"How about it?"
"Doctor, why isn't Weiheng awake yet?"
"Is it because I haven't entered enough literary style?"
Yu Zi gradually awoke from the long darkness, slowly becoming aware of the sounds around her. It seemed as if people were talking all at once beside her. She tried to open her eyes, but her eyelids felt as heavy as lead, and no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't move them.
She was unwilling to give up and tried again and again.
As time went by, her perception of the outside world became much clearer, and the sounds entering her ears no longer seemed to be coming from behind something. Yu Zi could even distinguish who was speaking which sentence. At this moment, she heard someone say regretfully, "It's a pity that Wei Heng has all that strength, yet... In the future, we'll have to teach her how to adapt to ordinary life..."
Those few simple words gave her a fright.
Her eyelids, which had been stuck together tightly, were suddenly separated, and the first thing she said upon opening her eyes was, "What happened to me?"
Yu Zi didn't even care about her hoarse voice.
He quickly grabbed the arm of the person who was speaking.
Upon touching it, however, it wasn't the expected warm and elastic feel; instead, it was a thin, hard, and cold piece that was quite unsettling.
Yu Zi couldn't care less about such emotions. What could be more terrifying than falling into the mire overnight and losing everything to protect yourself? If that were the case, she would rather commit suicide!
"He's awake, Wei Heng is awake."
"Weiheng, how are you feeling?"
"Is there anything that's bothering you?"
Familiar faces stained with blood crowded around, offering their concern. Only the person who had been captured breathed a sigh of relief: "What did I tell you? Didn't this wake her up?"
Yu Ziqi was known for her strong temper among the female officials.
"Woke up in fright?"
She was momentarily confused.
The scenes before I fell into a coma all came flooding back into my mind.
She remembered what had happened.
Yu Zi lowered her eyes to look at the strange thing she had grabbed—a section of forearm and hand as delicate as jade—and froze instantly. Gong Shuwu helplessly took his arm back and snapped it back on. Just as he was about to test his grip, the arm he had just attached fell off.
"General Gong... General Gongshu?"
She looked around and realized she was still in the same place.
Remembering what he had just heard, he was still worried and wanted to examine his inner dantian.
Lu Ji cleared up her doubts: "Your Danfu is fine, and your Wenxin is fine. You were exhausted and unconscious for a quarter of an hour. The physician from the medical field came to check on you and said that your literary energy was severely depleted, and the backlash from using the Scholar's Way had also damaged your vital energy. Right now, your Danfu is like a desert that has been parched for many years. It needs time to recover and become an oasis. During this time, you will not be able to use your Word Spirit again..."
This state is temporary.
Yu Zi was still worried, so she checked it herself.
Seeing that the actual situation matched what Lu Ji had said, he finally felt relieved and said, "...This is also the first time I've used the Way of the Scholar without regard for the cost. With such an effect, it's fortunate that I won't be able to use the power of words for ten or fifteen days..."
Lu Ji corrected: "It's one month."
This is still a relatively optimistic estimate.
According to the joint consultation of several doctors and medical practitioners, Yu Zi will be able to sense the energy of heaven and earth again after one month. Her dantian will be nourished and restored, allowing her to store literary energy again and repair her damaged literary palace: "To recover to her pre-battle state, it will take at least two more months."
Yu Zi's face turned pale instantly.
"One month, two months, it's only three months in total, isn't it?"
Her voice suddenly rose a few decibels.
"Three months is enough time for the daylilies to cool down!"
Because of the existence of both martial arts masters and scholars, it's extremely rare for two forces to fight for three to five months. Protracted wars, often lasting one or two years before the arrival of the "Thief Star," are even rarer. This phenomenon is mainly due to the quick resolution of battles and the logistical strain—larger-scale wars tend to be quicker to a decisive victory; if a quick victory isn't possible, they fight for a while, then retreat to rest and regroup before continuing the fight. Conversely, conflicts between forces of a few thousand people can be protracted and last for a year or two.
Yu Zi's account was banned for three months.
Three months from now, how many battles in the Northern Desert will she be able to participate in?
For the extremely strong-willed Yu Zi, this was worse than death. She clenched her fists, her heart pounding, a sweet, metallic taste rising in her throat, and an indescribable tightness in her chest. It wasn't until a healing incantation was applied to her, and a warm current flowed through her meridians, that those vexing emotions were forcibly suppressed.
Fang Yan said, "Don't overthink it."
The most important thing right now is to rest and recuperate. Military merits can be earned later. If we damage our foundation for this, we may regret it for the rest of our lives.
Yu Zi then noticed the unfamiliar-looking physician.
She took a deep breath, forcing herself not to think about the unpleasant things that had happened to her, and her gaze fell on the general, who stood out from the crowd: "Physician, the general's condition..."
Physicians in the medical field can help people reattach severed limbs.
It wouldn't be a problem for Gong Shuwu to regain his physical body.
Fang Yan shook his head and said, "I've tried it, but it doesn't work."
