Chapter 421: Brotherhood in the Pear Garden
Seeing that Sun Ning and his companion had already left the camp, Zhang Chongyi immediately summoned a young attendant.
“Go find General Mu Lan,” he ordered.
Before long, a female general lifted the flap of the tent and stepped inside.
Her features were dignified and heroic, with defined facial contours and a strong, angular jawline that revealed a resolute temperament.
Her gaze was firm and sharp, with a high-bridged nose and elegantly shaped lips, now pressed together in a show of unwavering determination.
She had tied her long, black hair high into a ponytail, with a few loose strands hanging over her forehead, adding to her valiant appearance.
Her tall, athletic frame was marked by well-defined, proportional muscles—evidence of years of rigorous training and combat. Especially striking were her long, powerful legs; each step she took was crisp, firm, and brimming with strength.
She wore a suit of ancient, unadorned bronze armor, draped with a vivid red cape.
Her hands were clad in black leather gloves, reinforced with thick brass plating at the palms and fingertips. On her feet were black, knee-high combat boots, durable and slip-resistant. The soles, uppers, and shins were all covered with sturdy brass plates.
“Uncle Zhang, you called for me?” General Mu Lan asked at once.
Zhang Chongyi nodded. “Mu Lan, there’s a young talent who just came seeking treatment for a friend.”
“He’s quite capable, with a strong background. Though only at the Foundation Establishment stage, he possesses Golden Core-level combat strength. He could become a great support for you.”
Ning Zhuo had revealed the presence of the Buddhist Doctor, Meng Yaoyin—an unmistakably Golden Core–level mechanical puppet.
He had also demonstrated the ability to locate an Earth-element Grandmaster-level cultivator, a sign of both deep connections and wide-reaching influence.
And that Dao-inflicted injury…
Such wounds were not sustained by ordinary people in ordinary places, were they?
General Mu Lan gave a wry smile. “Uncle Zhang, as the saying goes, 'All's fair in war.' You've only heard of him, but I, as a military commander, can't just take things at face value. I must first investigate and verify Ning Zhuo’s identity.”
Zhang Chongyi became anxious at once. “Mu Lan, niece… you took up arms in place of your father, and the number of reliable aides around you is far too few.”
“Old General Mu has been bedridden for some time. That Marshal’s position—do you know how many in the court are eyeing it?”
“You’re holding the Marshal’s Seal now, but your cultivation is only at the Golden Core stage. You’re in dire need of support. The Court assigns tasks based on Nascent Soul–level standards!”
“Canglin Immortal City is the rear lines, yet even here you’ve been met with resistance and suppression. The White Jade Camp was deliberately stationed right opposite the Red Flower Camp, and they’ve even doubled their recruitment rewards out of pure malice.”
“Recently, our recruitment efforts have been lackluster. The quality and numbers of the soldiers we’ve drawn are steadily declining.”
“A young man like Ning Zhuo is truly a hidden gem. If the other camps realize his potential, they’ll surely try to snatch him away.”
“After all, he’s already considered a Golden Core–level combat force!”
Mu Lan fell silent for a moment. Then a determined light appeared in her eyes. “Uncle Zhang, your words are reasonable. But this is not my way of doing things.”
“My merit and fame must be earned by my own hands—through my bow and my horse.”
“This is the military path of Mu Lan!”
Her words landed like hammer blows.
Zhang Chongyi froze for a moment, then let out a sigh. “You and your father… truly cut from the same cloth in temperament.”
“But the times are different now…”
Just as Zhang Chongyi was about to press further, Mu Lan raised a cupped fist in a formal salute, cutting him off. “Uncle Zhang, if there’s nothing else, I’ll return to the command tent. There’s still a mountain of military affairs to handle.”
With that, Mu Lan saluted again, turned around, and walked straight out of the medical tent without looking back.
Ning Zhuo sat on the second floor of a tavern, and from the window, he had a clear view of the city gates.
The city walls were built of massive green stone blocks, wide enough for two war chariots to ride side by side. Guard towers stood tall beside the gates, armed with mechanical ballistae and manned by stationed soldiers. Squads of guards came and went in regular patrols.
