Under one person: I, Zhang Zhiwei, the arrogant Zhang.

As he spoke, Zhang Zhiwei drew a long horizontal line on the map from east to west, and continued:

"The east is a water-rich area with many mountains and hills, which can effectively delay the advance of the Japanese pirates' mechanized forces. More importantly, we can trade space for time, relying on the vast strategic depth here to drag the war into a protracted war of attrition. The Japanese pirates' homeland is a small island with scarce resources. As long as we drag them in and wear them down, then we will have a chance!"

Zhang Jingqing's eyes lit up as he listened, as if he had seen a brand new and hopeful path.

But then he sighed, "No matter how much we talk, it's all just empty talk. The Japanese pirates are doing so well in the north, advancing like a whirlwind. Why split our forces and change their planned routes? And what can we do to make them come over willingly?"

Zhang Zhiwei said, "In this kind of thing, intrigue is meaningless; we must use an open strategy. We need to choose a place that the Japanese pirates cannot refuse, forcing them to send troops over."

"A place they couldn't refuse... forced them to divert their forces here..."

Zhang Jingqing repeated the sentence to herself, her eyes rapidly scanning the map, and whispered:

"Currently, the Japanese pirates are mainly based in the Northeast region, and in Shanghai, which they occupied through despicable means a few years ago. The Northeast is their stronghold, and we cannot shake it for the time being. In other words..."

Zhang Jingqing raised her head and looked at Zhang Zhiwei: "Shanghai?"

Zhang Zhiwei nodded heavily: "Only here can we provoke the Japanese pirates to fight with all their might."

“But Shanghai… is not a place where a major war can be fought.” Zhang Jingqing’s brows furrowed tightly.

Zhang Zhiwei nodded in agreement: "This is indeed not an ideal battlefield. First, the terrain here is flat, which makes it easy for the Japanese pirates to deploy large-scale mechanized forces. Second, it is close to the sea, and the naval forces on the other side can continuously supply troops and carry out massive firepower suppression. Third, we have no troops stationed here. Rather than saying that we are protecting Shanghai, it is more like we are taking the initiative to attack Shanghai. You can imagine how difficult it is."

Zhang Jingqing paced back and forth in the main hall with her hands behind her back, pondered for a long time, and then said:
"But we can't do nothing. If we don't take the initiative, the Japanese pirates will likely continue their northward offensive, gradually eroding our territory. They might even open a second front in the south, putting us in an even more passive position. So, this battle is essential. But... we can't fight a decisive battle here. It would be best to lure the main force of the Japanese pirates here, and then we can withdraw. That way..."

Zhang Jingqing paused, stopped, and asked Zhang Zhiwei with some uncertainty, "Will the Japanese pirates... come?"

Zhang Zhiwei answered confidently: "The Japanese pirates will definitely come. The value of Shanghai dictates that they must respond. As long as we set up our forces here, we will definitely draw the Japanese pirates' main force here. But... doing so is too difficult."

"Why?" Zhang Jingqing asked.

Zhang Zhiwei said, "Because after we achieve our strategic goals, we may not be able to withdraw in time. Judging from the current situation, we don't even have the idea of ​​withdrawing at all."

"Why?" Zhang Jingqing asked again.

He discovered that his apprentice seemed to possess extraordinary and unique insights into these crucial military and national affairs, far exceeding those of ordinary people. On the contrary, he, as the master, appeared somewhat inexperienced.

“Because there’s a possibility of misjudgment,” Zhang Zhiwei slowly uttered four words.

"What misjudgment? Could it be that the Japanese pirates have some special movements that we are unaware of?" Zhang Jingqing pressed.

Zhang Zhiwei shook his head: "It's not that we misjudged the Japanese pirates, but... we misjudged the international situation. I've heard from some sources that many people still have an expectation that as long as we can fight for three months and show enough determination to resist, the great powers will step in to mediate, the battle will end, and the Japanese pirates will even be too busy to take care of themselves."

“I’ve heard about this news too,” Zhang Jingqing said. “But do you think it won’t end? After all, in the current situation, other powers also have huge interests in our China. Will they just stand by and watch the Japanese invaders devour this prize?”

Zhang Jingqing's idea represented the thoughts of many people at the time. They believed that international forces would inevitably intervene.

Zhang Zhiwei sighed: "That makes sense. But is it possible that everyone underestimated the ambitions of the Japanese pirates and overestimated the strength of those great powers? Or perhaps they themselves are already in dire straits, barely able to save themselves?"

