Chapter 672: Chapter 201: Ning Zhuo: I Want to Test My Limits
The mechanical puppets stood quietly, arranged in neat rows.
They were mostly made of wood, with simple metal armor covering their chests and legs.
Most held long spears, but some wielded swords and shields.
“Six hundred mechanical puppets! The strategist’s control over them has increased significantly compared to before.” Zhang Hei swept his divine sense over the puppets, immediately transmitting thoughts with a tone of congratulation.
The soldiers of the Three Generals Camp also looked at these mechanical puppets with astonishment.
Guan Hong stroked his beard and also used divine sense to communicate: “Given the strategist’s wealth, he could have made these mechanical puppets even more refined. It seems he wants to use the Heroic Return Skill of military formations.”
Ning Zhuo: “General Guan’s dharma eye is flawless.”
Of course, Ning Zhuo could use metal as the primary material to create the mechanical puppets.
However, firstly, the manufacturing process would take longer and consume more resources; secondly, metal puppets are harder to damage in actual combat, which hinders the function of the Heroic Return Skill. Thirdly, the wood is sourced from the Thousand Peak Forest and Canglin Immortal City, which are local specialties and cheaper than metal.
Before departure, Liu Er walked up to Ning Zhuo, grasped his hands, and gave heartfelt advice: “Strategist, it is our incompetence that you have to go out alone!”
“Remember, your life is the most important.”
“If you encounter Luo Chen, you can retreat immediately and lure the enemy to our front, then reengage in battle!”
Ning Zhuo nodded and advised Liu Er: “General, no need to blame yourself. Without you, how could I, alone, achieve what I have today?”
“It is because of the foundation laid by the three generals that I have a place to use my skills now.”
“Now it’s my turn to strike. If I can break the great bell in one go, I can resolve the deadlock and lead us to final victory.”
“Even if it’s risky, it’s worth a try!”
Ning Zhuo bade farewell to Liu Er, mounted a Foundation Establishment Level steed, led the mechanical army, and departed from the Three Generals Camp, rushing towards the source of the bell sound.
Blazing flames quickly engulfed Ning Zhuo and his mechanical army’s figures.
“Strategist… it is our Golden Core’s incompetence. At this critical moment, a Foundation Establishment Cultivator has to step forward.” Liu Er sighed. Now, he could only rely on Ning Zhuo’s upcoming performance.
Zhang Hei clenched his fist: “Blame it on these soldiers being too poor. If we had two hundred elite soldiers, I could lead the army alone and strike directly at the enemy’s core!”
Guan Hong stroked his beard: “Although the strategist is only at Foundation Establishment Level in cultivation, his combat power far exceeds any one of the three of us. His action now is the most suitable according to military strategy.”
The three generals clenched their teeth, having no choice but to hold their ground and wait for Ning Zhuo’s return.
However, it was not just the three generals, Liu Guanzhang, Luo Chen, and others who were focused on Ning Zhuo.
Another cultivator was hiding nearby, closely monitoring the progress of this offensive and defensive battle.
This man’s surname was Gao, and his name was Cuo. He had an early encounter with fate and once served at Bikong Mountain. By a twist of fate, the evil god’s bone marrow he discovered was obtained by Sun Lingtong.
“Good, although the main force of the Three Generals Camp is incompetent, Ning Zhuo can make a move.”
“If he takes the opportunity to break the great bell, it could change the battle, tilting victory towards the Three Generals Camp.”
“If he performs even better and finds the location of the Vermilion Bird Incense Burner, destroying this grand formation, it would be even better.”
Gao Cuo assessed the situation, frowning: “I fear Luo Chen might take the initiative, intercepting Ning Zhuo halfway, causing his effort to fail.”
An old voice echoed in his mind: “There is a way to handle this.”
Gao Cuo: “Sword Elder, what method?”
Sword Elder continued: “Our infiltration here was for the Wood Fire. This fire is one of the three primal fires. Even if we can’t gather all three in the future, this one alone is enough for you until the Nascent Soul Stage.”
“Luo Chen is certainly searching for this too!”
“The current situation is clear, the Ten Miles Burning Forest near the main battlefield will definitely be swept by the Liangzhu Country army.”
“Even if this time, the Three Generals Camp’s offensive fails, the subsequent punitive forces will come incessantly.”
“The Ten Miles Burning Forest can’t possibly be held. Luo Chen, with his responsibilities, wishes to retreat honorably. He can’t take the Fire Crown Divine Pine and other materials. Only the Wood Fire is his best excuse.”
“You see, since the Three Generals Camp began their offensive, he hasn’t made a move. He must be fully focused on searching for the Wood Fire.”
A flash of inspiration hit Gao Cuo: “I understand. Sword Elder, you want me to fake a Wood Fire, tricking Luo Chen, making him believe he is about to succeed, indirectly keeping him there?”
Sword Elder smiled approvingly: “The young can be taught. Your cultivation of the Shape-shifting Book is perfect for such deceptions. Hmm?”
Sword Elder suddenly paused.
“What’s wrong?” Gao Cuo immediately asked.
Sword Elder said: “Another outsider has arrived, cultivation level is at least Nascent Soul Level.”
Gao Cuo: “The longer the night, the more dreams. If this battle continues, it will inevitably attract more cultivators. If the Three Generals Camp can’t win in one strike, the prolonged battle will bring more interference.”
In the skies above Ten Miles Burning Forest.
Lin Bufan hid in the clouds, overlooking the forest engulfed in roaring flames.
“I have the One Leaf Concealing Technique, Luo Chen shouldn’t be able to detect me.”
“Hmm, has the main force of the Three Generals Camp pushed to here?”
“Strange, where is Ning Zhuo?”
At the center of Ten Miles Burning Forest, beneath the Fire Crown Divine Pine.
Seated below the tree was a cultivator, Luo Chen.
Luo Chen meditated with his eyes closed, his eyelids twitching slightly, revealing a sharp glint.
“In the clouds, another unfamiliar Nascent Soul Cultivator has arrived…”
“Hmph, it’s expected.”
“As the battle drags on, more will be drawn by the scent of profit.”
“The more spectators, the harder it will be for me to retreat actively.”
“Never mind. Let’s eliminate this separated mechanical army first! At least I can gain some battle merit.”