How far was the Third-Order Dao Source Realm from the Emperor Realm? If one could grasp the answer, it was nothing more than the distance of a thin sheet of window paper. But if one couldn't, then it was an insurmountable chasm.
Many things in this world were like that — just as the Mysterious World Bead could store living people…
Fu Renjie said, "Lord Yang, this is how I see it. A treasure of this caliber is exceedingly rare. If it could be widely adopted throughout the army, it would prove immensely useful. Imagine — if I were locked in single combat with a powerful enemy and the fight had reached a stalemate, and I suddenly summoned several formidable allies, what would that enemy's reaction be? What would the outcome be? Furthermore, have you considered, Lord Yang, that this treasure is ideally suited for troop movement? Take this very instance — the time you spent traveling alone from the Northern Region to get here versus the time it would take to march your entire Zhizi Army here. Can the two even be compared? On the battlefield, moving large armies is an extraordinarily troublesome affair. Yet sometimes speed is of the essence, which makes one's head ache. But if you had a treasure like the Mysterious World Bead to assist you, heh heh heh…"
Yang Kai's eyes lit up, and he nodded. "I understand what you're saying, Lord Fu. Perhaps… I could attempt to refine something similar to the Mysterious World Bead."
If Fu Renjie had raised this topic before Yang Kai had created the Myriad Worlds and refined his own little universe, he might not have thought much of it. But after more than a decade of contemplation and Cultivation, and with Fu Renjie's prodding, a flood of ideas immediately came to mind.
The Mysterious World Bead itself had been refined by a great power of ages past. If someone had accomplished such a feat before, there was no reason he couldn't do the same. What's more, he had over a decade of experience to draw upon. He wouldn't dare claim absolute certainty of success, but Yang Kai had at least sixty or seventy percent confidence.
Fu Renjie's eyes brightened upon hearing this. "You really can do it, Lord Yang?"
"I'll give it my best shot!"
Fu Renjie rubbed his hands together and chuckled. "Then this old man will have to be shameless enough to discuss this with you in advance, Lord Yang. If you really do manage to refine something like it, my Wuyin Army will need a share."
"Say no more. If I truly succeed, I certainly won't leave Lord Fu out."
Fu Renjie laughed heartily and clapped Yang Kai on the shoulder. "In the future, if your Zhizi Army ever needs help with anything, don't hesitate to call on me!"
"Then I thank Lord Fu in advance." Yang Kai cupped his fists.
Fu Renjie waved dismissively. "There's plenty of time ahead of us. Let our two armies grow closer in the days to come. You've only just arrived, Lord Yang, and you're swamped with military affairs, so I won't keep you. I'll come by another day to pay my respects."
Yang Kai nodded. "Take care on your way, Lord Fu."
He had barely seen Fu Renjie off when Yao Si flew up to report and ask where the commander's tent should be erected. He had picked out three decent locations for Yang Kai to choose from.
Yang Kai wasn't particularly particular about such things and told him to use his own discretion, then turned to join the army in its preparations.
As Li Wuyi had said, although the Zhizi Army was newly formed, it was full of seasoned veterans. Even among the newer recruits who knew nothing of military affairs, the old hands quickly brought them up to speed. The army bustled with activity, and by nightfall, eight hundred li of continuous encampment stretched into the distance, with tents crisscrossing in every direction, the military presence magnificent.
The commander's tent was situated right in the center, highly conspicuous. It was divided into inner and outer sections — the inner chamber was where Yang Kai would rest, fully furnished with all the necessities of daily life. The outer tent served as the meeting place for the army's senior officers, spacious and expansive. Outside the tent stood a great oxhide drum, which, once refined, could transmit its sound a thousand li when struck, ensuring every member of the Zhizi Army could hear it.
The Southern Gate army had also joined this campaign, leading a group of Formation Masters to set up grand formations outside the commander's tent. Inside the encampment, Yao Si had posted sentries on rotating patrols. The Demon Race had yet to appear, but the camp was already thick with an air of killing intent.
Yang Kai was seated in the outer tent when a graceful silhouette lifted the curtain and entered, carrying with her a waft of fragrant wind — Su Yan stepped inside.
Yang Kai smiled, but Su Yan's expression was perfectly composed and businesslike. She walked up to him, cupped her fists, and said, "My lord!"
"Ahem, what is it?" His own wife suddenly acting so formally caught Yang Kai somewhat off guard, but with others present in the tent, he couldn't very well be too casual about it.
Su Yan said, "I've heard that the Bingchen Army is camped to our right. This subordinate has not seen her master in many years and wishes to pay her respects. I humbly request your permission, my lord."
Yang Kai realized what this was about and rose to his feet. "Let's go together then. I've been meaning to pay a visit to Senior Bingyun as well."
Back in the Seven Misty Seas Hall, Bingyun had sent Yang Kai a voice transmission before leaving, telling him to come find her once he was settled in. He hadn't known what she wanted to discuss, but he had always intended to visit. Now that Su Yan had the same idea, it made perfect sense to go together.
Su Yan nodded and followed closely behind Yang Kai.
Once outside the commander's tent, the two oriented themselves and shot into the sky.
A short while later, they were already a thousand li away from the Zhizi Army encampment. Yang Kai slowed his pace, and once Su Yan drew near, he reached out and took her delicate hand.
Su Yan fidgeted slightly, glancing left and right like a guilty thief. Seeing no one around, she finally relaxed, turning to shoot Yang Kai a reproachful look before letting him be.
To her surprise, Yang Kai pressed his advantage — with a casual pull, he drew her into his arms.
Su Yan's cheeks flushed red. She pressed her palms against his chest, trying to maintain some distance, and whispered, "Don't!"
"No one can see," Yang Kai said shamelessly, tightening his grip.
"Even if no one can see, you can't do this." As she spoke, Su Yan gave his arm a sharp pinch. Seizing the moment he flinched, she slipped free of his grasp, her red lips pressed together. "The sisters and I have already discussed this. Within the army, there are to be no romantic entanglements. Whether in public or in private, we cannot be too intimate with you."
Yang Kai was startled. "What? How did I not know about this? When did you discuss this?"
Su Yan smiled, pressing her lips together. "The night before we set out."
"Who proposed this? Utter nonsense!" Yang Kai put on a fierce expression, his eyes flashing with a dangerous light.
"Don't worry about who proposed it. You're the commander of the Zhizi Army now, and you have to lead by example. Hundreds of thousands of eyes within the army are watching you. If you can't even maintain the bearing of a commander and give in to personal desires, it will set a poor example from the top down, and the Zhizi Army will fall apart. So, Junior Brother…"
"Junior what, Brother what?" Yang Kai glared at her.