Chapter 458: Regret Not Becoming Sworn Brothers

Random Recommendation:

Three Generals' Camp.

Liu Er reviewed military affairs, his brow furrowed in worry.He finished the last document, placing it in the corner of the desk, and sighed deeply.After summoning a subordinate to convey his orders, Liu Er lifted the tent flap, gazed towards the camp gate, then let the flap fall back. With hands behind his back, he paced within the tent."Why is he still not back?" Liu Er muttered.Ning Zhuo had informed Liu Er of his invitation to Shuang Jing's banquet before departing.Because of this, Liu Er had been restless since morning.It wasn't until a subordinate reported Ning Zhuo's return that Liu Er's face broke into a smile.He immediately lifted the tent flap and hurried towards the camp gate.Upon meeting Ning Zhuo, he let out a hearty laugh, his smile as warm as fire: "Strategist, you've returned! It's good you're back!"While welcoming him, Liu Er secretly observed Ning Zhuo's expression.Seeing Ning Zhuo's furrowed brow and air of melancholy, his heart sank. He quickly asked: "Strategist, did Shuang Jing trouble you? Worry not, we three brothers will stand by you."Ning Zhuo shook his head: "That was not the case.""Shuang Jing invited me, seeking to recruit me as his retainer."Liu Er's smile froze, and his heart instantly turned cold. The matter he feared most had come to pass.But he forced a smile: "This... this requires careful consideration.""Although Shuang Jing's background is noble, Strategist, yours is not far behind.""Moreover, becoming a retainer means losing one's freedom—""Oh, that won't happen. He stated clearly that I can leave at any time and will not be restricted in my freedom," Ning Zhuo waved his hand, saying.Liu Er's smile froze again, and his heart sank to the bottom. Yet, he still cupped his hands in congratulation: "That way... that is indeed excellent. After all, Shuang Jing's lineage is truly extraordinary. I must congratulate the Strategist. Relying on Shuang Jing will surely help you succeed in avenging your family even more effectively."Ning Zhuo shook his head: "I did not agree on the spot."Liu Er's eyes immediately lit up: "Could it be, Strategist, that you..."Ning Zhuo nodded: "I am considering it."Liu Er's expression darkened once more.Ning Zhuo glanced at the training grounds within the camp: "Why do I not see Generals Guan Hong and Zhang Hei drilling the troops?""Our army is newly formed. Having won this victory and captured a Nascent Soul cultivator, morale is high. We should seize every moment to continue training and prepare for the grand battles to come."Liu Er sighed deeply: "I was just about to seek advice from the Strategist. The soldiers are clamoring and quite dissatisfied, needing compensation and wanting to amend the previous agreement. The third brother took the initiative to handle it.""As for the second brother, he is absorbing national power within his tent, enhancing his cultivation."The rewards for the three generals, Liu, Guan, and Zhang, in addition to promotion, included ten units of national power.Ning Zhuo immediately became interested: "How are General Guan's injuries?"Previously, Wu Hen's sneak attack on Guan Hong had injured Guan Hong's right arm.As he was speaking, a divine sense message was conveyed: "Thank you, Strategist, for your concern. My right arm injury is much more troublesome than expected. Despite trying all methods in rotation, it is difficult to see any effect."It was Guan Hong.Clearly, he had concluded his current cultivation session.Liu Er's brow furrowed. He and Ning Zhuo immediately entered the tent together to visit Guan Hong.The tent was dim, lit by a few candles. The candlelight was a鲜紅 hue, emitting a blood-like glow.Guan Hong wore a dark green robe, but his right arm was exposed. The wound was clearly swollen, and the flesh had a blackish-purple color."Wicked path!" Liu Er's face sank."Wicked path!" Ning Zhuo's eyes lit up.Liu Er suddenly cupped his hands and bowed to Ning Zhuo: "Does the Strategist also dabble in the wicked path? I saw that the Strategist has a sickle weapon, which must be one of the Night Rain Demonic Weapons. During the ambush battle, the sickle easily repelled Wu Hen, its power immense! I implore the Strategist for assistance."Ning Zhuo nodded: "I do not cultivate much in the wicked path, merely had good fortune and obtained a Night Rain Demonic Weapon.""General Guan, may I examine the wound?"Guan Hong nodded: "Strategist, please."Ning Zhuo examined his wound, his divine sense penetrating within. He discovered that the blackish-purple was spreading.It was not only spreading within the flesh but also eroding the surface of the bone."Although the wound is not large, if left untreated, over time it will erode and cause more severe injuries," Liu Er also projected his divine sense, his heart filled with worry.He and Guan Hong looked at Ning Zhuo, their gazes hinting at anticipation.Ning Zhuo shook his head: "I possess the Night Rain Demonic Weapon and am only skilled in killing. It is difficult to treat such injuries.""However, although the wicked path is difficult to resolve, at this time the injury is still confined to the right arm. Perhaps, General Guan can rely on national power to surge in cultivation and suppress and crush it in one go?"Guan Hong sighed: "That is a last resort."Liu Er immediately said: "Second brother, those ten units of national power are all for you. I have also decided on the third brother's share! I will compensate the third brother."Guan Hong's heart was touched.Ning Zhuo was a little curious and couldn't help but ask: "The ten units of national power were bestowed by the royal capital. Can they be concentrated and used by one of you?"Liu Er nodded: "The imperial decree only stated that these ten units of national power were bestowed upon us three. It did not specify names or allocate them precisely,so it should be feasible.""But the Strategist's four units of national power can only be used by the Strategist himself."At