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Chapter 499: Honest and Truthful

“The Watermings delivered 180,000 seaspirit healing pills and three battlefield magical devices.

“The Listeners sold us 130,000 drops of their blood. Such blood has powerful medicinal properties that can be used to quickly treat serious injuries. They also gave us one battlefield magical device.

“The local ghost ward provided medicinal pills free of charge, and also agreed to send us evil ghost warriors to bolster our forces, as long as we’re willing to let them absorb Holytide souls on the battlefield.

“The Fullspirits... took the initiative to send 1,000,000 high-quality medicinal pills, free of charge.”

Still feeling shocked, Qing Qiu continued to read the report to Xu Qing. It was obvious to her that the species of Sea-Sealing County had been stricken with fear thanks to Xu Qing’s actions. As a swordsage, Qing Qiu was familiar with the philosophies that governed the Swordsage Palace. And ever since Xu Qing arranged for her to work in the Secretariat Division, she had learned a lot and received some very valuable experience.

As a result, she knew that Xu Qing’s actions fell perfectly in line with what Palace Lord Kong expected.

Because of the timing, it wasn’t as difficult to pull off as before the war. If he had done this before, it would have provoked a strong negative reaction. And considering that the Holytides were off to the side, eyeing the humans like tigers eying prey, it would never have worked. It was the same when they were mobilizing for war. Things had been complicated back then, and considering all the factors, the situation with the nonhumans had been a quagmire that, if not handled with finesse, would have led to disaster.

But things were different now. The situation on the front lines was urgent. What was more, the top experts from virtually all the species were on the battlefield. Because of that, there was no reason to hold back, and there was every reason to strike like lightning and move like the wind.

Of course, it was all built on the premise that there was force to back up the threats, and a corresponding cultivation base.

The strategy of standing on the shoulders of a giant might seem simple, but not anyone could do it. It requires tenacity and determination. Ruthlessness and audacity. And craziness. But at the same time, you can’t lose your cool. Even more important, the other party must be given a way out. It involves ‘attacking to defend’ while simultaneously ‘retreating to advance.’

Qing Qiu glanced at Xu Qing. Although she still didn’t like him, she couldn’t stop herself from admiring him as well.

Pulling this off successfully requires qualities that most people don’t have. If it was me... I think I’m ruthless enough. But I don’t have the finesse, the cool-headedness, or the negotiation instinct. I just don’t measure up to him in those ways.

Xu Qing had no way of knowing what Qing Qiu was thinking. After she finished with the report, he thought about the situation for a short time.

Finally, he said, “The Fullspirits still haven’t given us enough medicinal pills. When I was there, I personally saw their stockpiles, and I know they have a lot more in reserve. Tell them to give more. However, don’t try to squeeze them dry. Now’s not the time for that. Furthermore, make sure to offer payment for whatever we take.

“As for the ghost ward... we can agree to that in principle. But tell them that they have to confirm the details with Palace Lord Kong. Have the evil ghost warriors go to the battlefield and make the final deal with him there.

“As for all the other goods from the other species, make sure they’re delivered to the county capital within three days. Then we’ll send them all to the front lines. In terms of the money we need to pay for the purchased items, we’ll request it from the lieutenant governor after all of the goods have been shipped out.”

“Yes, sir,” Qing Qiu said with a nod.

As she left, Ning Yan hurried into the Secretariat Division.

“Urgent message, Secretary-General!”

Xu Qing looked up.

When that gaze landed on Ning Yan, he shivered and stood up a bit straighter. “An ambassador from the Wood Spirits has come seeking an audience with you, Secretary-General.”

At almost the same moment, Xu Qing’s transmission jade slip vibrated. He took it out and scanned it with divine will, whereupon the voice of the innkeeper from Plankspring Way echoed into his mind.

“Xu Qing, I’ve brought a second group of Wood Spirits to join the war effort!”

Moved, Xu Qing rose and went out to personally meet them.

