The Choice

Night had fallen deep over Tien Thanh, yet the northern part of the city remained brightly lit by long rows of lamps stretching through the military camp.

Luu Ho walked in front, with Hao Nhien and Quan Nha following behind.

Both had changed into the plain gray robes commonly worn by desert tribes. Their appearances remained those of Giai Nhien and Tieu Nha, while their auras had been suppressed just enough to avoid drawing attention from a distance.

Before leaving the courtyard, the three had already agreed on how they would act.

Luu Ho would bring them inside as newly arrived members of the Hoa Ky Clan. Once Nap Long lowered his guard, Luu Ho would deliberately steer the conversation toward the Hoa Ky Clan, Duong Long, and the news coming from Hoa Van.

Hao Nhien would remain on the outside and observe, intervening only after he had seen clearly where Nap Long truly stood.

If the man continued obeying Duong Long merely because he was afraid or had never seen another path, Hao Nhien was still willing to listen.

But if Nap Long had already begun using the authority in his hands to force Hoa Ky people down the road he had chosen, and was even willing to attack those who wanted to leave, then there would be no reason for the conversation to continue.

Hao Nhien had also prepared for the worst possibility.

If his identity was exposed inside the military camp, he would no longer hide it from the Hoa Ky people here.

Duong Long had not yet arrived, and authority within Tien Thanh was still unstable.

This might be the only moment when those people could choose for themselves before another powerful man stood over them and decided in their place.

The closer they drew to the military camp, the clearer the sound of armor striking armor became.

Patrol squads moved beneath tall flagpoles, while Heavenly Eye’s black banners were stretched taut by the night wind, snapping continuously overhead.

Luu Ho did not turn around.

He only sent a quiet voice transmission.

“Nap Long has been recruiting lately, especially fire-attributed cultivators. I’ll say the two of you are clansmen who just arrived from the southern route.”

“Do it naturally.”

Hao Nhien replied.

Quan Nha said nothing and merely lowered the brim of her hat a little further.

The moment the three reached the northern gate, four long spears dropped at once.

Four soldiers in black armor stepped forward to block them.

Two were late Qi Condensation.

Two were middle Qi Condensation.

All of them recognized Luu Ho, but none allowed him through simply because of that.

One stepped forward.

“Captain Luu, coming here at this hour?”

Luu Ho took out his military token.

“Two clansmen just arrived. I want to bring them to Commander Nap.”

The soldier looked at Hao Nhien, then at Quan Nha.

“Hoa Ky?”

“Mm.”

“Names?”

“Giai Nhien.”

Hao Nhien answered.

Quan Nha said,

“Tieu Nha.”

The soldier asked several more questions about where they had come from before taking out a small formation plate.

A thin layer of light swept over Hao Nhien and Quan Nha in turn.

Only after detecting nothing unusual did the light on the formation plate slowly fade.

The soldier then looked at the weapons hanging at their sides.

“Artifacts?”

Hao Nhien removed the ordinary sword at his waist.

Quan Nha also produced a low-grade sword.

The soldier recorded their characteristics before returning both weapons.

“Do not draw weapons inside the camp without permission.”

Luu Ho asked,

“Nap Long is inside?”

“He is.”

“Then report our arrival.”

One soldier immediately ran in.

He returned not long afterward.

“Commander Nap will see you.”

Luu Ho nodded and led the two inside.

The military camp beyond the gate was larger than Hao Nhien had expected.

This was no longer a temporary camp intended to host troops for a few months.

It had nearly become a complete military district, filled with rows of low stone buildings, armories, Sand Beast stables, training grounds, and countless tents arranged into clearly separated sections.

At the deepest point stood three buildings noticeably larger than the rest.

Luu Ho brought them to the one in the center.

The two guards outside recognized him and immediately pulled the curtain aside.

“Commander Nap is waiting.”

Luu Ho entered first.

Hao Nhien followed.

Quan Nha came last.

The interior was not large, but everything was arranged neatly.

A long table stood in the center, covered by a map of Tien Thanh and the eastern routes beyond it, with military tokens weighing down the four corners.

A weapon rack stood against the wall, while a suit of black armor rested on a chair near the table.

Nap Long was standing over the map.

He was tall and broad-shouldered, with thick muscles along his arms shaped by years of training.

