Almost simultaneously, the Nine Nether Blood Killing Array also changed.

The eerie, cold Yin Attribute Spiritual Qi rose from the ground and was absorbed by these corpses.

The special materials for refining zombies nearby also began to be gradually consumed.

This situation went on for a full forty-nine days!

During these forty-nine days, Chen Liancang and Chen Hai took turns controlling the array to maintain its operation and the refining of the zombies.

Such a massive undertaking would normally be very difficult for the two of them, Qi Cultivation Early-stage Cultivators, to complete.

However, they were supported by the large amounts of Spirit Stones and Elixirs bestowed on them by Zheng Yi.

With the support of these Spirit Stones and Elixirs, the refining continued in an orderly fashion.

As time went on, the bodies of the cultivators who had just been beheaded began to change first.

Black mist began to gather at their wounds, and the flowing blood stopped, instead being sucked back into their bodies.

Then, their muscles started to tremble, their skin gradually turned ashen, and the severed heads slowly rose to reattach to their necks, with the connection flashing with eerie blood light as the wounds healed at a visible speed.

The corpses of the cultivators who died on Celestial Longevity Mountain also began to change, faster than those who had been beheaded.

Their previously decaying bodies gradually ceased to decompose, and their skin regained elasticity, though a strange bluish-black color.

In their hollow eye sockets, faint green flames gradually ignited, their teeth became sharp like fangs, and their nails grew long and sharp as knives.

As the refining deepened, the changes in these corpses became more apparent.

Their bodies began to stiffen, joints making "crackling" sounds, as if protesting against this evil transformation.

But under the control of the array and Chen Liancang’s magic, they were powerless to resist.

Gradually, these corpses stood up one by one.

Their movements were slow and awkward, but the sinister aura they emitted was terrifying.

Chen Liancang looked at the gradually forming zombie army and nodded slightly.

Forty-nine days, these zombies are considered to be initially refined successfully.

Next, place them here, nourish and train them with Yin Qi, and then refine them with Essence Blood.

By then, they will become a zombie army that cannot be ignored!

At this time, Chen Liancang and Chen Hai were both exhausted but their eyes were filled with excitement.

Especially Chen Hai, who couldn’t suppress his excitement, saying, "Foster father, have we succeeded?"

"Yes."

Chen Liancang nodded slightly and said, "According to the Netherworld Scripture, after forty-nine days of refinement, if the corpses have not decayed but are instead filled with Yin Qi and can walk on their own, then we have initially succeeded."

"Next, use the Blood Sacrifice Technique to infuse them with your own Essence Blood, imprinting your own mark on them, so they recognize you as their master."

"That’s when the refining is truly successful."

"Able to be commanded with the cultivator’s mind, following thoughts, able to do anything with just a thought."

"With so many zombies, the Great Yu Realm will be as stable as ever, hahaha... cough, cough, cough..."

As he was speaking, Chen Liancang suddenly burst into a violent cough.

His originally gray face turned red, looking very frightening.

"Foster father! Are you alright!"

Chen Hai hurriedly helped him sit down, gently patting his back, asking nervously.

"Shaohai, I’m fine."

After taking a deep breath, Chen Liancang finally calmed down.

He took an Elixir out of his storage bag and swallowed it, and the chaotic Spiritual Qi within him gradually steadied.

"On that day, when the group of cultivators attacked Celestial Longevity Mountain, some cultivators took the opportunity to raid the Imperial Palace."

"I was also injured by a loose cultivator."

"Fortunately, the Grand General Xu Mujun guarded it, and the palace remained unharmed."

Chen Hai asked nervously, "Foster father, are you..."

"Relax, I won’t die!"

Chen Liancang’s eyes were indifferent, and he spoke in a low voice, "An old friend is still alive, how could I leave so easily~"

"Xiaohai~"

"Foster father, I’m here."

"These zombies, you will refine them."

"What!"

Chen Hai exclaimed, "Foster father! How can this be? These zombies are your..."

"No need for buts."

