Chapter 625: Building the Army with Full Strength
Outside White Paper Immortal City.
The Yin Soldier Grand Camp.
Sun Lingtong swept his gaze around. Everything he saw and heard was transmitted through Divine Ability—Life Hanging by a Thread to Ning Zhuo.
Thus, Ning Zhuo “saw” a great number of Yin soldiers applying a certain medicinal paste.
The Yin soldiers opened the paste and evenly smeared it over their bodies.
Whenever the paste was patted and spread across their forms, it frequently emitted the sounds of living beings dying miserably.
All of those sounds were absorbed into the Yin soldiers’ bodies and swiftly dissipated.
Sun Lingtong explained at the proper moment, “I’ve made inquiries. This medicinal compound is called Death Echo Layered Ridge Ointment.”
“It uses Nether Grass, Moon Shadow Dew, and Ghost Flower Mud as its primary ingredients. Right now, the entire Yin soldier army applies this ointment daily at fixed intervals.”
“At first, the medicinal effect is nonexistent. But as the number of applications accumulates, the effects gradually stack up. In the end, the sound of death transforms the soul body, forming heavy armor protection.”
Sun Lingtong added in conclusion, “However, because this medicine temporarily alters the soul body, once the effect passes, the soul body will fall into extreme weakness. If no follow-up medicinal pills are taken, it can even cause soul deformities, memory disorder, loss of intelligence, and other severe aftereffects.”
Ning Zhuo immediately recalled how, during the great war in Liangzhu Kingdom, its army had increased its heavy armor in a dangerous manner.
He instantly realized the severity of the situation. “So the Yin soldier army is actively preparing for a decisive battle!”
“When this Yin soldier army first stationed itself here, its scale wasn’t large. But after so many ghost tides, continuously absorbing the ghosts within them, and with the Underworld of Wangchuan constantly reinforcing them, their numbers are already nearing one hundred thousand!”
“If the entire army launches an assault, can White Paper Immortal City hold?”
Ning Zhuo felt immense pressure.
Although he held the title of Deputy City Lord, the Lord of White Paper Immortal City had never truly delegated authority to him. Thus, Ning Zhuo still knew nothing about the city’s true foundations.
At most, he knew that the Paper Effigy Giant Statue possessed Nascent Soul–level combat power.
“And the true key to this battle doesn’t lie with White Paper Immortal City, but with the Underworld of Wangchuan!”
Because of Meng Yaoyin’s arrangements, Ning Zhuo had gained access to the overall intelligence.
Yet he had not leaked information regarding the Heavenly Ghost Transformation Calamity-Offering Rite, nor the century-long scheme of the Lord of Wangchuan Prefecture.
Keeping those secrets did not hinder the Lord of White Paper Immortal City, Yang Sanyan, Wen Ruanyu, and the others from actively preparing their defenses.
Sun Lingtong asked, “Little Zhuo, time is running short.”
“How is the Green Scorched Army?”
“Can you ensure that at the final moment, they will have the courage to charge into the Underworld and fight to the death?”
“Even if you use Divine Ability—Life Hanging by a Thread to control Qing Chi, although that young girl has won the army’s morale, can she truly order the Green Scorched Army to risk their lives in battle?”
Ning Zhuo sighed. “That will require careful planning.”
He cut off communication with Sun Lingtong. After pondering for a moment, he summoned Qing Chi.
When Qing Chi heard that Ning Zhuo wished to see her, her face lit up with joy, and she hurried straight to his residence.
“Little Ma, did you miss me?” Qing Chi was as enthusiastic as ever.
“You’re always focused on cultivation or busy helping the City Lord.”
“Now it’s good—the traitor has already been uncovered by you. You can finally rest properly. I’ll keep you company. We can do things we like together!”
Her gaze burned with fervor.
Ning Zhuo felt his scalp go numb.
He coughed lightly. “Miss Qing Chi, although we uncovered one traitor, we did not capture him alive and thus failed to obtain crucial intelligence.”
“We do not know whether there are other traitors.”
“In this situation, maintaining our previous caution and vigilance without relaxing is the best course.”
“Moreover, the enemy army outside the city is nearing one hundred thousand in scale. White Paper Immortal City is in grave danger. We have no right to slacken!”
Although Qing Chi adored Jiao Ma deeply, she was also sensible in major matters.
She sighed. “It’s all thanks to you, Little Ma, that we secured investment from Myriad Phenomena Sect. Now, the military supply hurdle has been overcome. We’ve also established two military regulations, laying the foundation.”
“Once I comprehend the third one, we can enter the next stage.”
“Once we forge the military equipment, our Green Scorched Army will officially be established.”
“It’s just a pity—we were one step too slow. If we had successfully built the army earlier, we could have mobilized the entire force when the enemy first stationed here. Maybe we could have wiped them out.”
“But now not only have they firmly established their foothold, their scale is enormous. If our Green Scorched Army leaves the city to fight, it would certainly be suicide!”
