: Regretting Not Swearing Brotherhood Back Then

Three Generals' Camp.

Liu Er was reviewing military affairs with a furrowed brow, looking troubled.

After finishing the last document and placing it on the corner of the table, he couldn't help but let out a long sigh.

Summoning a subordinate to relay his orders, Liu Er lifted the tent flap, glanced toward the camp entrance, then let it fall and began pacing inside, hands clasped behind his back.

"Why isn't he back yet?" Liu Er murmured to himself.

Ning Zhuo had informed Liu Er before leaving to attend Shuang Jing's banquet.

Ever since morning, Liu Er had been restless and distracted.

It wasn't until a subordinate reported Ning Zhuo's return that Liu Er finally broke into a smile.

He immediately threw open the tent flap and hurried toward the camp gate.

Meeting Ning Zhuo, he laughed heartily, his smile as warm as fire: "Strategist, you're back! It's good to have you back!"

While welcoming him, Liu Er discreetly observed Ning Zhuo's expression.

Seeing Ning Zhuo's worried look and evident distress, his heart sank, and he quickly asked, "Strategist, did Shuang Jing give you trouble? Don't worry, the three of us brothers have your back."

Ning Zhuo shook his head: "No, it's not that."

"Shuang Jing invited me to become his retainer."

Liu Er's smile froze, his heart turning cold—his worst fear had come true.

But he forced a smile and said, "This... this matter requires careful consideration."

"Although Shuang Jing comes from a noble background, you, Strategist, are of similar standing."

"And becoming a retainer means losing your freedom..."

"Oh, not in this case. He explicitly said I can leave anytime; my freedom isn't restricted." Ning Zhuo waved his hand dismissively.

Liu Er's smile faltered again, his heart sinking further. Still, he cupped his hands in congratulations: "In that case... that's quite good. After all, Shuang Jing's lineage is truly remarkable. I congratulate you, Strategist. With Shuang Jing's support, you'll surely succeed in avenging your family."

Ning Zhuo shook his head: "I didn't agree on the spot."

Liu Er's eyes lit up instantly: "Does that mean you, Strategist..."

Ning Zhuo nodded: "I'm still considering it."

Liu Er's expression darkened once more.

Ning Zhuo glanced toward the training ground in the camp: "Why aren't Generals Guan Hong and Zhang Hei training the troops?"

"Our army is still newly formed. After this victory and capturing a Nascent Soul cultivator, morale is high. We should seize every moment to train and prepare for the upcoming major battles."

Liu Er sighed deeply: "I was just about to consult you on that, Strategist. The soldiers are restless and dissatisfied, demanding compensation and changes to the previous agreement. My third brother volunteered to handle it."

"As for my second brother, he's in his tent absorbing national power to boost his cultivation."

Besides promotions, the rewards for the three generals included ten units of national power.

Ning Zhuo grew curious: "How is General Guan's injury?"

Previously, Wu Hen had ambushed Guan Hong, injuring his right arm.

Just then, a spiritual sense transmission reached them: "Thank you for your concern, Strategist. The injury to my right arm is far more troublesome than expected. I've tried every method but seen little improvement."

It was Guan Hong.

Clearly, he had just finished his cultivation session.

Liu Er frowned and immediately entered the tent with Ning Zhuo to check on Guan Hong.

Inside the dimly lit tent, a few candles burned, their flames crimson, casting a blood-like glow.

Guan Hong wore a deep green robe but had his right arm exposed, the wound visibly swollen with purplish-black discoloration.

"Strange Dao!" Liu Er's expression darkened.

"Strange Dao!" Ning Zhuo's eyes lit up.

Liu Er suddenly cupped his hands and bowed to Ning Zhuo: "Strategist, are you also versed in the Strange Dao? I noticed you wield a sickle weapon, a top-tier Night Rain Demonic Armament. In the previous ambush, it easily repelled Wu Hen—its power is formidable! I beg for your assistance."

Ning Zhuo nodded: "I haven't studied the Strange Dao much; I was just fortunate to obtain a Night Rain Demonic Armament."

"General Guan, may I examine your wound?"

Guan Hong nodded: "Please, Strategist."

Ning Zhuo inspected the wound, his spiritual sense probing deeper, and found the black-purple corruption spreading.

It wasn't just in the flesh but had also eroded the surface of the bone.

"The wound may be small, but left untreated, it will gradually cause more severe damage." Liu Er also projected his spiritual sense, his face full of worry.

Both he and Guan Hong looked at Ning Zhuo, their eyes holding a glimmer of hope.

Ning Zhuo shook his head: "I have a Night Rain Demonic Armament, but it's only good for combat, not for healing such injuries."

"However, while the Strange Dao is hard to counter, the injury is still confined to your right arm. Perhaps, General Guan, you could use the national power to rapidly increase your cultivation and suppress or crush it outright?"

Guan Hong sighed: "That would be a last resort."

Liu Er immediately declared: "Second Brother, you can use all ten units of national power. I'll decide for Third Brother's share too! I'll compensate him later."

Guan Hong was deeply moved.

Ning Zhuo, however, grew curious and asked, "The ten units were awarded by the royal court. Can they really be used by just one of you, concentrated like that?"

