ARK SPIRIT

Murmurs immediately rose within the area enclosed by the restriction. Hao Nhien also paused. What Van Du Tu had just revealed did not apply merely to some deep region or a particular secret realm. It covered the entire Western Wastes.

“When I say they cannot enter, I mean exactly that.”

“This is not a matter of cultivation being suppressed, nor is it simply a question of greater danger. Once a cultivator has formed a Golden Core, forcing their way into the Western Wastes will trigger direct rejection from the distorted laws there and the sealing system that still remains.”

“There is no stable method of resisting it.”

Hao Nhien gradually understood the problem. The stronger cultivators of the Eastern Plains could not simply step in and resolve everything themselves. No matter how powerful they were, once they crossed the threshold into Golden Core, the Western Wastes itself became inaccessible to them.

Van Du Tu seemed to anticipate the question forming in many minds.

“The Eastern Plains army has maintained defensive lines along the edge of the Western Wastes for many years. Certain forces can enter, but the deeper they go, the more difficult supply, communication, and intelligence gathering become. Those whose cultivation exceeds the limit are barred completely.”

He swept a hand through the air.

Numerous points of light appeared across the map along the eastern border of the Western Wastes.

“The region is not uninhabited.”

“Over the past thousand years, tribes have continued to survive there. Some trade with the Eastern Plains, some have almost no contact with the outside world, while the origins and intentions of other factions remain unclear even now.”

Hao Nhien silently committed every word to memory.

Van Du Tu had not called those tribes enemies.

That alone meant the situation inside was far more complicated than a simple conflict between two opposing sides.

“For many years, clashes occurred along the defensive line, but the situation remained within controllable limits.”

The Sect Master’s expression grew more severe.

“Three days ago, that changed.”

Several points on the map turned red.

“Three encampments along the northwestern line were attacked in succession. Two patrol units lost contact for a period of time, and only part of their personnel later returned.”

A few sharp breaths sounded around the plaza.

“The information we have gathered is still insufficient to determine who carried out the attacks. Traces connected to local tribes were found, but the methods used do not match anything the army has previously recorded.”

Van Du Tu raised a hand, and another smaller image appeared.

It showed signs of battle across the sand, black residue clinging to a broken weapon, and several patches of ground that had changed color.

“More importantly, unusual fluctuations have appeared in several locations, closely resembling those described in surviving records from the war more than a thousand years ago.”

The plaza fell silent.

An inner sect disciple near the front finally spoke.

“Sect Master, are you saying the force from that era has returned?”

Van Du Tu did not answer at once.

Hao Nhien watched him study the map for several moments before replying.

“We do not have enough evidence to reach that conclusion.”

The answer only made Hao Nhien pay closer attention.

No exaggeration.

No attempt to present uncertainty as fact.

“It is possible that certain factions within the Western Wastes are making use of remnants left behind by that ancient power. It is also possible that the seals have begun to develop problems after more than a thousand years. There are other possibilities as well, but none can be confirmed at present.”

Van Du Tu withdrew the projection and slowly looked over the disciples standing below the platform.

“Because of this, this year’s inner sect trials for the participating powers will no longer follow their usual format.”

“Once you arrive, you will be assigned to different units and work alongside the Eastern Plains army. Your duties will not be determined by cultivation alone, but also by your individual strengths.”

He gestured toward the crowd.

“Those suited to combat may be assigned to defense, patrol, or escort units. Those skilled in medicine will assist military healers and tend to the wounded. Disciples with talent in scouting, formations, artifact refining, transportation, or other fields will likewise be placed where their abilities are most useful.”

Only then did Hao Nhien fully understand what this trial truly represented.

This was no longer merely a contest for rankings among disciples. Once they entered the Western Wastes, every participant would become part of the larger system maintaining the defensive line.

His gaze moved toward Tieu Lan.

She was listening with complete attention.

Then he looked at Quan Nha, Lam Phong, and Tieu Van.

The three had only just gained inner sect status through the examination.

None of them had reached Foundation Establishment, but from what the Sect Master had just said, that would not prevent them from going to the Western Wastes.

Van Du Tu confirmed it with his next words.

“This trial does not require every participant to be at Foundation Establishment.”

“Qi Condensation disciples have duties suited to Qi Condensation. Foundation Establishment disciples have responsibilities appropriate to Foundation Establishment. The sect and the army will assign tasks according to cultivation, specialties, and experience.”

“No one is permitted to take on a mission beyond their ability merely to compete for merit.”

At that, the corner of Hao Nhien’s mouth moved faintly. The final sentence sounded as though it had been aimed at certain kinds of people.

