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Feng Zikang’s explanation just now was half true and half false. Ye Tiansheng had indeed tried to collect the Condensing Kill Dew to aid his cultivation, but the time was not yet right, and he didn't know if it would ultimately succeed.

The contents of the jade urn, naturally, were the refined essence of Miao Yuchun—who was at the fourth layer of Qi Condensation—processed by Feng Zikang using secret demonic arts.

Absorbing the vital essence of cultivators was certainly a shortcut in the demonic path, but it brought endless future troubles and numerous restrictions. For instance, with Feng Zikang’s current cultivation at the second layer of Qi Condensation, he simply couldn't digest the essence of a fourth-layer cultivator. If it weren't for the backlash from his demon seed injuring him previously, he wouldn't have needed to absorb Miao Yuchun’s vital blood to mend his own injuries.

Given this situation, this jade urn of essence was better used for another plan.

After several polite refusals, and with a tacit understanding between them, Huo Zhongguang finally embraced the jade urn, accepting this grand gift.

“Brother, I appreciate this deeply! Regardless of whether it succeeds or fails, I will always consider you my best brother!”

Under Huo Zhongguang’s flickering gaze, it was impossible to know how much of that was genuine sentiment, but now that he had put his hand into the jade urn, Feng Zikang was no longer worried about him taking the bait.

“What pure true essence!”

Only when he truly circulated the incantation and began to absorb the essence within the urn did Huo Zhongguang realize that this so-called Condensing Kill Dew was truly a marvelous thing. The true essence was pure, untainted by the slightest impurity, and it blended seamlessly with the military doctrines he practiced. It was like a custom-made tonic. He could clearly feel his own strength growing at a rapid pace, and the Foundation Establishment threshold, which had seemed impossibly far away, now appeared much closer!

His eyes glowed red, intoxicated and dizzy, much like someone high on opium—dazed yet simultaneously exhilarated and delighted, unable to control himself.

This thrill of acquiring something valuable without effort, of seizing wealth by cunning, was something even high-level demonic cultivators might struggle to resist, let alone Huo Zhongguang, who was merely a Daoist gate member of ordinary talent. After this single taste, he could never again escape the influence of this jade urn.

“Good brother!”

Huo Zhongguang finally finished absorbing the essence from the jade urn. His eyes shone brightly, and he laughed out loud. His muscles bulged, and faint currents of energy could be seen swirling around him. He had actually broken through the barrier to the ninth layer of Qi Condensation in one go!

“I have been stuck at the eighth layer of Qi Condensation for seven long years, always missing that last sliver to achieve completion! Today, thanks to brother's help, I have broken through to the ninth layer at once! Only a single sheet of paper separates me from the peak perfection of Qi Condensation! I don’t know what words can adequately express this great kindness and virtue!”

The grown man was practically weeping with gratitude, and this time, a greater degree of sincerity infused his thanks.

The divide between an immortal and a mortal is like heaven and earth. If Huo Zhongguang could not achieve Foundation Establishment, he would have, at most, another century of lifespan before returning to dust. If he were an ordinary person, so be it. But having embarked on the path of cultivation, seeing longevity only a single step away, how could he possibly be content?

Countless people perished at the threshold of Foundation Establishment, ending up as withered bones in their tombs. The thought sent a chill through Huo Zhongguang. As a cultivator, he feared death even more than an ordinary person, terrified of falling into that state of unknowing darkness.

Huo Zhongguang had guarded the ancient battlefield for years. Although he had obtained many spirit stones, they offered no help whatsoever to his cultivation, and he could never pass the eighth layer. Despair had begun to creep into his heart. At this critical moment, Feng Zikang’s earth-shattering assistance allowed him to succeed. This was akin to being reborn. Even if he had harbored private suspicions about Feng Zikang’s motives before, they were now completely eradicated, leaving only pure gratitude.

“Senior Brother Huo, there’s no need for such formalities!”

Feng Zikang remained outwardly composed. “We hit it off immediately, like true brothers. Why waste words? It’s just a pity that the next urn of Condensing Kill Dew will require several more days to prepare. I will bring it to Senior Brother then, hoping you can achieve Foundation Establishment soon, so that you might revitalize the prestige of Elder Wu Xuan’s lineage!”

Elder Wu Xuan was Huo Zhongguang’s master, and also a senior martial brother to General Lu and Ye Tiansheng. He had passed away prematurely, leaving only Huo Zhongguang as his disciple.

Hearing Feng Zikang mention his master, Huo Zhongguang’s sorrow and anger surged: “Master’s kindness to me was as heavy as a mountain. It’s just that my talent is slow, and I’ve been bullied constantly. These past few years, I’ve even been marginalized out of Sunset Peak! Hmph! A fine person, Liang Si’an! Now that my master is dead, I doubt he will meet a good end either!”

