Chapter 502: Enemy Attack

Two days later.Ning Zhu concealed himself within the Mechanical Roaming Dragon.At this moment, the surface of the Mechanical Roaming Dragon had undergone a significant transformation. Its entire body was covered in thick, new plates, resembling layers of blood.Using materials primarily composed of Python-Pattern Blood Fir and Dragon Scale Stone, Ning Zhu spared no expense and repeated his past actions to completely repair the Mechanical Roaming Dragon.In fact, Ning Zhu only spent a day and a half to fully repair the Ten Thousand Mile Roaming Dragon.Subsequently, he wholeheartedly devoted himself to the crafting of mechanical puppets.The Xuanyuan Nine-Craft Platform, the Mystic Palace Gear Platform, and the Juling Shaping Platform were each placed in three separate cabins.A Juling God was summoned, sitting cross-legged on the floor tiles, surrounding the shaping platform base, with its head bowed and waist bent, shaping the materials.It picked up a Python-Pattern Blood Fir, extended its large hand, and stroked from the roots all the way up to the crown. Its immense strength, combined with the wondrous utility of the shaping platform base, allowed the Juling God to obtain a straight and smooth tree trunk with just one stroke.The Juling God also manipulated metal.First, a large amount of metal was brought and placed in its palm.Then, its arm muscles bulged, and with forceful hands, it vigorously compressed the metal into a ball. Both hands continuously applied pressure from all sides, making the metal ball smaller and smaller.During this process, a large amount of impurities turned into golden liquid, flowing out and becoming waste material, which was discarded to the side. After a period of compression, the Juling God would split open the metal ball again, crush it, and then compress it into a ball once more.After several such rounds, it obtained a pure, brightly colored alloy ball. It lightly cupped its hand, forming a circle with its tiger's mouth, thumb, and index finger. Subsequently, the middle finger, ring finger, and little finger compressed forcefully.The metal ball was instantly squeezed out into a small lump. The Juling God then used the thumb and index finger of its right hand to pinch out the small lump.It placed the small metal lump on the Juling Shaping Platform and rubbed it in its palm for a while, making it perfectly round.Following the same method, a large number of small metal balls were created.After being roughly processed in this manner, a large quantity of materials were sent into the Mystic Palace Gear Platform.This palace-shaped mechanical platform base slowly rotated on its own. Within it were countless precise gears and mechanisms, also meticulously rotating on their own and coordinating closely.Mechanism - Gear Modulation Art!Ning Zhu activated this mechanism art, controlling it with his spiritual consciousness, to process all the materials used.As Ning Zhu fully operated the platform base, the gears and other mechanisms within emitted a faint hum, as if some mysterious power was awakening.Various materials quickly combined, and a large number of talismans were inscribed. With the incorporation of numerous gears, these preliminary mechanical puppet forms gained initial movement capabilities.Ning Zhu exhaled a turbid breath and opened the Mystic Palace Gear Platform. Mechanical puppets flew out one after another, a batch totaling forty-eight!These forty-eight preliminary mechanical puppet forms were finally sent into the cabin of the third Mechanical Roaming Dragon.The Xuanyuan Nine-Craft Platform was responsible for the final process.The mechanical puppets lay on the simple, smooth platform surface.Beneath the platform surface, a large number of talismans constantly changed, appearing and disappearing, combining with each other to form various talisman arrays, thereby creating different manufacturing processes.Heavenly Fire Casting!A large number of flaws within and without the mechanical puppets were burned and refined by countless points of heavenly fire. Some heavenly fire was as large as a flame, while others were sparks, or even points of fire.The amount of each point of heavenly fire was just right.Layered Forging!Invisible forging power, like waves of water, surged towards the mechanical puppets one after another.The mechanical puppets floated in mid-air, three feet above the platform surface directly below.The forging power struck the mechanical puppets from all sides and directions, causing layers of forging patterns to appear on the surface of the puppets, which were quite beautiful.Exquisite Carving!The rough surface of the mechanical puppets became as smooth as flowing water. The impurities left behind during the heavenly fire casting were precisely removed.Structural components within the mechanical puppets, such as gears and grooves, were carved more smoothly and fitted closely together.In this way, the three mechanical platforms worked in concert, complementing each other.A large number of mechanical puppets were manufactured, saving Ning Zhu a vast amount of time and energy!Ning Zhu had expended over two hundred mechanical puppets in previous battles. Now, he had replenished them, and even had more than thirty more than before.Clang, clang, clang!Suddenly, the alarm sounded from the camp."Enemy attack!""Enemy coming!!"Ning Zhu's heart tightened. He immediately left the Ten Thousand Mile Roaming Dragon and returned to the outside world.The alarm blared throughout the entire military camp.Ning Zhu activated a magic spell to enhance himself, then immediately activated multiple magic artifacts to protect his body, and rushed out of the military advisor's tent.Generals Liu, Guan, and