Chapter 455: Military Advisor Returns to Camp

Within Sun Ning's heart, a sudden tremor arose.They desired to depart, yet were halted by Grandfather Long's voice.With a smiling countenance, Grandfather Long gazed upon the colossal stone sphere on the ground: "Fellow Daoist Stone, if my eyes deceive me not, you have reaped abundant spoils from this battle.""The armaments of these enemy troops are exceptionally fine, whereas our side in the Thousand Peaks Forest is greatly lacking in this regard.""Might you consider selling these captured goods to our alliance?""To say nothing of other items, that very volume, the '遗书 of Gao Sheng,' is of crucial importance. Even if fragmented, it is a military treasure, perfectly suited for our army's use."Ning Zhuo's heart slightly relaxed, for just a moment ago, he had feared being exposed.In that brief interval, a thin layer of sweat had already formed on his back."Ah, so that is the case," Ning Zhuo said with an air of nonchalance, "No need to rush, I shall consider it."Observing the brilliance of the Earth Element Technique Old Monster Stone was urging grow ever more resplendent, Grandfather Long hastily inquired: "Fellow Daoist Stone, how might I contact you?"Ning Zhuo coldly snorted: "When I have given it due consideration, I shall naturally contact you!"Having spoken, he controlled the stone sphere, causing it to directly merge into the ground and vanish before the eyes of the assembled cultivators.Earth Element Technique!The Master of Ink Abyss Cave narrowed his eyes slightly, sighing inwardly: "Old Monster Stone's execution of the Earth Element Technique is even more effortless and unrestrained than before, possessing a true essence of simplifying the complex.""His strength has indeed seen a tremendous increase compared to prior times!"Grandfather Long remained silent, gazing at the ground where Old Monster Stone had just been, his gaze deep and profound.As he remained silent, the other cultivators dared not speak either.Thus, the cultivators quietly withdrew together in a wordless atmosphere.Halfway along their journey.Grandfather Long suddenly transmitted a message through his divine sense, questioning Lu Hongtu: "I heard you gifted a parcel of the Western Pure Land to Old Monster Stone?"Lu Hongtu was instantly astonished!His heart was greatly shaken: "Only Old Monster Stone and our three were present at that time, how did Grandfather Long come to know of this?!"Upon further contemplation, Lu Hongtu grew increasingly suspicious.For it was highly probable that a mole had emerged among the two, Demon Heart and Blood Shadow.If this were truly the case, why would Grandfather Long directly question him? Would that not directly expose the existence of the mole?"Or could it be that Old Monster Stone leaked the information?"Lu Hongtu did not respond for a moment, a myriad of thoughts surging within his mind.Grandfather Long coldly snorted: "Cave Master Lu, your faction emerged unscathed from this battle and yet achieved numerous merits.""You managed to trap the Golden Halberd Army for a time, and even rescued Physician Scarlet Vine and others.""Your foresight is truly remarkable!"Hearing the underlying meaning in the words, Lu Hongtu immediately understood Grandfather Long's displeasure.He hastily humbled himself: "These insignificant merits of ours were all achieved under your guidance, Grandfather Long. The true merit belongs to you, Grandfather Long."Grandfather Long snorted coldly once more: "I shall not waste further words with you. I shall ask you a single question, and you must answer truthfully, otherwise you shall bear the consequences!""This Old Monster Stone... has he already advanced to the level of Nascent Divinity?"While accompanying Old Monster Stone as he traversed underground, Grandfather Long sensed a trace of Nascent Divinity aura emanating from the stone sphere.At that moment, his heart was greatly shaken, but he suppressed the revelation.After reaching temporary safety, Old Monster Stone's impolite attitude further intensified Grandfather Long's suspicion.The Master of Ink Abyss Cave almost failed to maintain the expression on his face.He gritted his teeth inwardly, recalling the battle against the Ginseng Root Dragon King.Although that battle had occurred many years ago, it remained vivid in his memory.Lu Hongtu chose his words carefully, stating: "Nascent Divinity? Why does Grandfather Long say this? Why do you have such a conjecture?""I gifted the Western Pure Land solely considering Old Monster Stone's origin. This generous gift held great weight for him.""And only by bestowing such a significant gift could I attract