Massive Merit Mission, Liu Tianning's Oppressive Training

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Liu Tianning cannot personally take action in the war zone, but teaching Zhao Xing magic does not violate any regulations.

"Go and find Dark Soul Wood, Shadow Concealing Sand, Dark Spirit Obsidian, Scarlet Flame Fire Pearl, Golden Astral, Earth Spirit Sand..."

Liu Tianning submitted a series of materials.

"As I requested, hand over the materials to the array masters and have them build the array base."

"After preparing the array base materials," he paused, then continued, "Go and summon thirty-two Eighth Rank Priest to the training ground to receive orders."

Zhao Xing was taken aback; he vaguely guessed what was going on.

Is Old Liu trying to set up a Bewitching Array for him?

"Yes."

Zhao Xing immediately withdrew.

He found Wang Ji, who was chatting with Wang Ji Han Bing Che Shihai.

"Back when I was studying at the Ten Thousand Laws Palace, I made it to the final level and earned eight thousand points!"

"Compared to the boss, the treatment is worlds apart," Che Shihai sighed.

"The inheritance of the Straw Man Art is not about quantity." Han Bing also shook his head. "In Liu Tianning's eyes, apart from Zhao Xing, none of us are worthy of his attention."

That's so damn discouraging!

In Ten Yang Grotto-Heaven, all the other teachers were very friendly, even Cheng the Blind and Ge Wuzhu wouldn't speak to them like that.

But Liu Tianning showed no respect whatsoever, acting like a stranger once he left the Ten Yang Grotto-Heaven.

Just then, the person in question arrived.

"Wang Ji, I have work to do." Zhao Xing hurriedly walked in with a list. "Quickly, find someone to prepare a document for me according to the requirements on this list."

"Okay, I'll take care of it right away." Wang Ji took the list and immediately got up and left.

"Boss, what is Lord Liu doing here?" Che Shihai asked before Zhao Xing left.

"He came to teach me," Zhao Xing sighed.

"You're still sighing?!" Han Bing nearly crushed the cup in her hand. That's Liu Tianning! His Straw Man Art is hailed as the best in the world, what do you have to sigh about?

"You don't understand." Zhao Xing didn't explain much.

"These days, the Equalization Office officials should be careful when delivering supplies. Anping Road Nanxiang Road are no longer safe; take another route."

When it came to serious matters, Han Bing and Che Shihai put away their playful expressions.

"If we don't take Anping Road Nanxiang Road, then we can only go through enemy-occupied territory," Han Bing said. "We'd be easily intercepted and killed by the enemy. Should we send the main force back to Tonghuo City first?"

"My lord, I also think we should let the army return to rest first," Che Shihai. "The lesson of Min Zhiheng of the Blazing Sun Army is still fresh in our minds."

When Min Zhiheng was mentioned, Zhao Xing's expression also became somewhat somber.

Min Zhiheng was a member of the Blazing Sun Army on the northern front. Min Zhiheng himself was Official Sixth Rank, Upper captain, and he ranked 136th on the Sixth Rank battle merit list.

Yesterday, a message appeared in the Earth Mirror: Min Zhiheng led 87,000 men to attack the 'Sixteen Cities of the West River Territory', but was defeated by 'Jin Yan', the prince of the Golden Feather Royal Court, in a major defeat with more than 30,000 casualties.

The Blazing Sun Army's detachment was routed.

Min Zhiheng, an Official Sixth Rank, Upper senior captain, originally had more than three million merits, but this battle wiped them all out.

His Official Rank was also demoted five levels, becoming Official Seventh Rank, Lower.

Since Min Zhiheng was quite famous in Ten Yang Grotto-Heaven, this crushing defeat served as a wake-up call for all the armies in the Fire Demon Tribe Clan's war zone.

They all realized that there weren't many more easy battles to fight. The Golden Feather Royal Court wanted to protect the Fire Demon Tribe Clan's territory, and attacking this clan might cause decades of effort to go to waste.

Military achievements and Official Rank are hard to come by; they require accumulating merit through numerous victories.

But all it takes to fall back down is a crushing defeat.

"I know." Zhao Xing nodded. "I have already notified the front lines to send back a force of 10,000 men to protect the supply lines."

"This reduces efficiency," Che Shihai. "It's generally useless to restore combat strength."

"Let's leave it at that for now," Zhao Xing said.

Bewitching Array has appeared on the supply line, and it's quite large. This has rendered the originally safe transport routes unusable, forcing them to detour through enemy-occupied territory to deliver supplies.

The scale cannot be too large, otherwise it will be easily discovered and intercepted.

