"… I don't quite understand what you mean."
Fangzheng didn't feel that it was embarrassing that he couldn't win. It was only normal that he couldn't win against such a powerful being who could create such a space. If he could win, why would he waste his time talking to this guy?
"It's simple. The reason why you feel that you can't defeat me is because you don't intend to win by defeating me. But what's strange is that you're determined to survive. Not only that, but I can also feel a strong sense of self-confidence. You think that as long as you can survive, you will definitely win … What a contradictory logic."
Upon hearing that, Fangzheng was taken aback before he fell silent.
Indeed, just as the guy said, Fangzheng didn't intend to defeat him from the start. He only wanted to probe his opponent's strength and find a way to defeat him. But that was all. How obsessed was Fangzheng to defeat the opponent in front of him? He really didn't have any special thoughts.
Perhaps because of this, Fangzheng's attack didn't affect his opponent at all.
On the other hand, Fangzheng had always been determined to survive. After all, after he came to this world, he encountered a life and death battle as soon as he opened his eyes. After that, Fangzheng's desire to survive was raised to the extreme. Back then, not only was he weak, but he was also wanted by the cultists. To Fangzheng at that time, surviving was the most important thing in his life.
And the training in the Onyx Soul World had strengthened Fangzheng's will to not be rash. This was also why every time he encountered trouble or danger, his first reaction was to escape. If not for the System giving him a mission, Fangzheng would definitely not put himself in danger. The reason why he completed the system mission was also because if he didn't complete the mission, his strength would be weakened. If he completed the mission, his strength would become stronger and thus, his survival would be more assured.
It could be said that up to this point, everything Fangzheng had done was ultimately for one thing.
Survival.
That was all.
"You've already shown me your beliefs through battle. Now, it's time for a verbal battle."
As he spoke, the figure raised the sword in his hand again.
"Then, tell me, is there anything you want to protect?"
"Of course."
Fangzheng answered without any hesitation. If it was said that he was still alone when he first came to this world, then now, there were more and more things that Fangzheng needed to protect.
"Then, are you willing to sacrifice everything and even your own life to protect it?"
"I'm not willing."
Fangzheng's answer was still without any hesitation. This time, the figure was taken aback.
"… Why?"
"The reason is complicated. All in all … you can think of it as some sort of summoning contract. If I die, they won't be able to continue existing in this world. So, for their sake, I can't die. "
"Very good, very interesting. I understand what you mean."
Hearing Fangzheng's answer, the figure revealed a smile.
"So … What exactly are you dissatisfied with?"
"…"
This time, Fangzheng fell into silence. Then, he puckered his brows and pondered for a moment.
"Perhaps it's because … I'm not a king?"
Fangzheng wasn't joking. Just as he said, he felt that his way of thinking wasn't a reason to become stronger. After all, Fangzheng had read so many novels, movies, and television dramas. Basically, the characters in those dramas were either 'sacrificing everything for power' or 'sacrificing one's own life to protect others', etc. But to Fangzheng, his will wasn't that radical.
Speaking of which, if becoming bald could make one invincible, then Fangzheng would have to consider his hairstyle. He wouldn't give up his hair for the sake of becoming invincible.
That was why Fangzheng felt that his way of thinking wasn't 'king' enough. At least compared to those 'protagonists' or 'villains', he didn't have the thought of 'sacrificing XX for XX' and had the unwavering determination to carry it out.
"I think … I can understand what you mean."
Facing Fangzheng's unexpected answer, the figure seemed a little surprised. It went silent for a moment and sighed.
"Indeed, sacrificing for power is the rule of this world. But protection is also a firm belief. Living for yourself and for others isn't something to be ashamed of."
Saying until here, the figure chuckled.
"I've seen a lot of people. Just as you said, they're willing to sacrifice a lot in order to become stronger. But … It's interesting that there's also someone like you. Alright then, I'll repeat what I said to them. "
Upon hearing that, Fangzheng focused his attention and carefully listened to the other party.
"Be loyal to your own desires and your own heart. In the end, the views of others are nothing but dust in the mortal world. Only you are your own master. And your strength will only exist for yourself. Also … you need to create a swordsmanship that belongs to you. What you're using now is only something that you obtained from somewhere else. Creating a swordsmanship that belongs to you will allow you to see your path forward better. "
After saying this, the figure put away the sword.
"Alright, that's all for now. I'm looking forward to what heights you can reach. Besides, I can feel that what you're displaying now isn't your true strength … So then, one last question. What kind of strength do you think is your true strength?"
"…"
Hearing this question, Fangzheng fell into silence. Hearing this question, he gazed at the sword in his hand and sighed.
"As long as it's my strength, it's my strength."
"… Very interesting. You may leave now."
Along with the sound of the voice, white fog emerged once again and shrouded Fangzheng. When he opened his eyes again, he was already back in the Mage Tower. And before Fangzheng, the mirror that was supposed to be erected there had disappeared without a trace.
"True strength … huh?"
Gazing at his palm, Fangzheng muttered to himself. Frankly speaking, according to the usual routine, he should answer something like 'soul' or 'will'. But to Fangzheng, his answer was only 'that'. No matter if it was the power of the Dimensional Codex, the knowledge and spells that he learned in this world, or the strength that he obtained from other worlds, all of them ultimately had only one purpose and that was to allow Fangzheng to continue living and surviving.
"I don't like this kind of reading comprehension the most. I don't know how many points I'll be given."
Shaking his head, Fangzheng put down his hand and sighed. Although this battle didn't help him successfully break through the bottleneck of the Legendary Stage, Fangzheng successfully understood his flaws. He had always thought that his will didn't belong to the 'King's Path', and because of this, he limited himself and couldn't break through. And now, what Fangzheng had to do was to give up on this idea.
No, perhaps … he should use a roundabout way to save the country?
Fangzheng raised his hand and soon, the Dimensional Codex once again appeared before him.
Looking at the pattern on the Dimensional Codex, Fangzheng knitted his brows.
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