“Hm?” The elderly demon cultivator furrowed his brow, once again observing the changes in Ning Zhuo’s fate.

“The previous rise was but a few threads, a few strands. This time, it has surged so greatly.”

“This young Ning Zhuo, how insidious!”

“Had I been deceived by the illusion before, grown complacent and careless, and easily cast the Minor Qi Severing Spell of Three Threads, wouldn’t I have fallen into his trap!”

The elderly demon cultivator was startled, a layer of cold sweat immediately breaking out on his back.

He let out a cold snort, his gaze icy and venomous.

He took out a large quantity of precious materials once more, but this time, he did not add them in directly, instead suspending them in mid-air temporarily.

The elderly demon cultivator took a deep breath, endured the intense pain, and tore open the fox fur covering half of his chest.

Ignoring the blood flowing freely, he raised his arm and tossed the fox fur into the air.

The fox fur burst violently in the air, transforming into a cloud of smoke that enveloped and covered all the precious materials suspended in mid-air, allowing not a single trace of aura to leak out.

The elderly demon cultivator gritted his teeth and continued to arrange the precious materials.

Having obtained the automaton puppets, Ning Zhuo did not return to the Three Generals’ Camp, but instead secretly departed the city, activating the Ten Thousand Li Traveling Dragon to shuttle through the void, arriving at an uninhabited mountain valley.

The automaton ring remained silent, which put his mind at ease.

He shook out his storage pouches, releasing all the automaton puppets.

In an instant, over four hundred automaton puppets crowded the small mountain valley. They were on the mountain rocks, on the trees and beneath them.

Ning Zhuo employed his divine sense, urging the Imprint of My Buddha, Heart Demon in his upper Dantian, shooting out streaks of pink heart imprints.

After the heart imprints were planted one by one, Ning Zhuo immediately established a close connection with these automaton puppets.

He then attempted to control them with divine sense, but only managed to control over one hundred and seventy before finding it difficult to continue.

The number of targets that can be controlled simultaneously by divine sense varies greatly depending on the cultivator’s cultivation method, innate talent, accompanying magic treasures, and so on.

The Mirror Platform Spiritual Insight Art that Ning Zhuo cultivated was itself proficient at simultaneously controlling multiple targets — but it needed to be used in conjunction with automaton mirrors.

The method for manufacturing these mirrors was recorded in the Foundation Establishment chapter of the Mirror Platform Spiritual Insight Art, and was named the Spirit Dividing Mirror.

“Once I return to the Three Generals’ Camp, I will refine the Spirit Dividing Mirror.”

As Ning Zhuo thought this, he spread his ten fingers wide, shooting out ten suspended threads from his fingertips, controlling the ten strongest傀僵 (puppet zombies) nearby.

In an instant, his connection with these ten automaton puppets became extremely close and strong.

This was the most commonly used control method for automaton cultivators.

The connection was the strongest, but the number was the fewest.

Although cultivators also possessed numerous methods to split the spiritual power threads, allowing them to control more targets, doing so would also weaken the connection.

However, Ning Zhuo’s truly strongest control method must still be—

The divine ability — Life Thread!

But unfortunately, for the more than four hundred automaton puppets in the field, Life Thread could not take effect.

“Life Thread can be used to control cultivators, and also sentient automaton creations like Yuan Dasheng.”

“Therefore, if I wish to control these automaton puppets with a divine ability, there seems to be one method—”

Ning Zhuo took out the Spirit Storage Box.

It contained a multitude of spiritual natures, which Ning Zhuo had begun accumulating in the Lava Immortal Palace, and which had increased significantly when he burned many relics in Fog Hidden Mountain.

The spiritual nature reserve was considerable and quite mixed.

Ning Zhuo slightly opened the Spirit Storage Box, drawing out the specks of spiritual nature within and depositing them into the bodies of each automaton puppet.

The automaton puppets remained motionless.

Ning Zhuo continued to increase the amount, filling more spiritual nature into them.

The mixed spiritual nature within the puppets’ bodies intertwined, collided, and separated, failing to congeal into one entity, remaining scattered, and having virtually no effect.

Ning Zhuo attempted to use the divine ability Life Thread, letting it fall slightly onto the puppet’s head.

“Success!”

The joy on Ning Zhuo’s face was fleeting, for he discovered that although Life Thread could provide a boost, the mixed spiritual nature was rapidly consumed in this state, at an astonishing speed.

