Chapter 512: Door-to-Door Delivery

The feast of wine between Ning Zhuo and Liu Er did not last long.For Liu Er was hurried to train the soldiers of the Three Generals' Camp.Before his departure, he patted Ning Zhuo's shoulder, saying: "Though I greatly desire to persuade the Military Advisor, to bestow particular care upon the Three Generals' Camp.""Yet upon careful reflection, I possess not the qualification to offer such counsel.""That we have arrived at this juncture is entirely due to the Military Advisor.""Since Shuang Jing exhibits no sincerity, then I accept the Military Advisor's previous proposal!""I only hope that in the future, we too may successfully depart from the Red Flower Camp."To join requires the consent of Mu Lan.Likewise, should the Three Generals' Camp wish to depart from the Red Flower Camp in the future and establish their own banner, it also requires Mu Lan's consent.Furthermore, it must be reported to the imperial court, and only after a series of procedures can it be successfully accomplished.Ning Zhuo nodded: "This matter shall be arranged by me. I shall seek General Mu Lan for deliberation, and we may enter into a covenant."Liu Er laughed heartily: "A covenant holds little necessity. I trust the Military Advisor."Having spoken thus, he soared away from this place.Ning Zhuo gazed upon Liu Er's departing form, until he vanished amidst the mountain ranges, only then withdrawing his gaze."Liu Er, truly an interesting fellow," he transmitted through divine sense, sighing to Sun Ling Tong.Sun Ling Tong, reclined within the Myriad Miles Roaming Dragon, had also overheard all of this. He lay upon the seat, using his hand as a pillow: "Liu Er indeed possesses a unique talent.""He speaks movingly, but be cautious, Xiao Zhuo.""Until his words are verified, it is better to retain a degree of doubt."Sun Ling Tong continued: "His reaction within the Shuang Jing encampment also warrants deep investigation.""I recall you previously telling me that you suspected — that Liu Er possesses means of detection, and that he is fully aware of the situation within the Three Generals' Camp.""Do you think it possible — that when Liu Er faced Shuang Jing just now, he detected our presence within the inner chamber?"Ning Zhuo nodded: "Old Brother, I have considered all that you have said.""I was merely giving vent to my emotions.""I do harbor suspicion, but from the depths of my heart, I am willing to believe his words are true!"Sun Ling Tong was perplexed: "Ah, why is this so?"Ning Zhuo's eyes shone brightly, a trace of excitement in his voice as he spoke: "Since my journey from Fire Persimmon Immortal City, this is the first time I have encountered a character like him.""He possesses his own aspiration!"Sun Ling Tong: "To establish a pure land free from exclusion? This is indeed a grand aspiration, though it may be a castle in the air?""This objective is truly too grand. Although he possesses Golden Core cultivation, to achieve this goal is far from sufficient.""Even with the assistance of Guan Hong and Zhang Hei, it is still so."Ning Zhuo nodded: "Thus, he is truly most interesting.""His aspiration is so vast, and to realize it, the difficulty is immense!""Compared to his aspiration, Liu Er's strength is too weak.""But his conviction is so steadfast! I can sense that he himself deeply understands the difficulty of achieving his aspiration. Yet, he has done so without hesitation.""This manner of forging ahead towards one's objective, willing to invest one's entirety into this endeavor, truly inspires heartfelt admiration and yearning."Sun Ling Tong felt even more bewildered: "If that is the case, Xiao Zhuo, are you not also like this?""To resurrect your mother, you, at the Foundation Establishment level, began traveling the world, so utterly fearless.""Your age is far less than Liu Er's, therefore, you are even more remarkable!"In Sun Ling Tong's heart, how could Liu Er, or anyone for that matter, be compared to his own younger brother.Ning Zhuo, however, shook his head: "It is different, this is different!"Today's feast of wine had greatly altered Ning Zhuo's impression of Liu Er.From the very beginning, Ning Zhuo had merely wished to utilize Liu, Guan, and Zhang to facilitate his infiltration into the Two Rivulets Nation's conquering army, to mingle on the front lines, and thereby to acquire his mother's mechanism carriage.Thus, although Ning Zhuo had repeatedly provided assistance to Liu, Guan, and Zhang, with increasing generosity, it was all part of his scheme.To say he genuinely desired to support Liu, Guan, and Zhang, such a sentiment was very small.Ultimately, Ning Zhuo's relationship with Liu, Guan, and Zhang was different. The latter three were sworn brothers, while Ning Zhuo had merely encountered them by chance and taken advantage of the situation.Just as Mu Lan plotted against Ning Zhuo, Ning Zhuo also plotted against Liu, Guan, and Zhang.However, as they fought side by side thereafter, the camaraderie between Ning Zhuo and the three generals deepened.Including Liu Er's former aversion to Ning Zhuo, Ning Zhuo could sense it to some extent. Of course, Ning Zhuo would not concern himself with such matters.In the preceding conversation, Ning Zhuo could feel Liu Er's sincerity.Liu Er's tragic experiences also aroused