Chapter 791: The Silverwing Griffin

"Big Brother, if that's the case, why didn't you warn General Sun?" Jiang Xiaofan asked with a frown.

"The military isn't like the academy—everything requires proof. To General Sun, neither Li Qingling nor I are people he knows well. Now that Li Qingling has produced an antidote, he naturally trusts him more. If I badmouth Li Qingling now, he'll just think I'm jealous."

Ling Feng smirked, his fingers tapping lightly against his arm. "People only believe what they see with their own eyes. So let Li Qingling play his little game. I want to see what act he's really putting on."

Besides, he still had the Despicable Donkey as his trump card. For now, he'd just sit back and watch.

"

Mm

-

hmm,

Brother Feng is right," Ye Nanfeng chimed in, grinning. "Xiaofan, your strength is undeniable, but you've still got a lot to learn about human nature." He turned to Ling Feng. "So, are we heading out with General Sun tomorrow?"

"No need." Ling Feng shook his head. "Nanfeng, you, Xiaofan, and the vice-captain will stay behind to guard the camp. Yan'er and I will go with the troops."

"

Ah?

" Ye Nanfeng's face fell.

"Don't look so disappointed," Ling Feng said seriously. "There's a reason I want you here. First, to wait for Captain Gu and the others—fill them in on the situation. Second, in case the Blood God Cult has other schemes. Having you here will help."

"Fine, fine," Ye Nanfeng sighed, knowing Ling Feng just wanted to keep them out of danger.

...

The long night passed, and dawn finally broke.

From early morning, troops dispatched from the other cities began arriving outside Yanbao City.

Warhorses neighed as the disciplined soldiers, under Vice-General Wang's command, efficiently set up camp on the sandy plains, waiting for the full assembly before heading to the oasis Li Qingling had mentioned.

Ling Feng and his group stood atop the city walls with General Sun Gongming, watching the military maneuvers below. It was the first time Ling Feng had seen such large-scale troop movements, and he couldn't help but feel a sense of awe.

Tianwei Academy's purpose was to nurture talent for the empire, so military strategy was part of their education. Ling Feng had even studied several tactical manuals gifted to him by the old general Deng Xian. But theory was nothing compared to seeing it in action.

Even with just a few thousand soldiers, he doubted he could coordinate them as smoothly as Vice-General Wang.

"General, thirteen cities' troops have arrived. We await the final two before departure!" a messenger reported.

Sun Gongming nodded, his eyes sweeping over the forces below. "To think the Blood Spirit Corpse plague could be resolved so swiftly—Lay Practitioner Li's contribution is unmatched."

"You flatter me, General." Li Qingling remained expressionless. "Healing the sick is simply a physician's duty."

Ling Feng rubbed his nose, saying nothing as he watched the man's performance.

"

Hahaha!

If the empire had more men like Lay Practitioner Li and Young Friend Ling, our nation would prosper beyond measure!"

Sun Gongming laughed heartily. The northwestern border was a critical defensive line, and with thirty thousand troops diverted to contain the Blood Spirit Corpses, they were vulnerable to attacks from neighboring kingdoms or demonic beasts. Resolving this crisis quickly meant they could return to their posts sooner.

Within half an hour, all sixteen detachments had assembled—three thousand two hundred soldiers, fully equipped.

In addition to their standard gear, each carried a pickaxe for harvesting herbs.

From the walls, the mass of troops looked like an overwhelming sea, creating the illusion of tens of thousands.

Notably, Gu Tengfeng and Li Bufan arrived with one of the city's contingents, finally reuniting the entire East Court Sword Team. When Sun Gongming learned Gu Tengfeng's identity, his respect for Ling Feng and the others grew even more.

"You've handled everything flawlessly in just two days," Gu Tengfeng said, clapping Ling Feng on the shoulder with a hearty laugh.

"Captain, Xiaofan and the others can fill you in on the details later," Ling Feng replied with a smile. After briefly explaining the situation, he stuck to the original plan—Gu Tengfeng and the others would remain at the camp with Jiang Xiaofan's group.

...

"Vice-General Wang, mobilize the troops—we march!"

Sun Gongming raised his hand, and the soldiers roared in unison. The synchronized movement of three thousand men was a sight to behold.

Then, with a hand seal, Sun Gongming summoned a massive Silverwing Griffin from his spirit animal space[1]. Its wings spanned nearly eight meters as it circled overhead.

In the Northwestern Army, generals were entitled to a Silverwing Griffin as their mount.

These fifth-tier demonic beasts dominated the skies with unmatched speed, making them nearly invincible among creatures of the same tier. Though tamed, their presence alone intimidated lesser beasts.

It was well-known that the Divine Guards—the empire's most elite military force—owed much of their strength to the fact that every soldier rode a Silverwing Griffin!

"Damn, I wish I had one of those someday!" Ye Nanfeng gaped at the majestic creature.

"

Haha!

Join the Northwestern Army, distinguish yourself in battle, and a Silverwing Griffin could be yours," Sun Gongming chuckled.

With a gesture, the massive griffin folded its wings and landed gracefully on the city walls, crouching obediently.

"Lay Practitioner Li, Young Friend Ling—come aboard."

Sun Gongming smiled faintly and leapt onto the back of the Silverwing Griffin. Looking closely, one could see a saddle-like apparatus fitted on the griffin's back—one simply had to stand on it.

Of course, whether one could stay balanced or not depended entirely on their own skill.

Li Qingling, Jin Weide, and several military physicians followed. After exchanging a glance with Tuoba Yan, Ling Feng jumped up as well.

"Vice-General Huang, you'll oversee the camp in my absence. And ensure the Blood God Cult prisoners captured by Young Hero Ling are guarded meticulously—no mistakes!"

Sun Gongming's gaze fell on a full-bearded vice-general, who saluted firmly. "Understood, General!"

"Very well—move out!"

With a wave of his hand, Sun Gongming signaled, and the Silverwing Griffin spread its wings and soared into the sky. Below, the soldiers mounted their desert drakes and followed closely behind, racing after Sun Gongming's Silverwing Griffin at full speed.

1. A special storage space provided by a treasured item known as a Beast Taming Token, used by martial practitioners who have entered pacts with demonic beasts. Or refer Chapter 377. ☜