Chapter 423: I'm Not Talented, Just an Earth Elemental Grandmaster

The seal of the Guerrilla General was bestowed the following day.

It was cast in bronze, with a square face, each side measuring about three inches, giving it considerable weight.

Engraved upon the seal was a soaring swallow, its tail like sharp shears, its wings spread wide, conveying a sense of dynamic flight.

The inscription simply read "Guerrilla General," the characters sharp and pointed, symbolizing the Guerrilla General's troops' ability for rapid deployment and their skill in surprise attacks.

Zhang Hei, with his thick fingers, rubbed the Guerrilla General's seal, pressing down with force.

Then, he tucked the seal into his embrace.

Guan Hong didn't even glance at it, simply taking it.

Liu Er, however, examined the seal in his hand, his thoughts wandering: "The Guerrilla General's seal is carved with a swallow, I've heard the Eagle Swoop General's seal bears a magnificent eagle in mid-strike."

Liu Er was a human-demon hybrid, his four ears a clear testament. In other cultivation nations, granting someone of his background a general's position was quite rare.

To put it nicely, he was a distant relative of the Bloodbath Dynasty. To put it less flatteringly, there were countless such relatives, and the Bloodbath Dynasty's influence had long since plunged into the mire.

Ning Zhuo was also studying the seal in his hand.

This was his seal as Military Advisor and Libationer.

This seal had a circular face, two inches in diameter, crafted from jade, giving it a warm and gentle feel.

The front of the seal was carved with a bright moon and swirling clouds, the inscription "Military Advisor and Libationer" was dignified and graceful.

Gripping the seal and infusing it with spiritual power, Ning Zhuo merely caused it to emit a faint glow.

Zhang Hei, seeing this, chuckled: "What's the point of testing such a small token? High-level general and official seals carry military strategies and official arts. Our Guerrilla General seal doesn't, let alone your Military Advisor and Libationer seal."

Liu Er composed himself, carefully putting his seal away. Seeing Ning Zhuo's studious demeanor, he couldn't help but smile: "Brother Ning, if you desire a better seal, you can earn some merit. I will report it, and it won't be a problem for you to be promoted two or three ranks."

Ning Zhuo quickly demurred: "This is simply the first time I've received such a national artifact, so I'm merely studying it."

"I'm not particularly interested in the official seals of the Liang Zhu Nation."

"My clan resides in the Nan Dou Nation, and in the future, if I wish to serve as an official or command an army, I must seek it from the Nan Dou Nation."

"To be frank with the three generals, I am close friends with Zhu Xuanji, a member of the Nan Dou royal family. He once expressed interest in granting me an official position."

"I know my own limitations. With only early Foundation Establishment cultivation, I am young and inexperienced. I need more tempering and am not yet ready for a significant responsibility."

"By attaching myself to the three generals this time, I hope to leverage your influence to participate in the battlefield and see if there is an opportunity to avenge my family against the Six Caves Sect!"

"After that, I also need to carry precious materials and establish trade with a certain powerful force to complete my family's mission."

"Following that, I must travel to more places to broaden my horizons."

"So that's the case," Guan Hong stroked his beard.

Zhang Hei's eyes widened: "Zhu Xuanji of the Nan Dou Nation? He's a renowned divine constable throughout the nation, I've heard of him."

Zhang Hei once again looked at Ning Zhuo with newfound respect. He hadn't expected this Foundation Establishment cultivator to have such close ties with a famous figure.

Upon hearing this, Liu Er's sense of regret intensified.

Not only did Ning Zhuo possess precious materials and ample wealth, but he also had a strong command of Wood Element spells. Though only in early Foundation Establishment, his combat prowess was exceptional.

Now, hearing that Ning Zhuo's connections were also formidable, even Zhu Xuanji thought highly of him!

Liu Er had inquired for the purpose of recruiting Ning Zhuo and the Ning family for his own use. However, Ning Zhuo's words made him realize that this young cultivator was not to be underestimated. He was a young master of the Ning family with deep connections to the Nan Dou royal family, possessing a significant background, and not someone he could easily recruit.

"At least, I cannot recruit him now!" Liu Er gnashed his teeth in his heart. At this moment, his desire for fame and fortune became even more fervent.