Changing course now is just a temporary measure; ultimately, we still need to solve this problem.

Whether or not to retreat depends on the decision of the commander at the front; Zhao Xing, as the logistics manager, can only manage his own affairs.

After giving instructions to Wang Ji and Han Bing.

Zhao Xing was about to go back to find Liu Tianning when the Earth Mirror suddenly trembled.

He took it out and saw that it was a mission issued to him by the Military Realm.

[Military Realm Mission: 'Stabilize the Soul Offering Pass Supply Line']

[Military Realm intelligence: Large-scale, high-level bewitching magic Magic Array have appeared on Anping Road Nanxiang Road, from Tonghuo City to Soul Offering Pass. According to the Creation Disc's calculations, this deployment will severely impact the army's supply needs and may even lead to defeat.]

[Mission Requirements: Ensure the supply of the six armies— the Divine Might Army, the Sea Pacifying Army, the Black Armor Army, the Illusory Nether Army, the Primal Glory Army, and the Beginning Origin Army —until the end of the war.]

[Mission Rewards: Depending on the mission completion evaluation, different levels of battle merit rewards will be given, with a maximum of 400,000!]

[Note 1: Information about this formation can be viewed in the Earth Mirror. If the supply line cannot be maintained, leading to losses in frontline operations, you will lose a large amount of battle merits. Please take immediate countermeasures!]

[Note 2: If the army retreats to Tonghuo City, this quest will be canceled.]

"The mission for the Military Realm has also arrived." Zhao Xing put away the Earth Mirror.

The advanced Bewitching Array appeared the day before yesterday. After Heavenly Timing, the Military Realm has collected enough intelligence and made predictions about the course of the war.

Zhao Xing now guessed that he wasn't the only one who had received the mission; the commanders at the front lines had also done so.

The content is predictable: logistical problems will increase the difficulty of fighting, and under these circumstances, a kill will be counted as two separate acts of merit.

However, the corresponding casualty rate will also be higher.

Keep fighting, and the battle merit rewards will increase because the strength of your opponents has also increased.

Of course, if you lose, the deduction of battle merits will be quite severe, and all your previous efforts may be in vain, with your battle merits reduced to zero, just like Min Zhiheng.

"I can't give up on this last major battle achievement mission of this stage easily," Zhao Xing thought to himself. "The further we go, the harder it will be to earn these achievements, especially after next year. Emperor Jing is gradually becoming impatient, and the Southern Barbarians have stabilized their decline, but they are becoming more and more tenacious."

"With my current battle merits, I estimate I can only get a Sub-Sixth Rank. Because I exchanged my previous million battle merits for a Yin Spirit position, I don't have a single rank or title."

Zhao Xing didn't care much about the honorary titles, but later when he was transferred to the Civil Sima Nong, having a title would be best, because the Civil Official system valued it.

The rank of a low-ranking official is related to the extra bonuses received each year. The rewards during wartime are also quite substantial, especially for the merit of capturing a city, which greatly increases the rank of a low-ranking official.

Zhao Xing is not short of money now, but he will definitely run out of money after reaching the Sixth Rank, because mid-to-high-level seeds and treasures will gradually become scarce.

To reach the Fifth Grade during Emperor Jing's reign, cultivate the Inner Five Elements Heavens, and strengthen the "Hou Houtu Gravel," he needed a large amount of resources.

If he doesn't intend to embezzle, he shouldn't expect to climb the ranks on his own with that Official Rank basic salary.

If we don't build it ourselves, then we have to rely on the imperial court.

However, this would result in a significant drop in cultivation after being demoted, making him subject to the control of the Great Zhou's fortune system and affecting Zhao Xing's longevity plan.

He doesn't intend to rely on the imperial court to improve his cultivation level or magical realm; he only wants luck and lifespan!

"It's already November 7th of the 17th year of the Jingxin Calendar," Zhao Xing thought to himself. "Military merits! I must accumulate more military merits!"

Liu Tianning arrived at Chenshi (7-9 AM) and instructed Zhao Xing to prepare the materials.

The ingredients were ready by noon.

But in the meantime, Zhao Xing received another message from the front lines.

First, Liao Rulong contacted Zhao Xing through the Earth Mirror to inquire about the supply line.

Zhao Xing received the mission, and so did they.

"Can you guarantee the army's supplies?" Liao Rulong asked. "If not, we can retreat to the vicinity of Tonghuo City and then make further plans."

"Yes," Zhao Xing said.

Liao Rulong and Xia Jing were together, but Xia Jing didn't ask, because he believed Zhao Xing could handle it.

