Hearing Zhuge Ming’s words, not only Li Ruguang, but even Ji Ning seemed to barely recognise Ling Xiao.
When they first met Ling Xiao, this lad had impressed him with sheer courage and cleverness.
The earlier elixir matter made him think the boy was generous.
Now he had even produced formations, leaving him at a loss for words.
This lad was truly more formidable than Ji Fuling and Yu Xuanyue combined back in the day. Indeed, each generation surpassed the last.
“As for materials, everyone need not worry. When I designed these formations and arrays, I considered the issue. Actually, you don’t need to search; I have sufficient materials here, though finding more would be best for future maintenance and repairs.”
Ling Xiao’s casual remark caused several jaws to drop in the conference hall.
“You lad, you truly surprise us every time.”
Ji Ning smiled bitterly.
“Zhuge Ming, take the materials and immediately overhaul Beimo City’s arrays and formations. Ensure completion before the battle begins.”
“Yes, Grand General!”
Zhuge Ming was thrilled. With these upgraded defences, their chances of victory rose significantly.
Though Temur Mutu was formidable, he likely never calculated for a variable like Ling Xiao.
Ling Xiao handed a storage ring to Zhuge Ming, “All materials are inside. Take them, Commander Zhuge.”
“Thank you!”
Zhuge Ming now admired Ling Xiao utterly.
After he left, Zhang Yufei chuckled, “Brother Ling, you’ve given Zhuge such fine things. Could you help boost our infantry’s combat strength?”
“I’ve examined them. Beimo City’s soldiers use outdated weapons and armour that must be replaced. Sadly, time is short, or I’d reforge everything anew.”
Ling Xiao sighed.
“You’re telling me you can refine artefacts too?”
Zhang Yufei was shocked again.
Ji Ning was almost numb.
Ling Xiao’s repeated surprises now barely fazed him.
“A little.”
Ling Xiao was modest.
“Once Beimo City holds, you must trouble yourself to refine more weapons and armour for us.”
Zhang Yufei said emotionally.
“No need to wait. Though I can’t reforge, I can enhance existing armour and weapons’ performance.”
Ling Xiao smiled.
“Really?”
Another surprise. Just as Zhang Yufei prepared to accept no enhancements, Ling Xiao delivered.
“Of course, just adding arrays. Bows, crossbows, swords, spears, all possible. But I lack materials for this, so I’ll trouble you.”
Ling Xiao smiled.
“Good, list the materials, we’ll find them.”
Zhang Yufei said excitedly.
Ling Xiao nodded, took paper, and wrote the needs. Mostly simple: vast low-grade spirit stones.
Plus attribute crystals or demon cores.
No issue for Beimo City; desert beasts were plentiful, their stored demon cores more than enough.
Seeing the list, Zhang Yufei and Li Ruguang said they’d prepare immediately.
Qin Huo wanted to go, but Ji Ning stopped him.
“Ling Xiao, I kept Qin Huo to tell you: earning military merits in Sikong Zun’s team won’t work. Better join the Heavenly Wolf Knights; merits come easier.”
Ji Ning revealed his true intent.
Ling Xiao thought, then shook his head, “Grand General, thank you, but I have a better idea.”
“Better idea?”
Ji Ning asked curiously, “What?”
“Grand General, may I select capable, astute men from the army to form a special unit?”
Ling Xiao asked.
“Special unit?”
“Yes, call it Special Forces!”
Ling Xiao nodded, “Not many, at most a hundred. Top soldiers with special abilities, willing to obey.”
“What does this special force do?”
Ji Ning asked puzzled.
“Special forces operate in secrecy, unknown to the public, hidden by the state. They never show faces, exist as battlefield trump cards, turning tides in critical moments, even sacrificing for decisive victory.
They must be prepared to die. Tasks are arduous, unimaginably terrifying.
Merits unknown, rescues unnoticed, sacrifices unhonoured.
Silent dedication without reward, that’s the special soldier!”
Ling Xiao replied, “I form this to execute special missions.
Like decapitation strikes.
Target enemy key figures and command centres, leaving them leaderless and disconnected.
Or harassment operations.
Hinder enemy mobility: destroy equipment, systems, attack vital civilian infrastructure, ambush troops.
Psychological warfare is key in harassment; raids alone sow fear and chaos.
Also escort and rescue missions, all within special forces’ scope.
Small size, high concealment, enables reconnaissance and infiltration.”
Ling Xiao previously had no such concept, but new memories unlocked in his spirit sea provided this knowledge.
He found it excellent and suited him.
Thus, he proposed Ji Ning form such a unit.
“How did you think of this?”
Even numb Ji Ning was shocked speechless by Ling Xiao’s speech.
“Read in ancient texts. Before True Demon Empire warred with Holy Dynasty, they formed a similar unit. Post-war, members infiltrated enemy states for widespread sabotage, achieving great results, establishing special operations as Xuan Realm’s main mode.”
Ling Xiao fabricated freely; Ji Ning couldn’t verify.
“Good, wherever from, I like this novel model. I’ll grant permission to select needed warriors from Heavenly Wolf Knights, archers, infantry, and mech soldiers!”
Ji Ning approved Ling Xiao’s proposal.
