Chapter Sixty-Three: The Way of Survival

At first, Jiang Chen believed these men to be little more than renegade soldiers turned bandits, which seemed in line with their decisive actions and seasoned fighting skills. But as soon as the middle-aged man spoke, Jiang Chen understood immediately—these were no mere outlaws but a band of traitors and rebels.

Just from those words, the man could be condemned for harboring treasonous intentions—a crime of the gravest sort. Such a person was undoubtedly extremely dangerous.

The able-bodied men quaked with fear, none daring to respond. After a long silence, the middle-aged man let out a chilling, sinister laugh.

"You think this is some golden age of peace? You were born with strong bodies, yet you cower in the corner like fledglings, trembling in fear. Do you think such weakness will earn you anyone's sympathy?"

"If you want to survive in this world, you must stand tall and be a man—understand who you are, what you want, and what you are able to do!"

At first glance, his words sounded like wisdom for life, but in truth, he was inciting these men to rebel, to step onto a path of no return.

Certainly, the Great Qian dynasty had wronged them, but was following this unknown man in a plot against the state truly the right choice?

It was laughable.

Given the sudden turn of events, Jiang Chen could not act rashly. If he did, he would not only expose himself, but might also get many innocents killed.

After careful thought, he abandoned the idea of forcefully rescuing everyone. Killing these thirteen traitors would not be difficult, but he was only one man; swiftly gaining control of the situation would not be easy.

Especially since the rebels were spread out, positioned so they could quickly support each other—making the situation even more complicated.

Assessing the circumstances, Jiang Chen decided to patiently wait for the right opportunity. He knew their vigilance would eventually wane, and then he could strike, picking them off one by one.

"Well? Are you unable to decide?" The middle-aged man spoke again, raising both hands and addressing the men: "I am always fair. I give you the right to choose. If you wish to leave and return home, stand to my left."

"If you are willing to stay and join us in resisting the Great Qian, to slaughter those corrupt officials who have wronged you and avenge your friends and family, then stand to my right!"

The men exchanged nervous glances, their hearts torn in fierce internal conflict.

This was no easy choice. If they simply left for home, they would be branded as deserters, and likely executed on the spot as an example.

Yet, if they joined these unknown rebels, there was no guarantee of survival; most likely, they would die and drag their families into disaster.

At that moment, someone made his choice first, stepping resolutely to the right, uttering a fervent declaration.

"My wife and child were killed by the officials. I want revenge, I want revenge..."

Many shared his plight. The turmoil of recent years in the Great Qian had only deepened the rift between government and people, and many dared not speak their anger, holding little hope for the regime.

Spurred on by the first man, more and more chose to take the risk. Most were burdened by bitter, bloody feuds; only hatred could overcome their fear.

Of course, some lacked such courage. They would rather flee home, hoping to survive through luck and stealth, unwilling to commit treason.

"I want to go home. I just married a few days ago—I don't want to die!" one man wailed, while others told him, "Don't be foolish. Even if the officials don't execute you immediately, they'll send you to the northern frontier."

"I've heard the people of Northern Yan are all fierce, strong enough to move mountains, and slaughter Great Qian soldiers like livestock. You stand no chance of surviving!"

Hearing their conversation, Jiang Chen shook his head.

If it weren't for the disastrous defeats in the north this spring, ordinary people of Great Qian wouldn't fear the Northern Yan so deeply. Continuing like this, the nation would inevitably collapse.

Amid the shifting crowd, Jiang Chen saw Li Yuanpei quietly move to the left. He was a simple farmer and duck keeper from the countryside; staying out of matters beyond his ability was the right choice.

Seeing Li Yuanpei's decision to return home, Jiang Chen breathed a silent sigh of relief. As for how to help him evade government retribution afterwards, Jiang Chen would have to find a way.

All forty-two men finally made their choices amidst chaos. Those wishing to return home slightly outnumbered the others, but in truth, everyone was merely struggling to survive. It was not for anyone to judge their choices.

However, for those who chose to follow the rebels, Jiang Chen felt no further sympathy.

The middle-aged man waved his hand, pleased: "Excellent. Now you have all decided, so—"

"Will you let us go?" someone interrupted.

"Of course. I always keep my word. But there is one more matter to resolve. You who wish to return home, you have heard and seen our plans. If anyone betrays us to the authorities, we would all be in danger."

"No...we wouldn't. We just want to go home. What you do is none of our concern!"

The man's lips curled into a smile as his tone suddenly turned cold: "But if any of you secretly inform the authorities, trading that information for your freedom, we would all be sold out."

His words struck hard. Those who had committed to rebellion now stared with murderous eyes—this was a real possibility, and it threatened their safety.

Jiang Chen felt the foreboding of a cruel scene about to unfold before him. The man who toyed with these lives was nothing short of a demon.

He manipulated human nature with a few simple words, stirring malice from the depths of their hearts.

Clang!

A dozen knives were thrown before them, the gleaming blades seeming like keys—once touched, they would open the door to slaughter.

Jiang Chen could no longer stand by. He had to prevent the bloodshed that was about to erupt.