With his gaze locked on Zikang, coldness radiated, his entire being suddenly stiff. Rage boiled up from his core. "Hold it right there!"

Several disciples from the Hall of Enforcement were about to step forward and intervene, when a loud shout stopped them from outside. Two figures rushed in. One was Chan Master Wule, his face pale and somewhat drawn; the other was Wen Lingsu.

As soon as she burst in, she saw Feng Zikang’s troubled expression and rushed to him, checking his pulse. "You're injured?"

Wen Lingsu grasped his wrist, employing the noiseless, subtle divine ability of 'Gentle Rain Nourishing the Spring' to carefully regulate his meridians. Chan Master Wule brought his palms together, bowing deeply to Yuan Buhuan and Sun Rushan. "Sect Master Yuan. Benefactor Sun, what exactly is going on here?"

Yuan Buhuan gave a wry smile. "Master, you arrive at the perfect time. Zikang has always acted with discretion. The judgment passed by Martial Uncle Sun is truly too severe, especially as the situation is not yet clear. It is not appropriate to—"

He was thoroughly exasperated by his role as Sect Master, constantly bothered by the senior uncles above him. It was one thing that the elders of the Scripture Hall, Hundred Arms Workshop, and Merit Hall were unwilling to meddle, but this Elder Sun of the Hall of Enforcement was particularly irritating. Today, he was behaving in a completely perverse manner, determined to oppose Feng Zikang regardless of the cost, thereby opposing him, the Sect Master.

At this point, Yuan Buhuan disregarded the decorum of the Military School and openly appealed to Chan Master Wule to intercede.

After Chan Master Wule learned the whole story, he was astonished. He had been secluded in the Dragon Tiger Mountain Secret Realm for days and was completely cut off from news. Realizing the gravity, he quickly pleaded with Sun Rushan: "Benefactor Sun, young Benefactor Feng is a chivalrous figure of the Military School. His conduct has always been praised. Regarding the Southwest and the matter of the Vertical and Horizontal Schools, there must be hidden circumstances. I implore you, for the sake of this old monk, to suspend any action until the truth is revealed—"

"Chan Master Wule!"

Sun Rushan coldly cut him off. "This is the Hall of Enforcement of the Military School at Dragon Tiger Mountain, not your White Horse Temple in Luoyang. Since this Seat has already passed judgment, there is no reason for it to be reversed!"

His abrupt interruption was harsh, and even with Chan Master Wule’s composure, his expression visibly changed.

Sun Rushan was clearly set on destroying Feng Zikang. He had already offended the Sect Master today; what did he care about offending a peer? His eyes reddened, tinged with a growing madness. "You!"

Wen Lingsu could not restrain herself and stepped forward. "How can you be so unreasonable? I heard the Military School values clear rewards and punishments, fairness and integrity. How can you judge matters so arbitrarily?"

Sun Rushan rolled his eyes, gritted his teeth, and ignored her, shouting loudly, "Enforcement Disciples, where are you! Act now!"

"Sun Rushan!"

Yuan Buhuan’s true anger finally erupted. He slammed the table and stood up. "You are truly senile! How can someone so old and arrogant preside over the Hall of Enforcement?"

Even if Sun Rushan had some personal feud with Feng Zikang, the Sect Master could have turned a blind eye to moderate action. But this Feng Zikang had a special identity—he was the destined recipient of the calamity—and furthermore, his talent was exceptional, a direct disciple of the Small Bamboo Grove. After the deaths of Liang Si’an and Huo Zhongguang, he was subtly emerging as the leader among the third generation disciples of the Military School. Yuan Buhuan absolutely could not allow him to come to harm.

Moreover, after losing General Lu, the Military School had subsequently lost the third-generation senior disciples Liang and Huo, significantly diminishing their prestige. Sun Rushan didn't even afford courtesy to a visiting peer, insistently trying to wield his seniority and authority as an Enforcement Elder to forcibly deal with Feng Zikang.

