: For Family and Country (Combined)

Headquarters Tent.

Sun Gan sat in the main seat, smiling, and gestured for Ning Zhuo to take the seat to his left.

He leaned toward Ning Zhuo: "Military Advisor Ning is truly a young talent, with an impressive presence!"

Ning Zhuo smiled, sitting upright with a straight back, and slightly cupped his hands: "General Sun flatters me. Did you summon me here to divine whether it's safe to return to the city?"

Sun Gan's pupils slightly contracted. He stopped leaning toward Ning Zhuo, instead leaning back in his chair, sitting upright with a noncommittal smile: "Could it be that Military Advisor Ning already divined beforehand and calculated that our army would return to the city?"

Ning Zhuo shook his head slightly: "I am actually not very skilled at divination. Only when certain crises approach do I feel downhearted and have premonitions. At such times, I can divine more accurate results."

"As for our army returning to the city, that doesn't require any calculation at all."

"Our unit is the rear army, meant to join the main force. But not long ago, during the march, we were ambushed and suffered heavy losses."

"The蛮妖营 only has its commander and personal guards left, while the白玉营 has barely over a hundred men—a pitiful sight."

"The红花营 and三将营 also suffered many casualties. Only the火云营 and金戟军 have not lost a single soldier."

"Our overall strength has been reduced by more than half. Even if we rush to join the main force now, we've lost our original purpose."

"Moreover, most armies suffered heavy losses, yet only the金戟军, led by Lord Sun, didn't lose a single man. Honestly, that doesn't sound good if word gets out."

Sun Gan narrowed his eyes, his expression darkening.

Ning Zhuo's words had completely hit the mark.

If the金戟军 had lost some men, it would be easier to explain.

But now, the entire army didn't lose a single person, while the other armies suffered heavy losses. If others found out, they would likely think Sun Gan prioritized self-preservation, sacrificing allied forces to secure his own achievements.

Even without evidence, such perceptions would greatly damage Sun Gan's reputation and prestige.

As for the火云营, they marched high in the sky and used key tactics to defeat Lord Long, so no one would point fingers at them.

Under normal circumstances, Sun Gan wouldn't worry too much about such gossip.

But now there was a big problem—the白玉营 suffered heavy losses, with only a little over a hundred men left. Too many children from noble and meritorious families were lost in this ambush.

As the leader, Sun Gan would definitely be held responsible.

He was very worried that the people in the royal capital, angered by the sacrifice of their own children, would blame him and cause trouble for him.

In this situation, if unfavorable discussions about him spread within the army, they would surely be seized upon by those seeking revenge as solid evidence to attack Sun Gan.

With public sentiment running high, Sun Gan might even be impeached and lose his position as commander, replaced by someone else!

Ning Zhuo continued: "The千峰林 side is unpredictable."

"Right now, the火云营 has been exposed and can no longer serve as a surprise force. Moreover, Lord Long survived, and the参须龙王 excels in vitality; healing Lord Long would be easily within his grasp."

"Our forces have suffered heavy losses. If we continue forward and encounter another ambush, what then?"

Sun Gan tapped the armrest of his chair, lost in thought without speaking.

Ning Zhuo smiled slightly: "Actually, Lord Long and the other strong enemies are one thing."

"What worries me more is the石中老怪!"

"This Core Formation great cultivator's earth escape technique is far too formidable."

"He moves underground as if it were an open road!"

"I've watched the battle footage from this engagement at least three times. The石中老怪 doesn't match previous intelligence; this cultivator is deep and cunning, quick-witted, and he gained the most spoils from the battle, making him the biggest winner."

"A Core Formation cultivator like him might even be hiding right under our noses at this very moment, quietly listening to our conversation, General Sun."

Sun Gan took a deep breath and slowly said: "What you say makes sense."

Ning Zhuo observed Sun Gan's expression; seeing his grave look, he guessed that the金戟军 probably still lacked powerful means to counter earth escape techniques.

Just as Ning Zhuo was about to speak, the tent flap was thrown open, and Shuang Jing strode in directly.

"Military Advisor Ning's words are extremely reasonable! Our army has fought against the石中老怪 and knows very well that this cultivator appears simple and honest but is actually very cunning and sly. In the previous big battle, the石中老怪 contributed the least effort but gained the greatest merit!"

