Chapter 423: “This Humble One Lacks Talent, Yet Is a Grandmaster of the Earth Element!”
The seals of the Guerrilla Generals were distributed the next day.
They were entirely forged of bronze, the face square and upright, each side measuring about three inches, appearing exceedingly heavy.
Upon the seal was carved a swallow with spread wings, its tail sharp like scissors. The open wings gave the impression of soaring flight.
The inscription read “Guerrilla General.” The strokes were sharp and forceful, symbolizing the swift mobility and ambush expertise of the troops under a Guerrilla General’s command.
Zhang Hei rubbed the seal of the Guerrilla General with his thick fingers, pressing it down firmly before tucking it carefully into his robe.
Guan Hong accepted his without even a glance.
Liu Er, however, examined the seal in his hand, thoughts wandering: “The seal of the Guerrilla General bears a swallow’s carving. I’ve heard that the Eagle-Soaring General’s seal is engraved with a descending eagle.”
Liu Er was of mixed human and spirit-beast blood—his four ears were proof of it. In other cultivation nations, it was exceedingly rare for someone of his lineage to be granted a general’s title.
To phrase it kindly, he was a relative of the Blood Slaughter Dynasty. To say it bluntly, there were too many such ‘royal kin’, and the dynasty’s influence had long fallen into ruin.
Ning Zhuo was also studying the seal in his hand.
This one, however, was the seal of his position as Military Advisor and Sacrificial Wine.
The seal was circular, about two inches in diameter, made of jade, smooth and gentle to the touch.
On its surface were carved a bright moon and drifting clouds; the words “Military Advisor and Sacrificial Wine” were engraved in a solemn and graceful script.
When Ning Zhuo infused it with mana, the seal merely gave off a faint glow.
Zhang Hei laughed and said, “It’s only a minor token—nothing worth testing. Higher-ranking general or official seals contain true military arts and administrative techniques. Even our Guerrilla General’s seals don’t; much less your Military Advisor’s seal.”
Liu Er calmed his excitement, carefully stowing his seal away. Seeing Ning Zhuo’s focused expression, he chuckled. “Brother Ning, if you wish for a better seal, just earn a few merits. I can report it upward and have you promoted two or three ranks—it won’t be a problem.”
Ning Zhuo quickly declined. “It’s merely the first time I’ve received such a state artifact. I was just curious to study it.”
“The official seals of the Liangzhu Kingdom don’t interest me much.”
“My family resides within the Southern Dou Country. If, in the future, I wish to take office or command troops, it would naturally be under the Southern Dou throne.”
“To be frank with you, Generals, I am close friends with Zhu Xuanji of the Southern Dou royal family. He once intended to grant me an official position.”
“I know my limits—only at the early Foundation Establishment stage, young and inexperienced. I still need much tempering before I can bear great responsibility.”
“This time, joining you three Generals’ camp, I simply wish to follow your command, enter the battlefield, and perhaps seize a chance to avenge my family against the Six Caves Sect!”
“Afterward, I must also deliver some rare materials and establish trade with a certain great power—to fulfill my clan’s mission.”
“And then, I shall travel far and wide to broaden my horizons.”
“I see.” Guan Hong stroked his beard thoughtfully.
Zhang Hei’s eyes widened. “Zhu Xuanji of the Southern Dou Country? He’s the famed detective—I’ve heard of him!”
He looked at Ning Zhuo with newfound respect. Never had he imagined that the young Foundation Establishment cultivator before him would be closely acquainted with such a renowned figure.
Liu Er’s sense of regret deepened further.
Ning Zhuo possessed rare materials and great wealth, not to mention an exceptional mastery of Wood Element arts. Though only in early Foundation Establishment, his combat strength was formidable.
Now hearing that Ning Zhuo also had powerful connections—even Zhu Xuanji admired him—Liu Er understood clearly why he had failed to win him over.
He had wanted to recruit Ning Zhuo and the Ning Family for his own faction, but the youth’s words made him realize that this cultivator was far beyond his reach—a true scion of the Ning Clan with deep ties to the Southern Dou royal line.
