Diverting Conflict

What to do when internal conflicts are too intense to be resolved?

There is a simple and effective method that works in both real life and games.

Create an external conflict.

Linsey thought for a moment about what external hostile targets could be found in the Border Town that could be used immediately.

First of all, Dragon Beast from the Black Mountain World are definitely out of the question.

The other party was not only too powerful, but also went against the idea of protecting the safety of the townspeople.

Treating it as a point of contention will absolutely not achieve the desired effect.

So... what about right now?

They attacked the town's Farmland not long ago, and today they attacked the hunter's Corrupted Poison Spider.

Wouldn't that be the perfect external goal to unite everyone? If Anrui could use his status Lord to guide the will of the townspeople and work together to fight the Devil Beast threatening the town.

With the smooth progress of this plan.

Linsey couldn't say that the people in the town would offer Anrui unconditional support.

But at least those radicals who are becoming increasingly aggressive will certainly not confront Anrui head-on as they did this morning, and they are unlikely to continue causing trouble in the short term.

Linsey's idea was simple.

The crisis facing the town right now can definitely be resolved by everyone uniting.

At times like these.

The importance of unity of purpose far surpasses that of any other factor.

"..."

"Linsey, you're a genius!"

When Linsey arrived at the Lord's Manor and told Anrui about the idea...

The Lord even jumped up from his chair in agitation, pacing back and forth in his study, openly rebuking himself:

"Really... why did I overlook this?"

"I should have thought of it; the solution to the problem was right in my hands!"

He was the Lord had governed the town for a century.

Although he was only the manager of an outpost, Anrui had developed a certain perspective.

He certainly understood how useful Linsey's idea was.

In the past, as a Devil Beast, Anrui, following his usual line of thinking, thought of setting up outposts and finding ways to deal with these monsters so that the area around the town could have a safe environment.

Anrui has been busy with these matters these past few days. After losing the support of some awakened individuals, he has found it a hundred times more difficult to carry out his tasks than usual.

In between busy moments.

They hadn't even considered that these Devil Beast could be used as enemies to unite the increasingly divided hearts of the town's people! Linsey smiled modestly, "Uncle Anrui, this was just a sudden idea of mine, so I'm sharing this rather immature thought with you."

"If we could stop the people in town from being so impulsive, that would be wonderful."

Anrui walked up to Linsey and looked directly at the student who had surprised him.

The joy and appreciation in her eyes were impossible to hide. "Linsey, your idea is so useful to me!"

"If we can re-establish contact with the outside world, I will do my utmost to make you the next administrator of this Hidden Borderlands."

"No need for that." Linsey smiled sheepishly. "Uncle Anrui, I'm planning to go home anyway."

"..."

Linsey's answer turned the joy on Anrui's face into a furrowed brow.

He realized that the student he admired so much was essentially someone who also longed to leave the Hidden Borderlands and could not possibly inherit his work here.

Then I thought of Suo Mu Jin was still arguing with me this morning.

As a soldier, Anrui was also quick to speak his mind, and directly asked Linsey, "Linsey, do you also want to stand on their side?"

"If that were the case, I wouldn't have made this suggestion here." Seeing the dejection in Anrui's eyes, Linsey immediately explained, "I went to Black Mountain with you and know how dangerous this idea is. How could I possibly agree to them taking the whole town to their deaths?"

Upon hearing this, Anrui's tightly furrowed brows relaxed.

But before he could respond, Linsey cut him off:

"However, Uncle Anrui, I also think that we should take some action now."

"Whether it's warding off the cold or other ways to get through the crisis, these should now be on the agenda."

"..."

Anrui did not answer Linsey immediately.

He gazed at his student, who stood ramrod straight before him, and remained silent for a long time before finally speaking:

"Linsey, I understand what you're thinking."

"I certainly won't hurt you, but if we're ever in this situation again, being caught in the middle isn't a good choice."

Linsey was able to understand the meaning behind Anrui's persuasion.

Because of their isolated environment, these Hidden Borderlands can now be considered small societies.

When mainstream opinions in a society are in opposition, it is best for individuals to set aside their unique perspectives and join the mainstream.

Because at this point a third opinion emerged.

Such behavior, even if it results in a better idea being adopted, will instead make one the target of attacks from both sides.

This situation doesn't sound wise.

But this irrationality is also a reality reflected in human nature.

Faced with Anrui's guidance, Linsey's answer remained true to herself, "Uncle Anrui, I still feel that I have some ability, so I should do what I can."

Anrui sighed:

"Of course I want to do it, but where is the path?"

"A Seventh Stage Dragon Beast cannot be dealt with by recklessness and determination alone."

After expressing his feelings, Anrui stopped mentioning such demoralizing things.

He changed his tone and asked Linsey:

"Are you still cultivating those plants Finn left behind?"

Linsey naturally nodded in agreement:

"That's right. I plan to cultivate some crops that are more cold-resistant than before. That way, even if the temperature continues to drop, the town can still ensure the growth of food crops."

"It's just that the training is progressing somewhat slowly right now."

"I estimate it will take several months before we can actually produce any results."

At this moment, Anrui's tone became serious, and he continued to ask in his capacity as the Lord of Border Town:

"Tell me in detail about cultivating plants."

Linsey also straightened up and began to describe her job duties:

"We've currently selected three crops: Winter Wheat, cabbage, and potatoes. I've developed different cultivation procedures for each, but because we don't have many wild parent plants, further progress will be difficult..."

Linsey recounted the problems she encountered in cultivating crops to Anrui.

This Lord had discussed similar issues with Finn before, so it's not hard for him to understand what Linsey meant.

He asked Linsey for plant samples and offered his support in any way he could, "Linsey, just focus on your cultivation."

"As for the wild plants you just mentioned, I will send someone to collect them."

This news is a huge boost for Linsey! "Great!"

"Uncle Anrui, this will save me a lot of time!"

Linsey immediately expressed her gratitude.

The two then exchanged a few more words, and the conversation essentially came to an end.

The moment Linsey said goodbye to Anrui and walked out of the study.

Only then did he hear the warrior who had taught him martial arts offer him encouragement in a long, drawn-out voice:

"Linsey, you are a smart child."

"If you think of anything you can do, then just do it."