Chapter 461: Ning Zhuo’s Choice
Wanli Dragon.
Storage cabin.
A stone sphere encased the Fetal-Breath Spirit Vessel, and within that vessel, Sun Lingtong lay hidden.
The full incantation of the Innate Earth-Nurturing Fetal-Breath Great Method was engraved upon the surface of the Spirit Vessel, shining brightly.
When the time came, Ning Zhuo approached the stone sphere to help Sun Lingtong out.
Divine Ability — Stone-Forged Earth Treasure!
The stone shell covering Sun Lingtong’s entire body crumbled away, cascading to the ground.
Sun Lingtong stretched lazily and chuckled, “Little Zhuo, I feel like I’ve gotten so much stronger again.”
As he spoke, he reached out and grabbed—
Spiritual Sense Manipulation!
Sun Lingtong summoned a large military blade. The blade was massive compared to his small frame, making it look like he was waving around a bundle of straw.
He then used the large blade to hack repeatedly at his own chest.
Clang! Clang! Clang!
A rapid series of strikes sparked showers of fire.
The edge of the blade became chipped, while Sun Lingtong’s chest showed only a faint flush of red on his skin.
Sun Lingtong was delighted. “I didn’t use any technique—just my physical body alone can now withstand ordinary weapons.”
“Little Zhuo, the results of this cultivation are amazing. You should try it too.”
“Oh—wait, you can use four National Strength bricks. That’s even more efficient!”
Ning Zhuo shook his head slightly. “Boss, I only tried it once. I haven’t truly used it.”
Sun Lingtong blinked. “Eh? Why not?”
Sun Lingtong hadn’t gone to the banquet with Ning Zhuo.
He needed to guard the Wanli Dragon.
The Wanli Dragon was filled with stolen goods—no, spoils of war. If any method were to detect and find those items on Ning Zhuo, it would spell disaster.
Thus, even within the Three Generals Camp, Ning Zhuo and the Wanli Dragon remained apart as much as possible.
Ning Zhuo told him about Shuangjing’s recruitment offer and the matter of becoming a house retainer.
Sun Lingtong found it odd. “He didn’t restrict your freedom, so you could’ve just walked away if you wanted. Why not join?”
“Becoming a house retainer doesn’t sound great in name, but your National Strength bricks would essentially triple. That’s a huge benefit!”
Ning Zhuo shook his head and sighed. “Boss, I’m a man of the righteous path.”
“If I just took the benefits and left, what would people think of Ning Zhuo? Of the Ning Family?”
“Shuangjing deliberately offered such generous terms exactly because of who I am. He’s a noble scion, not a spoiled fool—he’s got real talent.”
“You can see that from the ambush earlier. He decisively ordered a resupply of the armory to delay us. That says a lot.”
Sun Lingtong lay back, using his hands as a pillow. “Tch, the righteous path is such a hassle.”
Ning Zhuo continued, “Shuangjing’s offer to make me a house retainer isn’t inherently bad.”
“I’m not someone arrogant or prideful. I was born lowly. If I were proud, could I have endured fourteen years in secret, scheming for the Lava Immortal Palace?”
“To become a house retainer of a royal clan while still in the Foundation Establishment stage—it’s quite an impressive resume.”
“I just have two main concerns.”
Sun Lingtong: “Oh? Let’s hear them.”
Ning Zhuo raised his left index finger. “The first is the Three Generals—Liu, Guan, and Zhang.”
“Boss, I told you about this. I could use Life-Hanging-by-a-Thread on Guan Hong and Zhang Hei, but not on Liu Er.”
“Liu Er has hidden depths!”
“He was able to subdue Guan Hong and Zhang Hei during their oath of brotherhood. And in the recent battle, he played a decisive role and captured Flying Legs alive—that says it all.”
“What impresses me most is his social savvy—it’s incredibly refined.”
“Someone like him is only held back by his status. But once opportunity arises, he’ll soar!”
“If I befriend him now, the future benefits will be immense.”
“So, if I accept Shuangjing’s offer now, I’d weaken my ties with Liu, Guan, and Zhang.”
“In the short term, that might seem a small loss. But in the long term? Who knows.”
Sun Lingtong blinked. “Didn’t expect you to think so highly of Liu Er.”
“But I think you’re overcalculating.”
“If I were you, I’d accept Shuangjing’s offer immediately, become a house retainer, and use the National Strength.”
“A benefit only counts once it’s in your hands. Better safe than sorry.”
“And compared to Liu, Guan, and Zhang, I like you more, Little Zhuo. They’re nothing next to you.”
