together in the backyard.

As March 7th and Stelle observed from the side, the pink-haired girl eventually yawned and suggested, "Let's do something else instead; watching them practice spear techniques is just too boring."

"Mm...," agreed Stelle.

The departure of their audience did not affect Bochang and Dan Heng's training regimen.

Just as before, after practicing continuously for two hours, they finally stopped.

"That's enough for today. We'll continue tomorrow morning. Get some good rest tonight," said Dan Heng, putting away his long spear.

Bochang leaned heavily on the Vow Spear like a cane, striving to control his labored breathing. He had trained non-stop for two hours, each strike filled with immense power, including sparring sessions with Dan Heng throughout the process.

This exertion drained him significantly, far more than the previous day's session.

"It's always intense at the start of training. Keeping up with my pace already shows great progress." Dan Heng extended his hand, offering assistance. "Do you need help getting back?"

"No need... Let me...catch my breath... Just give me a moment," Bochang declined.

Understanding without fuss, Dan Heng replied, "Alright, then I'll be off now."

The black-haired man turned and left, leaving Bochang alone.

After several minutes of resting,

Bochang regained his ability to move. By this time, Dan Heng had already reached his room on the second floor. He stood by the window, watching the black-haired youth below until their figure disappeared before turning away.

"Dan Heng is truly impressive... After such intense training, there's barely any sweat visible... Unlike me, my clothes are completely drenched."

With heavy steps, Bochang walked through the house, still using the Vow Spear as a walking stick.

Given how soaked he was with sweat,

taking a shower was absolutely necessary.

Approaching the bathroom door, Bochang knocked gently.

"Who is it?" Stelle's voice came from inside.

"It's me, Bochang," he replied.

"Oh... then come in."

Just as the gray-haired girl finished speaking, another panicked voice from inside exclaimed, "Bochang! No! Don't come in! We're currently..."

[Dating Options activated.]

[Option 1: Act like a brave warrior and casually push open the door, saying, "Alright, I'm coming in?" - Completion Reward: March 7th's Big Booty.]

[Option 2: Behave as an upright gentleman, turn around, and say, "Oh... you two are inside? Then I'll wait outside." - Completion Reward: Ethical Praise. Location: Belobog Administrative District Central Plaza Fountain. You can spend one Ethical Praise to retrieve treasures from the fountain once. Note: This type of item will...]