Soon, the large amount of mixed spiritual nature that had been filled in was completely depleted.

Ning Zhuo’s expression subtly darkened.

Without the spiritual nature, his Life Thread automatically detached from the automaton puppets.

Ning Zhuo fell into contemplation: “Mixed spiritual nature can help Life Thread control automaton puppets in a very short time.”

“During this period, my control over these automaton puppets will reach the most thorough degree!”

“The combat power of this automaton army also has the potential to soar to its absolute limit.”

But it should still be used sparingly.

It can only serve as a last resort.

Using it too many times would expose the divine ability Life Thread.

It is clear that once this divine ability is exposed, it will have a significant negative impact on Ning Zhuo’s travels and his interactions with others.

“But if the situation is too urgent, I can only use it.”

War is a dangerous and brutal affair!

Anything can happen on the battlefield.

The previous ambush battle left an extremely deep impression on Ning Zhuo. Faced with the turning lance, he had no time to react, even under the heavy protection of the army. Since then, Ning Zhuo felt no sense of security whatsoever.

Next, Ning Zhuo began to attempt to practice the Little Thief Gentle Wind Array.

Oh no, it was the Light Body疾风 Array (Swift Wind Array).

Ning Zhuo’s face quickly turned pale, a fine layer of sweat appeared on his forehead, and his divine sense in the upper Dantian was rapidly consumed.

Only three-tenths of the entire Light Body Swift Wind Array was practiced before Ning Zhuo found it difficult to continue.

Under normal circumstances, the soldiers would act independently according to the content of the battle array.

But now, every action of the automaton puppet had to be personally handled and directed by Ning Zhuo.

The difficulty of forming the array thus skyrocketed to the heavens.

Only by reaching the level of spiritual nature like Yuan Dasheng or Meng Yehu would it be possible for them to act on their own, moving back and forth according to the battle array.

“Refine a single spiritual nature and help it grow more intelligent, capable of acting according to the battle array.”

“Refine treasures such as the Spirit Dividing Mirror.”

“Increase my own methods for controlling automata!”

“Increasing the strength and scale of my own divine sense will also allow me to control more automaton puppets simultaneously.”

Ning Zhuo’s thoughts raced, and he quickly devised various plans.

“Using multiple methods, I must achieve the level where the automaton puppets can form an array.”

Ning Zhuo also gained some experience in battlefield combat.

The ambush battle made him deeply realize that only by forming a battle array could the weak overcome the strong.

Battle arrays are a rather mature and excellent method that can almost perfectly condense the strength of the majority of the weak into one, achieving the effect of resisting stronger opponents.

In ancient times, the paths of formation and warfare among the hundred arts of cultivation had not yet developed to this extent. It was impossible to leverage the advantage of numbers, leading to a greater emphasis on individual development and cultivation in the cultivation world. Looking at the history of that time, there were often examples of one person matching a thousand troops and ten thousand horses, sweeping across entire immortal cities.

Sun Lingtong suggested: “Little Zhuo, don’t forget I can also help you control a portion of the puppets.”

This was indeed a good suggestion.

Sun Lingtong’s divine sense was already quite excellent.

And he himself possessed a certain ability to control various types of automata. After all, he had begun studying the automaton classics left behind by Ning Zhuo’s mother a long time ago.

But Ning Zhuo merely practiced the Light Body Swift Wind Array briefly before proceeding to a more important attempt.

The art of war — The Technique of the Valiant Warrior’s Return!

With the blessing of this art of war, Ning Zhuo deliberately damaged these automaton puppets under his command.

The degree of damage varied.

The lightest was simply causing the automaton puppet to lose control and stop in place.

Next was disassembling the automaton puppet without damaging its components. As long as a little time was given, it could be reassembled.

Then came damaging various parts of the automaton puppet.

Finally, the automaton puppet was completely crushed, or even annihilated.

After a round of verification, Ning Zhuo’s aura soared, and he also obtained a preliminary conclusion: “Simply disassembling does not provide a boost. The more thoroughly damaged, the more combat power retained before the damage, the greater the boost I receive.”

Sun Lingtong was overjoyed: “Little Zhuo, doesn’t this mean you can possess Nascent Soul level combat power?”

Ning Zhuo smiled and shook his head.

Sun Lingtong slapped his forehead: “Oh, I see. You are only at the Foundation Establishment level, your physical body and soul are too weak to bear Nascent Soul level combat power!”