Liu Er nodded: "The imperial decree only specified that the ten units are rewards for the three of us. It didn't name individuals or allocate precisely, so it should be feasible."

"But the four units for you, Strategist, can only be used by you yourself."

At this point, Liu Er hesitated but still advised: "Strategist, you might consider saving yours for later. If you become Shuang Jing's retainer, absorbing national power then would yield greater benefits."

Guan Hong was taken aback, then fixed a sharp gaze on Ning Zhuo.

Ning Zhuo smiled faintly: "Thank you for your concern, General Liu. Lord Shuang Jing did mention that becoming his retainer would triple the efficacy."

Guan Hong couldn't help but speak up: "A true man acts freely between heaven and earth. How can one become a retainer for mere trifling gains?"

"If you seek efficiency, Strategist, why not earn merits on the battlefield?"

"Look at us three brothers—we rose from guerrilla generals to capture generals, and now absorbing national power is twice as effective!"

"With your abilities, earning military merits shouldn't be hard. Accumulating achievements and rising in rank is the way to maintain your freedom."

"Otherwise, becoming a retainer, subject to others' commands and criticism—how stifling!"

Liu Er inwardly cheered but outwardly raised a hand to stop him: "Second Brother, no need to say more."

Ning Zhuo smiled: "Thank you for your advice, General Guan."

"But General Shuang Jing's terms are indeed lenient; he promised I could leave anytime. To me, the retainer title seems more honorary, without any intention to demean."

The same unit of national power yields different results depending on the cultivator's status within the corresponding nation.

Status can be substantive or honorary.

Substantive positions include the generals' titles and Ning Zhuo's role as Military Strategist. Honorary titles are more varied, including some ranks without fiefdoms.

Shuang Jing's retainer status is an honorary title. But due to his high status, simply holding this title would triple Ning Zhuo's gains.

Hearing that Shuang Jing didn't restrict Ning Zhuo's freedom, Guan Hong stroked his beard, his expression cooling: "If I were you, Strategist, I would never agree to become Shuang Jing's retainer!"

"Second Brother, enough! Each to their own will; we can't force it!" Liu Er said with a stern face.

Guan Hong fell silent.

Ning Zhuo looked somewhat awkward.

Liu Er said warmly, "Strategist, my second brother speaks bluntly; please don't take it to heart. A fine bird chooses its tree, a wise minister his lord—that's only natural."

"Ah!"

"It's just that I lack fortune and strength, unable to achieve more to help you gain greater military merits."

Ning Zhuo shook his head: "You make it sound like I'm about to leave the camp. Don't worry, General Liu. Even if I do travel far from Liangzhu Kingdom after this battle, or if I accept Lord Shuang Jing's offer to broaden my horizons, I won't forget to support the Three Generals' Camp."

"Once my family replies and allows me to use the resources at hand, I will surely aid the three generals!"

Ning Zhuo reiterated his promise and, seeing the atmosphere was tense, took his leave and exited the tent.

Liu Er watched the tent flap, sighing deeply.

He lamented sincerely: "Second Brother, I was wrong!"

"Back in Li Garden, Third Brother suggested we swear brotherhood with the Strategist. If I had insisted then, the Strategist would be our fourth brother now. Would he be leaving us at a time like this?"

Guan Hong was silent for a few breaths before saying, "Elder Brother, if anyone's to blame, it's me. I was the one who refused back then."

"I looked down on him for his youth and mere Foundation Establishment cultivation, feeling arrogant."

"Who knew the Strategist's talent would be so astounding, making us see him in a new light. Ah, I was blind!"

Liu Er quickly comforted Guan Hong.

Seeing Liu Er still troubled, Guan Hong frowned and said, "Elder Brother worries about the Strategist; how can I not share your burden?"

"Let me bear the blame and kneel before the Strategist's tent, begging him to stay!"

Liu Er was horrified, grabbing Guan Hong's arm: "Second Brother, you mustn't do that!"

"The Strategist may be highly talented, but you and I are brothers, close as limbs. To humiliate you is to humiliate me!"

"We met, understood each other, fought side by side—how can I let you, a Golden Core cultivator, kneel to a mere Foundation Establishment stage, suffering such disgrace?"

"Ah, it's all because my status is too low. The Strategist comes from a great clan; it's hard to win over such a person."

Guan Hong's eyes reddened: "Elder Brother."

Liu Er gazed deeply at Guan Hong: "Second Brother!"

"Elder Brother!"

"Second Brother!!"

Zhang Hei lifted the tent flap and strode in.

Seeing the scene, he widened his eyes: "What good thing are you two talking about without me?"

Guan Hong remained silent.

Liu Er sighed deeply and explained everything to Zhang Hei.

Zhang Hei's eyes widened again: "What? The Strategist is leaving?!"

"No way!"

"I'll go talk to him!! We started this army together, and now he wants to quit midway?!"

Liu Er quickly grabbed Zhang Hei's arm: "Third Brother, don't be so rash. Each to their own will; how can we force it?"

"Ah, it's all because my status is too low to win people's hearts."

"Elder Brother!!" Zhang Hei said stubbornly.

"Third Brother, listen to Elder Brother." Guan Hong said.

Zhang Hei glanced at Liu Er, then at Guan Hong, punched the air in frustration, and looked down at the ground: "Ah!!!"

(End of )