“So everything should prioritize your advancement.”
“Didn’t you say you nearly died not long ago? You’ll be in this war for a while yet. The higher your cultivation, the better your chances.”
“Who knows? At some critical moment, that extra bit of strength might save your life.”
This time, it was Ning Zhuo who blinked.
He looked at Sun Lingtong and felt a warm glow in his heart. He thought, Liu Er has two oath-sworn brothers who support him. I have Boss.
If there was anyone in this world who valued, understood, and believed in Ning Zhuo the most—it could only be Sun Lingtong.
Ning Zhuo then raised his left middle finger. “Now, my second concern.”
“I wonder—if I become Shuangjing’s house retainer and absorb National Strength that way… is that really the most efficient route?”
“When Shuangjing made the offer, I recalled something from before.”
“Boss, remember when General Mu Lan was injured, and Zhang Chongyi suggested dual cultivation?”
Sun Lingtong giggled. “How could I forget something so fun? Hmm?”
“Little Zhuo! Do you want to dual cultivate with Mu Lan?” His eyes sparkled, finding it quite entertaining.
Ning Zhuo sighed and said seriously, “If I dual cultivated with Mu Lan, I’d become part of the Grand General’s Mansion. With that status, wouldn’t absorbing National Strength be even more efficient than as Shuangjing’s house retainer?”
Sun Lingtong answered without hesitation, “Of course! You already have an official position as Military Advisor and Sacrificial Wine. That’s a tough one to upgrade.”
“Unless you give up your Southern Dou identity and become a Liangzhu citizen, promotion is nearly impossible.”
“It’s rare for a foreigner to be promoted out of turn.”
He continued, “Outside of actual posts, there are honorary titles.”
“Being Shuangjing’s house retainer triples your efficiency. But dual cultivation with Mu Lan? At least tenfold!”
“Shuangjing is just a royal kin of Liangzhu. Mu Lan is the sole heir of the Grand General’s Mansion!”
Ning Zhuo nodded. “So, from that angle, agreeing to Shuangjing would be less advantageous than accepting Mu Lan’s offer, right?”
Sun Lingtong blinked. “You make a lot of sense.”
“But it’s odd, Little Zhuo. With your intelligence, I’m sure you’ve thought of this before. And you must’ve known that merit would bring National Strength rewards.”
“So why did you refuse dual cultivation back then?”
“You cultivate the Three Sect Supreme Techniques—they don’t even require you to preserve your own Yang essence.”
Ning Zhuo gave a bitter smile. “Boss, people change. I’m no exception.”
“The previous ambush shocked me on many levels.”
“You were right. The battlefield is perilous, full of danger. I must focus on improving myself.”
“National Strength is the best shortcut. I need to make full use of it.”
“In the Southern Dou Country, the Zhu Family wouldn’t grant us National Strength just for resisting the Mengs.”
“Only in Liangzhu, with a war underway and generous royalty like the Shuang and Mu families, does such an opportunity exist.”
With that, Ning Zhuo’s gaze sharpened.
“So I really only have two choices.”
“Either absorb National Strength as Military Advisor and Sacrificial Wine—or accept dual cultivation and gain at least tenfold efficiency.”
“The middle-ground choice of being Shuangjing’s house retainer… was never truly an option!”
“Boss, what do you think I should pick?”
Sun Lingtong answered instantly: “Close your eyes and choose the second one! Dual cultivation! I want to see you dual cultivate, Little Zhuo!”
He pumped his fists in excitement.
Ning Zhuo smiled faintly. “Dual cultivation?”
“No way!”
“I just want the title of dual cultivation—so I can indirectly gain the status of the Grand General’s son-in-law.”
“Mu Lan dumped those enemies on us. If I help her now by dual cultivating to remove her hidden dangers, wouldn’t that be letting her off too easily?”
“Besides, the Three Sect Supreme Techniques may not require one to preserve Yang essence, but there’s still only one Yang essence. Keeping it is better than losing it, right?”
Sun Lingtong got even more excited. “Little Zhuo, you want all the benefits and none of the cost. Nice! I knew you were a good fit for the No-Void Sect.”
“Is that big brain of yours already cooking up some nasty scheme?”
“Spill it.”
Ning Zhuo nodded. “I do have some ideas. Boss, starting tomorrow, here’s what you’ll do…”
Sun Lingtong kept nodding as he listened, his eyes gleaming. That childish face of his broke into a mischievous grin.
When Ning Zhuo finished, Sun Lingtong looked at him with admiration. “Knew it—it’s just like you, Little Zhuo. You really are my prized protégé. Hehehe!”