Chapter 436: Chapter 262: Self-Realization
The sight of Fang Zhen producing so many pills with a single wave of his hand stunned everyone in the room for several seconds.
Then, the man who had just questioned Fang Zhen spoke again, his voice bursting with irrepressible joy.
"So many! To think we have so many materials for the Blood Burst Secret Medicine! This is wonderful!"
The man’s joyous expression was irrepressible, and he made no attempt to hide it. It was as if an immense, long-held pressure had suddenly been released, leaving him unable to control his excitement.
The man said, "We just ran the numbers. The number of aberrations currently on the island, plus those we expect to arrive, outnumbers our total combat personnel—our Warriors and Curse Sealers—by at least ten to one."
"If we were to rely purely on martial strength, even with Lanxi City’s walls and defensive equipment, our chances of victory would be slim—less than thirty percent, by any calculation."
"Fang Zhen, your arrival couldn’t have been more timely. Especially with this crucial Alchemy Medicine you’ve brought! We already have the other formulas from Gwendolyn; as long as we have your key medicine, we can produce a large quantity of Blood Burst Potions."
"With these, even if the monsters lay siege to the city, our odds of victory will be at least seventy percent." He paused, then added, "Fang Zhen, that extra forty percent chance is all because of you. The Whig Society owes you its gratitude for this."
Fang Zhen smiled. ’This man certainly has a way with words. He’s laying the praise on thick.’
Hearing this, Alexander, who was standing nearby, spoke up. "No, our gratitude shouldn’t just be verbal. Since this aid is so substantial and Fang Zhen has helped the Whig Society so immensely, our thanks shouldn’t be mere words."
Alexander continued, "Fang Zhen, what do you need the Whig Society to do for you?"
"Your help is immensely significant. As long as we can repay you—whether with materials or manpower—we will, if it’s within our power. We will return this favor."
Fang Zhen glanced at Alexander.
’When I first met him, I had a feeling this Alexander was a man of action. Hearing him speak now confirms that intuition.’
"Actually, there is something," Fang Zhen said. "I have an excellent alchemy material, but my current long spear can no longer keep up with my power."
"I want to forge an Alchemy Long Spear that can maximize the power of my Curse Seals and other martial techniques."
"The weapon also needs to be incredibly durable and fully bring out the properties of the material. I need a high-level Alchemist for the job. I’m not sure if the Whig Society has anyone like that."
"Done. No problem," Alexander agreed without hesitation.
He called out, "Someone!"
A sharp, capable guard entered at once.
"Go and bring me Alchemy Master Rogge."
The guard acknowledged the order and immediately went to carry it out.
Alexander turned back to Fang Zhen. "Rogge is the best Alchemist in the Whig Society. He has earned the title of Alchemy Master. In Curse Sealer terms, that’s equivalent to a Great Curse Sealer at Tier Four or above."
"If anyone in the Whig Society can meet your needs, it’s Rogge." After a pause, Alexander added, "You just need to provide the primary material. The Whig Society will supply all the supplementary ones."
Fang Zhen nodded, his mood improving considerably.
’The forging of the Extraordinary Long Spear is finally settled.’
’Alexander doesn’t talk much, but he really gets things done.’
’His attitude is refreshing. Dealing with Alexander, there’s no pointless maneuvering or emotional drain. It’s just pleasant. No wonder he holds such a high position.’
’If this is how Alexander always operates, then he truly has the charisma of a leader.’
"President, we need to begin the meeting now," a high-ranking member of the Whig Society said, glancing at Fang Zhen and hesitating.
Alexander’s expression turned serious. He declared in a clear voice, "At a time when the Whig Society faces a crisis, Fang Zhen has come to support us and has provided the very thing we needed most. That makes him our friend, and he is more than qualified to be here and join our discussion."
"I keep no secrets from my friends. Absolute trust—that is the true meaning of friendship."
"Fang Zhen may not be a personal acquaintance of mine, but he is a friend of the Whig Society. I expect all of you to treat him with sincerity, as you would treat me. Hide nothing. All of you must show Fang Zhen the proper respect."
After hearing Alexander’s words, no one else in the room voiced any objection.
’From what I’m seeing,’ Fang Zhen thought, ’Alexander’s words and actions are completely natural. It’s obvious he’s always like this, and those around him are accustomed to it.’
This put Fang Zhen at ease.
’Fang Zhen had a knack for telling whether someone was just paying lip service to win favor or if they were genuine.’
’Alexander seemed to be a man whose words matched his intentions, without a hint of pretense. He came across as forthright and magnanimous.’
’Dealing with someone like him improves my mood. It’s a relief from all the usual petty scheming; it makes me feel more open-minded and cheerful.’
Fang Zhen was invited into the third-floor conference room. On the table before him was a sand table, which depicted the entire layout of Glan Island. It seemed the Whig Society, with its many skilled artisans, had also conceived of using a sand table for battle simulations.
West had now also joined the discussion.
"The situation we face is dire," West began. "Glan Island is now completely exposed to the Eternal Night Council. Huge numbers of aberrations are swarming the island, many of them washing ashore from the sea."
"Of the more than forty villages on the island, over half have been attacked. In some cases, entire villages have been massacred. We’ve dispatched Resident Seal Masters to relocate as many of the islanders as possible to Lanxi City, but this isn’t a long-term solution."