As the one who suffered the most, Shuang Jing had an extremely deep impression of the石中老怪. As he spoke, he subconsciously gritted his teeth, his face full of hatred and anger.

"General Shuang." Ning Zhuo cupped his hands in greeting.

Sun Gan frowned, staring at Shuang Jing: "General Shuang, you barged into my tent without reporting. What is the reason? At this time, you should be inspecting your camp and comforting your wounded soldiers and remaining troops."

Shuang Jing shrugged: "My army has been completely crippled, what is there to prepare? Right now, I just want to return to苍林仙城 as soon as possible and request reinforcements from the royal capital!"

"So, why are we still lingering here? Waiting for those scoundrels from千峰林 to turn around and attack us again?"

Sun Gan snorted coldly: "With my金戟军 here, what is there to fear!"

Just as he was about to continue speaking, the tent flap was thrown open again.

A burly Core Formation body cultivator rushed in from outside—it was Xu Dali.

Xu Dali held a jade slip, his face angry, and questioned Sun Gan: "Sun Gan! What nonsense are you pulling? My army suffered such heavy casualties, withstood the fiercest attacks, buying you the most precious reaction time."

"And as a result!" Xu Dali raised the jade slip in his hand, "You give us so little compensation? Do you know how many people died for the country just a short while ago, and yet you pinch pennies? How stingy and cold-hearted can you be!"

"Silence!" Sun Gan was furious, leaping up from his seat, sharply rebuking Xu Dali, "General Xu, you better understand clearly, I am currently the commander of the rear army. Moreover, you performed poorly in battle, you are a guilty commander. What right do you have to shout and order me around?"

"After returning to苍林仙城, just wait to be held accountable!"

A flush rose on Xu Dali's face: "Sun Gan, you petty man! You led poorly this time and now want to push all the blame onto me. I don't believe the civil and military officials in the royal capital will let you distort the truth and evade responsibility!"

Sun Gan slammed the table: "Silence, you blockhead."

Xu Dali stepped forward, pushing aside Shuang Jing who was in his way, walked up to Sun Gan, glared at him across the table, and yelled: "Quickly increase the compensation, or you won't have a good day today!!"

Sun Gan and Xu Dali immediately fell into an argument.

Shuang Jing shook his head, gave Ning Zhuo a bitter smile, and then pointed towards the tent flap.

Ning Zhuo understood the cue, stood up, and cupped his hands towards Sun Gan to take his leave.

Sun Gan was entangled, busy trading insults with the red-faced, furious Xu Dali, and had no attention to spare for Ning Zhuo.

Shuang Jing and Ning Zhuo left the tent one after the other. The former immediately invited Ning Zhuo to a banquet upon returning to苍林仙城, hoping Ning Zhuo would honor him with his presence.

Shuang Jing was a Core Formation cultivator, while Ning Zhuo was merely Foundation Establishment, yet the former's attitude was quite friendly and gentle.

This would never have happened before this battle.

Clearly, Shuang Jing had also experienced the accuracy of the prophetic poem. The heavy losses this time made him understand the words "the perils of war," so he lowered himself to befriend and utilize every possible factor for victory.

Ning Zhuo immediately agreed, saying he was flattered.

Interacting with Shuang Jing definitely had no downsides.

Ning Zhuo's impression of Shuang Jing wasn't bad: "This scion of a noble family, though arrogant, has quite some vision. During the previous battle, it was he who actively ordered the continuous replenishment of the armory to delay the '石中老怪'—that strategy was excellent!"

Ning Zhuo returned to the三将营. The three generals were discussing matters.

"The military advisor is back so soon?" The three generals stood up. Liu Er, full of warmth, proactively welcomed him.

Ning Zhuo smiled wryly: "Sun Gan and Xu Dali started arguing."

He briefly recounted the visit and also mentioned Shuang Jing's banquet invitation.

Liu Er's heart tightened, immediately realizing that Shuang Jing likely wanted to recruit Ning Zhuo. The smile on his face couldn't help but become even more enthusiastic.

Liu Er grabbed Ning Zhuo's arm, leading him to sit down: "We were just discussing our future plans. Military Advisor, your strategies are outstanding, and your achievements are clear for all to see. Please advise us."

