Jiang Shi walked all the way out and quickly encountered Elder Chi Huo and Chi Long again.
"Jiang Shi, how did it go? What did Yang Hongtian say?"
"He asked me to stay in the army and serve as his Vanguard Captain."
Jiang Shi replied.
"Did you agree?"
Elder Chi Huo inquired.
"No, I told him everything should be decided by the sect, but Yang Hongtian directly pressured me, saying he could make the decision on behalf of Zhenwu Temple."
Jiang Shi said.
"Trouble brewing!"
"What a Yang Hongtian, it seems he is completely opposing our Jianghu sects."
The two elders frowned.
"Jiang Shi, don't worry for now. I'll write to the Sect Leader right away and let him think of a solution. During this time, just continue doing what you need to do."
Elder Chi Huo spoke.
"Alright!"
Jiang Shi nodded.
···
The entire army was rapidly clearing the battlefield.
It wasn't until the next morning that they all returned to Profound Dragon Pass.
Afterward, two more days passed in Profound Dragon Pass without incident.
Jiang Shi's strength increased daily, practicing the Dragon-Breaking Spear Technique with impressive vigor and extreme proficiency.
During this time, Xiong Kaishan came by once.
The reason was simple; he came to retrieve his own weapon, the Xuanhua Great Axe.
However, his Xuanhua Great Axe had long been battered and dented from continuous clashes with the Wolf Fang Club, looking woeful.
This made Xiong Kaishan heartbreakingly distressed.
He realized that Jiang Shi was practically his nemesis.
First, his prized steed was killed with one move, then his Xuanhua Great Axe was rendered into such a state. His combat effectiveness would definitely be drastically reduced for a while.
In the end, Xiong Kaishan turned around and left, full of dejection.
···
Zhenwu Temple Headquarters.
The Observatory Master, Red Sun Daoist, finally received the letter sent from the front lines, quickly opened it, scanned its contents, and immediately revealed a look of shock.
Undoubtedly, the letter was sent back by Elder Chi Huo.
The disciples of Zhenwu Temple suffered heavy casualties on the front lines.
Chi Yu, one of the three Grand Elders, had already fallen in battle.
The other Inner Sect Disciples also suffered severe losses, and the Outer Sect was nearly annihilated.
The end of the letter once again described the peculiarities of Jiang Shi, entrusting Red Sun Daoist to find a way to recall Jiang Shi, ensuring that he must not fall on the battlefield.
"Innate Vajra? Is this Jiang Shi, really an Innate Vajra?"
The Observatory Master, Red Sun Daoist, showed a face of surprise and handed the letter to others.
A while ago, Elder Chi Huo had already sent a letter mentioning Jiang Shi's situation, only saying that Jiang Shi had innate divine power but mediocre aptitude.
But this time, the letter directly referred to Jiang Shi as an Innate Vajra!
"Is there really such talent in our Zhenwu Temple's Outer Sect? Is it true?"
"Innate Vajra, how is that possible?"
In the hall, other elders all displayed expressions of shock as they examined the letter.
Innate Vajra is an extremely rare physique, born extraordinary. The physical power is unparalleled throughout history; even without cultivation, it possesses the strength to move mountains and seas.
Such a person is extremely scarce, perhaps one in countless people.
"The letter is written with great sincerity. Elder Chi Huo wouldn't lie about such a matter. It must be true. We must find a way to bring Jiang Shi back."
Red Sun Daoist's expression changed.
Innate Vajra is a talent that any sect would place in high regard.
Especially some sects that specialize in Horizontal Training.
Cultivating Horizontal Training Techniques as an Innate Vajra is almost like making rapid progress daily, easily reaching Great Success.
"Bringing Jiang Shi back? Now that Yang Hongtian has taken an interest in Jiang Shi, I fear it won't be that easy!"
"That's right, Yang Hongtian always sees us Jianghu sects as thorns in his side. He certainly won't agree to let Jiang Shi return this time!"
Other elders spoke up.
"This is trouble, real trouble now."
Red Sun Daoist's heart churned, looking at the letter, he said: "Why didn't Elder Chi Huo discover this person's talent earlier..."
Rumble!
Just then!
A low horse's hoof beats resounded from outside, rumbling, startling all the elders inside the hall, who quickly rushed out.
