Fire Qilin Jade

Hao Nhien immediately felt that things were beginning to move far beyond the direction he had hoped for.

He looked at Lieu Thien Van for a moment, trying to maintain a serious expression.

“City Lord, junior is only seventeen. I only entered Foundation Establishment recently, I know little of the ways of the world, and I have never lived among the tribes of the Western Wastes. If you truly send me to infiltrate them, I am afraid it would be no different from sending a lamb into a wolf’s mouth.”

Lieu Thien Van looked at him, and the corners of his lips suddenly curved.

“Then give me a name.”

Hao Nhien paused.

Lieu Thien Van clasped his hands behind his back and continued slowly.

“Someone young enough not to immediately put the tribes on guard, quick-witted enough to adapt when circumstances change, capable of fighting beyond his cultivation level, and bold enough to pretend to be weak in Black Wind Valley so that two pursuers would reveal their intentions themselves.”

He looked directly at Hao Nhien.

“That person must also know when to fight and when to stop. After hearing about the Heavenly Eye Tribe and the Firmament, instead of continuing to chase old trails, he must be able to immediately think of opening a new path from the enemy’s side.”

Lieu Thien Van paused.

“Give me someone like that, and I will consider using him instead of you.”

Hao Nhien fell silent.

He cursed inwardly. This old City Lord really was an old fox.

Quan Nha glanced at him from the side. The faintest curve touched her lips, so slight that another person might not have noticed, but Hao Nhien did.

Lieu Thien Van did not continue pressing him. He paced several steps in front of the stone table, let his gaze pass over the map, then lowered his voice.

“But what comes next cannot be discussed here.”

He turned toward Phi Long.

“Stay here. Do not allow anyone near the hall.”

Phi Long immediately cupped his fists.

“Understood.”

Lieu Thien Van then looked at Quan Nha.

“Quan Nha, wait here for a while as well.”

Quan Nha frowned slightly and immediately looked toward Hao Nhien.

He gave her a small nod.

“It’s fine.”

She watched him for another moment before stepping back half a pace.

“All right.”

Lieu Thien Van turned away.

“Follow me.”

Hao Nhien had no choice but to follow him into a narrow corridor behind the main hall.

The corridor was not long, but both stone walls were covered in concealed runes. The moment Hao Nhien crossed the first boundary, he felt the sounds outside almost completely cut off. The training cries from the square, the desert wind, even the snapping of the formation banners all disappeared, leaving only the faint sound of their footsteps against the stone floor.

They passed through one barrier, then another stone door. At last, Lieu Thien Van stopped before a heavy black door at the end of the corridor.

He waved a hand.

The runes covering the door lit at once. Lines of spiritual light traveled across the stone before the door slowly separated to either side.

Beyond it was a small chamber with no windows and no lamps. Only small spirit stones embedded in the four walls gave off a cool, gentle light. A low stone table stood in the center, accompanied by two chairs made from glossy black spirit wood.

The room was so thoroughly sealed that the moment Hao Nhien entered, he understood this was not a place used for ordinary military discussions.

Lieu Thien Van gestured for him to sit.

Hao Nhien took the seat opposite him, though he still maintained a degree of caution.

Seeing his expression, Lieu Thien Van only smiled.

“There is no need to be so tense. I already told you, this does not necessarily mean I am sending you to your death.”

Hao Nhien looked at him.

“City Lord, what could be more valuable than staying alive?”

Lieu Thien Van laughed.

“That is a very honest answer.”

He swept a hand beneath the stone table. An old blue porcelain flask and two white jade cups appeared on its surface.

The flask was only the size of a fist, carved with patterns of cold clouds and a dragon concealed among snow. When Lieu Thien Van removed the stopper, a rich but exceptionally pure fragrance immediately spread through the chamber.

The scent of ripe spiritual fruit mixed with the chill of snow essence, along with a thread of pure spiritual qi that made Hao Nhien’s meridians react instinctively.

“Cold Cloud Wine.”

Lieu Thien Van poured two cups.

