Chapter 456: For Home, For Country

Within the Commander's Pavilion.Sun Gan sat in the main seat, a smile upon his face, gesturing for Ning Zhuo to take the seat to his left.He leaned towards Ning Zhuo, saying, "Advisor Ning is truly a young talent, a man of remarkable bearing!"Ning Zhuo smiled, his upper body held straight. He offered a slight bow, responding, "General Sun is too kind. This summoned me here to divine whether our return journey to the city will be safe, is that it?"Sun Gan's pupils contracted slightly. He no longer leaned towards Ning Zhuo but sat back straight in his chair, a noncommittal smile on his face. "Could it be that Advisor Ning, having divined beforehand, knows of our army's impending return?"Ning Zhuo shook his head gently. "I am not skilled in divination. Only when some crisis approaches does my heart grow heavy, a premonition arises. Only then can I divine a somewhat accurate result.""As for our army's return to the city, there is no need to divine this matter at all.""We are the rear guard, meant to rendezvous with the main force. However, shortly ago, during our march, our army was ambushed and suffered heavy losses.""Of the Savage Demon Battalion, only the commander and personal guards remain. The White Jade Battalion has but a hundred souls left, a truly pitiable sight.""The Red Flower Battalion and the Three Generals Battalion have suffered numerous casualties. Only the Fiery Cloud Battalion and the Golden Halberd Army emerged unscathed.""Our total strength has been diminished by more than half. Even if we were to hasten to join the main force, the original purpose is lost.""Furthermore, with most armies suffering heavy losses, yet only Senior Sun's Golden Halberd Army remains intact, this matter, when spoken aloud, does not sit well."Sun Gan narrowed his eyes, his expression growing somewhat heavy.Ning Zhuo's words had struck true to his heart.If the Golden Halberd Army had suffered some losses, it would be acceptable.Now, with the entire army unharmed, while other armies suffered severe casualties, should others learn of this, they might well believe Sun Gan prioritized his own safety, choosing to sacrifice allied forces for his own merit.Though there was no concrete evidence, such a perception would greatly damage Sun Gan's reputation and prestige.As for the Fiery Cloud Battalion, they marched high above, and their crucial technique defeated Lord Long. Others would not point fingers at them.In ordinary times, Sun Gan would not have overly worried about such idle chatter.But now there was great trouble – the White Jade Battalion suffered heavy losses, with only a hundred-plus survivors. Too many noble and esteemed families' children perished in this ambush.Sun Gan, as the leader, would undoubtedly bear responsibility.He was greatly concerned that those in the capital, due to the sacrifice of their children, would hold him responsible and seek to cause him trouble.In such circumstances, if discussions unfavorable to him circulated within the army, the avengers would undoubtedly seize upon this point, using it as powerful evidence to attack Sun Gan.Amidst surging public sentiment, it was possible Sun Gan could be impeached, losing his command and being replaced by another!Ning Zhuo continued, "The Thousand Peaks Forest side is unpredictable.""Currently, the Fiery Cloud Battalion has been exposed, losing its element of surprise. Furthermore, Lord Long survived. And as the Ginseng Dragon King is strong in vital energy, healing Lord Long is a matter of course, a trifle of ease.""Our forces have suffered severe losses. If we continue our advance and encounter another ambush, what then?"Sun Gan tapped the armrest of his chair with his fingers, lost in thought.Ning Zhuo smiled faintly. "Indeed, powerful adversaries like Lord Long are one thing.""What concerns me more is the Old Monster in Stone!""This Nascent Soul Cultivator's Earth Evasion technique is truly too formidable.""He moves underground as if in a realm without others!""I have reviewed the combat footage from this battle at least three times. The Old Monster in Stone is not as described in previous intelligence. This cultivator possesses deep cunning and a nimble mind. He garnered the most spoils of war and is the greatest winner of this battle.""Such a Nascent Soul cultivator might well be hiding beneath our very eyes at this moment, silently listening to the conversation between General Sun and myself." Sun Gan took a deep breath and spoke slowly, "What you say is reasonable."Ning Zhuo observed his expression, and seeing Sun Gan's solemn countenance, he guessed that the Golden Halberd Army likely possessed no potent means to counter the Earth Evasion technique.Ning Zhuo was about to speak when the tent flap was lifted, and Shuang Jing walked straight in."Advisor Ning's words are extremely reasonable! Our army has tangled with the Old Monster in Stone and knows full well that this cultivator, outwardly honest, is in reality extremely sly and cunning. In the great battle just now, the Old Monster in Stone exerted the