Several days passed. Feng Zikang had mastered the formless Heavenly Demon avatar technique, yet he dared not slack off on the military cultivation's energy channeling, as his status as a Dragon Tiger Mountain military lineage successor was highly useful, and having cultivated it, he didn't wish for others to easily see through him.

The spirit stones left by Ye Tiansheng provided for his needs, and his progress in the technique of drawing energy into the body for circulation was rapid. He journeyed once more to the ancient battlefield, tempering his inner breath with killing intent to purify it further.

However, being of the demonic path, he was naturally not content with such a gradual progression.

Half a month later, he reached the peak of the first layer of the Energy Channeling stage, his inner breath abundant. All he needed was to establish another internal energy cycle in the Qihai (Sea of Qi) area of his chest to advance to the second layer. He found an excuse for this, heading to Red Stone Peak to seek out Miao Yuchun.

Feng Zikang had not yet reached the third layer of Energy Channeling, so he was temporarily unable to fly by manipulating objects, nor did he possess any flying magical artifacts. The journey to Red Stone Peak was half a day's travel, meaning he could only proceed slowly on foot.

Miao Yuchun was practicing a Daoist technique. Generally, once direct disciples reached the fourth layer of Energy Channeling, they could not resist [Content omitted for artistic pacing, implied focus on combat techniques], and would certainly cultivate several spells and divine abilities. This served two purposes: first, they could compete fiercely with others; second, after reaching the fourth layer, they would inevitably be assigned sect missions or sent out for practical experience, which offered rich rewards, requiring them to possess a few spells and abilities to succeed.

In contrast, outer sect disciples, or even ordinary inner sect disciples, who struggled just to attain the Foundation Establishment stage, dared not easily practice spells before then.

The divine ability Miao Yuchun was practicing was called "Severing Fire Chop." He had been granted a Blazing Sun Axe by his master, which was itself forged from pure Yang Fire. When swung, flames soared high, making for a terrifying spectacle. Coupled with the Severing Fire Chop technique, it manifested as a dance of fire across the sky, possessing immense power.

Feng Zikang’s face was full of envy. When Miao Yuchun finished his set of axe techniques, he clapped his hands and praised loudly, "Senior Brother Miao’s cultivation is profound; I truly envy you to death, little brother!"

Miao Yuchun looked slightly startled when he saw him arrive, but his expression quickly softened into a smile. "Junior Brother Feng, you see me at my awkwardness. I’ve only managed to bring this Severing Fire Chop to the third level. Though the momentum is great, it is ultimately just mortal fire. Only by reaching the fourth level, the True Fire realm, will I have a decent chance of slaying a Ghost General in the back mountains."

"Oh? Senior Brother is going to slay a Ghost General?"

A thought stirred in Feng Zikang's mind. Dragon Tiger Mountain was situated near the ancient battlefield, making spectral hauntings inevitable. As for the ghosts, the Ghost Soldiers were no concern; early-stage Energy Channeling disciples who hadn't cultivated spells or abilities could easily dispatch them. Ghost Kings were extremely rare, and their appearance would certainly draw the attention of Elders or Protectors. Only the Ghost Generals were numerous enough and sufficiently strong to serve as suitable training grounds for younger disciples.

Furthermore, the Soul Fire Pearls obtained from eliminating Ghost Generals were essential ingredients for refining Exorcism Jade Plaques and some low-tier weapons. Turning them over to the sect’s Hundred Arms Workshop would yield a handsome reward in spirit stones.

"I do have the intention, but I fear my strength is insufficient..."

Miao Yuchun spoke humbly, but in truth, with his current cultivation, dealing with a single Ghost General should not be a major issue.

"Senior Brother, I came this time because I wanted to ask—I have now reached the peak of the first layer of Energy Channeling and am about to break through to the second. Are there any taboos or points of caution I should be aware of?"

"In just one month, Junior Brother has already reached the peak of the first layer? Remarkable!"

Miao Yuchun was slightly surprised, and a fleeting shadow of displeasure crossed his face, which Feng Zikang noticed. Military cultivation emphasized fierce, rapid advancement. While reaching the peak of the first layer in under a month was considered excellent, it wasn't an exceptionally rare feat. However, Miao Yuchun himself had taken about three months, leading him to feel a touch of jealousy toward his junior.

"No wonder... If he hadn't been foolish for those seven years, wouldn't he have surpassed us all?" Miao Yuchun mused inwardly, maintaining a smile on his face.

"Haha, Junior Brother, you are being too cautious. Our military cultivation is about advancing without retreat; what is there to be wary of? Thinking too much only slows down cultivation—remember this point, Junior Brother!"

"Thank you for your guidance, Senior Brother," Feng Zikang replied with a lowered, respectful demeanor, though a cold smirk played at the corner of his mouth. He changed the subject, turning to inquire about Miao Yuchun's arrangements for slaying the Ghost General.

"Senior Brother, when you go to slay the Ghost General, could you take me along to broaden my horizons?"

"This..."

Miao Yuchun hesitated. After all, he had committed a misdeed in the past. Although Feng Zikang seemed to remember nothing, he felt inexplicably uneasy. "Ghost Generals are powerful and ferocious. Senior Brother isn't entirely confident either. If Junior Brother wants to come, you are certainly welcome, but I fear..."