Ning Zhuo smiled slightly: "I originally thought our army would return to苍林仙城. After meeting Sun Gan, this speculation is basically confirmed."

"This arrangement is naturally more beneficial than harmful for our army."

"Isn't our army lacking training? Having only the single line serpent formation and the triangular arrowhead formation is far from enough. We need at least one defensive battle formation, right?"

Liu Er sighed: "The military advisor speaks truly. The three of us also felt the same just now. But right now, there is a difficulty!"

Ning Zhuo immediately understood: "General Liu means the issue of military funds?"

Liu Er sighed with frustration: "Exactly! We have many casualties and need to allocate a large sum for compensation to stabilize morale."

"But our military funds were already stretched thin before."

Ning Zhuo smiled: "True. Previously, my formation setup and divination also consumed a lot of military funds."

Liu Er quickly waved his hand: "Military Advisor, that money was well spent, absolutely worth it! If not for the military advisor's calculations, our situation right now would definitely be even more miserable than the蛮妖营."

Ning Zhuo also waved his hand, interrupting Liu Er's forthcoming words of gratitude: "I felt an immediate connection with Generals Liu, Guan, and Zhang, we really hit it off. Plus, I have old family grievances with the六洞派, so helping wholeheartedly was my original intention."

"Regarding military funds, I can also contribute."

"Especially this time, the三将营 achieved merit by capturing Ma Feitui alive—that's a great accomplishment."

"Our army will surely receive rewards, and these rewards can serve as military funds."

"Not only that, I will immediately send word to my Ning family, explain the latest situation, and hope the family elders lift restrictions, allowing me to use more precious materials. That way, I can subsidize the三将营."

Liu Er was deeply moved.

Guan Hong viewed Ning Zhuo even more favorably.

Zhang Hei grinned, slapping Ning Zhuo's shoulder hard, making Ning Zhuo grimace in pain.

Liu Er immediately acted, slapping Zhang Hei's hand heavily, his expression changing sharply, and reprimanded on the spot: "Third Brother, how can you be so rude to the Military Advisor!"

Zhang Hei withdrew his reddened hand, hissing in pain: "Eldest Brother, you hit harder than I did!"

"I was just being friendly with our Military Advisor!"

Ning Zhuo smiled, saying a few words to excuse Zhang Hei.

Liu Er cupped his hands, apologizing to Ning Zhuo on Zhang Hei's behalf.

Ning Zhuo quickly returned the courtesy.

The atmosphere among the four was relaxed and harmonious. When they talked about the upcoming rewards, all four couldn't help but feel anticipation.

The argument between Xu Dali and Sun Gan wasn't stopped.

Shuang Jing wished to return immediately, while Mu Lan was busy comforting the entire army.

In the end, Xu Dali and Sun Gan flew into the clouds and fought a battle. Sun Gan, as the Imperial Guard commander, had outstanding strength and excellent equipment, holding the advantage from the start.

Xu Dali, on the other hand, was injured and not in good condition.

So, naturally, Sun Gan won.

But because of this fight, Sun Gan lost all face as commander. Xu Dali didn't respect him, Shuang Jing wouldn't give him a good look, and Mu Lan, coming from the General's Manor, ignored him too.

Because of this, Sun Gan didn't want to linger any longer. He ordered the camp to be struck and the army to return to the city early the next morning.

The三将营 once again marched in the single line serpent formation.

This time, the other armies also formed up their formations, no longer rushing for speed as before.

Ning Zhuo returned to his previous carriage.

On his right was the Heavy Armored Blood Ape·Da Sheng, on his left was the Buddhist Healer·Meng Yaoyin—still double protection.

Inside the万里游龙, Sun Lingtong sent a mental message, reporting excitedly to Ning Zhuo: "Little Zhuo, we really gained a lot this time!"

He had just finished taking inventory.

"How so?" Ning Zhuo inquired.

Sun Lingtong then provided the details.

One Earth Milk Pure Spirit Mana Pool, three Sage Light Illumination Pagodas, several hundred White Plume Light Dust steeds, and numerous military equipment like Jade Armor, Shocking Light Spears, and Moon Phase Shields.

Among them, there were over eighty Foundation Establishment level White Plume Light Dust steeds and over three hundred eighty Qi Refining level ones, totaling over four hundred sixty steeds. The market price was around eleven million thirty-two thousand mid-grade spirit stones.

