Feng Zikang had mastered the Divine Ability of Hundred Weapon Control. After bidding farewell to Elder Wu, he made no haste to leave Sunset Peak.

He needed to find Xiao Gao to settle an account.

Feng Zikang exchanged a few words with the menial disciple Luo Kedi. The sky was already nearing dusk; weary birds were returning to their nests, scattered clouds drifted like fleece, and the horizon was a wash of gold. A thin mist hung between the cliffs, ancient pines twisted elegantly, spiritual grasses swayed gently, and the occasional breeze was cool and pleasant.

The twilight of the immortal mountain was, in its own way, exquisitely ethereal and aloof.

Since Xiao Gao was on duty at the mountain gate today, and it wasn't yet the hour of xu (7-9 PM), he certainly wouldn't have left.

Xiao Gao was currently grumbling under his breath. He was originally Liang Si’an’s hanger-on and should never have been assigned such a tedious chore. However, because he had messed up the affair with the Ghost God General, he’d been verbally thrashed and ultimately punished by being made to guard the mountain gate. He kept a distance from the Eldest Senior Brother these past few days to avoid further reprimands.

Thinking of this, his hatred for Huo Zhongguang intensified, and by extension, he began to hate Feng Zikang as well.

“That fool! I should have given him a good thrashing when he came up the mountain just now. When he leaves later, I’ll make sure he pays!”

He plotted hatefully, just as he happened to hear Feng Zikang calling out.

“Senior Brother Gao, Senior Brother Gao? Are you there?”

Xiao Gao poked his head out and looked. Indeed, Feng Zikang was standing by the side of the mountain gate, looking around with a look of utter idiocy on his face.

“Hah! You idiot! How dare you shout carelessly and disturb someone’s quiet rest?”

Xiao Gao had already intended to tease him, and seeing him deliver himself right to the door, he immediately put on a malicious expression.

Feng Zikang seemed startled, shrinking back slightly, waving his hands distractedly: “I dare not, I dare not! I didn't realize Senior Brother Gao was resting; my fault, my fault. It’s just that just now…”

“Just what, you thing! I think your hide is itching; perhaps a good beating will sort you out!”

Xiao Gao viciously rolled up his sleeves. This simpleton had always been everyone’s punching bag. Even though he was apparently ‘better’ now, his cultivation was still low; did they really need to fear him causing trouble?

“Spare me, Senior Brother!” Feng Zikang stumbled backward several steps in panic, his face pale: “Your junior brother truly didn't mean to disturb you, Senior Brother. It’s just that I went to the Sutra Hall earlier, and Martial Ancestor Uncle Wu bestowed an item upon me. I don’t recognize it, and I was hoping Senior Brother Gao could examine it…”

“What?”

Xiao Gao’s eyes darted, and greed immediately bloomed across his face.

He muttered internally: that old fellow in the Sutra Hall doesn’t pay attention to anyone, but it’s rumored he has a good relationship with Ye Tiansheng of the Small Bamboo Grove. Out of affection for the latter, perhaps he really did bestow some treasure upon this fool…

That was a Martial Ancestor Uncle in the late Golden Core stage! Even a tiny scrap falling through the cracks of his fingers would be enough for these juniors to live off for several years!

How did this idiot get such rotten luck?

Xiao Gao’s jealousy burned fiercely, and he was already hatching wicked ideas.

“Haha, so that’s how it is. Since Junior Brother cannot understand it, why don’t you hand it over to me to examine? Perhaps I can identify what treasure it is…”

He extended his hand carelessly, ready to snatch it from Feng Zikang.

Feng Zikang inwardly sneered, but outwardly he feigned caution, glancing left and right before hesitating: “Martial Ancestor Uncle Wu warned me that this item must not be carelessly shown to others. Many people pass by here on the front mountain…”

“Right! Right! I didn’t expect you, you fool, to have some brains!”

Xiao Gao slapped his head, thinking how could he have missed that? If other Senior Brothers saw it, none of it would be his! But this simpleton truly was slow; the old man told him not to show the treasure, and he actually came looking for someone else—wasn't that just delivering the treasure to me?

Xiao Gao happily hooked his finger at Feng Zikang: “Come here. Senior Brother will take you to a secluded spot in the back mountain. No one will be around at this hour.”

Although the rules of the military path weren't numerous, cultivating in the mountains was fundamentally predicated on cultivating a tranquil and desireless heart. Xiao Gao, originally from a wealthy family, couldn't endure hardship and often found a spot in the back mountains to secretly gather his usual cohorts for revelry. To keep his mentors unaware, the location was indeed quite hidden.

Xiao Gao paid no mind to his duty at the mountain gate, leading Feng Zikang winding his way toward the rear, finally darting into a small grove of trees where an open space contained several haphazardly constructed thatched huts.

Inside the huts, cups and plates were scattered everywhere, and the smell of wine hung thick in the air, unable to completely mask a faint, sensual aroma.

Feng Zikang knew this must be their haunt for pleasure. He just didn't know where they procured the women. Female disciples of the military path were rare; likely they wouldn't dare provoke someone like Luo Lianxin from the Water Moon Pavilion. They must have found women from the mortal world—whether they were courtesans or respectable maidens was none of his business.

This place was completely incongruous with the aura of cultivation, yet Xiao Gao showed no sign of shame. He kicked aside a wine jar and sat down grandly on a bamboo couch.

“This is where we hold our unrestricted gatherings on the first and fifteenth of the month. You are still young, you wouldn't understand the delights here…”

This was his proudest achievement in life. Although his audience was just a ten-something-year-old simpleton, Xiao Gao couldn't resist showing off.

Since beginning his cultivation, he had always felt superior, like an immortal from the mortal world. However, within the sect, there were countless disciples whose cultivation surpassed his, leaving him with no real sense of superiority. Thus, every few days, he would summon some even more unsavory outer disciples, tricking innocent young girls from nearby villages or hiring women from brothels to bring here for unrestrained parties.

Only then did he feel like a dragon among men, bringing glory to his ancestors.

The group of outer disciples all fawned over him, making him even more puffed up and heedless.

Feng Zikang listened to the rambling boasts and mentally dismissed the man as a fool.

Xiao Gao had indeed had excellent immortal fortune, immediately becoming an inner disciple upon entry and clinging to Liang Si’an’s thick thigh. His aptitude wasn’t terrible either; going smoothly for over a decade, he had reached the fifth layer of Qi Induction. While not outstanding, he wasn't at the bottom either.

Unexpectedly, this man’s Dao heart was so fragile. The mountain life wasn't exactly austere, yet he couldn't endure it, flagrantly leaking his primordial Yang, corrupting his good fortune. This was purely wasting his talent and destiny. Feng Zikang sighed, thinking of that resolute menial boy in the Sutra Hall.

“Enough talk. You’re just a child with barely any hair on your body; you wouldn't understand adult matters. Come, hand over that thing Martial Ancestor Uncle Wu gave you. If Senior Brother likes it, I’ll bring you along next time, and you can enjoy the utmost