least effort, but reaped the greatest reward!"As the primary victim, Shuang Jing held a deeply etched impression of the Old Monster in Stone. As he spoke now, he unconsciously gritted his teeth, his face filled with hatred and anger."General Shuang." Ning Zhuo bowed his hands in greeting.Sun Gan furrowed his brow, staring at Shuang Jing. "General Shuang entered my tent without reporting first. What is the meaning of this? At this hour, you should be inspecting your own tent, comforting your wounded and remaining troops."Shuang Jing shrugged. "My army has been completely decimated. What is there to prepare? I only wish to return to Azurewood Immortal City as quickly as possible and request aid from the capital!""So, what are we still lingering here for? Waiting for those scoundrels from Thousand Peaks Forest to turn back and attack again?"Sun Gan snorted coldly. "With my Golden Halberd Army here, what is there to fear!"Just as he was about to continue speaking, the tent flap was lifted once again.A burly Nascent Soul body cultivator, Xu Dali, stormed in from outside.Xu Dali held a jade slip, his face etched with anger, and questioned Sun Gan, "Sun Gan! What are you playing at? Our army suffered such heavy casualties, bore the brunt of the assault, and gained you the most precious reaction time.""And the result!" Xu Dali raised the jade slip in his hand. "You give us so little in terms of death compensation? Do you not know that many perished for the nation just now? Yet you are so stingy, so callous!""Silence!" Sun Gan was enraged. He shot up from his seat and sternly berated Xu Dali, "General Xu, you had best understand this: I am now the commander of the rear guard. Furthermore, you fought poorly, a general in disgrace. What right have you to shout orders in my presence?""After returning to Azurewood Immortal City, await your accountability!"A flush of blood rose to Xu Dali's face. "Sun Gan, you contemptible man! Leading the army poorly this time, you wish to push all the blame onto me. I do not believe the civil and military officials in the capital will allow you to distort the truth and emphasize trivialities while downplaying the significant!"Sun Gan slammed the table. "Silence, you oaf."Xu Dali strode forward. As he passed Shuang Jing, he shoved him aside, went to Sun Gan's front, and across the table, glared at him, roaring, "Immediately increase the death compensation, or you will not have an easy time today!"Sun Gan and Xu Dali immediately fell into a heated argument.Shuang Jing shook his head, offering Ning Zhuo a wry smile, then gestured towards the tent flap.Ning Zhuo understood. He stood up, bowed to Sun Gan, and requested leave.Sun Gan was entangled, hotly disputing with the red-faced, thick-necked Xu Dali. How could he attend to Ning Zhuo?Shuang Jing and Ning Zhuo exited the tent one after the other. The former immediately invited Ning Zhuo for a feast upon their return to Azurewood Immortal City, hoping for Ning Zhuo's presence.Shuang Jing was a Nascent Soul cultivator, while Ning Zhuo was merely at the Foundation Establishment stage. However, the former's attitude was quite amiable and gentle.This would never have happened before this battle.Clearly, Shuang Jing had also experienced the accuracy of the prophetic verses. This severe loss further made him understand the four characters: 'military fierce, war dangerous.' Thus, he humbled himself to associate with those of lower status, intending to utilize all possible factors for victory.Ning Zhuo immediately accepted, stating he was overwhelmed with gratitude.There was absolutely no harm in interacting with Shuang Jing.Ning Zhuo's impression of Shuang Jing was not bad. "This noble scion, though arrogant, possesses considerable foresight. In the previous battle, it was he who proactively ordered the continuous replenishment of the armory to delay the 'Old Monster in Stone.' This strategy was excellent!"Ning Zhuo returned to the Three Generals Battalion. The three generals were discussing matters."Advisor returned so quickly?" The three generals stood up, Liu Er's face filled with a spring breeze, proactively greeting him.Ning Zhuo gave a wry smile. "Sun Gan and Xu Dali are arguing."He briefly recounted his trip and also mentioned Shuang Jing's invitation.Liu Er's heart tightened. He immediately realized Shuang Jing was likely trying to recruit Ning Zhuo. The smile on his face couldn't help but become a little more enthusiastic.Liu Er grabbed Ning Zhuo's arm and led him to sit down. "We were just discussing future plans. Advisor's strategies are outstanding, and your contributions are clear for all to see. Please enlighten us, Advisor."Ning Zhuo smiled faintly. "I had initially thought our army would return to Azurewood Immortal City. This visit to Sun Gan has largely confirmed this conjecture.""This arrangement, for our army, is naturally more beneficial than detrimental.""Is our army not in need of training? Merely possessing the Single-Word Long Serpent Formation and the Triangular Arrow Formation is far from enough. We need at least one defensive