: All-Out Army Building

Author: Gu Zhenren

June 18, 2025

: All-Out Army Building

Outside White Paper Immortal City.

At the Yin Soldier camp.

Sun Lingtong scanned her surroundings, and everything she saw and heard was transmitted to Ning Zhuo through the Life Thread.

Ning Zhuo thus "saw" a large number of Yin Soldiers applying a type of ointment.

The Yin Soldiers opened the ointment and evenly spread it over their bodies.

As they patted and applied the ointment, it often emitted sounds of living beings dying in agony.

These sounds were absorbed by the Yin Soldiers and quickly dissipated.

Sun Lingtong explained at the right moment, "I've inquired—this pill is called the Wailing Echo Ointment.

It's made primarily from Netherworld Grass, Moonlight Dew, and Ghost Flower Mud. Now, the entire Yin Soldier army applies this ointment daily at set times.

At first, it has no effect, but with repeated use, the effects gradually accumulate. Eventually, the deathly sounds reshape the soul, forming heavy armor protection."

Sun Lingtong added, "However, since this pill temporarily alters the soul, once the effects wear off, the soul becomes extremely weak. If no other pills are taken afterward, it can lead to severe side effects like soul deformation, memory confusion, and loss of intelligence."

Ning Zhuo immediately recalled the risky tactics the Two Notes Kingdom army used to enhance their heavy armor during the war he participated in.

He realized the severity of the situation: "So, the Yin Soldier army is actively preparing for a decisive battle!

Initially, this Yin Soldier army wasn't large when they first camped. But after so many ghost tides, continuously absorbing ghosts, and reinforcements from the Netherworld, their numbers have nearly reached a hundred thousand!

If they launch a full-scale attack, can White Paper Immortal City hold?"

Ning Zhuo felt immense pressure.

Though he held the title of deputy city lord, the White Paper City Lord hadn't truly delegated authority to him. Thus, Ning Zhuo remained unaware of the city's true reserves.

At most, he knew the Paper Giant possessed Nascent Soul-level combat power.

"And the real key to this battle isn't White Paper Immortal City—it's the Netherworld!"

Thanks to Meng Yaoyin's arrangements, Ning Zhuo had access to overall intelligence.

But he hadn't disclosed information about the Heavenly Ghost Rebirth Ritual or the Netherworld Lord's century-long schemes.

Keeping these secrets didn't hinder the White Paper City Lord, Yang Sanyan, Wen Ruanyu, and others from actively defending.

Sun Lingtong asked, "Xiao Zhuo, we don't have much time left.

What about the Qingjiao Army?

Can you ensure they'll have the courage to charge into the Netherworld and fight to the death when the time comes?

Even if you control Qing Chi with the Life Thread, she may have the army's loyalty, but can she force the Qingjiao Army to risk their lives in battle?"

Ning Zhuo sighed, "This requires careful planning."

He cut off communication with Sun Lingtong, thought for a moment, and summoned Qing Chi.

Upon hearing Ning Zhuo wanted to see her, Qing Chi immediately beamed and rushed to his residence.

"Xiao Ma, did you miss me?" Qing Chi was as enthusiastic as ever.

"You're always either focused on cultivation or busy helping the city lord.

Now that the spy has been exposed, you can finally rest. I'll stay with you, and we can do things we enjoy!"

Her gaze was intense.

Ning Zhuo felt a headache coming on.

He coughed, "Miss Qing Chi, although we uncovered one spy, we didn't capture him alive and couldn't obtain critical intelligence.

We don't know if there are other spies.

In this situation, it's best to remain as cautious and vigilant as before and not let our guard down.

Besides, the enemy outside the city now numbers nearly a hundred thousand. White Paper Immortal City is in dire straits—we have no right to relax!"

Though deeply in love with Jiao Ma, Qing Chi understood the bigger picture.

She sighed, "Thanks to you, Xiao Ma, we secured investment from the Myriad Forms Sect. Now, military supplies are no longer an issue. We also have a foundation with two military doctrines.

Once I comprehend the third, we can move to the next stage.

With military equipment ready, our Qingjiao Army will be officially established.

It's just a pity we're a step behind. If we had established the army earlier, we could have mobilized and perhaps wiped out the enemy when they first camped.

Now, not only have they firmly established themselves, but their numbers are vast. If our Qingjiao Army fights outside the city, it would be suicide!"

