But now he had to make a choice.
He could refrain from exposing Dan Qing of the Feather Clan, allow him to lurk at his side, even grit his teeth and teach him martial arts, all while remaining constantly on guard against being secretly wounded by his schemes.
That might spare him from being held accountable by the Hundred Clans of the Arctic Ice Plains, but it would also leave him without a moment's peace, perhaps even in danger of losing his life.
Or he could expose the man, confront him, or kill him. That would avert the danger of death, but he would become a wretched target for everyone on the Arctic Ice Plains to denounce and beat, and the decades of work and accumulation he had built up would turn to ashes.
How to choose was what Dragon Tree Monk needed to consider now.
In truth, Dragon Tree Monk made his decision after only a brief consideration. Life and death had to remain in his own hands. With such a sinister, terrifying person lurking by his side, he would be unable to eat in peace or sleep at night.
As for the decades of effort and accumulation he had built up on the Arctic Ice Plains, so be it if they were gone. Having cultivated to the Celestial level, why should he fear such external possessions?
Even the so-called sacred decree delivered from Imperial Capital City within the passes was something he could accept or decline as he pleased.
To put it plainly, he had ultimately chosen to put himself first, rather than be manipulated as someone else's pawn for some inexplicable reason.
A mighty Celestial, with hopes of reaching the realm of Gods and Devils—worldly imperial power, family ties, and bloodlines could not bind him at all.