: I Do Possess Some Divination Arts

The formation encircling the Sky Pillar Giant Tree was dismantled.

Mo Yuan and the two other Nascent Soul cultivators waved their hands, retrieving the array flags, array disks, and other tools back into their possession.

The three transformed into streaks of light, flying back towards their sect's base.

On the return journey, the Heart Demon Cave Master communicated via divine sense, expressing his confusion: "Great Cave Master, the three of us arrived together with strength in numbers. Why did we have to offer a treasure as significant as the Western Pure Land to the Old Monster in the Stone? We could have easily forced him to sign the Divine Decree of the Whisker Dragon King!"

A cold glint flashed in Lu Hongtu's eyes. "Didn't you sense it? The Old Monster in the Stone already carries an aura akin to the Divine Transformation level!"

The Heart Demon Cave Master and the Blood Shadow Cave Master were both taken aback. The Heart Demon Cave Master asked uncertainly, "Does that mean the Old Monster in the Stone has already advanced to the Divine Transformation stage?"

Lu Hongtu shook his head slightly. "That cultivator originates from a ten-thousand-year earth essence, with an incredibly solid foundation. However, he once devoured a fragment of the Treasure Dividing Rock. Although he gained the Stone-Cast Earth Treasure supernatural power, this encounter wasn't without its drawbacks—it greatly slowed his cultivation progress."

This was a common dilemma.

Cultivators on their path often face this difficult choice: to enhance their cultivation and power, or to master supernatural arts and spells?

Advancing cultivation strengthens one's foundation, leading to growth in all aspects.

But having cultivation without supernatural arts leaves a cultivator's combat power worryingly low. With deep spiritual power but no fighting capability, overcoming tribulations becomes extremely difficult.

Conversely, focusing on supernatural arts consumes much time and energy, hindering cultivation progress. If progress is too slow and the cultivator fails to break through to the next stage before their lifespan ends, it's akin to seeking death.

Thus, choosing between cultivation and supernatural arts is never a simple either-or. A normal cultivator must balance both. However, the emphasis and timing of focus vary from person to person.

After the Old Monster in the Stone devoured the Treasure Dividing Rock fragment, his supernatural arts advanced by leaps and bounds, undergoing a qualitative transformation! But this marvelous power also impeded his cultivation progress.

Lu Hongtu was quite aware of this. He shook his head. "If the Old Monster in the Stone had reached the Divine Transformation stage, his attitude towards us wouldn't be like this. It's more likely he's on the verge of breakthrough, at a critical juncture. In such a situation, offering the Western Pure Land was precisely appropriate."

The Heart Demon Cave Master and Blood Shadow Cave Master understood immediately. Facing an Old Monster in the Stone nearing Divine Transformation, Mo Yuan Cave Master needed to show goodwill. Should the Old Monster advance in the future, any past conflicts with Mo Yuan Cave Master would bring pressure and no benefit. Hence, offering the Western Pure Land now was strategic.

The Old Monster's true form is a ten-thousand-year earth essence; a treasure like the Western Pure Land, associated with earth-element merit, would be immensely helpful, potentially bringing about a qualitative change and greatly increasing his chances of advancing to the Divine Transformation stage.

The grievances between Lu Hongtu and the Old Monster weren't deep-seated hatred. By gifting this treasure, if the Old Monster succeeds in advancement, past issues would likely be resolved, and he might even feel indebted to Great Cave Master Mo Yuan. Even if he fails, the Western Pure Land would still be greatly beneficial, and Mo Yuan's gesture of goodwill would remain. Moreover, it would sound favorable when spread—Great Cave Master Mo Yuan didn't force other Nascent Soul cultivators to join the Great Alliance of Thousand Peaks Forest but proactively offered a heavy treasure like the Western Pure Land to secure cooperation through incentive. Thus, Mo Yuan Cave Master appears self-sacrificing, cutting his own interests for the future of Thousand Peaks Forest, an act of noble character!

It's worth noting that the Six Caves Sect isn't purely a demonic path force but rather a mix of righteous and unorthodox.

Lu Hongtu had deep insight into the broader situation. He knew that dealing with the native forces of Thousand Peaks Forest required a tough, domineering side, hence he absorbed Nascent Soul cultivators like Heart Demon and Blood Shadow. At the same time, he understood that relying solely on toughness, tyranny, and ruthlessness would isolate them from the outside world, leaving the Six Caves Sect with no future. Therefore, he also absorbed the other two cave masters and actively built good relations externally.

The Six Caves Sect's demonic tyranny was mostly used internally, helping them establish a foothold in Thousand Peaks Forest. Their righteous conduct helped them connect with the outside world, exchanging countless cultivation resources. Having channels for external communication allowed the Six Caves Sect to use Thousand Peaks Forest's resources for broad contact, trade, and friendship with outside forces. On the other hand, they sold external resources to various forces within Thousand Peaks Forest, profiting handsomely and gradually elevating their status.