“At least, for now, I cannot win him over!” Liu Er clenched his teeth inwardly. At that moment, his hunger for power and prestige grew even stronger.
——
By dusk, an army slowly marched into Canglin Immortal City.
The setting sun reflected off their golden armor, making them appear all the more majestic and awe-inspiring.
The Golden Halberd Army!
One of the Liangzhu Kingdom’s two imperial elite corps, had formally arrived at Canglin Immortal City.
Though the news had long spread across the city, when the citizens witnessed such a disciplined force with their own eyes, solemn respect filled their hearts.
Such a mighty army!
Their banners fluttered high, snapping in the evening wind.
All troops rode on horseback; the sound of hooves was heavy and powerful.
Each soldier carried a golden halberd, all pointing skyward, forming a forest of gleaming blades that radiated endless sharpness.
Sun Qian, commander of the Golden Halberd Army, rode at the head of the formation.
His expression was cold and stern, his gaze sharp as a blade. When his eyes swept across the bystanders, the townsfolk instinctively averted their gaze, not daring to meet his eyes.
In stark contrast beside him rode an official of the Liangzhu Kingdom.
Though he too sat upright on a fine steed, his demeanor was utterly out of place beside the soldiers—clearly an outsider.
Yet none dared to belittle him.
For the official robe he wore and the command staff in his hand marked his identity—Imperial Envoy!
Unlike other troops, the Golden Halberd Army, the smallest yet most loyal of the imperial forces, did not encamp outside the city but directly entered to garrison within Canglin Immortal City itself.
The City Lord had already prepared quarters, personally welcoming Sun Qian and the envoy, and warmly inviting them to attend a banquet that evening.
Sun Qian, expression of iron, stated that he would first see to his troops’ arrangements before considering attendance.
The envoy, however, laughed heartily, requesting that all commanding officers of the stationed armies be invited to the banquet—so that he could “foster camaraderie.”
Sun Qian merely snorted coldly.
This envoy’s name was Zhao Xi, a notoriously greedy man who used his authority to extort bribes wherever he went.
Sun Qian despised him, yet Zhao Xi enjoyed the high trust of the Liangzhu court; despite countless impeachments, he continued to be dispatched on diplomatic missions.
——
The banquet that night was lavish, filled with the local flavors of Canglin Immortal City.
It was divided into an inner and outer hall.
“Ning Zhuo, my young friend?” In the outer hall, Zhang Chongyi was surprised to see Ning Zhuo enter.
As Military Advisor and Sacrificial Wine, Ning Zhuo now ranked among the upper officers of his camp.
That was the benefit of joining the Three Generals’ Camp—at its founding, all positions were vacant; a bit of contribution could earn high office.
Ning Zhuo too was pleasantly surprised to see Zhang Chongyi. After a few words, he sat to Zhang Chongyi’s left.
He did not conceal anything—nor had any reason to.
“You joined the Three Generals’ Camp and even became their Military Advisor?” Zhang Chongyi exclaimed.
Though respected, he himself was only a military physician and held no influence within the Red Flower Camp’s command.
From that perspective, Ning Zhuo’s status already surpassed his.
Ning Zhuo transmitted his voice to explain how, by coincidence, he overheard Liu, Guan, and Zhang discussing forming a new army and took the initiative to join.
To that end, he had even gifted each general a treasure—Primal Earth Mother Stone, Blood Fiend Demon Stone, and Nether Black Soil.
Zhang Chongyi stared up and down at Ning Zhuo, astonished by the Foundation Establishment cultivator’s wealth.
To present such materials meant that Ning Zhuo must still possess more!
“What a pity Mu Lan didn’t listen to me—had she recruited Ning Zhuo, it would have been splendid.”
“Alas!”
“Her bowstring should have been replaced long ago. Otherwise, she cannot unleash her peerless archery. If only she had a Nascent Soul–level treasure...”
Zhang Chongyi could only sigh inwardly.
——
The night banquet began.
Ning Zhuo and Zhang Chongyi chatted as they ate, frequently toasting, soon acquainting themselves with everyone at the table.