"Senior Brother need not worry about my safety," Feng Zikang said, his interest piqued. "I will borrow an Exorcism Jade Plaque from Senior Brother Huo Zhongguang and merely observe from the side. I absolutely will not drag Senior Brother down."

With the conversation having reached this point, Miao Yuchun found it difficult to refuse. He agreed that in three days, after he brought his Severing Fire Chop technique to the fourth level, he would take Feng Zikang along to eliminate the Ghost General.

Feng Zikang bid farewell to Miao Yuchun and immediately turned toward the back mountain, heading to find Huo Zhongguang.

The Dragon Tiger Mountain military disciples all cultivated diligently. When Feng Zikang arrived at the entrance to the formation at the Songling Ancient Battlefield in the back mountain, he found Huo Zhongguang performing his breathing exercises. Outside the stone hut where Huo Zhongguang resided, several outer sect disciples were eagerly waiting for him to finish his practice.

Feng Zikang smiled slightly and waited outside patiently. The outer sect disciples recognized his inner sect attire; they envied and feared him simultaneously, not daring to approach him, keeping their distance.

Not long after, Huo Zhongguang stretched his body. He frowned upon seeing the outer sect disciples, but his face immediately broke into a smile upon seeing Feng Zikang.

"Junior Brother Feng, what wind blew you in?"

Feng Zikang, having deliberately sought acquaintance with him before, quickly explained his purpose in a few sentences. Huo Zhongguang was very envious when he heard that Miao Yuchun, who was only at the fourth layer of Energy Channeling, was going to destroy a Ghost General. As for Feng Zikang’s request to borrow an Exorcism Jade Plaque, Huo Zhongguang readily agreed.

Although he was also an inner sect disciple, his master had passed away early, leaving him with no guidance in his cultivation. Compared to direct disciples like Miao Yuchun and Feng Zikang, his conditions were far inferior, and he dared not offend them, left only with envy.

At this point, the few outer sect disciples timidly shuffled forward. Huo Zhongguang still scolded them sternly, collected two spirit stones from each, and let them pass.

"Senior Brother watches over the great formation here; your merit and hard work are great, and the spoils are good too!" Feng Zikang said with a full smile, as if making idle conversation.

"What use is this? Compared to Senior Brother Miao and Senior Brother Feng, this old brother is far behind..."

Feng Zikang’s words touched the fat man’s sensitive spot, prompting him to vent his grievances. He originally belonged to the Sunset Peak lineage, considered a disciple of the main branch of Dragon Tiger Mountain. However, the elder who accepted him into the sect had perished over twenty years ago. Without guidance from a master on his cultivation path, he had stumbled all the way. After over forty years since entering the sect, he was still only at the eighth layer of Energy Channeling, and his array of spells and abilities was superficial. The sect elders held little hope for his Foundation Establishment, and he was ostracized on Sunset Peak, eventually ending up here guarding the ancient battlefield formation—a position only slightly better than a menial steward disciple. Although he managed to skim some spirit stones here, it offered little help to his cultivation advancement.

"Alas, after decades of cultivation, Foundation Establishment remains uncertain. This old brother is somewhat disheartened."

Although he appeared utterly disheartened, a spark of unwillingness still burned in Huo Zhongguang's eyes. If he had the conditions afforded to Miao and Feng, achieving Foundation Establishment would not be difficult!

Feng Zikang observed coldly, already understanding what the man was thinking. He tapped his forehead as if suddenly remembering something.

"That’s right! Before Master went into seclusion a few days ago, he mentioned that through years of focused research, he found a method to advance directly from the late Energy Channeling stage to Foundation Establishment. Senior Brother is now at the seventh layer of Energy Channeling; perhaps you might be able to advance directly..."

"There is such a method?"

Huo Zhongguang was overjoyed, grabbing Feng Zikang’s wrist. Foundation Establishment was a massive hurdle blocking his path. Hearing of such a miraculous technique, how could he remain composed!

"Good Junior Brother, tell me secretly, and I will give you all the spirit stones I have accumulated over the years!" Being worldly and greedy, he naturally assumed everyone else was the same, immediately offering spirit stones to trade for the secret method.

Feng Zikang smiled coldly, thinking that his supreme demonic path secret methods were not worth the paltry spirit stones this man had hoarded. Yet, his face remained righteous and solemn: "Senior Brother speaks too kindly. Since we are fellow disciples, and Senior Brother has taken such good care of me, I certainly must tell you this method. However, Master said this secret method must not be lightly spread. There are too many ears here; how about this: after five days, you quietly come to the Bamboo Grove at night, and I will convey the secret method Master passed down..."

"Five days..." Huo Zhongguang was burning with impatience, wishing he could drag this junior brother right now to force the secret method out of him, but he couldn't force the issue. Just moments ago, he offered all his spirit stones, and as soon as he finished speaking, he felt a twinge of regret. Now, this junior brother was so righteous that he wouldn't even ask for a single coin, willing to share it for free. He naturally took Feng Zikang to be the greatest good person—and the biggest fool—in the world.

"Very well, after five days, this old brother will come to visit. Once this old brother achieves Foundation Establishment, I will never forget Senior Brother Feng's kindness!"

Feng Zikang readily agreed. They set the appointment for five days. He retrieved the Jade Plaque and returned to the mountain alone to make arrangements, awaiting his journey with Miao Yuchun to slay the Ghost General in three days.