Chapter 496: Xu Qing's Friendly Negotiation

Xu Qing’s words echoed in all directions.

His voice was calm, and the madness in his eyes was not intense, merely a hint.

Having experienced so many events, especially after engaging in "friendly negotiations" more than once, Xu Qing was now well-versed in how to discuss matters more amicably.

For example, the Ancient Spirit Emperor and the Finger of the Spirit reached an agreement under his gentle persuasion. Such successful precedents meant Xu Qing felt no psychological pressure facing the current Near-Immortal race.

He knew very well that sincerity was the most effective weapon in negotiations.

One must be sincere to move the other party.

The simpler and more direct, the better the outcome.

Thus, his previous words were all facts.

If Feng Hai County fell, why would the Sword-Holding Palace continue sealing spirits for various races?

At that moment, unleashing the spirits, regardless of life or death, would be the most logical course of action.

Being logical and having clear pros and cons would allow this friendly negotiation to serve its intended purpose.

Therefore, after Xu Qing finished speaking, the three Near-Immortal cultivators in the sky also looked troubled.

Their status among the Near-Immortal race was extremely high; they were all Old Ancestors. Yet, even they had to admit that if Xu Qing truly unsealed the spirits, then the Near-Immortal race, also residing in the County Capital, would undoubtedly be the first target for consumption by the spirits.

Because there were indeed too many mortals in the Human Race's County Capital, and it was protected by a network formed from numerous forbidden magical artifacts, the choice between expending great effort to devour small snacks and using minimal effort to enjoy a sumptuous feast was self-evident.

Although, the cost of this was the complete collapse of Feng Hai County itself.

But the current reality was that without sufficient supplies, the collapse of the front lines was inevitable anyway; the outcome would be the same.

As a result, Xu Qing's rhetorical question, "Do you dare?", became an echo, reverberating continuously within this world and within the minds of the three Near-Immortal Old Ancestors.

After a long silence, the Near-Immortal woman in the center suddenly spoke.

"You are the first human I've seen with such cultivation who dares to threaten us. So, your real purpose in coming to the Mi Ling race first was to draw us out. A clever scheme, indeed."

"And it's naturally better for us if Feng Hai County remains as it is."

"So, what are your demands?"

"This is a negotiation," Xu Qing corrected with a serious expression.

He wasn't surprised by their compromise; any logical person would handle things this way. And he knew very well that the matter wasn't over yet.

In this world, everything depends on whether it's worth it. He understood this back when he was at Seven Blood Eyes. If his demands seemed unworthy, then chaos would instantly erupt.

"All resources required for the battlefield must be purchased at fair prices, and credit is allowed!" Xu Qing stated slowly, looking at the three figures in the sky.

"You've taught me what negotiation truly means. As for your demands... for any of our subordinate Near-Immortal races, yes!" the Near-Immortal woman replied expressionlessly, glancing at Xu Qing.

"The alliance pact continues, and the Palace Master's proposal for sealing races also remains," Xu Qing said again. This request was not excessive. The three Near-Immortal cultivators in the sky pondered for a moment, then nodded.

"But you must not continue the slaughter of the Mi Ling race!"

This was actually beneficial for them too. They didn't want to participate in the war, which was why they agreed when the Palace Master discussed it. The only difference now was the added concern of Xu Qing releasing the spirits.

But it didn't matter; giving them some time to specifically prepare for this could still relatively avoid it to a certain extent, though it would take longer.

With the general direction settled, as for the details, everything was simplified during wartime, and neither side communicated further. Xu Qing also wasn't worried about them reneging on their word.

Other foreign races would likely soon learn of the Near-Immortal race's compromise and the near extermination of the Mi Ling race, naturally deterring them from acting recklessly.

Now that the negotiation was over, the rift behind the three Near-Immortal cultivators reopened. The woman in the center suddenly spoke.

"What is your name?"

After some thought, he realized there was no need to conceal this; it would be too easy for them to find out. So, he spoke calmly.

"Zhang Siyun!"

Xu Qing was cautious by nature. Even for information that was easily ascertainable, he preferred not to state it himself, especially now that everything seemed settled and smooth, when one could easily become complacent.