In the early evening.

An army slowly marched into Cang Lin Immortal City.

The light of the setting sun reflected on their golden armor, making them appear even more noble and imposing.

The Golden Halberd Army!

One of the imperial guards of the Liang Zhu Nation, officially arrived at Cang Lin Immortal City.

Although the news had already spread throughout the city, when the citizens witnessed such disciplined and imposing troops with their own eyes, their expressions turned serious, and they marveled in their hearts: What a powerful army!

The military banner flew high, snapping in the evening breeze.

The entire army was mounted on horses, their hooves pounding heavily and powerfully.

Every soldier held a golden halberd, their halberds pointing straight to the sky, forming a forest of spears and halberds, radiating an aura of boundless sharpness.

Sun Gan, the commander of the Golden Halberd Army, rode at the forefront of the formation.

His face was stern, his gaze sharp as a sword. He scanned his surroundings, and the citizens instinctively avoided his gaze, not daring to make eye contact.

In stark contrast to him was an official of the Liang Zhu Nation.

Although also mounted on a fine steed and sitting upright, his demeanor was completely out of place with the Golden Halberd Army. One could tell at a glance that he was an outsider.

But no one dared to underestimate this official.

His official robes and the scepter he held clearly indicated his identity – an Imperial Envoy!

Unlike other armies, the Golden Halberd Army was the smallest in number and the most loyal and reliable. Therefore, they did not encamp outside the city but directly garrisoned within Cang Lin Immortal City.

The Immortal City Lord had already arranged accommodations and personally welcomed Sun Gan and the Imperial Envoy, extending a warm invitation to the evening banquet.

Sun Gan's face was like iron. He stated that he would only consider attending the banquet after the army had been properly settled.

The Imperial Envoy, however, laughed loudly and requested that the heads of several armies be invited to the banquet that evening so that he could connect with these colleagues.

Sun Gan snorted coldly upon hearing this.

This Imperial Envoy's name was Zhao Xi. He was inherently greedy, and every time he went on inspection tours, he would use his authority to solicit bribes.

Sun Gan disapproved, but Zhao Xi was highly trusted by the upper echelons of the Liang Zhu Nation. Despite numerous impeachments, he was still frequently dispatched as an envoy to various places.

The evening banquet was quite lavish, featuring the local specialties of Cang Lin Immortal City.

The banquet had an inner hall and an outer hall.

"Little friend Ning Zhuo?" In the outer hall, Zhang Zhongyi was surprised to see Ning Zhuo entering.

As the Military Advisor and Libationer, Ning Zhuo was considered a high-ranking member of an army.

This was the advantage of joining the Three Generals' Camp. In its nascent stage, all positions were vacant, and with a little effort, one could attain a high rank.

Ning Zhuo was also pleasantly surprised to see Zhang Zhongyi. After exchanging greetings, he directly sat to Zhang Zhongyi's left.

Ning Zhuo did not conceal anything, nor was there a need to conceal anything.

"You joined the Three Generals' Camp and even became their Military Advisor and Libationer?" Zhang Zhongyi exclaimed.

Although he had a high reputation, he was merely a military physician and could not participate in the Red Flower Camp's decision-making.

From this perspective, Ning Zhuo's status was already higher than his.

Ning Zhuo then transmitted a message, telling Zhang Zhongyi that it was a coincidence. He had overheard Liu, Guan, and Zhang discussing their desire to form a new army, and a thought had struck him, prompting him to volunteer to join.

To that end, he had even personally presented the three generals with three precious materials: Mysterious Yellow Mother Stone, Blood Fiend Demon Stone, and Netherworld Black Earth.

Zhang Zhongyi immediately scrutinized Ning Zhuo from head to toe, surprised by the astonishing financial resources of this Foundation Establishment cultivator.

Being able to give away such precious materials proved that Ning Zhuo had at least more!

"It's a pity Mu Lan didn't listen to me. How wonderful it would have been to have recruited Ning Zhuo."

"Alas!"

"Her bowstring needs to be replaced, otherwise she cannot fully utilize her exceptional archery skills. If only there were a piece of Nascent Soul level precious material..."

Zhang Zhongyi kept shaking his head in his heart.

The night banquet began.

