Chapter 526: The Truth of the Game
Three Generals Camp.
The residence of Military Advisor Ning Zhuo.
Inside the simple reception hall, there were only three people: Liu Er, Ning Zhuo, and Zhao Xi.
Zhao Xi sat in the seat of honor, with Ning Zhuo accompanying him.
“Your subordinate greets Lord Zhao!” Liu Er stood before Zhao Xi and clasped his fists in salute.
He looked at Zhao Xi with a face full of sincerity, earnestly thanking him for his assistance.
Zhao Xi looked at Liu Er, his gaze pausing briefly on the dried blood at the corner of Liu Er’s mouth.
Just earlier, Double Purity had brought the Quartermaster to cause trouble. Liu Er had blocked them with his own body, suffering injuries and even coughing up blood, yet he had endured it all without seeking treatment.
Zhao Xi nodded slightly and raised a finger, pointing at Liu Er.
“You’re a sensible one. Very good.”
Then he casually waved his hand.
“Sit.”
In Zhao Xi’s mind, he did not care about Liu Er, this Golden Core human-demon hybrid. His main attention was focused entirely on Ning Zhuo.
Back in Canglin Immortal City, Ning Zhuo had already dealt with Zhao Xi.
At that time, Ning Zhuo had used Nascent Soul–level treasure materials from the corpse of the Stone Dwelling Old Monster to successfully bribe Zhao Xi with a grand gesture, and had even lent the Red Flower Camp a helping hand.
Because of this, Zhao Xi now wore a smile and chatted with Ning Zhuo with the attitude of an old acquaintance.
After exchanging a few pleasantries, Zhao Xi spoke in a joking tone.
“To be honest, when I first met Young Master Ning, I would never have imagined that you would become the son-in-law of Grand General Mu’s Mansion—and Mu Lan’s husband.”
He rubbed the armrest of the wooden chair with his palm and sighed.
“The changes in this world are truly unpredictable—remarkably mysterious.”
Ning Zhuo maintained a smile, but inwardly his heart tightened slightly. He knew the conversation had reached an important point.
Without the slightest hesitation, he immediately responded.
“As for this matter, it happened through coincidence. I simply had to grit my teeth and step forward.”
“I believe Lord Zhao already has a clear understanding of the situation at that time.”
Zhao Xi burst out laughing and pointed at Ning Zhuo’s nose, scolding him jokingly.
“When I heard about it back then, I was dumbfounded as well.”
“No one else achieved their goals, yet you brat ended up reaping the greatest benefit in the end.”
“Your luck is truly enviable. Tsk tsk…”
The smile on Ning Zhuo’s face immediately disappeared. He shook his head bitterly.
“My lord, after that incident occurred, I received letters from my family that severely questioned and reprimanded me.”
“To be honest, I am one of the most valued heirs in my clan and bear the responsibility of forming a marriage alliance with the royal family of Southern Dou Country.”
“After this incident, my family was placed in an extremely awkward position, and our relationship with Southern Dou Country also suffered considerable turmoil.”
“Because of my sudden decision, my clan’s losses are far greater than outsiders could imagine.”
As Ning Zhuo spoke, his face became heavy with seriousness.
Zhao Xi tilted his head slightly back, his tone somewhat cryptic.
“If that’s the case, why don’t you and your family simply relocate from Southern Dou Country to Liangzhu Kingdom?”
Ning Zhuo shook his head.
“My lord, allow me to speak frankly.”
“That is almost impossible.”
“First, my clan has struggled greatly and paid immense costs to finally establish a foothold in Huoshi Immortal City of Southern Dou Country, and our development there is rapid. If we moved to Liangzhu Kingdom, it would be equivalent to starting from scratch. The cost would be far too great.”
“Second, Liangzhu Kingdom borders the Northern Wind Country. My clan was once forced to flee from that very country. If we settle too close to our former enemies, it would benefit neither my clan nor Liangzhu Kingdom.”
At this point, Ning Zhuo stood up and clasped his fists toward Zhao Xi.
His expression was solemn.
“Therefore, the marriage agreement between General Mu Lan and myself will definitely be dissolved!”