He was not entirely sure whether he was included among them.

Old Bai happened to turn toward him at that exact moment.

The look in the elder’s eyes convinced Hao Nhien not to ask.

Van Du Tu continued with the rules.

“The trial will still use a merit system, but the method of evaluation will be entirely different from the outer sect examination.”

“Merit earned in the Western Wastes will be recorded separately. Beyond the trial score itself, those who perform exceptionally well may receive additional contribution points, resources, or rewards corresponding to the difficulty and danger of their assignments.”

“Conversely, leaving your unit without authorization, provoking local forces without orders, concealing intelligence, or causing a mission to fail for the sake of personal credit will result in punishment.”

His voice remained calm, yet no one treated those words as the rules of an ordinary examination anymore.

Hao Nhien certainly did not.

Inside the Spirit Beast Forest, he had been free to make most of his own decisions. If he made a mistake, he usually bore the consequences himself.

The Western Wastes would be different.

One wrong decision could endanger an entire unit.

Van Du Tu clasped his hands behind his back.

“You may still call this an inner sect trial.”

“But once you enter a military encampment, every mission you receive will be real. The wounded will be real. Lost supplies will be real. A fallen camp will be real.”

“Therefore, anyone unwilling to participate may withdraw before the roster is finalized. No punishment will follow that choice.”

Hao Nhien noticed several disciples exchanging looks. No one stepped forward immediately, though he suspected more than a few would need time to think.

Van Du Tu did not pressure them.

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“You have two days to prepare.”

“On the morning of the third day from today, all registered participants will gather in this plaza before the Chen hour.”

“The five great sects and Bich Van Palace will each dispatch their own groups. Afterward, you will rendezvous with the Eastern Plains army at the defensive line.”

“During these two days, you may prepare pills, artifacts, personal supplies, and adjust your condition. Those who decide to participate must complete registration before the You hour tomorrow and submit their cultivation level and areas of expertise so the sect can make preliminary assignments.”

Hao Nhien immediately thought about the resources he still possessed.

The ten thousand contribution points he had just earned were already gone, exchanged entirely for the Foundation Establishment Pill. Fortunately, he had not traded away all the valuable herbs, spirit stones, and important items in his possession.

Two days was not much time.

He had only just reached Foundation Establishment, so stabilizing his newly formed spiritual power had to come first. He also needed to test the Spirit Wings again, determine the new range of his spiritual awareness, become familiar with the Tieu Dao Sword under his new cultivation state, and prepare enough supplies for the journey.

More importantly, the Western Wastes were not the Spirit Beast Forest.

He could not prepare only for combat. Healing medicine, Qi Recovery Pills, Hemostatic Powder, water, antidotal herbs, and other travel necessities all had to be reconsidered.

Another thought surfaced.

Tieu Lan.

If she chose to register, she would most likely be assigned to the medical division or an area dealing with medicinal supplies.

Quan Nha, on the other hand, could easily be given a completely different role.

While Hao Nhien was still thinking, Van Du Tu spoke again.

“There is one final matter.”

The area around the platform fell silent.

“Do not treat the people of the Western Wastes as enemies merely because they live there.”

Hao Nhien raised his head.

“Some tribes have traded with the Eastern Plains for generations. Some have saved our soldiers in the past, while other forces have fought against the army.”

“Until you have confirmed another party’s identity and intentions, do not make assumptions.”

Hao Nhien quietly committed those words to memory. What he had experienced inside the Spirit Beast Forest had already taught him that when facing someone whose allegiance was unclear, observation and understanding had to come before the decision to fight, avoid, or cooperate.

Van Du Tu looked over the disciples one final time.

“You have two days to prepare. You are not going to the Western Wastes to prove how brave you are, nor to chase opportunities at any cost. Remember this clearly. Your mission comes first, and after that, what matters most is returning alive.”

No one laughed.

Van Du Tu said nothing further and released the restriction with a sweep of his sleeve.

The sounds of the outer plaza returned at once.

Mountain wind passed over the platform.

Hao Nhien was still considering everything he had just heard when Old Bai called him back.

“Quan Hao Nhien.”

He turned and cupped his hands.

“Elder Bai.”

The elder studied him for a moment.

“You only just reached Foundation Establishment. During these next two days, stabilizing your cultivation is your highest priority.”

Hao Nhien nodded.

“Disciple understands.”

“Do not become impatient simply because you have crossed a major realm. Your spiritual power, meridians, and spiritual awareness all need time to adjust.”

“I will be careful.”