His Foundation Establishment layer eight aura was deeply restrained, but it still made the air around him feel heavier than normal.

He did not turn immediately.

“Where are they?”

“Here.”

Luu Ho answered.

Only then did Nap Long turn.

His gaze first fell on Luu Ho, then moved to Hao Nhien and Quan Nha.

When it reached Hao Nhien, it lingered slightly longer.

“Middle Foundation Establishment?”

Hao Nhien only nodded.

Nap Long narrowed his eyes.

“Giai Nhien?”

“I’ve never heard that name among the Hoa Ky people in Tien Thanh.”

“I left the clan when I was young.”

Hao Nhien answered naturally.

“Afterward, I followed Uncle Lanh Hoa.”

Nap Long paused.

“Lanh Hoa?”

For the first time, the probing look in his eyes changed.

“That old man is still alive?”

“The last time I saw him, he was.”

Nap Long studied Hao Nhien again.

“You followed him since childhood?”

“Mm. We rarely returned to places with many Hoa Ky people.”

“Where is he now?”

“He left again several years ago. Said he had something to do. I haven’t seen him since.”

Nap Long was silent for a moment before giving a faint laugh.

“That does sound like him. Once he leaves, he can disappear for ten years without leaving a single word.”

Hao Nhien did not respond.

Nap Long shifted his gaze to Quan Nha.

“And her?”

“My wife.”

Quan Nha nodded lightly.

Nap Long sensed her aura briefly but did not question her further.

His attention quickly returned to Hao Nhien.

“You want to join us?”

“I want to see what this place is like first. Then I’ll decide how long I stay.”

Nap Long did not seem offended.

Instead, he smiled.

“Being cautious is good. But you’ve arrived at the right time.”

He looked toward Luu Ho.

“Arrange quarters for them. Register their identities first, but there is no need to assign them to a unit yet.”

Luu Ho cupped his hands.

“Understood.”

Nap Long looked back at Hao Nhien.

“Come see me tomorrow. With middle-Foundation cultivation, there is no need to place you in an ordinary squad. I’ll decide what position suits you.”

He paused before adding,

“Lord Duong Long will arrive soon. If you truly have ability, he will not treat Hoa Ky people poorly.”

Hao Nhien only nodded lightly.

Nap Long then turned to Luu Ho.

“Anything else?”

Luu Ho knew the time had come.

He did not begin by arguing.

Instead, he asked very casually,

“Nap Long, people in the Hoa Ky units have been asking me many questions lately. I want to know what arrangements will be made for them once Duong Long arrives.”

Nap Long did not look surprised.

“Lord Duong Long will decide after he arrives.”

“I’m asking about the road of the Hoa Ky people, not their positions within Heavenly Eye.”

Nap Long’s gaze changed slightly.

“What is the difference?”

“There is one.”

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Luu Ho looked at him.

“We were Hoa Ky before we became Heavenly Eye soldiers.”

Nap Long was silent for several breaths before giving a faint laugh.

“Luu Ho, you’re still thinking about those things?”

“I never forgot.”

“So what do you want? To return to the Hoa Ky that already fell apart? Or run to Hoa Van because of a few rumors?”

Luu Ho did not answer immediately.

Nap Long walked to the table and poured himself a cup of wine.

“Heavenly Eye gives us military rank, pills, spirit stones, food, and a place to stand. The people who follow me have resources to cultivate, and their families have somewhere to live.”

He looked at Luu Ho.

“What did the Hoa Ky Clan give you?”

Luu Ho raised his head.

“It told me who I am.”

Nap Long laughed.

“Does knowing who you are buy spirit stones? Does it help you survive the desert? Did it take you from Qi Condensation to middle Foundation Establishment?”

Luu Ho met his gaze without flinching.

“So you follow Duong Long simply because he is strong?”

“I follow the person who can lead us to survive.”

Nap Long answered directly.

“What is wrong with that?”

He placed the cup down.

“People of the Western Wastes cannot live on memories. If a tribe wants to survive, it needs someone strong enough to stand at the top, resources, an army, and a place to put its feet.”

“If everyone simply talks about what they want and chooses a different direction, then in the end all you have is loose sand.”