The city gate itself was a huge wooden door, black as ink, its growth rings still visible. The green stone pavement under the gate had been worn smooth and even slightly sunken from countless footsteps over time.
On the inner side of the gate, plastered along the walls, were numerous public notices.
The largest and most eye-catching of them all was the Call to Heroes.
“Evil spirits run rampant in the Thousand Peaks Forest, disturbing the people’s hearts. A great army is now being assembled to purge these evils and restore peace to the land.”
“To this end, heroes from across the realm are invited to join in this righteous campaign and uphold the Dao.”
“All who are willing may enlist. The King of Liangzhu Kingdom swears upon the fate of the nation that rewards shall be based strictly on merit—fair and impartial!”
“Foundation Establishment cultivators who enlist will be appointed as squad captains; Golden Core cultivators will be granted the rank of Roving General. Other posts will be awarded based on contributions. Those with great merit may earn noble titles for their families, with glory lasting for generations.”
“This is a righteous cause, sweeping away all evil to bring peace to the land. Talents of the realm, rise up! Serve the nation, make your mark, and bring clarity back to the heavens and earth!”
At the bottom was the seal of the King of Liangzhu Kingdom.
Naturally, it was this proclamation that attracted the most attention from cultivators.
Ning Zhuo also silently observed from the second-floor window.
Around him, the chatter of the tavern's patrons filled the air.
“If you’re joining the army, obviously you want the best pay. General Shuangjing’s White Jade Camp is the best choice!” said a cultivator with shifty little eyes that gleamed with cunning.
“Hmph.” Another cultivator, covered in thick fur with prominent rabbit ears and oversized front teeth, shook his head dramatically.
“There are too many rich brats in the White Jade Camp. If you ask me, General Xu Dali’s Barbarian-Demon Camp has the fairest atmosphere.”
This immediately drew rebuttals from others.
“The Barbarian-Demon Camp might have numbers, but they’re a ragtag bunch. Good for cleaning up after battles, sure—but if you really want to make a name for yourself, it’s got to be General Lu Chi’s Fire Cloud Camp.”
A bald cultivator shouted, “As long as you’ve got some fire-element spells, you can fight from range after joining the camp. Kill plenty while staying safe—military merit comes pouring in!”
“Hmph! A bunch of greedy fools.” A young cultivator with a black mole at the corner of his mouth stood up indignantly. He looked around and raised his arm high.
“If you truly wish to serve, the best choice is the Red Flower Camp!”
“Forget everything else—just know that the Red Flower Camp was founded by Old General Mu himself and has earned countless merits for the kingdom.”
“Now that Old General Mu is bedridden, and General Mu Lan has taken up arms in his place, she needs the full support of us young heroes! Joining the army is about serving the country—not chasing rewards and military accolades! Such cultivators—I’m ashamed to be associated with them!”
His provocative declaration quickly stirred discontent among the other patrons.
Arguments broke out immediately.
Groups began to form, each championing their chosen camp, hurling insults at one another. The cunning-eyed man, the big-toothed rabbit-eared fellow, the bald cultivator, and the mole-faced youth stood out as the loudest, each red-faced and animated in their defense.
Just then, a local cultivator stepped into view near the city gates. He stood seven feet six inches tall, had four ears, and hands that reached past his knees. He stopped before the Call to Heroes notice and stared at it for a long time before letting out a deep sigh.
From the crowd, a burly man scoffed, “What are you sighing for? A real man should just join the army!”
The local cultivator turned to look at the speaker—an eight-foot-tall man with a short neck and a face full of black beard bristling like steel needles. His overwhelming aura screamed Golden Core.
The local cultivator then asked, “May I ask your name, brave one?”
“Hey!” The black-bearded man let out a hearty laugh. “This one’s surname is Zhang, given name Hei, styled Feisheng. I’ve recently moved to Canglin Immortal City and delight in befriending heroes and valiant figures. Seeing you sighing at the announcement board, I couldn’t help but speak up.”
