Chapter 536: Chapter 128: The Strategist Returns to Camp
Sun Ning’s heart skipped a beat.
They wanted to leave, but were stopped by Lord Long’s voice.
Lord Long smiled, looking at the huge stone ball on the ground: “Stone friend, if I’m not mistaken, you have captured quite a bit in this battle.”
“These enemy gears are all of excellent quality, while our side at Thousand Peak Forest is quite lacking in this respect.”
“How about selling these spoils to our alliance?”
“Not to mention anything else, the ‘Gao Sheng’s Legacy’ book is very crucial. Even though it’s incomplete, it is still a treasure of the Military Family, very suitable for our army’s use.”
Ning Zhuo felt a slight relief in his heart, he had just thought he was discovered.
In just a moment, a thin layer of sweat had formed on his back.
“Is that so.” Ning Zhuo said indifferently, “There’s no rush, I’ll think about it.”
Seeing the light from Old Monster in Stone’s Earth Element Technique growing stronger, Lord Long quickly asked: “Stone friend, how should I contact you?”
Ning Zhuo snorted coldly: “When I’ve made up my mind, I will naturally contact you!”
Having said that, he controlled the stone ball to dive straight into the ground and disappeared from everyone’s sight.
The Earth Element Technique!
Mo Yuan Cave Master narrowed his eyes slightly, sighing in his heart: “Old Monster in Stone’s execution of the Earth Element Technique is even more effortless than before, carrying a true essence of transforming complexity into simplicity.”
“His strength has indeed greatly improved compared to before!”
Lord Long remained silent, his deep gaze fixed on the spot where Old Monster in Stone had just been.
Without a word from him, no one else dared to speak.
Thus, the cultivators silently withdrew together.
On the way.
Lord Long suddenly communicated with his Divine Sense, asking Lu Hongtu: “I heard that you have given a Western Pure Land as a gift to Old Monster in Stone?”
Lu Hongtu was startled!
His heart trembled: “There were only Old Monster in Stone and the three of us from our side present at the time, how could Lord Long know of this?!”
Upon further contemplation, Lu Hongtu became even more suspicious.
Because it was quite possible that there was a traitor among Demon Heart and Blood Shadow.
If that were the case, why would Lord Long just ask directly? Wouldn’t that expose the presence of the traitor?
“Or is it that Old Monster in Stone leaked the information?”
For the moment, Lu Hongtu did not respond, his mind a whirlwind of thoughts.
Lord Long snorted: “Cave Master Lu, your faction emerged unscathed from this battle and has established many merits.”
“Trapping the Golden Spear Army momentarily, and even rescuing Chi Tengyi and the others.”
“Your plans are far-reaching, very impressive indeed!”
Hearing the words and the tone, Lu Hongtu immediately understood Lord Long’s dissatisfaction.
He humbly replied: “The little merit of our part is all established under your guidance, Lord Long. The true credit should belong to you.”
Lord Long snorted again: “I don’t want to listen to this nonsense. I ask you a question, you must answer truthfully, or you will bear the consequences!”
“This Old Monster in Stone… has he ascended to the Transforming Spirit Level?”
While accompanying Old Monster in Stone in his subterranean travel, Lord Long perceived a hint of the Divinity Transformation Divine Aura on the stone ball.
At that moment, his heart shook wildly, but he restrained himself.
After reaching a temporary safety, Old Monster in Stone’s unapologetic attitude added to Lord Long’s growing suspicion.
Mo Yuan Cave Master almost couldn’t maintain the expression on his face.
He gritted his teeth in secret, recalling the battle with the Ginseng Whisker Dragon King.
Although it had been many years since that battle, the memory was still fresh in his mind.
Lu Hongtu pondered his words carefully: “Transforming Spirit? Why would you say that, Lord Long? What makes you suspect this?”
“I gave Western Pure Land, considering Old Monster in Stone’s background. This grand gift carries significant weight for him.”
“Only by giving such a grand gift could we attract such a master to join the battle.”