Ning Zhuo fell silent.
On this point, he held a different view.
“This is likely the evolution of the fortune of the Yang Realm’s Heaven.”
“The Yang Heaven intends to carry out Heavenly Punishment upon the Lord of Wangchuan Prefecture, thus arranging various measures.”
“According to the plan provided by Old Man Gray Bone, the Green Scorched Army is precisely the weapon meant to deal with the Lord of Wangchuan Prefecture!”
“Under normal circumstances, establishing a new army would be extremely difficult. It requires not only resources but also consensus among various forces. White Paper Immortal City is wealthy—why has it not formed a cultivation army until now?”
Having spent considerable time here, Ning Zhuo had gradually grasped the deeper strategic structure.
“Since this is Heaven’s arrangement, I should all the more bring the Green Scorched Army onto the stage meant for it.”
“Before that, however, I must strengthen this army with all my might.”
“I believe that when the Yang Heaven chose me as the savior, it also accounted for what I hold in my hands.”
“In that case, I shall follow Heaven’s mandate.”
Ning Zhuo had long made his decision. With that thought, he took out a helmet.
Qing Chi immediately looked over curiously. The helmet was hemispherical, its visor broad, its crest slightly tilting backward like a phoenix about to spread its wings. Its bronze surface bore numerous scratches and dents—the marks of battle.
Qing Chi exclaimed in surprise, “Oh! This is military equipment!”
“Although after military regulations comes military equipment, giving it to me now is too early.”
The ghost girl then gazed at Ning Zhuo affectionately. “Little Ma, I knew you loved me. You’ve long prepared so many treasures for me. Although this piece of military equipment is incomplete, I still like it very much.”
“Thank you!”
Ning Zhuo immediately grew solemn. “Miss Qing Chi, you’re mistaken. This military equipment is not a gift to you—it’s only lent for your use.”
“It is one of the components of Soldiers Sharing One Helm.”
The ghost girl blinked in confusion.
Seeing her puzzled expression, Ning Zhuo realized she knew nothing about Soldiers Sharing One Helm and explained its details.
Qing Chi examined the helmet again. “So it’s such a treasure. But with such a grand origin, what use is it to us?”
Ning Zhuo replied, “We must add this as well.”
Qing Chi then saw the youth take out a book.
The book was made of metal.
On its cover were four large vertical characters—Gao Sheng’s Testament. The strokes were powerful and vigorous. At a single glance, it felt like a violent storm rushing toward one’s face, carrying an indescribable oppressive force.
“A military manual?” Qing Chi’s eyes lit up. “I’ve read many military manuals. They don’t seem difficult.”
She curiously took Gao Sheng’s Testament and flipped through it a few times before asking in confusion, “Oh dear, this book is too damaged. The contents inside are incomplete.”
Ning Zhuo smiled faintly. “These two items must be used together. Try it—the effect should be excellent.”
Back then, Sun Ning and the other had used these two treasures together. One comprehended the Swift Wind Light Step Formation, and the other comprehended the Warrior Returns Art.
Ning Zhuo held high expectations for Qing Chi’s talent in the Military Strategist Path, believing she would gain even more.
Qing Chi nodded. “Alright, Little Ma, I’ll listen to you. Teach me how to use them.”
After Ning Zhuo gave instructions, Qing Chi put on the round helmet, infused her spiritual sense into the military manual, closed her eyes, and began deep contemplation.
Ning Zhuo watched from the side, and soon a strange expression appeared on his face.
He saw Soldiers Sharing One Helm and Gao Sheng’s Testament radiating light together. Responding in resonance was the military branch within Qing Chi’s body!
The radiance of the three connected as one, shining for the time it took to burn an incense stick before simultaneously fading.
“Well? Did you comprehend anything?” Ning Zhuo asked immediately when Qing Chi slowly opened her eyes.
Seeing Ning Zhuo’s concerned look, warmth flowed through Qing Chi’s heart.
She was extremely excited. “I comprehended two military arts. One is called 【Money Connects Ghosts】, and the other is 【Life-Buying Money】.”
Ning Zhuo was surprised, but quickly accepted it.
He had always held expectations for Qing Chi’s talent in the Military Strategist Path.
Judging from the results, he had been correct—Qing Chi was indeed extraordinary!
“Explain in detail,” Ning Zhuo urged.
Qing Chi concealed nothing from the one she loved and revealed everything.
The military art 【Money Connects Ghosts】 could expend military funds to recruit a batch of ghosts as soldiers, supplementing the Green Scorched Army.
The military art 【Life-Buying Money】 expended military funds to generate a powerful healing force, restoring the entire army.
“Both are highly practical!” Ning Zhuo nodded, pleased yet puzzled. “But why are they both related to military funds?”
Qing Chi scratched her head sheepishly. “Maybe it’s because recently I’ve been overwhelmed by the cost of building the army. With such vast wealth required, even if I worked for hundreds of lifetimes, I couldn’t earn that much!”
