Chapter 277

Whether it was due to improper use or not, the success rate of Enlisted Army Talisman was much lower than Kang Dabao had anticipated.

Of the five cultivators captured, aside from Ge Yangwei, whose head was taken by Sun Fu, only the hunchbacked middle-aged man survived after the Sect Leader Kang Da used talismans on the remaining four.

If one can still be considered alive without having independent thoughts of their own.

"Is this the power of the Enlisted Army Talisman?" Kang Dabao didn't care about the wasted four Enlisted Army Talisman; he and Mo Wen, who had come over to see for themselves, almost simultaneously gasped in astonishment.

The latter is considered young among Foundation Establishment True Cultivators, not yet a hundred years old. Therefore, he had only heard about the grand occasion of the Immortal Dynasty's mobilization of troops to quell the rebellion in Shannan Circuit in the past from his elders.

"Seeing is believing" is no exaggeration. After witnessing the strangeness of the Enlisted Army Talisman today, Mo Wen's fear of the Cloud Horn Prefecture Court has increased even more.

It should be noted that even the Enlisted Army Talisman, which Mo Wen considered extremely evil and ruthless, was, in essence, just one of the methods used by the imperial family of the Immortal Dynasty to control all cultivators in the world back then.

No wonder that when the Great Ancestor Great Wei was trapped in the High Antiquity forbidden land, as soon as the news spread, it was almost impossible to find a single Nascent Soul power in the twenty-nine provinces and more than four hundred prefectures of this Immortal Dynasty that had completely sided with the Great Wei clan.

The people of the world have long sought to Kuang Household, and countless people have been eager to launch a great uprising. Wherever the banner of righteousness goes, people flock to respond, and the ranks of the rebels are vast and boundless.

Many of these heroic and tragic stories, as well as the magnificent and epic tales, were intentionally erased by those True Person above, leaving low-level cultivators like Kang Dabao and Mo Wen unaware of them.

But one thing is certain: the Kuang Household must possess methods that make all the major factions and powerful families hesitant to act against them, which is why they have been able to maintain their nominal position as the rulers of the world.

Seeing that Mo Wen seemed lost in thought and remained silent, Kang Dabao took the initiative to suggest, "Fellow Daoist Mo, this is unfortunate. I can only assist you alone at the military camp."

As he spoke, the mother talisman in Kang Dabao's hand emitted a radiant light. He then took out another black talisman, separated a wisp of light from the mother talisman, and placed it on the front of the talisman.

"Thank you very much, Your Excellency. With your assistance, our sect will certainly live up to our mission." Mo Wen took the talisman, and with a thought, the hunchbacked middle-aged man moved accordingly.

What surprised Mo Wen even more was that, unlike manipulating Law Artifacts and puppets, relying on this black talisman to control the hunchbacked middle-aged man consumed very little of his Divine Sense.

Although the hunchbacked middle-aged man had lost his own thoughts, his fighting instincts had not diminished much; he still maintained at least 90% of his combat strength, truly like a living, breathing puppet.

The difference is that although the Cultivation Method for refining flesh and blood puppets are not common in the Great Wei Immortal Dynasty, as long as one is willing to spend time and effort to find them, one can find a few.

Even if a cultivator studies such Cultivation Method all day long, the number of flesh and blood puppets they can create is still limited. Not to mention, after they are created, a great deal of effort is required to control them with ease.

But how could this be as convenient and quick as this Enlisted Army Talisman, which any unrelated cultivator could easily manipulate by holding the mother talisman?

Every three cycles of sixty years, the Vice Minister of War on duty would request one Fourth Tier Enlisted Army Talisman, twenty-four Third Tier Enlisted Army Talisman, and several first and second-rank Enlisted Army Talisman on behalf of the current emperor.

Over the years, no one knows how many Enlisted Army Talisman the Kuang Household has accumulated. Mo Wen could only imagine that it must be an astonishing number.

Seeing that Mo Wen wasn't very resistant, Kang Dabao felt relieved.