He had made his point clear, and Gong Shuwu's generals cast warning glances at him. Fang Yan, also fearing these people might cause trouble for the doctors, added a few more words to soften the blow: "I haven't been a member of the medical school for long, and I've mostly figured out the secrets of medical philosophy on my own. It was only after coming to Kangguo and joining the Medical Bureau that I got on the right track. My medical skills are not yet proficient, but perhaps the Imperial Physician of the Medical Bureau can solve this problem..."
Imperial Physician Dong Dao is widely recognized as the foremost physician.
The first to open the Temple of Medicine.
With the entire Kang Kingdom backing him up, Dong Dao could handle any kind of difficult or complicated illness, and his experience, knowledge, and cultivation would increase rapidly. His understanding of the power of medical doctrines was definitely deeper than mine. For problems I couldn't solve, the Imperial Physician might have unique methods.
Upon hearing this, the general's expression softened somewhat.
Gong Shuwu, the person involved, reacted indifferently.
He understood better than anyone how domineering his martial spirit was. Since he had sacrificed his flesh and blood, there was no reason for it to grow back, and his martial energy had also been tainted by the deathly aura of the Yellow Springs. This change was from the inside out, leaving no room for maneuver.
Gong Shuwu had originally prepared himself to die forever.
He is content to still be able to walk in this world.
With Yu Zi awake, everyone's biggest worry was gone.
Last night's losses were too great; both mentally and physically, everyone was at their limit. The Northern Desert troops had collapsed and Gong Cheng had fled, so they should be safe for the time being. The army rested on the spot, cleaned up the battlefield, regrouped, and treated the wounded. Fang Yan gave a few instructions and returned to the temporary wounded camp to busy himself with treating the wounded. Shao Chong was left with Gong Shuwu and a few others, while the capable vanguard soldier Twelve Chao Lian was conscripted as laborer.
Shao Chong pouted and said, "I'm very capable too."
Fang Yan doesn't tolerate unruly children.
Shao Chong is reckless and doesn't know his own strength.
If he were to go to the temporary wounded soldiers' camp to help out, the wounded soldiers who could have been saved would receive a consolation prize of being rejuvenated.
Gong Shuwu looked at his rather frail skeleton.
He sighed, "My benefactor, you should stay here with me."
A warrior's courage is a symbol of power and prestige during wartime.
After the war, we can't afford to offend these military doctors.
Shao Chong was unwilling, and then a rib was shoved into his hand. It was Gong Shuwu's rib—his skeleton was held together by martial energy to prevent it from falling apart. Losing martial energy was like an elderly person suffering from osteoporosis; even a minor bump or knock could cause a fracture. Gong Shuwu wouldn't fracture bones, but he would lose some.
The most troublesome thing is that the nature of his martial energy has changed.
The recovery process requires absorbing a large amount of death energy and resentment.
Gong Shuwu was not yet proficient in this, and his recovery was slow, which caused him to lose bones frequently, sometimes one at a time while walking.
Shao Chong was flattered: "...You're asking me to collect this?"
Just like with the calf-nose trousers? He didn't fight Gongshu, and since he didn't win, he can't take the spoils of war. He can't take this bone.
After a long pause, Gong Shuwu finally spoke softly.
"No, I just want you to keep it for me."
The army was resting and everyone was busy. He was afraid that if he didn't keep an eye on his bones, they would be completely lost. How could he go into battle with a skeleton that was missing arms and legs?
Shao Chong said dejectedly, "...Oh."
Actually, he quite liked this bone.
Such beautiful bones, if given to Shao Bai, could be carved into a deity statue. The gods would surely sense my sincerity and bestow blessings upon my two older brothers. Even if they can't be carved into a human bone statue, there are other uses—Sixth Brother used to like stewing pig's trotters for himself, saying that you are what you eat, and according to that logic…
Shao Chong stared at Gong Shuwu's skeleton.
He muttered to himself, "Is the soup delicious...?"
Gong Shuwu: "???"
A small head, a big confusion.
As Gong Shuwu had predicted, the Northern Desert forces indeed dared not send any more troops. He spent half a day getting used to his new body, and another half a day absorbing enough death energy, instantly recovering to his peak condition—no, even better than his peak condition.
Gong Shuwu clearly felt that his bones were stronger.
For a whole day and night, Bei Mo did not come to seek revenge.
To avoid any unforeseen complications, he decisively ordered the army to return to camp.
Halfway through the march, he finally learned why Gong Cheng had suddenly withdrawn the previous day—the Northern Desert camp had fallen, and the elite Northern Desert troops had been forced to retreat thirty miles. His own lord had led his troops to burn the enemy camp to the ground, the fire raging uncontrollably!
Gong Shuwu was worried about another person.
"Where is the incarnation of that 20th-rank Marquis?"
Gong Cheng was sent out by the Northern Desert, but Yun Da was still in the main camp.
Yunda's martial spirit also counters fire.
With him stationed at the Northern Desert camp, even if the fire could be started, it would be difficult to burn everything down. Gong Shuwu looked at the battle report that had been delivered, his eyes burning with contemplation.
The messenger recovered from his shock.
Chong, sitting at the head of the table, reported to the fully armored skeleton, "Yunda is stationed in the central army, but is being held back by General Gongxi."