All this was due to Lu Hongtu's management skills!

Now, this Mo Yuan Cave Master was calculating the future. "If the Old Monster in the Stone truly breaks through to Divine Transformation, he will inevitably clash with the Whisker Dragon King!"

As the only Divine Transformation level existence in Thousand Peaks Ridge, the Whisker Dragon King has been entrenched here for countless years, deeply rooted with numerous followers and beliefs.

Two tigers cannot share one mountain. If the Old Monster in the Stone wishes to continue cultivating in Thousand Peaks Ridge, it will involve the region's earth veins, seriously encroaching on the Whisker Dragon King's fundamental territory.

"When that time comes, two tigers fighting will surely injure one!" Thinking this, Mo Yuan Cave Master's eyes gleamed with excitement, his heart stirred. "Could there be an opportunity for me in this? However, all this must wait until the expeditionary army of the Two Notes Country retreats..."

At the cave bottom.

After a long period of silence, the stone ball finally loosened.

Crack, crack.

Cracks appeared on the stone ball's surface, quickly spreading until it split open, from which Sun Ning and the other emerged.

After confirming that the three Nascent Soul cultivators had left, they still waited patiently for a while before coming out.

"So thrilling, really too thrilling!" Sun Lingtong's stone garment had already been dispelled by Ning Zhuo. He reapplied a layer of medicinal mud and was now free to move.

Even for an unorthodox cultivator like Sun Lingtong, who enjoys seeking excitement, he felt weak all over, unable to muster any strength. The previous situation was too dangerous; the slightest misstep could have exposed them to the three Nascent Soul cultivators. The fate of Sun and Ning would have been unimaginable then!

Intense fear overwhelmed Sun Lingtong, making him reluctant to move for a while.

Ning Zhuo's gaze, however, focused on a pile of Western Pure Land on the ground nearby. The exchange with the three Nascent Soul cultivators had elements both expected and unexpected. Ning Zhuo hadn't anticipated Lu Hongtu offering the Western Pure Land, nor being forced to sign the Divine Decree of the Whisker Dragon King.

"This shows Lu Hongtu came prepared! According to gathered intelligence, he has excellent strategic vision, even willing to spend his own resources to unite with other Nascent Soul cultivators. Moreover, under the pressure of the Two Notes Country's army, Thousand Peaks Forest is rapidly changing from its formerly scattered state, with many figures and forces quickly integrating."

From this event, Ning Zhuo immediately recognized the shift in Thousand Peaks Forest's situation. In such critical times, having a strong leader is crucial. Thousand Peaks Forest benefits from the Whisker Dragon King, avoiding a state of disunity. As a local deity and the primary beneficiary, the Whisker Dragon King is undoubtedly the staunchest defender of Thousand Peaks Forest. Additionally, being at the Divine Transformation level, it holds the strongest combat power. Thus, various cultivators and forces unwilling to become refugees are actively uniting around this central figure.

Lu Hongtu bringing the Divine Decree made it easier for Sun and Ning to slip through. But this advantage also came with a downside: both had now signed the Divine Decree, placing them under its constraints.

Earlier, Sun and Ning used the Fetal Breath Spiritual Junk and the Stone-Cast Earth Treasure supernatural power to merge with the stone ball, perceived by heaven and earth as a complete fetus. Sun Lingtong's acting, Ning Zhuo's control, and the stone ball's disguise were all indispensable. Combined with the mystery of the "Innate Earth Nurturance Fetal Breath Great Method," they deceived Mo Yuan and the other two Nascent Soul cultivators.

Mo Yuan forcing the Old Monster in the Stone to sign the Divine Decree left Sun and Ning no choice but to comply. Their divine senses merged, disguised by the Stone-Cast Earth Treasure power, jointly touched the Divine Decree to understand its explicit intent, and finally signed it with their divine senses. Thus, the decree now bound Ning Zhuo, Sun Lingtong, and the stone ball.

"What should we do next?" Ning Zhuo felt anxious about this.

Sun Lingtong directly asked, "Xiao Zhuo, do you think we can break this Divine Decree?"

Ning Zhuo's expression was grave as he slowly shook his head, saying quietly, "This is a Divine Transformation level method. While not impossible to break, the cost would be enormous. Seeking help from the Two Notes Country military would inevitably expose our whereabouts, reveal our secrets, and the fact that the Old Monster in the Stone is already dead. Based on Lu Hongtu's earlier revelation about covert operations, Thousand Peaks Forest must have many spies within the Two Notes Country army. That's how they learned about the important military movement of the new army from Canglin Immortal City setting out. If we seek help from the Two Notes Country military, we don't have anyone trustworthy. It's highly likely our information would be leaked. If Thousand Peaks Forest learns of this and we've signed the Divine Decree, a mere thought from the Whisker Dragon King could doom us utterly."

