This time I chose Paladin.

Chapter 231 Brothers, let's restore the Han Dynasty... no, let's uphold the righteous path!

If it were a normal person, faced with the question "Are you interested in saving someone?", their first reaction would probably be, "Who should I save? What happened? Why should I save them?"

But Russell is not normal. In some ways, he is more thoughtful than Yi Jian, but when it comes to saving people, he is more straightforward than Han Jiangxue.

Because his belief is that "all living beings are noble, only the wicked are despicable."

What a simple and unadorned logic, second only to 'following my own code of righteousness', so it's no wonder this guy can perfectly accept Nie Weiyang's train of thought, after all, they're pretty much the same kind of people...

Who among those who can take up a hidden profession isn't extreme? But Nie Weiyang likes this kind of extreme.

“This matter is related to criminal traffickers, but don’t rush, it needs to be considered carefully.” Nie Weiyang waved his hand.

Combating criminal traffickers, a malignant tumor that parasitizes the cracks in the order, requires the power of the authorities.

Moreover, that's not his focus at the moment.

Nie Weiyang casually pulled out two fishing folding chairs and placed them facing each other.

"Sit down." He sat down first, taking it for granted that he was the host.

This surprised Russell for a moment. Then, the deliberately cultivated 'natural farmer' demeanor faded slightly, and genuine interest and curiosity appeared in his eyes.

He readily agreed and sat down, casually lowering his hand slightly.

In an instant, vines and roots rapidly intertwined, grew, and hardened in the soil between the two, forming a small yet sturdy wooden coffee table in the blink of an eye. A teapot and teacups with a fresh grassy scent even grew out from the center of the table. The tissues then withered and broke off, leaving behind perfectly usable utensils.

“You want to win me over,” Russell said, not as a question, but as a statement.

He stared directly at Nie Weiyang with his heterochromatic eyes, without any hesitation.

"The authorities did indeed hint at your intentions. So tell me, Nie Weiyang, why do you think you're capable? And why do you believe that in this chaotic era, there's a need for a more elite fighting organization independent of the existing order? What is its necessity?"

His questions were sharp and direct, hitting the nail on the head.

Nie Wei met his gaze calmly. He didn't answer immediately, but instead raised his finger and gently tapped his temple.

“Mr. Luo, before we begin this conversation, there’s something I must tell you,” Nie Weiyang said. “I’m a mind reader, you know, it’s a passive skill that’s always active.”

"By being honest with you about this now, I mean that I will hear your every thought in the conversation that follows. If you resist this, you can refuse me now, and I will stay away."

A flicker of surprise crossed Russell's face, but it was quickly replaced by a greater sense of amusement. Instead of showing any offense, he grinned and said, "Mind reading...no wonder."

No wonder Nie Weiyang did such a perverse thing when he observed him up close with a falcon before.

However, to be honest, it was he who started this dirty trick first, so you can't blame Nie Weiyang for teasing him.

"Please continue," he said with a smile.

Now, he was even more eager for Nie Weiyang's answer.

Nie Weiyang leaned forward slightly and placed his hands crossed on his knees.

“First, to answer your question, ‘Why do I think I can do it?’” He said gently, “Yes, I think I can. It’s not because I’m personally powerful—although I do have some power. It’s because I ‘know’.”

His voice was steady and captivating.

"I know what we are facing, not only the new natural environment, relics of pre-civilization, and the various survival crises that have always existed, but also threats from beyond the stars, and the even more terrifying 'evil' that will inevitably arise from the expansion of human power."

“Some mistakes can be avoided, and some costs don’t have to be paid repeatedly, Mr. Luo. I am not a prophet, and our power cannot turn the tide, but we can turn the key from another angle and make humanity pay less of a price.”

“Secondly, regarding necessity—” Nie Weiyang’s gaze swept across the surrounding jungle.

Full of vitality, yet fraught with danger.

"The cornerstone of civilization is people, every single person, every normal person, every ordinary person, everyone who fights in their own place. But, Russell, in the new world, some enemies, some crises, cannot be resolved by conventional means. You are well aware of this," he said.

As he spoke, Nie Weiyang even slowly brewed a pot of tea, while Russell's expression turned serious as he quietly looked at his pale face.

Although his gaze was unconsciously unfocused, avoiding eye contact with Nie Weiyang, it was clear that he had taken his words to heart.

"Those crises were too bizarre, too powerful, or too hidden."

"They could be a criminal trafficker lurking in the upper echelons of a human nation, gradually corrupting decision-making. They could be a supernatural infectious disease about to break out in some remote area, capable of spreading in some form. Or they could be a massive parasite lurking on the planet's native soil... It arrived long before we arrived. And now, it may be watching us."

Russell's pupils dilated as he stared intently at Nie Weiyang.

He knew what Nie Weiyang was talking about. And now, Nie Weiyang also knew that he already knew.

Nie Weiyang's expression also turned serious: "Nature's Caller..."

The profession of Nature's Caller is naturally called upon by the planet's three cycles as the embodiment of the 'ecosystem,' as Russell did.

"..." Russell remained silent.

Nie Weiyang pondered for a moment, then didn't bring up the matter further, instead steer the conversation back to the main topic.

“An ‘organization’ is not an official body, because official bodies are subject to procedural justice requirements. What we need is extreme efficiency, and the ability to act beyond existing rules when necessary.”

“We are not here to replace anyone. What we want to do is become a long sword, a shield, and a sharp knife. We want to deal with problems that ‘conventional’ methods cannot handle, and in this chaotic era, dissect the darkness that conventional order cannot dispel.”

Nie Weiyang paused, giving Russell time to process the information.

“You say elitism. Yes, it will inevitably be elitist,” he said. “Because what we will face in the future are extreme situations that can break ordinary people, and even the ‘strong’ in their eyes.”

"What we need are top-notch combat capabilities, exceptional talents, and unwavering resolve. This is not a privilege, but a responsibility and a sacrifice."

"Its necessity lies in the fact that this era is shrouded in darkness. Where the fire can reach, there is struggle; where the fire cannot reach, what about? Before evil deeds spread, humanity needs wise and strong individuals to open their eyes, so that they can later delve into the depths of the undercurrents to fight against the monsters that are trying to capsize the ship."

After Nie Weiyang finished speaking, he pushed a cup of tea toward Russell. He looked at Russell calmly, waiting for a response.

Russell remained silent, his heterochromatic eyes calm, as if he were carefully considering every word Nie Weiyang spoke, while also sensing the emotions and beliefs behind the other's words.

The surrounding plants and trees seemed to quiet down, listening to this conversation about the future.

Finally, Russell raised his head.

“I couldn’t detect any pretense, which surprised me. Very surprised,” he said. “But—”

"I don't believe you. Because I don't believe that in this world, there are people who would willingly take on unnecessary responsibilities for others."

Nie Weiyang remained calm; these words had no effect on him, and Russell observed no change in him either. He frowned and chuckled softly.

“Your emotional control is too strong, Nie Weiyang, which makes all the words you say based on emotion and morality unreliable.”

"If you dare... show me your conviction, Nie Weiyang!"
"Let me see your true thoughts! If you want me to fight for your vision, then reveal your [beliefs]!"

—Let me see if your words match your actions!
(End of this chapter)