Chapter Eleven: Choice

How to escape the predicament of mere survival and choose a path to strength—this was the question.

Du Huaishan calmed his mind. Like drafting a résumé for a job, he began to systematically list in his mind all the information, resources, and potential advantages he currently possessed.

First, social connections. His name, parents, and friends were all unknown. Whether it was a blank in his original memories or due to that mountain of corpses and sea of blood at his “birthpoint,” the odds of reconnecting with the original host’s parents or friends were infinitesimal. This meant he was nearly devoid of any social ties.

His only new friend was Tan Hai, who, for now, couldn’t be of much help. As for Chang Suian and Fatty Zhang, those who could have made a real difference, they probably didn’t remember him anymore.

Next, property. After his military gear was confiscated, he was left with nothing. If the refugee camp was disbanded, he would have to find a job to earn money just to survive. But low-paying work would seriously hinder his training and slow his progress toward strength, and as a fifteen- or sixteen-year-old, he was unlikely to find a high-paying job.

Those money-making schemes from transmigration novels were also out of reach. After all, the current technological level of the Chiyu Empire was equivalent to that of World War I—everything that should exist, already did; what shouldn’t, he could not conjure up alone.

Finally, his personal advantages. A younger, more vigorous body, a rare demon-ghost guardian spirit, mastery of Sanda, Chinese wrestling, traditional martial arts, and weapons routines. But most importantly, his mind housed the vast knowledge and experience of a 21st-century youth. This was his true source of pride.

The power of knowledge is infinite. It not only gave him a century’s edge in vision over this world, a wealth of historical experience to draw from, and excellent methodologies to avoid being ruled by the ignorance of the age. It also offered him modern, professional combat system theory, practical techniques, and scientific fitness methods to forge the strongest body.

Taking all three aspects into account, Du Huaishan concluded that his best option was to find a place that provided food and lodging, free training facilities, instruction in battlefield weapon techniques, and integration methods for his demon-ghost spirit—especially the last point.

Currently, he possessed a demon-ghost spirit yet hesitated to use it, haunted by the trauma of his first painful transformation. That pain had left a deep psychological shadow.

So—

Taking advantage of a lull during lunch, he asked Tan Hai about places where ordinary people could improve their strength.

“There are plenty! Ever since demon-ghosts appeared, everyone’s been on edge. Ordinary folks have turned to martial arts for survival, and martial academies are booming everywhere.”

“That Xing Zhenhao, for instance, is the senior student at the Eagle Claw Martial Academy in Xintun City. In the provincial capital, they even established the Central Martial Arts Academy, and Fenghou City has its own official martial academy.”

Tan Hai, after all, had worked at the Grand Teapot brothel. With clients coming and going daily, drinking and chatting about everything under the sun, he might not know much history or geography, but when it came to this, he was well-versed.

“Another path is joining private gangs. Many of them spend lavishly to recruit those who’ve awakened their extraordinary abilities. While nurturing them, they also assign tasks—like escorting caravans or… assassinating certain people!”

With that, Tan Hai lowered his voice, glancing left and right before leaning close to Du Huaishan’s ear:

“I heard from an official in Xintun City that a group called the Society of Light has been particularly active up north. They were the ones who assassinated a deputy army minister of the Zhili Army!”

“The last option is to join the army!”

“All the regional warlords are recruiting now—Zhili Faction, Yue Faction, Wei Faction, the Divine Protection Army, and so on. They provide food, lodging, training, and even pay!”

Martial academies required a master’s acceptance, and that cost money—money Du Huaishan didn’t have. Gangs offered money but demanded missions that would impede his progress. The last option, enlisting in the army, actually fit his requirements best.

“Is the Yingzhou Army recruiting?” Du Huaishan stuffed the last piece of steamed bun into his mouth.

“They are! Not only that, they recruit twice a year—once in summer, once in winter. With Xintun City just fallen and the 68th Brigade losing an entire infantry battalion, I bet Marshal Zhang can’t sit still any longer!”

Tan Hai grinned as he spoke, but seeing Du Huaishan’s thoughtful expression, he grew puzzled. By rights, anyone from the three provinces under Yingzhou’s control would know all this—especially the first and third points. Martial academies were everywhere, and each year the army’s recruitment posters were plastered across the city and reported in all the local papers.

How could Huaishan know nothing, as if he’d just come from some remote mountain village? Yet his demeanor and bearing were nothing like a country bumpkin. Tan Hai couldn’t figure it out, nor did he intend to ask. Years in the brothel had taught him that everyone has their secrets, even the closest of friends—himself included.

All that mattered was that Huaishan was his friend.

That alone was enough.

“I’ve decided—I’m joining the Yingzhou Army!” After much deliberation, Du Huaishan finally made up his mind.

“The army?” Tan Hai was jolted by this, “What’s so good about being a soldier? You’re bossed around every day, have to go to war, and it’s one thing to fight people, but if you’re fighting demon-ghosts, you’re practically begging to meet the King of Hell!”

“Tan Hai, these are troubled times. We must have the means to protect ourselves! And if it’s self-preservation, we should seek out the strongest backer—just like you finding a patron. Right now, who’s strongest? The warlords! The military government calls the shots, which means the army has the most advanced technology, information, and training. They’re the most powerful!”

Knowing Tan Hai lacked formal education, Du Huaishan explained in the simplest terms, sentence by sentence.

“Hmm, that makes sense…” Tan Hai nodded.

“What about you, Tan Hai? What do you plan to do?” Du Huaishan asked.

“Me? I’ll probably… just find another brothel job as a teapot boy. That’s what I do…” By the end, Tan Hai’s head drooped, and his crossed fingers fidgeted unconsciously.

But then he felt a hand on his shoulder. He turned.

It was Du Huaishan.

“Tan Hai, life isn’t set in stone. What you do today doesn’t mean you have to do it forever. Xintun City is gone, Qingyuan Tower is gone. Here in Fenghou City, no one knows who you are. What you choose to do should be up to you—follow your heart!”

“Follow my heart…” Tan Hai repeated the words under his breath.

Suddenly, it was as if the dark confusion in his mind had been shattered by a ray of light.

He looked up at Du Huaishan, his small eyes shining with newfound clarity. “Huaishan, I understand now! I want to follow my heart!”

Du Huaishan nodded in satisfaction. The boy wasn’t stupid after all; at least he had some sense of self and wasn’t completely mired in ignorance.

“So, what will you do?” he asked.

“I’ll go with you!”