The Wood Spirits were allies, and back when the palace lord was levying troops, they had sent a contingent of their people to join Marquis Yao’s forces on the northern front. They weren’t a very large species to begin with, and the fact that they were sending a second group was unusual. In fact, it was something that no other species in Sea-Sealing County had done up to this point.

Before long, Xu Qing caught sight of the innkeeper flying through the air, followed by a group of several thousand Wood Spirits. When they were in their tree form, they were very impressive, and they pulsed with extraordinary auras.

Next to the innkeeper was an old man. He was also a treant, but was in human form. His face was worn with age and wisdom. He had amazing fluctuations as well, with a thousand dao lineaments in his eyes, indicating he was in the first stage of Void Returning.

“Xu Qing, this is the grand elder of the Wood Spirits,” the innkeeper said.

Xu Qing quickly clasped hands and bowed. “Well met, Grand Elder. Many thanks for your support!”

“There’s no need for such formalities, Secretary-General. You yourself are like an august spirit of our species, and your status is the same as one of our clan chiefs. Besides, humans have kept our species safe for many years. It’s only natural that we would repay that kindness.

“I was previously in seclusion working toward a breakthrough, and received special permission from Palace Lord Kong for my arrival on the battlefield. Now that I’ve broken through, I wouldn’t dare to stay behind.”

Xu Qing wasn’t sure what an ‘august spirit’ was to the Wood Spirits, but he assumed it had something to do with Ling’er. Yet again, he bowed, then called for a subordinate to make all the necessary arrangements. In three days, the Wood Spirits would join the procession going to the western front to deliver all the newly gathered supplies to the palace lord.

The Wood Spirits were kind by nature, and the grand elder didn’t use his cultivation base as an excuse to look down on Xu Qing. Some of that was because of the situation with Ling’er, and part of it was because of Xu Qing’s status in the Swordsage Palace. Most importantly, the grand elder knew that this young human was someone that had to be treated as a friend, and never as an enemy. Along the way, he’d heard the story of the Fullspirits, as well as how Xu Qing had negotiated with the Demi-Immortals. Because of all that, he knew that Xu Qing was the one responsible for resolving the supply crisis for the front lines.

It was going to be a big help to the war effort. If Xu Qing also resolved the troop crisis, then those two things combined would ensure that he rose to incredible heights in the Sea-Sealing County Swordsage Palace.

Of course, the prerequisite was that humankind came out victorious in the war.

Two groups of Wood Spirit troops were all the species could offer. And it was a gamble. They were betting that humans would win, and were gambling on a future Sea-Sealing County controlled by humans. If that gamble paid off, it would result in a thousand years of security for the Wood Spirits. And having a good relationship with Xu Qing would only give the potential to reach even higher heights.

Therefore, the Wood Spirit grand elder didn’t object at all to Xu Qing’s arrangements. Knowing that the holy dharma protector and the august spirit had some things to discuss, he bid farewell.

After he was gone, the innkeeper looked Xu Qing up and down and seemed pleased. But then he realized he didn’t want to reveal what he really thought, so he smoothed out his face and cleared his throat.

“The Wood Spirits are doing this partly because they’re gambling on humans coming out victorious. But some of it has to do with what Ling’er has accomplished.”

“Is she still in seclusion?” Xu Qing asked.

“Yes. She still needs more time. This good fortune for Ling’er will take a while to take full advantage of.” After that, the innkeeper wasn’t sure what to say next.

Xu Qing, not being adept at small talk, took out a jade slip and sent some orders regarding the Wood Spirits and the big supply shipment.

A long moment passed.

The innkeeper cleared his throat. “Ahem. Isn’t there something you wanted to ask me?”

Surprised, Xu Qing looked up.

“For example, don’t you want to know about Ling’er’s past? Or how this good fortune can transform her? Or if she happened to regain consciousness at all recently? Aren’t you curious about any of that??” The innkeeper was actually feeling a little irritated.

Xu Qing frowned. “Why would I ask you about that? Wouldn’t it be better to hear those things from her?”

“Uhh....” The innkeeper actually couldn’t think of a way to rebut that. It made sense. That said, he still felt a bit irritated.

