Mental Defense

With the sixth aircraft in training, Su Ming finally completed the takeoff and landing procedures smoothly.

We won't be practicing aerial maneuvers today; simply maintaining level flight isn't too difficult. However, according to the training curriculum, there are also troubleshooting techniques and recovery skills for special air situations.

However, the instructor terminated the training.

On one hand, the technical team needs to continue optimizing the flight control and control interface for Su Ming based on today's training data; on the other hand, the next training will be conducted in the snow-capped mountain area, in an environment with low temperatures and strong winds that are close to otherworldly conditions.

"Isn't the wind strong enough today?" Su Ming asked, puzzled. The various wind changes today had given him a hard time, forcing him to use sideslip and crab-like approaches. He seriously doubted whether this was how beginner training was conducted.

"According to the final training goal, you need to be able to take off and land on a runway with a ground wind speed of 30 knots and side- and top-blowing snow," the instructor said. "You also need to be able to cope with the wind."

The space inside the Sheltered Valley was not large enough, and Su Ming did not plan to invest too many resources in building a running track. Therefore, the final solution adopted was to level and compact a piece of snow outside the Sheltered Valley and build a snow running track.

Taking into account the actual conditions of the venue, the training team designed these requirements.

"Is it difficult to reach this standard?" Su Ming frowned; these subjects didn't sound quite right.

"Don't worry, at your current learning pace, it's no problem at all," the instructor encouraged. The 15-knot crosswind just now was already the theoretical limit that a small aircraft of this size could achieve.

Compared to Miao Xin, who defies common sense, Su Ming's talent is exceptional.

"Anyway, you can crash our planes as much as you want. We'll train you to the point where you can fly freely in snowy mountain and high-altitude climates!"

On Earth, it wouldn't matter if Su Ming crashed 100 planes, but in this resource-limited world, losing any materials or spending a lot of time searching for crash wreckage would be a huge waste.

It would be even more unacceptable if the aircraft went out of control and alerted the enemy.

"Understood," Su Ming replied.

Meanwhile, the Youth Civilization went to the Lorencia Volcano. This time it went empty, and received supplies arranged by Dafulin: a large amount of food, metal materials, alchemical explosives, etc., and returned fully loaded.

The supplies greatly enriched the camp's food reserves, especially the long-awaited fresh vegetables and even more precious fruits, bringing a joyful atmosphere to the entire camp.

Meanwhile, even more cement was transported back by this behemoth. This unreasonable transport monster easily accomplished in a single trip the workload that would have been impossible for more than a dozen traditional transport teams, and the time required was ridiculously short. All the otherworldly beings who witnessed all of this were amazed.

This is the real way to experience a train!

****

The tunnel project has entered its second week of construction, reaching approximately 3600 meters, and has successfully established a second relay point.

Over the past week, the tunneling speed has increased significantly, but as the material transfer distance continues to increase, the subsequent construction progress will inevitably slow down. However, the project team is also taking countermeasures to accelerate transportation efficiency.

Su Ming carefully checked the progress of each task and found that it was generally progressing within expectations. It would be slightly delayed from the planned five weeks, but within an acceptable range.

His and Zijin's workload decreased slightly, and they reduced their working hours accordingly.

After all, a tough battle is coming up, and we'll be leaving the Northern Lands afterward, so the next period will be very busy. It's necessary to adjust our pace and take a break.

Zijin made a special request to Su Ming —she wanted to receive training to address her weakness in mental defense.

"The feeling of being mentally invaded by Abigai during my last match was terrible," Zijin confessed. "Although it was caused by a flaw in my soul, I also discovered that there's still room for improvement in my mental resistance."

Su Ming was somewhat surprised, "You want me to use the Grey Thoughts Exhaust the Heart on you?"

Zijin nodded.

"No problem, I'd like to practice my mental combat skills too." Su Ming immediately agreed.

The two found a secluded spot on the edge of the camp, set up a perimeter and isolation barrier, and began special training.

Zijin first dispelled all defensive spells and barriers on her body, then removed the few defensive ornaments she always wore and neatly arranged them on a nearby stone. She clasped her hands together in front of her chest, took a deep breath, and signaled to Su Ming she could begin.

Su Ming began to gather his emotions, recalling those unpleasant events. Like that day in the computer lab, the atmosphere was fine until Zijin suddenly punched him and sent him flying—

"Deathly Word, Grey Thoughts Exhaust the Heart!"

Su Ming unleashed his magic suddenly, and the tangible energy fluctuations struck Zijin directly.

