This scoundrel is a bit of a swordsman.

Chapter 216 Future Choices

They all knew what a wild taboo meant, like a brilliant star in the night sky, dazzling yet full of mystery.

If one can stay by the side of the forbidden child from a young age and accompany them as they grow up, then when the forbidden child reaches adulthood, one will be like a loyal minister who has helped the emperor rise to power, and will surely reap a future of wealth as brilliant as the stars.

However, the danger involved is more like a thrilling gamble, with one's own life and fortune at stake.

"Hey, you two aren't exactly up to something, are you?"

The village chief sighed, as if they had been trapped in this world for too long, so long that they had forgotten where they came from. If possible, they too longed to break free from these constraints, to challenge the heavens and fight against the earth.

"Old Village, are you willing to be trapped here forever? After all these years, is your fighting spirit still burning as fiercely as it used to be?"

The old woman with the long forked leg stared at him, hesitant to speak.

"I have lost my limbs, like a withered tree stripped of its branches and leaves. With my broken body now, what right do I have to dream of revenge? Besides, the Three Realms Mountain towers into the clouds, like an insurmountable chasm, stretching beyond the world, making it beyond my reach."

"No, you still have a chance, a chance to fight fate to the death."

"Xiao Xingchen?"

The village chief gave a bitter smile.

"How could I not know what the arrival of a taboo signifies? If he had an all-powerful background, perhaps he would have a sliver of hope. However, do you really think a wild taboo can escape the watchful eyes of the heavens? Don't you understand the tragic end of the demon race back then? Such a powerful race was ruthlessly annihilated, so how can you expect him to stir up any storms?"

Clearly, the village chief was not optimistic about Xiao Xingchen's future, after all, the lessons of the past were still fresh in his mind.

What was the result of the demon race's attempt to embark on the forbidden path? They were met with the scorn of heaven and earth. As a forbidden path, it was destined to be incompatible with the world. Xiao Xingchen's arduous journey had only just begun.

"So, this is a game of life and death, betting on that slim chance of survival, which is better than dying a pathetic death here."

"Grandma Long, please don't be impatient. We still have plenty of time. Let's examine this young man first. He exudes many strange auras. Without a powerful background, he could never have obtained this opportunity through his own efforts alone. Perhaps, there is an unknown power hidden behind him?"

The embroiderer spoke slowly to the two arguing men.

“I agree with what the embroiderer said. This person is unfathomable, so I want to observe him for a while longer before making a decision.”

Lord Ma responded solemnly.

“Old Ma is absolutely right. We can observe him further. Village Chief, you understand him best and are the only one who has truly clashed with his inner strength. I firmly believe that you were also tempted, but you still need a catalyst to solidify your resolve.”

Huan Wushuang comforted them. These words left the village chief's thoughts in turmoil. He had never expected that on such a peaceful day, they would encounter something so exciting.

This event came so suddenly, catching them completely off guard, which is why they gathered there and lingered, unwilling to leave. Sometimes, making a decision only requires a few words from others. They were all searching for that reason for themselves.

“I understand now. Since Chen Xiaoni brought that guy here, she must have something in mind. We'll decide what to do when he comes again. What I fear is not my own life. I'm as worthless as grass now, and I've long since disregarded life and death. What I value is the karma behind him. Once something becomes a taboo, it becomes the greatest karma itself. Once you're tainted, you'll never have peace in this life.”

"Moreover, his eyes are like the deep starry sky, and even the Golden-Eyed Clan cannot shake those star pupils. I dare say that once his eyes turn into stars, it will cause earth-shattering changes. I have told you everything I can, and I hope you will weigh the pros and cons for yourselves."

After saying that, the village chief's jar, like a nimble sprite, gurgled and hopped away, leaving the few people standing there lost in thought.

This is a life-or-death decision, a choice between survival and a glorious triumph, and the root of all the problems lies with Xiao Xingchen.

As Ruoxue led Xiaoxingchen away, he kept looking back, no longer able to appreciate the joy of breaking through his cultivation level. Instead, his heart grew heavier.

This is an anthill, a place of poverty and hardship, yet it has gathered so many extraordinary people.

Through his confrontation with the village chief, although the Golden Eyes had become his nourishment, the immense power contained within them, once unleashed, would inevitably cause the heavens and the earth to shatter.

The village chief was undoubtedly the most outstanding master he had ever seen. The reason why such a master would live in seclusion here is self-evident.

“I know you have many questions in your mind, but don’t ask them now. I need to go back to see my father; your affairs are already beyond my control.”

Ruoxue was unusually serious, a stark contrast to her usual carefree demeanor.

"You actually have a father? By the way, your original name was Chen Xiaoni?"

"Well, after all, being born in a place like this, one is bound to be either a girl or a goat. It was only when Consort Xian took me out that I changed my name. The name 'Little Girl' is quite unusual in the outside world."

"I see. So your father is also..." Xiao Xingchen's words were on the tip of her tongue, but she swallowed them back. There were many experts in the village chief's place, so her father must be no less skilled, right?

