CHAPTER 1120: CHAPTER 1076: THE PERSONAL ARMY IN REFINEMENT

Ma Chao once again adjusted the protection of Cloud Qi. Days of icy cold winds had quietly given him the ability to manipulate Cloud Qi.

Honestly, Ma Chao didn’t understand why he suddenly knew how to manipulate Cloud Qi. He only remembered that due to the blizzards before, he used Cloud Qi to shield against the harsh environment while marching. Yet, in just over an hour, the Cloud Qi was nearly depleted, and his subordinates felt a sharp decline in their Essence, Qi, and Spirit due to the excessive depletion.

Fortunately, they reached a sheltered area at that time; otherwise, a mishap could have led to total annihilation.

Continuing to march afterward, Ma Chao made every effort to constrain Cloud Qi, just enough to resist the harsh conditions while keeping it within a bearable consumption range. This was as if the ability had become instinctual.

As Ma Chao grew more familiar with this ability, his use of Cloud Qi became increasingly precise. Now he can apply Cloud Qi to attack and defense, which, while experimental, is indeed achievable.

Regarding achieving more precise and effective attacks and defenses, Ma Chao found that exceeding a certain limit would instantly revert the Cloud Qi to its original state, leaving him quite puzzled.

After all, Cloud Qi itself can add special effects, and the ability to augment soldier attack and defense with Cloud Qi stems from formation abilities. The Legion Talent is an effect caused by the synchronization of the Chief General’s will and his soldiers’ will, influencing Cloud Qi. The attribute effects of Elite Troops are inherently from the instinctual use of Cloud Qi.

As for Military Spirit, it is purely an effect of will, where any additional effects are capabilities manifested by the will-driven Cloud Qi.

In essence, formation, Legion Talent, elite attributes, and Military Spirit Will are all manifestations of personal will and Cloud Qi, and because their attributes differ, so do their forms of expression, becoming stronger as they approach a certain limit.

Chen Qun shared these insights with Ma Chao. Similar to Liu Bei’s Army and Sunx Ce’s Army, some individuals are collecting and compiling this information.

Previously, before the Inner Qi Manifestation increased and before Heaven and Earth Essence was fully activated, there were not enough materials for research. But now, with plenty of Inner Qi Manifestation, Legion Talents, and special formations, it would be odd if sages didn’t study them!

Cao Cao’s faction also naturally compiled a complete set of this knowledge. As an ally, and with Ma Chao venturing alone into the Northern Desert, Cao Cao befriending Ma Chao was inevitable. Aiding him before the battle was timely, especially as there was no risk of exposure. If Ma Chao did not return, the information wouldn’t spread.

This allowed Ma Chao the opportunity to access resources only the three major powers possessed. Incidentally, Chen Qun also had materials on the Immortal Longevity Technique, but he sealed them after reviewing, deeming that path pointless.

Ma Chao suspected he had awakened a Legion Talent. However, strangely, according to Chen Qun’s records, one should be aware of the Legion Talent upon awakening—even if unable to use it. One shouldn’t be unaware.

Conversely, Ma Chao felt his ability was more akin to manipulating formations, as formations rely on Cloud Qi. Yet Ma Chao had no chance to verify his assumptions; after all, any waste of Cloud Qi in this environment meant a lack of responsibility to his subordinates.

"That is..." Ma Chao suddenly caught sight of the clearing sky several miles away and was overjoyed, "Speed up the march; we’re almost at our rest point."

Ma Chao guessed correctly; it was the rest point Xun Yu had prepared for him. Xun Yu had instructed Ma Chao to choose a rest point and time of arrival, investing a remarkable amount of Spiritual Capacity, allowing Xun Yu to alter the weather hundreds of miles away. Although it was limited to a few miles in range, Xun Yu understood the strategic significance.

With one step, the wind and snow completely vanished. Though the land remained a snowfield, the despairing cold had suddenly disappeared, and the dark clouds in the sky were torn apart, revealing the moon and stars.

Countless Qiang People, as they walked into this rest point, were astounded, with some even kneeling on the snowfield in worship of the heavens. Their expressions toward Ma Chao were of utmost admiration, as if looking at a deity!

"Set up camp, prepare meals, and rest for the night!" Ma Chao shouted. In such an environment, having a bowl of hot soup would significantly boost everyone’s morale!

"Roar!" All the Qiang Clan shouted in unison. They finally understood the purpose behind Ma Chao insisting on each having two horses, with one carrying firewood. Quickly, all the Qiang Clan entered this rest point, setting up camp and cooking on the spot. Ma Chao did not order enhanced patrols because he would stay awake all night himself!

Soon, the aroma of meat wafted out. After a hearty meal, the soldiers retired early following Ma Chao’s orders, leaving Ma Chao standing outside the tent, watching the blizzard and gale rage outside the rest point.

Compared to the inherent power of Inner Qi Manifestation, from a certain standpoint, the nature-controlling abilities of a Top Sage are closer to that of a deity, much like the scene unfolding before Ma Chao—he felt astounded.

[Fa Xiaozhi, is this the power you possess? Beyond intellect, you inherently have such power as well.] Ma Chao thought silently, unworried about a night raid. He kept his post to prevent the potential emergence of large packs of prairie wolves.

After one night of rest and recovery, Ma Chao’s previously battered army regained its original morale, eyes more resolute, their momentum overwhelming, and most importantly, more confident in themselves.

Miracles and glory—after last night’s events, they fully believed their king would lead them to victory. The hardships beforehand were just the king’s way of honing them.

While it sounds somewhat like fanaticism, it isn’t entirely incorrect—these young Qiang people already revered their King of Qiang. The centuries-old strife of the Qiang Clan ended by a peer, whose unparalleled strength commanded their awe!

Just as aristocratic families educate their heirs, the Qiang People instilled in their offspring the image of their king as both perfect and powerful. Everything about Ma Chao fit the Qiang people’s perception of a king. These dream-filled Qiang youths naturally projected the legendary King of Qiang onto Ma Chao’s image, believing he would lead them to victory after victory!

Not for themselves, but to follow in the king’s footsteps, each young Qiang on the snowfield silently resolved. They sincerely believed and wholeheartedly accepted that Ma Chao, the King of Qiang, would bring them triumph.

The once-piercing cold wind and blinding snowstorm were now challenges they confidently faced with unwavering faith—a testament to their resilience! (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, feel free to go to Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendations and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please read on m.qidian.com.)