"Thank you for your grace, Young Master." Qing Chen put away the jade slip and tiger tally, his tone respectful.
"No need to thank me." Tie Ming's voice came through his visor, his tone stern.
"I'm giving you these so you can put down roots in that mire of Miaochong Prefecture as soon as possible, gain a firm footing, and make your might known-not so you can go off to your death and disgrace me for nothing."
He paused, his tone taking on a more practical note:
"Remember, you now count as a nail I, Tie Ming, have driven into Qiongzhou. The deeper you're driven, the more glory it brings me.
"If you succeed, you certainly won't lack rewards. Spirit stones, medicinal pills, cultivation techniques, even... opportunities to advance further are all possible.
"If you need any additional resources, draw up a list. I'll find a way to pull some strings and have the quartermaster's office give your Miao-Conquest Army a greater share."
"Understood. I will serve you unto death, Young Master, and never fail the care you have shown me." Qing Chen's manner was deferential, yet his voice held a convincing composure.
Tie Ming waved a hand and turned away. "Go. There isn't much time."
Qing Chen said nothing more. He bowed several times toward the direction in which Tie Ming had disappeared, his movements crisp and decisive, without the slightest hesitation.
Then he turned, pushed off with his foot, and swept out of Black Centipede Cliff at incredible speed like a faint, ghostly shadow.
Outside the cliff, the sky was growing light, but his heart felt no relief.
Time was pressing.
In four months, the army's main force would march for that meat grinder in Lingzhou;
the hundred thousand troops detached as a supporting force would move somewhat