A large detachment of the Red Flame Army appeared from afar, quickly entering the square.
The leader was still General Wu from last time.
"Zhenwu Temple, hear the command: By order of the General, Zhenwu Temple is to dispatch three elders again to the front lines. The situation is urgent, do not delay!"
General Wu reined in his warhorse and shouted loudly.
Red Sun Daoist and the surrounding elders' expressions changed.
Mobilize three elders again?
"General Wu, wasn't there already people dispatched last time..."
Elder Red Sun hurriedly interjected.
"True Master Red Sun, the orders were personally issued by the General; asking me is futile. I am merely a messenger and can only tell you that the front line is in dire need of manpower. We barely managed to repel the Red Turban Army, and you wouldn't want them to retaliate again, would you?"
General Wu spoke coldly, "Moreover, it's not just your sect being mobilized; other sects must also send personnel again. I hope you will act quickly!"
He turned his horse and left with his men.
Red Sun Daoist and the elders beside him immediately darkened their expressions.
Last time, three elders were dispatched, and now three more must go; Zhenwu Temple's leadership will be completely depleted.
"Junior Brother Chi Yuan, this time you will lead two consecrators over there, and bring the 'Red Sun Body Refining Technique' to Jiang Shi."
Elder Red Sun said in a low tone.
"Observatory Master, do we really have to dispatch people?"
Elder Chi Yuan's expression slightly changed beside him.
"At this point, what other retreat is there?"
Elder Red Sun's face was grim, "Yang Hongtian is probably eager for us to resist. As long as we resist, he can rightfully flatten us completely; besides, even if we resist, other sects may not dare to!"
The elders beside nodded slowly, their expressions changing.
"What about Jiang Shi?"
Elder Chi Yuan asked.
"You enter the Red Flame Army, find an opportunity to give the 'Red Sun Body Refining Technique' to him. As for recalling him, we'll assess that later."
Red Sun Daoist said gloomily.
"Alright!"
Elder Chi Yuan nodded.
...
Time passed.
Three more days went by consecutively.
Jiang Shi continued studying the manual of 'True Martial Gang Force', but unfortunately, it remained at a mere entry level.
The realm of Entering Strength's first stage hadn't progressed at all over consecutive days.
However, his strength had surged once more, reaching 7100 jin.
"Enough; I've completely given up on the matter of aptitude."
Jiang Shi sighed inwardly.
Though there was one thing that did lighten his mood.
That was his Reputation Value.
In the last few days, it had continued to increase.
The reason was, within days, many Jianghu sects and noble families had sent experts one after another into the Red Flame Army.
The numbers ranged from dozens to hundreds; soon, they learned of his reputation from others, spreading it wide, causing his Reputation Value to rise rapidly.
It increased another 100 points over several days.
On this particular day.
The blazing sun illuminated the sky.
The afternoon sun made both people and horses weary.
Most of the Jianghu people were lounging tactlessly under patches of tree shade, shirtless, parched, and waving cool breezes with their hands.
Jiang Shi emerged from the tent, walked along, and found a spot under a tree to sit, drenched in sweat and feeling irritable.
"Kid, are you Jiang Shi?"
Suddenly, a brash voice came from not far away. A burly man, shirtless, with a face full of beard and reeking of alcohol, walked over saying, "Come, have a drink!"
"I won't drink!"
Jiang Shi waved his hand dismissively, not bothering to respond.
"What? Not giving face?"
The man furrowed his brow.
Jiang Shi said no more, continuing to fan himself casually as if he hadn't heard.
"Kid, take a good look; this is Master Liu, of our Golden Saber Stronghold!"
Another man beside the burly one shouted, "In the Desolate State's jurisdiction, who hasn't heard of Yan City's Golden Saber Stronghold?"
"I haven't. Don't bother me!"
Jiang Shi shook his head, feeling increasingly agitated by the heat.
"Kid, you..."
The man's face changed, trembling with anger.
"Well, kid, you've got some guts!"
The burly man cracked a smile, "But what if Master Liu insists you drink this jug of wine today?"
He took a large black jar from someone beside him, placed it on a big stone, and said coldly, "Today, you drink it whether you want to or not. Drink or don't drink?"
...
Urging for continued readership!