As for the armories containing items like Jade Armor and Shocking Light Spears, they looted seven more subsequently, with a total estimated value of about three million five hundred thousand mid-grade spirit stones.

The total market value of the above was thirty million fifty-four thousand mid-grade spirit stones.

The biggest gain was the "Gao Sheng's Testament," its value inestimable!

"Rich! We became rich in one battle!" Sun Lingtong danced around inside the mechanical dragon.

Ning Zhuo also smiled. At this moment, he felt he had escaped poverty and pain.

"So, the hardships of the previous battle were all worth it," Ning Zhuo sighed.

Sun Lingtong nodded repeatedly, strongly agreeing: "Don't forget, Little Zhuo. There are major rewards from the千峰林 side, and there are also commendations from the两注国 here!"

Ning Zhuo took a deep breath: "This is the wealth of war; this feeling is truly wonderful."

"Compared to the gains, we at most only consumed thirty percent of the Western Pure Land."

"This cost is like a drop in the bucket compared to the harvest!"

Sun Lingtong giggled: "I wouldn't mind having over ten more battles like this."

Ning Zhuo, however, wiped the陶醉 look off his face: "Boss, we still need to be cautious."

"There's one thing I didn't tell you before; I almost lost my life in this ambush battle."

Sun Lingtong's face immediately changed: "What?"

Ning Zhuo then told Sun Lingtong about how he saved his life using the定向遁空符.

Only then did Sun Lingtong收起 the得意 look on his face.

"Fighting on the battlefield is indeed dangerous!" Sun Lingtong said gravely.

Ning Zhuo: "If you often walk by the river, how can you not get your shoes wet? Boss, my thinking is different from yours. It's safer to have fewer experiences like this."

"Will our good luck continue forever? That's almost impossible."

"Compared to participating in battles ourselves, I thought of a relatively stable and profitable method."

Speaking到这里, Ning Zhuo couldn't help but show a somewhat strange expression.

Sun Lingtong's curiosity was piqued and he immediately pressed for details.

Ning Zhuo certainly wouldn't hide it from Sun Lingtong: "I was also reminded by Lord Long's trade request just before leaving."

"These military equipment we seized, we can't use them ourselves, and it's hard to send them back to the family or the万药门 for use."

"So, the best way to handle them is to sell them to千峰林."

"But besides this equipment? We can totally sell more things.千峰林 has an extreme need for these military supplies. Isn't that right?"

"On the other hand, doesn't两注国 also have demands?"

Sun Lingtong was puzzled: "千峰林 has no country backing it, so its shortage of military supplies is reasonable."

"But why would the两注国 military also lack military equipment? That shouldn't be."

The corners of Ning Zhuo's mouth couldn't help but twitch upwards, but he forcibly smoothed them out: "Boss, the石中老怪 is skilled in earth escape; isn't it normal for him to continue stealing military equipment?"

Sun Lingtong understood immediately, punching his palm: "Wonderful! If the两注国 army isn't short on military supplies, we'll just work hard to create that demand."

"The equipment we steal, we can still sell to千峰林."

Ning Zhuo coughed twice: "Boss, as citizens of南豆国, before leaving the country, we received a secret commission from the royal family member Lord Zhu Xuanji."

"南豆国 needs a weak两注国."

"For the country, we must fully utilize our abilities, share the worries of our ruler, and seek benefits for the myriad people of our南豆国."

"千峰林 cannot fall, and两注国 cannot back down either."

"The longer this great war lasts, the better!"

Sun Lingtong took a deep breath, an excited flush appearing on his face: "Thrilling, too thrilling."

"Fun, really fun!"

"Little Zhuo, it was indeed right for you and me to travel the world together."

"This kind of life is truly wonderful!"

"Let's stir up war and chaos here, turn everything upside down!"

Ning Zhuo shook his head, emphasizing again: "No, no, no, we are enduring hardships and bearing heavy burdens, for family and country."

Sun Lingtong wiped the tip of his nose: "Hmph, say whatever you want."

Several days later.

Sun Gan led the rear army and turned back to苍林仙城 once more.

The first to enter the city were not the金戟军, nor the火云营.

But a prison cart.

Inside the prison cart was the human-form Ma Feitui.

The city residents cheered upon