Chapter 638: Chapter 186: War Preparations

“Ning Zhuo?” Lu Hongtu’s heart stirred, feeling the name somewhat familiar.

Immediately, he recalled the intelligence regarding Ning Zhuo.

Ning Zhuo first came into his view during the initial ambush. Before the ambush, the Thousand Peak Forest faction had already learned of the prophesies Ning Zhuo made before the battle.

Therefore, Lu Hongtu devised a plan.

After the ambush, which saw victories and defeats on both sides, Old Monster in Stone openly expressed his interest in Ning Zhuo.

Thus, Lu Hongtu and others did not make a move against this mere Foundation Establishment foreign cultivator who could make rather accurate prophesies.

However, though Old Monster in Stone was active near Canglin Immortal City, ambushing and raiding Liangzhu Country’s transport teams repeatedly, he never made a move against Ning Zhuo.

Recently, Lu Hongtu received military intelligence that Ning Zhuo and Mu Lan had become husband and wife.

At first, Lu Hongtu thought it was false information.

But after learning more details and understanding many insider notes, he realized the intelligence was true.

He remarked at the time: “This Ning Zhuo indeed has some fortune!”

Lu Hongtu knew that Ning Zhuo was his enemy.

He also knew the true story behind the conflict between the Ning Family and the Six Cave Sect.

Although it was his side that was in the wrong, in this world, power matters more than right or wrong.

Lu Hongtu pondered for a moment, then said to the two Ghost Cultivators before him: “Ning Zhuo, is it? He is also my enemy.”

“Oh?” The White-clothed Ghost Cultivator, Tian Shuang, voiced his confusion.

Lu Hongtu then elaborated, immediately closing the gap between him and the Heaven and Earth Ghosts.

The Black-clothed Ghost Cultivator, Earth Ash, cautiously said: “Ning Zhuo bears the lives of our Soul Devouring Sect disciples. We need to capture him alive and bring him back.”

Lu Hongtu: “I do not intend to compete with the two of you over this matter.”

“He is merely a minor Foundation Establishment cultivator. If he were at the Golden Core Level, I would have acted long ago to eliminate him.”

“Being targeted by you two for capture, Ning Zhuo is indeed fortunate.”

“However… this person is also Old Monster in Stone’s prey.”

“If the two of you want to capture him and take him away, it would be best to seek Old Monster in Stone’s consent.”

Tian Shuang immediately shook his head: “No need. Old Monster in Stone is merely interested in him, whereas we have a vendetta involving the murder of our fellow sect members.”

“In this matter, Old Monster in Stone should yield to us!”

Earth Ash shrugged his shoulders indifferently, saying: “I think you are putting too much importance on Old Monster in Stone. Although he possesses the Earth Walking Technique, which allows him to move freely across the battlefield, he has never shown remarkable prowess in direct combat.”

“Such a Demon Cultivator isn’t very useful. Maybe next time in battle, the enemy will have already prepared means to counter his Earth Walking Technique.”

Lu Hongtu was slightly surprised upon hearing this.

He instinctively turned his gaze towards Lord Long.

Lord Long smiled at him.

Lu Hongtu immediately understood–regarding the information that Old Monster in Stone is at the Divinity Transformation Level, Lord Long intentionally kept it from the Heaven and Earth Ghosts.

Indeed, this military intelligence is only known to the high ranking members of the Thousand Peak Forest Alliance.

If the Heaven and Earth Ghosts knew that Old Monster in Stone was at the Divinity Transformation Level, they would not have such an attitude.

Lu Hongtu briefly thought, then understood Lord Long’s intention.

“It seems that the Dragon King Temple side, wants to instigate a conflict between Old Monster in Stone and the Heaven and Earth Ghosts.”

Old Monster in Stone is a newly ascended Divinity Transformation Level cultivator, whereas the Heaven and Earth Ghosts are two Nascent Soul Cultivators, both true lords.

And the Divine Skills they have each cultivated can combine to form a very powerful attack.

This is why the Heaven and Earth Ghosts are widely known, even Lu Hongtu from the Thousand Peak Forest side has heard much about them.

“Even if the Heaven and Earth Ghosts aren’t a match for Old Monster in Stone, don’t forget, they have the backing of the Soul Devouring Sect.”

“This time the Dragon King Temple has hired the Heaven and Earth Ghosts to participate in the war, not just to counter Du Tiechuan’s Iron Stream Flat Country Military Art, but also with a veiled calculation against Old Monster in Stone.”

In the eyes of Lord Long and Lu Hongtu: Old Monster in Stone has always been a native Divinity Transformation of Thousand Peak Forest, a natural abode demon, who once probed the ley lines of Thousand Peak Forest with clear intentions.

Therefore, Old Monster in Stone poses a significant threat to the position of the Ginseng Whisker Dragon King.

However, now with the great army of Liangzhu Country outside, the Ginseng Whisker Dragon King probably has his hands full, wanting to deal with Old Monster in Stone but unable to spare the effort, hence resorting to this strategy.

After understanding the intention of the Dragon King Temple side, Lu Hongtu immediately decided to cooperate with Lord Long.

After further conversation, Lord Long called a servant to lead the two Ghost Cultivators out to be properly entertained.

Lu Hongtu and Lord Long were left alone in the room.

Lu Hongtu respectfully said: “Lord Long, currently, Du Tiechuan’s intentions are quite evident, aiming to secure his strategy in one fell swoop!”

“Therefore, whether our side can withstand his Iron Stream Flat Country Military Art is crucial!”

“Once we succeed, our morale will undoubtedly surge, and our military spirit will unite, giving us a significant advantage.”

Lord Long sighed: “Du Tiechuan truly deserves to be an Upper General of Liangzhu Country. If he advances slowly, engaging in continuous warfare, our side, holding the geographical advantage, will be able to continuously bleed their forces.”

“Now that he has orchestrated this, our side must respond. Hiring the Heaven and Earth Ghosts this time came at a very high cost.”

Lu Hongtu, seeing that Lord Long also understood the key to this grand battle, continued: “Lord Long, in my opinion, perhaps we can also ask Young Master Shengxu to take action again.”

“If Du Tiechuan gets injured again, the balance of victory in this grand battle will undeniably lean further towards us.”

Lord Long sighed slightly, shaking his head: “I have already employed that tactic.”

“But Young Master Shengxu is too greedy; his asking price this time is fifty times higher than the last! Completely outrageous demands.”