Above the Galaxy

"The third rank of the first realm, just entered the lower tier of the Qi Control Realm..."

Tang Fei inspected Phoenix skeptically and asked, "With the cultivation level of the lower tier of the Qi Control Realm, by what means do you think you have sufficient ability to protect yourself? And by what virtue do you think you can ensure that those people will not return?"

The Qi Control Realm, also known as the second realm within the Mortal Realm.

Lonesome Yin does not grow, solitary Yang does not manifest, thus the world combines Yin Yang Qi. Everyone has Yin Yang Qi within their bodies, referred to as 'Yin Qi' and 'Yang Qi.'

When Yin and Yang are harmonious, it becomes 'True Qi.' In some ancient martial arts novels, it is also known as 'True Qi.'

Once you can use the secret skills of a cultivation technique to release the Yin Yang Qi from within your body to harm your enemies and control it freely, you have reached what we call the 'Qi Control Realm.'

Phoenix looked at Tang Fei with a strange expression and asked again, "Do you really not understand cultivation?"

"Do you think I look like someone who understands cultivation?" Tang Fei retorted.

Phoenix scrutinized Tang Fei with a probing gaze for a while, then gave up the unrealistic conjecture in her mind.

As he had just mentioned, it was a struggle for any young person to survive in the ruins, let alone have the time and energy to pursue cultivation?

Knowing a few Tai Chi moves or the "Five Animals Play" and "Nine Section Brocade" doesn't count as cultivation... that's just physical fitness.

Cultivation involved the complementary practice of cultivation techniques and mental methods, necessitating guidance from a renowned master...

Where would Tang Fei get any cultivation techniques or mental methods? And how could he possibly have a master to initiate him?

Thinking about the dirty old man next to Tang Fei...

Forget it, no more thinking.

But then, why did someone who didn't understand and had never practiced cultivation give off a dismissive air of disdain when he heard about her low-tier Qi Control Realm?

Considering that due to changes in the natural environment and the scarcity of the Secret Books, individuals who could practice cultivation were exceedingly rare, one in ten thousand.

To reach the Qi Control Realm at her age was an extreme rarity, worthy of being called a 'genius.'

Yet, from Tang Fei's expression and tone when he spoke, one could clearly sense an emotion that shouldn't be there: is that all?

Phoenix felt humiliated!

Considering the harsh conditions for survival, Phoenix decided to pretend she wasn't aware of the humiliation!

"Indeed, you don't seem like it," Phoenix shook her head and said, "But then, with so few cultivators around, especially above the ruins... isn't the lower tier of the Qi Control Realm insufficient to ensure one's safety?"

"Surviving above the ruins is naturally not a problem, but aren't those who come chasing after us more than just mediocrities?" Tang Fei countered.

"I have a fair understanding of their strength... If we can handle it properly and set up in advance, they won't gain any advantage from coming after us," Phoenix said confidently.

At this moment, confidence was essential. She understood all too well the man smiling brightly before her; showing even the slightest bit of worry or fear might lead him to abandon her in this wilderness...

Or demand more money!

"Of course, I won't deny that there is some danger. This is why I am asking for your help... You are all aware of my situation, so now it's time for you to make a decision."

"Should we continue with our trade? Or should you cast me out to fend for myself in this unfamiliar, perilous land?"

Phoenix bit her lip, looking pitiful, and said, "I've heard that those Predators and the Flame Society are capable of doing all sorts of deeds..."

Under duress, Phoenix resorted to using her charm.

In the past, she despised such women, but now, she understood herself...

Little Fatty, unable to bear it, tugged on Tang Fei's arm and said, "Brother..."

Tang Fei interrupted Little Fatty, saying, "Hungry again? Wait a moment, let me finish this important matter first..."

Then Tang Fei's gaze shifted back to Phoenix, and he said solemnly, "We can take the risk, but you have to make it worthwhile... I know that on Old Land, human lives are cheap in your eyes..."

Phoenix opened her mouth to explain, but her lips moved without making a sound.

Indeed, on New Star, those left behind on the Old Land were called 'refugees,' 'vagabonds,' 'low-born,' 'abandoned,' 'exiles'...

Which of these titles carried any semblance of respect?

Tang Fei caught her slight expression and with a signature smile, he said, "But every person comes to this world only once, and everyone has only one life... I want to sell our one and only life for a good price..."