After all, there was still the Core Formation realm between Foundation Establishment and Nascent Soul.

Previously, Ning Zhuo was merely a portion of divine sense in the Inspection General Map, a fake body condensed.

To truly implement it in the real world, he had no way to obtain such a large increase. The power of the Nascent Soul level being added to his body would cause him to die instantly.

Ning Zhuo added: “It’s not just the problem of me being unable to bear it, but also the Art of War, the Technique of the Valiant Warrior’s Return, can be cracked by the enemy.”

“This art of war, combined with the automaton puppet army, can make my own combat power soar to the Core Formation level.”

“If this method is used frequently, it will definitely be targeted by the enemy army and is easily cracked.”

Sun Lingtong nodded and offered his opinion: “To exert even greater power, Little Zhuo, I suggest you lead an army independently!”

Ning Zhuo shook his head: “I also considered leading an army independently. If I were assigned to the Two Stakes Country, I could enjoy the blessing of the Two Stakes Country’s national power.”

“In this way, after the automaton puppets are damaged, I will receive even more boosts.”

“Even, at the beginning of the battle, I can directly and proactively sacrifice some automaton puppets to boost my own strength and increase my survival rate on the battlefield!”

Ning Zhuo’s strength lay in automata.

The ambush battle, Gao Sheng’s dying words, and other experiences allowed him to devise a set of combat methods for an automaton puppet army.

This method was truly somewhat peculiar, and also had promising prospects.

Ning Zhuo glanced at the automaton ring, put away all the automaton puppets, and also leveled the surrounding mountain rocks,

Only then did he leave with the help of the Ten Thousand Li Traveling Dragon.

He returned to the Three Generals’ Camp, the first thing he did was to visit Liu Er to request an establishment for the automaton puppet army.

Liu Er smiled bitterly, indicating that it was quite difficult.

“Military Advisor, you also know the situation of the Three Generals’ Camp.”

“Our quotas are limited. If we were to allocate a large portion to the automaton puppets, how many quotas would be left? It’s simply not enough for me, my second brother, and my third brother to command.”

Liu Er uncharacteristically refused Ning Zhuo.

He smiled on the surface, but in his heart, he harbored resentment. This resentment came from the depths of Liu Er’s heart.

Ning Zhuo nodded: “What a pity. In that case, I can only go to the Red Flower Camp and seek help. General, please stay. I will take my leave first.”

“? Eh?!” Liu Er was stunned, crying out in his heart, subconsciously reaching out to call out to Ning Zhuo.

Had he known he would facilitate the meeting between Ning Zhuo and Mu Lan, Liu Er would definitely not have refused Ning Zhuo.

“What am I doing? Driving Ning Zhuo to the Red Flower Camp? Am I still unhappy that the relationship between Ning Zhuo and Mu Lan is not close enough?!”

Liu Er regretted it, wishing he could slap himself hard, but he couldn’t think of any appropriate excuse, and in the end, could only watch Ning Zhuo leave again.

“Will those two end up cultivating together?”

“But Master recently sent me a letter, telling me to temporarily suspend the lending of the Yin Yang One Qi Pot. What exactly is Master intending to do?”

Ning Zhuo arrived at the Red Flower Camp and found that he was allowed to enter the camp without reporting.

“Ning Zhuo – Young Master.” Mu Lan, upon hearing the news, immediately put down her military duties and welcomed Ning Zhuo.

After all, she was the daughter of a general, with a proud spirit. Even without outsiders present, she still did not change her address and referred to Ning Zhuo as Young Master.

Ning Zhuo cupped his hands and bowed to her, stating his purpose.

Mu Lan nodded, agreeing without any hesitation: “The Red Flower Camp has a full roster of up to three thousand people, but it has been understaffed for a long time.”

“I have many spots here that I can give to your automaton puppets.”

“Wait!” Zhang Chongyi lifted the tent flap and barged in.

He rushed to Ning Zhuo’s side, grabbing his arm: “You’ve finally arrived, Young Master Ning Zhuo!”

“Do you know how long I’ve been waiting for you?”

“Look, General Mu Lan didn’t hesitate at all, and solved the issue of your establishment in one sentence.”

“You two are already husband and wife, you should show some appreciation.”