Suddenly, the doors of the inner hall were pushed open.
Mu Lan stormed out, fuming.
“Zhao Xi, you wretched leech—you are the bane of our Liangzhu Kingdom!” she shouted, sweeping her gaze across the room until it fixed upon Zhang Chongyi.
She also spotted Ning Zhuo; her eyes lingered on him briefly.
Then she said coldly, “Uncle Zhang, we’re leaving. The feast may be fine, but the vermin at this table disgust me!”
Before all present, Zhang Chongyi immediately rose, his face stern. “General, this old one shall follow.”
Though he sighed inwardly—foreseeing this outcome—he could not dissuade her now. Rising at once was his way of showing solidarity.
Thus, not long after the banquet had begun, Mu Lan and Zhang Chongyi left in anger.
“Come, come! Keep eating, keep drinking!” Zhao Xi roared jovially, trying to ease the tension.
His face was as thick as a wall, utterly shameless—as though Mu Lan’s scolding had never occurred.
General Shuangjing, General Xu Dali, and the others hastened to raise their cups.
Liu Er too lifted his, but only managed a wry smile. Zhao Xi’s earlier demand for “travel expenses” had been nothing short of extortion.
At another table in the inner hall, Zhang Hei tilted back his head, gulping down wine in great swigs.
Guan Hong sat upright, stroking his long beard as he silently observed the conversation at the main table, a cold gleam flickering deep within his eyes.
When the banquet dispersed, the four of them walked back together. Liu Er looked up at the bright moon in the night sky and sighed heavily.
“Big Brother, why the long face?” Zhang Hei asked curiously, hiccupping from drink.
Guan Hong snorted coldly and explained the reason.
Zhang Hei grew furious. “That Imperial Envoy dared to demand bribes openly? Outrageous! Is the Liangzhu Kingdom truly this corrupt?”
“If we achieve merit in the future, will we be subjected to the same oppression?”
Liu Er waved his hand. “That won’t happen. The Liangzhu King personally issued the Proclamation of Talent Recruitment—it concerns His Majesty himself, the royal family, and the kingdom’s reputation. On this matter, fairness will be upheld.”
He worried that Zhang Hei might lose heart. After all, Liu Er truly wished to make his mark in the Liangzhu Kingdom.
Among all the surrounding cultivation nations, only the Liangzhu Kingdom offered such opportunities—opening the path of promotion even to a half-human, half-demon like him.
Zhang Hei grumbled, “That’s good then.”
“The moment I saw that dog of an Imperial Envoy, I could tell from his crooked gaze he was no decent man.”
“Why should we bother with him?”
“He may be an envoy, but he’s not our superior. It’s a blessing we didn’t beat him senseless. And he still dares to ask us for money?”
“Outrageous!”
“Our funds are already tight—we need every coin to form the army.”
Liu Er could only sigh.
Ning Zhuo smiled faintly. “Generals, do not worry. Leave the envoy to me.”
“With my humble tongue, I shall ensure he understands that the noble integrity of the Three Generals cannot be insulted by mere gold.”
Liu Er turned to look at Ning Zhuo.
Ning Zhuo gave him a meaningful smile.
Liu Er immediately understood, and ordered Ning Zhuo to act as his envoy to handle the matter.
“There’s no time to lose,” Ning Zhuo said. “I’ll go back and reason with that Imperial Envoy at once.”
Liu Er nodded in agreement.
Zhang Hei wanted to accompany him. “The Military Advisor’s cultivation is only at Foundation Establishment. How can he face a Golden Core–level envoy alone? Let me go with you to lend support.”
Ning Zhuo laughed heartily and politely refused.
Liu Er held Zhang Hei by the arm, showing full confidence in Ning Zhuo. “To doubt that our little brother can handle this would be to underestimate him.”
Zhang Hei, slightly embarrassed by the remark, could only watch as Ning Zhuo departed.
Moments later—
Ning Zhuo was smiling pleasantly, and Zhao Xi, the Imperial Envoy, was smiling just as pleasantly.
By the light of the lamp, Zhao Xi examined the Nascent Soul–level treasure material in his hand, clicking his tongue in admiration.
