" Wuji, your Swordsmanship has reached a divine level!"
In the elegant room of the Upper Court, Xie Lingyun clicked his tongue in admiration. It was not flattery, but a genuine exclamation from the heart.
When Zhou Wuji was in Dream Marsh, he was able to kill the traitor Xie Yunfeng because he had two helpers who depleted seventy or eighty percent of Xie Yunfeng's strength before Zhou Wuji was able to succeed.
It's important to know that Xie Yunfeng was only a Fifth Rank martial artist. Therefore, it's clear that Zhou Wuji was barely at the Fifth Rank level at that time.
More than a year later, Zhou Wuji defeated Startling Swan Sword Pei Zhengxiu in one move, without any luck, it was a complete victory in Swordsmanship.
You have to understand that this Startling Swan Sword Pei Zhengxiu. Xie Lingyun felt that he was only evenly matched with Pei Zhengxiu.
This was after he consumed the Jade Liquid, which enhanced his life force.
A martial artist must take the body as the foundation. Strengthening the source of vitality not only makes up for the physical foundation damaged by martial arts training, but also greatly improves the upper limit of the body, and even indirectly enhances his martial arts talent.
Over the past year, he has made rapid progress in his martial arts training.
Unexpectedly, Zhou Wuji's progress was even more astonishing. The key point is that Zhou Wuji is a cultivator, not a martial artist.
His Swordsmanship was so superb, yet he didn't practice the Northern Dipper Seven Star Sword, which only made people more surprised and admiring.
Xie Lingyun regarded Zhou Wuji as a close friend, but he couldn't help but feel envious at this moment.
" Lingyun, you flatter me. Pei Zhengxiu's swordsmanship is fast, but it lacks variation. Ultimately, it cannot be considered Higher Vehicle."
Zhou Wuji wasn't just being polite; if Pei Zhengxiu it safe, he should be able to withstand three of his moves.
Xie Lingyun nodded. Pei Zhengxiu had been too aggressive and reckless in this battle, which was probably just part of Pei Zhengxiu's personality.
He smiled and said, " With Wuji and unparalleled swordsmanship, you will surely become True Disciple soon."
"It's tough—" Zhou Wuji didn't need to hide anything from his good friend; he sighed softly.
The main problem is that this academy is riddled with factions. He, a mere Fourth Rank official, doesn't even have much say in the Upper Court, let alone this one.
Xie Lingyun understood this quite well; power struggles are indeed complex and dangerous.
But there was nothing he could do to help.
Not to mention him, even his father has no right to interfere in the affairs of the Northern Pole Sect's main branch.
"Let's not talk about that anymore, let's focus on what's in front of us."
Zhou Wuji said, "I'll go to the army with you tomorrow. Let's set off as soon as possible; we can't delay our business."
Xie Lingyun took out a stack of silver notes and handed them to Zhou Wuji, saying, "I don't know what I'll encounter on this journey Yue Ridge. Please use this 100,000 taels of silver to buy some necessary medicinal pills."
He knew Zhou Wuji's Rejuvenation Technique were powerful, and today he witnessed Zhou Wuji saving Pei Zhengxiu with his own eyes, which made him even happier.
With Zhou Wuji's Law Technique, the Fire Phoenix Army will suffer far fewer casualties!
However, a thousand elite soldiers cannot be trained by Zhou Wuji alone; a large amount of elixirs will also be needed.
The Daoist elixirs are excellent, but they are too expensive. However, for this military expedition, we still need to spend a large sum of money to purchase elixirs as a backup.
Of course, this money will be included in the logistics purchase ledger, and ultimately the imperial court will have to pay for it.
When soldiers go to war, they risk their lives; it's impossible for them to have to pay for their own expenses.
There is no such logic in this, either throughout history or from the present day.
Zhou Wuji knew the situation and didn't stand on ceremony with Xie Lingyun. He accepted the silver notes.
Back at the Flying Profound Hall, Zhiyuan was still awake and insisted on talking to Zhou Wuji.
The old Daoist priest was clearly quite excited tonight, and he talked on and on.
"With your Swordsmanship and cultivation, if you don't become a True Disciple Candidate, then there's something wrong with the sect!"
Zhiyuan the old Daoist priest had given up on taking it a step further, he still held high hopes for Zhou Wuji. He said with rare seriousness, "I hope I can live to see you become the sect leader, the Celestial Master, and the head of Daoism!"
