Chapter 512: Delivering Goods to the Door
The drinking session between Ning Zhuo and Liu Er did not last long.
Because Liu Er had to hurry back to train the soldiers of the Three Generals Camp.
Before leaving, he patted Ning Zhuo on the shoulder. “Although I really want to persuade you, Strategist, to prioritize taking care of the Three Generals Camp.”
“But after thinking about it carefully, I really don’t have the qualifications to say such things.”
“The fact that we have reached where we are today is all thanks to you, Strategist.”
“Since Double Purity has shown no sincerity, then I accept the proposal you made earlier!”
“I only hope that in the future, we will also be able to successfully withdraw from the Red Flower Camp.”
To join, they needed Mu Lan’s approval.
Similarly, if the Three Generals Camp wished to withdraw from the Red Flower Camp in the future and establish their own independent force, they would also need Mu Lan’s approval. The matter would then have to be reported to the court and pass through a series of formal procedures before it could succeed.
Ning Zhuo nodded. “I will arrange this matter. I will go speak with General Mu Lan. We can sign a contract.”
Liu Er laughed heartily. “There’s no need for a contract. I trust you, Strategist.”
After saying that, he flew away.
Ning Zhuo watched Liu Er’s back until it disappeared among the mountain ridges before withdrawing his gaze.
“Liu Er… truly is an interesting person,” he transmitted with his spiritual sense, sighing to Sun Lingtong.
Sun Lingtong was lying inside the Wanli Dragon and had overheard everything. Reclining in his seat with his hands behind his head, he said, “Liu Er really does have his methods.”
“What he said is very moving. But be careful, Little Zhuo.”
“Before what he said is verified, it’s better to keep some suspicion.”
Sun Lingtong continued, “His reaction in Double Purity’s tent is also worth examining.”
“I remember earlier you told me you suspected that Liu Er possesses some investigative method. He knows the situation of the Three Generals Camp like the back of his hand.”
“Do you think there’s a possibility that when Liu Er faced Double Purity earlier, he already detected that we were inside the inner chamber?”
Ning Zhuo nodded. “Boss, I already thought of everything you mentioned.”
“I was only feeling emotional.”
“I do harbor suspicion. But in the depths of my heart, I’m willing to believe his words are true!”
Sun Lingtong asked in confusion, “Ah? Why is that?”
Ning Zhuo’s eyes shone brightly, a trace of excitement appearing on his face as he said, “Since leaving Huoshi Immortal City and traveling the world, this is the first time I’ve met someone like him.”
“He has his own ambition!”
Sun Lingtong replied, “To establish a pure land where no one is excluded? That is indeed a grand ambition… but it might also be a castle in the air.”
“That goal is simply too big. Even though he has Golden Core cultivation, it’s still far from enough to achieve it.”
“Even if Guan Hong and Zhang Hei assist him, it’s still the same.”
Ning Zhuo nodded. “That’s why I say he’s truly interesting.”
“His ambition is so grand, yet achieving it is incredibly difficult.”
“Compared to his ambition, Liu Er’s current power is far too weak.”
“But his faith is incredibly firm! I can feel it. He himself deeply understands the difficulty of achieving that ambition. Yet he still does it without hesitation.”
“The way he moves forward toward his goal, willing to pour everything he has into it… it naturally inspires admiration and longing.”
Sun Lingtong felt even more puzzled. “If you say it like that, Little Zhuo, aren’t you the same?”
“To revive your mother, you started traveling the world while only at the Foundation Establishment stage, throwing yourself into danger like this.”
“You’re much younger than Liu Er, so you’re even more remarkable!”
In Sun Lingtong’s mind, Liu Er could not even compare to his little brother.
But Ning Zhuo shook his head. “It’s different. It’s not the same!”
This drinking session had greatly changed Ning Zhuo’s impression of Liu Er.
At the beginning, Ning Zhuo only wanted to make use of Liu, Guan, and Zhang to sneak into the Liangzhu Kingdom expeditionary army and reach the front line, so that he could retrieve his mother’s Mechanical Carriage.
Thus, although Ning Zhuo had repeatedly funded Liu, Guan, and Zhang with increasingly generous resources, it had all been part of his calculations.
If one were to say he sincerely wanted to support Liu, Guan, and Zhang, that intention had been very small.
After all, Ning Zhuo’s relationship with them was different. The three of them were sworn brothers, while Ning Zhuo had merely happened upon them and taken advantage of the situation.
Just as Mu Lan had been calculating against Ning Zhuo, Ning Zhuo had also been calculating against Liu, Guan, and Zhang.
But after fighting side by side in later battles, the camaraderie between Ning Zhuo and the Three Generals had steadily deepened.
Including the fact that Liu Er had once disliked Ning Zhuo for a time—Ning Zhuo had sensed it somewhat. Of course, he had never taken it to heart.
From the conversation just now, Ning Zhuo could feel Liu Er’s sincerity.
