"The first is ultimate unity, resisting the horrors that could descend at any moment through the strength of a united front. For those who gather wood for the masses, do not let them freeze in the wind and snow."
"The second is ultimate strength, crushing all monstrous and evil beings with absolute power."
"This is how we see it. We don’t need to choose just one; we can pursue both strategies. This maximizes our chances of survival."
Lin Rui praised, "In the face of terror, your wisdom is moving. With this spirit, your survival will surely be ensured. Would you mind elaborating on your specific plans?"
Dongg Qingxue, elated by the praise, nodded eagerly and replied, "We intend for ten lords to unite as one, following your command, ensuring no internal power is wasted. In this way, we achieve the first strategy, countering terror through ultimate unity."
"The second strategy is to make you ultimately strong. All of us will pay tribute to you, enabling you to become stronger, hoping that you might protect us a little in return."
Lin Rui was truly surprised and asked, "How did you come up with this idea? Don’t tell me I have some kind of leadership charisma that wins people over to worship me. Among the ten of you, I haven’t even met nine of you. In such a situation, they’d surely think that instead of paying tribute, it’s better to strengthen themselves for a greater sense of security."
Dongg Qingxue was amused by Lin Rui, the tension in her mind slightly eased, and she replied with a smile, "It’s not something so mystical. I’ve told them about you. I believe you to be a kind-hearted youth. I convinced them to seek shelter under your wings."
"No way. I always thought that the two hardest things in the world are putting someone else’s money in your pocket and putting your ideas into someone else’s head." Lin Rui waved his hand and said, "That you’ve managed both is just too mystical."
Dongg Qingxue laughed and said, "Boss, you’re underestimating yourself. We’ve seen your exploits, more or less, on the Civilization Channel. It’s safe to say you’re one of the strongest contenders acknowledged on the leaderboard of the entire ’Era of Civilization.’ Others also believe you’re the best choice to lead us to survival. If not you, would we choose some obscure rural lad?"
Lin Rui said calmly, "It seems that in novels, it’s often those hidden rural lads who turn out to be the saviors..."
Ultimately, none of us are foreigners, and we have some understanding of our compatriots’ characters. We all consider ourselves exceptional, with each one thinking they’re the main character of the world, believing that their fate lies in their own hands. Would they willingly pay tribute? Lin Rui couldn’t believe it.
Dongg Qingxue bowed her head slightly, respectfully, and said, "Perhaps such protagonists exist, but we don’t dare to gamble on it. The reason we chose you, and I won’t hide it, is because I insisted on it. I convinced them thoroughly, and they all call me sister. They have no choice but to grudgingly accept my decision."
Lin Rui raised his head, surprised, and seriously examined this young woman, not expecting that she, who led a group of goblins, was so formidable, the leader of this small group.
Given these circumstances, Lin Rui finally grew serious and asked, "Then why did you choose me?"
"First, because you are strong enough, and that’s the foundation of everything. Then, you are kind-hearted. You might not be aware, but in other regions, explorers have already gone mad in their killings. Many strong ones fight fiercely against their own kind to quickly acquire resources. But as the strongest in this region, you’ve never bullied even a weak woman like me. I could tell that you really liked my Horned Owl Beast back then, yet you never resorted to forceful seizure."