a considerable degree of resonance within Ning Zhuo.Liu Er's mother sacrificed herself for him, which was no different from his own mother's choice.Ning Zhuo did not ask Liu Er why he did not attempt to resurrect his mother.For the answer to this question was inherently quite clear — the sects near the mountain village, having made such extensive arrangements, would clearly not allow the souls of the sacrifices to fall into the underworld, leaving a loophole.Thus, Liu Er's mother had long since vanished, her soul scattered, with no basis whatsoever for resurrection."Perhaps it is precisely because of this that Liu Er developed his aspiration to create a pure land.""Such an aspiration itself is a substitute for his inability to save his mother, a defiance of his own fate, dissatisfaction with the world, his unyielding cry, his furious roar!"Ning Zhuo could not help but feel sympathy for Liu Er.Resonance, sympathy, admiration, interest—these myriad emotions mingled together, causing a sudden impulse to arise within Ning Zhuo.He revealed his impulse to Sun Ling Tong: "Old Brother, you may not believe it, but compared to Mu Lan, I am more inclined to support Liu Er.""I greatly desire to fight alongside him, to witness his struggles and endeavors.""I know not why, but his aspiration fills me with fervent passion!""Despite the fact that I am of pure human lineage, not a half-demon."Sun Ling Tong shook his head repeatedly: "Xiao Zhuo, it seems you are acting foolishly.""Our support for Liu, Guan, and Zhang is merely to increase the possibility of obtaining your mother's legacy.""Do you wish to strive together with Liu Er?"Sun Ling Tong shrugged: "I do not mind. This matter is also certain to be very stimulating.""But what about your mother?"A simple question, like a basin of ice water, poured over Ning Zhuo's head.Ning Zhuo was silent for a moment, then smiled wryly: "Old Brother, you speak truly.""I must first save my mother!"Ning Zhuo sighed deeply and turned to hurry towards the Red Flower Camp.Midway, Sun Ling Tong suddenly spoke: "Be careful! A cultivator is concealed ahead."When Ning Zhuo traveled abroad, Sun Ling Tong had always controlled the Myriad Miles Roaming Dragon, utilizing its mechanisms for scouting.Without thinking, Ning Zhuo immediately retreated explosively, quickly widening the distance.The next second, he heard a familiar voice: "? My One Leaf Blinding Technique can even deceive Meng. Yet you can easily perceive my whereabouts, well done."Ning Zhuo's retreat was even swifter!The next moment, Lin Bufan revealed himself, taking out a token of proof: "Young in age, yet meticulous in thought, and seasoned in action, well done.""Young friend Ning, if you still attempt to flee, this batch of Jade Steel Heavy Armor and Ten Thousand Year Fire Essence in my hand shall be taken back."Upon hearing this, and confirming the token was correct, Ning Zhuo finally stopped his steps.He joyfully ran back, cupping his hands in salute: "Sect Master Lin, I did not expect to see you at this time.""This is wonderful!""The items you have brought are precisely what I need most at this moment."Lin Bufan stroked his beard: "Naturally. Du Tiechuan is indeed one of the Two Rivulets Nation's few top generals, acting openly and honestly, yet forcing both allies and enemies to abide by his arrangements.""With this batch of Jade Steel Heavy Armor, after fully arming the Red Flower Camp and the Three Generals' Camp, there will still be a surplus."In his words, Lin Bufan was surprisingly well-informed about Ning Zhuo's situation.Ning Zhuo, however, was not surprised at all.From the Myriad Medicine Sect that Lin Bufan had cultivated, it could be seen that he was meticulous in thought and thorough in action. Since he had come to deliver goods this time, he would naturally conceal himself and investigate beforehand, confirming everything before revealing himself.The two immediately conducted the handover.The Jade Steel Heavy Armor was simple in design, exuding a sense of sturdiness. The surface of the armor radiated a jade-like luster, between cyan-green and ink-black.The top of the helmet was slightly raised, the visor section tilted slightly forward, and intricate runes were carved on both sides.The breastplate was broad and extensive in coverage, resembling a shield. The back was relatively flat, with inclined arrays placed on both sides of the back to ensure that attacks from the rear would be deflected and dispersed.The shoulder pads were large and heavy, rounded in shape, including the shoulder caps.The armguards were designed to be relatively flexible, with the joints between the plates being close-fitting without being obtrusive.The heavy armor on the legs was inscribed with triple arrays, their effects being to reduce weight, increase agility, and assist the cultivator in recovering stamina more quickly.As for the Ten Thousand Year Fire Essence, it was sealed within a medicinal bottle.Ning Zhuo used his divine sense to permeate it, and saw a small, humanoid-shaped Ten Thousand Year Fire Essence, seated in a meditative posture, like a cultivator.He marveled: "This Fire Essence possesses such strong spirituality!"Lin Bufan hummed: "Too many cultivators died in Fire Persimmon Mountain, allowing this Ten Thousand Year Fire Essence to gain an