battle formation, right?"Liu Er sighed. "Advisor is absolutely right. We three just agreed on this. But there is a difficulty at present!"Ning Zhuo immediately understood. "General Liu refers to the matter of military funds?"Liu Er sighed deeply. "Precisely! We suffered many casualties and need to allocate a large sum of money for death compensation to stabilize morale.""But our military funds were already stretched thin before."Ning Zhuo smiled. "Indeed. My array formation and divination before also consumed much military funding."Liu Er quickly waved his hand. "Advisor, this money was well spent, too well spent! If not for Advisor's calculations, our situation at this moment would undoubtedly be more dire than the Savage Demon Battalion's."Ning Zhuo also waved his hand, interrupting Liu Er's subsequent words of gratitude. "General Liu, General Guan, and General Zhang and I felt like old friends at first sight and are exceptionally congenial. Coupled with the old hatred and enmity towards the Six Caverns Sect, my full assistance is my original intention.""As for the military funds, I can also contribute.""Especially this time, the Three Generals Battalion has performed meritorious service, capturing Ma Feitui alive. This is a great achievement.""Our army will certainly receive commendation, and this reward can serve as military funding.""Not only that, I will immediately send a message to my Ning family, explaining the latest situation, hoping the family ancestors will lift the restrictions and allow me to use more precious materials. This way, we can supplement the Three Generals Battalion."Liu Er was deeply moved.Guan Hong looked at Ning Zhuo even more favorably.Zhang Hei grinned, and heavily patted Ning Zhuo's shoulder. Ning Zhuo winced in pain.Liu Er immediately reached out and heavily slapped Zhang Hei's palm, his expression changing drastically, and he instantly rebuked, "Third Brother, how can you be so rude to the Advisor!"Zhang Hei withdrew his reddened palm, hissing in pain. "Elder Brother, you struck harder than I did.""I was just being friendly with our army's Advisor!"Ning Zhuo smiled and said a few words to excuse Zhang Hei.Liu Er cupped his hands, apologizing to Ning Zhuo on behalf of Zhang Hei.Ning Zhuo quickly returned the bow.The atmosphere among the four was relaxed and harmonious. As they discussed the upcoming rewards, all four couldn't help but feel anticipation.The argument between Xu Dali and Sun Gan was not stopped.Shuang Jing was eager to return immediately, while Mu Lan was busy comforting the entire army.Ultimately, Xu Dali and Sun Gan soared into the sky and engaged in a battle. Sun Gan, as the commander of the Imperial Guard, possessed outstanding strength and excellent equipment, already holding an advantage.Xu Dali, on the other hand, was injured and in poor condition.Therefore, the outcome was naturally Sun Gan's victory.However, Sun Gan also lost face as the commander due to this battle. Xu Dali did not respect him, Shuang Jing would not give him a pleasant look, and as for Mu Lan, being from the Prime General's Residence, she also paid him no mind.Consequently, Sun Gan did not wish to linger further and ordered the camp struck and the return to the city the very next morning.The Three Generals Battalion once again marched in the Single-Word Long Serpent Formation.And this time, the other armies also formed ranks, no longer rushing to make haste as before.Ning Zhuo sat back in his previous carriage.To his right was the Heavy-Armored Blood Ape, Great Victory; to his left was the Buddhist Healer, Meng Yaoyin, still providing dual protection.Within the Myriad Li Roaming Dragon, Sun Lingtong transmitted a joyous message through his divine sense to Ning Zhuo. "Xiao Zhuo, we truly gained a lot this time!"He had just finished tallying the spoils."How so?" Ning Zhuo inquired.Sun Lingtong then provided the details.One Earth Milk Pure Spirit Mana Pool, three Towers of Universal Sage Light, hundreds of White Plume Light Dust steeds, as well as numerous military supplies like the Jade Armor, Startling Light Spear, and Moon Phase Shield.Among them, there were over eighty White Plume Light Dust steeds at the Foundation Establishment stage, and over three hundred eighty at the Qi Refining stage, totaling over four hundred sixty. The market price was over eleven million three hundred twenty thousand mid-grade spirit stones.Seven subsequent armories, similar to the Jade Armor and Startling Light Spear, were seized, with an estimated total value of roughly three million five hundred thousand mid-grade spirit stones.The total market value of the above was over thirty million fifty-four thousand mid-grade spirit stones.The greatest gain was the "Legacy of Gao Sheng," whose value was immeasurable!"We've struck it rich! We've become wealthy in one battle!" Sun Lingtong danced with joy within the mechanized dragon.Ning Zhuo also smiled. At this moment, he felt he had cast off poverty and suffering."So, the hardship of the previous battle was all worth it," Ning Zhuo sighed.Sun Lingtong nodded