Chapter 668: Chapter 199: Ten Miles of Burning Forest
Liangzhu Country, Frontline Military Camp.
A military council meeting was in progress.
“Everyone, that is the current situation.” A Golden Core Level commander had just finished speaking.
The others began to discuss.
“Since we established our military camp, there have been petty thieves constantly sneaking around to pick up spoils. Although we killed a batch with our military might, it seems there are still those who are not deterred.”
“If I were the enemy and discovered the Luminous Heart Blood, Ginseng Whisker Wall Soil, and Dragon Talisman here, I would also be tempted to take the risk.”
“How shameful. The enemy discovered these three treasures before us, while we were still unaware.”
“The ones who discovered these treasures are the Twin Ghosts of Heaven and Earth, members of the Soul Devouring Sect. Their combined divine skills are terrifyingly powerful. It’s not surprising that they found them first.”
“Hmph! The Soul Devouring Sect is too bold. Our country is fighting for justice, yet they dare to meddle in our affairs. Their crime is punishable by death!”
The generals harbored a lot of resentment against the Soul Devouring Sect.
After some cursing and complaining, they no longer mentioned it.
Everyone knew that Liangzhu Country was not a major power, and the Soul Devouring Sect’s headquarters were far from Liangzhu Country. In the face of such a super sect, Liangzhu Country could only resort to holding them accountable.
“If we can collect the Heart Blood and Wall Soil, perhaps we can use them as clues to divine the location of the Ginseng Whisker Dragon King.”
“They could also be used as materials for a curse.”
“It’s better than nothing. Currently, we don’t have anyone skilled in such arts.”
There was a brief silence.
An old general spoke: “These two treasures are not the key. Even if the enemy gets hold of them, it won’t harm the overall situation. The Dragon Talisman is the most important. It cannot be destroyed. The longer it stays on this battlefield, the more advantageous it is for us.”
“Agreed!”
“I agree.”
“Indeed.”
The generals all nodded.
The Thousand Peak Forest was filled with numerous deities, thus providing a powerful geographical advantage.
Once the Dragon Talisman melds with the Earth Veins, it will diminish the enemy’s geographical advantage.
The generals were in unanimous agreement to first assign troops and strong men to specifically guard the Dragon Talisman. Once the army had more resources, various defensive facilities could be set up deep underground.
“Currently, the Three Generals Camp is the quickest to recover and in the best condition. Let them be responsible for guarding the Dragon Talisman; it’s the most suitable.”
“That’s right.”
“Agreed!”
The generals reached a consensus again.
However, at the next moment, Zhao Xi, who had been silent all along, let out a light laugh.
He looked around, his eyes full of mockery and disdain.
“Too late,” he said softly, “I’ve already issued them marching orders before this meeting started.”
“By this time, they should have officially left the camp.”
“What?!” The generals were shocked.
The old general from before frowned: “Lord Zhao, guarding the Dragon Talisman is a very important task.”
Zhao Xi sneered again: “So, your army can take on that task.”
The old general spread his hands: “But my troops haven’t fully recovered yet and lack combat strength, Lord Zhao.”
Zhao Xi narrowed his eyes, staring at the old general: “So, you’re seeking to be punished by me. You’re indeed at fault; why is your army still resting while the Three Generals Camp recovered so much earlier? Have you been too negligent?”
The old general’s expression changed and he immediately stood up with a solemn face, explaining the situation.
No one sided with him, as the armies of the other generals were also in a state of recuperation.
Supervisor Zhao Xi swept his gaze around: “Our army is stationed in the central area of the Thousand Peak Forest, surrounded by enemies. Offensive strategies are better than defensive ones. The Three Generals Camp performed excellently and should take on the offensive duties. If anyone has objections, they can use their own troops to replace them.”
The room fell silent.
Zhao Xi laughed three times, slowly got up, gave a cold glance, and then walked out with his hands behind his back.
Although Du Tiechuan was in seclusion, his close confidants and loyal followers were dissatisfied with Zhao Xi seizing power, so targeting the Three Generals Camp naturally followed.
However, Zhao Xi, well-versed in officialdom, had made preparations in advance.
“Ultimately, the main force of this army is still fresh troops, which gave me room to interfere.”
“Otherwise, with Du Tiechuan’s capability, he could have turned them into a cohesive unit within one or two months.”
“Three Generals Camp, Ning Zhuo, you must not disappoint me…”
Zhao Xi privately worried.
In a sense, he and the Three Generals Camp were already tied together, sharing glory and disgrace.
Battle Formation — One-Line Long Snake Formation.
The Three Generals Camp left the frontline military camp, advancing swiftly in this formation.
Their speed was more than four times faster than before.
The soldiers’ training had improved, but that was not the main reason.
This time, the whole Three Generals Camp used Marching Talismans, Gale Talismans, and other enhancements, significantly boosting the speed of each soldier.
They left the camp in the morning, marched all day, and by evening, reached the Ten-Mile Burning Forest.
The outcome of the earlier military council meeting was indeed this place.
The Elixir Pills stored in the gnarled roots of the Hundred Herbs Cave were too easily damaged, so the gains were not guaranteed.
The future potential of the cloud-tiered Dragon Platform was vast, but constructing a camp would consume a lot of funds. Ning Zhuo alone bore these costs, as Liu Guanzhang lacked the financial resources.
Even if there were sufficient funds, it would still require ample materials and manpower to transform this peak significantly.
Such a transformation would take a lot of time, while the battlefield was ever-changing.
Ultimately, the choice boiled down to the Vine-Canopied Heavenly Corridor and the Ten-Mile Burning Forest.