The local cultivator sighed deeply. “I was once of royal blood, kin to the imperial line of the Blood Slaughter Dynasty. My surname is Liu, ranked sixth among my brothers, hence named Er.”
“Today I see the kingdom preparing to march against the Thousand Peaks Forest, intent on subduing traitors and bringing peace to the people. I wish to lend my strength, yet am powerless alone—thus this long sigh.”
The steel-needle-bearded Zhang Hei laughed loudly. “I possess ample wealth, and my cultivation has reached the Golden Core stage. Judging from your aura, though you conceal it, you should be of the same level. Why don’t we join forces to accomplish something grand?”
Hearing this, Liu Er was delighted and quickly invited him. “Brother Zhang has a keen eye! Come, let’s eat and talk.”
Saying so, he led Zhang Hei into the nearest tavern for wine and food.
They entered the main hall and ascended the stairs, passing by the second floor.
The quarrel of the sharp-eyed man, the bucktoothed one, the bald man, and the youth with a mole grew quiet upon sensing the arrival of two Golden Core cultivators.
Liu Er and Zhang Hei reached the third floor, found a table, and began eating and conversing.
As they talked, a burly man, dusty from travel, flew straight in through the third-floor window, shouting, “Innkeeper! Bring me some wine quickly. I’m on my way to enlist outside the city!”
Liu Er saw that this man bore the aura of a Golden Core cultivator. He stood nine feet tall, his beard eight feet long, nearly brushing his feet. His face was flushed with red light, exuding an impressive vigor. Liu Er called out, “Good sir, we too intend to enlist. Since we share the same goal, why not drink together first?”
The Golden Core warrior glanced at them and gladly accepted.
After sitting down, he introduced himself. “My surname is Guan, given name Hong, styled Maicheng. I’ve long delighted in the ‘Spring and Autumn Military Strategies,’ and have studied them deeply. Upon hearing that the Liangzhu Kingdom is raising a grand army for war, I volunteered to join—to test my learning in real battle.”
Though the three had just met, their conversation grew increasingly congenial.
After several rounds of wine, the atmosphere became even more heated.
At that moment, Ning Zhuo approached with a flask of white jade wine. “Honored seniors,” he said, bowing respectfully, “I am Ning Zhuo, of the Ning Family from Huoshi Immortal City of the Southern Dou Country.”
“By fortunate coincidence, I too wish to enlist—to avenge my clan.”
“Years ago, the Six Caves Sect of the Thousand Peaks Forest broke our pact and ambushed my family, nearly wiping us out. I am but a weak Foundation Establishment cultivator, considering which army I might join. Seeing you three heroes radiate such vigor, far above common Golden Core cultivators, I wish to humbly follow and serve. I beg the three generals to take me in.”
Liu Er, Zhang Hei, and Guan Hong exchanged glances.
They had originally intended to join an existing army together—but from Ning Zhuo’s words, it sounded as if he believed they were going to form their own.
Life Hanging by a Thread!
“Hm?” Ning Zhuo felt a sudden jolt within. The silk threads he cast landed on Zhang Hei and Guan Hong’s heads—but when aimed at Liu Er, they veered off target.
He tried again—yet they slipped away once more.
Ning Zhuo quickly withdrew his hand.
Buddha Heart Demon Seal!
He secretly influenced Zhang Hei and Guan Hong’s minds.
Guan Hong stroked his beard, pondering. “According to the recruitment edict, Golden Core cultivators who enlist will be granted the rank of Lieutenant General.”
“Though the title may seem humble, it allows command over an army.”
Ning Zhuo smiled and interjected. “The three generals’ heroic spirits are awe-inspiring. Upon seeing you, I was certain—only leading an army could truly befit your talents!”
Zhang Hei burst into laughter. “Well said! If the three of us unite, commanding a force together, we could support one another while retaining freedom of action. On the battlefield, we’d strike as we wish—earning far greater merit!”
Liu Er remained silent, deep in thought.
Ning Zhuo said, “Why not discuss it further over more wine? This is my family’s unique Ice Jade Wine.”
“Fine wine for fine heroes—the chill and vigor of Ice Jade Wine perfectly matches the generals’ valor!”