repeatedly in great agreement. "Don't forget, Xiao Zhuo. There are significant rewards from the Thousand Peaks Forest side, and also commendations from the Two Dynasties here!"Ning Zhuo took a deep breath. "This is the wealth of war. This feeling is truly wonderful.""Compared to the gains, we only lost at most thirty percent of the Western Pure Land.""This small expenditure is completely insignificant compared to the harvest!"Sun Lingtong giggled. "I wouldn't mind if we had a dozen more such wars."Ning Zhuo, however, reined in his intoxicated expression. "Boss, we must still be cautious.""There is something I haven't told you before. I almost lost my life in this ambush."Sun Lingtong's expression immediately changed. "What?"Ning Zhuo then recounted to Sun Lingtong how he had used a targeted spatial evasion talisman to save his life.Only then did the smugness on Sun Lingtong's face subside."Fighting on the battlefield is indeed dangerous!" Sun Lingtong said in a low voice.Ning Zhuo: "One who often walks by the river cannot help but get their shoes wet. Boss, my thoughts are different from yours. Such experiences are better fewer in number, and more stable.""Will our good fortune last forever? This is almost impossible.""Compared to us personally participating in battle, I have thought of a relatively stable method that can also earn money."Speaking here, a hint of a strange expression appeared on Ning Zhuo's face.Sun Lingtong's curiosity was piqued, and he immediately pressed him for details.Ning Zhuo, of course, would not conceal anything from Sun Lingtong. "I was also reminded by Lord Long's request for a transaction just before leaving.""These military supplies we have seized are of no use to us, and it is difficult to send them back to the family or the Myriad Medicine Sect for use.""Therefore, the best way to digest them is to sell them to Thousand Peaks Forest.""But besides these military supplies? We can certainly sell more things. Thousand Peaks Forest has a great need for these military armaments. Don't they?""On the other side, does the Two Dynasties not have demands?"Sun Lingtong was puzzled. "It is reasonable that Thousand Peaks Forest, without state support behind it, would be short on military supplies.""Why would the Two Dynasties' military also lack military supplies? This shouldn't be."The corner of Ning Zhuo's mouth couldn't help but curl upwards slightly, then he forcefully smoothed it out. "Boss, the Old Monster in Stone is skilled in Earth Evasion. Is it not very normal for him to continue stealing military supplies?"Sun Lingtong immediately understood, striking his fist against his palm. "Excellent! The Two Dynasties' army does not lack military supplies, so we will work hard to create this demand.""We can also sell the stolen military supplies to Thousand Peaks Forest."Ning Zhuo coughed twice. "Boss, as citizens of the Southern Bean Kingdom, before leaving the country, we received a secret commission from Lord Zhu Xuanji, a member of the royal family.""The Southern Bean Kingdom needs a weak Two Dynasties.""For the sake of the nation, we must fully utilize our abilities, alleviate the worries of our sovereign, and seek welfare for the myriad people of our Southern Bean Kingdom.""Thousand Peaks Forest cannot fall, and the Two Dynasties cannot cease hostilities.""The longer this great war lasts, the better!"Sun Lingtong took a deep breath, a flush of excitement appearing on his face. "Thrilling, too thrilling.""Fun, truly fun!""Xiao Zhuo, it was indeed right for you and me to journey throughout the world together.""This life is truly wonderful!""Let us stir up flames of war and turn this place upside down!"Ning Zhuo shook his head, emphasizing again:"No, no, no. We are enduring hardship, bearing the burden, for our home and our country."Sun Lingtong wiped his nose. "Hmph, say what you will."A few days later.Sun Gan led the rear guard and once again returned to Azurewood Immortal City.The first to enter the city was neither the Golden Halberd Army nor the Fiery Cloud Battalion.Instead, it was a prison cart.Imprisoned within the cart was the humanoid form of Ma Feitui.The city residents cheered upon seeing this.Sun Gan, who entered afterward, rode a fine steed, waving his hand along the way, clearly presenting the image of a triumphant return.And the three generals Liu, Guan, and Zhang, who had captured Ma Feitui alive, followed closely behind Sun Gan.Ning Zhuo, who had written the prophetic verses and gained the attention of many commanders, his status soaring, also followed behind the three generals, heavily boosting his reputation.The army paraded through the city, and most cultivators then left the city again to set up camp.Ning Zhuo remained in the city, going directly to the workshop of Master Jin Li to purchase numerous precious materials, intending to repair the Myriad Li Roaming Dragon himself.The commendation from the Two Dynasties was swift.On the second day of entering the city, an envoy arrived with an imperial decree.The rewards Ning Zhuo had specifically requested also arrived!