Ning Zhuo and Zhang Zhongyi ate and chatted, also frequently raising their glasses, getting to know everyone at the table.

The door to the inner hall suddenly opened.

Mu Lan stormed out, looking furious.

"Zhao Xi, you little worm, you are the parasite of our Liang Zhu Nation!" Mu Lan angrily berated, her gaze sweeping around, immediately locking onto Zhang Zhongyi.

She also spotted Ning Zhuo, her gaze lingering on the latter for a moment.

Mu Lan then said: "Uncle Zhang, let's go. Although this night banquet is good, the villains at the table truly disgust me!"

Under everyone's gaze, Zhang Zhongyi immediately stood up, his face showing anger: "General, this old man follows closely."

Although Zhang Zhongyi sighed internally, having anticipated this situation, it was not convenient for him to persuade Mu Lan at this moment. He immediately left the table to show a united front.

The night banquet had just begun when Mu Lan and Zhang Zhongyi angrily left.

"Come, come, let's continue to eat and drink!" Zhao Xi shouted loudly, trying to liven the atmosphere.

He had a thick skin, completely shameless, as if he hadn't heard Mu Lan's accusation at all.

Shuang Jing, Xu Dali, and others quickly raised their cups.

Liu Er was among them, but with a wry smile. The "travel and fatigue expenses" Zhao Xi had just requested were simply outrageous.

At another table in the inner hall, Zhang Hei tilted his head back, gulping down wine.

Guan Hong sat upright, stroking his long beard, constantly paying attention to the conversation at the main table, a cold glint in the depths of his eyes.

After the banquet dispersed, four figures walked back on their way. Liu Er looked up at the bright moon in the night sky, sighing.

"Why is eldest brother looking so glum?" Zhang Hei wondered, letting out a hiccup.

Guan Hong snorted coldly and explained the reason in detail.

Zhang Hei was furious: "That Imperial Envoy actually openly solicited a bribe? How outrageous! Is the Liang Zhu Nation so corrupt?"

"If we make achievements in the future, will we also be treated harshly?"

Liu Er waved his hand: "That won't happen. The Liang Zhu monarch himself issued the call for talents, and it concerns him, the royal family, and the reputation of the Liang Zhu Nation. On this matter, they will absolutely strive for fairness."

Liu Er was worried that this might cause a rift with Zhang Hei, as he intended to make a significant impact in the Liang Zhu Nation.

Among the surrounding cultivation nations, only the Liang Zhu Nation offered such opportunities for advancement to someone like him, a human-demon hybrid.

Zhang Hei grumbled: "That's good then!"

"From the first glance, I thought that dog of an Imperial Envoy had a look in his eye, not a good thing at all."

"What do we care about him!"

"Although he is an Imperial Envoy, he is not our direct superior. Not beating him is a good thing. And he wants our money?"

"Simply outrageous!"

"Our money is already tight, needed to build an army."

Liu Er just sighed.

Ning Zhuo smiled slightly: "The three generals need not worry. I will handle the matter of the Imperial Envoy."

"With my persuasive skills, I will surely make him understand that the three generals' noble righteousness is not something that can be insulted with mere money."

Liu Er then looked at Ning Zhuo.

Ning Zhuo gave Liu Er a meaningful smile.

Liu Er immediately understood and issued a command, commissioning Ning Zhuo to handle the matter.

"Without further delay, I will return at once and speak with that Imperial Envoy," Ning Zhuo said.

Liu Er agreed.

Zhang Hei also wanted to help Ning Zhuo: "The Military Advisor's cultivation is only Foundation Establishment. How can he contend with a Golden Core level Imperial Envoy? How about I go with you to boost morale?"

Ning Zhuo laughed heartily and politely refused.

Liu Er, however, actively pulled Zhang Hei's arm, expressing full trust in Ning Zhuo. To not believe Ning Zhuo could handle it alone would be underestimating their little brother.

Zhang Hei was squeezed by these words and could only watch Ning Zhuo return.

A moment later.

Ning Zhuo was all smiles, and Imperial Envoy Zhao Xi was also all smiles.

He examined the Nascent Soul level precious material in his hand under the light of the lamps, clucking his tongue.

"The three generals of the Three Generals' Camp are indeed exceptional talents."