“Please, allow me to pour for you three.”
Liu Er hesitated, Guan Hong remained proud, while Zhang Hei laughed heartily. “Boy, if your wine tastes good, we’ll take you in!”
Ning Zhuo poured for the three one by one.
The Ice Jade Wine was indeed extraordinary. After tasting, all three Golden Core cultivators nodded approvingly.
They continued to converse while Ning Zhuo stood aside, occasionally refilling their cups and chiming in—stoking their fervor ever higher.
Under Ning Zhuo’s subtle guidance, the three felt their camaraderie deepen with each toast, as if they’d known each other for years.
Zhang Hei said, “I have an estate in Canglin Immortal City. Behind it lies a pear orchard, and the blossoms are now in full bloom.”
“Why don’t the three of us go there, offer sacrifice to Heaven and Earth, and swear brotherhood? With unity of heart, we can then pursue great deeds.”
Liu Er and Guan Hong exclaimed together, “Excellent!”
Ning Zhuo clapped his hands. “Such noble sentiment and refined intent! Please, allow me to bear witness.”
“You speak well, boy. You can come along,” Zhang Hei said, grabbing Ning Zhuo by the collar before leaping straight out the window.
Guan Hong followed close behind, while Liu Er, the last to leave, placed some spirit stones on the table before departing.
The three arrived at the pear orchard.
Zhang Hei immediately ordered his servants to prepare offerings of black ox and white horse, then lit sacred incense.
Catching sight of the white-robed youth Ning Zhuo nearby, Zhang Hei, in high spirits, said, “You, boy—you please my old eyes. Why not join our vow and become a brother as well?”
Ning Zhuo’s heart skipped, though he outwardly feigned delight and was about to agree when Liu Er coughed lightly.
Guan Hong cast him a sidelong glance. “A mere Foundation Establishment junior—how could he be compared to us Golden Cores?”
Seeing their displeasure, Zhang Hei laughed it off and waved dismissively toward Ning Zhuo.
Ning Zhuo secretly let out a sigh of relief, though outwardly he appeared crestfallen.
Then Liu, Guan, and Zhang knelt together and solemnly swore:
“Though not born of the same family, we, Liu Er, Guan Hong, and Zhang Hei, pledge to act as brothers—united in heart, aiding the distressed, upholding righteousness; loyal to the nation above, and protective of the people below. We do not seek to be born in the same year, month, or day—but only to die in the same year, month, and day. Heaven and Earth bear witness—should any betray this oath, may Heaven and man alike destroy them!”
As the vow took effect, the three looked at one another and laughed heartily.
Zhang Hei said, “Though sworn as brothers, we must still decide the order of seniority.”
Zhang Hei’s estate was quite grand, complete with a martial arena.
They left Ning Zhuo outside and entered the arena to spar.
After a short while, all three emerged, the outcome decided.
Liu Er became the eldest brother, Guan Hong the second, Zhang Hei the third.
Liu Er, looking troubled, spoke first. “Now we must think of recruiting soldiers and gathering supplies. But I, being alone and of modest means, can’t fund it myself. Let us three brothers each contribute what we can.”
Zhang Hei laughed heartily and gestured broadly. “I have ample wealth; let me handle it! How much could recruitment possibly cost?”
Guan Hong stroked his beard and gave a number.
Zhang Hei’s expression froze slightly.
Ning Zhuo stepped forward. “Three generals, I am of the Ning Family, and would like to offer materials of great value.”
He then produced Primal Earth Mother Stone, Blood Fiend Demon Stone, and Nether Black Soil—treasures he had obtained from the corpse of the Stone Dwelling Old Monster, each at the level of a Nascent Soul treasure.
“I have ample wealth… hm?” Zhang Hei began to refuse, thinking a mere Foundation Establishment cultivator couldn’t possess anything noteworthy—but upon seeing the treasures, his eyes bulged wide.
Guan Hong’s hand, mid-stroke through his beard, froze.
And Liu Er’s heart too quivered violently—he now looked at Ning Zhuo with newfound respect, secretly regretting that they hadn’t included him in their oath of brotherhood.