The Apocalypse's massive hull rested in the clearing. The formation patterns on its shell had already begun operating, giving off a low hum.
Lin Qingzhu followed behind him, drew another very thin Ledger from her sleeve, and handed it over.
"Read it on the way."
Zhou Xuan took it and flipped through two pages. They were densely covered with the distribution of the Western Desolate Region's major trade routes, along with the remaining stocks at several resource-producing sites around the Spirit Sword Pavilion.
"The Spirit Sword Pavilion is short on healers and medicine right now. It must be short on materials to repair the Mountain Protection Array, too."
Lin Qingzhu pointed to a line in the Ledger.
"The Cloud Pavilion still has several secret warehouses in the Western Desolate Region. Their contents can be moved at any time. If your old home needs anything, the Cloud Pavilion can cover it up front."
Zhou Xuan rolled up the Ledger and tucked it into his robes, looking at the woman before him.
"I'm going home, and you're still thinking about business?"
Lin Qingzhu met his gaze, her tone utterly serious.
"Your people are the Cloud Pavilion's future roots."
"I checked the background records of those people from the Chore Servant Courtyard. They've endured hardship and know the rules. Give them enough resources, and they can extend the Cloud Pavilion's trade routes all the way into Central Province. This deal is all profit and no loss."
Zhou Xuan nodded. This was Lin Qingzhu's talent: she could account for every human connection in a ledger and still leave no room for criticism.
As they spoke, footsteps came from the entrance to the docking platform.
Qin Keqing strode over in a fitted black outfit, a longsword hanging at her waist.
Without so much as looking