Chapter 567: Chapter 151: Settling Previous Grudges Over a Cup of Wine
“My luck this time was truly not bad,” Ning Zhuo sincerely lamented.
Liu Er actively exposed himself, bearing much hostility and harm, allowing Ning Zhuo to advance unhindered to the final battle.
At the decisive moment, he used the Heroic Return Skill to seize the ultimate victory.
The best part was that from beginning to end, Ning Zhuo kept his true intentions hidden. All the contestants, even those involved like Mu Lan, thought that Ning Zhuo had no interest in the position and only reluctantly agreed due to the circumstances.
Sun Lingtong exclaimed in admiration: “Little Zhuo, you really are a talent suitable for the Righteous Path!”
He was the only one who knew the inside story.
As such, even though Ning Zhuo secured the greatest victory, he did not become a target of public criticism, but rather maintained good relationships with most people. In turn, these people even owed a great favor to Ning Zhuo.
Mu Lan had to secure her position firmly as his wife to exchange for more time to achieve distinction.
For the Three Generals of Liu, Guan, and Zhang, Ning Zhuo was like a treasure trove, and they needed to maintain a good relationship with him.
Shuangjing and Sun Gan had mixed feelings towards Ning Zhuo, primarily envy and jealousy—it was unexpected that merely a Foundation Establishment Cultivator snagged such a great advantage.
The one who should hate Ning Zhuo the most was Ma Liangcai. It was because of Ning Zhuo that his efforts fell short. However, such resentment was greatly reduced by Ning Zhuo’s public agreement with Mu Lan about an impending divorce.
The envoy from Royal Capital haughtily scrutinized Ning Zhuo, his eyes full of condescension, “Lucky fellow, don’t push your luck!”
Ning Zhuo quickly explained that his real reason for wanting a divorce was not to look down on Liangzhu Country nor lacking respect for Upper General Mansion, but rather he had to be responsible for his family and needed to give a clear explanation to the Ning Family and Zhu Family of Royal Family of Southern Bean Country.
Once it involved the royal family of another country, which was much stronger than Liangzhu Country, the envoy from Royal Capital’s arrogant expression greatly softened.
Others were increasingly speechless.
In their eyes: those who wanted the position couldn’t get it, and those who didn’t want it ended up being the son-in-law of the Upper General Mansion.
“Fate…” Shuangjing sighed deeply as he looked up to the heavens.
Sun Gan remained silent, already contemplating his future moves.
This time, his actions against Ma Liangcai had also soured relations with Red Flower Camp, and now he could only hope to make a name for himself in the main battlefield.
Otherwise, upon returning to the Royal Capital, he would not be met with anything good!
“Come on, Young Master Ning Zhuo, while everyone is here as a witness, let’s settle the marriage agreement right here!” Mu Lan was very worried about twists and turns on this front, eager to finalize these matters.
The marriage agreement meant too much for her and the entire Upper General Mansion; she dared not be careless.
The envoy from Royal Capital nodded: “Yes, settling the marriage agreement will resolve this matter, and I can report back to the king.”
Liu Er opened his mouth to speak, but after his Adam’s apple bobbed, he ultimately could only watch helplessly as Ning Zhuo and Mu Lan finalized their marriage agreement.
The moment the marriage agreement was reached, he felt as if he had stepped into empty air, his whole being felt hollow, sensing that he had lost a treasure of a lifetime.
Honestly, although his pursuit of Mu Lan was mostly out of self-interest, deep down, he indeed harbored feelings of admiration.
Now, looking at Ning Zhuo, a surge of disgust and hatred welled up in his heart.
Liu Er quickly shook his head, as if to shake off this negative emotion.
“Liu Er, oh Liu Er, what are you thinking?”
“This was not what Ning Zhuo wanted either.”
“In fact, the strategist was helping me the whole time, but ultimately due to a twist of fate, this was the result.”
“He was able to defeat Ma Liangcai because the latter was at the end of his strength, and Ning Zhuo employed the strange Military Skill, the Heroic Return Skill.”
…
Thinking this, Liu Er’s negative feelings only increased.
“Darn it, why wasn’t I the final victor?”
So frustrating!
Efforts throughout, yet another reaps the fruits.
“If Ning Zhuo had used Heroic Return Skill earlier on me, wouldn’t I have become the final winner?”
“No, he made it clear earlier. He was not yet proficient in this military art, and rashly using it could lead to severe repercussions.”
“So, when the end came, he took the risk, and it turned out to be successful.”
“So, if there’s anyone to blame, it’s just my bad luck!”
…
Still so frustrating!
“I have the King’s Order, why is my luck bad?”
“How should I explain this outcome to my teacher?”
“In fact, it was Three Generals Camp that ultimately won. Only my identity was ostracized; if I weren’t a demon-human hybrid, I could have wed Mu Lan!”
As Liu Er dwelled on it, anger surged and he clenched his fists tightly, nearly crushing his steel teeth in fury.
Guan Hong and Zhang Hei felt somewhat embarrassed; one was a strategist, the other a sworn brother. The two men competing over a woman, and the young strategist won unintentionally.
This situation was quite complex for two tough men.
“Esteemed seniors, please hold on. Now that the dispute has been resolved, regardless of anything, stability is better than chaos,” Ning Zhuo said.
“This is a joyous occasion.”
“Why not let me host, set up a banquet in the city and extend hospitality to everyone!”
“One, a great battle is imminent; we must rely on each other to face the formidable enemy. Two, I will eventually divorce General Mu Lan; I wish to be friends with everyone here, not enemies. I joined this campaign only to seek revenge for my Ning Family with Six Cave Sect, to reclaim justice for my family.”