If the latter stubbornly refuses to obey orders, even if the power of Ingenious Craftsman Fort, which has moved to Pingrong County, is less than half of what it was before the division, it will still take Chongming Sect a lot of effort to subdue it.

If that were the case, it wouldn't be a good thing for Sect Leader Kang Da, who was preparing for a major battle with the Changning Sect.

However, since the other party has now complied with the assignment, Kang Dabao naturally needs to offer some words of comfort and reassurance.

This Sect Leader Kang Da, who was used to being lured in by empty promises, could also effortlessly spout nonsense like pointing at a goose and calling it soup:

"I, Kang, will not speak empty words to Fellow Daoist Mo. Recently, not only the two Sima find the Changning Sect an eyesore, but also Commander Tie and the Yue Household have quite a few opinions about it."

"Although the task of stationing troops in the two counties is arduous, your dedication and hard work have been noticed by the officials, and they will certainly not let your blood be shed in vain."

Hearing that Kang Dabao wouldn't even offer a vague promise, Mo Wen sneered inwardly, but had no power to retaliate, so he simply cupped his hands and bowed:

"Serving the country with loyalty is our duty. Our family dares not have any improper thoughts, but we are reluctant to part with our friendship. If in the future, if Lord Lai is fortunate enough to gain some merit, we hope that the county magistrate and the two Sima officials will put in a good word for us so that our two branches can be reunited."

Kang Dabao nodded and smiled, agreeing, "What you say is perfectly reasonable, fellow Daoist. Rest assured."

Upon hearing this, Mo Wen showed a hint of joy and bowed in gratitude, saying, "Mo Wen deeply grateful for this trust and will not dare to be negligent. I will return immediately to make arrangements and will certainly not delay the strategy set by the magistrate."

Good, do a good job, and you'll have a bright future.

Upon hearing this, even Sect Leader Kang Da himself was somewhat taken aback. When exactly had he become so adept at using empty promises?

He sighed inwardly, watched Mo Wen's departing figure, lowered his head, and walked out of the cell, looking dejected.

--Xuanwei City, the Prefectural Sima Office

Today, Fei Nanying was unusually detached from his calculations. Looking at Gun Shilu, whose aura had become increasingly profound, he suddenly thought, "If I don't use my trump cards now, I'm probably no match for him."

Even so, Fei Nanying felt no envy towards the latter, but only regret.

Even though Fei Nanying knew that this was because Gun Shilu felt that Ye's quality was inferior and the probability of him achieving True-Grade Golden Core was less than 11%, he resorted to this desperate measure.

Gun Shilu still had enough lifespan, but he chose the seemingly easiest path instead of daring to gamble on the bright and sunny road, and instead formed False Core early on.

Many outsiders praised his decisiveness and wisdom, deeming it a pragmatic and down-to-earth move. After all, while the False Core is a minor art, it's not something one can simply create at will.

Gun Shilu should take advantage of his prime years to form False Core as soon as possible, which would allow him to stand out among the Foundation Establishment of the world sooner, which would be of great benefit. Moreover, by doing so, Gun Shilu would also ensure that he does not fall behind among the many talented people under Kuang Liuting's command too early.

The Earl of Nan'an is no ordinary member of the royal family who is now rising to prominence. If he can truly achieve Upper-Grade Golden Core, it will be a major event that will affect the entire Immortal Dynasty.

When that day truly arrives, countless Daoist disciples and immortal maidens from various Nascent Soul factions will want to curry favor with them, so it's understandable that Gun Shilu feels this sense of crisis. But in Fei Nanying's eyes, this is truly a self-degrading act that severs one's Dao Path.

Objectively speaking, this path was not bad among people like Gun Shilu, who came from a minor, respectable family.

Fei Nanying also knew that his standards were too high. There were many sons of noble families in the Capital Circuit who could not even get a chance to become a False Core. If Gun Shilu had not risen from the ranks and been fortunate enough to be favored by the Earl, he would not have achieved what he has today with his lowly family background.

