Regarding Madeline’s choice, Zachary originally did not want to say much, but because the two had a deep friendship, Zachary still opened his mouth to remind her, "I don’t know where you learned about refining peculiar objects to become an Awakener.

As for your choice, I really have no say in it, after all, our situations are different, so as long as you have made up your mind, I support your decision.

However, before you make your decision, I want to tell you what I know about Awakeners. After you hear what I have to say, you can then consider whether you are sure about wanting to become an Awakener."

Upon hearing Zachary speak like this, Madeline, who had already been somewhat hesitant, now felt even more at a loss.

After all, even though she learned the method of becoming an Awakener from Pengcheng, that information was ultimately obtained from Kyoto, and currently, there were no precedents of Awakeners in Pengcheng and Saxon County.

Those who take the lead in eating crabs may reap greater benefits, but many who eat recklessly end up with misfortune. As the saying goes, "Fortune comes with risk, and in taking risks, one might also lose," sometimes being a pioneer is not a good thing.

"You know that after refining peculiar objects, you can become an Awakener; you should also know that even though you still need to practice cultivation, the nature’s spiritual energy you absorb during practice will no longer be stored within your body but will be completely absorbed by the peculiar object inside you."

Madeline nodded upon hearing Zachary mention this point: "I am aware of that. My martial arts aptitude is too poor. Every time I practice cultivation, I simply cannot retain the nature’s spiritual energy I absorb, which is why I thought of specializing as an Awakener."

"Since you know about this, do you know that using peculiar objects consumes physical strength, and the stronger the ability of the peculiar object, the more physical strength it drains? When the ability of the peculiar object is strong enough, what it consumes is not your physical strength, but your life force, and even your lifespan."

Hearing Zachary say this, Madeline showed a scared expression on her face but did not speak. Seeing her expression, Zachary knew that Madeline was aware of this.

Since she knew the most critical information, the other details were not so important, so Zachary did not talk too much about the disadvantages of becoming an Awakener.

"What I just talked about were the problems you might face after becoming an Awakener. Now, let me tell you about some of the benefits.

You know about body enhancement supplements, right? After becoming an Awakener, those losses caused by using peculiar objects, and the internal injuries incurred from overuse, can generally be healed by drinking more body enhancement supplements.

And after you become an Awakener, losing the passive benefits of improving physical fitness during cultivation, drinking the enhanced version of body enhancement supplements can also slowly improve your physical fitness. It’s just that the efficiency might not be as high as it is for ordinary people, but the effect is indeed there."

Madeline immediately showed a surprised look after hearing Zachary say this: "Are you sure it has this effect?"

Seeing Madeline’s disbelief, Zachary rolled his eyes slightly disdainfully and said, "Have I ever lied to you when we’re talking about serious matters?"

After thinking it over, Madeline nodded and seriously said, "You have."

Hearing Madeline still joking with him at this time, Zachary directly said to her: "Believe it or not."

"Believe, believe, believe, isn’t that enough? By the way, where did you hear this news?"

In response to Madeline’s question about the source of the news, Zachary did not answer directly, but gave her a roll of the eyes, suggesting that she should figure it out herself.

Seeing that Zachary did not answer, Madeline muttered softly, "If you won’t say, then I won’t bother listening."

Zachary did not pay attention to Madeline’s complaint, "How’s the situation in Pengcheng? Have we established contact with them yet?"

"What do you mean ’established contact’? We have never lost contact with Pengcheng, it’s only because of those ancient beasts and some special plants in the wilderness that ground transportation was temporarily cut off. Communication is still fine. Otherwise, how would I know about the Awakeners?"

Hearing Madeline say this, Zachary did not take much interest but continued to ask, "Okay, you know what I’m asking. Has the ground transportation been restored?"

Upon hearing Zachary ask this, Madeline calmed her mood and stopped arguing, speaking directly: "Pengcheng has sent news that they’re planning to reconstruct a road connecting Pengcheng with our camp.

The plan is to have survivors clear the way by cutting down trees, and this time they intend to make a very broad road to facilitate vehicle traffic. The road is said to be about twenty lanes wide, ten on each side.

It is said that for the reconstruction of this road, not only will Martial Artists from the Energy Refining Realm be arranged for patrol and protection, but even the engineering machinery that is not usually easily deployed will be used at all costs. It’s heard that they plan to connect the road between the two places in less than a week."

Hearing Madeline say this, Zachary felt somewhat surprised. If what Madeline said was true, then Pengcheng was really investing heavily to break through the barrier between the two places.

"Pengcheng is serious this time? Are you sure they’re really going to do it?"

Upon hearing Zachary ask again, Madeline spoke with certainty and seriousness, "I’m sure. I have asked several friends, and the information they gave me was essentially consistent, only the timing was not certain. However, the specific start time in Pengcheng should be quite soon."