Chapter 221: A Way Out (Part 2)

“I’m not as optimistic as you,” Wu Qingsong said, unable to help adding a touch of sarcasm. “Is it just a Dark Moon thing to convince others to fight and die while you reap the rewards?”

“Dark Moon loses hundreds of people every year in secret missions against the Elven Empire, many of whom die unnoticed and without purpose,” Red Moon said calmly. “Of course, by your logic, these people are also being convinced to die for us. But Dark Moon wasn’t established by me and Dark Moom. We weren’t always in charge of the organization. Before we were born, before we became leaders, our predecessors were constantly risking their lives fighting against the colossal force of the Elven Empire and made many sacrifices. You may not believe it, but from the day I joined this organization, I was prepared to die at any moment. Even now, in our higher positions within the organization, it doesn’t mean we just sit back and enjoy the benefits. Mental effort is also a form of contribution, and as the leader of Orgrimmar, I think you understand this well.”

Wu Qingsong remained silent, quietly listening to her.

“If we had the ability to infiltrate Padamia for assassination missions, we would do it without hesitation,” Red Moon continued. “But we don’t, so we have to find people who can and do our best to persuade them. I used my abilities. You might think it’s despicable, and I admit it’s not honorable, but if you were in my position and had these abilities, would you refrain from using them?”

“That’s just an excuse,” Wu Qingsong said.

“I’m just stating the facts,” Red Moon said. “Like today. To ensure better communication with these bird people and to keep us safe, I used my abilities to influence them. Lord Tagraedi, you were fully aware of this, but you didn’t stop me, nor did you find it immoral because you know this isn’t about morality. I was simply doing what had to be done.”

“Alright, I don’t want to discuss this anymore,” Wu Qingsong said.

Red Moon was skilled in debate, adept at shifting concepts and topics. He knew there was a difference, but he couldn’t articulate a long argument to prove his point like she could, which left him feeling frustrated.

“Fine, my lord. I apologize, this will be the last time I bring it up,” Red Moon said. “The current situation is that the rebellion against the Elven Empire desperately needs the power of Gale Island. To escape back home, we must rely on this power. There is no other choice. So we depend on you, my lord.”

“How do we counter their magic?” Wu Qingsong asked.

“We don’t need to,” Red Moon said. “For undead creatures, no matter how powerful the fish people’s magic is, can it kill them again? The fish people’s reproduction rate may be high, but losing even one is significant in the short term. For you, however, the number of undead creatures will only increase. Once they dive into the deep sea, what effect can giant waves have? Even with just a few undead octopuses and shell monsters, they can inflict heavy losses on the fish people.”

“And then?”

“I will be responsible for convincing Queen Gale to help us repair the Black Pearl and send people with us back to the mainland. I’ll have the Dark Moon members establish a trade route to this place, helping them secure a better life, raise more offspring, and nurture more mages and warriors. Then, maybe in our generation, maybe in the next, or even further in the future, when the time is right, Dark Moon ships will carry them back to the mainland, inviting them to join the final battle against the Elves. When we achieve ultimate victory, the Gale Clan will receive their deserved reward. A piece of land with a better environment that belongs to them.”

Her expression was very serious, and her words were quite persuasive, leaving Wu Qingsong with nothing to say.

What was that saying? The highest level of persuasion is to first convince yourself, and then use that conviction to persuade others?

Maybe she was sincere, and perhaps Dark Moon wasn’t as bad as he imagined, but Wu Qingsong still held to his belief. Limited cooperation with Dark Moon was acceptable, but he would never deeply ally with them.

Different paths couldnot lead to the same goal. Though both opposed the Elven Empire, he decided to follow his own path.

“Let’s do it this way,” he said. “Ram will represent me in your discussions, and please be careful not to conflate us with yourselves when convincing them. Dark Moon is Dark Moon, Orgrimmar is Orgrimmar. Your promises and future actions are unrelated to us, and what we are about to do has nothing to do with you.”

His words stunned Red Moon. She hadn’t expected such a response after everything she had said. She was accustomed to using the power of language to solve most problems, and encountering someone like Wu Qingsong who wasn’t swayed by it left her at a loss.

“Sir, you should know that doing this will make our statements…”

“If you don’t accept this condition, then I’ll let Lam talk to them alone,” Wu Qingsong said. “She’s also good at dealing with people. Although we can’t establish a trade route to this place, reaching an agreement with Queen Gale shouldn’t be an issue.”

Taking on the task of eliminating the fish people himself while leaving the initiative to Red Moon, only for Dark Moon to reap the benefits? That would never happen under his watch.

“I accept this condition,” Red Moon immediately said.

“Alright, let’s head back then,” Wu Qingsong said.

Red Moon watched his back, tightly clenched her fists, and trembled with anger. However, she quickly suppressed her rage and hurried to catch up with Wu Qingsong.

***

“How is your hand?” Queen Gale asked Ram with concern.

“Thank you for your concern. It’s much better after applying the herbs,” Ram replied quickly.

“That’s good to hear,” the queen said. “We are deeply sorry for the unfortunate passing of your companion, but this is a journey we all must go through. At this moment, he has likely reached the Promised Land and is living a better life, so please do not be too sad.”

“Thank you, you’re right,” Ram said.

“May I introduce my companions?” Red Moon asked respectfully.

“Please do,” the queen said kindly.

Although she was small in stature, Wu Qingsong could feel the immense power contained within her, as well as her strong mental strength.

Could Red Moon’s abilities work on someone like her? If the queen realized that she was trying to influence her thoughts, how would she react?

It seemed that separating Orgrimmar and Dark Moon in negotiations with Queen Gale was indeed a wise decision.

After recovering from her grief, while Ram wasn’t back to her usual sharp self, she was at least at an average level of competence. After discussing with Wu Qingsong, she fully supported his approach. Thus, an invisible but intense confrontation unfolded between the two women before Queen Gale’s court.

Wu Qingsong was never one for verbal sparring and disliked participating in such political maneuvers. So, while Red Moon and Ram were using all their skills, his mind wandered, and he began to quietly observe the members of Gale Kingdom.

The structure of Gale Kingdom was quite simple. According to Mia, the kingdom had only three types of residents. The largest group, making up ninety percent of the population, were the penguins, who handled most of the labor. The agile and strong warrior class, which made up about ten percent of the population, were the harpies. Lastly, there was the priest class of harpies, who had mastered writing, and history, and had magical talents, but were so few in number that they were almost negligible.

The Queen of the Gale Kingdom also served as the kingdom’s high priestess, acting as both the spiritual and political leader. Without their magical support, the kingdom might had long been destroyed by the repeated attacks of the fishmen. Because of this, despite their small numbers, the harpies had become the undisputed highest class in the kingdom.