Jiang Ming and Li Que from the Sea Pacifying Army didn't ask either, because neither of them had received this mission.

At the front lines, the two of them were deputy generals of the Allied forces and had no decision-making power.

When the main army retreated, they followed suit.

Some of the Sea Pacifying Army's warships also took on the task of logistical supply and transportation, and in terms of logistics, they had to listen to Zhao Xing's decisions.

Therefore, there is no need to worry at all.

However, on the other two lines, Qi Yuan Army, Wen Shaoyang, Yi Yue, and Nangong Ye all sent messages to inquire.

Among them, Nangong Ye and Qi Yuan Army used relatively mild language.

For the past two weeks, Zhao Xing has made no mistakes and has always delivered the goods on time and in the correct quantity.

But Yi Yue was more excited.

"Zhao Xing, can you stabilize your supply line?"

"If you can't handle it, I'll send reinforcements from the Primal Glory Army!"

Yi Yue's excitement was not without reason.

A few days ago, Zhao Xing sent people out to transport supplies, but they were trapped by Bewitching Array on Anping Road.

The supplies for Yi Yue's Primal Glory Army were delayed for Heavenly Timing.

Yi Yue ranked third on the Seventh Rank Merit Rankings. He had a fiery temper and would slam his fist on the table when speaking to people like Qi Yuan Army and Nangong Ye.

What he meant was that if Zhao Xing couldn't do a good job, then we should find someone else; Primal Glory Army had plenty of logistical support available.

"General Yi, please calm down. Such delays will not happen again," Zhao Xing said.

"What if this happens again?" Yi Yue pressed aggressively.

"Then I'll let General Yi's men take my place!"

"Okay, it's a deal!"

After saying that, Yi Yue hung up the call.

"Yi Yue is quite capable, but he also has quite a temper," Che Shihai, who was standing nearby. "He dares to talk to the boss like that."

"You can't blame him for speaking loudly. This matter concerns the lives of tens of thousands of soldiers in his army," Zhao Xing said. "If it were me, I would have lost my temper too."

In this kind of situation, there's no such thing as saving face; it's about the issue, not the person.

Zhao Xing didn't think Yi Yue was targeting him, after all, it really had been Heavenly Timing late.

"This problem needs to be solved quickly... Wang Ji, have you finished your work?" Zhao Xing asked.

"It's done. It's been moved to the drill ground in the south of the city," Wang Ji said.

"Han Bing, go and inform Priest Zhang Yi to bring his men here," Zhao Xing said.

"Yes."

With everything prepared, Liu Tianning set up a small-scale Bewitching Array at the drill ground in the south of the city.

Although it was described as small-scale, the Magic Array still covered nearly 10,000 acres of farmland.

Moreover, it has reached the level of a high-level Magic Array.

"High-level Bewitching Array involve the principles of Yin and Yang." Liu Tianning led Zhao Xing to stand in front of the array. "The one I set up is just a rudimentary version. It uses a lot of materials and there are people guarding it, so it can barely be considered a high-level one."

"But what you encountered was an unguarded formation, built on the basis of the five elements of heaven and earth, and constructed from Yin Soul."

"However, the principle is the same," Liu Tianning said. "If you can get through this formation, you will also be able to get through the Magic Array on Anping Road Nanxiang Road."

"You can only break through, not break through?" Zhao Xing asked.

"It can't be destroyed," Liu Tianning said. "This kind of large-scale Magic Array is extremely difficult to destroy."

Zhao Xing thought about it and agreed.

The defensive array of Fire Dragon Pass also stretched for hundreds of miles. It was such a large -Magic Array that the Divine Might Army and the Black Armor Army dispatched a total of 18,000 people to cross the Flame Mountain and destroy it from the inside.

The bombing of dozens of cities only temporarily disabled the defensive formation.

Then, with the help of a large number of Tower Ship from the Sea Pacifying Army outside the pass, they launched a fierce bombardment, which finally broke through.

The current Bewitching Array, though not as powerful as the defensive array of Fire Dragon Pass, is still a high-level Magic Array covering a large area.

It is also very difficult to destroy from the inside, because once you go inside, you'll Ghost Wall and won't be able to find your way around.

"You just need to get through it," Liu Tianning said. "The Bewitching Array isn't very offensive; it's mainly used to block and trap the enemy."

"Once you know how to get through this formation, and you learn how to use the True Self Straw Puppet, you can personally lead the team every time supplies are transported there, and that will solve this problem."

"Understood." Zhao Xing nodded.

