Chapter 535

Three Generals Camp.

Strategist Unlike Ning Zhuo's residence.

In the simple reception hall, there were only Liu Er, Unlike Ning Zhuo, and Zhao Xi.

Zhao Xi sat in the seat of honor, with Unlike Ning Zhuo accompanying him.

"This subordinate pays respects to Lord Zhao!" Liu Er stood in front of Zhao Xi and cupped his hands in salute.

He looked at Zhao Xi with an earnest face, sincerely thanking him for his help.

Zhao Xi looked at Liu Er, his gaze pausing on the dried blood at the corner of Liu Er's mouth.

Just now, when Shuang Jing led the Quartermaster to attack, Liu Er had blocked with his body, was injured, and had vomited blood, but he had endured it all along without seeking treatment.

Zhao Xi nodded slightly, stretched out his finger, and pointed at Liu Er: "You are a sensible one, very good."

Then, he waved his hand casually: "Sit."

In Zhao Xi's heart, he didn't care at all about Liu Er, this human-demon hybrid Jin Dan, and his main attention was focused on Unlike Ning Zhuo.

Back in Canglin Xiancheng, Unlike Ning Zhuo had already dealt with Zhao Xi.

At that time, Unlike Ning Zhuo had used Nascent Soul-level treasure materials from the remains of the old monster Shi Zhong to successfully bribe Zhao Xi with a large sum, and he had also helped the Red Flower Camp.

Therefore, Zhao Xi was smiling at this moment, chatting with Unlike Ning Zhuo with the attitude of an old friend.

After a few words of small talk, Zhao Xi said jokingly: "To be honest, when I first met Young Master Ning, I would never have imagined that you would become the son-in-law of the Grand General Mu's mansion and the husband of Mu Lan."

He rubbed the armrest of the wooden chair with his palm and sighed: "The changes in the world are truly beyond expectation, very mysterious indeed!"

Unlike Ning Zhuo smiled, but his heart felt a slight chill, knowing that they had reached an important point.

He didn't hesitate at all and immediately stated: "Regarding this matter, I was also forced into it by circumstances and coincidence."

"I believe Lord Zhao already has a clear understanding of the situation at that time."

Zhao Xi laughed aloud, pointed his finger at Unlike Ning Zhuo's nose, and laughed and scolded in a friendly tone: "When I heard about it at the time, I was also dumbfounded."

"Everyone else failed to achieve their goals, but you, brat, were the only one who ended up with the biggest benefit."

"Your luck is truly enviable. Tsk tsk..."

The smile on Unlike Ning Zhuo's face disappeared immediately, and he shook his head bitterly: "My lord, after this happened, I received a letter from my family, severely questioning and reprimanding me."

"To tell you the truth, I am one of the most valued heirs in my clan, shouldering the responsibility of marrying into the Nandou Kingdom's royal family."

"The occurrence of this matter indeed put the family in a very passive position, and the relationship with the Nandou Kingdom side has also experienced significant setbacks."

"Because of my impulsive decision, my clan's losses are much greater than outsiders imagine!"

Unlike Ning Zhuo said this with a heavy expression.

Zhao Xi looked up slightly, his tone inexplicable: "In that case, if you ask me, why don't you and your family just move from Nandou Kingdom to Liangzhu Kingdom."

Unlike Ning Zhuo shook his head: "My lord, I will speak bluntly."

"This is almost impossible!"

"Firstly, my clan has spent great effort and paid a heavy price to finally gain a foothold in Nandou Kingdom's Fire Persimmon Xiancheng and develop rapidly. If we move to Liangzhu Kingdom, it would be equivalent to starting over, and the cost is too high."

"Secondly, Liangzhu Kingdom borders the North Wind Kingdom. My clan was forced to flee from the North Wind Kingdom back then. If we get too close to the original hostile forces, it would be good for neither my clan nor Liangzhu Kingdom."

Unlike Ning Zhuo stood up and cupped his hands to Zhao Xi.

His face was solemn: "Therefore, the marriage contract with General Mu Lan must be dissolved!"

"The reason it is still maintained now is due to two main reasons."

