Rebirth: This Farmgirl Has Spirit Fish Scales

Chapter 28 Part I

In recent days, Zhenzhu had frequently attended military meetings, as she played a crucial role in the upcoming plans. While she was having breakfast with Yong Saiweihao and Wenlang, a soldier came in to report that a group had arrived at the camp, currently waiting outside, claiming to have come by invitation of Taizi. 𝒇𝒓𝙚𝒆𝔀𝓮𝓫𝒏𝓸𝙫𝓮𝓵.𝓬𝙤𝙢

When the three of them went out to meet them, they found that it was He Ming, He Yu, and Monk Xin Gong who had hurriedly traveled there at Wenlang’s invitation.

“Greetings, Monk Xin Gong,” Zhenzhu respectfully greeted Monk Xin Gong. They hadn’t seen each other in years, yet the old monk hadn’t aged a bit.

“Big Brother! Yu’er!” Zhenzhu hugged them both with great affection. He Yu hadn’t changed much since she had only been away from him for a few months. However, the person she almost didn’t recognize was He Ming. He had shed his ordinary boy appearance and transformed into a robust young man with a sharp face and eyes that seemed to have seen much of the world. He had grown into a rare handsome young man.

“Big Brother, you’ve changed a lot.”

“You’ve changed a lot too,” He Ming replied, noting how much she had grown.

The three siblings greeted each other for a while before being invited into the reception tent. Once inside, Monk Xin Gong asked about the root of the current problem. Zhenzhu quickly brought out the paper she had drawn to show the old monk. She had devised the plan herself, but having an expert in the art of formations like Monk Xin Gong to help made her feel more confident.

“How is it, Monk Xin Gong?” The old monk studied the formation positions for a long time before falling silent, making Zhenzhu feel nervous. Had she made any mistakes?

“Did you come up with all of this yourself?”

“Yes. How is it? Is there anything wrong?” Zhenzhu, along with everyone else in the tent, awaited his answer anxiously. Who is Monk Xin Gong?

Monk Xin Gong was the most skilled formation grandmaster. Inviting him to assist was no easy feat. Both Yong Saiweihao and Wenlang were surprised that he had accepted the invitation this time, a favor that could be attributed to the sole young woman present.

“Very good, it’s flawless. You can proceed as you proposed,” Monk Xin Gong said proudly. This woman never failed to impress. She was intelligent and deeply understood the art of formations.

Upon hearing this, everyone breathed a sigh of relief.

“And what will you use to represent the five elements of power?” Monk Xin Gong asked. The method Zhenzhu suggested to break the formation involved using superior spirit energy to overlay and neutralize the Soul Severing Formation. However, finding the sources of energy that could do that was not easy.

“One, Fenghuang. Two, the ancient dragon. Three, the black turtle. Four, the Spirit and Soul plant. Five...”

Zhenzhu gestured towards Yong Saiweihao.

“Him.”

However, the one who was truly astonished was Wenlang. She had four semi-divine creatures in her possession. She was indeed a favored child of the heavens. Even he or his father, the emperor, did not have enough luck to have one, even though they did want it.

“Younger Sister, where is Baihu? Wouldn’t it be better to use him instead? These are all divine powers, the Young General might be in danger,” He Ming asked.

“There was a small accident. Baihu’s soul is currently trapped within Brother Hao’s. We have no choice. Brother Hao has the Formless Spirit Energy and can somewhat substitute.”

But then Zhenzhu’s eyes widened with realization. The person in front of her was Monk Xin Gong. He might be able to help release Baihu from Brother Hao’s soul.

“Monk Xin Gong, could you help release Baihu from Brother Hao’s soul? Currently, Baihu’s soul is trapped within the Young General,” Zhenzhu pleaded, her eyes filled with hope. The old monk pondered for a long moment.

“Hmm, the general has a very strong spirit energy. It might be difficult, but it’s not impossible.”