Yuan Buhuan might not care about the other sects of the Three Teachings and Nine Streams, but he certainly had to. His face immediately darkened with fury, and he sternly reprimanded the Elder. "Regarding today's events, I will absolutely not permit anyone to deal with Feng Zikang. The affairs of the Hall of Enforcement will be re-discussed with the other Elders!"

His expression became stern; the gentle smile he had maintained had vanished. Now, he truly looked like the iron-willed Sect Master of the Military School!

Sun Rushan clenched his jaw, refusing to relent in the slightest. "Sect Master, do not engage in such capriciousness! Among us in the Military School, military law is paramount. Do you wish for me to bring out the Golden Saber of Military Law?"

Yuan Buhuan roared in anger, his face fluctuating with dark expressions. No matter what, the Military School had created a massive spectacle today. He fiercely regretted his earlier softness in not removing this mad old man from his position as Enforcement Elder, allowing him to become lawless and arbitrary, seemingly just wanting to flex his authority one last time.

He truly believed the Elder was courting disaster!

Chan Master Wule frowned deeply. He too thought Elder Sun’s actions were erratic and bordering on madness, but the Military School's military laws were supreme. Here, in the Hall of Enforcement, even the late Sect Master Huo Zhongguang could not overrule them. For a moment, he could not think of a solution. Regardless, Feng Zikang could not be allowed to suffer.

"Enforcement Disciples, where are you! Enforcement Disciples, where are you!"

Sun Rushan shouted wildly, like a madman. The disciples trembled, but with the Sect Master present, they dared not act rashly, shuffling forward hesitantly.

"Wait!"

A loud, authoritative shout echoed from outside the Hall of Enforcement for the third time. This voice was steady and resolute, yet Feng Zikang had never heard it before.

Yuan Buhuan started in shock, rising to his full height and bowing slightly. "I did not expect the Grand Master of the Mohist School to arrive. I, Yuan Buhuan, have failed to properly welcome you. Please forgive my lapse!"

The person outside laughed heartily and strode in, followed by a young woman wearing white mourning clothes—it was Mo Fenghuang.

The leading man was imposing, nearly nine feet tall, clad in rough hemp garments. His eye sockets were deep, and his gaze was piercing; he was clearly a man of towering stature in this era—this was Mo Wu, the Grand Master of the Linzi Mohists!

"Sect Master Yuan, you are too polite. I first intended to visit the Hall of Ten Thousand Troops Repelled, but the attending disciple informed me that you were absent. My daughter heard about young friend Feng’s predicament and was consumed with worry, urging me to hurry here immediately. I apologize for the breach of etiquette!"

Such interactions between Sect Masters were formal, and arriving unannounced in another sect's Hall of Enforcement was indeed impolite. However, his daughter, Mo Fenghuang, upon learning Feng Zikang was detained over the Southwest and Vertical/Horizontal matters, became anxious and insisted on coming to testify.

"Oh, is this your respected daughter, Mo Fenghuang?"

Yuan Buhuan was overjoyed. He had heard the full story; if they had her testimony, it could prove Feng Zikang innocent. Sun Rushan would never be able to make arbitrary judgments again, as the Dragon Tiger Mountain Military School would not tolerate his misconduct!

Mo Fenghuang was already anxious seeing Feng Zikang restrained, tears welling up. "Young Brother Feng, what is happening?"

Seeing her concern, Wen Lingsu quietly moved aside. Feng Zikang shook his head. "Senior Sister Mo, it’s nothing. I have explained everything clearly to my seniors in the sect. If they still don't believe me, there is nothing more I can do!"

"Silly boy!" Mo Fenghuang chided him, then turned to salute the elders present before speaking clearly. "Venerable Seniors, I personally witnessed everything concerning the Southwest, the Savage Mist Mountain, and the encounter with the nineteen members of the Vertical and Horizontal Schools. I can testify that Young Brother Feng is absolutely innocent. Not only that, but he is also a hero of great benevolence, righteousness, wisdom, and courage!"

