Published: February 10, 2025
“What are your plans from now on?”
Ye Zhongming and Guangyao walked through the mountains. Thanks to their arrival, several bonfires were lit here, so it wasn't too dim.
Guangyao's situation was clear; he and his subordinates had a somewhat special identity. Now that they had entered the secret realm, danger could come at any moment. Ye Zhongming needed a united team, one that listened to commands, rather than having a portion of people drifting outside the system.
Ye Zhongming needed Guangyao to make a choice, or rather, a commitment.
Guangyao was not at all surprised that Ye Zhongming brought this up. There was no particular expression on his face, and his gaze was calm. He glanced at Ye Zhongming and said, “I understand what you want to say. If I say I need to go back and consult my subordinates, that would be a perfunctory excuse. We both know that my decision is their decision.”
The warriors from the heavenly phenomenon war department who entered the secret realm were Guangyao's most loyal subordinates, and they had already made a choice between the resistance zone and Guangyao.
“In fact, I no longer have any other choice.” Guangyao smiled, though it was somewhat bitter.
He was considered a prominent figure in the resistance zone; just look at Delin from Area C to know that Guangyao was once someone who could be on par with him. While the former was deeply trapped yet found a way to survive, Guangyao had been ruthlessly abandoned. It was impossible for him to find any balance in his heart.
No matter how bad Ji Rui Guang might be, at least he did risk his life to save his subordinates. As for Wen Zhong...
Hearing Guangyao say this, Ye Zhongming felt a sense of certainty.
He hoped Guangyao would join Cloud Summit. Whether it was the man himself or the nearly one thousand subordinates he led, they were the most outstanding evolvers in the apocalypse. If they could join, it would greatly enhance Cloud Summit's strength.
But Guangyao had a significant past, and Ye Zhongming was unsure whether he harbored any other thoughts. Perhaps, in Guangyao's eyes, Cloud Summit was just a ‘small temple’.
So, Ye Zhongming directly addressed the topic. His meaning was clear: do you want to join us? If the answer is affirmative, then we are all one family, and everything can be discussed. If the answer is negative, then out of the friendship built during our journey, you can follow us, but... you will have to fend for yourselves and won't be able to expect any benefits from Cloud Summit.
Combat techniques were the most pressing benefit.
“Well then, welcome to join Cloud Summit.”
Ye Zhongming extended his hand to Guangyao. Guangyao looked at it, grasped it, and didn’t let go. Instead, he asked, “You believe me just because of my word? Aren’t you afraid that I’ll leave the moment we return to Earth?”
Ye Zhongming smiled lightly: “In life-and-death moments, not every man will be devastated and immobile due to the loss of his beloved woman. I choose to believe in such people.”
Guangyao was taken aback for a moment, then smiled. He looked at Ye Zhongming seriously, withdrew his hand, and softly said, “Boss.”
………………………………………………………………
Having resolved Guangyao and his subordinates' affiliation issue, Ye Zhongming felt good.
He truly believed in Guangyao's character and also had confidence in himself. Once Guangyao integrated into the Cloud Summit system, he would discover some things that were invisible from the outside. To be honest, those things were quite enticing.
To gain others’ loyalty and support, it wasn't enough to just have a promise; one must also show a bright and at least hopeful future. Emotions were one aspect, and benefits were another. To have people standing by one’s side, both aspects were indispensable.
When it came to the ability to enhance his subordinates' strength, Ye Zhongming felt that no one in the apocalypse could compare to him.
Guangyao and his people would soon be attracted by the magnetic pull of Cloud Summit and become part of it.