"First, the fact is already done, and my clan has paid the price, so I am thinking whether I can operate something through this identity to make up for some of the family's losses."

"Second, given the current military situation, the Red Flower Camp is the best ally of my Three Generals Camp, so I certainly won't dissolve the marriage contract with General Mu Lan during this period. That would be very bad for all parties!"

"When the time is right, I will dissolve the marriage with General Mu Lan according to the agreement."

Zhao Xi appeared relaxed, but in reality, his eyes were focused, carefully watching Unlike Ning Zhuo and observing every slight change in his expression.

Zhao Xi only saw frankness and sincerity.

He and Liu Er both breathed a secret sigh of relief.

The Grand General Mu's mansion was one of the few Grand General mansions in Liangzhu Kingdom, with a high status. Unlike Ning Zhuo having the identity of a son-in-law meant he was immediately ranked among the court of Liangzhu Kingdom, and at a high level at that!

The court of Liangzhu Kingdom naturally did not want to see such a foreigner occupy such a position.

Unlike Ning Zhuo had known this from the very beginning.

Therefore, from the start, he had made his attitude and determination clear to all parties.

Zhao Xi had come to the front-line camp this time with many secret missions. One of them was to examine Unlike Ning Zhuo and try to determine his view on the Grand General Mu's mansion and his own intentions.

Unlike Ning Zhuo's answer made Liu Er happy and made Zhao Xi feel satisfied.

Only then did Zhao Xi have the motivation to continue this conversation.

Zhao Xi smiled until his eyes narrowed: "Young Master Ning, sit, sit down and talk first! You took the initiative to offer me the mechanism creations this time; your awareness is very high, and this move is beneficial to the army. Whatever you want, if I can make the decision here, I will arrange it for you immediately."

Unlike Ning Zhuo also smiled and sat back down as instructed: "I have two main requests."

"First, it is the National Power Brick. After using such treasures, I found the impression too deep; it can be said that I have tasted the sweetness and cannot stop."

Zhao Xi laughed aloud: "Agreed!"

Unlike Ning Zhuo continued: "As for the second, let's see if there are any items to accelerate cultivation."

He explained in detail: "I am currently in the second stage of the Foundation Establishment period, which is the stage of treasure medicine nourishment."

"What's more awkward is that even if I obtain new National Power Bricks, it is difficult to raise my cultivation base."

"So, I want to see if there are any specialized auxiliary items."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Xi pondered for a few breaths and then understood: "The exchange list provided by the military supplies department contains many auxiliary cultivation items, and there must be treasures suitable for the treasure medicine nourishment stage."

"However, for Young Master Ning, exchanging military merit for National Power Bricks is the priority."

"Therefore, what Young Master Ning really wants is a treasure with excellent efficacy. I believe Young Master Ning has already looked through the exchange list of the military supplies department, and the efficacy of the treasures on it does not satisfy you."

Unlike Ning Zhuo immediately cupped his hands: "Lord Zhao is wise; you saw through my thoughts at a glance."

"Military merit is limited."

"Of course, I am more willing to exchange for National Power Bricks. After all, such good things are really rare. Although there are many cultivation kingdoms, the situation of using National Power Bricks as rewards is too rare."

"It can be said that if you miss this village, you won't find this shop."

"Unless there is a certain treasure with excellent efficacy that makes me willing to spend some military merit to exchange for it, and willing to give up some National Power Bricks."

"It's just that currently, I haven't seen such treasures on the list."

Zhao Xi nodded and sighed: "Young Master Ning, you are indeed from a great clan; this request is a bit extravagant."

Liu Er, who had been listening on the side, nodded in agreement with Zhao Xi's evaluation.

For the vast majority of cultivators, there is no need to invest too many resources in Foundation Establishment cultivation. This is too wasteful! Because in the early stages of cultivation, it is relatively easy to cultivate, and cultivation base is easily improved.

But Unlike Ning Zhuo used rare treasures like National Power Bricks in the first stage of Foundation Establishment. In the second stage, he still wanted to use treasures no less than National Power Bricks to accelerate his cultivation speed.

Is this necessary?

Under normal circumstances, for the vast majority of cultivators, there is no such necessity at all!