He wasn't sure if the Void-Returning Arts had some fatal strike technique that activated upon answering a name immediately after being asked.

Just as Xu Qing spoke, a rumble came from the distant sky. A figure sped from the direction of the County Capital with astonishing speed, even creating overlapping shadows in the sky. In an instant, this person arrived.

It was the County Magistrate.

His expression was grim and anxious. After appearing, he swept his gaze over the three Near-Immortal cultivators, then looked at Xu Qing. Noticing that Xu Qing was unharmed, his expression softened slightly, and he let out a low cry.

"Zhang Siyun, you've taken on a huge burden! After this matter, I will definitely report it to the Palace Master!"

Having said that, he cupped his fists towards the three Near-Immortal cultivators, a look of apology on his face.

"Sirs, this is a misunderstanding. The battlefield situation is truly critical, and Zhang Siyun was anxious, which led him to cause this trouble. After the war, I will certainly give you a satisfactory explanation for this matter!"

The three Near-Immortal cultivators in mid-air each snorted coldly.

"County Magistrate, your human race has produced a fine young talent, daring to threaten us."

"Zhang Siyun, why aren't you apologizing to the three Near-Immortal Old Ancestors!" the County Magistrate scolded Xu Qing with a severe expression.

Xu Qing blinked, then quickly lowered his head, cupped his fists towards the three Near-Immortal cultivators, and spoke sincerely.

"This junior was anxious about the war zone and caused offense. Please forgive me, esteemed Old Ancestors."

The three Near-Immortal cultivators said no more, their minds filled with various thoughts, as they turned and walked towards the rift.

But just then, the woman in the center suddenly changed expression, actually spitting out a mouthful of purple blood. She sharply turned to look at Xu Qing, then swept her gaze over the County Magistrate, her face dark, her eyes showing deep meaning.

Xu Qing's expression remained normal. He could tell the other party had likely initiated some spell, but it had clearly... failed.

The County Magistrate's eyes widened, showing hesitation.

"What... what happened?"

The Near-Immortal woman gritted her teeth, remaining silent. This matter was difficult to explain. As an Old Ancestor of her race, she had used a name-based spell to covertly attack; success would have been one thing, but now it had failed...

For her, this scheme was merely a casual move; she hadn't originally cared whether it succeeded. But what she hadn't anticipated was not just the failure, but also the backlash it caused.

Especially at that moment, she even felt as though she was being watched by some unseen entity.

With a grim expression, she quickly entered the rift and disappeared.

Until they had left, the Mi Ling Old Ancestor in the distance took a few steps back, watching everything with a bitter expression. The County Magistrate stood in mid-air, looked at Xu Qing, and sighed.

"You were too reckless this time."

"Caw!" Qing Ling's three heads locked onto the County Magistrate, seeming somewhat displeased by his scolding of her eldest brother's "brother"—especially since this younger "brother" had provided her with a hearty meal, and both he and her eldest brother had the ability to shine brightly.

Seeing this, the County Magistrate gave a wry smile and bowed with cupped fists towards Qing Ling.

Only then did Qing Ling withdraw her gaze.

"Thank you for coming, County Magistrate. I've caused you trouble," Xu Qing said, feeling apologetic inside. He knew he had indeed been very reckless this time, so he cupped his fists and bowed.

The County Magistrate's cooperation just now also fostered a sense of closeness in him.

"It's no trouble; it's all for Feng Hai County. It's just that next time... you could perhaps inform me in advance." The weariness on the County Magistrate's face was noticeably greater than a few days prior.

"The Palace Master sent you back to coordinate this matter, which is a sign of his trust in you, and also in me. Let's go, we'll return to the County Capital together."

The County Magistrate said, gesturing to Xu Qing.

Xu Qing nodded. Qing Ling flapped her wings, rising into the air, and reluctantly cast a glance at the devastated Mi Ling race below.

At this moment, nearly forty percent of the Mi Ling race had died, which was an extremely severe blow to a clan. Especially since the two lineage chiefs had both been devoured by Qing Ling.

Xu Qing also swept his gaze over them, saying nothing. In the silence and bitterness of the Mi Ling race, he departed with the lingering Qing Ling.

