Chapter 292: Making a Choice

It's nothing.

Jiang Cheng smiled and comforted, "Even if something happens, I've got it all."

Chen Sao heard him, about to speak but held back.

She was almost certain that something big had occurred; otherwise it couldn't be so sudden.

But she also understood that if there truly was something, she and the others couldn't help, so not causing more trouble was as good as it gets.

The Old Man remained uneasy, continuing to ask incessantly.

Jiang Cheng said little more, just kept offering comfort.

After all, if he chose to join the Black Market it would be easy; moving would still be within the Outer City District, perhaps just over half an hour away.

If he chose to join the Rebel Army, it wouldn't be a half‑hour matter; it could take several days, even ten‑plus days, all on the road.

After dinner, Jiang Cheng again instructed the three to pack quickly, then entered his own room, took out his personal phone, hesitated a moment, and dialed the Rebel Army's number.

It rang for nearly thirty seconds before someone answered, a deep male voice sounding.

"Is that you? It's so late—what's the call about?"

"I've reached Fifth-level," Jiang Cheng replied.

"What?"

The man's tone wavered for a moment.

"You've reached Fifth-level? When did that happen?"

"Just these past two days."

"Impossible!"

"How long since you last called me? Two months, and you've gone from Level Three to Fifth-level?"

He sneered, "You aren't trying to fool me, are you?"

"You said that to join you, I must complete a mission, and that mission requires Fifth-level strength. I won't gamble my life."

Jiang Cheng said seriously.

He also knew that jumping from Level Three to Fifth-level in two months was astonishing, not something an ordinary person could achieve.

But at this moment, displaying his talent could draw the other's attention, which would be more beneficial for what follows.

"You have a point."

The man was silent for a while, then said, "Hope what you say is true; otherwise, during the mission, people could actually die."

"So, what's the mission?" Jiang Cheng asked hurriedly.

"You're from the Dawn Society, aren't you?"

The man suddenly asked a question that seemed completely unrelated.

"Yes."

"Then that's fine."

The man's lips curled, "The task I give you is simple: destroy any one Dawn Society outpost in the Outer City District. Such outposts usually have Fifth-level or Sixth-level Force Warriors stationed, and also some Level Three, Level Four, and Level Two to Level Three ones. Most of the missions you usually receive are uploaded from these outposts to your headquarters, then assigned to you."

Jiang Cheng's pupils contracted sharply.

He also considered that possibility.

But actually hearing those words spoken by the man was another matter.

"Frankly, such a mission carries considerable danger even for a Fifth-level Force Warrior, let alone whether you truly are Fifth-level, which is unknown," the man snorted coldly.

Jiang Cheng didn't mind that, but asked, "Are there no other mission options?"

"What? Can't bring yourself?"

The man sneered.

"A bit."

Jiang Cheng nodded, "The reason I want to leave the Dawn Society is because its ideals clash with mine, and not everyone inside is bad; some people may still be kept in the dark, merely being used by them."

"What if I insist you take the hit?"

The man asked.

"..."

Jiang Cheng was silent.

"To prove your sincerity, you must complete this mission," the man's voice revealed determination.

"If you don't do this, how am I supposed to know whether you're from the Dawn Society, sent to infiltrate us? The people in the Inner City would love to tear us apart, skin and bone—hmm, the Dawn Society is just a dog raised by its members; a dog naturally fights on the same side as its master."

"Therefore, you not only must do this, but you must do it using your identity within the Dawn Society; only if you and the Dawn Society are completely at odds, dead or alive, will I believe you truly want to join us."

"Hearing the other's words, even Jiang Cheng had to admit inwardly that what they said made sense."

"As for breaking off with the Dawn Society…"

"That's only a matter of time."

"No one can leave the Dawn Society alive."

"If anyone does, they'll inevitably face endless pursuit thereafter."

"If I follow your instructions and succeed, does that mean I've earned your trust and can bring my family to join you?"

"In theory, yes."

The man didn't shy away, saying directly, "However in reality, you still need to undergo a further evaluation period; only after we confirm you're truly problem‑free will we sincerely accept you."

"Will my family and I be escorted to your Base?" Jiang Cheng asked the most pressing question.

"That..."

The man hesitated, "When the time comes, someone will take you there, but their strength won't be much higher than yours."

"So, there could be dangers along the way?"

This is unavoidable.

The man replied, "Although we chose a relatively safe route from the outskirts to the Base entrance, the journey takes at least seven or eight days, at most half a month. Even with a Grandmaster accompanying us, casualties are inevitable, just like the time you encountered Qin Lao."

At that time you didn't leave with the Old Man, but many ordinary people did go with him; a half month later, those who reached the Base were less than half of the number who set out.

Hearing this, Jiang Cheng felt a chill down his back.

Even the Grandmaster is like that, let alone him.

Perhaps with good luck, a few of us could arrive safely.

But once danger arises…

"The reason I tell you this is that we are different from those of the Dawn Society; we won't hide anything from you. If you wish to join us, join; if not, we won't force you."

The man said, his tone calm.

"Could we request a Grandmaster to escort us?"

Jiang Cheng asked.

"Given your status, that's impossible."

"I understand."

Jiang Cheng, having received the reply, forced a wry smile.

He actually didn't dare to hold much expectation in his heart.

The facts also proved it to be true.

"It seems you've already made your choice."

"Hmm."

Jiang Cheng nodded.

Even if the mission is completed, his family's safety cannot be guaranteed.

Since that's the case, what else does he do? "Fine, take care. I've added your number to the blacklist; don't call me again."

After speaking, the man hung up the phone.

To him, Jiang Cheng was always a dispensable existence.

If it weren't for Qin Lao's face, he wouldn't have contacted the other party at all.

Jiang Cheng put down his phone; bewilderment first flashed in his eyes, then turned into resolve.

Then he'll join the Black Market.

As a neutral force, he might develop within it for a long time, especially in terms of Spiritual Power.

Even if he later becomes an enemy of the Dawn Society, he won't fear it at all.

(End of Chapter)