Tang Fei looked at Phoenix, finally showing his bottom line, "On the condition of double the supplies, I want three passes to New Star..."

You mock me, and it angers me.

So, I want to join you... become one of you.

How can you continue to scorn me as a vagabond or low-born then?

Tang Fei's principle in life was simple: if he could fight them, he would; if not, he would join them.

Dignity? Non-existent.

Besides, it is only on New Star that one can live with dignity.

At least, to live like a human being.

Phoenix was taken aback, staring wide-eyed at Tang Fei, and said, "Passes? Three?"

"Yes," Tang Fei nodded.

His expression was resolute, his gaze firm, the look of someone who couldn't afford to lose even one...

One for him, one for Little Fatty, one for the old man...

Although the old man treated the two of them like cattle all day, after all, he was the only family he had in this world.

No matter what, he couldn't abandon him.

"Don't you know? New Star has limited resources and has already closed off the migration channels from the Old Land..."

Previously, for some outstanding talents on the Old Land or refugees who had helped some dignitaries, countries in New Star would reward them to a certain extent, including granting them New Star resident status.

However, as energy shortages on New Star grew and opposition to the migration surge increased, countries on New Star all shut down their migration channels.

"I don't know," Tang Fei shook his head.

"..."

"Tang Fei, I really do want to help you," Phoenix looked directly at Tang Fei and said, "I am very grateful for your life-saving assistance; I know that if it weren't for your help, I might be dead..."

"I also really like Little Fatty, because I can feel that he is a very kind person who has spoken up for me time and again... Such people are rare on New Star..."

"But what you are asking is something I can't do... I really can't agree to your request..."

"Really can't do it?"

"Really can't do it."

Tang Fei waved his hand dismissively and said, "If you can't do it, then forget it. We are not unreasonable people..."

"..."

Phoenix looked at Tang Fei with amazement. What kind of person was he, really?

If she'd just agreed...

Tang Fei patted Little Fatty's shoulder and said, "Little Fatty, it's time to work. The escape pod being here is too dangerous; it could easily be spotted... If the Predator Organization or those vengeful people see it, we'll be in trouble..."

"I know a cave that's very hidden and big enough to put it in... Carry it and follow me..."

"Okay," Little Fatty agreed.

He didn't need any help or even Tang Fei's and Phoenix's assistance; with just a "heave-ho" shout, he carried the thousand-pound escape pod on his back.

"..."

Phoenix was shocked by what she saw before her.

Such natural strength...

Then, she looked at Tang Fei with a hint of resentment.

Is this what you meant when you said earlier that you were a family of weaklings?

Tang Fei, do you ever tell the truth?

Unconcerned about what Phoenix was thinking, Tang Fei took the lead like a guide. When they reached a cave hidden by dead branches, he pointed at it and said, "Little Fatty, carry the escape pod inside."

Little Fatty complied, stooping to carry the enormous object inside.

After Little Fatty had placed the escape pod properly, Tang Fei covered the entrance with more dead branches and even set up several small traps using what he had on hand.

For a battle-hardened hunter with extensive experience, anything and any terrain could become their tools for capturing prey.

Tang Fei was very satisfied with his arrangements. Without careful inspection, it would be hard for anyone to notice there was a cave here.

"Let's go, head back," Tang Fei said with a wave of his hand, exuding the aura of a leader.

On the way home, Phoenix kept eyeing Tang Fei and Little Fatty thoughtfully...

Were all the survivors from the Old Land like this? With the survival wisdom and physical skills they displayed, they were on par with New Star's regular forces, except those forces had better equipment...

If such a group were armed, what a formidable force they would be?

Strong survival ability, fearlessly fierce, and shameless...

"Brother, a rabbit..." Suddenly, Little Fatty pointed towards the bushes ahead and shouted.

Before Little Fatty finished speaking, Phoenix saw a blur before her eyes as Tang Fei's figure chased after the mutant rabbit with blood-red eyes, standing over a meter tall.

The rabbit was fast, but Tang Fei was faster...

"What a freak!" Phoenix thought secretly.

She dared not make any noise, worried that it might cause Tang Fei and Little Fatty to take offense.

As she thought this, her face even showed an admiring fangirl expression.

This seemingly sincere smile and praiseful speech were lessons she had learned from a young age...

Euphemistically called: Court Etiquette.