Ten Absolute Formation

Before long, Deng Zhong, Jili, and Li Jing returned to the Shang camp one after another and reported back on their missions.

The results of their three separate appeals for aid could not have been more different, leaving Li Jing utterly stifled, his face full of inexpressible gloom.

The three of them had set out together to seek reinforcements. Deng Zhong had brought back two valiant generals from Yellow Flower Mountain, Zhang Jie and Tao Rong. Jili's gains were even greater: not only had he persuaded his Master, Vimalacitra, to descend the mountain, but he had also brought seven of Vimalacitra's friends to the Shang camp. Only Li Jing had returned empty-handed, with nothing to show for it.

Such a stark contrast made him feel as though he had lost all face.

What threw Li Jing most off balance was what had happened before they departed.

At the time, Jili had mocked himself, saying that he had never been favored by his Master and that the chance of succeeding in this appeal for aid was minuscule. He would most likely return without achieving anything.

Li Jing had even comforted him then, believing that the two of them would probably both come back empty-handed and become fellow sufferers.

But now the tables had turned. Jili had turned the tide against the odds and rendered great service, making Li Jing look all the more wretched and utterly unsuccessful.

Li Jing's heart was a tumult of mixed feelings. He felt like a clown.

What worried him even more was that his position within the Shang camp had always been exceptionally awkward.

His three sons—Jin Zha, Mu Zha, and Nezha—were all in Western Qi, serving in the enemy camp. That alone had already aroused much suspicion throughout the army.

Now, of the three missions