Compared to others, Red Flower Camp appeared rather plain, and even rudimentary.
The barricades were ordinary, and the camp's gate was a massive wooden frame. The height of the watchtower was not even half that of the White Jade Camp, and even the army flag flying in the wind had faded, with the stitching on the edges becoming blurred, as if it could fall off at any moment.
However, despite the decrepit camp, the soldiers stood guard diligently at every strategic point, each one performing their duties with zeal and spirit.
Ning Zhuo walked straight towards Red Flower Camp.
All because Iron Crutch Imperial Physician Zhang Zhongyi had cast his lot with the poorest treated, least skilled Red Flower Army.
"Halt! This is a military stronghold. Take one more step, and you'll be cut down!" A cultivator guarding the gate shouted sternly at Ning Zhuo.
Ning Zhuo stopped immediately, smiling to indicate his purpose.
After hearing him out, the gatekeeper said impatiently, "Humph, another one here to seek Lord Zhang. Even hiding in the camp, the man can't find peace."
Ning Zhuo, still smiling, subtly readied his technique.
Divine Skills—Life Hanging Thread!
Magic Treasure—Buddha Heart Demon Seal!
He also coupled it with his words, "Young brother, I had no choice. To see the person closest to me in this world fall ill is more painful than being sick myself; it's as if my heart is being cut by a knife, and I'm in extreme distress. That's why I disregarded everything to seek Lord Zhang's compassion."
The sympathy of the gatekeeper swelled to its utmost, feeling as if he shared the burden, and his expression softened, "Go ahead then, what a hard-luck case. I really can't do anything with you people!"
Ning Zhuo bowed his thanks in haste. Just before entering the gate, he covertly took a handful of Spirit Stones and pressed them into the gatekeeper's hand, "A small token of appreciation, for my brothers' hard work guarding the gate. Please have some tea on me."
Unexpectedly, the gatekeeper's hand recoiled as if burned, his expression changing dramatically, he scolded, "What are you doing? What are you doing! Don't think you can bribe us."
"We let you in not because of your token of appreciation or out of pity for you. It's because General Mu is kind and benevolent, and has already issued orders to allow a gateway of convenience for those of you seeking medical help."
"Hurry and go in, and as soon as the consultation is over, leave immediately!"
Using Life Hanging Thread aided by the Buddha Heart Demon Seal, Ning Zhuo could sense the man's sincerity; his words held no deceit, which took Ning Zhuo aback internally.
"I'm a layperson, a layperson! I took my brothers too lightly and offended you, my apologies." Ning Zhuo quickly bowed in contrition.
The several young cultivators guarding the gate appeared indignant, feeling insulted by Ning Zhuo.
Life Hanging Thread!
Buddha Heart Demon Seal!
Their expressions quickly softened and they waved Ning Zhuo away impatiently, "Go, go, go!"
Ning Zhuo nodded his thanks and hurried into the camp.
Before leaving, he retracted all traces of Life Hanging Thread.
After the incidents with Linghu Jiu and Demon Heart Cave Master, he became more cautious, resolving not to use Life Hanging Thread recklessly again.
After all, this was a military camp, Liangzhu Country's army that was advancing to conquer Thousand Peak Forest; who knew how many skilled and remarkable individuals were present. If Life Hanging Thread was discovered, and they followed the clues back to him, wouldn't that be terrible?
Upon entering the camp, Ning Zhuo found it to be dilapidated but strictly guarded, with patrols, sentries, training, and other activities all proceeding in an orderly fashion.
"It seems that although General Mu Lan has only reached Golden Core Cultivation, she still comes from a military family. Her leadership is strict and she has won the hearts of her soldiers; she has a real knack for commanding an army," Sun Lingtong remarked to Ning Zhuo from within the Ten-Thousand-Li Travelling Dragon.
Ning Zhuo nodded slightly.
Directly ahead, a cultivator approached him, "Are you here to seek medical help from Lord Zhang?"
After receiving Ning Zhuo's confirmation, the cultivator said, "Then follow me. This is a restricted military area, not a place outsiders should tread lightly. But General Mu has taken your suffering into account and also wants to prevent damaging Lord Zhang's reputation as a healer, and that's why you've been given this opportunity."
Ning Zhuo immediately expressed his gratitude to General Mu Lan, which made the cultivator's demeanor relax, and his eyes held a hint of "This kid knows his place."
Lifting the tent flap, Ning Zhuo stepped inside and finally met Iron Crutch Imperial Physician Zhang Zhongyi.
He appeared to be in his fifties, tall and thin, with a prominent nose, sunken eyes, and a strong jawline, every inch of skin seeming sculpted by time as hard as iron and steel.
His eyebrows and temples were slightly grey, hinting at a life weathered by hardships.
Most noticeable was his heavy iron crutch.
According to intelligence, he had once been an Imperial Physician, famed for his medical skills and thus, highly favored and trusted by Liangzhu Country's Monarch.
One day, the Prince fell critically ill and required Zhang Zhongyi's medical expertise.
Zhang Zhongyi, however, was reluctant, arguing that the Monarch's son had always relied on his father's affection to be arrogant and domineering, bullying others and tarnishing the Monarch's reputation. Now that the child was stricken with illness, it was divine punishment, and no man should interfere.
The Monarch, infuriated, forced Zhang Zhongyi to treat the Prince.
Zhang Zhongyi, equally outraged, roared in the palace and was then ordered to be beaten by the Monarch in his rage.
Zhang Zhongyi remained silent, preferring death over compromise.
It was his fate not to die that day, as General Mu, victorious from the battlefield, saw Zhang Zhongyi being punished upon returning to the court. After learning the reason, he pleaded on Zhang Zhongyi's behalf after paying respects and reporting back to the Monarch.
Only then did Zhang Zhongyi escape death, yet sustained severe injuries which, despite his medical skills, left him disabled, reliant on a crutch to walk.
What was worse, he had fallen from Nascent Soul Cultivation to Golden Core Stage, never to advance an inch for the rest of his life.
Zhang Zhongyi sat on a stool, lifted his head to glance at Ning Zhuo, and a flash of sharpness in his eyes vanished as quickly as it had appeared, "Young man, although you are injured, with some rest, you should recover on your own. What ailment have you come to see me for?"