Lord Long gave Lu Hongtu a deep look, then continued to gaze forward, communicating with his Divine Sense: “In order to persuade Nascent Soul and Golden Core Level cultivators to join the ambush, you spared no personal expense, which is commendable.”
“But if you conceal important information, these merits are not enough to make up for your wrongdoings. Think about that!”
“What use is it to fool me now?”
“Try lying when you face the Dragon King yourself.”
Lu Hongtu took a deep breath, finally frowning slightly, showing a trace of worry.
He thought for a moment and eventually decided to be honest, communicating via Divine Sense: “Very well.”
“The reason I gave the Western Pure Land was because I sensed a bit of the Divinity Transformation Divine Aura on Old Monster in Stone.”
“That led me to deduce that even if this person has not yet broken through successfully, he is already quite close to the realm of Divinity Transformation.”
“In fact, looking at the age, Old Monster in Stone is much older than both of us, isn’t he? His accumulation is considered deep too.”
Lord Long fell silent for a long while, then continued to inquire: “After seeing Old Monster in Stone this time, what are your impressions?”
“Do you think he’s already at the Transforming Spirit Level?”
Mo Yuan Cave Master replied with a wry smile: “How could I possibly make an accurate judgment on that?”
“I am but a mere Nascent Soul Cultivator, how can I speculate on the capabilities of one who is Transforming Spirit?”
“All I can say is what I’ve observed. That is, this time I saw him, the Divinity Transformation Divine Aura on Old Monster in Stone is much less than before.”
Lord Long was quite domineering, and Mo Yuan Cave Master had much at stake, as the entire Six Cave Sect was situated within Thousand Peak Forest and could not escape.
Therefore, after assessing the situation, Mo Yuan Cave Master could only be forthright.
Hearing his response, Lord Long’s pupils shrank suddenly, and he couldn’t help thinking to himself: “Old Monster in Stone remains unharmed in form, yet his divine aura is diminishing. Does this suggest that, having advanced to the Divinity Transformation Level, he is increasingly able to control his own power, concealing his aura better and better?”
No wonder he speculated so.
On one hand, Ning Zhuo’s attitude was clear. On the other, the various methods demonstrated by the “Old Monster in Stone” in this battle all surpassed those of his past self.
“If Old Monster in Stone has indeed reached the Divinity Transformation Level, then he naturally has the capacity to contend with the Divine Decree of the Dragon King.”
“Thus, during the recent ambush, he didn’t use his full strength at all; he emerged unscathed without any reaction from the constraints of the Divine Decree.”
“Does he not wish to return to Thousand Peak Forest because he’s reluctant to face the Dragon King, for fear that his true cultivation level would be exposed?”
“But if he has already become a Divinity Transformation, he could very well communicate with the Dragon King as an equal, so why would he actively avoid this?”
“Is it because although his advancement was successful, he is injured?”
Lord Long speculated a great deal but couldn’t fathom nor see through it.
He used to believe he had a clear understanding of the character and capabilities of Old Monster in Stone. The latter had an unusual background but was dull in character, not good at socializing, and while having a profound foundation, didn’t pose much of a threat.
After this battle, Lord Long’s entire impression of Old Monster in Stone was utterly overturned.
“This fellow is naïve on the outside but cunning inside, outwardly loyal but treacherous at heart!”
“In the entire ambush, he was the biggest beneficiary. To the extent that the Dragon King owes him a significant reward.”
“Alas, the situation is too complex.”
Lord Long sighed inwardly.
In his view, this ambush was a minor, hard-won victory, but in comparison to Old Monster in Stone’s actual cultivation level, it was of little importance!
“Even if I report this vital intelligence, the Dragon King will probably refrain from taking immediate action, right?”
Normally, the Ginseng Whisker Dragon King would thoroughly investigate and restrain a second prospective Divinity Transformation Cultivator.
But now, with the Liangzhu Country’s forces pressing at the border, and formidable enemies close by, the Ginseng Whisker Dragon King wouldn’t dare to start a war recklessly.
Should they start fighting, the forces of Liangzhu Country would probably die of laughter.