Saving resources for use in later stages of cultivation is more cost-effective.

Unlike Ning Zhuo was young, only sixteen years old. For most teenage cultivators, they were still in the Qi Condensation stage. Even if there were geniuses who had advanced to the Foundation Establishment stage, they wouldn't deliberately seek these heavy treasures to simply increase their cultivation base. They used them more for other aspects, such as comprehending techniques and honing skills.

Zhao Xi's evaluation that Unlike Ning Zhuo's behavior was extravagant deeply resonated with Liu Er.

Liu Er recalled carefully that his own Foundation Establishment period was all through his own efforts, consuming time, with most of the day spent practicing.

Some of the resources Unlike Ning Zhuo was consuming now, even after he advanced to the Jin Dan stage, he hadn't even enjoyed!

Especially the National Power Bricks.

Such good things, Liu Er hadn't even used one yet.

Previously, he had indeed received such rewards due to military merit, but he had given them all to Guan Hong to help the latter heal quickly.

While Liu Er was envious, he could only sigh that Unlike Ning Zhuo was indeed a young master of a great clan.

!

Unlike Ning Zhuo explained to the two that this was his first time participating in such a great war in his life, and his thirst for cultivation base had reached the peak of his life; he extremely hoped that he would be as strong as possible.

Therefore, he was very eager to have such auxiliary treasures to help his cultivation base break through to another stage faster.

This explanation added some understanding of Unlike Ning Zhuo for Liu Er and Zhao Xi.

Zhao Xi recalled the intelligence and felt that Unlike Ning Zhuo's move was quite reasonable. After all, the latter's combat power reached the Jin Dan level, and currently, the biggest shortcoming lay in Unlike Ning Zhuo himself. Strengthening weaknesses was actually a correct choice.

It was just that Unlike Ning Zhuo's willingness to spend such heavy resources went against common sense, which was surprising and made people envious in their hearts.

Zhao Xi pondered: "I think carefully, there is indeed such a treasure in our country's royal treasury."

"It was when the envoy from the Sanyang Kingdom visited and presented it to the royal family as a diplomatic gift."

"The treasure talisman is called the Three Enclosures Treasure Talisman. The royal family of Sanyang Kingdom mainly cultivates the 'Sanyang Taiyuan Technique', using mysterious magnetic jade sand tempered by the sun, moon, and stars as ink, drawing talisman patterns on thousand-year-old yin-yang paulownia leaves, and finally incorporating powder ground from dragon tendons to complete it."

"The quality of this treasure talisman reaches the level of a magic treasure and can be reused. Once consumed to a certain extent, one can still add materials on its basis, make it again, and add many more uses."

"As everyone knows, the 'Sanyang Taiyuan Technique' possesses the meaning of all things growing, and is a top-tier treasure technique in the world. In the early stage of Soul Transformation, one can separate into three sun avatars, which is extremely powerful. For the treasure medicine nourishment stage, the 'Sanyang Taiyuan Technique' is even more of a piece of cake."

"If Young Master Ning can exchange for this treasure, it is equivalent to possessing some cultivation advantages of the 'Sanyang Taiyuan Technique' during the Foundation Establishment stage!"

Unlike Ning Zhuo couldn't help but be moved: "According to your meaning, my lord, can such a national treasure also be exchanged with military merit?"

Zhao Xi laughed: "Normal channels naturally won't work, but isn't there still me?"

Unlike Ning Zhuo immediately understood, handed out a storage bag, and told Zhao Xi that after the matter was accomplished, there would be a double gift offered.

Zhao Xi swept his spiritual sense, and the corners of his mouth couldn't help but curl up, openly putting the storage bag into his bosom.

The atmosphere in the room became even more harmonious.

The three chatted for a while.

It was mainly Zhao Xi and Unlike Ning Zhuo communicating, with Liu Er occasionally interjecting.

"It's getting late, I still have matters to deal with."

Before leaving, Zhao Xi looked at Unlike Ning Zhuo and then at Liu Er: "You are all my people now; in the coming period, you must perform meritorious deeds well. The more meritorious deeds you perform, the more face I will have."

"Since you have all offered mechanism creations, you have awareness."