“The three Generals of the Three Generals’ Camp truly are men of vision!”
“To know the times is to be wise!”
Ning Zhuo then produced another piece of treasure material.
“I am on close terms with Master Zhang Chongyi,” he said. “I intend to borrow his expertise to heal a friend of mine.”
“And I must also ask, my lord, to be lenient toward the Red Flower Camp.”
Zhao Xi looked deeply at Ning Zhuo. “Boy, some matters are not for an outsider of the Southern Dou Country to meddle in.”
“General Mu Lan’s troubles are far greater than you imagine.”
Ning Zhuo smiled. “I understand.”
As he spoke, he placed yet another Nascent Soul–level treasure on the table. “The greater the trouble, the more effort it takes from my lord. One more treasure seems only fair.”
Zhao Xi’s eyes widened, shaken by Ning Zhuo’s display of wealth.
“The Ning Family of Huoshi Immortal City must be an illustrious clan!”
“In years past, why did they merely pass through the Liangzhu Kingdom instead of settling here, only to move to the Southern Dou Country?”
“Ah…”
Regret filled Zhao Xi’s heart.
“How many treasures does this boy still have? If he likes to meddle…”
That greedy thought had just formed when it was suddenly dispelled.
Life-Hanging-by-a-Thread!
Buddha Heart Demon Seal!
Outwardly, Ning Zhuo wore a gentle smile, but he had secretly maintained both techniques the entire time.
“Lord Zhao, I only assisted the Red Flower Camp to show goodwill toward Zhang Chongyi.”
“If possible, I ask only a small favor from you in return.”
“I would never trouble you greatly—merely need a bit of cooperation…”
Under the subtle influence of Ning Zhuo’s arts, Zhao Xi listened to his request and nodded at once. “Well, I do find you a likable young man. Very well, I agree.”
Ning Zhuo assured him that once the matter succeeded, there would be another small token of appreciation.
Zhao Xi nodded repeatedly. “The Ning Family’s learning runs deep—their upbringing truly commands admiration.”
——
The next day, when military supplies were distributed, the Red Flower Camp alone received nothing.
Mu Lan, furious, stormed the depot. Yet the cultivator in charge was fully prepared, producing flawless excuses to delay the delivery.
When Zhang Chongyi learned of it, he sighed inwardly, knowing this was Zhao Xi’s petty revenge.
At that moment, Ning Zhuo came to visit and found Zhang Chongyi troubled. Upon hearing the cause, Ning Zhuo smiled and said that he had already given Zhao Xi a generous “gift” on behalf of the Three Generals’ Camp, leaving the envoy most satisfied.
“Today,” he suggested, “I’ll visit him again. I’ll cover the cost myself to have him lift his hand this time.”
A short while later, Ning Zhuo returned.
Zhang Chongyi immediately grasped his hand in gratitude.
“Mu Lan’s temperament is as stubborn as her father’s. If I had intervened, she’d only resent me, straining our ties. I was in a bind—but you, my young friend, have acted with great righteousness.”
Ning Zhuo replied, “I had my own motives, Master Zhang. I wish to save my friend.”
“Say no more!” Zhang Chongyi waved his hand. “For this, your consultation fee is waived.”
Ning Zhuo patted the Wanli Dragon at his waist, releasing Sun Lingtong.
At this moment, both of Sun Lingtong’s forearms had turned to stone.
Yet he appeared unbothered, still grinning cheerfully.
Zhang Chongyi frowned in puzzlement. “To save this child, we’ll need a Grandmaster of the Earth Element. Don’t tell me you’ve forgotten that?”
Ning Zhuo cupped his hands and bowed slightly. “Please don’t take offense, Master Zhang—this humble one is the Grandmaster of the Earth Element.”
Zhang Chongyi froze, staring in disbelief at the white-robed youth before him. “You?!”
Ning Zhuo straightened his back, arms relaxed, smiling calmly. “Genuine, without a doubt.”
Sun Lingtong chuckled, “Heehee! Little Zhuo, Master Zhang, please hurry up and begin. I can hardly wait anymore!”