“The reason it is still maintained now comes down to two main factors.”
“First, since the matter has already happened and my clan has already paid the price, I am considering whether this identity might allow me to recover some benefits to compensate for my family’s losses.”
“Second, given the current military situation, the Red Flower Camp is the best ally of our Three Generals Camp. During this period, I absolutely cannot dissolve the marriage agreement with General Mu Lan. That would be extremely unfavorable for all parties.”
“When the proper time comes, I will follow the agreement and peacefully separate from General Mu Lan.”
Though Zhao Xi appeared relaxed, his eyes were focused as he carefully watched every change in Ning Zhuo’s expression.
All he saw was frankness and sincerity.
Both he and Liu Er quietly breathed a sigh of relief.
Grand General Mu’s Mansion was one of the most prestigious Grand General mansions in Liangzhu Kingdom. With the status of its son-in-law, Ning Zhuo would immediately step into the political court of Liangzhu Kingdom—and directly into its upper ranks.
Naturally, the officials of Liangzhu Kingdom did not want a foreigner occupying such a position.
Ning Zhuo had long been well aware of this.
Therefore, from the very beginning, he had clearly stated his stance and decision to all parties.
This time, Zhao Xi had come to the Forward Camp carrying many secret tasks. One of them was to examine Ning Zhuo and determine his views toward Grand General Mu’s Mansion, as well as his personal intentions.
Ning Zhuo’s answer pleased Liu Er and secretly satisfied Zhao Xi.
Only then did Zhao Xi have the motivation to continue the conversation.
Zhao Xi squinted with a smile.
“Young Master Ning, sit, sit down first. You took the initiative to offer Mechanical Constructs this time—your awareness is commendable, and your action benefits the entire army. Whatever you want, if it’s something I can decide, I’ll arrange it immediately.”
Ning Zhuo also smiled and sat down again.
“I have two main requests.”
“First is National Strength Bricks. After using such a treasure once, the impression is unforgettable. One truly becomes addicted.”
Zhao Xi laughed.
“Agreed!”
Ning Zhuo continued.
“As for the second, I wish to see whether there are any items that can accelerate cultivation.”
He explained in detail.
“I am currently in the second phase of the Foundation Establishment stage—the phase of Treasure Nourishment and Growth.”
“The awkward part is that even if I obtain new National Strength Bricks, it will still be difficult to increase my cultivation.”
“Therefore, I wish to see if there are specialized auxiliary treasures suitable for this phase.”
After hearing this, Zhao Xi pondered for a few breaths before replying with understanding.
“The Quartermaster’s exchange list includes many cultivation aids. Among them there must be treasures suitable for the Treasure Nourishment and Growth phase.”
“However, for you, Young Master Ning, exchanging military merit for National Strength Bricks is the most important matter.”
“So what you truly want is an extremely effective treasure. You have likely already examined the exchange list thoroughly, and the treasures on it do not satisfy you.”
Ning Zhuo immediately clasped his fists.
“Lord Zhao is truly wise. You saw through my thoughts at a glance.”
“Military merit is limited.”
“I would naturally prefer to exchange it for National Strength Bricks. Such good things are extremely rare. Although cultivation nations are numerous, very few use National Strength Bricks as rewards.”
“One could say that if you miss this opportunity, it will never come again.”
“Unless there is some treasure with exceptional effect—something worth spending military merit on, even if it means giving up some National Strength Bricks.”
“But at present, there is nothing like that on the list.”
Zhao Xi nodded and sighed.
“Young Master Ning truly comes from a great clan. This request is somewhat extravagant.”
Liu Er, who had been listening silently, nodded vigorously in agreement.
For the vast majority of cultivators, there was simply no need to invest excessive resources during the Foundation Establishment stage. It would be a complete waste.
Because during the early stages of cultivation, advancement came relatively easily.
But Ning Zhuo had already used a rare treasure like National Strength Bricks in the first phase of Foundation Establishment. Now in the second phase, he still wanted treasures comparable to them to accelerate his cultivation.
Was that really necessary?
Under normal circumstances, for most cultivators, it absolutely was not.