“What needs to be done?” Zhenzhu asked excitedly.

“I can temporarily enhance your spirit energy to draw out the bonded beast’s soul, using the combined power of all the semi-divine beasts to assist.”

“I’m ready, Monk Xin Gong.” Baihu would be free.

“And you, General? Are you prepared? Drawing out a divine soul could disrupt your energy or, in severe cases, cause your internal to stop working, which could be life-threatening,” Monk Xin Gong asked, seeking his consent due to the potential risks.

“There is such possibility?” Zhenzhu grew worried before the one who had been asked could respond. If they managed to free Baihu but harmed Brother Hao, it wouldn’t be acceptable. Both needed to be safe. She hadn’t realized that bringing Baihu’s soul out might endanger Brother Hao.

“It’s alright, Zhu’er.” Seeing her pale face filled his heart with a sweet sensation, but he didn’t want her to grieve over Baihu anymore. Moreover, if Baihu could be released, it would be beneficial.

“But...” What if Brother Hao were in danger?

“It’s fine,” Yong Saiweihao ended the conversation, then asked elderly monk to explain the necessary procedures he had to do.

A long while after, the military training ground was prepared to extract Baihu’s soul. This required the combined power of the three semi-divine beasts, channeling their faint energy through Zhenzhu, who was bonded with Baihu, to pull out his soul. Monk Xin Gong would oversee the formation.

“Let’s begin.”

Immediately, the small green snake coiled around He Yu’s arm expanded and slithered towards Zhenzhu. Similarly, Fenghuang and Yongxian took their positions as designated by the old monk and started transmitting their gentle power into Zhenzhu’s body.

The young woman immediately felt the energy coursing through her body, making her feel almost weightless. She sensed the overflowing spirit energy within her and wasted no time reaching out with her mind to find Baihu’s soul. Meanwhile, Yong Saiweihao felt like a small clay pot being overwhelmed by a massive flood. The power of the three semi-divine beasts was something a human could endure for just a brief moment, yet Yong Saiweihao managed to withstand it. He endured the immense power until he felt the turmoil in his body—his blood boiled, his spirit energy churned, and his throat burned with a scorching heat, almost to the point of breaking. After a moment, the power was withdrawn, along with Baihu’s soul.

However, at that moment, blood filled Yong Saiweihao’s mouth. When he opened his eyes, he was met with Zhenzhu’s concerned gaze, full of worry and unease. So, the young man swallowed the blood back down.

“I need to excuse myself,” he quickly rose and returned to his tent.

As soon as he entered the tent, his tall figure collapsed to the ground. Dark blood spilled across the floor, the pungent scent filling his nostrils. His internal organs felt like they were being scorched by hellfire, while his outer body was cold as if lying in a winter’s frost without a cover. The intense hot and cold battled within him, his handsome face turning pale. It felt like his flesh was being slowly torn apart from within, yet he did not utter a single cry.

Driven by survival instinct, the young man quickly wrapped his vital points with his spirit energy, trying to control the turmoil within. After a long while, he managed to stabilize his spirit energy, but Yong Saiweihao realized his body was severely damaged. His energy channels were torn, and his internal organs were heavily injured.

Meanwhile, Zhenzhu was excitedly holding the little white furball in her arms. Baihu had returned to the size of a kitten, though its spirit energy remained at the gold-tier, just like hers. However, its physical body was now tiny, which made it furious.

Xiao She and Fenghuang didn’t transform back into a small green snake and a tailorbird, respectively. They wanted to mock Baihu, making it even angrier.

“You nasty creatures, just wait. When I grow big again, I’ll tear you to pieces,” the little one threatened, puffing up its fur in defiance.

“Come on, Baihu, you look so cute when you’re small,” Zhenzhu tried to comfort it, but this only made it angrier. It didn’t want to be tiny and cute. A great beast like it should be awe-inspiring and majestic. How dare this smelly woman call it cute! Did she want to die?

