Chapter 510: The So-Called “Fairness”
According to the Military Order issued by Du Tiechuan, even if the Red Flower Camp used up its entire quota to purchase heavy armor, the number obtained would still be insufficient to equip all the soldiers of the Red Flower Camp.
Because the Grand Decisive Battle was approaching, every army unit had been expanding recruitment and conducting frequent military drills over the past few days.
This put Ning Zhuo into a difficult dilemma.
Should he choose Mu Lan, or Liu Er?
The more Ning Zhuo thought about it, the harder it became to decide.
Both were Golden Core cultivators.
In terms of combat strength, Mu Lan clearly surpassed Liu Er.
Once she used the Divine Ability—Crimson-Heart Swan Arrow, combined with the Vermilion Phoenix Bow and Fiery Heart Arrow, her combat power would soar to an outrageous degree—reaching a level capable of rivaling the peak of the Nascent Soul stage.
As for Liu Er, his combat strength was also quite formidable, standing at the top tier among Golden Core cultivators.
In terms of status, Mu Lan was the sole heir of the Grand General Mu’s Mansion of the Liangzhu Kingdom, firmly among the upper ranks of the Liangzhu Kingdom. However, the situation of the entire Grand General Mu’s Mansion was worrying, constantly targeted by the imperial court. Even the King of Liangzhu Kingdom had once attempted to abolish it.
Liu Er also had a background, and an even more extraordinary one—he was an Imperial Clan Relative of the Blood Slaughter Dynasty. Such a status would have placed him high above the clouds within that dynasty, but now it was no longer valued, merely an empty title.
Moreover, Liu Er himself possessed a Human-Demon Hybrid bloodline, which was not welcomed by the mainstream cultivation world of the present era.
As for wealth.
Mu Lan was poor. Liu Er was even poorer.
As for connections.
Even though Mu Lan and the Grand General Mu’s Mansion were in a difficult position, they still retained certain connections within the Liangzhu Kingdom court.
Liu Er was much weaker in this aspect. However, through the Yin-Yang One-Energy Vessel, Ning Zhuo could faintly sense that Liu Er’s background was not as simple and shallow as it appeared.
Mu Lan and Ning Zhuo were husband and wife, but in essence their relationship was merely an alliance of interests.
On the contrary, Liu Er’s alliance with Ning Zhuo was even closer and firmer than Mu Lan’s. Long ago, Ning Zhuo had already begun investing in the Three Generals.
Even now, Ning Zhuo remained the largest financial patron of the Three Generals Camp.
For a moment, Ning Zhuo remained silent in contemplation, subconsciously stroking the Mechanical Ring on his finger.
Unfortunately, under the current circumstances, his own life was not at risk. The Mechanical Ring remained completely still and gave no response.
Ning Zhuo smiled slightly.
“Two Generals, I have a somewhat immature idea.”
“Have either of you considered… merging into a single army?”
Ning Zhuo glanced at Mu Lan, then looked toward Liu Er.
“Our heavy armor is limited. It can only cover a little more than half of the soldiers.”
“In that case, the Three Generals Camp could eliminate some troops and merge them into the Red Flower Camp.”
“After this great battle ends, you can separate again and reorganize. That would also be acceptable.”
Mu Lan’s eyes lit up.
“This method is quite good.”
“Under normal circumstances, my Red Flower Camp would never accept so many outsiders. That’s mainly because the Red Flower Formation requires experienced soldiers and long years of training.”
“For us, having more soldiers is not necessarily better.”
“But this time the Grand Decisive Battle will adopt Marshal Du’s Military Art—Iron Flow Across the Plains. Because of that, the Red Flower Formation cannot be formed, and it is even possible the battle will be decided in a single clash. Therefore, bringing in many outsiders would not be a problem.”
However, Liu Er revealed a troubled expression.
“General Mu Lan, Strategist… please allow me to return and think it over.”
Mu Lan snorted coldly.
“Then you had better decide quickly.”
She stopped looking at Liu Er and turned her gaze toward Ning Zhuo.
“Husband, putting other matters aside, let’s first go to the Quartermaster and purchase our full quota.”
Ning Zhuo cupped his hands and gave a bitter smile.
“General Mu Lan, please just address me by name or military rank. Our relationship was merely a coincidence of circumstances and cannot be taken seriously.”
Mu Lan waved her hand dismissively.
“I am the daughter of a military family. I have never cared about such trivial matters as reputation.”
“War is cruel and dangerous. Compared to life and death, what is a bit of reputation worth?”
“Life and death are what truly matter!”
“Let’s go quickly.”
Mu Lan kept urging him, so Ning Zhuo could only apologize to Liu Er and leave together with her.
Liu Er’s expression was displeased as he walked back toward the Three Generals Camp, his heart heavy.
“I carry the King’s Mandate, and since childhood I have vowed to establish a nation of demon cultivators.”
“My master instructed me to maintain independence as much as possible.”
“If I cannot command my own army, the distribution of military merit will rarely fall to me. After all, I am only a Human-Demon Hybrid.”
“Ah, Master, where are you? What should I do?”