Zhou Wuji laughed, "My thoughts are different from yours. Sect leader, Celestial Master, Cult Master—those are merely paths forward. What I want is to ascend to immortality—"
The Zhiyuan Daoist priest was taken aback for a moment, then said after a pause, "If anyone else had said this, it would have been wishful thinking. But with you, I think there's a slight possibility!"
The old Daoist priest turned and said with some anticipation, "In ancient times, there were immortals. When one person became an immortal, even their chickens and dogs ascended to heaven."
"If you ever ascend to immortality, remember to take this old man with you!"
"With our friendship, what more can I say? When the time comes, you'll give me a million taels of gold, and I'll definitely take you with me to ascend to immortality," Zhou Wuji promised with a smile.
The old Daoist priest, Zhiyuan, was a little displeased. "You've already become an immortal, what do you need so much money for?"
"Even immortals need gold, who knows?" Zhou Wuji laughed heartily. "You'd better make some money, lest you run out later, hahahaha----"
Zhou Wuji was just joking, Zhiyuan priest Zhiyuan fell into deep thought, calculating how long it would take to earn one million taels of gold.
Early the next morning, Zhou Wuji took Yang Tie Ying to the Tianji Hall and purchased a large quantity of Purple Gold Pill, Jade Dew Pill, Origin Restoration Pill.
The Purple Gold Pill heals injuries, the Jade Dew Pill dispels evil and impurities, Origin Restoration Pill enhances vitality; all can treat various ailments.
The Origin Restoration Pill is the most expensive; One-Transmutation Origin Restoration Pill costs one hundred taels of silver.
Ten thousand taels of silver may seem like a lot, but it can't actually buy that many elixirs.
As the person in charge, Zhou Wuji naturally had to deduct a 10% handling fee. This was the imperial court's money, and it would be a disservice to Xie Lingyun's kindness if he didn't take a cut.
All elixirs must be stored in sealed containers, and most elixirs cannot be carried in the Five Spirit Pouch. Yin Qi will damage the medicinal properties of the elixirs.
Fortunately, Yang Tie Ying was a strong laborer. The pills were placed in a large box, Yang Tie Ying tied securely on his back with a rope, making it very safe.
Zhou Wuji then bid farewell to Yizhen and True Person Zhihua before descending the mountain with Xie Lingyun.
Xie Lingyun brought two horses with him, and after entering the city, he found another one for Yang Tie Ying. The three of them rode quickly all the way and arrived at Jade River County two days later.
A thousand Fire Phoenix Army have arrived and are encamped on the riverbank outside the county.
The area was densely packed with tents of all sizes, surrounded by fences and barricades, forming its own camp.
The deputy commanders leading the troops this time, Xie Yunjing and Wang Xing, were acquaintances of Zhou Wuji.
The three of them worked together to kill Xie Yunfeng, Xie Yunjing and Wang Xing were also promoted, both getting promoted in the past year.
Xie Yunjing and Wang Xing were also very happy to see Zhou Wuji. They both admired Zhou Wuji's abilities and were both friendly and polite.
That evening, Xie Lingyun prepared food and wine in the central command tent and hosted a banquet for Zhou Wuji.
Normally, drinking is absolutely forbidden when an army goes on a campaign. But this is outside Jade River County City, with troops being mobilized from various garrisons on all sides, so there's no need to worry about that.
Another point is that the Fire Phoenix Army is like Xie Household army. Even if Xie Lingyun were to drink in the central command tent, or even wear a dragon robe in the central command tent, no one would dare to report him.
Although Zhou Wuji felt it was unnecessary, he couldn't very well refuse Xie Lingyun's kindness.
He knew nothing about military campaigns and warfare, so there was no need for him to offer any advice. Besides, Xie Lingyun was quite reliable, so he didn't need to remind him.
That night, everyone got a little tipsy, but since they were leading troops into battle, no one dared to drink too much.
The only one who was truly drunk was Yang Tie Ying, who was unaware of the limits of his drinking capacity and didn't know how to refuse; he drank whatever anyone offered.
The Xie Household's homemade medicinal wine was very potent. The next day, Yang Tie Ying was still dizzy and lightheaded. He was also given a severe scolding by Zhou Wuji in private, which taught Yang Tie Ying a lesson he would never forget.
Military camps were strictly controlled, so Zhou Wuji couldn't wander around and could only stay in his tent to read.
Xie Lingyun often led meetings with a large number of officers to study the terrain around Jade River County, and he would also frequently call out to Zhou Wuji.