this point, Liu Er hesitated for a moment, still advising: "Strategist, perhaps you can save them for later use. If the Strategist becomes Shuang Jing's retainer,absorbing national power will surely yield greater gains."Guan Hong was taken aback, then immediately fixed Ning Zhuo with a sharp gaze.Ning Zhuo smiled slightly: "Thank you, General Liu, for your concern. Lord Shuang Jing did explicitly tell me that if I become a retainer, there will be a threefold divine effect."Guan Hong couldn't help but speak: "How can a true man, acting between Heaven and Earth, become a retainer for the sake of minor gain?""If the Strategist desires efficiency, why not seek fame on the battlefield?""Like us three brothers, haven't we been promoted from Guerrilla Generals to Capturing Generals, increasing the efficiency of absorbing national power by twofold compared to before!""With the Strategist's ability, achieving merit on the battlefield is not difficult. Accumulating merit and advancing in military rank is the way to maintain freedom.""Otherwise, becoming a retainer, being ordered and directed by others, how depressing!"Liu Er silently applauded but outwardly reached out and stopped him: "Second brother, no need to say more."Ning Zhuo smiled: "Thank you, General Guan, for your guidance.""It is just that the conditions General Shuang Jing offered are indeed generous, allowing me to depart at any time. In my view, the status of retainer he offers is more of a nominal title and holds no intention of humiliation."One unit of national power yields different results when absorbed by individuals with different conditions.Here, "conditions" refer to the cultivator's status within the corresponding country.Status is divided into substantial and nominal.Substantial positions are the miscellaneous generals held by the three generals and Ning Zhuo's Strategist Libationer. Nominal positions are more varied, with some titles without fiefs falling into this category.Shuang Jing's retainer status is a nominal position. However, due to Shuang Jing's noble status, as long as Ning Zhuo possesses this layer of retainer status, he can achieve threefold results.Hearing that Shuang Jing did not forbid Ning Zhuo's freedom, Guan Hong stroked his beard, his expression slightly cold: "If I were the Strategist, I would never agree to become Shuang Jing's retainer!""Second brother, silence! Each person has their own aspirations; how can you force them!" Liu Er's face was filled with solemnity.Guan Hong stopped speaking.Ning Zhuo showed a hint of embarrassment.Liu Er said warmly: "Strategist, my second brother is blunt. Please do not take it to heart. A good bird chooses its branch to perch, and a wise minister chooses his lord to serve. This is a matter of course.""Alas!""I only regret my shallow fortune and meager strength, unable to establish more achievements and help the Strategist gain more military merit."Ning Zhuo shook his head: "You speak as if I am about to leave the camp. General Liu, do not worry. Leaving aside the fact that after this battle, I will surely travel far and leave Two Ju Nation. Even if I agree to Lord Shuang Jing and become his retainer to broaden my horizons, I will never forget to assist the Three Generals' Camp.""As long as my family's reply arrives soon and allows me to command the precious materials in my possession, I will surely lend a hand to the three generals!"Ning Zhuo promised again. Seeing the unfavorable atmosphere, he excused himself and left the tent.Liu Er gazed at the tent flap, sighing deeply.He sincerely lamented: "Second brother, I was wrong!""Earlier in the Pear Garden, the third brother had invited the Strategist and us to become sworn brothers. If I had insisted then, the Strategist would be our fourth brother. At this moment, how could he possibly leave us?"Guan Hong was silent for a few breaths, then said: "Brother, if you must blame someone, blame me. It was I who refused back then.""I saw that he was young, only at the Foundation Establishment cultivation level, and my heart swelled with arrogance.""Who knew the Strategist's talent was astonishing and made one see him in a new light. Alas, it is I, Guan, who was blind!"Liu Er quickly comforted Guan Hong.Seeing Liu Er's continued worried expression, Guan Hong's brow furrowed: "Brother is worried about the Strategist. How can I, your younger brother, not share your worries?""Why not let me bear the thorns and kneel before the Strategist's tent, pleading with him to stay!"Liu Er was greatly alarmed and grabbed Guan Hong's arm: "Second brother, you must not act like this.""Although the Strategist has great talent, you and I are brothers, as close as siblings. To humiliate you like this is to humiliate me!""We met and came to know each other, fighting side by side. How can I allow a dignified Golden Core to kneel and beg a mere Foundation Establishment, suffering such humiliation?""Alas, I only blame my low status. The Strategist comes from a great clan; such human sentiment is rare."Guan Hong's eyes couldn't help but turn red: "Big brother."Liu Er looked deeply at Guan Hong: "Second brother!""Big brother!""Second brother!!"Zhang Hei lifted the tent flap and walked in at this moment.Seeing this scene, he widened his eyes: "What good news are the two brothers discussing? Why didn't you bring me along?"Guan Hong remained silent.Liu Er sighed deeply and explained to Zhang Hei.Zhang Hei's eyes widened again: "What? The Strategist wants to leave?!""No way!""I'll go talk to him!! We partnered to build an army; he wants to disband halfway through?!"Liu Er quickly grabbed Zhang Hei's arm: "Third brother, do not be so unreasonable. Each person has their own aspirations; how can we force them?""Alas, I only blame my low status, failing to gain hearts.""Big brother!!" Zhang Hei's face was stubborn."Third brother, listen to big brother," Guan Hong said.Zhang Hei glanced at Liu Er, then at Guan Hong, then swung his fist through the air and turned his head to look at the ground: "Alas!!!"