Chapter 77: Continuing to Take Disciples

"No, no, no, Mister Zhou, according to your simulation, the Star Luo coalition can indeed break through our forces. But isn't the army you're commanding a bit too large? Who moves a million troops around like that?"

Ge Long stared at the sand table, drawing in a sharp breath, unable to believe what he was seeing.

The two of them were conducting a military simulation—he was commanding the Heaven Dou Empire's forces, while Zhou Sheng'an represented the Star Luo Empire. And now, one of Star Luo's armies had pushed all the way in and taken Heaven Dou City!

Ge Long was still the number one general under heaven, yet this loss felt utterly unjust.

He admitted Zhou Sheng'an was a rare talent, managing to match him after just a month of learning from scratch. But still… that was only because he had tolerated some of Zhou Sheng'an's more outlandish ideas.

Things like "feinting east to strike west" or "fighting with one's back to the river"—those tactics were already pushing it. And now, mobilizing a million troops to attack wherever he pointed? That was completely unreasonable!

Usually, even descending from the heavens, it was impressive to lead even ten thousand soldiers.

As the foremost general of his generation, Ge Long could at most command about five hundred thousand and still maintain effective control.

But this guy Zhou Sheng'an? He just casually commanded a million.

Wasn't this basically cheating right in his face?

Zhou Sheng'an froze for a moment, then gave an awkward laugh. "That was just my wild imagination, Elder Ge. Please don't take offense."

After all, he had never actually led troops in battle. Zhou Sheng'an's strategies were just theoretical for now. Commanding a million soldiers—he thought he could do it, but without practical experience, it was all just empty talk.

"This round doesn't count. Shall we start over?" Zhou Sheng'an asked.

Ge Long gave a dry cough, quickly shaking his head. "No, no need. I'll be returning to the battlefield in two months. Mister Zhou, you are the most gifted commander I've ever met. Would you be willing to come out of seclusion and join me in pushing back Star Luo? Together, we could win renown as the greatest generals under heaven."

Ge Long looked at Zhou Sheng'an with fervent eyes.

Even if Zhou Sheng'an relied on unconventional strategies to beat him, a win was still a win!

And with those kinds of tactics, even generals ranked outside the top five wouldn't have stood a chance.

Which meant—at least on paper—Zhou Sheng'an already had the strength of one of the top five generals in the world.

If he could get Zhou Sheng'an to join the fight, Heaven Dou's pressure would be significantly reduced.

Heaven Dou lacked the manpower of Star Luo; what they needed most was the support of a brilliant strategist!

Zhou Sheng'an shook his head with a smile. "No, I have no aspirations of leaving seclusion. Staying here and living a peaceful life is what I truly desire."

Ge Long didn't press further. He turned to the Poison Douluo standing silently to the side, stood up, and cupped his hands in salute.

"Your Majesty, would you be willing to come out of seclusion?"

Poison Douluo replied calmly, "Heaven Dou already has the support of the Spirit Hall. What need is there for me? I won't leave. Staying here to receive the teacher's guidance is the true path."

"…!" Ge Long's mouth twitched violently.

A Titled Douluo—no less than the eccentric and temperamental Poison Douluo—had actually acknowledged Zhou Sheng'an as his teacher.

It was so outrageous that he still felt like he was dreaming.

He even suspected he had already died on the battlefield, and this was just a feverish hallucination before death.

Out of the corner of his eye, he caught sight of a giant Titan Giant Ape stretching lazily. Its lantern-sized eyes turned toward him—and Ge Long broke into a cold sweat.

A hundred-thousand-year soul beast, also willingly serving as Zhou Sheng'an's disciple.

This… this really wasn't a dream?

"In that case, I'll take my leave," Ge Long said awkwardly, quickly striding away.

He was afraid if he stayed any longer, he might go insane.

"That old guy actually doubted Teacher's abilities! If Teacher hadn't stopped me, I would've taught him a lesson myself!" Er Ming suddenly opened his mouth and spoke, sounding quite rude.

A few days ago, under Zhou Sheng'an's guidance, he had already learned to speak like a human.

…

[Douluo Calendar, April 14, 2024 — Heaven Dou Empire's Grand Marshal Ge Long returns to the battlefield, crushing one of Star Luo Empire's armies and beheading over thirty thousand. He continues to push into Star Luo territory.]

[Douluo Calendar, April 28, 2024 — Ge Long soundly defeats Star Luo Empire's Grand Marshal MacArthur.]

[Douluo Calendar, May 13, 2024 — Grand Marshal Ge Long is assassinated and left critically wounded.]

[Douluo Calendar, May 23, 2024 — Star Luo Empire launches a major counteroffensive. Spirit Hall withdraws from the battlefield. Heaven Dou's forces suffer consecutive defeats. Half a month later, the frontlines retreat to the border between the two empires.]

[…]

…

[You visit the Grand Marshal's estate to see Ge Long. In private, he tells you: "Your Highness, this old servant… can no longer serve Heaven Dou. But I recommend one man to you—his talent is no less than mine. All he lacks is battlefield experience. His name… is Zhou Sheng'an…"]

In the Eastern Palace, Qian Renxue rubbed her temples as she looked at the entry.

"What is Bibi Dong trying to do? Is she trying to sabotage this simulation? Using Heaven Dou and then stabbing them in the back, and even sending people to monitor the area where Sheng'an is hiding."

Qian Renxue pondered.

Dark Qian Renxue sneered. "Foolish. She's already gotten what she wanted, so of course she doesn't want anyone else to gain insight from Sheng'an. Just watch—whoever dares to appear will be met with the harshest punishment imaginable."

"I know…" Qian Renxue said, unwilling to accept it. In truth, she had allowed Bibi Dong to act this way on purpose.

Sheng'an was her man. She wasn't about to let any other woman get close to him.

Dark Qian Renxue glared at her and said coldly, "Have you still not figured it out? What Bibi Dong wants… it must be related to becoming a god. Once she becomes a god, you and your grandfather are finished. Even if you take over Spirit Hall, what's the point?"

Qian Renxue said lightly, "Of course I know. But I'm giving her only one year. How far apart can we really grow in a year?"

"One year is enough for me to completely take control of Spirit Hall."

She raised her snow-white chin with confidence.

Dark Qian Renxue curled her lip but didn't argue further.

A year wasn't that long. Surely Bibi Dong wouldn't become a god in just a year?

The path to godhood only grew harder the further one went.

And following Zhou Sheng'an was the best way to shorten that path!

"Still, we do need to pick up the pace. I've already taken control of the Spirit Hall in Heaven Dou and am expanding outward. But relying on loyal subordinates is slowing me down. Tomorrow, I'll request permission from Emperor Xue Ye to tour the empire myself!"

…

The scene shifted.

At Zhou Sheng'an's secluded residence, a young man arrived, gravely injured after fleeing from a battle.

Er Ming dragged him into the courtyard and set him down.

"Teacher, this guy just finished hunting a soul ring," Er Ming said.

Zhou Sheng'an gave a slight nod. He stepped forward and took a closer look. The young man was about thirty, with a delicate face now streaked with blood.

"No need to pretend to be unconscious. Wake up. We won't harm you."

Zhou Sheng'an spoke gently. He had already recognized the young man—it was Qin Ming, a character from the original anime.

In the early stages, Qin Ming was known as the youngest Soul Emperor in history.

But… he was basically written just to be overshadowed later. Still, his talent and personality were truly top-tier.

At least, until the Shrek Seven Devils grew to maturity.