Chapter 182: Prepare! Make Camp
Chapter 182: Chapter 182: Prepare! Make Camp
In just two days, Zhu Ge had gathered two thousand people behind him.
These two thousand people were a mix of young and old, from teenage youths to steady farmers in their fifties.
From places like Qingshi Village, Slaughtering Village, and Dog Street, Zhu Ge recruited a group of able-bodied and valiant men.
Many from these villages also relocated to the vicinity of the Six Paths Palace, escorted by Demon Beasts dispatched by Liu Jianjian.
This had its advantages.
As a power, the Six Paths Palace could not rely on Jianshui City for everything.
And what was the one thing the Six Paths Palace could offer right now?
Security!
Although many didn’t know about the Fungus God Destruction Array, they at least knew about the Third Realm Demon Beast.
They knew that the Sword and Axe Mantis had been defeated, then suppressed and subjugated by Zhu Ge.
In these chaotic times, a sense of security was the best form of advertisement.
Thus, almost everywhere Zhu Ge went, the local village chiefs, the highly respected elders, or the strongest fighters all chose to follow him and relocate.
This allowed Zhu Ge’s forces to expand tremendously.
There was even a women’s contingent of one hundred and sixty, all strong and spirited, who chose to follow Zhu Ge into battle.
With these two thousand people in tow, Zhu Ge decided not to proceed to the next village.
Two thousand was enough for now!
Next, he would conquer his first city and make a name for himself, letting the entire Red River Prefecture hear his voice!
Of course, before that, he had to make a trip back to Jianshui City.
After all, Jianshui City had many people who already possessed Cultivation.
For example, the Martial Artists in the Martial Arts Halls and the Confucian Scholars in the academies all had Cultivation, which would make them stronger in a fight.
He wanted to see just how many people from Jianshui City would be willing to join his cause.
The two thousand people formed a vast and mighty procession.
From Dog Street to the Six Paths Valley, dust billowed and vegetation was kicked into the air.
The column stretched for nearly two miles.
At the very front was Zhu Ge, riding Mazhu, with the Purgatory Star Rod hanging from his waist.
Liu Jianjian, in her human form, walked by his side. Behind them were six Second Realm Transformed Demon Beast guards, their thick Demon Qi deterring any Demon Beasts that might appear along the way.
"Master, how should we settle these two thousand people?" Liu Jianjian asked.
"The open ground outside the valley is large enough. Have them set up tents there for now," Zhu Ge said. "After we finish our business in Jianshui City, we’ll make a unified plan for building houses."
"What about food?"
"I still have some Demon Beast Flesh in my Caowan. It’s enough for a few days. Besides, Zhao Dehou and the others brought a lot of grain when they moved, so we’re not short for the time being."
Liu Jianjian nodded, then asked, "And the women’s contingent? Will they be in tents too?"
Zhu Ge mulled it over for a moment. "Set aside a separate area for the women’s contingent. I’ll assign two Second Realm Demon Beasts to guard it and ensure their safety."
"Understood." Liu Jianjian acknowledged and turned to make the arrangements.
Liu Jianjian was much more competent now, already carrying herself with some of the authority of a Demon Palace master.
Until he overheard what Liu Jianjian said after she finished giving orders.
"You, why are you standing so close to him? Wait, don’t tell me you two brothers..."
"Hey, hey, you there! I remember you have a wife, don’t you? What’s this I hear about you bringing that girl water all day?"
"Sister, any juicy news lately? Tell me everything..."
In front of Zhu Ge, Liu Jianjian was all business, acting completely professional day in and day out.
But the moment she turned her back, she started messing around.
’Ah, forget it. Let her be,’ Zhu Ge thought with a sigh.
’As long as the gossiping and bragging don’t affect her work, it’s fine.’
Besides, Liu Jianjian never slacked off on her duties, even while she was gossiping.
’But... how many will actually come?’
Zhu Ge gazed into the distance.
By the time they arrived at the Six Paths Valley, it was already evening.
The sun was setting in the west, and its last rays cast a golden glow on the houses under construction and the busy Demon Beasts around the valley.
Zhu Ge stood at the valley entrance, looking at the land before him being transformed from a wilderness into a camp, and a heroic feeling swelled in his heart.
Half a month ago, this place had been just a desolate valley, with only a Long Fern Pig reigning as its tyrant.