“Come on, Baihu, consider yourself lucky to have survived and returned. What happened was just a misfortune for you,” she hugged Baihu tightly. It was so good that it was back. This fortunate event was thanks to Brother Hao.

"A’Zhu, why don’t you go check on him? When I came out, I sensed that his spirit energy was quite turbulent."

"Really?!"

"It wouldn’t hurt to go and see," Baihu sensed only a little of it.

"Alright," Zhenzhu nodded. She thanked Xiao She, Fenghuang, Yongxian, and the old monk for their help before heading to Yong Saiweihao’s tent. The person she should thank the most was him. She hadn’t had the chance to thank him earlier because he left so quickly.

When she reached his tent, Zhenzhu could only stand outside as the guards did not allow her inside. They slipped inside for a moment before coming out to report.

"Lady He, the young master is currently handling military matters and is not available to speak."

"Is that so? Is he alright?" She couldn’t help but worry.

"He is fine," the guard assured her with a firm voice, but avoided Zhenzhu’s gaze.

"Oh, I’ll come back later then," Zhenzhu nodded. Brother Hao was very diligent, working tirelessly even now. He was truly a devoted general to the region.

With that, Zhenzhu had no choice but to leave.

Inside the tent, the tall, handsome man with a pale face looked out with deep eyes. For now, he could not meet her.

Several days later, the Young General finally managed to free himself from his military duties to see her. A meal was set in the large tent, and everyone was preparing to have breakfast. Yong Saiweihao, who hadn’t joined the table for several days, finally showed his face to greet the daylight.

Seeing his handsome face again, Zhenzhu furrowed her brows in surprise. Why did Brother Hao’s face look paler than usual? Was it because he hadn’t slept, staying up all night to handle military affairs?

"Brother Hao, you should rest more. Don’t overwork yourself; you might fall ill."

"Alright," the young man replied in a flat tone, his eyes briefly shining.

"Brother Hao, come and have some food first." Seeing that he was alright, she felt more at ease.

Everyone ate a simple breakfast prepared by the soldiers in the camp. Since this camp was in a war zone, there were no servants or cooks to make the meals, but everyone was used to this kind of food.

"Urgent report!" A soldier’s voice came from outside the tent, causing everyone to stop immediately.

"Speak," Yong Saiweihao said.

"Reporting to the general, the main points of the formation calculated have almost been completed in all four directions. It’s estimated that it will take only sixteen more hours for the Soul Severing Formation to be complete," the soldier tasked with monitoring the formation reported. Yong Saiweihao had left a group of soldiers to covertly observe the key points of the formation. As soon as any of the main conditions were met, they were to report back immediately. It was unexpected that all four main points had reached completion simultaneously, leaving them with very little time.

"Sixteen hours?"

"Yes, General."

Yong Saiweihao frowned in displeasure.

"Call an immediate meeting. Urgently!"

"Understood!"

Moments later, all the generals and commanders were gathered in a large tent. This time, Zhenzhu was granted permission to attend the military meeting as well, along with Monk Xin Gong, He Ming, and He Yu, who would be crucial in breaking the formation.

"General Gao, General Xian, General Hui, join Taizi and lead five hundred thousand troops to attack from the north."

"General Lian, lead fifty thousand soldiers to ambush at the eastern pass."

"Deputy General Zhou, facilitate the main force’s movement led by General Zhao from the west."

Yong Saiweihao issued his orders with precision and authority, leaving no room for leniency. The generals nodded in agreement, cooperating fully. Even Wenlang followed his friend’s commands without objection.

They all trusted Yong Saiweihao’s judgment.

"Understood, General!"

"Understood, General!"

"Understood, General!"

The greatest battle between the Yan and Tang regions was about to take place. Once the orders were given, the generals left to prepare their forces, leaving only the three siblings and the old monk behind. These individuals were equally crucial as they were key to the plan’s success. Failure would leave them only with death as their fate.