Even if one achieves False Core and lives for three hundred years, it would be enough for one to be called a Dao Ancestor in front of those True Cultivator Foundation Establishment.

Although the two have some differing views, they have been working together for decades. To say they are like brothers is an exaggeration, but to say they have a very close relationship is more appropriate.

Therefore, although the differences between the two remain, they are not destined to part ways. In addition, the contents of Fei Shuhe's letter yesterday have also eased the slightly tense relationship between the two Sima.

When the two were alone, Acting Sima Gun was always the weaker party. This remained unchanged even after Acting Sima Gun achieved the False Core.

Then, with a grateful expression, he spoke first:

"My dear niece wrote to say that Yao'er was robbed by bandits on the road a few days ago due to her carelessness. Fortunately, Chongming Sect Jiang Qing came to her rescue and brought Yao'er back to Green Lotus Courtyard. To be honest, when I heard this news, I was truly shocked."

Lord Marquis has not been in seclusion recently; he is currently managing affairs. It is not appropriate for someone to leave the Sima Office unattended. I would like to ask you, brother, to convey to my niece that I, your humble brother, will certainly bring gifts to visit in the future to repay your great kindness.

When Fei Nanying first heard the news, he was also terrified. Gun Yuyao was a female official who had prepared incense for the current Empress Dowager Cixi. If something happened to her on her way to find Fei Shuhe, it would indeed cause a lot of trouble.

Fortunately, it was just a false alarm, Sima Fei had already composed himself. Hearing Gun Shilu's words, he merely chuckled.

"That's too polite of you. There's no need for thanks Anshan Gun Household and the She Mountain Hall are one family. Shuhe is your niece, Yao'er is also my precious jewel. There's no need for thanks."

Although Sima Fei's words were somewhat affected, they weren't entirely devoid of sincerity. This warmed Gun Shilu's heart, and he suddenly felt a desire to reciprocate.

"My lord asked me to train a Daoist army as well. So I selected some suitable men from among my fellow villagers in Ying Prefecture and gathered a force of two hundred, all of whom were Qi Refining Seventh Layer. We have been training for a few days now, and it can be considered to have taken a rough shape."

With the Chongming Sect, I also intend to send this force there, so that those defeated dogs can test our strength."

Fei Nanying, but after thinking for a moment, he shook his head and said, "The Changning Sect is merely a minor ailment. With the Daoist Black Shoes's intervention, the New Cloud Alliance can handle it. Right now, Lord Bo is waiting patiently for the fortuitous opportunity to Core Formation, diligently working on his documents every day. We should be sharing Lord Bo's burdens."

"Brother Dao is right," Acting Sima Gun said thoughtfully, recalling the recent rumors circulating in the state court. "I've heard that the state governor Zhu Tong is currently working on rectifying the vassal states under the Hongyi Sect in Ding Prefecture, and it's said to be quite successful. I wonder if it's true or not."

Fei Nanying nodded and said, "It should be true. Currently, the Hongyi Sect is not producing Golden Core cultivators, and all of its disciples have been registered by the state court. They can be used at any time in case of war."

Given this situation, what great reputation could his family possibly have left in Ding Prefecture?

Zhu Tong is a capable man. If this situation continues for a while, Ding Prefecture might gradually catch up with Cloud Horn Prefecture. Compared to here, Ding Prefecture is much wealthier. If this matter is accomplished, it would truly be a great thing."

After praising it at length, Sima Fei continued:

"This is not the only major event. It is said that Zhu Tong is also busy mediating the dispute between the legitimate and illegitimate Ye Prefecture Yang Household, which is next door, with the help of the Earl's might. It is said that the Golden Core of the Yang Household's junior branch, who is a Golden Core cultivator, is quite interested in Zhu Tong's suggestion to go to Ding Prefecture to seize the Hongyi Sect's foundation."

Starting from the 350th year of the Great Wei Immortal Dynasty Xia Dynasty, the great drama of brothers fighting within the Ye Prefecture Yang Household has lasted for nearly a hundred years, and they have practically ravaged half of Ye Prefecture.

