Chapter 867: Chapter 297: What Cannot Be Forgotten Is the Path_2
“The key is that this military camp also has an altar, which can be used to offer sacrifices to various ghosts and gods, and pray.”
“Of course, we’re on the defensive, we don’t need such a sacrificial military camp.”
However, Ning Zhuo’s eyes revealed a bright flash.
The City Lord’s avatar extended an arm, tracing a half-circle with his finger, and sighed: “As you can see, everything here is military equipment.”
“In the past, our city attempted many times to establish a cultivation army.”
“These military tools were specifically prepared for that army-building.”
“It’s unexpected that, in the end, they are used in this manner.”
The City Lord’s avatar looked at Ning Zhuo and Qing Chi.
She greatly hopes this new army can be of use to White Paper Immortal City. But currently, the Qing Jiao Army is already entirely infiltrated by the Myriad Images Sect, fortunately, the result is not too bad.
Since Ning Zhuo is the son of Meng Yaoyin, who has yet to join the Myriad Images Sect, this relationship can definitely be leveraged.
On the other hand, Qing Chi is a native ghost clan, quite supportive of the governance by White Paper Immortal City.
Ning Zhuo remarked: “Honestly speaking, I never thought the army-building would be so swift this time. Now, it has reached the stage of military equipment.”
“And with the sponsorship from you, City Lord, the Qing Jiao Army has been established!”
City Lord’s avatar: “No, this is not a gratuitous sponsorship; it’s to be accounted for. If possible, it is considered a loan. In the future, our White Paper Immortal City will also establish a new army.”
Qing Chi hurriedly said: “Loaning it to us is also a great help, I am deeply grateful!”
Ning Zhuo raised an eyebrow: “For White Paper Immortal City to establish a new army, it might be difficult.”
The Paperman Avatar snorted coldly: “If it were solely under the control of White Paper Immortal City, a new army would have been established long ago. Unfortunately, the Yin Tide Black Swamp lies between two nations and serves as a buffer zone. None wish to see any military power here!”
Speaking of this, the Paperman Avatar sighed longingly: “Although the Yin Tide Black Swamp is vast and sparsely populated and the environment is quite unique, it is not an extraterritorial region. There are always various forces guarding against, suppressing, excluding, causing all kinds of entanglement and obstruction. Trying to accomplish a major goal is extremely difficult.”
Qing Chi remained silent, unsure how best to respond.
Ning Zhuo then comforted: “City Lord, this is the state of the world. It’s not only the case for White Paper Immortal City, right? In reflection, even a cultivation kingdom, like Liangzhu Country, must strategize for long periods, proceeding with caution for major undertakings, resisting the obstructions of neighboring countries.”
“No matter the size of the force, no matter where it is, as long as cultivators exist, there is fierce competition. Isn’t that so?”
Netherworld.
The Lord of Wangchuan also lamented in private: “Even as a lord of a region, wanting to achieve something major is exceedingly difficult.”
Since the confrontation between the Fungus Sect and the Corpse Marquis, Lord of Wangchuan received several pieces of bad news, reported one after another, awaiting his decision after he refrained from intervening.
A powerful entity named Shan Yan wandered various places in the Netherworld, challenging the strongest wherever he went.
He almost got drawn to Wangchuan Underworld.
Regarding this matter, the Lord of Wangchuan had paid attention long ago and immediately dispatched personnel to sabotage the enemy’s plot, causing Shan Yan to ultimately choose another direction.
In Dust Evil Cave, a Transforming Spirit Level Dust Crocodile broke through the seal and escaped from Crocodile Cave, wreaking havoc, slaughtering towns and villages.
After the incident, Wangchuan Underworld reacted swiftly, promptly deploying strong figures, but all returned defeated; some even encountered bandits and robbers midway, suffering heavy losses, with efforts abandoned halfway.
The Lord of Wangchuan pondered for a long while before finally ordering the deployment of the border army.
The border army successfully eliminated the Dust Crocodile, but also suffered considerable losses, resting locally.
This indicated a significant reduction in Wangchuan Underworld’s border defense forces, exposing vulnerabilities to surrounding forces.