such a master to engage in battle, would it not?"Grandfather Long gave Lu Hongtu a deep look, then continued to gaze forward, transmitting through his divine sense: "You went to great lengths and personal expense to persuade Nascent Soul and Golden Core level cultivators to participate in this ambush, and for this, you have earned merit.""However, if you conceal vital information, these merits will not even begin to offset your transgressions. You must understand this clearly!""What purpose does it serve to conceal it from me now?""You may even attempt to lie when you face Lord Dragon King yourself."Lu Hongtu took a deep breath, finally furrowing his brows slightly, revealing a hint of worry.He pondered for a moment, and ultimately confessed, communicating through divine sense: "So be it.""The reason I gifted the Western Pure Land at that time was that I sensed a slight aura of Nascent Divinity on Old Monster Stone's person.""Based on this, I deduced that even if this person had not successfully broken through, he was already quite close to the Nascent Divinity realm.""In truth, judging by age, Old Monster Stone is much, much older than you or I, is he not? His accumulation can be considered profound."Grandfather Long was silent for a moment, then continued to inquire: "When you observe Old Monster Stone again this time, what are your impressions?""Do you believe he has already reached the Nascent Divinity level?"The Master of Ink Abyss Cave said with a bitter smile: "How could I possibly make an accurate judgment?""I am but a mere Nascent Soul cultivator, how could I fathom the capabilities of a Nascent Divinity?""I can only speak of the facts I have observed. That is, upon meeting this time, the aura of Nascent Divinity on Old Monster Stone's person is far less than before."Grandfather Long was quite forceful, and the Master of Ink Abyss Cave had vast properties and enterprises; the entire Six Caves Faction was within the Thousand Peaks Forest, with no possibility of escape.Therefore, after assessing the situation, the Master of Ink Abyss Cave could only be candid.Upon hearing his response, Grandfather Long's pupils constricted, and he couldn't help but ponder: "Old Monster Stone's physical body is unharmed, yet his aura is diminishing. Does this imply that after advancing to the Nascent Divinity level, he is increasingly capable of controlling his power, and is becoming more adept at concealing his aura?"It was not without reason that he harbored such suspicions.On one hand, Ning Zhuo's attitude was clear. On the other hand, the various techniques and profound abilities "Old Monster Stone" displayed in this battle surpassed his former capabilities."If Old Monster Stone is already a Nascent Divinity, he is naturally capable of resisting the decree of Lord Dragon King.""Therefore, in the ambush battle just now, he did not exert his full strength at all, and remained completely unscathed, the constraints of the decree showing no reaction." "Does he not wish to return to the Thousand Peaks Forest because he does not want to face Lord Dragon King, and fears his true cultivation will be exposed?""But if he has become a Nascent Divinity, he can completely communicate with Lord Dragon King as an equal, why would he actively avoid him?""Is it that although his advancement was successful, he is wounded?"Grandfather Long made many conjectures, unable to comprehend or see through the situation.He used to think that he had clearly understood Old Monster Stone's temperament and abilities. The latter had a peculiar origin, but his personality was dull and he was not skilled at social interaction.Although his foundation was profound, he did not pose much of a threat.After this battle, Grandfather Long's original impression of Old Monster Stone was completely overturned."This fellow is outwardly simple but inwardly cunning, outwardly loyal but inwardly traitorous!""Throughout the entire ambush battle, the one who benefited the most was he. To the extent that Lord Dragon King owes him a significant commendation.""Alas, the situation is far too complex."Grandfather Long sighed bitterly in his heart.In his view, this ambush battle was a minor victory, a narrow victory, but the outcome of the war was utterly insignificant compared to Old Monster Stone's true cultivation!"Even if I report this crucial information, I fear Lord Dragon King will still suppress it, won't he?"Under normal circumstances, the Ginseng Root Dragon King would certainly conduct rigorous investigations and restraints on a second possible advancing Nascent Divinity level cultivator.But now, the armies of the Two States