“It is brewed from aged spiritual fruits and desert snow essence. A single cup can help cleanse impurities from the meridians and stabilize spiritual power. You have only recently entered Foundation Establishment, and you have exhausted yourself repeatedly over the past few days. This suits you well.”

He drank his own cup first, then pushed the other toward Hao Nhien.

“Try it.”

Hao Nhien studied the wine briefly.

He could sense nothing unusual in it. Besides, if Lieu Thien Van truly intended to harm him, there would be no need for such a roundabout method.

Hao Nhien lifted the cup, smelled it lightly, then drank it in one swallow.

The wine entered his mouth as cold as melted snow, but once it reached his dantian, that chill transformed into a gentle warmth that spread along his meridians. The spiritual power that had remained somewhat unsettled after a night of forcing himself through sword comprehension gradually calmed, and even the fatigue in his Divine Soul eased slightly.

Hao Nhien slowly exhaled.

“Good wine.”

Lieu Thien Van smiled.

“I do not have as much of it as you might think.”

He poured himself another half cup but did not drink immediately.

“Still, compared with what you helped us discover, one cup of wine is hardly worth mentioning.”

His expression gradually turned serious.

“I have something far better in my possession.”

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Hao Nhien set down his cup.

Lieu Thien Van continued.

“It does not belong to Third City. I am merely keeping it on someone else’s behalf.”

He reached into his storage ring and took out a small black jade box.

The moment the box appeared, Hao Nhien felt the temperature inside the sealed chamber rise slightly.

Ancient runes covered its surface. Faint red light shimmered through each line, like embers buried deep beneath a layer of ash.

Lieu Thien Van placed the box on the table and opened it.

A brilliant red jade rested quietly inside.

Though “rested” was not entirely accurate.

The jade did not touch the bottom of the box. It hovered a small distance above the surface. The light within was not dazzling, yet its red color possessed an unusual depth, as though an ancient flame had burned inside for countless years without ever going out.

Pure Fire spiritual qi slowly spread from it.

It was neither violent like a fire technique in battle nor scorching like the desert sand at midday. Its aura was heavy and ancient, carrying the feeling of a flame that generations of people had quietly nurtured.

Hao Nhien’s gaze shifted.

“This is…”

“The Fire Qilin Jade,” Lieu Thien Van replied.

“The supreme inheritance treasure of the Fire Qilin Tribe.”

Hao Nhien said nothing.

Lieu Thien Van looked at the crimson jade before continuing.

“The Fire Qilin Tribe is one of the ancient tribes living deep within the Western Wastes. According to their traditions, every generation of Clan Head uses a portion of their own origin power, together with the unique Fire spiritual qi of the desert, to nurture the Fire Qilin Jade.”

“After countless generations, this jade has accumulated not only power, but also part of the Fire Qilin Tribe’s inheritance.”

Hao Nhien studied the crimson jade.

“Can only members of the Fire Qilin Tribe use it?”

Lieu Thien Van shook his head.

“Not necessarily. Fire Qilin blood increases the chance of being acknowledged, but it is not an absolute requirement. According to Luu Thai, the Fire Qilin Jade chooses based on resonance with the origin contained within it. An outsider can still be accepted, though such a thing is exceedingly rare.”

He paused before continuing.

“If the jade acknowledges you, you will gain the right to receive the core inheritance and become the nominal successor. But if you truly want to become Clan Head, you must return to the Fire Qilin Tribe, step onto the Fire Qilin Altar, and receive its recognition.”

Hao Nhien was silent for a moment before asking,

“Then why is the Fire Qilin Jade here?”

Lieu Thien Van looked at the jade, his voice slowing.

“Some time ago, an elder of the Fire Qilin Tribe named Luu Thai fled to Third City after suffering severe injuries. His wounds were too serious. Even after receiving treatment, he did not survive.”

“According to him, the previous Clan Head had died during an internal conflict, while the faction now holding the advantage within the Fire Qilin Tribe had sided with the Heavenly Eye Tribe. Luu Thai also believed that behind the Heavenly Eye Tribe was a force connected to the name Firmament, but I still do not have enough evidence to confirm that part.”