Ning Zhuo looked at her, not concealing his admiration. “You have exceptional talent in the Military Strategist Path, Miss Qing Chi. Do not belittle yourself. In the future, your achievements will be great.”
Qing Chi nearly jumped with joy. “Little Ma, you think so highly of me? Haha, I knew it—you want to cultivate me so that one day I can take you far away with me, right?”
Ning Zhuo coughed twice and flatly denied it. “No.”
“Enough of that.”
“Do you remember the spell the Green Scorched Army mastered—Human-Ghost Physiognomy?”
With sponsorship from Myriad Phenomena Sect, the military branch had steadily advanced. The Green Scorched Army had undergone training from it and mastered various spells.
Among them was one called Human-Ghost Physiognomy. When activated, it allowed the ghost-human soldiers within the army to temporarily transform into a purely human form or ghost form.
In human form, they were Human Clan. In ghost form, they were ghosts.
Ning Zhuo said, “Your comprehension of military arts this time was deeply influenced by the military branch. I suggest you immediately undergo special training and master these two military arts as soon as possible. It will greatly benefit the Green Scorched Army. In future fierce battles, it could save many lives.”
Half of the Green Scorched Army was related to Qing Chi by blood or kinship.
Hearing this, Qing Chi grew solemn. “I will practice diligently!”
Ning Zhuo then personally requested the City Lord to open that cultivation chamber for her, borrowing its time acceleration to grant Qing Chi more opportunities for practice.
On the third day, Qing Chi rushed excitedly to Ning Zhuo’s residence.
“Little Ma, I comprehended the third military regulation!”
Just as she said this, her stomach growled loudly.
Ning Zhuo was eating and smiled. “Have you eaten? If not, join me. We’ll eat and talk.”
Qing Chi had trained tirelessly, day and night, desperate to master the two military arts sooner so she could save one or two relatives in battle.
She truly had not eaten.
She immediately sat down and took a few bites—then spat them out. “Ptoo, ptoo!”
“What is this? Is this fit for humans?”
Ning Zhuo shook his head seriously. “Although it tastes terrible, it enhances one’s foundation. Do you know how much the bite you just spat out was worth?”
He named a figure that made Qing Chi’s expression change drastically. She stared at the Spirit Food. “I was wrong—I shouldn’t waste it. I’ll eat it. No matter how bitter, I can swallow it!”
With a twisted expression, Qing Chi forced down the Spirit Food, suffering yet delighted.
These Spirit Foods had excellent effects but atrocious taste. They were crafted by the elderly Spirit Chef of the Dark Cuisine School.
Originally, the Spirit Chef had confessed to the City Lord’s incarnation, willing to sacrifice his life to stabilize the citizens’ morale. But Ning Zhuo uncovered the traitor, indirectly saving him.
After learning the truth, the old man personally sought out Ning Zhuo, declaring that he must repay the life-saving grace and wished to contribute in some small way.
Thus, Ning Zhuo arranged for him to prepare Spirit Food.
While eating, Ning Zhuo asked Qing Chi about the third military regulation.
Qing Chi replied, “It’s called Father and Son Soldiers on the Battlefield!”
Ning Zhuo immediately understood the trigger behind her comprehension.
Qing Chi, in striving to master the two military arts, had grown even more aware that the Green Scorched Army consisted of two major groups: the ghost Green Clan and the human Jiao Clan. No matter which side, Qing Chi felt bound to them by kinship.
Thus, she comprehended the regulation Father and Son Soldiers on the Battlefield.
With that, the three military regulations were complete.
They were: Orders Enforced Without Fail, One Campaign’s Army—Ten Years of Accumulation, and Father and Son Soldiers on the Battlefield.
These three established the foundational style of the Green Scorched Army.
First, strict discipline.
Second, substantial military funding.
Third, deep kinship ties.
After this, more military regulations could be added. But once three were gathered, they could proceed to the next phase.
“It’s time to prepare the military equipment,” Ning Zhuo stood up.
“You’re not eating?” Qing Chi asked.
Ning Zhuo shook his head. “I’m only taste-testing. These are all prepared for the Green Scorched Army.”
“I’ll go now to see if I can secure another round of sponsorship to help us through the military equipment stage.”
“Although there are several stages after military equipment, those belong to strengthening and refining the army.”
“As long as military equipment is completed, the army will be considered established!”
Qing Chi was shocked again as she looked at the table full of Spirit Food. “All of this for our Green Scorched Army? Isn’t that too extravagant?”
Ning Zhuo shook his head.
With the final decisive battle approaching, this was nothing. Moreover, he had already obtained the consent of the Lord of White Paper Immortal City and the elderly Spirit Chef.
The Spirit Food was made by the Spirit Chef.
The meal expenses were borne by the Lord of White Paper Immortal City.
Ning Zhuo had merely been responsible for persuading the two of them earlier.