CHAPTER 136: CHAPTER 136: LEGION CHIEF OF STAFF XIAO QIANG

The Cockroach Monster’s Cultivation wasn’t high, but it had at least evolved through Laws. Even so, it wasn’t too weak, possessing Divinity Transformation Cultivation.

Out of curiosity about Laws, a top-tier power, Chen Jiuge contracted the Cockroach Monster and named it Xiao Qiang.

Watching Xiao Qiang nibbling on a piece of yam, Chen Jiuge realized that aside from being quite clever in matters of war, Xiao Qiang was like a blank slate in all other aspects.

In terms of ability, it was pretty good. Its strength was average, but it was capable of deploying troops and even some training in military formations. However, why did these military formations look so familiar?

"What a treasure, smarter than those evolved Soldier Insects in my home," Yue Jun said enviously as he watched Xiao Qiang simulating the military formations he had used before.

"You don’t say, Old Yue. I remember your evolved Insect Soldiers almost numbered a hundred," Jun Sandao said, somewhat astonished.

"A hundred???" Bai Yao looked terrified at this big, burly man. A hundred cockroach-men—how terrifying, she thought.

"Sigh, those are basically not Commanders evolved through battle formations, but Insect Soldiers evolved by surviving countless battles. I don’t have a single one that has reached the evolved form of the Insect Soldier Great General," Yue Jun said wistfully.

Upon thinking of the conditions for the Insect Soldier Great General’s evolution, Jun Sandao’s mouth twitched. He patted Yue Jun comfortingly. This burly fellow will probably never achieve it in this lifetime.

Turning his sorrow into appetite, Yue Jun alone devoured several Red Flame Sheep. Perhaps the sheep were just too delicious, Chen Jiuge thought to himself.

After eating, Yue Jun mentioned he would return later as he needed to report on the frontline situation. Then, he left behind a rugged stone house next to Jun Sandao’s cottage, paid Chen Jiuge a hefty rent, and rushed off.

Looking at the bag of Spirit Stones in his hand, Chen Jiuge intended to refuse, but Yue Jun didn’t give him the chance.

"Just take it," Jun Sandao said from the side. "Old Yue doesn’t have much else, but he does have plenty of Spirit Stones."

Hearing this, Chen Jiuge silently accepted the Spirit Stones.

Chen Jiuge had long had plans for Xiao Qiang. War Song had just established his legion, so it was perfect to send Xiao Qiang there.

Whether Xiao Qiang could adapt or not, Chen Jiuge didn’t plan to interfere too much. Every Spiritual Beast under his command needed to have their own role. It wasn’t necessarily strength, but they must excel in some aspect, just like Yue Meng’s Alchemy, or Da Bai’s Artifact Refining.

After taking Xiao Qiang to War Song’s legion training ground, Chen Jiuge left with just one sentence: "This will be your legion’s strategist in the future."

War Song was now very curious about Xiao Qiang. Their master wouldn’t usually meddle in the Spiritual Beasts’ affairs, at most intervening if they encountered trouble. This cockroach-man must have some skills, but I just can’t see what they are yet, he thought.

The newly arrived Xiao Qiang was somewhat bashful, quietly greeting everyone.

Then, under War Song’s watchful eyes, Xiao Qiang conducted his first session leading the legion’s training.

Looking at Xiao Qiang, spirited and standing on a stone pillar, he seemed like a completely different creature from the shy newcomer.

As Xiao Qiang commanded, the legion continuously changed positions. These complex commands bewildered War Song. As the battle formation executed its final change, a group of Li Fire Monkeys, only at Nascent Soul Cultivation, saw a huge flame monkey holding a staff materialize above their heads.

"This... this... this presence, could it be Mahayana?" War Song exclaimed, eyes wide.

"KILL!" Xiao Qiang roared.

All the Li Fire Monkeys instinctively swung the staff-like Magic Artifacts in their hands, and the gigantic Li Fire Monkey above followed suit, slamming down its staff.

BOOM!

