Before long, Ling Feng had treated all the poisoned generals in the medical tent. However, one of them had not only been severely poisoned but also bore terrible external injuries.
A claw mark tore from his left shoulder all the way down to his abdomen, nearly spilling his organs. It was only his strong will to survive—and what seemed to be a life-preserving pill he had taken—that had kept him alive.
Even so, with injuries this severe, he would likely need months of recovery before he could move again.
"Zuowang... Zuowang..." The general was still unconscious, his mind foggy and confused, but he kept mumbling "Zuowang" over and over. Between those words, he cried out things like "General, retreat!" and "I'll hold them back!"
Ling Feng raised an eyebrow. "Was this general also injured during yesterday's demon attack?"
Physician Hu snapped out of his daze and hurriedly answered, "He was part of a scouting team sent with General Yue days ago to track the demons' movements. Rescue troops brought him back two days ago."
"Which General Yue?" Ling Feng's eyelids twitched slightly.
"Zhenyuan General Yue Tengfeng," Cao Meng cut in. "He's in charge of intelligence gathering in the fortress. Since the demons' sudden attack had unclear motives, investigating was necessary."
"Second Brother Yue?"
Ling Feng frowned. Given the general's delirious ramblings and life-threatening injuries, it seemed Yue Tengfeng's group had encountered the Jade-Scaled Royal Serpent Clan. Their situation was likely dire.
Jia Wenhe, still weak but recovering, spoke slowly. "General Yue... has a special status. The commander-in-chief has already dispatched Human Emperor experts to search for him. Plus, he's always been sharp—he should be fine."
Ling Feng nodded. After all, Yue Tengfeng was the Second Young Master of the Cangqiong Sect and the top candidate to succeed as sect leader. He undoubtedly had life-saving trump cards.
The injured general muttered the word again. Ling Feng's expression tightened—this "Zuowang" was probably critical intelligence.
"What's 'Zuowang'? Last night? Done? Left wrist?[1]" Cao Meng frowned, trying to decipher the meaning.
Just then, the tent flap lifted. The Commander-in-Chief of the Three Armies Han Li entered with several generals to check on the wounded.
"Commander-in-chief!"
Cao Meng and the physicians immediately bowed. Even the injured soldiers struggled to salute despite their conditions.
"At ease, at ease. No formalities while you're recovering."
Han Li looked noticeably older than a few days ago. The fact that high-level demons had breached the supposedly impenetrable Qingtian Fortress and infiltrated the heart of the Tianbai Empire weighed heavily on him.
"Commander-in-chief! Generals!"
Ling Feng also saluted. Han Li's gaze flickered in surprise. "General Ling? Weren't you in the Ancient Tower Grove?"
"I left early," Ling Feng admitted. "The grove and I weren't compatible. I didn't comprehend any Great Dao, so I returned."
"A pity." Han Li sighed. "With your talent, I thought you'd surely grasp one. Still, don't be disheartened. Fate plays its role—you're already far ahead of ordinary men."
Ling Feng pressed his lips together. His gains in the grove far surpassed comprehending a mere Great Dao, but there was no need to boast.
Seeing Ling Feng show no disappointment, Han Li nodded inwardly. "To be so composed at your age... Your mental fortitude is remarkable."
He then turned to Jia Wenhe and was pleasantly shocked to see his trusted adviser already recovering. Delighted, he praised Physician Hu, "Master Hu, I never realized your medical skills were this exceptional! Saving Adviser Jia's life deserves recognition!"
Physician Hu's face flushed red with shame. "Commander, my meager skills couldn't possibly have cured Adviser Jia. His recovery is entirely thanks to General Ling!"
"That's right, Commander-in-chief!" Cao Meng added excitedly. "General Ling's medical skills are miraculous! Who knew he wasn't just a military prodigy but also an unparalleled physician? I've never seen anything like it!"
"So it was General Ling!"
Han Li stared at Ling Feng in astonishment. How could a teenager barely past twenty be so accomplished?
For a moment, he even wondered if some ancient old monster had taken over the boy's body. Otherwise, how could anyone defy reason to this extent?
Excelling in one field was genius. But martial arts, medicine, military strategy—all at once? That was monstrous!
Noticing Han Li's scrutinizing gaze, Ling Feng coughed awkwardly. "General Cao exaggerates. I only know a little."
Physician Hu and the other doctors nearly choked. If Ling Feng's skills were "a little," what did that make theirs? Worthless?
"No need for modesty, General Ling." Han Li smiled. "You've earned another merit. Name your reward."
"It was nothing worth mentioning."
Ling Feng waved it off. He had only come to comprehend the Three Thousand Great Daos, yet now he was tangled in the demons' sudden movements.
Moreover, recalling how Jiang Biyi and Ye Xingnan—both from the sacred lands—had appeared in Luohe City, the situation grew increasingly suspicious.
There was a secret here, and a massive one at that!
With the Royal Sword Team challenge still far off, there was no need to rush back to the imperial capital. Staying to assist the Northwestern Army might yield unexpected gains.
"Modest even after achievements. General Ling, you truly impress me." Han Li sighed admiringly. "I'm tempted to petition His Majesty to transfer you here permanently to help guard Qingtian Fortress!"
"That... won't be necessary."
Ling Feng quickly declined. Garrison duty at the border held no appeal for him. Even if he joined the military, he'd head south first—to deal with the Silver Wolf Demon Emperor in the Nanjiang Demon Domain.
1. The word "Zuowang" (坐忘) sounds similar to phrases like "last night" (昨晚 zuó wǎn), "done" (做完 zuò wán), and "left wrist" (左腕 zuǒ wàn) ☜