“Before he died, he entrusted the Fire Qilin Jade to me and asked me to find someone capable of being acknowledged by it. Before you, I allowed several people he had recommended to attempt sensing it, but the jade never responded to any of them.”

Hao Nhien’s gaze gradually deepened.

If the Fire Qilin Jade truly chose him, it would be more than a fortunate opportunity. It could become a road leading deep into the Western Wastes, through the tribes and toward the Heavenly Eye Tribe. And if Luu Thai’s belief was correct, perhaps it could bring him one step closer to the Firmament.

Lieu Thien Van looked at him.

“So for now, I only want you to try sensing it. If the Fire Qilin Jade does not respond, this ends here. If it acknowledges you, you may choose whether to accept its inheritance.”

He leaned forward slightly.

“But if you accept it, you must also accept the responsibility that comes with it.”

“I want you to use your position as the nominal successor to enter deeper into the tribal regions. First, find those who still stand with the former Clan Head’s faction, then look for a way to reach the Fire Qilin Altar. If possible, draw out those who do not wish to follow the Heavenly Eye Tribe and help them escape this internal conflict.”

Lieu Thien Van’s expression grew more serious.

“Most importantly, use that path to discover what the Heavenly Eye Tribe is actually preparing, and whether their connection to the Firmament truly exists.”

The chamber fell silent for a moment.

Hao Nhien looked at him.

“If this is so valuable, why let me try?”

Lieu Thien Van did not evade the question.

“I am not giving it to you. I am merely giving you the chance to let it choose for itself.”

He lifted his cup of Cold Cloud Wine, took a sip, and continued.

“If my judgment of you is correct, we gain someone capable of opening a path into the Fire Qilin Tribe. If I am wrong, you will also be removed from Third City’s core communication network and no longer remain here in the camp where you could observe my entire system. From my perspective, the risk remains within what I can control, while the potential gain is large enough to justify the attempt.”

Hao Nhien sighed inwardly.

As expected, someone capable of holding the position of City Lord on the frontline would never act on emotion alone. The opportunity was real, and so was a certain degree of trust, but Lieu Thien Van’s caution had never disappeared.

He did not even bother hiding it.

And precisely because he did not hide it, Hao Nhien found it easier to accept.

He studied the Fire Qilin Jade for a while longer before slowly speaking.

“City Lord, this opportunity is too great. So is the responsibility.”

Lieu Thien Van listened without interrupting.

“I cannot decide immediately.”

“Good.”

Lieu Thien Van answered almost at once.

Hao Nhien was slightly surprised.

“Not allowing an opportunity to blind you is a good thing.”

Lieu Thien Van poured another cup of Cold Cloud Wine and pushed it toward him.

“Stay here for now. I will leave this flask with you. Drink a little and settle your mind.”

His gaze moved to the Fire Qilin Jade.

“You may try sensing it, but remember, only sense it. Even if it responds, do not force a fusion before you have made your decision.”

Hao Nhien cupped his fists.

“Junior understands.”

Lieu Thien Van lowered the lid of the box halfway, allowing the surrounding runes to maintain a light seal without completely cutting off the jade’s aura. Then he stood.

“I will tell Quan Nha that you need more time to rest. No one will disturb you for the next few hours.”

Hao Nhien raised his head slightly.

Lieu Thien Van paused.

“Whether you tell her about this after you leave is your decision.”

With that, Lieu Thien Van opened the stone door and left.

The heavy door slowly closed behind him.

Hao Nhien was alone in the sealed chamber.

The light from the spirit stones embedded in the walls was cool and faint. The flask of Cold Cloud Wine sat at his right hand, while the Fire Qilin Jade still hovered inside the black jade box before him, its crimson glow silently reflecting across his face.

Hao Nhien poured himself a little more wine and took a small sip. The chill traveled down his throat, gradually clearing the tangled thoughts in his mind.

The Firmament, the Heavenly Eye Tribe, the Fire Qilin Tribe, the Fire Qilin Altar, and a road leading deep into the Western Wastes. If Luu Thai had been right, that road might bring him another step closer to clues about Anh Nhien. At the same time, it was dangerous enough to swallow him whole.

