Xu Jiuling hastily bowed in salute and said with a woeful expression:
"Hall Vice Lord, you have no idea. While you were away, I felt as though I had lost my backbone.
Every faction and cultivators of every stripe kept investigating openly and probing in secret. Earth Pass Island's affairs were so complicated that they left me running in circles.
Fortunately, True Persons Songshan and Spirit Crane gave their wholehearted assistance. Otherwise, I truly wouldn't have known how to sort out this mess."
Hearing this, Qing Chen snorted. "Hmph. It seems those two have finally recognized who rules these hundreds of thousands of li of sea, and whose hand feeds and clothes them."
Xu Jiuling hurriedly bowed, his face wreathed in smiles as he agreed. "Your wisdom and might are unparalleled, Hall Vice Lord! Your foresight reaches far indeed!
Before, I thought giving those peaks, ferry crossings, and businesses to Songshan and Spirit Crane was rather wasteful.
Now I see that we got more than our money's worth. What a bargain!"
After a pause, he cautiously continued, "By the way, Hall Vice Lord, there's something rather peculiar.
While I was inspecting the border defenses in another stretch of sea, Elder Xin Bairen secretly came to see me.
He spoke earnestly, saying that if an opportunity arose, he simply had to meet with you. He seemed interested in joining you, though I don't know whether you would accept him."
Qing Chen's brows furrowed slightly. He gave a soft "Oh" and sank into thought, seemingly considering the twists and turns behind this.
Seeing Qing Chen remain silent, Xu Jiuling hurriedly added, "H-Hall Vice Lord, Elder Xin Bairen also gave me an address for sending messages.
He said that if there was any news, I should send a jade talisman there, and he