Chen Liancang grabbed his wrist and said, "Your character, both I and Your Majesty have seen it, honest and straightforward, loyal to Your Majesty."

"That day, His Majesty had me adopt you as a son because of your honesty, allowing you to cultivate the Netherworld Scripture alongside me, and you are my direct disciple."

"After I’m gone, you will be the guardian elder of the Great Yu Imperial Palace!"

"Foster father, I, I..."

Chen Hai, excited and anxious, never expected that his actions had been noticed by His Majesty.

It truly was... a great surprise!

Looking at Chen Hai’s excited expression, a hint of helplessness flickered deep in Chen Liancang’s eyes.

Chen Hai’s martial talent was inferior to Chen Zhong and Chen Yi, and also inferior to Chen Xiao and others.

Even his character was dull, not very clever, just considered honest at best.

But...

He possessed a Spirit Root, he was a cultivator!

This was also his greatest asset.

In the entire Shadow Guard, only he and Chen Liancang possessed a Spirit Root.

If he doesn’t take over Chen Liancang’s position, who will?

But fortunately, Chen Hai at least had ’loyalty.’

Loyal to Your Majesty and the Great Yu.

This was what Zheng Yi valued.

Not highly talented?

Not strong cultivation?

It doesn’t matter.

As long as he remains loyal, that’s all that counts.

If need be, they can simply pour resources into him to boost his cultivation!

He took a deep breath and continued, "Xiaohai, I was seriously injured, my foundation damaged, and this life’s cultivation stops here."

"Fortunately, His Majesty remembers the old ties, allowing this old dog to survive in the Imperial Palace, giving me a place to stay."

"So the matter of the Blood Sacrificed Zombies will be handed to you."

Chen Liancang grabbed Chen Hai’s wrist, continuing, "Your talent is mediocre, but you are young."

"Loyally serve His Majesty, and His Majesty will not disappoint you."

"Spirit Stones, Elixirs, Cultivation Techniques, nothing will be spared in nurturing."

"You could very well progress to Late-stage Qi Cultivation, and even the Foundation Establishment Stage!"

"Even if you don’t reach the Foundation Establishment Stage, with so many zombies aiding you, you can still contend against a Foundation Establishment Cultivator."

"Xiaohai, these zombies are your greatest asset and backup, and also the strength of the Great Yu Imperial Family, understand?"

Chen Hai’s expression changed, and he respectfully said, "Foster father, I... understand."

"Good."

Chen Liancang finally breathed a sigh of relief, revealing a relieved smile, "No wonder you’re someone I value, now go report this to His Majesty."

"Yes... foster father!"

"Oh, and one more thing to watch out for."

"Foster father, what is it?"

"Grand General Xu."

Chen Liancang took a deep breath and said, "I don’t have much time left. After I’m gone, if Grand General Xu still lives, watch over him for me."

"If he shows any unusual signs, mobilize the soldiers to surround and kill him!"

"Grand General Xu!"

Chen Hai said in surprise, "Foster father, Grand General Xu is the National Guardian General of the Great Yu, how could..."

"Hehehe..."

Chen Liancang chuckled, "I’ve lived for nearly a hundred years, what kind of people haven’t I seen?"

"How many once loyal ministers change when they gain great power?"

"And how many righteous individuals won’t change when faced with great temptation?"

"Take Prime Minister Yang, for instance, a decade ago he was the Earl of Loyal Virtue, helping the previous emperor quell the Nanyue County rebellion, purging corrupt officials, assisting His Majesty’s ascent... but he too ultimately rebelled."

"If not for His Majesty’s wisdom, the Great Yu Dynasty would have vanished!"

Chen Liancang stood up and said, "His Majesty once said, there’s no absolute loyalty!"

"Grand General Xu has always been loyal to the Great Yu...!"

"Yes... I understand, foster father."

"Go now."

Chen Liancang waved, "Report the situation here truthfully to His Majesty, His Majesty will give you further instructions."

"Yes, foster father!"

Chen Hai said respectfully, "I take my leave!"