Section 60: Ingenious Strategy Bag, Three Divine Generals
Author: Gu Zhenren
2013-02-09
Section 60: Ingenious Strategy Bag, Three Divine Generals
A thunderstorm washed over Heaven and Earth, reshaping the landscape once more.
Upon arriving at the Tie family’s main island, the Oracle Immortal saw Long Daozhi’s corpse. After a long silence, he sighed, “It is fate, and destiny.”
“Sir, Daozhi’s death is my fault, and the pain is unbearable,” Tie Ao said, his face pale, devoid of his former glory, looking as if he were recovering from a serious illness. The betrayal, the failed surprise attack, and the loss of Long Daozhi struck him like a triple blow, seemingly transforming him into a different person.
“Daozhi’s death is like losing my left arm. The fall of my generals is like losing my right arm. I am now a cripple without my left and right arms. The Tie family is too prominent, and once the news of our defeat spreads, vultures will surely try to prey on us. Sir, for the sake of the deceased Long Daozhi, please lend me a helping hand!”
Tie Ao’s face contorted with pain and sincerity. As he spoke, he bowed deeply to the Oracle Immortal.
The Oracle Immortal did not reply, merely observing Tie Ao silently.
He saw Tie Ao’s destiny qi luck, like a golden pagoda, still flowing continuously above his head, indicating a bright future ahead.
Looking at Tie Ao’s expression and complexion, his pale face resembled that of a patient recovering from a serious illness, giving an impression of frailty. However, the sorrow and pain he displayed were genuine and heartfelt.
The Oracle Immortal could not help but ask, “I am aware of the entire sequence of events. Young Island Master Tie Ao, do you still have any feelings for Hongshang Fairy?”
Tie Ao was startled and let out a long sigh. “After this tribulation, it’s like a wake-up call. Looking back now, my previous actions seem childish. Although feelings of longing still linger in my heart, they are faint and much calmer now.”
“Hmm…” the Oracle Immortal nodded, offering no verbal judgment but contemplating inwardly. “Only by polishing a rough stone can it become a lustrous jade. Through this ordeal, Tie Ao’s character has truly matured. In the past, he had some flaws, but now he is a true leader. It’s just that the price of this growth is too great.”
“Sir…” Tie Ao looked at him with anticipation. Long Daozhi had mentioned more than once that his teacher was unfathomable, and that Tie Ao had only learned one-tenth of his abilities. Although Long Daozhi was lost, perhaps gaining the Oracle Immortal’s assistance could be considered a blessing in disguise.
However, the Oracle Immortal’s next words greatly disappointed Tie Ao.
“I am accustomed to a reclusive life. I came this time only to bid my disciple farewell and will be leaving soon. Young Island Master Tie Ao, please take care of yourself.”
Tie Ao couldn’t help but exclaim, “Sir, although Daozhi died by the hands of my Tie family, the true cause originated from the Shu family island where Chu Yun resides. Don’t you want to avenge your disciple?”
The Oracle Immortal shook his head. “This child, Long Daozhi, came from humble beginnings and was exceptionally talented. I originally intended to cultivate him and pass on all my knowledge to him. However, he was born without the detached mindset of an Abacus Master. He yearned to end the chaos and create a peaceful Archipelago. Therefore, he left my tutelage midway and chose you. Alas. For the sake of Long Daozhi’s aspirations, I will give you three strategy bags.”
“Ingenious Strategy Bags?” Tie Ao quickly took the three bags.
“Indeed. The Ingenious Strategy Bag originated from our Abacus Master ancestor, Bai Guanghou. They are special small demon soldiers that can automatically generate wise strategies based on reality. You can open them when you face your greatest difficulties,” the Oracle Immortal explained before leaving Tie family island, ignoring Tie Ao’s earnest pleas for him to stay.
“The destiny luck from one Demon Suppressing Pagoda is still insufficient. I have to consider both Tie Ao’s personal strength and the Tie family’s overall power. Dealing with others would be easier. Dealing with Chu Yun…” In the dark of night, the Oracle Immortal glanced back at the Tie family’s sea territory, his thoughts turning to Chu Yun’s destiny luck.
“That bowl within the Dragon Wish Tree, if I’m not mistaken, should belong to Star Saint. Although Star Saint has many destiny demonic treasures, one can never have too much destiny luck. Why would he leave this bowl in the mortal world? Could it be that a Saint is making a move? It’s best for me to stay out of it.”
With a faint sigh, the Oracle Immortal walked on the waves under the starry night sky. He did not linger any longer, deciding to leave the troubled waters and depart from the Archipelago altogether.
Paper cannot contain fire, especially when it comes to significant events like the Tie family’s defeat. It was impossible to keep it a secret.
Within just three days, the news that the Tie family’s surprise attack on the Shu family’s main island had failed, resulting in the loss of over a dozen generals and the death of their strategist Long Daozhi, spread throughout the entire Archipelago.
Instantly, the world was in shock and disbelief. The public opinion of the Archipelago erupted like a cascade from the Milky Way, stirring up colossal waves.
“It’s hard to believe such a thing could happen.”
“It’s true. When I first heard it, I thought it was a rumor.”
“This is simply inconceivable. The Tie family, with such a force, was still defeated. Just how much power does the Shu family island possess?”
“Playing dumb to catch the tiger. The Shu family island has been playing dumb. I wasn’t optimistic about their war with the Yan family before, but now it seems even the Tie family is no match for them. The Yan family is in trouble.”
“Long Daozhi is dead?” Upon hearing this, Chu Yun was stunned for a full ten seconds. Long Daozhi, whom he considered a formidable enemy, was actually dead.