It would be far more cost-effective to save such resources for later stages of cultivation.
Ning Zhuo was only sixteen years old. Most young cultivators at that age were still in the Qi Refining Stage. Even those who were geniuses and had already reached Foundation Establishment would not deliberately seek out such heavy treasures solely to increase cultivation.
They would usually use them for other purposes—such as comprehending techniques or sparring to improve skills.
Thus Zhao Xi’s description of Ning Zhuo’s behavior as extravagant deeply resonated with Liu Er.
When Liu Er thought back to his own Foundation Establishment stage, he had relied purely on effort, spending long hours each day circulating his cultivation method.
The resources Ning Zhuo was consuming now were things Liu Er had not enjoyed even after reaching the Golden Core stage.
Especially the National Strength Bricks.
Such treasures were things Liu Er had never used even once.
Previously he had earned them as military rewards, but he had handed them over to Guan Hong to help him recover quickly from severe injuries.
While feeling envious, Liu Er could only sigh in admiration—Ning Zhuo truly was the young master of a great clan.
Ning Zhuo explained to the two that this was the first time in his life participating in such a massive war. His desire for stronger cultivation had reached the peak of his life, and he greatly hoped to become stronger as quickly as possible.
Therefore, he urgently hoped for auxiliary treasures that could help him break through to the next stage of cultivation faster.
This explanation allowed Liu Er and Zhao Xi to understand him better.
Zhao Xi recalled the intelligence reports and felt that Ning Zhuo’s behavior was quite reasonable. After all, Ning Zhuo’s combat power had already reached the Golden Core level. At present, his greatest weakness lay in his own cultivation. Strengthening this weakness was actually the correct choice.
However, Ning Zhuo’s willingness to spend such enormous resources still went against common sense, leaving people shocked and secretly envious.
Zhao Xi pondered before saying:
“After thinking carefully, I recall that our royal treasury does indeed possess such a treasure.”
“It was once presented to the royal family as a diplomatic gift when an envoy from the Sanyang Kingdom visited.”
“It is a set of treasure talismans called the Three Constellations Interlinking Treasure Talismans.”
“The royal family of Sanyang Kingdom primarily cultivates the Three Yang Supreme Origin Art. Based on the scripture’s principles, they refine talismans using mystical magnetic jade sand tempered by the radiance of the sun, moon, and stars as ink, draw the talisman patterns upon thousand-year Yin-Yang parasol tree leaves, and finally mix in powder ground from flood dragon tendons to complete the creation.”
“These treasure talismans reach the level of a magical treasure. They can be used repeatedly. Even after extensive consumption, additional materials can be added to restore many more uses.”
“As everyone knows, the Three Yang Supreme Origin Art embodies the concept of the flourishing growth of all things. It is one of the top cultivation arts in the world. In the early stage of the Soul Formation level, it can already split three Yang avatars, making it extremely formidable. For the Treasure Nourishment and Growth phase, its power is trivial to apply.”
“If Young Master Ning can obtain this treasure, it would be equivalent to possessing some of the cultivation advantages of the Three Yang Supreme Origin Art during the Foundation Establishment stage.”
Ning Zhuo could not help but feel tempted.
“According to your words, my lord, can such a national treasure really be exchanged with military merit?”
Zhao Xi chuckled.
“Through normal channels, of course not. But… isn’t that why you have me?”
Ning Zhuo immediately understood.
He handed over a Storage Bag and informed Zhao Xi that once the matter was accomplished, he would present an additional gift twice as valuable.
Zhao Xi swept his spiritual sense across it and could not help but let the corners of his mouth curl upward. He openly placed the Storage Bag into his robe.
The atmosphere in the room instantly became even more harmonious.
The three continued chatting for a while.
Most of the conversation was between Zhao Xi and Ning Zhuo, with Liu Er occasionally joining in.
“It’s getting late. I still have matters to attend to.”
Before leaving, Zhao Xi looked at Ning Zhuo, then at Liu Er.
“You are now both my people. In the coming period, you must achieve great merit. The more merit you gain, the more face I will have.”
“Since you have already offered Mechanical Constructs, it means you understand the situation.”
