Chapter 205: Hostage

“Wu?” After Xeila left, Ram quickly appeared behind Wu Qingsong.

“Ram, I’m sorry. Let me be alone for a while,” Wu Qingsong said.

Ram bit her lip but still asked, “Since you can’t bear to part with her, why not just ask her to stay? She wouldn’t refuse if you asked.”

“And then what? Have her stay in Orgrimmar, feeling lost all day?” Wu Qingsong shook his head. “I won’t keep her confined and watch her wither away like a bird in a cage. If this is her choice, I’ll respect it and do my best to help her achieve her wishes, rather than imposing my own ideas on her.”

Ram stood behind him, wanting to say something but ultimately turned away in silence.

Wu Qingsong looked at the bustling crowd outside, gradually clenching his fist and suddenly punching the wall hard.

Xeila quietly left the next morning, perhaps just her style.

Wu Qingsong and his companions continued to stay in the room, which made the restless Ling and Daryl very uncomfortable. Including the previous waiting, they had already been in this place for seven or eight days, which was nothing short of torture for them.

Luckily, Dark Moon quickly sent word that one of their smuggling ships had arrived at Port Puratorano at the mouth of the Great River. After unloading, resupplying with fresh water and food, and letting the crew relax for a few days, they could take this ship to quietly leave Padamia. For now, their task was to leave Padamia in batches using various methods and head to Port Puratorano.

Bernar and the houndmen left first since there were never any wanted posters with their faces, which meant the smallest risk for them. Next were Ram, Daryl, Ling, and Liuli. One of Dark Moon’s gangs controlled many boats on the Great River, making money on the side while also smuggling goods. Many of these boats had long-standing arrangements with the Empire’s anti-smuggling squads. With cleverly designed hidden compartments and choosing to travel during peak boat traffic, there was practically no risk.

“It’s been an honor to meet you, Lord Tagraedi.” Dark Moon said goodbye to Wu Qingsong at a hidden port they controlled. He was set to take a cargo ship downstream and meet up with the others who had safely arrived, and together they would board the smuggling ship and leave.

After Xeila left, Dark Moon and Red Moon resumed their friendly demeanor and never brought up Wu Qingsong and his group staying again. Whether it was Xeila’s relayed words that made the difference or if they were really as straightforward as Xeila overheard, he couldn’t be sure.

Wu Qingsong nodded and extended his right hand.

“I hope our cooperation can continue, and one day, we’ll see our shared dreams come true,” Dark Moon Yue said with a smile.

But just then, a sudden wave of pain shot through his mind, rendering him unable to move or think. Everyone from Dark Moon, including Red Moon, was hit by the same attack, completely incapacitated. Only Xeila looked at Wu Qingsong with a hint of surprise.

Wu Qingsong slowly drew his short sword and calmly walked around everyone at the dock, quietly awakening Xeila’s potential before returning to stand in front of Dark Moon.

The intense pain finally subsided, leaving Dark Moon both shocked and furious. 

“Wu Qingsong! What is the meaning of this?”

“Nothing much,” Wu Qingsong said. “I just wanted to show you that I can do far more than you think. I am always generous with my goodwill towards friends, but if someone mistakes that goodwill for weakness and abuses it, they are gravely mistaken.”

“I think there must be some misunderstanding, Wu Qingsong…”

“Xeila will stay here to help you, and our cooperation with Dark Moon will continue. However, you need to immediately pull out your spies from Orgrimmar and Silver Moon,” Wu Qingsong said. “I don’t want a repeat of this situation, nor do I want to find out that you’re using any measures beyond equal cooperation against us.”

“You misunderstand us deeply.” Dark Moon shook his head. “We haven’t–”

“We both need to appoint an observer to each other to coordinate our relations and ensure neither side violates the principles of equal cooperation,” Wu Qingsong interrupted him again. “We’ll send Xeila, and I think the best candidate from your side is Red Moon.”

“Wu Qingsong! Do you know what you’re doing?” Dark Moon’s face turned grim.

“I won’t let Xeila become your tool. If she wants to do something, it must be of her own free will,” Wu Qingsong bluntly tore off the last pretense. “Red Moon must come with me and stay where I can see her at all times.”

“You’re playing with fire,” Dark Moon said.

His subordinates all gripped their weapons, but their previous experience had made it clear to Dark Moon that if Wu Qingsong wanted to kill them, it would be a simple task.

“You’re the one playing with fire,” Wu Qingsong said. “You talk about respecting everyone’s will, but you’re actually manipulating their minds, turning them into your puppets. Using such methods on enemies is understandable, but on your own people? Don’t you find that despicable? How many of the people around you genuinely want to follow you? How many have had their thoughts subtly manipulated, turned into your slaves without even realizing it? You talk about overthrowing the elves’ tyranny, but then what? Establish a new tyranny under your control?”

Dark Moon’s face twisted in anger, and some of his people began to hesitate.

“You’re wrong, Wu Qingsong,” Red Moon stepped forward. “We’ve never done what you’re accusing us of, and Dark Moon is not what you imagine. Every member is here because they share the same ideals and strive for them. You fear the elves’ power, unwilling to sacrifice or pay the price, and that’s fine. There are many people like you. But don’t impose your thoughts on us, because we are entirely different kinds of people.”

Wu Qingsong was certain she had used her ability because those who had hesitated quickly became resolute again after hearing her words.

“In that case, Miss Red Moon leaving for a while shouldn’t have any adverse effects on Dark Moon,” he sneered. “So, come back with me. Convince me, make me understand, and perhaps even embrace your noble ideals. Dark Moon, what do you think?”

Red Moon was undoubtedly crucial to the Dark Moon organization. Keeping her close would force them to act cautiously, avoiding actions that might harm the interests of Orgrimmar and Silver Moon. With her under Wu Qingsong’s watch, where her abilities couldn’t affect him, it would also ensure that Xeila and others could act according to their true intentions.

Dark Moon’s expression became very complicated, but after a few seconds, he smiled. 

“In that case, Red Moon, you will represent us in Orgrimmar. I trust you can eliminate Lord Tagraedi’s misunderstandings and help him truly understand the significance of our work. When that time comes, I’m sure Lord Tagraedi will gladly join us.”

“That would be ideal,” Wu Qingsong said. “Please, Miss Red Moon.”

They boarded the ship. Wu Qingsong looked at Xeila, silently nodding, while she gazed at him with a complex expression, shaking her head slightly.