Liu Er estimated that the best scenario would be for Ning Zhuo to favor the Three Generals Camp and allocate all the heavy armor in his possession to them.
But when Liu Er put himself in Ning Zhuo’s position, he felt that such a possibility was extremely unlikely.
“After all, Ning Zhuo and Mu Lan are husband and wife. And Mu Lan’s status is noble—her background far surpasses mine.”
“Ning Zhuo may be young and hot-blooded, but he comes from a great clan. He certainly understands how to weigh advantages and disadvantages.”
“If he ultimately chooses to favor the Red Flower Camp, I would not find it strange, nor would I blame him.”
“So what should I do?”
Ning Zhuo had already provided too much financial support to the Three Generals Camp. Liu Er realized that he did not even possess the qualifications to persuade him.
Then Liu Er thought of the Yin-Yang One-Energy Vessel.
“If I give him this treasure… would it make Ning Zhuo lean more toward us?”
He shook his head and laughed bitterly.
Just as he approached the fortress gate of the Three Generals Camp, a new thought appeared in his mind.
He thought of someone.
“Perhaps… I could ask him for help?”
White Jade Camp.
Shuangjing stood before the Commander’s Tent with a smile, welcoming Ning Zhuo’s arrival.
“Little Friend Ning Zhuo, please come inside.” Shuangjing gestured with his hand.
Ning Zhuo immediately bowed, expressing that receiving such courtesy from Lord Shuangjing left him deeply honored.
Although he had once rejected Shuangjing’s recruitment quite harshly, after the incident involving Mu Lan he had hosted a banquet for all the parties involved. Through his own skillful handling, he had greatly eased his relationships with many factions.
This included his relationship with Shuangjing.
Shuangjing looked at the white-clothed youth before him and could not help sighing at Ning Zhuo’s extraordinary fortune. Previously, he would never have imagined that this sixteen-year-old Foundation Establishment cultivator could become Mu Lan’s husband—the son-in-law of the Grand General Mu’s Mansion.
The reason he personally waited outside the tent to greet him was naturally not because of Ning Zhuo himself, but because of his identity connected to the Grand General Mu’s Mansion.
After Ning Zhuo was brought inside the tent, he quickly explained his purpose.
The White Jade Camp still possessed its quota of heavy armor, but it had not used a single one.
This was not because the White Jade Camp lacked money. On the contrary, they were excessively wealthy. Their military equipment was already extremely abundant, and they possessed superior heavy armor themselves, making external purchases unnecessary.
After the ambush battle, the White Jade Camp had suffered heavy casualties. Additionally, the Stone Dwelling Old Monster had plundered widely, causing them to lose more than half of their military supplies.
But after returning to Canglin Immortal City for Recuperation, Shuangjing had vigorously rebuilt the White Jade Camp.
Although his financial power was not as abundant as before, the forces behind him all exerted their influence, bringing new support—providing both funds and manpower.
Furthermore, his aunt Shuang Ling was a Nascent Soul-level figurehead of the Liangzhu Kingdom royal family. She herself possessed immense wealth and was even more capable than Shuangjing at mobilizing family and allied resources.
Her arrival brought a massive investment to the White Jade Camp.
While the Three Generals Camp, Red Flower Camp, Barbarian-Demon Camp, and Golden Halberd Army had all advanced into the Thousand Peaks Forest under the new Military Order—
Fighting fierce battles along the way—
The White Jade Camp had remained in Woodwheel Town, conducting Recuperation and intensive military training, growing stronger with each passing day.
Hearing Ning Zhuo’s request, Shuangjing took a sip of tea.
He neither agreed immediately nor rejected it.
Instead, he was considering what kind of condition would be most appropriate to propose.
At that moment, the General’s Seal in his robes stirred slightly, secretly delivering a piece of Latest Military Intelligence.
“Oh?”
“Liu Er has also come to visit me?”
“How interesting…”
Shuangjing glanced at Ning Zhuo, and an idea immediately formed in his mind.
He smiled faintly.
“Little Friend Ning Zhuo, could I trouble you to wait briefly in the Inner Chamber? I have another guest to attend to.”
Although Ning Zhuo and Liu Er were closely connected, he did not reveal the visitor’s identity.
Ning Zhuo smiled and immediately stood up.
“The guest follows the host’s arrangements.”
Following Shuangjing’s guidance, he entered the Inner Chamber and sat down.
Shuangjing pointed toward a nearby bookshelf.
“I have some leisure books here. Little Friend Ning Zhuo may read them to pass the time. I will deal with the visitor quickly, and then we can continue our discussion.”
Meanwhile, Liu Er followed a Golden Core–level Deputy General through the White Jade Camp.
Tall White Jade Stone Walls surrounded the camp. The Chevaux-de-frise were all carved from white jade, covered in layers of talismans.
The watchtowers were fully built stone towers standing tall and straight, their upper platforms spacious. Each tower was equipped with Mechanical Bed Crossbows.
White Jade Military Flags fluttered from the flagpoles. Within the dragon patterns embroidered in silver threads, the dragon’s eyes flickered, as if ready to take flight at any moment.