Ning Zhuo remained silent.

He had a different perspective on this.

"This is likely the workings of the Yang World's Heavenly Providence.

The Yang Heaven is preparing to punish the Netherworld Lord and has made various arrangements.

According to Elder Grey Bone's plan, the Qingjiao Army is the key weapon against the Netherworld Lord!

Under normal circumstances, establishing a new army would be extremely difficult. It requires not only resources but also consensus among various factions. White Paper Immortal City is wealthy—why hasn't it had a cultivation army until now?"

Having been here for some time, Ning Zhuo gradually understood the deeper dynamics.

"Since it's the Yang Heaven's arrangement, I should guide the Qingjiao Army to its destined stage.

But before that, we must do everything to strengthen this army.

I think the Yang Heaven chose me as its savior because it foresaw what I possess.

In that case, I'll follow Heaven's will."

Ning Zhuo had already made up his mind. With that thought, he took out a helmet.

Qing Chi immediately looked over curiously. The helmet was semicircular with a broad surface, the top slightly tilted backward like a phoenix about to take flight. It had a bronze hue, covered with many scratches and dents—marks of battle.

Qing Chi exclaimed in surprise, "Wow, this is military equipment!

Although military equipment comes after military doctrines,

it's too early to give this to me now."

The ghost girl then gazed affectionately at Ning Zhuo, "Xiao Ma, I knew you loved me. You've prepared many treasures for me. Even though this equipment is damaged, I still like it.

Thank you!"

Ning Zhuo immediately grew serious, "Miss Qing Chi, you're overthinking. This equipment isn't a gift—it's just on loan.

It's one component of the Soldier-Sharing Helmet."

Ghost girl: ?

Seeing her puzzled expression, Ning Zhuo realized she knew nothing about the Soldier-Sharing Helmet and explained in detail.

Qing Chi examined the helmet again, "So it's a treasure. But with such a grand origin, how is it useful to us?"

Ning Zhuo replied, "We need to add this too."

Qing Chi then saw the youth take out a book.

The book was made of metal.

On the cover were four vertical characters—"Gao Sheng's Legacy"—the strokes bold and powerful, giving the impression of a storm, carrying an indescribable sense of pressure.

"Is this a military strategy book?" Qing Chi was delighted. "I've read many strategy books—they don't seem hard."

She curiously took "Gao Sheng's Legacy," flipped through a few pages, and asked puzzledly, "Oh, it's too damaged. The contents are incomplete."

Ning Zhuo smiled slightly, "These two items must be used together. Try it—the effect should be good."

Back then, Sun and Ning used these two treasures: one comprehended the Lightwind Array, the other the Warrior's Return Technique.

Ning Zhuo had high hopes for Qing Chi's talent in military strategy and believed she would gain more insights.

Qing Chi nodded, "Okay, Xiao Ma, I'll listen to you. Quickly teach me how to use them."

After Ning Zhuo instructed her, Qing Chi put on the helmet, channeled her spiritual sense into the strategy book, closed her eyes, and focused on comprehending.

Ning Zhuo watched and soon showed surprise.

He saw the Soldier-Sharing Helmet and "Gao Sheng's Legacy" glowing in response to the military seed within Qing Chi!

The radiance of the three connected, shining for an incense stick's time before fading simultaneously.

"How was it? Did you comprehend anything?" Ning Zhuo patiently waited for Qing Chi to slowly open her eyes and immediately asked.

Seeing Ning Zhuo's concerned expression, Qing Chi felt a warm flow in her heart.

She was very excited, "I comprehended two military strategies. One is called [Money Moves Ghosts], the other is [Life-Buying Coin]."

Ning Zhuo was astonished but quickly accepted it.

He had high expectations for Qing Chi's talent in military strategy.

The facts proved him right—Qing Chi was indeed extraordinary!

"Explain in detail," Ning Zhuo asked again.

Qing Chi held nothing back from her beloved and revealed everything.

The strategy [Money Moves Ghosts] consumes military funds to recruit a group of ghosts as soldiers, supplementing the Qingjiao Army.

The strategy [Life-Buying Coin] consumes military funds to generate a powerful healing force that treats the entire army.

"Both are very practical!" Ning Zhuo nodded, feeling both joy and strangeness. "But why are they both related to military funds?"