Luu Ho asked,

“Then if Duong Long becomes weaker than someone else one day, will you change masters again?”

Nap Long’s expression darkened.

“Luu Ho, don’t test me.”

In the corner, Hao Nhien remained motionless.

By now, he had heard enough to understand that Nap Long was not simply someone who had sold out his clan for profit.

The man genuinely believed in what he was doing.

In his eyes, strength and order mattered more than origin.

If Hoa Ky people wanted to survive, then they should follow whoever could guarantee resources and status for them.

That was precisely why his choice had become even clearer.

Luu Ho continued,

“You know Duong Long is not the Clan Chief.”

Nap Long did not answer.

“You also know the Hoa Ky Jade has appeared again. You know Hao Nhien is the one it acknowledged, and you know Duong Quang died by his hand even after using a forbidden pill.”

Nap Long’s gaze slowly turned cold.

Luu Ho looked directly at him.

“How long do you intend to keep pretending you don’t know?”

Nap Long’s hand settled on the edge of the table.

A faint cracking sound appeared.

“I have never pretended.”

His voice lowered.

“I know Hao Nhien has the Hoa Ky Jade. I also know Duong Quang is dead.”

Luu Ho narrowed his eyes slightly.

“And you still choose Duong Long?”

“Yes.”

Nap Long answered without hesitation.

“I swore loyalty to him. More importantly, I believe his road can keep the people following me alive.”

“And those who do not want to follow?”

“Those below do not each need to build their own road.”

Nap Long looked at Luu Ho.

“When Lord Duong Long arrives, he will decide.”

In the corner, Hao Nhien’s gaze cooled slightly.

Luu Ho stood still for a moment before saying,

“I disagree.”

Nap Long looked at him.

“Say that again.”

“I said the Hoa Ky people must be allowed to choose where they want to stand. Duong Long does not get to choose for them.”

The atmosphere inside the room changed instantly.

Nap Long did not explode in anger.

He stared at Luu Ho for a long time before saying,

“Kneel.”

Luu Ho did not move.

“I’ll treat today as though you drank too much. Take back what you just said. When Lord Duong Long arrives, I’ll speak for you and let you keep your life.”

Luu Ho laughed.

“Nap Long, do you truly think I came here to beg for my life?”

Nap Long’s eyes turned completely cold.

“Then you came here to die.”

He turned his head and called,

“Guards.”

The two soldiers outside immediately entered.

“Commander!”

“Arrest Luu Ho. Lock him up separately. When Lord Duong Long arrives, hand him over.”

The two soldiers hesitated slightly, but still advanced.

Luu Ho took half a step back, his hand reaching for his sword.

Nap Long stared at him for a long time, his eyes growing colder.

“I gave you a chance. If you continue saying such things, do not blame me for forgetting that we come from the same clan.”

Luu Ho did not retreat.

“If you want to kill me, then do it.”

He stared straight at Nap Long.

“Haven’t you already done enough cruel things to the Hoa Ky people? One more life won’t make it any harder for you to sleep.”

Nap Long’s face darkened completely.

“You want to die.”

He stepped directly toward Luu Ho.

His Foundation Establishment layer eight aura erupted.

The moment his right hand rose, spiritual power gathered into a heavy layer of pressure around his arm.

But before he could strike, Hao Nhien moved.

The Soul Sword struck directly into Nap Long’s soul, throwing his thought and body out of alignment for a single instant.

Hao Nhien closed the distance almost immediately.

The Fire Spirit Sword appeared in his hand.

Its point pierced straight through Nap Long’s dantian before he could recover control of his spiritual power.

Pff.

There was no great explosion.

Only a soft sound as the blade passed through flesh.

Nap Long’s face turned deathly pale.

The spiritual power gathering around him lost its foundation, scattered chaotically, and rapidly weakened.

He looked down at the sword piercing through his abdomen.

For the first time, genuine terror appeared in his eyes.

“You…”

Nap Long tried to retreat, but Hao Nhien kept his grip firm on the sword hilt and did not allow him to escape the range of his control.

Fire-attributed True Qi flowed along the Fire Spirit Sword and into the pierced dantian, sealing the remaining pathways through which spiritual power could circulate.

Nap Long understood almost immediately that he had lost the ability to fight.

His hand shot toward his waist.