Liu Er’s tragic experiences also stirred a powerful resonance within him.
Liu Er’s mother had sacrificed herself for him—just like Ning Zhuo’s mother had done.
Ning Zhuo did not ask Liu Er why he had never tried to revive his mother.
Because the answer to that question was already obvious.
Since the sect near the mountain village had arranged so many schemes, they clearly would not allow the sacrificial souls to fall into the underworld and leave any trace behind.
Therefore, Liu Er’s mother’s soul had already been completely destroyed. There was absolutely no foundation left for revival.
“Perhaps it was precisely because of this that Liu Er formed the ambition to create a pure land.”
“That ambition itself is the substitute for his inability to save his mother. It is his resistance against his own fate, his dissatisfaction with the world, his unyielding cry and furious roar!”
Ning Zhuo could not help but feel sympathy for Liu Er.
Resonance, sympathy, admiration, curiosity—these emotions mixed together, causing an impulse to rise within Ning Zhuo.
He told Sun Lingtong about this impulse. “Boss, you might not believe it, but compared to Mu Lan, I actually want to support Liu Er more.”
“I really want to fight alongside him. I want to witness his struggle and effort.”
“I don’t know why, but his ambition makes my blood boil!”
“Even though I’m a pure human, not a half-demon.”
Sun Lingtong shook his head repeatedly. “Little Zhuo, it sounds like you’re being foolish.”
“We only supported Liu, Guan, and Zhang to increase the chances of obtaining your mother’s relics.”
“You want to follow Liu Er and struggle for his cause?”
Sun Lingtong shrugged. “I personally don’t mind. That kind of thing would definitely be exciting.”
“But what about your mother?”
That simple question was like a bucket of icy water poured over Ning Zhuo’s head.
Ning Zhuo fell silent for a moment before giving a bitter smile.
“Boss… you’re right.”
“I have to save my mother first!”
With a long sigh, Ning Zhuo turned and headed toward the Red Flower Camp.
Halfway there, Sun Lingtong suddenly said, “Careful! There’s a cultivator hiding ahead.”
Whenever Ning Zhuo traveled outside, Sun Lingtong controlled the Wanli Dragon, using its mechanisms to conduct reconnaissance.
Without hesitation, Ning Zhuo immediately retreated explosively, rapidly widening the distance.
The next moment, he heard a familiar voice.
“Oh? My Leaf Concealing the Eye Technique even fooled Meng Kui. Yet you were able to easily detect my whereabouts. Not bad.”
Ning Zhuo retreated even faster!
In the next instant, Lin Bufan revealed himself and took out a token. “At such a young age, yet so meticulous and experienced in action. Very good.”
“Little Friend Ning, if you keep running, then the batch of Jade Steel Heavy Armor and Ten-Thousand-Year Fire Essence in my hands will be taken back.”
Hearing this, Ning Zhuo confirmed the token was authentic before stopping.
He ran back happily and cupped his fists in greeting.
“Sect Master Lin, I never expected to see you at a time like this.”
“This is wonderful!”
“The items you brought are exactly what I need right now.”
Lin Bufan stroked his beard. “Naturally. Du Tiechuan truly deserves to be one of the most prominent grand generals of Liangzhu Kingdom. He acts upright and openly, yet forces both allies and enemies to follow his arrangements.”
“With this batch of Jade Steel Heavy Armor, once you fully equip the Red Flower Camp and the Three Generals Camp, there will still be some left over.”
From his words, it was clear Lin Bufan had a deep understanding of Ning Zhuo’s situation.
But Ning Zhuo was not surprised at all.
From the way Lin Bufan had managed to establish the Myriad Medicines Sect, it was clear that he was meticulous and thorough in his actions. Since he had come to deliver goods, he would naturally hide and investigate first, confirming everything before appearing.
The two immediately completed the exchange.
The Jade Steel Heavy Armor had a simple design that gave off a sense of solidity. The surface of the armor emitted a jade-like luster, somewhere between dark cyan and deep black.
The top of the helmet was slightly raised, while the faceplate leaned slightly forward, with fine talisman runes carved on both sides.
The chest armor plates were wide and covered a large area, shaped like a shield. The back was relatively flat, with angled formations on both sides designed to deflect and disperse attacks from behind.
The shoulder armor was massive and heavy, round in shape and covering the shoulders completely.
The arm guards were designed with flexibility in mind. The joints between armor plates were tight but not obtrusive.
The leg armor contained three formations: one to reduce weight, one to increase agility, and one to help cultivators recover stamina more quickly.
As for the Ten-Thousand-Year Fire Essence, it was sealed inside a medicine bottle.
When Ning Zhuo extended his spiritual sense into it, he saw a tiny humanoid-shaped fire spirit sitting cross-legged inside, meditating like a cultivator.
He exclaimed in surprise, “This fire essence has incredible spirituality!”