Old Bai gave a small nod and returned to his duties.

Hao Nhien stepped down from the platform.

Quan Nha, Tieu Lan, Lam Phong, and Tieu Van were all waiting below. The ease from earlier was gone from their expressions, and for a while none of them spoke.

Tieu Lan was the first to break the silence.

“Young Master, I want to go to the Western Wastes too.”

Hao Nhien turned toward her.

He had expected those words from the moment Van Du Tu mentioned military healers and support for the wounded, but hearing them aloud still brought the same immediate response.

“No.”

Tieu Lan paused at the speed of his refusal.

“But I’m a disciple of Medicine Peak. The Sect Master just said people skilled in medicine can participate.”

“I know.”

Hao Nhien met her gaze.

“But being allowed to go does not mean you need to.”

Tieu Lan fell silent.

His tone softened slightly as he continued.

“The Western Wastes are not Medicine Peak, nor some place near the sect where an elder can arrive the moment something goes wrong. Your strength is medicine, while your cultivation and ability to protect yourself are still limited. If you stay here, Senior Phong Van Tu can continue guiding you. You will have time to improve your medicine and healing skills, and when the day truly comes that people need you, you will be able to help far more of them.”

Hao Nhien did not say the final thought aloud.

There was no need.

Staying behind was safer.

Tieu Lan lowered her eyes for a while before asking quietly,

“Then if I study for several more years, and one day Young Master goes somewhere even more dangerous, will you still tell me to stay behind?”

Hao Nhien paused.

“That is different.”

“I think it is the same.”

She raised her head.

There was no petulance in her expression, only seriousness.

“Before, I was weak, so you told me to stay home. After we came to the Tieu Dao Sect, I was still weak, so you told me to keep studying. I know Young Master only wants what is best for me.”

She stopped for a moment.

“But if I have to wait until I become strong enough that you never worry about me at all, that day may never come.”

Hao Nhien did not answer right away.

She was not entirely wrong.

Even so, the Western Wastes were hardly the place to prove the point.

“You do not need to use the Western Wastes to prove anything.”

“I am not trying to prove anything.”

Tieu Lan shook her head.

“I know I am not good at fighting. If I encounter a demonic beast or an enemy, I may even become a burden to other people. That is why I will not apply for a combat unit.”

Her gaze moved toward the Medicine Peak disciples gathered in the distance.

“If I go, I will register with the military healers or the medicinal supply division. I will only do what I know how to do.”

Hao Nhien still did not agree.

“The medical units are not guaranteed to be safe either. What happens if the encampment is attacked?”

“Then the healers have even less reason to leave.”

Her answer left him silent.

Tieu Lan tightened her fingers around her sleeve before continuing.

“Master Phong Van Tu once told me that studying medicine is not only about recognizing another spiritual herb or refining another pill. If I never see people who are truly wounded, and never learn how medicine is actually used when lives depend on it, then no matter how much I study, I will still only know things from books.”

This time, Hao Nhien did not argue immediately.

The reasoning was sound.

Yet he could tell it was not the whole reason.

He watched her for a moment.

Tieu Lan avoided his eyes briefly, pressed her lips together, and finally spoke in a quieter voice.

“I do not want every time Young Master goes somewhere dangerous to end with me staying behind and waiting.”

Something tightened in Hao Nhien’s throat.

She continued.

“When you entered the Spirit Beast Forest for three months, all I could do was wait outside. I did not know where you were, whether you had been injured, or whether you were even still alive.”

She looked at him.

“I know going with you does not mean I will always be beside you. The Sect Master already said everyone will be assigned different duties in the Western Wastes. We may not even be stationed at the same encampment.”

“But at least I will be doing something of my own in the same place, instead of sitting on Medicine Peak waiting for news.”

Hao Nhien remained silent for a long time.

Reason still told him that leaving her behind was the safer choice.

If danger were the only consideration, he could think of ten reasons to refuse. But Tieu Lan was no longer the girl who could only remain behind him. She had found her own path, and the Medicine Dao was a form of strength in its own right.

More importantly, if he continued using the word protection as an excuse to make every choice for her, sooner or later that protection would become a cage.

Hao Nhien exhaled.

“I still do not like this idea.”

“I know.”

“And I still think staying on Medicine Peak would be better.”

“I know that too.”

He looked at her.

“But you still want to go?”

Tieu Lan nodded.

“Yes.”

In the end, Hao Nhien shook his head with resignation.

“All right.”

Her eyes immediately brightened.

He raised one hand before she could respond.

“But you have to promise me three things.”

