Seeing that Sun Ning had already left the camp, Zhang Zhongyi immediately called a young servant over, "Go and find General Mu Lan."
Shortly thereafter, a female general lifted the tent flap and entered.
Her demeanor was dignified and valiant, her features distinct, the sharp lines of her jaw showcasing a resolute temperament.
Her gaze was firm and piercing, her nose proud, and her lips shapely; slightly pursed, they conveyed an undeniable determination.
The female general wore her raven hair high in a ponytail with a few wisps framing her forehead, adding a vibrant energy to her appearance.
Her physique was tall and toned, her muscular contours tight and well-proportioned, displaying the fruits of constant training and battle. Particularly noteworthy were her long, powerful legs, each step she took resonated with crisp decisiveness and strength.
She was dressed in a simple set of brass armor and wore a bright red cloak.
Her hands were covered with a pair of black leather gloves, fortified with brass at the palms and fingertips. She also wore a pair of high black leather boots, durable and slip-resistant, with thick brass plates around the boot soles, faces, and surrounding the calves.
"Uncle Zhang, you called for me?" General Mu Lan spoke up immediately.
Zhang Zhongyi nodded, "Mu Lan, there is a young hero who has just traveled here on his friend's behalf to seek medical treatment."
"This person is quite capable and comes from a profound background. Despite only having Foundation Establishment Cultivation, he possesses Golden Core Combat Power, and could be a strong ally for you."
Ning Zhuo introduced Buddhist Doctor Meng Yaoyin, a veritable Golden Core Level Mechanical Puppet.
This also revealed connections deep enough to find a Cultivator at the Earth Element Grandmaster Realm.
Dao Injury.
Is he an ordinary person, injured in ordinary circumstances?
General Mu Lan immediately showed a hint of a bitter smile, "Uncle Zhang, as the saying goes, all is fair in war. You've merely heard reports; as the leader of an army, I can't just take things at face value without investigating this Ning Zhuo's background further."
Zhang Zhongyi became urgent, "Niece Mu Lan, you've taken over military duties for your father, yet you have too few reliable people around you."
"General Mu has been bedridden for a long time, and many covet the position of Upper General."
"Now, you're holding the Military Seal of the Upper General, yet possess only Golden Core Level yourself. You really need supportive people. The court tasks are assigned expecting Nascent Soul Level."
"Canglin Immortal City, being in the rear, you've faced ostracization and targeting. The White Jade Camp deliberately set up right opposite Red Flower Camp and maliciously doubled the recruitment fees."
"Recently, our recruitment efforts have been minimal, drawing in soldiers of low cultivation and diminishing scale."
"A young man like Ning Zhuo is truly a pearl in the ocean. If other camps discover his potential, he will surely be fiercely coveted."
"After all, he does possess Golden Core Level combat power."
Mu Lan was silent for a moment, her expression resolute, "Uncle Zhang, your points are valid. However, that's not how I conduct my affairs."
"My honors should be won by my own hands, with my bow and horse."
"This is my way of military art!" declared the female general resoundingly.
Zhang Zhongyi was momentarily stunned, then sighed, "You and your father are cut from the same cloth in temperament."
"But you ought to know, times have changed..."
Just as Zhang Zhongyi was about to plead further, Mu Lan interrupted with a bow, "Uncle Zhang, if there's nothing else, I will return to the main tent now; there's still a myriad of military affairs to handle."
With that, General Mu Lan bowed and turned around, not glancing back as she strode decisively out of the Medical Camp.
Ning Zhuo sat on the second floor of a tavern, looking out the window directly at the city gate.
The city wall was constructed of massive blue stones, wide enough for two chariots to travel side by side. Flanking the gate were towering towers, with Mechanical Crossbow Carriages positioned on them and soldiers stationed. Additionally, squads periodically patrolled in and out.
The city gate itself was a colossal wooden door, black as ink with clear annual ring markings. The blue stone pavement in the gateway, worn smooth and even slightly recessed from countless treading.
On the inner side of the gate, various notices were posted along the walls.
The most prominent and eye-catching was the Recruitment Decree.
Demons rampant in Thousand Peak Forest disrupt the peace of the people. We are now organizing a vast army to eradicate this evil and restore clarity to the land.
For this purpose, we are specifically recruiting heroes from across the world to join in the fight against demons and promote the Righteous Path.
All aspiring individuals may enlist. Liangzhu Country's Monarch swears on the nation's fortune to grant awards based on military achievements, with justice and impartiality!
Foundation Establishment Cultivators joining the army will secure a captain's position; Golden Core Cultivators will directly be appointed as Guerrilla Generals. Other duties will be granted based on merit, with successful individuals earning titles and privileges for themselves and their descendants, bringing eternal glory.
This grand action supports the Righteous Path, purging countless evils to restore peace and stability to our lands. We hope that capable individuals will respond, serve the nation, achieve great feats, and brighten the universe of Qiankun.
Below that was the seal of Liangzhu Country's Monarch.
The spectators of this Recruitment Decree were naturally numerous.
Ning Zhuo also gazed silently from the window on the second floor.
Around him, the voices of fellow tavern-goers discussing could be heard.
"If one is to enlist, naturally one should choose the camp with the highest rewards. General Shuangjing's White Jade Camp is the preferred choice!" commented a Cultivator with sharp, shrewd eyes.
"Hmph," countered another Cultivator, thick with hair and having rabbit-like ears, shaking his head, "There are too many noblemen in the White Jade Camp. If we're talking about atmosphere, General Xu Dali's Barbarian Demon Camp is much fairer."
This immediately sparked rebuttals from others.
"While the Barbarian Demon Camp has numbers, it's mostly a chaotic crowd. Useful for winning easy battles and cleaning up the battlefield, but if one wants to establish true achievements, it has to be General Lu Chi's Fire Cloud Camp."