Watching the destroyed training ground, War Song burst into a hearty laugh. "This is the legion I wanted! I’ve decided this legion will be called the Great Saint Army from now on! I’m going to lead it to conquer the world!"

"Xiao Qiang, you were born to be my strategist! From now on, I’m the boss, and you’re my second-in-command," War Song said, looking affectionately at Xiao Qiang.

"Th-then... what about me?" Da Shan timidly spoke up.

"Ahem, Da Shan, you’re naturally also a second-in-command. Who said there can only be one? Don’t worry, when I’m not around, you two will be in charge. We’re all good brothers." War Song had nearly forgotten Da Shan, the legion’s greatest contributor. Things could get messy if Da Shan took the Li Fire Monkey troop back to their old home.

Not just Chen Jiuge noticed the movements of the Li Fire Monkey troop; Jun Sandao and others nearby noticed as well.

This must be Xiao Qiang’s masterpiece. It actually looks quite good, Jun Sandao thought. Though its power was only equivalent to that of an ordinary Mahayana realm expert, those monkeys had probably not been training for long. With Xiao Qiang commanding, they could unexpectedly unleash Mahayana-level attacks.

「Three months swiftly passed.」

Jun Sandao and Bai Yao’s mission was about to begin.

"Junior Chen, there’s something I want to ask you," Jun Sandao said suddenly as they were saying their farewells.

"Senior Jun, please ask."

"I’d like to borrow that monkey legion of yours, Junior Brother," Jun Sandao said, looking towards the gigantic fire monkey that was continuously materializing and dissipating in the Gravel Forest.

Jun Sandao’s words took Chen Jiuge by surprise. Senior Jun was a Prospective Core Disciple with Mahayana Cultivation. He was currently suppressing his breakthrough to face the three tribulations before immortal ascension all at once, intending to overcome them in a single attempt to save time.

"Jun Sandao, have you lost your mind?" Bai Yao poked him on the forehead, exasperated. "What use could a troop of monkeys only at the Nascent Soul stage be? Our mission might take us to a minor world, but it’s said to have not just Demon Generals, but Great Demon Generals as well. That troop of monkeys won’t be much help."

"No, you don’t understand," Jun Sandao explained. "I’ve observed them carefully. The potential of that monkey legion is immense. They just need to experience a few battles to unleash a power that cannot be ignored. In a minor world with no Immortals, that’s crucial."

Upon hearing this, Chen Jiuge hesitated for a moment. "Senior Jun, that legion was formed by my Spiritual Beasts themselves. I’m afraid you’ll have to negotiate with them personally."

"Fine, then I’ll go talk to them."

"To the battlefield?" War Song’s eyes lit up as he listened to Jun Sandao.

Training a legion is precisely for going to the battlefield, to conquer the world! Such a great opportunity cannot be missed!

"Yes," Jun Sandao offered, his terms very generous. "I can completely outfit all your soldiers and provide you with Cultivation resources during the war. I won’t take any share of your wartime gains, and afterward, I’ll give you a substantial amount of Spirit Stones." It was almost like he was offering to nurture this legion for free.

"Alright, no problem! When do we leave?" War Song’s furry hand slammed down, sealing the deal.

"Right now, of course. I can craft the equipment for you directly," Jun Sandao said with a smile.

Watching War Song and the other beasts follow Jun Sandao away, Chen Jiuge felt a wave of sentimentality. War Song has even become a mercenary now. Time truly flies. I still remember when he was just an impulsive little monkey, constantly fighting and getting chased all over the place by the Red Flame Sheep King.

"Junior Brother, Senior Jun is very powerful. With him around, your Spiritual Beasts won’t run into any serious trouble," Wen Ruo said comfortingly, thinking Chen Jiuge was worried about their safety.

"Senior Sister, I’m not worried about that," Chen Jiuge said, gesturing to his knee. "I’m just amazed at how quickly time has passed. War Song used to be a little monkey, only up to my knee, and now he’s all grown up."

"Junior Brother, Spiritual Beasts, like humans, inevitably grow up too."

The two quietly watched the departing figures of people and beasts against the setting sun.