On the way back to Feng Hai County, Xu Qing sent a voice transmission to the Writ Office, ordering them to inform all races again to immediately begin resource transactions, and also to arrange for personnel to come to the Mi Ling race to receive supplies.

Thus, after returning to the Sword-Holding Palace in the County Capital, three days passed.

During these three days, all foreign races in Feng Hai County, regardless of size, were greatly shaken. They heard about the Mi Ling race's predicament and learned of the Near-Immortal race's compromise.

While this matter caused enormous ripples among all races, Xu Qing's name was naturally investigated, and everything about his past came to light before the high-ranking members of each race.

"His exact origin is unknown. It is only known that in his youth, he joined the Seven Blood Eyes of Nanhuang Continent, serving in the Criminal Pursuit Department. Upon taking office, he killed countless criminals, employing cruel methods and excelling in the use of poison!"

"During the conflict between Seven Blood Eyes and the Sea Corpse Race, he and his senior brother, with only Foundation Establishment cultivation, daringly infiltrated the Sea Corpse Race to steal the idol's nose. Furthermore, as a disciple from a secluded sect, he slew the former Dao Child of the Eight Sect Alliance, Sheng Yunzi, overwhelming all contemporary prodigies of the Eight Sects and forcefully becoming the new Dao Child of the Eight Sect Alliance!"

"He participated in the Imperial Welcome Continent's Sword-Bearer Trial, suppressing the Dao Child of the Grand Division Immortal Sect from the same continent and numerous other elites, claiming first place with an unparalleled demeanor. He even created a precedent in Feng Hai County by inspiring thousands of feet of radiant light during the Human Emperor's Heart Inquiry!"

"After entering the County Capital, he was appointed as the sole accompanying scribe to the Sword-Holding Palace Master and concurrently served as a grunt in Sector C of the Criminal Enforcement Department, despite only having Golden Core cultivation!"

"In the early stages of the war, this person assisted the Sword-Holding Palace Master in handling official duties, established the Writ Office, and significantly boosted his prestige, leading many to consider him a candidate for the next Palace Master."

"On Mount Zhaoxia, this individual appeared like a divine soldier, resolving the Mount Zhaoxia crisis. He slew two early-stage Nascent Soul cultivators and forced one mid-stage and one late-stage cultivator to retreat. In that battle, he poisoned hundreds of rogue cultivators, employing extremely cruel methods; all who were poisoned turned into black water, their forms and spirits utterly destroyed!"

"This person specializes in devouring others' Heavenly Palaces. One can imagine that once he advances to Nascent Soul, he will surely consume Nascent Souls, truly a demon!"

"Looking at it this way, his collaboration with Qing Ling to devour the Mi Ling race and threaten the three Near-Immortal Old Ancestors is to be expected; his past experiences have always been insane!"

All sorts of information spread continuously throughout Feng Hai County, making Xu Qing's name thoroughly famous across the region.

After learning all this, Ning Yan couldn't help but sigh with emotion.

"You still don't know that this person's insane deeds also include disguising himself as a Dark Heaven God Child, destroying the Ten Intestine Tree, becoming the 'father' of the Heavenly Dao, and almost... reaching the highest level within the Saintly Sea Race."

As for Qing Qiu, after hearing these rumors, she felt a slight daze in her heart. She suddenly realized a question: Xu Qing was from Nanhuang Continent.

Recalling the way he looked at her during the Ten Intestine Tree expedition, a somewhat unbelievable conjecture rose in her mind, only to be suppressed immediately.

"Impossible, this person is detestable to the extreme, absolutely impossible!"

Qing Qiu took a deep breath, and the moment she suppressed the thought in her mind, Xu Qing, who was to her left in the Writ Office, cast a puzzled glance at her.

"What's wrong with you? Aren't you going to continue reporting on the supply of resources from various races?!"

Qing Qiu instinctively hummed in affirmation, as if she were a maidservant from their time at the Ten Intestine Tree, and obediently continued her report. But after one sentence, she suddenly reacted, snorting coldly in her heart, and her masked face once again assumed an aloof demeanor.