With Yun Da and Gong Cheng both present, Shen Tang and his companion were truly in for a headache.
I only found out that Yunda was home when I called back.
How could we possibly miss such a golden opportunity?
Gong Shuwu still had doubts.
Gong Shuwu was well aware of the strength of Kang Guo's generals; even with Gong Xichou's help, Yun Da wouldn't be easily held back. What he didn't know was that Shen Tang's temper had inexplicably flared last night, and her fighting style was unprecedentedly fierce; the sky above the Northern Desert camp was ablaze with fire. Before leading her army to charge the Northern Desert camp, she had promised generous rewards for military merit, greatly boosting the morale of the troops.
As someone who directly witnessed this scene, Yunda has the most right to speak.
He once used his martial arts intent to freeze the starlight and the fire dragons that were running around wildly. Unexpectedly, Shen Tang took the wrong medicine and fought desperately, bearing the pressure of his suppressed spirit power, and broke through the ice layer, raging everywhere, which is why the fire got out of control.
Many scholars in the northern desert region also suffered a backlash as a result.
A simple intelligence report couldn't possibly contain all this information, and Gong Shuwu was unaware that Shen Tang had almost set up a funeral hall for him. If it weren't for Gong Xichou's intervention, Gong Shuwu would still be looking at a coffin containing his clothes when he returned.
Gong Shuwu then asked, "How is the emperor?"
The messenger reported, "Wounded."
"What losses have been suffered by the Northern Desert side?"
Disappointingly, the losses were not as great as expected.
The Northern Desert camp was attacked and set on fire. Although the attack was sudden, Yun Da had given advance warning and immediately cut off the rear to save the main force. By sacrificing some elite troops to cover the retreat and buy time, most of the elite troops were able to withdraw in time, minimizing losses. Most importantly, some of the Northern Desert's elite troops were still on their way.
The biggest gain was the timely suppression of morale in the northern desert.
The messenger recounted everything in detail.
Upon hearing this, Gong Shuwu decisively changed his plan to return to the Camel City camp: "Where is the lord now? I will lead the troops to join him. The villains of the Northern Desert are used to using underhanded tricks, so we must be on guard."
While morale is high, let's add some more fuel to the Northern Desert.
Unexpectedly, good news kept coming from Kangguo.
However, after only half a day, another piece of good news arrived—
Someone unexpectedly discovered a massive fire in a certain area and, venturing closer, discovered it was a granary in the Northern Desert. Judging from the scale of the scorched earth and the remains, the burning of this granary had severed a vital artery for the Northern Desert! Even if the Northern Desert could be salvaged, it would be a devastating blow!
In his excitement, Gong Shuwu almost flung his hand bone away!
Is the news true?
"Reporting to the General, the news is true and the source is reliable!"
Although Gong Shuwu was now devoid of flesh and blood, the state of the two flames around his eyes made it easy to tell his current mood. He was genuinely excited and overjoyed, repeatedly asking, "Did the news say how this fire started? Was it spontaneous combustion or was it caused by someone?"
It couldn't possibly be a coincidence.
How could a grain depot, a place of vital importance, be so easily set on fire?
This fire was caused by human intervention.
The fire was even more intense than the fire that broke out at the Northern Desert camp!
At that moment, Shen Tang and Gong Shuwu, though in different places, thought of the same person. Ignoring her injuries, Shen Tang stood up abruptly: "Ling De, it was Ling De who released it!"
Counting the Kang Kingdom's troop deployments and operations within the Northern Desert, the only person with both the opportunity and time to set this fire is Lin Feng, who broke away from the main force halfway. However, Lin Feng's side has not yet sent anyone back with news, so we can only wait for accurate information.
After Shen Tang finished being excited, she was "retaliated against".
She sat down, grimacing and cursing Yunda.
Qi Shan's face also paled slightly: "Your Majesty, you should focus on recovering from your injuries first. I will try to contact Ling De..."
Shen Tang took a deep breath to suppress the excruciating pain in her body, and still remembered to urge, "Then you must hurry. Lingde only brought Su Shiyilu's troops from Wuzhou Prefecture, and they are in the heart of the Northern Desert, where they are at risk of being surrounded and annihilated at any time. It would be safer to send someone to meet them..."
She also received news of Gong Shuwu's continued existence at this time.
The only person I care about now is Lin Feng.
The last night raid was impressive, but it wasn't enough to cripple the Northern Desert. Having learned their lesson, the Northern Desert will be more vigilant, and another sneak attack is out of the question. Shen Tang thought of that old man, Yun Da, and not only were her wounds aching, but her mind was also throbbing. She had to find a way to kill Yun Da and eliminate any future worries: "Gong Xi Chou, when is your elder brother coming back?"
If I do the math, we've already exceeded the time limit.
With a team fight about to begin, the support has disappeared...
()
The monthly ticket event thread in the book review section is now open, everyone can participate!
P.S.: My tenosynovitis keeps recurring, so I finally switched to an ergonomic keyboard. I'm finding it very uncomfortable, and my typing efficiency has plummeted... I don't even know how much it will help...
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
