Chapter 562: Chapter 149: General Validation Map (Two-in-One)
Everyone entered the Main General’s tent, all maintaining silence.
Ma Liangcai looked sullen; he had not anticipated Mu Lan’s disguise. This fact was proving that many schemes in the Royal Capital had gone awry.
Mu Lan sat at the head, sweeping her gaze over the cultivators entering the tent.
Nascent Soul Level, Golden Core Level, Foundation Establishment Level, there was no lack of them.
But no matter the cultivation level, each was a talent of the moment.
She was the tiger daughter of a military family, and would never be content being manipulated by others. Therefore, ever since she and Red Flower Camp faced obstruction, she had begun to plot her way out.
This time, she intended to use a strategy to turn the tables, feigning weakness to the enemy, and immediately gaining a clear view of the situation.
“Ma Liangcai…”
This man possessed Nascent Soul Cultivation, tall and slim, with white brows like frost and deep eyes, one of the five Upper Generals of Liangzhu Country with illustrious military achievements. He integrated Military Art with Daoist principles to lead his troops in battle, creating a unique approach.
In Mu Lan’s heart, among the generals present, Ma Liangcai was undoubtedly the foremost leader. Even the prideful and stiff Mu Lan admitted her inferiority. Even with the same cultivation level, victory was uncertain.
Without a doubt, he was the most formidable enemy at present!
“Sun Gan, Shuangjing…”
Mu Lan’s gaze swept over these two Nascent Soul Cultivators.
Now, she saw clearly: “These two have caught wind of the higher-ups’ plans, hence they wish to act early, trying to get their hands on the Upper General Mansion before the Monarch!”
“They are enemies, but at the same time temporary allies that can be united to jointly resist Ma Liangcai.”
Mu Lan then looked toward Liu Er.
Her scanning was the fastest.
“A demon-human hybrid, adept at seizing opportunities, recklessly stupid, diving headfirst into the whirlpool of political strife.”
“Also wanting to lay hands on the Upper General Seal? Not even with the heart of a bear or the gall of a leopard would one have that much confidence.”
Although Mu Lan despised and looked down on him, she also felt that it was better to ally with Liu Er for the time being.
She then looked towards Zhang Zhongyi.
To deceive the enemy, Mu Lan had even deceived Zhang Zhongyi.
But now, the “victim” Zhang Zhongyi, excitedly looked towards Mu Lan, clearly not concerned about being kept in the dark.
“Ning Zhuo…”
Mu Lan’s gaze finally paused on the young man with a big head.
Although she was indignant that Ning Zhuo had repeatedly refused dual cultivation with her, compared to the others present, she found him the most agreeable to look at.
Ning Zhuo, too, looked towards Mu Lan, his clear eyes revealing curiosity and admiration.
This kind of look gave Mu Lan some comfort.
But soon, her mood was spoiled by Ma Liangcai.
After Ma Liangcai took his seat, he immediately went on the offensive: “General Mu Lan, since you have awakened, it’s just right to confront. These three main generals consecutively slandered your reputation, truly hateful.”
Mu Lan scoffed, not concealing her expression, disdainfully looking towards Ma Liangcai.
How could she possibly act according to an enemy’s words?
The slanders of these three generals, she had heard them quite clearly. So what?
To pursue victory in a great battle, all sorts of methods should be employed. Now, at a time of forming alliances, how could Mu Lan possibly push potential allies away?
However, the next moment, the envoy from the Royal Capital sneered and looked towards Shuangjing: “General Shuangjing, as someone from the Royal Family, it’s time for you to speak up.”
Shuangjing’s expression was very ugly, but he still slightly turned his body and looked toward Mu Lan: “General Mu Lan, the situation is clear at a glance. I, Sun Gan, and Liu Er, choose one of us three. Otherwise, it will be difficult for me to continue supporting you.”
“Alas, I have my own difficulties!”
He was from the Shuang clan, whose family power, however grand, could not overpower the Royal Family. In fact, a large part of the family’s authority came from the Royal Family.
The envoy from the Royal Capital, who had been employing Divine Sense to communicate and sway Shuangjing’s stance throughout the entrance process.
He succeeded.
Shuangjing, called the breakthrough, quickly switched sides in a short period, pushing Mu Lan back into a passive situation once again.
Mu Lan wanted to fight from a position of weakness against strength, but the Royal Capital’s envoy acted prematurely, splitting the internal ranks, using Shuangjing to incite internal strife.
Mu Lan’s own side’s internal strife was so apparent—the Upper General Seal was singular, with Liu Shuangsun’s three competing for one position, two were bound to be eliminated.
Mu Lan fell silent for a moment, then looked towards Sun Gan.
Sun Gan first looked disdainfully at Shuangjing, then fell into deep thought.
“Shuangjing’s background still lies with his family, based solely on the Shuang surname, he is unreliable.”
“Without him, Liu Er, a mere demon-human hybrid, is of little consequence.”
“But as the head of the Imperial Guards, if I side with Mu Lan now against Ma Liangcai, it would be against the King’s Order. Having to go back to the Royal Capital later, there would surely be no good end.”
“This is indeed quite risky.”
Sun Gan led the Golden Spear Army, with troops not as absolutely loyal as the Red Flower Camp.
Although Sun Gan was very clear that the envoy from the Royal Capital was driving a wedge, he also realized that if he were to defy the King’s Order, he should first ensure his own interests. He did not want to commit fully to a battle that ended indistinctly.
Thus, Sun Gan looked towards Mu Lan: “How does General Mu Lan choose?”
Mu Lan coldly glanced at Sun Gan, turning to Ma Liangcai: “I have already awakened, Ma Liangcai, your reason to take over Red Flower Camp no longer has a leg to stand on.”
“Why should I choose?”
“I can very well sideline you and continue to achieve military merit.”
Ma Liangcai also sneered in response, showing no sign of weakness: “General Mu Lan, you are being a bit too naive. Given the situation, wanting to return to the previous state is impossible.”
Whether it’s the Royal Capital’s side, or Sun Gan, Shuangjing, none would likely allow Mu Lan to have the independent position to vie for a comeback opportunity and time.