Half a month later, it was home to three Third Realm Demon Beasts, dozens of First and Second Realm Demon Beasts, hundreds of disciples and Artisans, and two thousand soon-to-arrive Soldiers.
The Six Paths Palace was transforming from a mere concept into a reality.
"Palace Master Zhu!" Zhao Dehou came forward to greet him, followed by several chiefs or representatives from other villages.
Zhu Ge dismounted and cupped his hands. "Everyone, thank you for your hard work."
"Not at all, not at all!" A burly, middle-aged man quickly waved his hands. "Palace Master Zhu has given us a way to live; we can’t thank you enough!"
This man was the representative from Slaughtering Village, named Niu Tiezhu. He was a Second Realm Mechanism Master of the Mo Family’s Mechanical Dao, skilled in creating ox-like Mechanical Puppets, and was in charge of logistics.
"That’s right, that’s right," another tall, thin man chimed in. "Palace Master Zhu, just give us your orders. We folks from Dog Street may be crude, but we value loyalty and righteousness above all!"
This man was Ma San Dao, the Dog King of Dog Street, yet he was a First Realm Self-Cultivation Confucian Scholar.
Zhu Ge looked at these people, quite satisfied.
They all came from villages. Although their Cultivation wasn’t high, their strengths lay in their simplicity, diligence, and mettle.
"Everyone, since you all trust me, I won’t hide anything from you," Zhu Ge declared. "What my Six Paths Palace intends to do is retake all the fallen cities in Red River Prefecture, drive out the Demon Race, and restore peace to the Human Race."
"This will be a difficult path, and many may die."
"But I promise you this: as long as you follow me, I will not let you die in vain!"
"Your families will be protected by the Six Paths Palace! Your children will be raised by the Six Paths Palace! And as for you, the Six Paths Palace will teach you Cultivation Techniques and martial skills, so that one day, you too can become powerful experts!"
"Now, are you still willing to follow me?"
"We are!"
Two thousand people roared in unison, their voices shaking the heavens.
"Very good!" Zhu Ge nodded. "Everyone, proceed to the Six Paths Palace and make camp. When I return from Jianshui City, we will set out to conquer the cities!"
...
It was late at night by the time the two thousand people were settled.
Zhu Ge didn’t rest. Instead, he set out again with Liu Jianjian, heading for Jianshui City.
This time, he didn’t ride Mazhu, instead leaving him in the valley to help transport supplies.
His own speed on foot was impressive anyway.
"Master, if we go to Jianshui City this late, will we be able to get through the gates?" Liu Jianjian asked, lazing on Zhu Ge’s shoulder.
"I have a Token," Zhu Ge said. "Besides, the Jianshui City Lord should still be waiting for me."
"That Mr. Langhao?" Liu Jianjian pouted. "He looks all friendly and amicable, but I have a feeling he’s not that simple."
"No one who can become a City Lord is ever simple," Zhu Ge said faintly. "But as long as our interests are aligned, we are friends."
Liu Jianjian nodded, seeming to only half-understand.
By the time they reached Jianshui City, the moon hung even more silently in the sky.
The area around Jianshui City was exceptionally quiet, as the Demon Beasts had been mostly cleared out.
In the night, Jianshui City resembled a slumbering behemoth. Its walls, forged from violet clay, gleamed with a dark luster under the moonlight.
Zhu Ge arrived at the city gate, presented his Token, and the Array quickly opened.
"Palace Master Zhu!" The Soldiers guarding the gate recognized him and quickly saluted.
"Is the City Lord in?" Zhu Ge asked.
"Yes, he is. The City Lord gave orders that if Palace Master Zhu arrived, you were to go directly to the City Lord’s Mansion."
Zhu Ge nodded and walked into the city with Liu Jianjian.
The streets of Jianshui City were much quieter than during the day, with only a few scattered shops still lit.
Patrols of Soldiers passed by in squads. Upon seeing Zhu Ge, they all cupped their fists in salute.
The City Lord’s Mansion was located in the center of Jianshui City. It was a three-story pavilion built of violet clay, simple and elegant, exuding a scholarly air.
This was the first time he had ever come to the City Lord’s Mansion; he hadn’t visited on his previous trips.
Just as Zhu Ge reached the entrance, someone came out to greet him.
"Palace Master Zhu, the City Lord is waiting for you on the second floor."