Not to mention, during this period, even several Golden Core cultivators from the Yang Household were injured.

Furthermore, in the past century, the population of the state has not only not increased, but has also decreased by more than 20%, which can be described as a devastation. Yet, neither side can do anything about the other, making themselves a laughing stock for outsiders, and both sides have also suffered significant losses.

Therefore, they were indeed fed up with this situation. If the Yang Household's minor branch were truly willing to submit, then our Cloud Horn Prefecture Court would have Golden Core cultivator to rely on."

These kinds of things are often the hardest to do, starting from scratch. If the first Golden Core cultivator comes to join, then there will be a second, a third, and so on.

Gun Shilu understood this principle, and while he was excited, he was also somewhat worried. "What Sima said is certainly a good thing, but this move is really too big. I'm afraid it will affect the Star-Picking Pavilion."

Upon hearing Gun Shilu's worries, Fei Nanying adopted a cryptic expression and said, "We don't need to worry about it. Zhu Tong is very clever and can help you handle these matters, Lord."

As soon as Fei Nanying speaking, Gun Shilu's expression remained unchanged, and he replied, "Yes."

In truth, his mood, which had just improved, began to dip again. He thought to himself, "Indeed, no matter how loyal one is, it can't outweigh the advantage of family background."

Seeing Gun Shilu's shifty eyes, Fei Nanying, having achieved his goal, smiled slightly and changed the subject, saying, "By the way, I heard that Commander Qin Sufu has been quite prominent lately, and your Yue Household is even considering a marriage alliance with him?"

Gun Shilu nodded in agreement:

"That's true. That Lord Yin Shan was able to build such a great reputation in Cloud Horn Prefecture, so the disciples he personally trained must be quite good. After Qin Sufu Foundation Establishment, Lord Bo took the time to meet him in person and said that he was just a little unlucky, which is why he didn't reach the Ice Leaf."

He offered a few words of encouragement, saying that as long as he was willing to cultivate diligently, his future would not be limited to the stage of False Core. It was understandable that Yue Lin would send someone to court and curry favor with him.

Fei Nanying tapped the low table lightly with his fingers a few times and murmured, "I have dealt with him before, and he is indeed a talented person. If that's all there is to him, then a mere Foundation Establishment is worthless."

But he joined the government early and holds a high position in the state government, also wielding military power, making it difficult for his Yue Household to recruit him. I recall that Prefectural Governor Zhu seems to have a concubine's daughter, who is of marriageable age.

Gun Shilu frowned and said bluntly, "Yue Household marries off their eldest daughter, I'm afraid they won't be able to attract anyone to come over." Fei Nanying nodded in agreement. Since the Han City Yue Household had an eldest daughter who was favored in the Earl of Nan'an's Residence, their family was even more renowned in Cloud Horn Prefecture.

Qin Sufu was originally a native of Cloud Horn and naturally close to the Yue Household. It would be very difficult to get him to switch sides to the outsider faction in the capital region.

Military Commandant Gun suddenly remembered something. "However, there is another way. Qin Sufu and Kang Dabao have been friends for many years; perhaps the latter could send a message to persuade him."

"Yes," Sima Fei also remembered that Qin Sufu seemed to have gone to congratulate Jiang Qing when he Foundation Establishment.

"After all this time, I've ended up getting involved with that kid Kang Dabao again," Sima Fei said, finding it amusing. Daoist Black Shoes, Jiang Qing, Qin Sufu —so many people he thought highly of were hidden in such a small Pingrong County, and all of them had close ties with Kang Dabao.

"Then I'll write him another letter and ask him to persuade him. At worst, we won't chase him away if he comes to our house to freeload again."

Thank you to the author xh for the Extended Net Moon.

Thanks to TrueColors, Mo Mo Dao Huo Huo, Shuyou 745924, Lao Deng Take Off, Tiger Breaks the World, Qu_Ci, Jianv, Shuyou tail number 5269, Shuyou tail number 5996, Shuyou tail number 7098, Shuyou tail number 3738 and several brothers for their monthly votes

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