This surprised him greatly.
“Could it be false intelligence?” The thought of doubt arose in his mind but was quickly dismissed. For now, Long Daozhi had not yet gained fame. Only Chu Yun knew of his prowess. There was no need for him to fake his death.
So, he was truly dead.
“Long Daozhi… alas,” Chu Yun sighed, feeling regret and relief. He had considered the possibility of recruiting Long Daozhi at times.
However, given his stubborn loyalty, that possibility was zero.
Chu Yun had given up on that idea. It was better to recruit the future “Three Divine Generals” than to attempt to recruit Long Daozhi, for whom there was no hope of success.
Thinking of the “Three Divine Generals,” Chu Yun’s heart stirred. “Our Shu family island doesn’t lack soldiers, but it lacks generals. Grandpa Red Spear and the other two are old and can only hold on for a while. Although Wu Datou is brave, he can only charge into battle. I will also leave the Shu family island to forge my own path in the future. Yan Que is a civil official, Master Yu Ya is a weapon refiner, and Shi Jiaming’s heart belongs to Dunhuang Country and he will eventually leave. Considering all this, the Shu family island truly lacks generals. These three Divine Generals have not yet risen to prominence. Do I have a chance to recruit them early?”
In the past, Chu Yun’s attention had been mostly focused on improving his personal strength. Now, after listening to Yan Que’s strategy, he saw hope for expanding his faction’s influence.
The greater the influence of the Shu family island, the more beneficial it would be for Chu Yun.
To give the worst-case scenario, if all his demonic creatures were lost in an accident, his years of accumulation would be for naught. At that time, if he returned to the Shu family island, he would not only have breathing room and be far from danger but also a platform for rebuilding.
Realistically, the Shu family island was already providing him with a continuous stream of resources such as Pills, Earth Fiend Stones, and Heavenly Gang Stones. He used these to nurture his subordinates. Unlike his previous life, he didn’t have to waste time earning these resources.
Even if he encountered trouble in the future, or if the Immortal’s Mansion secret treasure appeared. At that time, his opponents would see that Chu Yun was the young island master of the Shu family island.
This identity alone would be enough to deter many competitors.
Influence was a protective umbrella. Without the protection of the Shu family island, Chu Yun would have long been attacked by everyone because of the Sky Fox. He wouldn’t be as carefree as he was now.
Without the Shu family island, they wouldn’t be able to attract talents like Master Yu Ya. If Chu Yun’s Drunken Snow Saber broke, he wouldn’t be able to find Master Yu Ya for reforging and repair immediately, as he could now.
After careful consideration, Chu Yun made up his mind.
“I originally planned to leave the Shu family island after defeating the Yan family. But now, it seems more effective to assist my father in expanding our influence than to act alone. I haven’t even unlocked the treasures from my memories yet. As for the Three Divine Generals… the conditions for recruiting them are not yet ripe. By the end of this year, I might be able to approach one of them.”
While Chu Yun was planning for the future, on Hua Family Island…
The father and son of the Hua family island were discussing the news of the Tie family’s failed surprise attack.
“It’s truly shocking. Tie Ao personally led the team, and with such a force, they were still routed. Just how much power does the Shu family island possess?” Hua Ying frowned, his tone heavy.
“Rather than speculating about the Shu family island’s true strength, why not think about how to gain some benefit from this situation, Hua Ying?” The Hua family island master gently advised.
Hua Ying pondered for a moment and said, “We should strengthen our cooperation. Since we are allies, and the Shu family is at war with the Yan family, why not send troops to assist them? Only by giving can we receive.”
The Hua family island master smiled with satisfaction.
Some rejoiced while others worried. On Ning Family Island…
The Ning family head’s brows were furrowed, and the elders in the hall wore faces of worry.
The news of the Tie family’s defeat at the hands of the Shu family weighed on their hearts like heavy iron ingots.
“Although we have held peace talks with the Shu family, our shops have not been established in the Shu family’s waters. Our diplomatic relations with the Shu family are very poor,” the Ning family head sighed deeply. “It’s my fault for being so hasty in withdrawing our shops back then.”
Times had changed. After the Shu family island displayed its powerful and mysterious strength, the lingering hope the Ning family head had of coveting the Shu family island had now turned into apprehension and regret.
“Since when did a force like the Shu family become an object of our awe and fear?” Many elders lamented inwardly.
The rise of the Shu family island was truly too rapid, catching everyone off guard. They had initially thought it would be difficult enough to advance to a first-class power.
They never expected them to directly take down the leader of the first-class powers – the Tie family.
Although the Tie family did not exert their full strength, the fact that they lost over a dozen generals was indisputable.
“If the Shu family defeats the Yan family again, their next target will likely be us, the Ning family?” The thought sent shivers down their spines.
Outsiders might not know the animosity between the Ning family and the Shu family, but both sides were well aware of it. Currently, there was no possibility of easing the situation.
“I heard that the Scarlet Tiger bandit group, the second largest pirate group, has been harassing the Yan family’s supply routes from the rear. The Yan family has suffered considerable losses in supplies recently. Although we lack combat strength, we can still supply the Yan family,” an elder suggested.
“That’s right. If the Shu family truly defeats the Yan family, we might be in danger.”
“I second that.”
“Seconded.”
The elders unanimously agreed to this strategy.
“Very well, let’s do that,” the Ning family head declared. “With the strong support of our Ning family, the Yan family, one of the ancient five clans, will surely be able to drag down the Shu family. Let’s proceed with this plan!”