Mu Lan coughed: “Uncle Zhang, don’t make things difficult for Young Master Ning Zhuo. As for showing appreciation, I should still thank him for before in the automaton shop—”

Zhang Chongyi interrupted directly, staring at Ning Zhuo: “What do you say about General Mu Lan’s injuries?”

Ning Zhuo smiled bitterly: “Of course, they need to be resolved.”

Zhang Chongyi immediately followed up: “There’s no better day than today, let’s do it now. Do you know how many times I went to the Three Generals’ Camp, and each time I couldn’t find you. It’s really strange that you happened to be out!”

Ning Zhuo then extended his hand: “In that case, please allow me to borrow the ‘Profound Gold Armor Severing Art’.”

The Profound Gold Armor Severing Art!

The inherited cultivation method of the Grand General Mu’s Residence, the path of cultivation that Old General Mu relied upon.

Ning Zhuo held the jade slip, reading it intently, his brows furrowing slightly.

The Profound Gold Armor Severing Art was an art of war, not a metal element cultivation method. Although it contained some principles of the metal element, its main body was a cultivation method that utilized military power.

“As expected of the inherited cultivation method of the Grand General’s Residence, it is truly profound!”

After pondering for a while, Ning Zhuo sincerely praised.

In such a short time, he had learned a lot from the military tactics part.

Zhang Chongyi anxiously said: “Young Master Ning Zhuo, can you treat it?”

“Of course.” Ning Zhuo nodded.

His Five Elements realm was very profound. Even if he was not proficient in the art of war, he could still devise a treatment method starting from the metal element part.

“Although this method treats the symptoms but not the root cause, it can still achieve significant relief.”

“Come, let me explain it to both of you in detail.”

After Ning Zhuo imparted the method, he was still held back by Zhang Chongyi, remaining in the military tent to treat Mu Lan.

Midway through the treatment, Zhang Chongyi suddenly trembled his left hand, causing the needle to deviate slightly, which made Mu Lan spit up a mouthful of blood. “Quick, quickly perform blood circulation and revitalization for the General!” Zhang Chongyi urgently called out.

Ning Zhuo understood the situation and immediately came before Mu Lan, extended his palm, placed it on the latter’s lower abdomen, continuously rubbing and infusing spiritual power.

Only then did Mu Lan’s injury stabilize.

Zhang Chongyi sighed deeply: “Ah, I’m old. I never thought the needle would go astray at the last moment.”

“Alas.” He sighed deeply again, glancing at the close Ning Zhuo and Mu Lan, and rubbed his forehead: “The rest is up to the two of you. I am feeling dizzy and urgently need rest.”

Saying this, he disregarded Ning Zhuo’s attempts to make him stay and directly withdrew, moving swiftly, showing no signs of dizziness.

Leaving Ning Zhuo and Mu Lan looking at each other.

This was the first time Ning Zhuo had such close contact with General Mu Lan in this posture.

At this moment, he slightly raised his head and saw that the female general had clearly defined features and a heroic spirit. Although her face was resolute,

at this moment, she was not lacking in gentleness.

To treat her injuries, she had removed her armor and was only wearing a red inner garment.

Her black hair was casually tied up, and a few strands of black hair hung down from the hair tie, gently brushing her forehead, slightly messy, and slightly matted with sweat, revealing exhaustion and bravery.

The tips of her hair fell onto the red garment, black and red reflecting each other, creating a distinct contrast.

Mu Lan sat cross-legged, her upper body posture straight, revealing a distinct military demeanor.

Ning Zhuo noticed that Mu Lan’s shoulders were broad, but her waist was slender. These feminine characteristics were usually concealed by thick armor.

Mu Lan and Ning Zhuo met each other’s gaze for a moment, their breathing involuntarily became slightly hurried, their eyelashes fluttered gently, their gaze no longer as firm, but wanting to shift, yet unwilling to retreat, ensuring her strong image.

Ning Zhuo, however, lowered his head and looked at Mu Lan’s lower abdomen seriously: “There is one last obstruction, I need to break through with all my strength, just bear with it.”

Mu Lan nodded slightly, just about to respond, when she didn’t expect Ning Zhuo to act as soon as he spoke.

Caught off guard, she let out a sound, which then turned into a soft moan.

In an instant, two blushes appeared on Mu Lan’s face.

From childhood to adulthood, she had never been so close to a man, nor had she ever made such a sound.

The atmosphere inside the military tent became somewhat suggestive.