Hou Niao's first order of business upon arriving at the Capital Commandant's mansion was to get a close understanding of his future subordinates, starting with Su Lingyun.
Having ascended to a higher position, one couldn't just charge into battle bare-chested, barking orders and calling for attacks at every turn; this too was an aspect of cultivation.
"I won't stay here for too long, Zhongqing City is but a pitstop in my life, not the destination; if Brother Su knows even a little about me, he should understand that my words are not false."
Hou Niao genuinely wanted to win people over with virtue. He didn't want to waste too much time on internal strife, nor did he want to rely excessively on forces from outside Pingliang State, such as the Lizhi Sea Pirate Group or the part of the possessed sword cultivators under Yu Zhengxing's command.