“Don’t just stare at the battlefield spoils. Sure, there are some decent materials—but can they compare to military merit?”
“Especially those mountain strongholds near our camp. The factions there have accumulated quite substantial resources.”
Liu Er and Ning Zhuo immediately understood the hidden meaning.
Ning Zhuo asked, “After clearing the battlefield, shouldn’t we focus all our efforts on attacking Dragon King Giant Tree Mountain?”
Although Dragon King Giant Tree Mountain had been knocked down by Iron Flow Across the Plains, divine light and divine arts had protected it. The mountain remained largely intact, merely shifting from an upright position to lying horizontally.
Losses on the mountain were limited, and many Dragon King temples remained. Numerous stubborn forces were still defending it.
Zhao Xi shook his head.
“Before going into seclusion to heal his injuries, Du Tiechuan issued a strategic order—to control Dragon King Giant Tree Mountain without attacking it. I am merely the Military Supervisor. I cannot change that strategy, nor do I wish to.”
“So after clearing the battlefield, your various armies will spread out like blooming flowers and quickly strike surrounding strongholds.”
Liu Er frowned.
“Dragon King Giant Tree Mountain is a place the Dragon Ginseng King Temple must rescue. Marshal Du intends to lure the enemy forces here and fight a second grand battle.”
“No wonder he spent such enormous resources building such a fortified camp here. Even now, cultivators are still constructing it.”
Ning Zhuo added:
“So before the second grand battle, the scope of our army’s operations will remain limited.”
“There are not many targets we can strike nearby.”
Zhao Xi laughed.
“That’s all your own deductions. I didn’t say anything.”
“Alright then, I’ll be going.”
Ning Zhuo and Liu Er both stood up and escorted Zhao Xi all the way out of the camp.
At the moment of parting, Zhao Xi sent a message through spiritual sense to Ning Zhuo.
“By the way, can you perform a divination for the second battle?”
Ning Zhuo’s prophetic poem had been extremely accurate before, leaving Zhao Xi deeply impressed.
Ning Zhuo immediately smiled bitterly.
“My ability only works when inspiration strikes. At other times, I am completely powerless. I hope my lord will forgive me.”
“Then forget it.” Zhao Xi mounted his tall horse and rode away.
As Liu Er watched Zhao Xi’s departing figure, he sent a spiritual message to Ning Zhuo, thanking him for introducing Zhao Xi to him this time.
Ning Zhuo replied privately:
“It was simply coincidence. Zhao Xi wanted to earn military merit and risked coming to the Forward Camp.”
“He has just arrived and must establish authority. As the saying goes, a new official lights three fires.”
“Our matter happened to fit his needs, so cooperation was achieved.”
Liu Er sighed.
“That may be true, but without the Military Advisor’s connections and the Mechanical Constructs, how could such results have been achieved?”
With Zhao Xi now as a close connection, Liu Er—an outsider—finally had roots in the political court of Liangzhu Kingdom.
This was an extremely major breakthrough.
Since childhood, Liu Er had been taught by his master and possessed considerable political talent. He clearly understood that in this matter, he was actually the greatest beneficiary.
Thus he returned the favor immediately and promised Ning Zhuo:
“Military Advisor, no matter how much military merit the Three Constellations Interlinking Treasure Talismans cost, I am willing to give you my own military merit. If it isn’t enough, I will persuade my two worthy brothers. We will do everything possible to ensure you obtain it.”
Ning Zhuo smiled and did not refuse. He simply replied with a single word:
“Good.”
At present, the results of clearing the battlefield had all been converted into military merit and recorded under Liu Er’s name.
After all, he was the main general of the Three Generals Camp.
Such a spotlight naturally invited jealousy. Ning Zhuo had no desire to take that position.
According to the agreement between Ning Zhuo and the three generals, thirty percent of the military merit belonged to him.
However, in order to push Liu Er to the top of the Military Merit Leaderboard, the merit had not yet been distributed.
Holding the top position on the leaderboard would greatly increase the prestige of the Three Generals Camp, making it easier to gather scattered troops later.
This was yet another layer of calculation.