The soldiers trained in the wide field, each riding a Mountain Goat Mount, galloping and leaping across the ground.
This made Liu Er extremely envious, because the Three Generals Camp still had no mounts.
Compared to the White Jade Camp, the Three Generals Camp appeared poor and shabby—even with Ning Zhuo’s financial support.
Liu Er stood before the Commander’s Tent and loudly requested an audience.
Inside the Inner Chamber, Ning Zhuo heard the familiar voice and was about to stand up.
Shuangjing immediately activated the restriction of the tent, placing Ning Zhuo under soft confinement within the Inner Chamber. He could move freely inside, but no sound or movement could be transmitted outside.
Shuangjing smiled leisurely, took another sip of tea, and only then spoke.
“Come in.”
Liu Er lowered his head and bent his waist, lifting a corner of the tent curtain before respectfully entering.
Incense burned inside the tent, filling the air with a quiet fragrance.
Shuangjing sat calmly in the main seat, his bearing elegant, his eyes deep. Every movement carried a sense of noble arrogance.
“Liu Er. What brings you here?” Shuangjing asked directly.
His tone was flat, and he did not invite Liu Er to sit. His attitude was far from polite.
Liu Er cupped his fists.
“Lord Shuangjing, I have heard that you still possess heavy armor quotas. I came to request some.”
“During the previous ambush battle, my Three Generals Camp helped the Red Flower Camp escape the entanglement of Ma Feitui. The Red Flower Camp then rushed to assist your army. Therefore, our camp indirectly contributed as well.”
“I hope you might show some leniency considering this matter.”
Shuangjing remained silent for a long time.
Liu Er felt disappointed and confused, so he slowly raised his head.
He saw Shuangjing calmly drinking tea, quietly observing him. The carved-like face was filled with arrogance and distance, his gaze heavy with condescension.
“Liu Er,” Shuangjing said.
“It seems you have underestimated the difficulty of this matter.”
“Certainly, I could use my quota to purchase heavy armor from the Quartermaster and transfer it to you.”
“But in reality, this is not something Marshal Du wishes to see.”
Liu Er froze slightly.
Shuangjing continued:
“Marshal Du appears fair and just, but his mind is full of schemes.”
“Do you think this heavy armor quota was simply distributed evenly by the Quartermaster according to the number of armors?”
“Heh. Don’t be naive.”
“This arrangement was deliberately designed by Marshal Du.”
“He intentionally made the heavy armor quotas fewer than the total number of troops.”
“So that you would be forced to merge armies and cut down soldiers.”
“In the end, using the standard of Iron Flow Across the Plains, he will eliminate the unqualified armies.”
“The eliminated armies will not share the war merit, and large amounts of military supplies will also be saved.”
“Do you know how much he invested to construct the Parade Platform this time?”
Shuangjing raised three fingers.
“A conservative estimate—at least three million High-grade Spirit Stones.”
“So he must sell the heavy armor at high prices.”
“And he must eliminate large numbers of troops to streamline the entire army.”
“After this Grand Decisive Battle, the remaining armies will almost certainly all be enhanced by the Military Art—Iron Flow Across the Plains.”
“Thus they will owe him a favor, admire him, and perhaps even swear loyalty to him.”
“This is Marshal Du’s method. Even if you see through it, you are still forced to obey.”
“So although helping you seems like a small favor, in reality it would disrupt Marshal Du’s calculations.”
“The invisible price I would pay is far greater than you imagine—perhaps even immeasurable. Do you understand?”
Liu Er stood frozen, unable to speak.
The Liangzhu Kingdom lacked military forces. Its main armies were each guarding important defensive lines. Moving one would affect the entire situation, so even the King of Liangzhu Kingdom had not redeployed them.
Thus Du Tiechuan had recruited troops from every possible source, even issuing a Proclamation of Talent Recruitment to raise many new armies.
Were Liu, Guan, and Zhang not recruited through that proclamation and then funded themselves to form the Three Generals Camp?
Even Shuangjing himself was not from the orthodox military system. He and his family had seized this opportunity to fund an army and participate in the campaign.
This meant that most of the forces under Du Tiechuan’s command were newly formed armies with different backgrounds.
Except for the Vanguard Army.
The Vanguard Army was a regular force of the Liangzhu Kingdom, but unfortunately it was currently trapped within poisonous miasma, and its situation was unknown.
Du Tiechuan truly deserved his title as one of the Grand Generals. After the Mechanism Princess Shuang Ling’s plan involving the mountain-traversing mechanical wheel failed, he immediately switched to a second strategy.
Before even confronting the enemy forces of the Thousand Peaks Forest, the grand strategy of Iron Flow Across the Plains had already begun reorganizing the internal forces—unifying their pace and binding everyone more tightly under his command.
Shuangjing tapped his finger on the table and praised:
“I must say, Marshal Du’s methods are truly brilliant.”
“Clearly it is a political purge, yet it appears completely righteous and leaves no room for criticism.”
“And he combines both soft and hard methods.”
“You think the Iron Skin Flesh Armor Art was merely released by that Deputy General on his own?”
Shuangjing sneered.
“Behind it all, Du Tiechuan must have given the approval.”