All of this was not something that Xu Qing learned on his own but rather from the series of events in the county capital. He learned how to use the sentiments of the people from the Seventh Prince.
Later, in the Immortal Forbidden, Old Master Seventh opened the door of cognition for him, allowing him to understand that he needed to stand at a higher level to see the big picture, gain clarity, and truly reach the pinnacle.
Over the past seven years, he had gone from being a scavenger in a slum to where he stood today. His character and mentality had been like an uncut gemstone, continuously polished and refined through learning and experiences, until it finally radiated its brilliant light.
The teacher in the slum taught him how to read, giving him the foundation of knowledge.
Captain Lei taught him to be tolerant, providing him with a sense of belonging and warmth.
Grandmaster Bai taught him about plants and vegetation, drawing parallels between human life and nature, guiding him on the path of a human.
Old Master Seventh taught him about perspective, way to do things, and broadened his horizons.
The captain taught him about ferocity and the need to fight for what he wanted, even against the odds.
The Seventh Prince taught him about the way to use the people’s sentiments, reverse black and white, and how to embrace the path of a conqueror without looking back.
The Palace Master taught him about righteousness and the oath of a Sword Holder – that some things are worth dying for, and certain beliefs are worth protecting at all costs.
The Deputy Governor taught him about strategy and calculation – how everything changes with the situation, and how to control the world in the palm of his hand.
Whether directly or indirectly, many people had taught Xu Qing and allowed him to mature in the past seven years.
Until today!
In an instant, the fortune above the Deputy Governor’s head that had formed a five-tasseled crown shook.
A large amount of fortune dispersed from it and headed straight for Xu Qing, bringing with it waves of cheers that outsiders couldn’t sense.
As it continued to gather, the crown that had been floating above Xu Qing’s head became increasingly enriched.
In the eyes of those who could see this scene, Xu Qing, who was standing on Qingqin’s right head, was shining with light. The crown on his head emitted monstrous fortune and was strengthening him.
Vaguely, there was also the figure of a little boy jumping for joy in the crown.
It was as though it was telling everyone who could see who was the orthodox right now!
Who was the person worthy of Fenghai’s fortune!
Who was the true Fenghai’s son!
With the blessing of fortune and the convergence of the people’s will, the world changed colors, and winds and clouds surged, forming a mighty momentum gathering the heavens, the earth, and the human.
The Deputy Governor’s expression changed.
The Seventh Prince’s eyes sparkled as he gazed at Xu Qing. Like the Deputy Governor, in this short period of time, he had reevaluated Xu Qing multiple times.
Just as the Seventh Prince was in deep thought and the Deputy Governor was about to speak, Xu Qing cupped his fists and bowed deeply. After he lifted his head, he spoke softly.
“Through this bow, I express my gratitude for the teachings and guidance you, Deputy Governor, provided before. Now that I’ve bowed, my heart is at ease, and I can finally speak freely about certain matters.”
“Deputy Governor, I know you’re from Illuminate.”
“The cultivators of Illuminate disdain lying and emphasize everything being reasonable. Just as you taught and clarified during our previous session, revealing the answers openly, you showed the boldness to set up a logical plan. Therefore, it is also reasonable for such a plan to be exposed.”
As soon as these words were spoken, the light in the Seventh Prince’s eyes became even more intense. Previously, the Deputy Governor wanted to destroy Xu Qing’s halo of 100,000 feet of light. Now, Xu Qing’s reply was also destroying the halo around the Deputy Governor.
According to his cooperation with the Deputy Governor until now, the other party indeed disdained lying. Everything was based on reason.
‘I’ll answer whatever you ask.’
But now, if he admitted it, it would be equivalent to having no possibility of concealment and all his plans would be for naught.
However, if he didn’t admit it, it would go against his principles, and it would cause conflict within himself.
The Deputy Governor fell silent.
After a long while, he deeply looked at Xu Qing, let out a sigh that seemed even wearier, and exuded an aura of exhaustion. Then, he took out a plain pill and transformed into a tall figure visible to the whole city. In front of everyone, he swallowed the pill and spoke softly.
“Plain pill, non-poisonous.”
Everyone in the surroundings was shocked.
“Xu Qing, this old man doesn’t know why you’re slandering me like this but on account of your previous battle merits, I still can’t bear to kill you. I’ll lock you up in the Sword Holding Palace and ask about the catalyst behind this. Li Yunshan, this is my bottom line. You’re in charge of guarding and questioning.”
“Men!”
After he finished speaking, rumbling sounds rang out from the ground and numerous figures suddenly rose into the air. One of them was the old servant beside the Deputy Governor that Xu Qing had seen back then.
He looked at Xu Qing regretfully and a second-stage Nihility energy fluctuation erupted from his body.
As for the Deputy Governor, with a wave of his hand, a vortex appeared beside him. With a loud rumbling sound, a black-armored puppet with a blurred face emerged from the vortex and walked step by step.
Death aura permeated the air and its eyes were cold. A fourth-stage Nihility energy fluctuation erupted from its body.
“So, you’re not Purple Green,” Xu Qing said softly.
The Deputy Governor was expressionless as he calmly spoke.