Zhou Wuji was self-aware, so he always listened silently from the sidelines and never spoke.
Although the 1,000 Fire Phoenix Army may not seem like many people, they have a great many miscellaneous tasks to handle every day.
Leading soldiers in drills, inspecting armor and weapons, cleaning the camp, receiving various logistical supplies from Jade River County, etc.
Xie Lingyun was essentially the head of the household, but with over a thousand people in his family, he had to manage everything from food and clothing to housing and transportation. You can imagine how troublesome that was.
After waiting in the camp until the end of August, the military order finally arrived, summoning Xie Lingyun to a meeting.
Zhou Wuji naturally wouldn't accompany them, as he didn't hold a military position.
Cultivators accompanying the army are primarily responsible for healing the sick and wounded, cleansing impurities, and performing rituals to guide the souls of the deceased, among other things.
Under no circumstances will cultivators be sent into battle to fight.
After all, the battle formation is filled with intense bloodlust, which counters all kinds of Law Technique.
Cultivators are less useful than ordinary soldiers in battle; in fact, they may even hinder their own troops because they cannot understand commands and cannot cooperate.
At noon, Xie Lingyun returned in a huff.
Without Zhou Wuji even asking, Xie Lingyun couldn't help but complain, "Damn it, Wang Zhenyuan!"
"Who is this?" Zhou Wuji asked, even though he wasn't interested in the person.
"The third son of Wang He of Duke of Anyang, the Vice Commander of the Chu Province Military Command, and also the temporary commander-in-chief of this army, leading tens of thousands of soldiers mobilized from all sides."
" Qian Bin, commander of the Chuyang Ironclad Guard, was appointed as the military supervisor."
Xie Lingyun sneered, " Wang Zhenyuan is just a Fifth Rank martial artist. Without his father, how could he have become a deputy commander, let alone the general?"
Zhou Wuji outwardly nodded in agreement, but inwardly he didn't take it seriously. Xie Lingyun was only able to lead an army because of his father, and he had no right to laugh at Wang Zhenyuan.
Lower-ranking military officers could still be promoted through force.
At the level of Xie Lingyun and Wang Zhenyuan, what truly matters is their background and ability to lead troops; personal martial prowess is less important.
After all, a battle formation composed of thousands or tens of thousands of troops is difficult for even First Rank martial artist to break through alone.
" Wang Zhenyuan ordered us to set up camp at Golden Sands Fort as a surprise force."
Xie Lingyun gets angry when he talks about this. He led a thousand elite Crimson Phoenix Army, the Manifest Force of whom were at least at the Ming Jin level, and all of them were fully armored.
In terms of the quality of the soldiers, they were far superior to those soldiers and militia temporarily conscripted by the garrisons.
The imperial court had long known that the barbarians were going to invade and had begun preparations more than half a year in advance. This time, the army came prepared and would surely sweep away those barbarians.
The Fire Phoenix Army stayed behind the main force, and had almost no opportunity to engage the barbarians in direct combat.
Xie Lingyun led a thousand elite troops on a long journey, all for the sake of achieving great deeds.
Therefore, he was very angry about Wang Zhenyuan's arrangement. However, he dared not disobey the military order, so he could only complain and vent to Zhou Wuji.
Zhou Wuji had no ambition to achieve great things; he felt that staying in the back was fine, at least it was safe.
Barbarians may not be very bright, but they are very skilled warriors.
According to the Devil Cultivator Cui Yuanfeng, the number of barbarians is large, and there are even wizards and martial artists of the Third Rank or above.
To encounter Third Rank expert in the midst of a chaotic battle would be extremely dangerous—although the possibility is extremely slim.
The barbarian Third Rank- rank soldiers must be extremely rare, making it unlikely that they would lead the charge at the forefront.
Zhou Wuji comforted Xie Lingyun with a few words and also stated his judgment: the barbarians number at least several million, and once a major battle breaks out between the two sides, it is unlikely to end in a short period of time.
Xie Lingyun shook his head. "If the barbarians are hurt badly, they might retreat back to Yue Ridge and never come out again—"
No matter how unhappy Xie Lingyun was, he had to carry out the military order, and the Fire Phoenix Army arrived at Golden Sands Fort the next day.
Zhou Wuji was quite familiar with this place, after all, he had killed a group of barbarian experts here.