A small signal flare appeared from his storage pouch.

Hao Nhien saw the movement and immediately pushed fire power through the Fire Spirit Sword, sending heat from the ruined dantian into several critical meridians.

Nap Long’s body stiffened.

The signal flare slipped from his hand.

His eyes remained open, but the life within them rapidly faded.

Hao Nhien pulled out the Fire Spirit Sword.

Nap Long collapsed onto the stone floor.

The fight had ended so quickly that the soldiers outside still had no idea a Foundation Establishment layer eight cultivator had just been killed inside.

Luu Ho stood behind them, staring at Nap Long’s body before slowly turning toward Hao Nhien.

He had already known that the current Clan Chief was powerful.

But even he had not expected a Foundation Establishment layer eight cultivator to be dealt with so cleanly that he had barely had time to resist.

When Luu Ho turned toward the door, he finally noticed that the two guards had already been subdued.

One stood motionless beside Quan Nha, his eyes unfocused as though trapped within an illusion.

The other lay unconscious near the entrance.

Quan Nha glanced lightly at Hao Nhien.

“It’s done.”

Hao Nhien nodded.

The room quickly returned to silence.

A Foundation Establishment layer eight cultivator had just died in the middle of the military camp, yet outside there were still only the sounds of patrol footsteps and the wind pulling at the black banners overhead.

Hao Nhien bent down, took the commander’s token from Nap Long’s waist, and tossed it toward Luu Ho.

“Take it.”

Luu Ho caught it on reflex.

“This…”

“I don’t care where his authority came from before.”

Hao Nhien said.

“But for now, you will command the Hoa Ky people here.”

Luu Ho tightened his grip around the token.

“Yes.”

Hao Nhien pointed at the two guards.

“Tie them up. Don’t kill them.”

Luu Ho nodded.

A short while later, Nap Long’s body had been moved into the inner room, the blood on the stone floor cleaned away, and the broken table temporarily restored.

The two guards were bound securely and confined separately.

Luu Ho returned after everything had been dealt with.

Hao Nhien looked at him.

“You said more than half want to return in their hearts, but fewer than twenty percent would dare step out.”

“I want to know how many will truly choose if they still believe Nap Long is alive.”

Luu Ho understood immediately.

“I’ll gather them.”

“Only summon the Hoa Ky people directly under Nap Long who are currently inside the camp.”

Hao Nhien instructed.

“Do not tell them he is dead. And do not tell them I am here.”

Luu Ho paused slightly.

“Even the ones I know for certain want to return?”

“Especially not them.”

Hao Nhien looked at him.

“I want them to take the step themselves.”

After Luu Ho left, Hao Nhien turned to Quan Nha.

“Help me.”

Quan Nha nodded.

“I understand.”

Nearly half an hour later, more than two hundred people had gathered in the large courtyard before the command tents.

This was not every Hoa Ky member in Tien Thanh, but almost everyone currently on duty or inside the camp that night had arrived.

Luu Ho stood at the front.

Hao Nhien and Quan Nha remained behind him, cloaks partially hiding their faces.

The crowd began whispering.

“Where is Commander Nap?”

“No idea.”

“Why did Luu Ho call us out?”

“Something major happened?”

Luu Ho raised one hand.

The voices gradually faded.

He looked across the faces before him and said,

“The news from Hoa Van is true. Duong Quang died at Quan Hao Nhien’s hands, and the person acknowledged by the Hoa Ky Jade has appeared.”

The atmosphere changed instantly.

As soon as the words fell, the crowd stirred.

Some snapped their heads up.

Others turned toward their companions.

Several pairs of eyes visibly brightened, while others became cold.

Luu Ho continued,

“I have decided to return to the Hoa Ky Clan.”

Discussion erupted.

Someone immediately said,

“Captain Luu, have you gone mad? Lord Duong Long is about to arrive!”

Another asked,

“Does Commander Nap know about this?”

Luu Ho did not answer that question.

He only said,

“Those who want to return, step to the left.”

“Those who want to remain with Heavenly Eye, step to the right.”

He looked around.

“No one will force you. No one will hold a sword to your throat and make you choose.”

“But tonight, each of you will decide for yourselves once.”

No one moved immediately.

The night wind swept across the courtyard, making the black banner overhead snap again and again.