"Those who understand the times are exceptional talents!"

Ning Zhuo took out another precious material.

"This junior has had many interactions with Lord Zhang Zhongyi, and I intend to use his help to treat my friend."

"Please also, my lord, show the Red Flower Camp some leniency."

Zhao Xi looked deeply at Ning Zhuo: "Young man, some matters, it's not good for an outsider from the Nan Dou Nation to meddle in casually."

"General Mu Lan's trouble is much greater than you imagine."

Ning Zhuo smiled: "I understand."

Saying that, he took out another piece of Nascent Soul level precious material and placed it on the table: "Great trouble naturally requires more trouble for the lord. One more piece of precious material is quite reasonable!"

Zhao Xi's eyes widened, deeply shaken by Ning Zhuo's display of vast wealth.

"The Ning family of Huo Shi Immortal City must be a major clan!"

"Why did they only pass through the Liang Zhu Nation back then and not take root here, but instead migrated to the Nan Dou Nation?"

"Alas..."

Zhao Xi thought of this, his heart filled with regret.

"How many more precious materials does this young man have? Since he likes to meddle..." Just as this greedy thought arose, it was dispelled.

Life Hanging by a Thread!

My Buddha Heart Demon Seal!

Ning Zhuo maintained a benevolent smile on the surface, but in reality, he had been maintaining these two techniques the entire time.

"Lord Zhao, I helped the Red Flower Camp this time simply to show goodwill to Zhang Zhongyi."

"If possible, please grant this junior a small favor."

"It will certainly not trouble the lord, this junior simply needs some cooperation..."

Zhao Xi, being secretly influenced, nodded immediately after hearing Ning Zhuo's specific request: "Who made me find you pleasing to the eye, young man? Don't worry, I promise you."

Ning Zhuo once again stated that after the matter was completed, there would be another small gesture.

Zhao Xi nodded repeatedly: "The Ning family's scholarship is profound, their family education is truly admirable to us."

The next day.

Military supplies were distributed, but only the Red Flower Camp was delayed in receiving theirs.

Mu Lan was furious and caused a scene, but the修士 responsible for military supplies was well-prepared, presenting a perfect reason and deliberately delaying the distribution further.

Zhang Zhongyi, upon hearing this, sighed in his heart, knowing that this was the villain Zhao Xi obstructing things.

Just as Ning Zhuo came to visit, he saw Zhang Zhongyi looking worried and inquired about the reason.

Upon hearing about the matter, Ning Zhuo smiled slightly and told Zhang Zhongyi: Previously, he had represented the Three Generals' Camp and presented valuable goods, which had made Zhao Xi quite satisfied. Today, why not go again and ask the Imperial Envoy to show leniency first, and he would make up for it with his own funds.

A moment later, Ning Zhuo returned.

Zhang Zhongyi changed his usual demeanor, actively taking Ning Zhuo's arm and expressing deep gratitude.

"Mu Lan's temperament is stubborn, much like her father. If I were to intervene, she would surely resent it, and I fear it would create a rift in the future. I was caught between a rock and a hard place, but fortunately, little friend Ning Zhuo stepped forward righteously."

Ning Zhuo then said: "I also have selfish reasons, Lord Zhang. I want to save my friend."

"Easy, easy!" Zhang Zhongyi waved his hand, "This time the consultation fee is waived."

Ning Zhuo patted the Myriad Miles Roaming Dragon on his waist and released Sun Lingtong.

At this moment, Sun Lingtong's forearms had also petrified.

He was not anxious at all, still giggling, his expression calm and composed.

Zhang Zhongyi said doubtfully: "To save the little one, we need to invite a Master of Earth Element. You haven't forgotten, have you?"

Ning Zhuo cupped his hands towards Zhang Zhongyi and bowed slightly: "Lord Zhang, please do not be offended. This junior is the Master of Earth Element."

Zhang Zhongyi was stunned, looking at the white-clothed young man in front of him with disbelief: "You?!"

Ning Zhuo straightened up, letting his arms hang down, a smile on his face: "Absolutely genuine."

Sun Lingtong: "Hehe! Little Zhuo, Physician Zhang, please hurry and begin. I'm getting a little impatient."