“Urgent report!” An associate arrived with urgency, but unlike before, he had a hint of joy on his face.
“What’s the matter?” The Lord of Wangchuan was somewhat curious.
“Reporting Lord, a cultivator you mentioned has appeared at White Tail Dang’s entrance!” The associate quickly reported.
The Lord of Wangchuan’s expression flickered.
“It’s her…”
She was once the wife of the Lord, someone he genuinely loved and had promised to share life with.
However, for the sake of acquiring subsequent cultivation techniques, he cast aside his wife, choosing the daughter of the former Monarch.
After seizing power, the Lord of Wangchuan expanded his Underworld territory threefold, sought out his wife, wanting to bring her back as queen.
His wife had long been heartbroken, seen through their relationship, resolutely refusing.
She hid in White Tail Dang, seldom venturing out.
The Lord of Wangchuan stationed personnel at White Tail Dang’s entrance year-round, precisely to receive the first news of his wife appearing there.
Every time he would rush to reunite with her, even if greeted with coldness and refusal, he accepted it gladly.
With time, even ice showed signs of thawing.
His wife’s attitude steadily softened, once asking him: “Would you abandon me again?”
“I rule a prefecture, stand as Monarch, what else could prompt me to abandon you?” At that time, the Lord of Wangchuan confidently and deeply gazed at his wife, “Come back, return to my side.”
His wife hesitated for a moment, ultimately shook her head, and disappeared into White Tail Dang.
The memories of the past surfaced in the Lord of Wangchuan’s heart, then were crushed by his fierce, sinister gaze.
“Surely someone is orchestrating in secret, causing my wife to appear at the entrance now!”
“Such a vicious means, it’s aimed at disturbing my state of mind.”
The Lord of Wangchuan was certain, should he refrain from meeting his wife this time, she would be deeply disappointed, fully understanding the real character of the Lord. Not only would decades of effort be wasted, but it might also never lead to any further possibility!
The Lord of Wangchuan gritted his teeth, his face contorted with unusual ferocity.
His fists clenched tightly, veins bulging prominently.
He desperately wanted to shout aloud, to raise his arms and howl to the heavens, but ultimately he did not do so.
He loosened his fists, became cold and indifferent once more, glanced at the reporting associate, and merely said in a subdued tone: “Dismiss.”
Mortal World.
White Paper Immortal City.
“You all may leave now.” Ning Zhuo waved his hand.
“As you command, sir!” Peanut Ghost General and others responded in unison, then respectfully retreated a few steps before turning to leave the reception room.
Only Ning Zhuo and Wen Ruanyu remained in the reception room.
Wen Ruanyu stated: “I’ve verified these Ghost Generals, and even the original body of City Lord personally checked them, scrutinizing them thoroughly.”
“They are trustworthy!”
Previously, Wangchuan Underworld had been sending Golden Core combatants secretly to White Paper Immortal City to cause various destruction, capturing many alive.
After Zheng Shoumo remained, he took charge mainly of recruiting these Golden Core Level Ghost Generals.
His identity as a spy was unknown even to these Ghost Generals.
And now the investigation results also confirmed that Zheng Shoumo conducted duties by the book, diligently recruiting without any hidden agendas or backdoors.
“These Ghost Generals are indeed usable, but best employed in city defense. Who knows, bringing them back to Netherworld could trigger unexpected reactions!”
Considering extracting the Qing Jiao Army, these Ghost Generals are valuable assets to strengthen city defenses.
The young man glanced at Wen Ruanyu: “Respected Wen, has there been any progress with the sacrificial text you studied?”
This was the main reason for inviting Wen Ruanyu this time.
Wen Ruanyu replied: “You guessed right; this sacrificial text is indeed a Confucian technique, a ritual for worshiping the heavens!”
“However, the object of the sacrifice is not the Mortal World, but the Netherworld.”
“The text is incomplete and profound, and I have only researched portions, hoping to provide some assistance.”
Ning Zhuo leaned closer to Wen Ruanyu: “I am all ears.”
Wen Ruanyu explained for a while, then said: “Actually, breaking this ritual is quite simple, find the central position and use Confucian techniques to destroy it.”