Zijin was struck and let out a muffled groan. She tried to resist with her mind, but found that Su Ming's magic was more powerful than ever before.

The resentment hidden within the spell surged forth like a tide, instantly suppressing the girl's senses. The world before her was immediately veiled, its colors fading away.

"... Don't be so rough!" Zijin looked at Su Ming with some annoyance, "Give me some time to take it step by step!"

"Sorry." Su Ming scratched his head, dispelled the spell on Zijin, then adjusted his emotions and weakened the intensity of the Deathly Word Spell.

It must be said that after several practices, Zijin's ability to combat Grey Thoughts Exhaust the Heart has indeed improved. More importantly, she has learned how to compensate for her disadvantages and break free more quickly when her mind and senses are suppressed.

She even created a technique that didn't rely on perception to find targets. After enduring Su Ming's Deathly Word, she retaliated with a "Dark Dragon Dance," tripping Su Ming and sending him crashing to the ground.

However, this newly created spell was somewhat indiscriminate in its use, and Zijin, caught off guard, was also struck down by the tentacles.

The two looked at each other's disheveled state and burst into laughter.

****

"It still needs further revisions." Zijin sat up from the ground, tidied her messy hair, and continued to adjust the spell.

As his horizons broadened, Su Ming began to understand that this girl, who was initially invincible in his eyes, actually had many shortcomings. She was essentially a scholar, not a professional battle mage.

Her combat style often relies on agility and technique, which is quite different from mainstream combat classes.

"This kind of practice is quite effective," Su Ming said.

"But we can't keep practicing with just this one spell," Zijin said, sounding troubled.

Her aim was to enhance the overall resilience of the mental domain, rather than dealing with Grey Thoughts Exhaust the Heart in isolation.

Su Ming suggested that they go to the First Construction Regiment and find a few mages to cast negative mental spells on Zijin under the guise of a magic assessment.

"It's useless." Zijin shook her head. "My mental defenses are indeed weak, but they're not something just any Tom, Dick, or Harry can break through. They pose no threat to me."

"Uh, is that so?" Su Ming looked at his hand. "Then why was I able to break it?"

"Your ' Deathly Word' series is very powerful!" Zijin said irritably. "It's just that your current Magic Power power isn't up to par yet, otherwise it could be used as a breakthrough spell."

A utility spell that disrupts the opponent's defensive formation, creating opportunities for subsequent attacks.

"So you're not weak, you only suffer when facing top experts?" Su Ming revised his understanding.

"Of course!" Zijin said, "Abigai's ' Thread Puppet Prison's' penetrating power is basically at the ceiling level."

"So now we need to find someone with stronger mental power to cast mental spells on you," Su Ming concluded, "While also not exposing your weakness?"

"Yes!"

Zijin's weakness must be kept secret. Last time, when Abigai invaded her with "Thread Puppet Prison," Su Ming managed to get away with it by explaining that he was "deliberately wearing down the opponent."

If this were to become known, Zijin would inevitably face endless mental attacks in future battles.

"You really know how to make things difficult!" Su Ming complained.

****

The next day, Su Ming had a flash of inspiration and actually came up with an idea.

"You want me to use seductive magic on you?!" Qiluo exclaimed, jaw dropping as she held a steaming bucket of pork stew with vermicelli. "You're not planning to find another excuse to hang me up again, are you?" She became alert, her mane bristling as she shielded the bucket behind her. "Or are you not going to keep your promise?"

Su Ming cleared his throat and began to fabricate a reason, "Zijin discovered one of my weaknesses, which is that I am easily attracted to the opposite sex."

"Attractive?" Qiluo thought for a moment, "The kind that makes you have feelings for pretty girls?"

"That's right!" Su Ming accepted the stigma. "If a very pretty girl tries to cause me trouble, I'll hesitate when it comes to fighting!"

"So you want me to use 'Moon Goddess - Aphrodisiac' on you, to get you used to fighting in this situation?" Qiluo's expression was indescribable. This was the first time she had heard of using aphrodisiac magic in this way.

"That's right!" Su Ming clapped his hands. He even took out his notebook and showed the training plan he had written.

Qiluo wanted to scold Su Ming for having his brain filled with vermicelli, but seeing that she was actually holding a bucket of vermicelli, she changed her mind and said, "... Yes, that makes a lot of sense!"

Considering that Su Ming had been diligently preparing food for her recently, the unicorn agreed to do the favor.

"I can help," she said, glancing at Zijin beside her, "But one thing is clear: this spell has an area of effect."

"It doesn't matter if it affects me," Zijin shrugged and said indifferently.