Zhang had already taken their positions, directing the soldiers to fill the defense line.This battle was different from the previous ones; it was a camp defense battle."Where are the enemies?" Ning Zhu ascended the watchtower and came to Liu Er's side, casting a spell to look into the distance.Soon, he saw a large cloud of purplish-black poisonous mist slowly rising from the foot of the Dice Bone Great Wood Mountain.The inside of the poisonous mist was unfathomably deep; it was unknown what was hidden within.The Three Generals' Camp was currently stationed on the mountainside. Although there was some distance from the poisonous mist, at this rate, it was only a matter of time before they were eroded by the mist.Liu Er furrowed his brows, his face full of worry: "Military Advisor, you've come!""You know our situation.""If the enemy attacks and we face them head-on, even if we can't win, we can make the enemy pay a price.""But now, the other side has only unleashed poisonous mist, and our several battle formations are not suitable for this situation.""Hmph!""The enemy came prepared and specifically employed a method to counter our army."Ning Zhu withdrew his gaze and spiritual consciousness: "More importantly, is there an army ambushed within this poisonous mist?""Fortunately, we have the camp to rely on, giving us some geographical advantage.""In my opinion, we should first attempt to defend. If the timing is not right, then we can consider a withdrawal plan."Liu Er nodded: "That's all we can do."At present, the enemy's strength was unclear, and the Three Generals' Camp was in a passive position.Setting up the camp was not easy, and it included many defensive capabilities, which was one of the Three Generals' Camp's advantages.In this situation, the Three Generals' Camp choosing to defend in place was the best strategy.If the enemy were ambushed around them, their rash abandonment of the camp would be equivalent to actively giving up their advantage.Plunging into the enemy's ambush circle, the Three Generals' Camp would undoubtedly suffer a huge blow."All forces heed the order, hold the position!" Liu Er ordered loudly.Immediately, he asked with his spiritual consciousness: "Who can go out and probe the depths of the poisonous mist for our army?"Zhang Hei immediately responded loudly.Subsequently, Guan Hong also indicated that he could go.Liu Er pondered in silence.Ning Zhu smiled slightly and immediately said: "General, I have mechanical soldiers who do not fear sacrifice. Let me first send a small squad of mechanical troops to charge into the mist.""If that doesn't work, it will not be too late for Generals Guan and Zhang to make their move."Liu Er immediately nodded, expressing his approval and anticipation for Ning Zhu's actions.Ning Zhu immediately took action, summoning a team of mechanical puppets from his storage belt.The small squad of mechanical puppets immediately rushed out of the Three Generals' Camp, all the way to the foot of the mountain, and directly entered the poisonous mist.There were no enemy troops in the poisonous mist, only a single Golden Core cultivator.It was the Corrupt Poison General, Diao Ye.Diao Ye's skin was dark red, his face like a malevolent spirit. Seeing the mechanical puppets charge into the poisonous mist, he immediately activated his magic spell.The poisonous mist enveloped the mechanical puppets, seeping into their interiors through various gaps, attacking both from within and without, causing intense corrosion.Soon, these mechanical puppets were like candles burning fiercely, becoming shorter and slower as they advanced, until they stopped halfway, completely unable to move.Ning Zhu felt this and reported to Liu Er: "We did not encounter a large enemy force. But this poisonous mist is intensely corrosive. If it really drifts into the military camp, our army will likely suffer heavy casualties."Liu Er nodded: "We must employ means to block the poisonous mist."Ning Zhu further advised: "There may be a great battle, and military strength should be used sparingly.""I can set up an altar for rituals, or arrange a static formation specifically to guard against the poisonous mist."At present, the Three Generals' Camp was in a defensive posture, remaining fixed within the camp. The scope of using formations was greatly expanded, including not only dynamic formations but also static formations.To be honest, the types and contents of static formations were far more numerous than dynamic formations!Liu Er thought for a moment: "The Military Advisor's magic power must also be conserved. Arranging a static formation is the preferred option."Thus, Ning Zhu directed some cultivators to quickly set up a static formation around the camp.Puff, puff!A series of flying spears were hurled, hitting many cultivators from the Three Generals' Camp who were setting up formations outside, killing them on the spot!"Hahaha," an arrogant male voice came, "You're thinking too naively! Setting up a formation under my nose? You all deserve to die!"Ning Zhu's pupils constricted slightly. He immediately identified the owner of the voice: "It's the Venomous Barbarian Wulan."The soldiers of the Three Generals' Camp stirred slightly.They were unable to detect Wulan, yet their own people were being shot down one by one by him. This was a significant blow to morale.Liu Er immediately spoke up, boosting morale, and at the same time sent more soldiers to participate in setting up the static formation."Wulan, get out!" Guan Hong, receiving Liu Er's military order, charged out of the camp alone.He held the Blood Dragon Blade in one hand, patrolling around, pretending not to know. Suddenly, he flipped his wrist and struck with the single blade.A