Starting on November 7th, Zhao Xing handed over all military affairs to Han Bing and Wang Ji. At this point, they could only trust them to complete the mission of "transporting supplies via a detour".

He then focused on learning from Liu Tianning.

What should we study?

One is to pass through a high-level Bewitching Array.

Zhao Xing could easily navigate the advanced Bewitching Array.

First, he had guidance from Liu Tianning; second, he had a foundation in formations; and finally, his Fate Soul had reached the Sixth Rank, and he also possessed the Heaven's Eye Art.

A combination of factors allowed Zhao Xing to quickly master the skills of navigating the formation.

Second, practice the True Self Straw Man Art.

The minimum requirement for the True Self Straw Man Art is the perfect unification of the five methods.

Even the lowest level of the True Self Straw Puppet" is a high-level spell. The highest level, however, has no upper limit and can be called the " Ultimate Law " of the Straw Man Art" technique.

Zhao Xing's previous Straw Man Art could achieve a perfect integration of three techniques: Skyflight, Divine Valor, and Sacrificial Explosion.

Four Arts Unity, then there is only the intermediate level of the Seventh-Turn stage.

It is actually quite difficult to achieve perfect unity of the five methods in a short period of time.

Before taking the Fate Soul Pill, even with Liu Tianning's personal guidance, Zhao Xing didn't expect to be able to do it in a short time.

But now that he has taken the Fate Soul Pill and Liu Tianning has personally demonstrated the True Self Straw Man Art, there is a glimmer of hope.

In the Military Realm, Hundred Soldiers Pagoda.

Rahu King, Ling De King, and Heaven Derivation King gathered together.

"Heaven Derivation King, Rahu King, your gamble has taken a turn for the better," Ling De King. "Zhao Xing has not given up the mission assigned by the Military Realm, and the generals at the Soul Offering Pass have not retreated either."

"This kid's taking risks again." Even Heaven Derivation King couldn't laugh now. "He took risks before at Fire Dragon Pass. This time, knowing the mission is difficult, he still refuses to give up."

"Qi Yuan Army, Nangong Ye, Yi Yue, Xia Jing, Liao Rulong... they are all geniuses who take risks. Only Wen Shaoyang is a bit more steady. When these few get together, they really are birds of a feather." Heaven Derivation King shook his head.

If the generals cannot agree, Zhao Xing will not be able to accept the mission, and the mission will be lost once the army withdraws.

If Zhao Xing decides it won't work, then without logistical support, the armies on the three front routes will also retreat to Tonghuo City.

Zhao Xing had previously used the Tortoise Coin Divination Art to predict the future, and the advice he received was to go with the flow and preserve the fruits of his existing victory.

Heaven Derivation King also felt that Zhao Xing and his group should stop for a while, but none of them stopped.

"It's not necessarily a risky move." Rahu King looked at the intelligence reports. "The army at Soul Offering Pass is clearly afraid. They can't win in a direct confrontation, so they want to cut off their supply lines to make them back down and buy them some breathing room."

"If supplies are not lost, the Soul Offering Pass will not be able to hold out for another two months."

Ling De King, "According to the calculations of the Creation Disc, the eastern front is in greater danger, Rahu King, provided that they can hold out."

"The Creation Disc isn't always 100% accurate; it only provides possibilities," Rahu King. "Ling De King, why don't you take a gamble?"

Ling De King was taken aback, then laughed and said, "Since you, Luo Hou, invited me, of course I have to give you face. How do you want to bet?"

"I bet that Zhao Xing's supply lines will remain intact, and that he will definitely take the Soul Offering Pass within two months," Rahu King. "I bet on two Seventh Order Divine Soldier."

"Hahaha." Heaven Derivation King laughed. "Luo Hou, don't get too involved. You bet one Seventh Order Divine Soldier with me, and two more with Ling De King."

Ling De King smiled and said, "If Zhao Xing has to pass the Soul Offering Pass within two months, he will have to solve the problem of the Bewitching Array immediately. However, I still won't gamble."

Rahu King, "Forty days! I bet we'll take the Soul Offering Pass within forty days!"

Ling De King was surprised. After thinking for a moment, he finally couldn't resist the temptation. "Alright, I'll take the bet! Let's see if the Creation Disc is accurate, or if your judgment, Luo Hou, is more accurate."

"Maybe Luo Hou can heal you a little," Heaven Derivation King laughed.

"Ling De King, you're doomed to lose," Luo Hou said calmly. "Didn't I tell you? Those who can create opportunities even when none exist are peerless geniuses; they often create miracles."