“Master, as you know, Wang Ai and I also do some business abroad, so we are fairly well-informed about news from overseas. It’s safe to say that the situation there is not much better than here; there are also various sharp conflicts, and war could break out at any moment. When the fighting starts, no one will be able to take care of us.”

Zhang Jingqing remained silent for a long time before finally speaking: "In other words, if the fighting breaks out in Shanghai, for various reasons, we will suffer extremely heavy losses."

Zhang Zhiwei nodded heavily.

"Is there a solution? Should I ask someone to pass this message over there?" Zhang Jingqing asked.

“There’s no way,” Zhang Zhiwei shook his head. “There’s no need to pass on any messages. Actually, it’s not really a secret; many insightful people could have figured it out. But some decisions are hard to change. Besides, we’re just talking on paper here, all talk and no action. Moving hundreds of thousands or even millions of troops isn’t like moving a piece on a chessboard.

Zhang Jingqing fell into deep silence once again. He felt the helplessness of being an extraordinary person.

He was a master in the world of supernatural beings, capable of summoning wind and thunder, but in the face of such a grand historical tide, he appeared so insignificant. He couldn't interfere with those matters, and he even knew that he probably shouldn't pay too much attention to them.

But... the rise and fall of a nation is the responsibility of every citizen, so how could he not worry?

After a long silence, Zhang Jingqing sighed and said:

"What you say makes a lot of sense; it's just my wishful thinking. Upon closer examination, given the current situation, while this idea is idealistic, it's almost impossible to implement. In our recent clashes with the Japanese pirates, we've been far too passive and pathetic. Even if we were to fight and retreat in Shanghai as we've suggested, how would it differ from what happened in Northeast China back then in the eyes of those who don't know the truth?"

"By then, the criticism will be overwhelming. Moreover, now that various forces have spoken out, if we don't keep our promises and fight a tough battle, we may immediately lose the support of the people and cause internal disintegration. We must use a tough battle to prove our determination to China and even to the world."

“Master, you are right, that is indeed the case.” Zhang Zhiwei nodded.

Zhang Jingqing's eyes hardened again: "In that case, let's just do our own thing. We outsiders shouldn't worry about things that are going to happen."

"Go and set up that 'Return to Origin Formation' you mentioned, and let your disciples experience the cruelty of war in advance. Train them well, and if they are still willing to come down the mountain by then... then let them go."

"Yes, Master." Zhang Zhiwei nodded and left the Great Shangqing Palace. Next, he walked to the huge bronze bell at the entrance of the Great Shangqing Palace. Instead of using the bell hammer, he raised his fist and punched the bronze bell again and again.

The huge bronze bell trembled violently after being smashed.

"Dang! Dang! Dang!"

The distant and solemn sound of the bell resounded throughout the entire Longhu Mountain.

All the disciples on the mountain, whether they were practicing martial arts, reading, sweeping, or working, would immediately put down what they were doing and quickly gather in the square in front of the Shangqing Palace upon hearing the bell.

Soon, all the disciples were lined up neatly and in complete silence.

Standing atop the high steps, Zhang Zhiwei's gaze swept over the young, excited faces below, and he proclaimed in a clear voice:

“I have already told Master about your thoughts. Master supports your determination to defend your country. But the battlefield is no child's play. Without thorough preparation, rushing down the mountain is tantamount to suicide. Therefore, before you go down the mountain, you must undergo a special training!”

Then, Zhang Zhiwei explained the "Return to Origin Array" and the "Inner Realm Illusion" to everyone in detail.

Upon hearing this plan, all the members of the Celestial Master's Mansion understood that Zhang Zhiwei was protecting them in his own way. Far from backing down, they became even more excited, rubbing their hands together, their fighting spirit soaring.

Even the little guy Fang Qianhe came over and said with a determined look that he wanted to join in.

Although Zhang Zhiwei did not intend for him to go to the battlefield so early, since he had the desire to try entering the inner realm, Zhang Zhiwei would not refuse.

“In that case,” Zhang Zhiwei said, looking at the eager faces below, “those who want to participate in this special training should register with Zhang Huaiyi.”

After saying that, he stopped talking and turned to walk towards the back of the mountain.

He really didn't know how to use the "Return to Origin Formation" and needed Zhuge Yunhui's assistance.

During this period, Zhuge Yunhui lived a life of extreme hardship.