"My dad is no expert at all. He's just a heavy drinker who loves to drink. His greatest hobby in life is brewing wine. Don't make wild guesses. He's just an ordinary person."

"Really?" Xiao Xingchen asked, her face full of suspicion.

"Believe it or not, come to my house first. We'll come over after the village chief rests for a bit. You've seen it yourself, if you could subdue just one of these people, you could walk all over the Great Qian Dynasty."

"Then why are they staying here? Who are they hiding from?"

"How could I possibly know? The secrets of this world are as numerous as the stars. The Great Qian Dynasty is but a drop in the ocean. The village chief and his ilk are the ones who have truly seen the world. And that is why the person they are hiding from must be extraordinary, an extremely terrifying being."

Ruoxue's words drew frequent nods from Xiaoxingchen. Judging from the strength of these people alone, they didn't take the Great Qian Dynasty seriously at all. They were probably even less capable than the people from Yujing Heaven, yet they were willing to live a life of ignominy here. So, what about their enemies...?

"By the way, there's one more thing."

"What is it?" Xiao Xingchen's thoughts were interrupted, and he turned his gaze back to Ruoxue.

"Where... exactly do you come from?"

Without turning her head, Ruoxue asked the question. Xiaoxingchen noticed that Ruoxue seemed to have mustered up a great deal of courage to ask it; clearly, she had also seen many unknown things in her memory.

"Of course, you can also choose to remain silent and not try to fob me off with lies."

Noticing Xiao Xingchen's unusual behavior, Ruoxue emphasized it again, which put Xiao Xingchen in a dilemma. After all, his origins were indeed somewhat absurd. However, he only hesitated for a moment before answering.

“I come from another world, and everything you have witnessed is true and without falsehood.”

He had no intention of deceiving his partners and comrades, even about the deepest, most secret things he kept hidden in his heart. This was undoubtedly a symbol of trust.

"Understood, I will keep this a secret."

Ruoxue, who was flying ahead, simply responded with a nonchalant remark and then stopped asking questions.

What Xiao Xingchen didn't notice was that Ruoxue's faint smile was like a spring breeze rippling across a lake, an expression of approval.

From this moment on, the virtuous concubine who once stood between them has been replaced by the sincere friendship between them.

No matter what they did, Consort Xian was always by Ruoxue's side, so there were bound to be some bumps in the road when they got together.

However, as Xiao Xingchen revealed his deepest secret to her, this obstacle melted away like ice and snow, and the figure of Consort Xian gradually faded away.

Xiao Xingchen couldn't help but chuckle. This was truly an exceptionally intelligent woman. She knew he was unwilling to say more, so this affirmative answer was enough.

This departure allowed Xiao Xingchen to fully understand the true nature of the anthill. At first, he thought that hunger, cold, and lack of clothing were the norm here, but as he was led through various places, he was surprised to find that there was a whole different world in the depths.

The population density here is beyond imagination. Compared with the outside world, the biggest difference is the houses, which are arranged in a staggered manner. They extend upwards like a ladder to the sky, forming a unique architectural style.

Within these buildings, countless figures can be seen busily moving about like ants.

There were peddlers shouting their wares, graceful and flamboyant women, and boys and girls dressed in gorgeous clothes.

Of course, beggars dressed in rags are also a common sight, like the wild grass by the roadside.

People from all walks of life gathered here. Unlike Yong'an, which exuded beauty everywhere, this place unabashedly revealed the ugliest side of the world, making Xiao Xingchen feel that this was a real world.

"Are you surprised?"

"To be honest, there's one thing: this place is very different from what I imagined,"

"Yes, after hundreds of years of development, this place has grown to a considerable size. Even Emperor Wu of the Great Qian Dynasty probably didn't expect it. Its scale is now comparable to Yong'an. Once all these people rush out of their anthill like a tidal wave, it will bring utter destruction to Yong'an."

"Because of the village chief?"

Xiao Xingchen was filled with doubt. He found it hard to believe that so many people could be so orderly without anyone suppressing them.

"Yes and no,"

"how you said that?"

"The village chief is the strongest person in this area. This chaotic place needs strong military force to suppress it. The old people in the village chief's alley are responsible for eliminating those who are disobedient. However, they are not capable of governing. There are specialized governance talents here. These people are rare talents even outside. It's just a pity that their background determines that they cannot leave."

"what do you mean?"

"To accomplish great things, one needs not only fierce generals but also strategists, and fortunately, both are available here."

Ruoxue smiled sweetly, like a blooming peony. At this moment, she was like a bewitching enchantress, gently coaxing Xiaoxingchen to ignite the ambition in his heart.

A strategist? To be able to govern an area comparable in scale to Yong'an City, this is more than just a strategist; this is a pillar of the nation, a true cornerstone of governance.

But he had never imagined going this far. Were these people really what he needed? He couldn't help but ask himself a big question mark.