Mulu Town.
Red Flower Camp is setting up camp.
In the main general's tent, Mu Lan slowly comes to and sees Ning Zhuo and Zhang Zhongyi standing beside her bed.
As she tries to get up, Ning Zhuo presses down on her shoulder: "General Mu Lan, although you've awakened, you still need to focus on recovering. Red Flower Camp has already successfully returned. Your deputy general has reported to Commander Du, and we are currently encamped outside of Mulu Town. All is well."
Mu Lan's expression eases.
Zhang Zhongyi adds, "General Mu Lan, you forced the second arrow beyond the limits of your body."
"It's fortunate that Young Master Ning Zhuo was once again able to help, utilizing numerous Golden Core Level and Nascent Soul Level treasures as medicinal ingredients."
"Otherwise, you wouldn't have woken up so soon."
Mu Lan then looks at Ning Zhuo: "Ning... Young Master, thank you."
Ning Zhuo smiles: "There's no need for formalities, General Mu Lan. My Mechanical Army is under your command after all."
"Speaking of which, the reason I crushed the protective talisman you gave me was actually to see if there were any achievements to be claimed here."
"Your two arrows were astonishingly brilliant, killing one Nascent Soul Level opponent and causing another to flee. I was totally awestruck!"
The combat power of the Ancient God of the Cangyue Tribe is also at the Nascent Soul Level.
If it were at the Divinity Transformation Level, it would have contested the Ginseng Whisker Dragon King long ago. The status of the Cangyue Tribe would then be much higher than it is now.
Mu Lan says: "If my opponent was an existence like Lord Long, I could only manage one arrow with all my might."
"But against the Ancient God of Cangyue and Di Lu, I deliberately held back on the first arrow, hence I could shoot the second one."
Ning Zhuo expresses admiration: "Truly a move of someone with Divine Skills. Not even a dojo could contain the power of such a divine arrow. With the rapid escape of a Nascent Soul, Di Lu didn't even have the chance."
Mu Lan replies with a hint of pride: "This technique of mine has been nurtured from a young age. With my innate talent in mind, my father spared no expense or connections to invite several famous masters to teach me martial arts and military strategy."
"To this day, I have achieved some success."
In fact, after this battle, Mu Lan also breathed a sigh of relief.
The last ambush was led by the Three Generals Camp under her command, with meager results, putting great pressure on Mu Shang General Mansion. So much so that upon returning to Canglin Immortal City, they immediately faced scheming and difficulties from various national powers.
This battle, though perilous, concluded well. The defeat of two Nascent Soul Level enemies, one dead, one fled, was enough to redeem the reputation of the Upper General Mansion. It also allowed Mu Lan, who led the Red Flower Camp into battle, to garner greater respect and significantly lessen the pressure from the court.
Zhang Zhongyi says: "Speaking of which, we owe Young Master Ning Zhuo for resolving our predicaments in Canglin Immortal City last time, giving us the opportunity to continue leading troops and achieving merit."
"This risky campaign into Thousand Peak Forest, was also thanks to Young Master Ning Zhuo's timely rescue. Otherwise, if the Red Flower Battle Formation had failed, our casualties would have been disastrous, and we likely would have faced defeat."
Zhang Zhongyi sighs out loud.
Ning Zhuo hurries to wave his hands dismissively: "Not at all. Even without me, with General Mu Lan's capabilities, victory was still a possibility."
Mu Lan shakes her head slightly: "The chances of winning were not great. Ning Zhuo Young Master, you played a significant role in this victory. Rest assured, I will ensure your contributions are recognized without any omissions."
Ning Zhuo's face breaks into a smile: "General, you should prioritize your recovery. My Mechanical Army has suffered considerable losses and needs immediate manufacturing and replenishment. Please allow me to take my leave."
Zhang Zhongyi is taken aback and glares at Ning Zhuo's departing back.
Mu Lan nods: "Replenishing our forces is very important, Young Master Ning Zhuo indeed needs to race against time. I won't see you out."
Zhang Zhongyi glares again, this time at Mu Lan.
Both Mu Lan and Ning Zhuo are baffled by Zhang Zhongyi's reaction.
Zhang Zhongyi heaves a deep sigh, shaking his head incessantly.
After leaving Red Flower Camp, Ning Zhuo returns to Three Generals Camp and meets with the Three Generals, Liu, Guan, and Zhang.
They exchange stories of their experiences.
After their victory, Three Generals Camp, under the escort of Shen Qinghe, immediately marched and withdrew from Giant Tree Mountain, returning all the way.
The recounting of Ning Zhuo's combat experiences and achievements makes the Three Generals envious.
Zhang Hei, rarely given to lamentation, says: "Had I known, I would have accompanied the strategist. What a pity, truly such a pity. I've only ever captured a Nascent Soul Level Demon Cultivator alive with my two righteous brothers, never actually killed one."
Ning Zhuo spreads his hands and chuckles bitterly: "General Zhang, I was simply getting beaten up. It was General Mu Lan who took the real action."
Guan Hong strokes his beard and comments: "The Red Heart Arrow is indeed sharp and fierce!"
Liu Er then looks at Ning Zhuo: "Having heard the entire story, I know that if it weren't for the strategist's timely aid, Red Flower Camp's situation would have been dire. The strategist, taking such a risk, is the biggest contributor to the victory and deserves such merit. If the award is not heavily in the strategist's favor when it's handed down, I would not accept it."
Liu Er speaks seriously and sincerely, from the heart.
His animosity towards Ning Zhuo is not as intense as it was before.
Zhang Hei wonders: "Didn't Lord Shen Qinghe say that each route was secretly escorted by Nascent Soul Level powerhouses? Why then did Red Flower Camp never receive strong reinforcements from start to finish?"
Ning Zhuo shakes his head with a bitter smile.
Liu Er and Guan Hong exchange looks and fall into silence.
Zhang Hei then asks: "Speaking of which, why hasn't the Golden Halberd Army returned yet?"
Liu Er speculates: "The Golden Halberd Army is formidable; they likely ventured too deep, which is why their retreat is taking much longer than ours."
The four are just discussing this when a soldier comes with an urgent report, delivering shocking news to them.
"What? The Golden Halberd Army has been completely wiped out!"
Upon hearing this news, Liu, Guan, Zhang, and Ning look at each other, all with expressions of astonishment.