are pressing down, with powerful enemies close at hand, and the Ginseng Root Dragon King dares not rashly initiate a conflict.If a battle were to break out, the side of the Two States would likely die laughing."Therefore, the optimal strategy is to temporarily unite with Old Monster Stone, forming a strong alliance, with the primary goal of defeating the Two States' armies.""If this is the case, then the rewards for Old Monster Stone will likely be even more extraordinary!"After all, the treatment for a Nascent Divinity level cultivator naturally differs from that of a Nascent Soul level cultivator."Is Old Monster Stone truly a Nascent Divinity level cultivator?""Forget it, this problem should be left for Lord Dragon King to headache over."Earth Element Technique!Ning Zhuo activated this spell, returning once more to the vicinity of the battlefield."Old Monster Stone" did not emerge from the ground, but completed the exchange deep within the earth.Ning Zhuo retracted his Earth Element Spleen Temple, and Sun Lingtong transported the stone sphere back into the Ten Thousand Mile Roaming Dragon.Then, the two passed through the void via the Ten Thousand Mile Roaming Dragon, returning to the surface.Ning Zhuo used the Ten Thousand Mile Roaming Dragon as a belt, wrapping it around himself, and hastily rushed back to the army.Amidst the battlefield ruins, Sun Gan's face was ashen as he surveyed the heavily injured army, severely reprimanding his generals such as Shuang Jing and Xu Dali: "Had I not prepared in advance and ordered the Fire Cloud Camp to march secretly, our losses this time would have been even more severe!"After a round of reprimand, his expression softened slightly, and he addressed the three generals, Liu Guan Zhang: "The three generals are courageous and capable, to have captured a Nascent Soul demon cultivator, this is a great merit! I shall truthfully report it to the imperial court and request commendation for the three generals."Guan Hong stroked his beard and remained silent.Zhang Hei grinned, emitting a silent laugh.Liu Er cupped his hands, humbly deferring and stating that all credit belonged to Lord Sun Gan's effective command.Mu Lan, standing nearby, cast a glance at the three generals, envy shimmering in her eyes.Following this, Liu Er mentioned her, expressing gratitude for Mu Lan's assistance in casting the Battle Formation Manifestation Red Flower to the Three Generals' Camp at a crucial moment, while she herself led the Red Flower Camp to reinforce the White Jade Camp.Sun Gan extended his hand: "General Mu Lan's action was wise. It was precisely due to her trust in you, Liu Er, that she entrusted this important task to your Three Generals' Camp.""From the results, you did not fail this trust, capturing Ma Feitui alive, which is truly remarkable!"Sun Gan also cultivated military strategy, and from his perspective, he highly approved of Mu Lan's decision.In fact, the Red Flower Camp did play a crucial role. Had they not arrived in time to help the White Jade Camp alleviate the pressure from cultivators like Physician Scarlet Vine, the White Jade Camp would likely have collapsed long ago.Sun Gan delivered a round of exhortations, then ordered the troops to rest and reorganize on the spot.The rest period was extremely brief.Halfway back to their camp, Liu Er and the others were still discussing Ning Zhuo, wondering where the strategist was and whether he could return in time.As it turned out, they had just returned to their own military camp when they learned from the guards that Ning Zhuo had already returned.Liu Er was overjoyed and rushed over.Upon seeing Ning Zhuo, he extended his arms, opening them wide, and passionately rushed towards Ning Zhuo.He ran up to Ning Zhuo, tightly grasping him: "Strategist, it is fortunate we have the Strategist.""Strategist, it is truly wonderful that you are safe and sound!"Guan Hong and Zhang Hei also hurried over.Zhang Hei grinned with a "hehe" upon seeing Ning Zhuo.Even Guan Hong offered Ning Zhuo a smile.In the ambush battle, Ning Zhuo had displayed powerful combat strength, earning the admiration of the three generals. Furthermore, the camaraderie forged in defeating a formidable enemy had greatly shortened the distance between the three generals and Ning Zhuo."Strategist, Lord Sun Gan even specifically mentioned you.""Your divination this time truly helped us greatly.""According to Sun Gan's intention, he wishes to request you to divine once more!"Ning Zhuo: "Ah?"Zhang Hei interjected: "Strategist, you have become famous this time. Your prophetic verses are too accurate. No wonder that fellow Sun Gan is also moved!"