****

That night, the bright moon hung high in the sky, its light bathing the snow-covered plains.

The two people and one animal arrived at an open space a few kilometers away from the camp.

"Qiluo, start with half the intensity," Su Ming said. "Your mental strength is too strong; it greatly affects me."

"I told you so!" Qiluo jumped up and down on all four hooves. "My magic can't be completely ineffective! Last time you didn't resist at all and even continued arguing as if nothing happened, which really hurt me—" The more she spoke, the more aggrieved she became.

"Shut up!" Zijin interrupted, Qiluo's words reminding her of what happened that night. "If you mention this again, I'll want to steam you again!" Her voice held a hint of embarrassment and anger.

Qiluo immediately shut her mouth, and her horn began to gather moonlight, casting "Moon Goddess - Seduction". Pink light gathered like mist, gradually enveloping Su Ming and Zijin, making them appear exceptionally dreamlike on the snowfield.

Zijin's expression changed slightly. She had already been triggered by her memories, and this sudden turn of events caught her off guard. She quickly focused her mind and began to build up her mental defenses, but her heart was beating faster than usual.

Su Ming also sensed something amiss. The unicorn's spiritual power was indeed formidable; upon contact, it was as gentle as moonlight, yet all-pervasive.

After several "Moon's Offering" connections, Su Ming had lost his vigilance towards Qiluo's mental power. Although he wasn't completely infiltrated all at once, it was extremely difficult to continuously resist this stagnant and tenacious invasion.

This kind of stress training can indeed improve one's resistance to mental infiltration.

Su Ming went all out to contend with Qiluo's mental power, and he felt that this was much more difficult than wrestling with a unicorn.

He began to admire Zijin for her efforts despite her Grey Thoughts Exhaust the Heart. This girl possessed an endearing resilience deep within her.

Su Ming looked up at Zijin. The moonlight poured down like water, gilding the girl with a layer of silvery-white soft light. Her eyes appeared deep and charming in the light and shadow, a silvery glint fell on the tip of her nose, her slightly pursed lips were bitten red, and her slender fingers twisted lightly.

But the girl's expression remained indifferent, appearing particularly aloof in the night.

Su Ming felt a slight disappointment.

"Stop!" Zijin suddenly stretched out her hand, her fingertips trembling slightly, then quickly clenched into a fist. "Su Ming couldn't resist."

"..."

Su Ming immediately patted his chest, pretending to be panting, and complained loudly, "Qiluo, you didn't even wait for me to get ready!"

"So weak!" Upon hearing this, Qiluo dispelled the spell, and the pink light receded like a tide. She swished her tail triumphantly, clearly satisfied with the effect of her spell.

Zijin took a deep breath to calm her racing heart. She looked at Su Ming again and suddenly found the young man exceptionally handsome, his eyes sparkling in the night as if filled with starlight.

"Qiluo, didn't I say to stop?" Zijin questioned discontentedly.

The unicorn, already eating a bunch of peanuts, looked up in confusion upon hearing this, and after confirming that the Moon God Technique had completely stopped, it innocently shrugged its hooves.

Zijin patted her forehead, letting the cold night wind dispel the heat from her face.

After calming down for a moment, she spoke again, "Continue!"

****

The Youth Civilization made another trip to the Lorencia Volcano. This time, in addition to bringing back various supplies and construction materials, they also brought back Princess Dafulin.

As soon as she arrived at the Sheltered Valley, she went straight to the tunnel construction site and caught Newman red-handed before he could even receive the news.

Benedict, the leader of the technical team, was eager to watch the drama unfold, but after seeing the princess's extremely unfriendly gaze, he had no choice but to make an excuse and leave.

Su Ming arranged a party, partly to welcome the princess's arrival and partly to celebrate the smooth progress of various tasks.

The Human Bone Machine Band also performed, but Su Ming forbade them to sing death metal and instead had them accompany the band.

"If you want to sing, we can hold it separately at the First Construction Regiment's camp," Su Ming said.

For some reason, nearly half of the necromancers have come to like their music, and most of the others don't dislike it either. The mastermind behind the escape of student number 28 was actually someone who wanted to relive the performance of the Human Bone Machine Band.

Su Ming was shocked for a long time when he learned of the result.

So afterwards, he let Hansite and the others do as they pleased.

Of course, the mastermind still had to take a cold shower. But apart from the initial few painful days, these people would consciously carry their basins to "receive punishment" every day at the appointed time, chatting and laughing throughout the process.

Su Ming then opened the cold water shower to the crowd to watch, and voices such as "Look at his legs!" and "Hey, don't block the view!" rang out.