"Xiao She, destroy the key point to the east at the Mount Huangshan pass. That area is a dense forest, the crucial point of the wood element. Fenghuang, cover the south with your power. That area is a volcanic crater, the key point of the fire element. Baihu, take the west, at the highest peak, the key point of the metal element. Yongxian, you take the north, where the area is blocked by a large river, representing the water element. If we can destroy these four key points that were the most powerful balance of the spirit energy, the formation will be incomplete, making it easier to destroy the formation’s core."

"Don’t worry, General. Fenghuang and I will do our best," He Ming said to Yong Saiweihao, a man considered the epitome of manhood in the region. He had dreamed of fighting alongside this young general, never thought that this day it would come true.

"Xiao She and I will succeed as well," He Yu added with determination.

"And what about the formation’s core?" Zhenzhu asked. The core was the most critical part of the formation, and they still didn’t know what it was. Thus, it was the most important and difficult task.

"We must rely on Monk Xin Gong’s kindness," Yong Saiweihao said. The formation’s core was the most crucial and mysterious part, so he still couldn’t identify what it was. It could be a stone, a tree, or even a leaf, depending on the creator’s design. Monk Xin Gong, the most knowledgeable in the art of formations, would surely be able to locate the formation’s core.

"Rest assured. I will help you with this," the monk said.

"Brother Hao, if we find the formation’s core, who will destroy it?"

"It will be me."

"Oh, then please be careful, Brother Hao." Despite the power of the powerful formation being diminished by destroying the four key points, she still felt uneasy.

"Mm, thank you."

With their tasks assigned, everyone set off for their designated locations. Zhenzhu headed west with Baihu, feeling both excited and anxious. Excited because she was part of a historic event, one of the most significant in their region, and anxious about whether they would succeed.

"Zhu’er," Yong Saiweihao called out just as she was about to mount her horse and leave.

"Yes?"

"If there’s any danger, retreat immediately. No exceptions."

"Hah, how could there be any danger? You’ve assigned hundreds of guards to me. Brother Hao, you don’t know this, but I value my life and afraid of death. If there’s any danger, I’ll be the first to run away," she replied with a smile.

"Alright."

"Brother Hao, take care of yourself too."

"Alright."

They bid farewell with hearts full of concern for each other, but their duties prevented them from offering further assistance. Zhenzhu followed the guards, riding her horse at full speed as time was running out. After six hours, she finally reached the highest peak of the mountain range.

Zhenzhu tried to identify any spots that might be suitable for placing the formation’s key point.

"Over there," Baihu leapt towards a nearby mound. The young woman followed it immediately. At first glance, she wouldn’t have guessed that this ordinary mound was the formation’s balance point. It was just a low hill, not particularly notable. But as she got closer, she found that the surrounding area was filled with Camouflaged Formations.

Fortunately, she had some knowledge of formations, so she wasn’t fooled by them.

"Baihu, how is it? Can you destroy it?" Zhenzhu asked.

"Certainly."

"Excellent." Now it was just a matter of waiting, as each key point needed to be destroyed simultaneously. They had to wait for Yong Saiweihao to find the formation’s core first before they could start destroying the formation.

"Yeah, wait for now," Zhenzhu nodded, finding a rock to sit on and rest while they waited.

Hah, destroying the formation wasn’t difficult at all.

Roar!

Suddenly, a roar echoed, startling Zhenzhu. The guards around her were startled, grabbing their swords, ready to protect her.

"Baihu! What is it?" Zhenzhu shouted. Why was there another creature here despite Baihu’s presence?

It should be noted that Baihu was the king of all four-legged beasts. When it roamed the forest, no other animal dared approach. Yet now, something had dared to challenge it.

"A’Zhu, come closer. It’s quite troublesome. We’ve found the core of the formation.”

"The core of the formation!"

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