She knew it was achievable, but it would require time and effort.
If it didn't work this time, they would just have to hope for the next.
If not the next, then the one after that. Success would come eventually.
Qin Yun's eyes sparkled with anticipation.
When they first discovered their powers, he had envied his comrades who could wield fire, ice, or control minds. He had also wished for a similar extraordinary ability.
However, his hopes were dashed when he was told he had awakened as a "Castle Builder."
He was utterly baffled by this power, finding it useless and even disdainful.
While practicing with his fellow soldiers, they could unleash impressive fireballs, looking incredibly cool.
He, on the other hand, would struggle and eventually produce a small white stone.
Moreover, his mind was filled with a chaotic tangle of lines, leaving him dizzy and nauseous.
He remained listless and unfocused throughout the entire afternoon's training.
It wasn't until he witnessed Su Ling's colossal mobile castle suddenly appear, blotting out the sky above them, and learned that this was the work of a Castle Builder, that his perception of his own ability began to change.
After touring and understanding Su Ling's mobile castle, he finally accepted his awakened power.
Especially after Su Ling's explanations had resolved his doubts, he now wished he could dedicate all his waking hours, excluding sleep, to practicing and upgrading his ability.
He longed to build his own exclusive castle as soon as possible!
Seeing Zhang Wenbin and Shang Qi return, Qin Yun stood up, brushed the sand off his clothes, and said to Su Ling, "I'm going to practice."
After Qin Yun left, Shang Qi approached Su Ling and briefly recounted his conversation with Zhang Wenbin.
As he spoke, Shang Qi grabbed a stool and sat down, leaning back against Su Ling's reclining chair.
Observing the personnel practicing at the outpost, Shang Qi revealed his thoughts to Su Ling, "A Ling, we must return. Back to Lucheng. My idea is to eliminate the security risks in Lucheng and leave that base for trustworthy individuals to manage. Once this island is stable and our supplies are abundant, it can also serve as a hub for survivors to travel between. "
Shang Qi also had a personal motive.
In doing all this, he also considered this island as a fallback base if they were unsatisfied after exploring the southern provinces.
After all, as long as it could provide a sanctuary and a home for survivors, any location would suffice.
Someone would be responsible for management, while they would focus on transporting personnel, ensuring their safety, and enjoying a more relaxed life.
Su Ling had anticipated Shang Qi's thoughts. She turned her head to look at him, taking his hand. "If it doesn't work out, we won't go to the far south. We'll stay here. We'll build this survivor base together. We'll go out regularly each month to gather information, search for supplies, collect crystals, bring back survivors, and maintain contact with the outside world... This would be good enough."
"We will go," Shang Qi squeezed Su Ling's hand back, their fingers intertwined as he gazed at her. "You've always wanted to see the far south, and we haven't been able to. This time, we can go and see. If, after that, we still wish to return here, we will."
"Okay." Su Ling's eyes curved slightly, the coolness in her usually aloof gaze softening and fading with Shang Qi's presence, becoming gentle. "Grandma Xu and the others won't be coming with us. They really like it here and plan to stay on the island."
Shang Qi hummed in acknowledgment and kissed Su Ling's hand. "I'll take you to see the scenery you desire, and then we'll find a place to settle down and put down roots. After that, I'll stay with you and won't go anywhere, alright?"