“Senior Brother, do not let anger consume you. The time for you to display your might will come!”

“Haha! It is truly the greatest joy of my life to be befriended by Brother Feng! If Brother ever needs anything in the future, just give the word. I will go through fire and water for you without batting an eye—or I’m no true hero!”

The two men substituted tea for wine and chatted late into the night, becoming increasingly congenial. Feng Zikang inquired about the woman named Luo Lianxin from Water Moon Pavilion. Huo Zhongguang, who had been full of confidence after his breakthrough, suddenly gasped, quickly warning him not to provoke Luo Lianxin.

It turned out she was renowned as the foremost genius among the third-generation disciples, and the most beloved disciple of Elder Xiao Zhuyuan of Water Moon Pavilion. She had been raised by Xiao Zhuyuan since she was an infant—a veritable freak who started cultivating from the moment she was born. Although only fifteen years old now, she was already a master at the peak of Qi Condensation, with seemingly endless potential.

If it weren't for the fact that she was a woman, and moreover, aloof and reclusive, the Dragon Tiger Mountain military sect might well have already named her as General Lu’s successor.

Unfortunately, Water Moon Pavilion and the Sunset Peak lineage had always been at odds, which is why Luo Lianxin’s fame was not as widespread as Liang Si’an’s.

However, she was absolutely someone not to be trifled with! And above this cold girl, there was the utterly lawless Martial Uncle Xiao!

Even when speaking of the two behind their backs, Huo Zhongguang seemed to retain a trace of fear, unwilling to speak without restraint.

“So she is such a genius…”

Feng Zikang murmured to himself. No wonder she appeared so relaxed and at ease facing the incomplete Ghost-God General! Feng Zikang held no enmity towards her. Now that he understood her background, he had no desire to provoke such an enemy; keeping a respectful distance was sufficient.

Feng Zikang suddenly recalled something and frowned, stammering, “Big Brother, actually, there is one thing I need your help with!”

“Brother, just say the word!”

Huo Zhongguang thumped his chest heartily. Having just accepted such a gift, he certainly couldn’t refuse a request from the young brother.

“It’s nothing major, really… Two days ago, I went with Senior Brother Miao from Red Stone Peak to the General’s Tomb to watch him slay the Ghost General. Big Brother knows about this, right…”

Huo Zhongguang nodded. It was at that time Feng Zikang had come to borrow the Aversion Jade Token, setting up today’s meeting.

“But I lost contact with Senior Brother Miao along the way, and I heard he still hasn't returned to Red Stone Peak today, which makes me uneasy… The General’s Tomb is fraught with danger. My own strength is limited, and I don't dare investigate alone. I wonder if Big Brother could possibly…”

“That’s easy! I’ll accompany you to the General’s Tomb tomorrow!”

Huo Zhongguang had assumed this was a request to repay a favor after receiving the benefits, but he didn't expect it was just to check on the General’s Tomb. Now that his cultivation had reached the ninth layer of Qi Condensation, scouting the outer perimeter would be effortless—it wasn't a major issue. He figured Miao Yuchun wouldn't have the guts to venture deep into the General’s Tomb to do something as foolish as challenging the Ghost King.

“Brother is truly sincere and honest, just like Uncle Ye!”

Huo Zhongguang praised him highly. Although the Dragon Tiger Mountain military sect emphasized the theory of survival of the fittest and elimination of the weak, a kind-hearted person was always welcome. Ye Tiansheng was famous for his straightforwardness and popularity within the sect. In Huo Zhongguang’s view, Feng Zikang had inherited his master’s benevolence, and all previous barriers between them vanished, replaced entirely by gratitude.

“However, one must always be cautious. I don't think Miao Yuchun is a good sort either. Brother should not associate too deeply with him!”

He even spoke like an elder brother, giving straightforward advice. Although he didn't know what Miao Yuchun had done to the simple son years ago, he was well aware that the most favored youngest disciple of Red Stone Peak was closely allied with Liang Si’an. This faction held unchecked power among the third-generation disciples and were his sworn enemies. Naturally, he didn't want Feng Zikang to suffer at Miao Yuchun’s hands.

Little did he know that the 'bad bird' Miao Yuchun, in his estimation, had not only already been dealt with by the seemingly weak, kind, and honest Feng Zikang opposite him, but his entire vital essence had already been absorbed into his own body, contributing to his current level of power.

Feng Zikang nodded in acceptance, humbly stating that he would certainly be careful.