dragon roar sounded.Blood light splashed!Wulan snorted coldly, narrowly avoiding being struck. At the crucial moment, he raised the poisonous thorn spear in his hand, difficultly blocking the heavy and sharp blade.Guan Hong extended a leg and directly kicked Wulan flying.Seeing Wulan's disheveled appearance, the soldiers of the Three Generals' Camp immediately cheered loudly, and their morale began to noticeably improve."Quick, set up the formation as I said," Ning Zhu seized the time, directing the soldiers to set up a static formation in various locations.Wulan was pursued by Guan Hong, while Diao Ye seized the opportunity to unleash his poison art.Balls of poisonous mist, like giant rolling spheres, rolled all the way from the foot of the mountain to the mountainside.Liu Er and Zhang Hei took action one after another, bursting many of the poisonous mist giant spheres halfway."Bed crossbows ready, shoot for me!" Ning Zhu, with a focused mind on multiple tasks, directed the cultivators to operate multiple bed crossbows in the Three Generals' Camp, firing huge crossbow bolts.The crossbow bolts also shot down many poisonous mist giant spheres.Just as the static formation was about to be successfully established, a foul wind suddenly arose, and large patches of black clouds surged out of thin air, quickly covering the sky above the mountaintop!Poisonous water fell from the black clouds, dripping and trickling, forming a poisonous rain.The poisonous rain soaked the mountain terrain, corroding pools of poisonous water, and then black poisonous snakes swam out from the pools.Initially, these poisonous snakes were at the Qi Refining level. But soon, Foundation Establishment level poisonous snakes appeared, as large as galloping horses.In the few largest pools of poisonous liquid, Golden Core level auras were brewing.The faces of Liu, Guan, Zhang, and Ning immediately became solemn.They all recognized it.Divine Ability - Ten Thousand Snake Poison Current!This was the trump card of the Chief Priest of the Hundred Poison Tribe, Tu Ming. The appearance of this divine ability meant that the enemy had at least one Nascent Soul level True Lord.The static formation was just a little short of completion.But the poisonous rain poured down, and poisonous snakes attacked everywhere, creating extremely strong resistance.While Ning Zhu hesitated, Liu Er decisively ordered the termination of the formation setup: "This is clearly Tu Ming's scheme, intending to use the successful completion of the formation as a bait to induce us to continue committing troops."Ning Zhu strictly followed the military order, immediately withdrawing the soldiers, sighing: "Alas, if my mechanical puppets could set up formations under my command, that would be great!"He spoke urgently: "Tu Ming once clashed with the White Jade Camp, and his poison art is extremely formidable. Our army lacks the foundation of the White Jade Camp, and our military equipment is simply unable to hold out. General, I propose we immediately attack, fighting and retreating at the same time. At least we cannot let the poisonous mist engulf us!"Liu Er nodded repeatedly. On this point, he and Ning Zhu were in agreement.While the military camp was good, it was difficult to defend against poison art.Clearly, the enemy who planned this attack had a brain and specifically dispatched Tu Ming, Diao Ye, and Wulan to deal with the Three Generals' Camp.Without a doubt, the Three Generals' Camp was in a significant disadvantage.Liu Er began to dispatch the army and set up battle formations.In this situation, Ning Zhu's Light Body Swift Wind Formation would be very suitable. However, Ning Zhu rarely participated in military training on a daily basis, and the Three Generals' Camp had not practiced it much at all.Liu Er chose the Triangular Arrow Formation. He temporarily left Generals Guan and Zhang to resist Wulan and Diao Ye, while he occupied the center of the formation,with Ning Zhu occupying the formation eye.The Triangular Arrow Formation successfully condensed. The trenches around the camp had been filled with poisonous liquid, and the chevaux de frise and other defenses had been completely corroded.With a shout from Liu Er, Guan and Zhang both delivered a fierce blow to their opponents, then quickly retreated into the military formation.Ning Zhu immediately retreated to the central area of the military formation, with Generals Guan and Zhang taking over the two formation eyes.Unlike the novice Ning Zhu, as soon as Guan and Zhang entered the formation, the entire army felt their military power surge, and the battle formation became several times smoother.Seeing the Three Generals' Camp charge out of the camp, Wulan and Diao Ye dared not approach.At this moment, the military power was added to Liu, Guan, and Zhang, making the individual combat strength of these three people extremely powerful.Wulan had previously dared to engage in close combat with Guan Hong, wielding his weapon. Now, as soon as he sensed any sign of any of the three generals rushing out, he would immediately retreat far away.This was no laughing matter!A little carelessness and you would lose your life.The previous ambush battle had made both the Two Notes Kingdom and the Thousand Peaks Forest aware of each other's methods.The strong individuals of the Thousand Peaks Forest had a profound understanding of the power of military formations, and now, in combat, they were extremely cautious!The Three Generals' Camp charged to the foot of the mountain.Liu Er held up the Xuanhuang Sword, employing military tactics, and added protection to the entire army.Ning Zhu activated his magic spell, stirring up a strong wind to resist the approaching poisonous mist.