advantage."Absorbing the spirituality of cultivators, thus becoming extremely dangerous."Ning Zhuo mused: "Senior, you must have risked much to acquire this item, it was not easy.""The Ten Thousand Year Fire Essence itself is already difficult to deal with.""Not to mention, there is also Meng, the City Lord of Fire Persimmon Immortal City!"Lin Bufan: "You are correct."Immediately, he succinctly narrated to Ning Zhuo how he had assisted Ning Jiufan and how he had participated in the struggle for the Ten Thousand Year Fire Essence.Ning Zhuo bowed, expressing his sincere gratitude to Lin Bufan.Lin Bufan extended his hand, assisting him to rise: "Young friend Ning has also accomplished no small feat.""I truly did not expect that after arriving in the Two Rivulets Nation, you would become the son-in-law of the Major General's Residence."Ning Zhuo smiled wryly, his expression somewhat awkward: "The details within, I request permission to report in full later."Lin Bufan himself had inquired extensively, but he did not know more about the inside story and was indeed curious in his heart.After hearing Ning Zhuo's narration, he digested it for a moment, then stroked his beard and sighed: "Young friend Ning, your fortune is extraordinary. Such coincidences and accidental errors have instead allowed you to become the greatest beneficiary in the end.""In my opinion, you might as well settle down in the Two Rivulets Nation, within Major General Mu's residence, and cultivate yourself for a period, solidifying your identity."Lin Bufan was quite pleased upon hearing this news.He knew that his daughter, Lin Shan Shan, had feelings for Ning Zhuo.However, as a father, Lin Bufan was more inclined to arrange a match between his eldest disciple Ling Hu Jiu and his beloved daughter.Now, Ning Zhuo and Mu Lan had become husband and wife. In Lin Bufan's view, it was a joyous occasion!Ning Zhuo shook his head: "I have already made a promise with Major General Mu Lan. After this great battle, I shall depart from the Two Rivulets Nation.""Although Major General Mu's residence is excellent, I am not destined to remain here."Lin Bufan shook his head slightly: "In that case, it is truly a pity."Ning Zhuo seized the opportunity to persuade Lin Bufan to stay temporarily and participate in this great battle. The Two Rivulets Nation clearly held the advantage at present, and if they captured several giant wood mountains, there would surely be a large amount of spoils of war. Among them would certainly be many medicinal herbs.Lin Bufan chuckled, pointing at Ning Zhuo's nose: "Good lad, still the same as ever.""Trying to entice me to assist in the battle?""Heh heh, I shall not fall into your trap.""My Myriad Medicine Sect is subordinate to the Southern Bean Nation. For a Nascent Soul level cultivator like myself to secretly infiltrate near the Two Rivulets Nation's army has already violated many rules.""To assist you further and participate in this upcoming great battle would be going too far.""Let us speak no more of this. Take care, I depart."Having spoken, Lin Bufan waved his sleeve, flew high into the sky, and quietly vanished, departing quite decisively.Ning Zhuo carefully put away the Ten Thousand Year Fire Essence and checked the Jade Steel Heavy Armor again.Within the Myriad Miles Roaming Dragon, Sun Ling Tong was also happy for Ning Zhuo: "Xiao Zhuo, we originally intended to create fire-controlling instruments and sell them here. Who would have thought that the first batch of heavy armor would be so timely!"Ning Zhuo was also delighted in his heart: "This was a fortunate coincidence, a stroke of luck.""I used to anticipate the Ten Thousand Year Fire Essence more, but unexpectedly, the Jade Steel Heavy Armor makes me feel even happier."With this batch of heavy armor, he no longer needed to make a choice and had better support plans for both the Three Generals' Camp and the Red Flower Camp.Ning Zhuo arrived at the Red Flower Camp.Without needing to be announced, Mu Lan immediately received him."I have brought good news," Ning Zhuo said to Mu Lan with a smile, his attitude quite relaxed.Mu Lan also chuckled: "Coincidentally, my husband, I also have good news to tell you."Ning Zhuo's expression immediately became somewhat more restrained: "Major General Mu Lan, you may simply call me Ning Zhuo."Mu Lan smiled unwillingly: "Very well, husband."Ning Zhuo sighed helplessly and first took out the Jade Steel Heavy Armor.Mu Lan's eyes lit up. After inspecting it, she commented: "Although the quality is inferior, the materials are solid, enough to meet the assessment of the Battle Review Platform."This batch of Jade Steel Heavy Armor was produced by the Ning family's branch. According to the branch family's current level of refining, it was indeed only of inferior quality.Mu Lan also took out a piece of heavy armor and handed it to Ning Zhuo: "I told you before, this is the Hundred-Armed Rakshasa Armor used by Tang Jifeng."Mechanism Heavy Armor!Ning Zhuo's eyes immediately shone with excitement. He stepped forward and his hands touched the surface of the heavy armor."Excellent, absolutely excellent!"Seeing Ning Zhuo so joyful, his gaze fixed upon the mechanism heavy armor, Mu Lan knew immediately that this gift had indeed suited his tastes and was the right one to give!