Xu Qing, meanwhile, could sense the innkeeper’s irritation. It was actually a familiar sensation, as it reminded him of dealing with the Captain.

“I can’t afford to fully trust the Wood Spirits,” he said. “The supply shipment is too important. Therefore, Senior, I would like for you to go with them to keep an eye on things. The reality is there’s only one person in the capital city that I can truly trust, and that’s you, Senior.”

The innkeeper suddenly felt very pleased. Laughing heartily, he said, “Don’t worry at all. Once the shipment is ready, I’ll use my life essence magic to seal it tight. And I’ll keep a very close eye on it during the trip. That way, nothing wrong could possibly happen!”

Xu Qing clasped hands and bowed deeply.

The innkeeper now felt wonderful. This Xu brat really does know how to show respect. As it turns out, he’s actually not that bad.

Three days passed.

The nonhuman supplies all came in, and as Xu Qing looked on, the Wood Spirits and the innkeeper left with the shipment to the western front. Although most of the trip would be made via teleportation portal, there was still a lot of ground to cover. And there were some parts of the trip that couldn’t be made via teleportation. Therefore, the trip was scheduled to take five or six days.

After the convoy left, Xu Qing stood on the limestone tiles of the Swordsage Palace, looking out at heaven and earth.

Flanking him were Ning Yan and Qing Qiu, as well as a contingent of other swordsages who worked in the Secretariat Division. All of them were looking at Xu Qing with veneration in their eyes.

As for Qing Qiu, she was trying very hard not to feel respect for Xu Qing. Meanwhile, her evil ghost scythe sighed into her mind.

“Oh, Ah Qiu, don’t fight back.... I can sense the conflict in your heart. Why are you still fighting it? Just bow your head to the amazing and incredibly good-looking Secretary-General Xu. Isn’t that just the normal thing to do?”

“Shut. Up. Ever since you got captured at the Ten Entrails Tree and found out that Xu Qing’s spirit automaton can hear you talking, all you’ve done is blabber like this. Aren’t you disgusted with yourself? You’re the one always yammering about ending things in mutual destruction! So... what, are you already dead?” She snorted coldly in her heart. “A disgusting individual such as yourself should know exactly what I’m thinking. I, Qing Qiu, am nothing like you. I would never bow my head so casually! And Xu Qing is the same!”

Xu Qing, of course, had no way of knowing what Qing Qiu was thinking. It was currently dawn, and a brisk breeze lifted his hair as he stood at the edge of the Swordsage Palace and gazed out at all creation.

Over the past few days, he had been contemplating an important question. And that was how to provide fresh troops to the front lines. A few thousand Wood Spirits simply wasn’t enough.

This was a protracted war in which the enemy was a Holytide army that vastly outnumbered the humans. Even with the county’s taboo treasures helping in the defense, there were still people dying constantly. The supply shipment was going to make things a bit easier on the front lines, but the real key to making progress was going to be more troops.

A long moment passed.

“Qing Qiu.”

“Huh? Oh. Here!” Qing Qiu had been so focused on arguing with the evil ghost scythe, and had been so wrapped up in feeling superior, that Xu Qing caught her off guard. She took a step forward and stood there ramrod straight.

Looking off in the direction of Emperor-Receiving Prefecture, he said, “I want all the details about what’s happening in Forbidden by the Garment in Injustice Prefecture and Forbidden by the Zombie in Emperor-Receiving Prefecture. You have one incense stick’s worth of time to put the report together.”

Puffing up her chest, she loudly said, “Your orders shall be followed! I guarantee the report will be done in one incense stick’s worth of time!!”

Her voice thrummed with passion, in just the way it did when she’d spoken with Palace Lord Kong in the past.

“Didn’t someone just mention refusing to back down?” the scythe said.

“Shut up! I’m putting on a show, that’s all. This is for the sake of the front lines!”

“Why are you standing around?” Xu Qing asked, looking over his shoulder at her.

“Yes, sir!” she said loudly, then turned and raced off.