Since Zhou Sheng arrived, his life of leisurely living with his wife on a warm bed has come to a complete end.

At first, Zhuge Yunhui would slack off whenever he could, and whenever he had free time, he would try to find Tian Xiaodie to tutor him, which made Zhou Sheng, who was eager to teach him, increasingly angry.

At first, Zhou Sheng was still considerate of Zhang Zhiwei, so he only made some sarcastic remarks and didn't actually take any action.

But as Zhuge Yunhui continued to slack off and cheat, and would occasionally show affection in front of him, who was all alone, Zhou Sheng finally couldn't take it anymore and had been looking for opportunities to teach Zhuge Yunhui a lesson.

However, it was precisely under Zhou Sheng's high-pressure "teaching" that Zhuge Yunhui unexpectedly grasped some of the wonders of Tian Tong Qi Men and was already able to rotate the four plates very slightly.

This gave Zhou Sheng a little psychological comfort. If he had been teaching him for so long and this guy still hadn't made any progress, he vowed that he would find an opportunity to make Zhuge Yunhui get into position, and then he would gather all his strength and kick him off Longhu Mountain!
When Zhang Zhiwei found Zhuge Yunhui, he was huddled up next to a large rock, being scolded by Zhou Sheng like a grandson.

"...Is your brain filled with mush? You can't even understand something this simple? Are you a fish? Your memory is so bad? I think you shouldn't be called Zhuge Yunhui anymore, you should change your name to Zhuge Fish!"

Zhou Sheng stood with his hands on his hips, spitting almost onto Zhuge Yunhui's face.

Upon seeing Zhang Zhiwei approaching from afar, Zhuge Yunhui felt as if he had been granted a pardon. His eyes lit up, and he quickly broke free from Zhou Sheng's oppressive aura, running to greet him: "Brother Zhiwei! What brings you here!"

They looked just like they had met Guanyin Bodhisattva, the Bodhisattva of Compassion.

Zhou Sheng also saw Zhang Zhiwei. He put away his sarcastic expression, stepped forward, and respectfully bowed to Zhang Zhiwei: "Greetings, Senior Brother Zhang."

Zhang Zhiwei nodded to the two of them, and then told Zhuge Yunhui about his plan to use the Guiyuan Formation to conduct battlefield training for his disciples.

Upon hearing this, Zhuge Yunhui immediately patted his chest and said, "No problem, Brother Zhiwei, leave this to me! I will do my best to cooperate!"

After thinking for a moment, he said, "How about... I directly teach you the method of the Returning Origin Formation, and you can perform it yourself. The effect will definitely be much better than my half-baked skills!"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Zhiwei nodded and did not refuse. He was going to pass on the Tiantong Qimen to the Wuhou Sect anyway, so using a Guiyuan Formation technique was nothing to him.

Zhou Sheng, who was standing to the side, was also surprised to hear that Zhuge Yunhui had such a wonderful method to connect everyone's inner visions. He couldn't help but exclaim, "As expected of the legacy left by Zhuge Liang, there are so many good things here!"

Upon hearing this, Zhuge Yunhui waved his hand and said with great enthusiasm, "If Brother Zhou is curious about this 'Returning Origin Formation,' then I will teach you about it!"

"This...how can this be?" Zhou Sheng was truly dumbfounded. He looked at Zhuge Yunhui with disbelief. This was a closely guarded secret of the sect; how could he just teach it to him like that?
"Why not?" Zhuge Yunhui said matter-of-factly, "Many people in our world of supernatural beings take social class too seriously! They cherish their skills and keep them hidden away, until they're lost forever. If you ask me, we should exchange ideas more! It's just like academic research in the secular world. Everyone should share their knowledge, discuss and analyze together, so we can inspire each other and develop even more powerful techniques!"

His words came from the bottom of his heart. Although Zhou Sheng was very fierce to him, he could tell that Zhou Sheng didn't actually have any ill intentions; he just really wanted him to master Qimen as soon as possible.

How could he possibly hold a grudge against someone who came with this intention to teach him their unique skills?
Hearing Zhuge Yunhui's grand pronouncements, Zhang Zhiwei couldn't help but cover his forehead, thinking to himself: This kid is a real spendthrift; he's probably going to squander all of the Wuhou Sect's wealth...

But then he thought, if everyone in the world of supernatural beings thought like him, things might really be a different story.

Unfortunately, this is something that is destined to be impossible. (End of Chapter)