Qing Chi scratched her head sheepishly, "Maybe I've been stressed by the costs of building the army lately. So much wealth—I couldn't earn it even in hundreds of lifetimes!"

Ning Zhuo looked at Qing Chi, not hiding his admiration, "You have great talent in military strategy, Miss Qing Chi. Don't underestimate yourself—you'll achieve great things in the future."

Qing Chi was so happy she nearly jumped, "Xiao Ma, you think so highly of me? Haha, I knew it! You want to nurture me so we can run away together in the future, right?"

Ning Zhuo coughed twice and firmly denied, "No.

Alright, let's not digress.

Do you remember the spell [Human-Ghost Face] mastered by the Qingjiao Army?"

With the Myriad Forms Sect's support, the military seed had grown steadily, and the Qingjiao Army received training, mastering multiple spells.

One of them was [Human-Ghost Face]. This spell allowed ghost-human soldiers to temporarily transform into pure human or ghost forms.

In human form, they became humans; in ghost form, they became ghosts!

Ning Zhuo said, "Your comprehension of military strategies was deeply influenced by the military seed. I suggest you start special training immediately to master these two strategies soon. It will greatly benefit the Qingjiao Army and save many lives in future battles."

Half of the Qingjiao Army was related to Qing Chi.

Hearing this, Qing Chi became serious, "I will practice diligently!"

Ning Zhuo then approached the city lord to request access to her training chamber, using its time dilation to give Qing Chi more practice time.

By the third day, Qing Chi excitedly ran to Ning Zhuo's residence.

"Xiao Ma, I've comprehended the third military doctrine!"

As soon as she said this, her stomach growled.

Ning Zhuo was eating and smiled, "Have you eaten? If not, join me. We can talk while eating."

Qing Chi had trained arduously, almost day and night, eager to master the two strategies early to save a relative or two in battle.

She indeed hadn't eaten.

She immediately sat down, took a few bites, and spat them out, "Bleh! Bleh! Bleh!

What is this? Is this fit for humans?"

Ning Zhuo shook his head seriously, "The taste isn't great, but it builds foundation. Do you know how much that mouthful you spat out is worth?"

He quoted a number, making Qing Chi pale. She stared wide-eyed at the spiritual food, "I was wrong, shouldn't have wasted it. I'll eat it—no matter how bitter, I can take it!"

Qing Chi swallowed the spiritual food with a pained expression, suffering yet happy.

This spiritual food had excellent effects but terrible taste, crafted by the elder from the Dark Cuisine faction.

Originally, the elder had confessed to the city lord's clone, choosing to sacrifice his life to boost morale. But Ning Zhuo exposed the spy, indirectly saving him.

Upon learning this, the elder immediately found Ning Zhuo, vowed to repay the lifesaving grace, and offered to help in any small way.

Ning Zhuo assigned him to make spiritual food.

While eating, Ning Zhuo asked Qing Chi about the third military doctrine.

Qing Chi replied, "It's called [Father and Son on the Battlefield]!"

Ning Zhuo immediately understood what triggered this comprehension.

Qing Chi, eager to master the two strategies, deeply realized the Qingjiao Army comprised two main groups: the ghost Qing family and the human Jiao family. She felt related to both.

Thus, she comprehended [Father and Son on the Battlefield].

Now, they had three military doctrines:

1. Orders Must Be Obeyed

2. Ten Years' Supplies for One Campaign

3. Father and Son on the Battlefield

These three doctrines defined the Qingjiao Army's foundational style:

First, strict discipline.

Second, high military expenses.

Third, familial ties.

They could add more doctrines later, but with three, they could proceed to the next stage.

"It's time to prepare military equipment," Ning Zhuo stood up.

Qing Chi asked, "Aren't you eating?"

Ning Zhuo shook his head, "I was just tasting. All this is for the Qingjiao Army.

I'm going to find someone now to see if we can get funding to help us through the equipment phase.

Although there are more stages after equipment, those are for strengthening and refining the army.

Once equipment is ready, the army is considered established!"

Qing Chi was shocked again, looking at the table full of spiritual food, "All this for our Qingjiao Army? Isn't that too extravagant?"

Ning Zhuo shook his head.

Given the final battle, this was nothing. Moreover, Ning Zhuo had already secured approval from the White Paper City Lord and the culinary elder.

The elder made the food; the city lord paid for it.

Ning Zhuo had merely persuaded them earlier.

(End of )