Her voice was crisp, her expression firm, and her words landed with resounding conviction. Yan Fengqi’s face shifted; he glanced at the panting Elder Sun and knew that whatever he had planned for today was likely ruined.

"But..."

That so many people would plead and speak well on behalf of Feng Zikang was beyond Yan Fengqi's expectation. In his mind, this youth was merely a minor second-generation disciple. Even though he was a direct descendant of the Small Bamboo Grove and his master, Ye Tiansheng, was perpetually in seclusion, he was still considered an outsider. Others would never get wind of the situation, so why would anyone care about the fate of a junior disciple?

He had instigated Sun Rushan to act on personal revenge, hoping that when Feng Zikang was expelled from the Dragon Tiger Mountain Military School, the Vertical and Horizontal members could deal with him as easily as crushing an ant! Who knew that not only had the Sect Master Yuan Buhuan been alerted, but Chan Master Wule from the White Horse Temple and an elder from the Agricultural School had also arrived? What kind of background did this boy possess?

Despite this, Sun Rushan, having suffered the loss of his grandson, seemed to have descended into madness, losing his composure and determined to destroy Feng Zikang at any cost—even risking his position as Enforcement Elder and offending both the Buddhist and Agricultural Schools. If Sun Rushan insisted on enforcing the law, Yan Fengqi naturally hoped he would succeed.

But with Mo Fenghuang’s arrival, her clarity and detailed account showed that Feng Zikang had acted with restraint and reason in every situation; none of the charges could stick to him. The nineteen members of the Vertical and Horizontal Schools had initially shown murderous intent, and Feng Zikang had killed in self-defense. Even if he had overstepped slightly, the Military School had no rule stipulating punishment for such an act. As for the Southwest and Savage Mist Mountain, his actions were in revenge for a friend and to rid the populace of a menace—this was not a crime, but a great merit! No matter how one viewed it, he deserved no penalty.

Even if Sun Rushan maintained his hardline stance, the matter had to end here today.

"No... Brother,"

Sun Rushan was spitting foam, struggling to maintain himself. Yuan Buhuan was filled with hatred. With the representatives of the Buddhist, Mohist, Agricultural, and Vertical/Horizontal schools present, the dignified Enforcement Elder had displayed such a shameful spectacle; it was unbearable to witness.

Feng Zikang sneered inwardly. He knew this Elder would not have an easy time afterward, but he had no intention of letting the two from the Vertical and Horizontal Schools off lightly either, a chilling glint flashing in his eyes.

"That is exactly what happened that day!" Mo Fenghuang stated clearly, then bowed again to those around her. "Later, the sea monsters from the Unreturning Sea attacked, and I fought my way out. Fortunately, my father arrived in the Southwest and rescued me. On the journey back, we learned of the Unreturning Sea’s grand invasion plans towards the Central Plains, which is why we rushed to Dragon Tiger Mountain to discuss matters. I never expected to find young friend Feng being wrongfully accused. In that case, Mo Fenghuang would sacrifice this life to clear his name!"

He had avenged Mo Li, killed the thirty-six serpentine figures of Savage Mist Mountain, and saved her several times. How could such a debt of gratitude be forgotten?

Sun Rushan was struck dumb, his lips trembling so violently he could not utter a word.

Yuan Buhuan truly could not bear to watch his shameful state. He waved to his disciples. "Elder Sun is feeling unwell; send him back to rest first! Today's matter is concluded. Quickly remove Zikang's shackles! He performed a great service this time; it is unacceptable for him to suffer this injustice!"

He instructed two disciples to drag away the nearly catatonic Elder Sun. The old man clung on, unwilling to leave, until Yuan Buhuan glared fiercely, ordering the disciples to use force. Only then was he dragged away.

"Elder Sun may have been over-exerting himself in his recent cultivation practice, leading to some indisposition. I ask for everyone’s understanding!"