After a long time, a young man near the center of the crowd finally gritted his teeth and stepped out.

He walked left.

“I’m going back.”

His voice was not loud, but everyone in the courtyard heard it.

Another person followed immediately.

“I’m going back too.”

Then a third.

“My mother already went to Hoa Van. I want to go home.”

The crowd began to move.

At first, very slowly.

Then small groups began crossing one after another toward the left.

People also began stepping to the right.

A scar-faced man sneered.

“If you want to die, go ahead. I’m not going with you.”

He moved right.

Several others followed.

But most still remained in the middle, their expressions constantly changing.

Quan Nha glanced at Hao Nhien.

He gave the slightest nod.

The Charm Eye opened silently.

No spiritual pressure spread outward.

No one felt a force pressing against their soul.

It simply became harder for emotions already hidden deep inside to remain suppressed.

Someone on the right said,

“You think Hoa Van can protect you? Once Commander Nap hears about this, none of you will live peacefully.”

Someone on the left turned back.

“I’ve been afraid of him long enough.”

The other man’s voice grew colder.

“You dare oppose him?”

The first man said nothing.

But he did not change sides.

Immediately afterward, several more people stepped left.

The group on the right also became clearer.

Nearly thirty people had gathered there, including several Foundation Establishment auras.

One of them said,

“Luu Ho, you’re rebelling. I’m going to report this to Commander Nap.”

Luu Ho looked at him.

“You have seen what Nap Long has done to our own clansmen, and you still want to follow him?”

The man went silent for an instant.

Quan Nha’s Charm Eye remained extremely light.

Then he laughed.

“If weak people can’t even protect their own lives, who are they supposed to blame?”

The atmosphere immediately turned cold.

Several people standing on the right turned toward him as well.

Clearly, even they did not fully agree with those words.

Luu Ho asked,

“Who else truly thinks the same way?”

Seven people stepped forward.

The scar-faced man said,

“Heavenly Eye gave us what we have today. The old Hoa Ky Clan is dead. I’m not going back.”

Luu Ho nodded.

“Fine.”

The man turned.

“Then get out of the way. I’m going to report to Commander Nap.”

Luu Ho said,

“No need.”

The man stopped.

Luu Ho looked directly at him.

“Nap Long is dead.”

The entire courtyard fell silent for one instant.

Then the discussion exploded more violently than before.

Some faces turned deathly pale.

Others immediately looked toward the building behind them.

A whisper sounded.

“Impossible… he was Foundation Establishment layer eight…”

Someone who had been standing on the right unconsciously stepped back half a pace.

Meanwhile, several people on the left exchanged looks, their eyes visibly brighter.

One man who had loudly declared loyalty to Nap Long only moments earlier hurriedly said,

“I only said that because—”

Luu Ho looked at him.

“Stay where you are.”

The man froze.

“What you chose just now is exactly what I needed to hear.”

The scar-faced man suddenly drew his sword.

“Kill Luu Ho! He’s a trai—”

Before the blade could come down, Luu Ho had already rushed forward.

A flash of sword-light passed.

The wrist holding the sword was cut deeply, and the weapon dropped to the ground.

Luu Ho followed through with a kick that sent the man crashing backward.

Two others immediately drew their weapons.

At the same time, those who had chosen the left side instinctively placed their hands on their own sword hilts.

In an instant, the courtyard became so tense that even the smallest spark could have sent both sides into battle.

“Stop.”

A voice came from behind them.

It was not loud.

But Luu Ho immediately lowered his sword.

Every gaze turned at once.

From beneath the shadow of the eaves, the gray-robed man slowly stepped forward.

Hao Nhien raised a hand and removed the disguise from his face, revealing his true appearance before more than two hundred Hoa Ky people standing in the courtyard.

Fire-attributed True Qi circulated lightly.

A point of flame appeared between his brows, then slowly opened into the Hoa Ky Image.

The courtyard fell completely silent.

A man standing on the left stared at the mark for a long time, his lips trembling.

“Clan Chief…”

He knelt.

Then a second person.

A third.

One after another, they lowered themselves as though emotions suppressed for far too long had finally found somewhere to break free.

Very quickly, most of those who had chosen the left side were kneeling.

Some had reddened eyes.