"And now, there's more than one person like that on the Eastern Front."

Ling De King was somewhat taken aback. He immediately took out the Earth Mirror and searched. "Damn it! Luo Hou, you tricked me!"

"Liu Tianning also went to the war zone, does that count? This is against the rules!" Ling De King protested.

"Why can't it be considered?" Rahu King revealed a smile, "He is just a clone with the combat power of Sixth Rank. He is a former follower of the sect and does not directly take action. The hard requirements for breaking through a high-level Bewitching Array are there."

"You..." Ling De King was speechless. If it were just Zhao Xing, he might have dared to gamble, but now that Liu Tianning had also gone, he was truly a little apprehensive. Within the Military Realm Inspection Department, Liu Tianning was highly regarded! His instruction of Zhao Xing might actually create a miracle.

By November 9th, Zhao Xing was already able to move back and forth within the Bewitching Array formations of the South City Grand Drill Ground.

On November 10th, Zhao Xing began practicing the Four Arts Unity, namely Heavenly God Sacrificial Explosion the Invisibility Straw Figure.

On November 13th, the Four Arts Unity of the Straw Man Art were perfectly combined and completed!

However, at this time, the supply transport from Tonghuo City to the front line was also frequently attacked and damaged in many places.

However, Tonghuo City's supply production was sufficient, and Zhao Xing insisted on implementing Saturation Transport Method despite the pressure.

In other words, he delivered three to five times the amount of supplies each time. Since he was going to take a detour, he would create multiple routes, divide them into several batches, and break them up into smaller units, playing hide-and-seek with the enemy forces blocking his way.

Even though there were losses, they were spread among multiple teams, which barely ensured the supply of the front lines.

Under such pressure, the time came to the third day of the twelfth lunar month.

At this time, the offensive of the Divine Might Army, the Sea Pacifying Army, the Black Armor Army, the Zhaoyuan Beginning Origin Army, the Illusory Nether Army, and the Primal Glory Army became increasingly fierce, Soul Offering Pass became even more tenacious.

The Great Zhou wanted to capture Soul Offering Pass as soon as possible because they knew that the supply line was always a hidden danger. The supply line controlled by Zhao Xing had not yet encountered any major problems, but there was no guarantee that it would not be delayed and would eventually cause problems.

The pressure on the six key players is immense.

The generals at Soul Offering Pass are also under immense pressure, and the Six Armies Alliance boasts an impressive lineup.

Qi Yuan Army, Yi Yue, and Nangong Ye are all genius generals who rank among the top five on the Seventh Rank Merit Rankings.

The Beginning Origin Army, Primal Glory Army, and Illusory Nether Army are among the top-tier armies in the Five Great Grotto Heavens.

In particular, the Illusory Nether Army often gains an overwhelming advantage when facing Soul Manipulation Sorcerer and ghost attacks.

At first, Soul Offering Pass dared to come out and fight, but later he could only defend passively and dared not let the ghost army out again.

However, more and more teams are being sent out to harass supply lines, in an effort to alleviate the pressure of the attack.

If we can make a breakthrough in this area, then defeating the Six Armies Alliance will be a sure thing.

On the fifth day of the twelfth lunar month, Zhao Xing had already begun practicing the Five Arts Unity.

He based his work on five Straw Man Art: Skyflight, Divine Valor, Sacrificial Explosion, Invisibility, Soul Seizure, attempting to perfectly integrate the five techniques.

"Bang!"

A straw man exploded in front of me.

"This is the 19,873rd failure." Zhao Xing's face was somewhat pale.

He is under immense pressure because bad news is piling up, the saturation transport method cannot be sustained indefinitely, and enemy forces have even begun to frequently attack Tonghuo City and supply cities along the route.

"Not only did I not earn any battle merits this month, but I also had over 50,000 deducted from my payout," Zhao Xing thought to himself. Originally, providing and transporting supplies would earn him battle merits every month, but this month, due to the increased losses, his monthly battle merit rewards were all deducted, and he was also fined over 50,000.

As a result, those below him also began to "owe money".

The decisions of those in power will affect those below them. If Zhao Xing chooses to insist on this mission and not let the army retreat, then he must bear this risk.

"Adversity reveals the true path." Liu Tianning walked up to Zhao Xing. "Your current pressure isn't enough. Let me lend you a hand."

"What?" Zhao Xing was taken aback.

"I'm going to demonstrate for you one last time," Liu Tianning said calmly. "Next, this straw doll of mine will completely disintegrate, and I won't send any more straw dolls. This is your last chance."

"If you can't learn it, this mission will end in failure."