Lin Bufan nodded. “Too many cultivators died in Fire Persimmon Mountain. This Ten-Thousand-Year Fire Essence took advantage of it, absorbing their spirituality and becoming extremely dangerous.”
Ning Zhuo said thoughtfully, “Senior must have taken many risks to obtain this item. It couldn’t have been easy.”
“The Ten-Thousand-Year Fire Essence itself is already difficult to deal with.”
“Not to mention the lord of Huoshi Immortal City, Meng Kui!”
Lin Bufan replied, “You’re right…”
He then briefly recounted how he had assisted Ning Jiufan and participated in the struggle to obtain the Ten-Thousand-Year Fire Essence.
Ning Zhuo bowed deeply and sincerely thanked Lin Bufan.
Lin Bufan raised a hand to help him up. “Little Friend Ning has accomplished no small things himself.”
“I truly didn’t expect that after arriving in Liangzhu Kingdom, you would become the son-in-law of the Grand General’s Mansion.”
Ning Zhuo gave a bitter smile, looking slightly embarrassed. “The details of the situation… I will need to report them carefully.”
Lin Bufan had already gathered some information himself, but he was still curious about the full story.
After hearing Ning Zhuo’s explanation, he pondered for a moment before stroking his beard and sighing.
“Little Friend Ning, your fortune is extraordinary. With such coincidences and twists of fate, you ended up being the greatest beneficiary.”
“If you ask me, you might as well stay in Liangzhu Kingdom and cultivate your position within Grand General Mu’s Mansion for a while. Solidify your identity.”
Lin Bufan was actually quite pleased upon hearing this news.
He knew that his daughter, Lin Shanshan, had feelings for Ning Zhuo.
But as a father, Lin Bufan preferred to match his beloved daughter with his eldest disciple, Linghu Jiu.
Now that Ning Zhuo and Mu Lan had become husband and wife, in Lin Bufan’s eyes, it was a happy matter.
Ning Zhuo shook his head. “I have already agreed with General Mu Lan that after this great war ends, I will leave Liangzhu Kingdom.”
“Grand General Mu’s Mansion is wonderful, but I am not fortunate enough 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 the coming war. Liangzhu Kingdom clearly held the advantage right now. If they captured several Giant Tree Mountains, there would surely be abundant spoils of war, including many medicinal herbs.
Lin Bufan chuckled and pointed a finger at Ning Zhuo’s nose.
“You little rascal, still the same as ever.”
“Trying to trick me into joining the battle?”
“Hehe, I won’t fall for that.”
“My Myriad Medicines Sect belongs to Southern Dou Country. For a Nascent Soul cultivator like me to secretly come near the Liangzhu Kingdom army already violates many rules.”
“If I help you fight in the coming battle as well, that would go too far.”
“Say no more. Take care of yourself. I’m leaving.”
With that, Lin Bufan waved his sleeve, flew into the sky, and quietly departed, leaving decisively.
Ning Zhuo carefully stored away the Ten-Thousand-Year Fire Essence and inspected the Jade Steel Heavy Armor once more.
Inside the Wanli Dragon, Sun Lingtong was also happy for him.
“Little Zhuo, we originally planned to manufacture military equipment and sell it here. Who would have thought the first batch of heavy armor would arrive at such a perfect time!”
Ning Zhuo also felt delighted.
“This really is a coincidence of fate.”
“I used to look forward to the Ten-Thousand-Year Fire Essence more, but now the Jade Steel Heavy Armor makes me even happier.”
With this batch of armor, he no longer needed to make a difficult choice. He now had a better plan to support both the Three Generals Camp and the Red Flower Camp.
Ning Zhuo arrived at the Red Flower Camp.
Without needing to report, Mu Lan immediately received him.
“I’ve brought good news,” Ning Zhuo said with a smile, his tone casual.
Mu Lan also smiled. “What a coincidence, Husband. I also have good news to tell you.”
Ning Zhuo’s expression immediately became slightly restrained. “General Mu Lan, you may simply call me Ning Zhuo.”
Mu Lan complied readily. “Alright, Husband.”
Ning Zhuo sighed helplessly before taking out the Jade Steel Heavy Armor.
Mu Lan’s eyes lit up. After inspecting it, she commented, “The quality is somewhat inferior, but the materials are solid. It will be more than sufficient to pass the inspection of the Parade Platform.”
This batch of Jade Steel Heavy Armor came from the Ning family branch. According to their current artifact-refining level, it was indeed considered inferior.
Mu Lan then took out another suit of armor and handed it to Ning Zhuo.
“I told you before—this is the Hundred-Arm Arhat Armor used by Tang Jifeng.”
Mechanical Heavy Armor!
Ning Zhuo’s eyes immediately lit up. He stepped forward excitedly and placed both hands on the surface of the armor.
“Amazing… absolutely amazing!”
Seeing how delighted Ning Zhuo was, his gaze glued to the mechanical armor, Mu Lan instantly knew the gift had perfectly matched his interests. She had given exactly the right thing.