Golden Sands Fort has been renovated, with many sturdy wooden houses built and a large wooden fence surrounding it. It was a specially constructed military camp.
The house is quite spacious enough for a thousand people, and it even has a water supply, making it quite comfortable to live in.
The army settled down, Xie Lingyun, holding the military tally, used the secret military formation techniques to gather the aura of all the soldiers together.
With his Six Yang Spirit Eyes, Zhou Wuji could see the crimson essence rising into the sky like smoke from a wolf's Golden Sands Fort, condensing and refusing to dissipate.
Once this battle formation is established, it can be maintained indefinitely as long as the thousands of elite troops do not collapse.
Not only cultivators will be suppressed by the battle formation, but any living beings that are not on their side will also be suppressed.
Even martial artists of the Third Rank and above are countered by battle formations. This is the fundamental reason why a large army can suppress powerful individuals.
Based on his experience, this battle formation is like a Law Domain, except that it requires the Qi and Blood of each soldier as its source.
Last time, when he went to Dream Marsh with the army, his cultivation level was too low and his knowledge was insufficient. Although he could feel the powerful Qi and Blood gathered by the army, he could not understand its power.
With his current level of cultivation, he was finally able to understand the fundamental changes in battle formations.
In his view, even Third Rank expert would have no advantage in a battle formation. He felt very safe being among them.
The downside is that his Law Technique is also suppressed by the battle formation. Even if he can barely cast a spell, he probably won't be able to unleash even one-tenth of its power.
Zhou Wuji suddenly thought of True Person Zhihua. She must have had some secret to being able to activate Divine Artifact and carry mountains of supplies in the army.
Or perhaps it's a powerful Divine Artifact, capable of withstanding the combined power of a large army and gathering the strength of Qi and Blood and qi.
Although Xie Lingyun was unwilling to stay in Golden Sands Fort, he dared not move without military orders.
On the seventh day of the ninth month, Zhou Wuji was reading in his room when Xie Lingyun hurried in. He looked somewhat strange and said, " Wang Mingzhen is here."
Before Zhou Wuji ask, Xie Lingyun explained, " Wang Mingzhen is Wang Zhenyuan sister, the youngest daughter of the Duke of Anyang. I've heard this woman is very arrogant and domineering. Come with me to see her—"
Xie Lingyun wasn't afraid of Wang Mingzhen; he was afraid he wouldn't be able to control his temper and would end up arguing with this woman.
That would make everyone look bad!
Zhou Wuji has always been adept at dealing with women, so having Zhou Wuji handle Wang Mingzhen should be no problem.
Zhou Wuji understood Xie Lingyun's meaning, and he laughed, "I'm afraid I'm just a Daoist priest and have no say in this."
The two arrived at the gate of Golden Sands Fort, where dozens of riders were waiting. Each of them was a beautiful white horse with a snow-white coat, and many of the riders were wearing bright armor. Among them were more than ten women wearing beautiful armor.
Surrounded by numerous knights, Wang Mingzhen had somewhat messy, thick eyebrows, narrow eyes, and high cheekbones. In fact, she was quite good-looking, but her demeanor exuded arrogance.
She wore silver scale armor and a large hat, and held a leather whip in her hand. As she rode on horseback, she coldly sized up Zhou Wuji and Xie Lingyun.
Beside Wang Mingzhen was a woman in green, wearing a veiled hat and a long sword at her waist.
Although the woman's face could not be seen, she was slender and graceful, and riding on horseback, she exuded a serene and gentle demeanor, as well as an undeniable air of elegance and grace.
Zhou Wuji glanced at the woman in green and immediately concluded that she was of higher status than Wang Mingzhen, but he didn't know her background.
Xie Lingyun was somewhat dissatisfied with Wang Mingzhen's attitude. He was a dignified Fourth Rank general, yet this woman sat on her horse, looking down at him condescendingly. It was extremely rude of her.
He asked, "This is a military camp, what is Miss Wang's background?"
Wang Mingzhen took out a gold medal and waved it. "I was assigned by the General to inspect the various military camps. How dare you be so disrespectful to this inspector!"
"I am Fourth Rank General Who Proclaims Might, what kind of inspector is this? He has no jurisdiction over me." Xie Lingyun was immediately enraged. This woman was clearly looking for trouble!
Wang Mingzhen ignored Xie Lingyun and turned her gaze to Zhou Wuji: "Why don't you bow to me, you Daoist priest?"
"Disrespectful to your superior! Do you know the severity of military law?!"