Mo Wu, Chan Master Wule, and Wen Lingsu repeatedly claimed they dared not presume. Yan Fengqi’s face showed a flicker of distress. He knew staying any longer was pointless and undignified, so he bowed slightly to leave. "Sect Master Yuan, since that is the case, the nineteen lives of the Vertical and Horizontal School were our fault for striking first. We will pursue the matter no further. We take our leave now, please!"

He stood up to depart. Feng Zikang watched him coldly, causing a jolt in Yan Fengqi’s heart.

"Senior Brother, are we leaving just like that?"

Lu Sanqian still seemed confused about the situation. His Senior Brother shot him a fierce glare and pulled him away. Lu Sanqian muttered resentfully, "But what about my Wind Thunder Fan..."

Yan Fengqi exerted force, dragging him out of the Hall of Enforcement. As he sighed and looked around, he saw a flash of silver-white energy charging toward them from the front, majestic and righteous, accompanied by a roar: "Yan Fengqi, it is you who dared injure my disciple!"

A silver spear shot out from the white light, hurtling towards him!

Yan Fengqi felt a rushing wind strike his face. Although the spear was not fast, and the attack was announced beforehand, meaning it wasn't a sneak attack, the locking of the qi mechanism made evasion impossible.

Alarmed, he crossed his hands, manifesting a ball of golden light before him, intending to meet the thunderous spearhead head-on. "Pfft!"

The silver spear pierced through the dense golden light as if it were passing through a fragile sheet of white paper, utterly unstoppable. The silver spear flashed like lightning straight for his throat. Yan Fengqi violently shifted, taking the blow squarely on his shoulder. The spear passed through, its tip emerging from his back!

Yan Fengqi cried out in pain, his eyes rolling back as he nearly collapsed. He staggered back several steps, his gaze filled with hatred as he looked forward.

From within the silver light, a figure slowly emerged: phoenix eyes radiating might, his face stern and pale. It was Feng Zikang's teaching master, Ye Tiansheng of the Small Bamboo Grove lineage of the Dragon Tiger Mountain Military School!

"Ye! Tian! Sheng!"

Yan Fengqi enunciated each syllable, grinding out the other man's name through clenched teeth. At this point, Yuan Buhuan and the others, hearing the sounds of conflict outside, rushed out and gasped in unison upon seeing the enraged Ye Tiansheng.

"Junior Brother Ye..."

Ye Tiansheng was known to everyone as a kind-hearted man, usually gentle and rarely losing his temper. But precisely because of this, when an honest man lost his temper, it was even more terrifying to behold. Several of those present had lifespans reaching hundreds of years and distinctly remembered the heroic feats Ye Tiansheng accomplished when he was as renowned as General Lu. When enraged, he could cause blood to flow for a thousand li, and no one could stop him!

"Yan Fengqi, listen closely!"

Ye Tiansheng's expression was like ice, and the silver spear in his hand seemed capable of summoning the might of heaven and earth as he lightly tossed the dignified Core Condensation master upward, leaving him utterly defenseless. "If I ever discover again that you Vertical and Horizontal School members used underhanded tactics to bully my disciple..."

With a slight flick of his spear, even though Yan Fengqi possessed deep cultivation, a pain shot through his bones, causing him to cry out softly. "I will kill every last one of you!"

Ye Tiansheng flicked the spear tip, immediately flinging Yan Fengqi away. He tumbled more than a dozen times, blood staining the dust. He managed to half-crawly rise, his face contorted with malice, yet he dared not speak.

Lu Sanqian, only capable of bluster by relying on his superior, saw his Senior Brother in such a wretched state and was so terrified his legs shook like sieves. He slowly shuffled to his brother's side and shakily helped him up.

Ye Tiansheng snorted coldly. "Get out of here!"

Lu Sanqian reacted as if granted amnesty, grabbing Yan Fengqi and scrambling, falling down the Sunset Peak in a heap! If you wish to know what happens next, please log in to Chapter [—] for more content, support the author, and read the genuine version!