"Don't always stare at some things on the battlefield; although there are good treasure materials, can they compare to military merit?"

"Especially those hills near our military camp, those strongholds of the forces, are all managed very richly."

Liu Er and Unlike Ning Zhuo immediately heard the implication.

Unlike Ning Zhuo asked: "After cleaning the battlefield, shouldn't we attack the Long Wang Giant Wood Mountain with all our might?"

Although the Long Wang Giant Wood Mountain was knocked down by the Iron Flow Flat Plain, because of the divine light covering it and divine arts protecting it, the mountain body was preserved very well, changing from a vertical state to lying horizontally. The losses on the Long Wang Giant Wood Mountain were limited, and there were a large number of Long Wang temples, with many stubborn forces still guarding this place.

Zhao Xi shook his head: "Before Du Tiechuan went into seclusion to heal, he issued a military strategy—control but do not attack the Long Wang Giant Wood Mountain. I am just an Army Supervisor; I cannot change this military strategy, nor do I want to."

"Therefore, after cleaning the battlefield, your various armies will all bloom everywhere, attacking surrounding strongholds quickly."

Liu Er frowned: "The Long Wang Giant Wood Mountain is a place that the Temple of the Long Wang must save. Commander Du wants to attract the enemy army here to conduct the second great battle."

"No wonder he spent such huge capital here to build such a thick camp. Even now, there are cultivators constantly working."

Unlike Ning Zhuo added: "Therefore, before the second great battle, the scope of our army's attacks everywhere is also limited."

"There are not many targets to attack in the surrounding area."

Zhao Xi laughed aloud: "You all realized this; I didn't say anything. That's it, I'm leaving first."

Unlike Ning Zhuo and Liu Er both stood up, followed Zhao Xi, and respectfully saw him out of the camp all the way.

At the time of parting, Zhao Xi sent a spiritual message to Unlike Ning Zhuo: "By the way, can you perform a divination for the second battle?"

Unlike Ning Zhuo's previous prophecy poem was very accurate, making Zhao Xi unable to forget it.

Unlike Ning Zhuo smiled bitterly immediately: "This ability of mine can only be successful when I have a feeling in my heart. At other times, I am completely powerless. I hope you will forgive me, my lord!"

"Then forget it." Zhao Xi rode on his tall horse and left directly.

Liu Er watched Zhao Xi's departing back while sending a spiritual message to Unlike Ning Zhuo, thanking him for introducing Zhao Xi to him this time.

Unlike Ning Zhuo responded secretly: "It was also a coincidence. Zhao Xi wants to gain military merit and didn't hesitate to take risks to come to the front-line camp."

"He is a newcomer and must establish prestige; it is the so-called three fires for a new official."

"Our matter just meets his needs, and that is how the cooperation was reached."

Liu Er sighed: "Although that is the case, without the strategist's relationship and the mechanism creations, how could such results be achieved?"

With this close relationship with Zhao Xi, Liu Er, an outsider, could be considered to have roots in the court of Liangzhu Kingdom.

This was a very significant breakthrough!

Liu Er had been taught by his master since childhood, and his political talent was not bad, making him understand that he was the biggest beneficiary in this matter.

Therefore, he returned the favor and immediately promised Unlike Ning Zhuo: "Strategist, no matter how much military merit that Three Enclosures Treasure Talisman is worth, I am willing to give my own military merit to you, Strategist. If it's not enough, I will come forward to persuade the two younger brothers, and I will definitely do my best to let you get what you wish, Strategist!"

Unlike Ning Zhuo smiled and did not refuse, only responding with one word: "Good."

Currently, the results of cleaning the battlefield were all converted into military merit and hung on Liu Er alone.

After all, he was the main general of the Three Generals Camp.

Unlike Ning Zhuo didn't want to do this kind of showing off that made people jealous.

According to the previous agreement between Unlike Ning Zhuo and the three generals, 30% of this military merit belonged to him.

It was just that in order to push Liu Er to the top of the list, they hadn't distributed it yet.

The top spot could greatly increase the reputation of the Three Generals Camp, facilitating the subsequent gathering of remnant soldiers.

This was another layer of consideration.

(End of chapter)