A few words exchanged, though seemingly inconsequential, the twenty Xuanqing Guard elites knew this journey marked a chasm. Their lives would likely be upended from now on.
Shen Hao no longer spoke, leaving time for them to say their final farewells—to their companions and to their current identities.
The rules within Xuanqing Guard left no room for regret. Once chosen, there was only one path forward, no turning back.
Even though Shen Hao deliberately left things unsaid, the intense discipline among these military-trained elites kept their emotions in check. They merely glanced at each other knowingly, understanding this farewell might be for a lifetime. As for their future lives? They didn't even know where they were headed, so there was no point in thinking about it.
"Sir, we're willing to follow you first."
Zhang Lie stepped forward, hands clasped, expressionless, as hard as stone. Whether men like him could adapt to the looming upheaval, no one knew.