Others could no longer hold back their tears.

“The Hoa Ky Jade is real…”

“You truly came…”

“We can go home…”

Hao Nhien looked at them for a while before saying,

“Stand up.”

No one moved immediately.

He repeated,

“Stand up.”

Only then did everyone slowly rise.

Hao Nhien withdrew the Hoa Ky Image and turned toward those on the right.

“I gave you the right to choose.”

“And I respect that choice.”

Many people looked up.

Clearly, they had not expected to hear those words.

“Anyone who wants to remain with Heavenly Eye and owes no blood debt to the Hoa Ky will not be killed by me, nor will I force you to return.”

Hao Nhien paused.

“But anyone who killed clansmen, sold their own people, traded Hoa Ky lives for resources, or used the lives of their own people to buy status cannot simply say they want to remain here and pretend nothing happened.”

His gaze turned cold.

“If there is a debt, it will be counted.”

He looked toward Luu Ho.

“Record their names and investigate each one.”

“Those who owe no blood debt will be kept separately for now. After the matter in Tien Thanh is over, where they go will be their own choice.”

Luu Ho cupped his hands.

“Yes.”

Hao Nhien then looked toward those who wanted to return.

“As for you, wanting to return does not erase the past either.”

“Anyone who did wrong must still explain what they did.”

His gaze passed across each face.

“But if there is still room to correct it, I will give you one chance.”

No one spoke.

Yet many eyes had changed.

Luu Ho immediately began assigning people.

Those who had drawn weapons were disarmed.

Those whose past actions required investigation were held separately.

Those who had simply chosen to remain with Heavenly Eye were not bound, but for now they were not allowed to leave the camp.

Hao Nhien did not interfere with every detail.

He only watched.

Nearly an hour later, the courtyard finally became quiet again.

Luu Ho came before him.

“Clan Chief, those who want to return have been placed separately. Those who need investigation have also been detained. No one is allowed to leave the camp.”

Hao Nhien asked,

“What about the news of Nap Long’s death?”

“For now, only the Hoa Ky people inside this camp know. I’ve locked the smaller gates and kept the outer guard rotations unchanged. People outside still believe he is inside.”

“Good.”

Hao Nhien looked at him.

“From now on, you temporarily command this force.”

Luu Ho lowered his head.

“This subordinate understands.”

“When the remaining Hoa Ky soldiers return to the camp, investigate each one clearly.”

“Those who truly want to return to the Hoa Ky Clan can remain under your command.”

“Those who do not, or whose position cannot yet be determined, will be confined separately until the matter in Tien Thanh is resolved.”

Hao Nhien paused before continuing,

“Anyone who owes debts to our clansmen will also be kept separately. We will settle each matter later.”

Luu Ho nodded.

“What about Hoa Ky people outside the military camp?”

“Leave them alone for now.”

Hao Nhien’s gaze passed across the rows of lights beyond.

“Both the fact that I have arrived in Tien Thanh and the fact that Nap Long is dead must remain hidden.”

“Before we understand the situation in the city, the fewer outsiders who know, the better.”

Luu Ho immediately understood.

“I’ll keep the guard rotations and all outward activity unchanged.”

“Mm.”

Hao Nhien nodded.

“Tonight, the first thing we need to do is turn this military camp into a place we completely control.”

Luu Ho paused slightly, then nodded.

“Yes.”

A while later, Hao Nhien and Quan Nha returned to Nap Long’s room.

Hao Nhien stood over the map on the table for a long time.

Red, black, and yellow military markers were scattered across different locations around Tien Thanh, marking camps, supply depots, gates, trade routes, and even signs of people belonging to other factions.

Nap Long had clearly managed far more than the Hoa Ky units.

In his position, he had known many things about what was happening inside Tien Thanh.

Luu Ho entered.

“Clan Chief.”

Hao Nhien did not turn immediately.

His finger rested lightly on a red marker in the eastern part of the city.

Luu Ho stood beside him and lowered his voice.

“Many of Duong Quang’s old people are still here.”

Hao Nhien studied the map for a while longer.

The corner of his mouth lifted slightly.

But it was not a cheerful smile.

What was appearing before him was far larger than a group of Hoa Ky people who wanted to return.

“Then…”

he said.

“Tell me about them.”