“Therefore, the best strategy for now is to temporarily ally with Old Monster in Stone, joining forces to defeat the army of Liangzhu Country.”
“If that’s the case, then the reward for Old Monster in Stone will probably be even more exceptional!”
After all, the treatment between the Divinity Transformation Level and the Nascent Soul Level naturally has to be different.
“Is Old Monster in Stone really at the Divinity Transformation Level?”
“Forget it, let the Dragon King worry about this problem.”
Earth Element Technique!
Ning Zhuo activated this spell and returned to the vicinity of the battlefield.
“Old Monster in Stone” did not emerge above ground but instead completed the handover deep beneath the earth.
Ning Zhuo recalled his Earth Element Spleen Temple, and Sun Lingtong moved the Stone Ball back inside the Ten-Thousand-Li Travelling Dragon.
Then, the two, using the Ten-Thousand-Li Travelling Dragon to traverse the void, returned to the surface.
Ning Zhuo used the Ten-Thousand-Li Travelling Dragon as a belt, wrapped it around himself, and rushed back to the troops.
In the ruins of the battlefield, Sun Gan’s face was iron blue as he looked at the heavily damaged army, scolding leaders like Shuangjing and Xu Dali: “If it weren’t for my early preparations, ordering the Fire Cloud Camp to march in secret, our losses would have been much worse this time!”
After the reprimand, his expression eased slightly as he spoke to the generals Liu, Guan, and Zhang: “The three generals are brave and were able to capture a Nascent Soul Demon Cultivator, which is a great achievement! I will report the truth to the court and ask for recognition on behalf of the three generals.”
Guan Hong stroked his beard in silence.
Zhang Hei grinned, emitting a silent laugh.
Liu Er bowed and demurred, indicating that it was due to Sun Gan’s competent command.
Beside them, Mu Lan threw a glance at the three generals, envy evident in her eyes.
Then Liu Er mentioned her, expressing gratitude for Mu Lan’s help; at a critical moment, she handed over the Battle Formation Dharma Red Flower to Three Generals Camp, and she led the Red Flower Camp to support White Jade Camp.
Sun Gan extended his hand: “General Mu Lan’s move was wise, it was because of trust in you, Liu Er, that the important task was entrusted to your Three Generals Camp.”
“Judging by the outcome, you didn’t betray that trust, capturing Ma Feitui was an impressive feat!”
Sun Gan also practiced Military Art and from his perspective, he greatly appreciated Mu Lan’s decision.
In reality, the Red Flower Camp indeed played a crucial role. Had they not arrived in time, taking some pressure off from White Jade Camp by helping with cultivators like Chi Tengyi, the White Jade Camp might have collapsed long ago.
After some admonishments, Sun Gan ordered the troops to rest on site.
The rest period was very brief.
Liu Er and the others were still discussing Ning Zhuo on their way back to camp, unaware of where the military advisor was, wondering if he could return in time.
As it turned out, as soon as they returned to their own camp, they learned from the guards that Ning Zhuo had already returned.
Liu Er was overjoyed and rushed all the way.
Upon seeing Ning Zhuo, he stretched out his arms, opened his embrace, and ran towards Ning Zhuo with abandon.
He reached Ning Zhuo and grabbed him tightly: “Advisor, thank goodness for you.”
“Advisor, you are safe and sound. That’s really great!”
Guan Hong and Zhang Hei also hurried over.
Seeing Ning Zhuo, Zhang Hei immediately cracked a toothy grin.
Even Guan Hong showed Ning Zhuo a smile.
In the ambush, Ning Zhuo had displayed great combat strength, earning the admiration of the three generals. Moreover, the camaraderie formed in defeating the enemy had bred much goodwill, greatly narrowing the distance between the three generals and Ning Zhuo.
“Advisor, Sun Gan mentioned you specifically.”
“Your divination this time truly was a huge help to us.”
“It seems that Sun Gan wants you to perform another divination!”
Ning Zhuo: “Ah?”
Zhang Hei interjected: “Advisor, you’ve made a name for yourself this time. Your Omen Poem was so accurate. No wonder even Sun Gan was moved by it!”