After hearing the report, Qing Chen lowered his gaze.
Only after several breaths did he look up and ask evenly, "Has True Lord Tie Ming requested reinforcements? Or sent any instructions?"
Xu Jiuling hurriedly shook his head, speaking a little faster. "He has not explicitly requested reinforcements.
"But over these past few months, Communication Talismans have arrived from Rock Formation Camp almost every fortnight, repeatedly asking when you would emerge from seclusion, my lord...
"The spiritual power fluctuations on those Communication Talismans have grown more urgent each time, and so has their wording."
He recalled the details carefully, then added, "As for instructions... nothing else, really. Still the same old refrain.
"He has merely emphasized time and again that we must hold Withered Skeleton and Poison Saliva Counties in the rear, ensuring that the supply route to Rock Formation Camp remains unobstructed.
"Under no circumstances can we allow the army at the front to come under attack from both front and rear."
Qing Chen remained expressionless and changed the subject. "What is the current military strength of each county? Give me a detailed report."
Xu Jiuling perked up. Clearly, he knew these figures by heart, and immediately delivered his report fluently:
"My lord, throughout these five years, we have never stopped recruiting and training troops.
"In addition, Gouwu Sea, the rear of the Southeastern Circuit, and even some Rogue Cultivators drawn by your formidable reputation have all continued to supply fresh recruits."
"At present, Wind-Splitting Gorge County City, our base, has a substantial garrison of over twenty-seven thousand."
"Black Miasma, Withered Skeleton, and Poison Saliva Counties lie on the front line, each garrisoned by five thousand elite troops! The three Gentlemen of the Palace, Lin Changsheng, Lei Bao, and Wuxin, personally command them, forming mutually supporting horns."
"The situation in