Tieu Lan became serious again.

“Tell me, Young Master.”

“First, you only register for assignments connected to Medicine Peak, the military healers, or medical logistics. You do not volunteer for combat missions.”

“Yes.”

“Second, once we reach the Western Wastes, you follow your orders without exception. Even if you hear that something happened to me, you do not leave your assigned position on your own.”

For the first time, Tieu Lan hesitated.

Hao Nhien did not yield.

“That part is not negotiable.”

She watched him for a moment before finally nodding.

“I promise.”

“Third…”

He paused.

“If Senior Phong Van Tu refuses to let you go, you stay.”

Tieu Lan opened her mouth as if to protest, but after seeing his expression, she eventually let out a quiet breath.

“All right.”

Then she looked back at him.

“But Young Master has to promise me something too.”

Hao Nhien raised an eyebrow.

“Me?”

“You also have to follow orders. You cannot throw yourself into danger every time something happens.”

His first instinct was to argue, but memories of what he had done inside the Spirit Beast Forest surfaced almost immediately.

In the end, he could only nod.

“I will try.”

Tieu Lan shook her head.

“Not try.”

He looked at her for a moment before a wry smile appeared.

“All right. I promise.”

Only then did the tension in Tieu Lan’s shoulders ease.

Hao Nhien still felt uneasy as he looked at her, but this time he did not stop her.

If she had decided to step beyond Medicine Peak and truly use what she had learned, he could not keep using protection as a reason to hold her back. What he could do was help her prepare more carefully, understand her own limits, and reduce the dangers that could reasonably be avoided.

He turned toward Quan Nha.

She understood the question before he could ask it.

“I’m going.”

Her voice was calm.

“The Quan Family also has some records concerning the Western Wastes, but most are incomplete. There are several things I want to confirm before we leave.”

Hao Nhien did not try to persuade her to remain behind.

Quan Nha was not someone who made decisions like this on impulse.

“Then do not prepare only for combat over the next two days. Bring poison, medicine, maps, and anything else that might be useful.”

“You should do the same.”

Their eyes met briefly before both looked away.

Lam Phong and Tieu Van stepped forward next.

This time, Lam Phong was not smiling.

“Captain, I’m registering too.”

Tieu Van spoke right after him.

“I’m going as well.”

Hao Nhien looked at the two of them.

“Have you thought it through? This will not be like the Spirit Beast Forest. There is no guarantee we will even be assigned to the same unit.”

Lam Phong nodded.

“I know.”

Tieu Van answered as well.

“The Sect Master was very clear. Not every mission involves combat. If the sect believes I am better suited to escort duty, defense, or logistics, then that is what I will do.”

Lam Phong added,

“Those three months in the secret realm taught me one thing. If I want to stand in the inner sect, I cannot spend my whole life standing behind other people.”

Silence settled briefly among the five of them.

Hao Nhien looked at each person in turn.

Not long ago, they had still been discussing scores, rankings, and whether they would qualify for the inner sect.

Now each of them had to consider a place far from the sect, where a real defensive line existed and even the identity of those standing on the other side remained uncertain.

“Then we meet again on the morning of the third day.”

Tieu Lan nodded.

“I need to return to Medicine Peak and speak with Master.”

Quan Nha said,

“I have a few things to prepare.”

Lam Phong looked toward Tieu Van.

“We should register and exchange for supplies.”

Tieu Van nodded.

No one lingered.

Two days might not have sounded short under ordinary circumstances, but with everything they needed to prepare, it was barely enough.

Before they left, Hao Nhien looked at Tieu Lan.

“If anything happens, come find me.”

She replied,

“You too, Young Master.”

Quan Nha gave him a quiet nod before turning away from the plaza. Lam Phong and Tieu Van headed toward the inner sect registration area. Before long, the four of them had gone in separate directions.

Hao Nhien remained where he was for a little while longer.

The Western Wastes could not be seen from here, yet the image of that once-prosperous land transformed into endless desert remained vivid in his mind. After more than a thousand years, traces thought to have been buried there had begun appearing again, and even Van Du Tu could not yet say what was truly hidden behind them.

Over the next two days, Hao Nhien needed to stabilize his realm, become familiar with his new Foundation Establishment spiritual power, test the Spirit Wings and Tieu Dao Sword again, and prepare enough medicine, spirit stones, and other supplies for the journey ahead. Two days did not sound particularly short, but before a land where even the Tieu Dao Sect could not say for certain what was happening, that amount of time felt painfully limited.

On the morning of the third day, they would truly step into the Western Wastes.