Hao Nhien set down the cup and stared at the Fire Qilin Jade for a long while before slowly reaching toward it.

The moment his fingertip touched the jade, warmth spread into him. It was neither scorching nor violent as he had imagined, but felt more like touching a stone that had rested beneath the sun for a very long time.

He did not send spiritual power into it or force his spiritual awareness forward. He simply relaxed his mind and quietly sensed it.

At first, the Fire Qilin Jade showed no response.

Hao Nhien waited patiently.

Several breaths later, the deep crimson glow inside the jade suddenly contracted ever so slightly, then pulsed once more. A thread of warmth passed through his palm, like something that had slept within the jade for countless years had finally noticed his existence.

Hao Nhien opened his eyes.

The crimson light inside the Fire Qilin Jade had indeed brightened.

It had responded.

He immediately withdrew his hand and did not attempt to probe any deeper. If the jade had remained completely silent, everything could have ended here. But now the door had truly opened before him.

The only question was whether he would step through it.

Hao Nhien took another sip of wine.

The image of Anh Nhien surfaced in his mind.

The space of his old world freezing.

A hand tearing open the void.

Her being taken away before his eyes while he could do nothing.

That feeling of helplessness had never truly disappeared.

If the Firmament in the Western Wastes was truly connected to the Firmament Continent in his memories, then he could not abandon this path simply because it was dangerous.

But accepting the Fire Qilin Jade was not only about himself.

He thought of Tieu Lan, of the medicine bottles she quietly prepared every time he left. Then he thought of Quan Nha, who had just crossed Black Wind Valley beside him and faced those bearing the Heavenly Eye mark with him.

The more dangerous the road ahead became, the stronger he needed to be, so that those beside him would not be forced to bear the consequences in his place.

The Fire Qilin Jade remained before him.

Within it lay a Fire inheritance nurtured by generations of the Fire Qilin Tribe. Hao Nhien did not know how much of it he could receive, nor whether that power could truly harmonize with his own Wind affinity.

But if it could...

Wind fed fire.

That possibility alone was enough to stir his heart.

Another memory surfaced.

The group from the Western Frontier in the outer sect of the Tieu Dao Sect. They had been weak, yet they had still gathered everything they possessed to push one among them one step farther. Not because victory was certain, but because if no one stood up, all of them would eventually be buried.

Perhaps the Fire Qilin Tribe had people like that as well.

Not everyone would want to follow the Heavenly Eye Tribe. Some might only want to protect their families, preserve their homeland, and keep the inheritance of their ancestors from falling into another’s hands.

Luu Thai had carried the Fire Qilin Jade away from the tribe and later died from his severe wounds. The previous Clan Head had also placed his final hope in the jade finding someone new.

Hao Nhien did not know whether their choices had been right.

But the Fire Qilin Jade had responded to him.

This path could make him stronger, bring him closer to the Heavenly Eye Tribe, help him verify the connection to the Firmament, and perhaps even save part of the Fire Qilin Tribe from its internal conflict.

Danger was inevitable.

But since awakening in this world, when had he ever truly been far from danger?

If he still intended to find Anh Nhien one day, the barriers ahead would only become greater. Escaping once did not mean he could keep escaping forever.

If he wanted to continue forward, there was only one answer.

Become stronger.

Hao Nhien reached out again.

The Fire Qilin Jade settled into his palm. The crimson light inside immediately brightened slightly, and a thin stream of warmth spread through his skin before stopping, as though waiting for an answer.

He raised the remaining Cold Cloud Wine and drank it in one swallow. The cold slid down his throat, but within his chest, a quiet flame had begun to burn.

Hao Nhien set the cup down.

“I accept.”

His voice was not loud, but in the sealed chamber, the words rang clearly.

He was not yet the Clan Head of the Fire Qilin Tribe, nor did he know whether he could pass the Fire Qilin Altar.

But from this moment onward, he had chosen to walk that path.

The Fire Qilin Jade glowed quietly in his palm, like a door that had just opened.