Sun Lingtong fell silent. Ning Zhuo's reasoning was sound.

Sun Lingtong sighed, "Yes, after enduring so much hardship and paying such a high price to finally obtain this astonishing wealth. Even if the Two Notes Country military doesn't leak the secret, breaking a Divine Transformation level decree constraint would likely consume all our newly gained wealth. If we encounter unscrupulous people who jack up prices, we might have to pay even more. If Two Notes Country commander Du Tiechuan learns we have the Wanli Youlong, he might force us to repeatedly infiltrate deep into Thousand Peaks Forest to spy!"

"What about returning to Southern Bean Country?" Sun Lingtong suggested but immediately shook his head. Time was too short. According to the Divine Decree's timeline, the new army from Canglin Immortal City would march in four days. By then, Sun and Ning must fully participate in attacking the Two Notes Country army, complying with the decree to avoid violation, to have any chance of survival.

"Alas, what else can we do? Take one step at a time," Ning Zhuo shook his head. "Let's not mine the remaining body of the Old Monster in the Stone. It's part of the decree's constraints and can be considered as our own bodies. If we act later without matching the state when we signed the decree, and it's deemed we didn't give our all, that would be disastrous."

After brief discussion, Sun and Ning saw no alternative but to continue their previous actions. After comprehending the complete Stone-Cast Earth Treasure supernatural power, Ning Zhuo collaborated with Sun Lingtong to excavate the entire stone ball. They didn't mine it but directly stored it in the Wanli Youlong. Finally, they boarded the Wanli Youlong, traversed the void again, and returned near Canglin Immortal City.

The Wanli Youlong was even more battered. Previously damaged by fifty percent, this round trip severely damaged its outer shell, with many dragon scales lost and several areas petrified. Ning Zhuo wrapped the ragged Wanli Youlong around his waist like a belt and walked leisurely back to the Three Generals Camp.

"Military Advisor is back!" Upon seeing Ning Zhuo, the soldiers saluted and greeted him proactively. Ning Zhuo had previously awed everyone on the command platform with his Tree Realm Descent spell, earning the army's respect.

Ning Zhuo observed the training led by Generals Liu, Guan, and Zhang. Seeing they hadn't noticed his embezzlement of funds, he shook his head inwardly—these three generals were quite careless. Returning to his tent, he calculated the accounts. Midway, he set down his brush and sighed. Not long ago, he was on the brink of life and death; now, he was in his tent, with the occasional shouts of the three generals and the cries of cultivators outside, a sense of security washing over him. Ning Zhuo felt as if in a dream, an unreal sensation.

"The Two Notes Country's military intelligence has been leaked; Thousand Peaks Forest plans to ambush the new army. As the Military Advisor of the Three Generals Camp, I'll inevitably march with them, becoming a target of ambush by a group of Nascent Soul and Golden Core cultivators. More critically, Sun Lao Da and I signed the Divine Decree, obliging us to oppose Two Notes Country, and to do so with full effort! How should we handle this?"

This truly troubled Ning Zhuo.

Just then, the tent flap was lifted, and Liu Er entered. Seeing Ning Zhuo frowning, Liu Er showed a warm smile: "Military Advisor, managing the accounts must be difficult for you."

Ning Zhuo quickly stood and saluted. Liu Er waved it off, amiably stating they were all on the same side, no need for formalities. Liu Er's humble and gentle demeanor indeed eased Ning Zhuo's mind.

Ning Zhuo sighed, "The military accounts can be calculated clearly, but the prospects are worrying, sir. Currently, our military funds can only last three months." In reality, Ning Zhuo had embezzled a large amount of spirit stones, insufficient for three months, and he hadn't yet balanced the books.

Ning Zhuo added, "Moreover, during my calculations, I felt a stir in my heart, with many unfavorable premonitions. Feeling the future looks dim, I sighed deeply, feeling down."

Liu Er, hearing this, became interested: "Military Advisor, having such feelings—could it be you possess divination skills?"

Ning Zhuo smiled slightly, "I wouldn't dare call myself a diviner. But I have practiced one or two divination methods, most skilled at array-based calculations. Sir, please allow me to use some military funds to set up an array and calculate the future of our Three Generals Camp!"

Liu Er hurriedly inquired about the cost. Ning Zhuo quoted a figure. Liu Er hesitated; military funds were already scarce, and using them for divination would mean they couldn't even last three months. "The military funds aren't mine alone; I must discuss with my second and third brothers," Liu Er replied after some thought.

Ning Zhuo gestured, "Please discuss quickly, sir, the matter is urgent." Liu Er nodded, sighed, "I'll go ask them now; Military Advisor, please wait a moment." Liu Er left the tent to find Zhang Hei and Guan Hong, who were still training troops.

Seeing him act this way, Ning Zhuo knew he wouldn't have to repay the embezzled funds in the Three Generals Camp.

(End of )