Chapter 154: "Always Prioritize the Greater Good"

Two spectral hounds paid no heed to the passersby.

Though along the way, curious onlookers gathered, occasionally striking the two spectral hounds with sticks or stones, the hounds’ indifferent demeanor soon bored the crowd, who reluctantly dispersed.

Thus, people came and went intermittently, some drawn by curiosity, others losing interest.

Hearing Wei Xiaoping mention going to the royal palace, the hounds wondered: The royal palace? Isn’t that where the king resides? Could it be that their master was taking them to meet the king?

“General, where are you taking us? To the royal palace?” Ma Laoda inquired with a low, unturned howl as they walked.

When still in the netherworld, the two spectral hounds communicated with Wei Xiaoping using the ghost tongue—a singular language spoken by all spirits there—since they were all ghosts. Upon returning to the living world, Wei Xiaoping’s spirit rejoined his human body, reverting to speaking human language, while the two spectral hounds resumed their true canine forms, communicating in dog language.

Although Ma Laoda and Niu Dahua had reverted to real dogs, their minds retained human intellect and thought patterns; only their outward forms had changed into strange three-headed dogs.

Wei Xiaoping spoke human words; the hounds used canine speech. Yet, since the King of Hell had assigned these two spectral hounds to aid Wei Xiaoping in ridding the living world of evil and promoting peace, a special enchantment was placed on all three, allowing them to understand one another despite speaking different tongues.

“In the military camp earlier, the king sent a summons requesting my presence at the palace. I wonder what he wishes to discuss,” Wei Xiaoping explained.

Hearing it was the king’s summons, the hounds thought: Surely the king wants to see our master. If he takes us along, perhaps we too shall see the king.

“General, are you really taking us into the palace?” Ma Laoda asked excitedly, imagining how honorable it would be to witness the king in person. The king was the nation’s sovereign, beloved and revered by all; many longed their entire lives just to glimpse him, or even shake his hand—a privilege few ever attained. To see the king so easily under their master’s guidance would be a great honor.

Niu Dahua chimed in, hoping to behold the king’s grandeur. In their previous incarnations, they had no knowledge of who ruled, but in this life, they longed to witness the king’s majesty—something to boast about to future generations, should they one day regain human form and have descendants.

Niu Dahua’s thoughts turned to Wei Xiaoping: “General, might you take us into the palace? We wish to meet the king!”

Wei Xiaoping smiled and asked, “Why do you want to meet the king so much?”

“The king is the ruler of the nation; all citizens depend on him for a good life. So, the king is everyone’s idol—and mine as well!” Ma Laoda declared.

“Exactly, Ma Laoda put it perfectly. I just couldn’t quite express it,” Niu Dahua agreed.

“Ma Laoda, you’re right. The king leads the nation, striving so that everyone may live well. His care for his people is as deep as that of parents for their children. We must respect and honor our king, and to defend him and our country from invaders, even if it means falling on the battlefield—that is our duty,” Wei Xiaoping said solemnly.

“General, what kind of person is the king? Before we reach the palace, could you tell us about him?” Ma Laoda asked.

Wei Xiaoping paused briefly, then replied, “I joined the Qingfeng military at twenty. Over six years, I have fought many battles against neighboring states, suffered injuries, and faced defeat several times. Each time, the king personally came to console me, even feeding me and tending my wounds himself.”

“Really? The king fed you and cleaned your wounds himself?” Ma Laoda exclaimed.

Niu Dahua was equally amazed: “He truly is a good king!”

Wei Xiaoping continued, “The king treats not only generals but ordinary soldiers equally with such care. After every battle, he demands that each injured or fallen soldier be recorded and reported to him. Upon reviewing these lists, he personally writes letters of encouragement to the wounded and dispatches palace doctors to treat them. Fallen soldiers receive proper burial rites with the king himself offering incense. The families of the fallen receive necessary support from the crown. This dedication moves soldiers and their families deeply. Some citizens, seeing the king’s kindness, even have more children, hoping they might grow up to serve the nation.”

“General, hearing how the king cares for his soldiers moves me to tears! Now that we follow you, are we considered citizens of Qingfeng Kingdom as well?” Niu Dahua asked.

“Of course! The King of Hell assigned you to me to assist in helping humans and all living beings in this world to eradicate evil and bring peace. Why do you ask?” Wei Xiaoping replied.

“We’re animals, after all. I worry the king might see us as mere beasts and not treat us as citizens,” both hounds said in unison.

Wei Xiaoping reassured them, “Don’t worry. I will explain your situation to the king. He will treat you well.”

“We’re not ordinary dogs! We look so strange. What if the king suspects we’re demons and treats us as such? In a previous life, people suspected we were demons and looked upon us with disdain,” Ma Laoda said anxiously.

Wei Xiaoping chuckled. “Ma Laoda, in your past life, the villagers’ suspicion was partly due to your unusual appearance, but mostly because they were simple folk with limited experience. Naturally, they feared what they didn’t understand. Our king, however, has ruled for decades. Many strange events occur annually and are reported to him. After so many years, he’s seen enough to not be easily shocked. Besides, I will inform him about you beforehand to prepare him.”

“That makes sense! If you tell the king first, he will surely trust his subordinate. Our worries were unfounded,” Ma Laoda said.

“Yes, our concerns were unnecessary! Since the King of Hell sent us to follow our master, whatever the master commands, we shall obey,” Niu Dahua added.

Wei Xiaoping patted Ma Laoda’s back and looked at Niu Dahua. “That’s the spirit. As long as I’m here, no matter the dispute, if you are in the right, I will stand by you.”

Hearing this, the two spectral hounds felt a warm sweetness fill their hearts.

“Thank you, master! But we must still consider the bigger picture. Sometimes, even if the truth is on one’s side, one must sacrifice personal interests for the greater good,” Ma Laoda said with gratitude.

Niu Dahua nodded thoughtfully. “General Wei, Ma Laoda is right. The greater good and national interests must come first. Only when the nation is stable can the people live peacefully.”

Wei Xiaoping was moved by their words, gently stroking Ma Laoda’s fur again and again.