The brute force of the two strikes carried the raw aggression and immense weight of the demon. Unless it could truly be resolved into human form, even the experts of Ezhou Wanbu could not master it. If one were to forcefully cultivate it, one would likely be incinerated by lightning before even managing to unleash the thunder arts.

This demon had clearly only achieved a transformed human shape, not a resolved human life. To be able to wield thunder arts—wasn't that utterly bizarre?

When a demon cultivates the Dao, there is always a crucial hurdle involving the transformation of the human form. Generally, after cultivating for several hundred years and reaching this juncture, demons have two choices: either partial transformation (Huaxing) or complete resolution (Jiesheng).

Partial transformation is simple: shedding the coarse bones to assume a human shape. The original demonic form remains, preserving their cultivation base. As long as they aren't forced back into their original shape, cultivating in human form is just as viable.

The other path is far more agonizing: resolving life to become a true person. This results in a significant regression of cultivation, sometimes even complete ruin, but from then on, they are thoroughly converted into human beings, no longer demons.

Most demons opt for partial transformation. This makes sense; there are no particular benefits to being human, so why waste hundreds of years of cultivation? Partial transformation achieves the same physical form.

What this female demon was—which allowed it to use thunder arts—left Fei Tianhe utterly dumbfounded, unable to fathom it after racking his brain.

Feng Zikang, however, remained outwardly calm, seeming to have everything under control.

"As expected. This demon naturally possesses innate lightning abilities. If Fei Tianhe were to engage, it would likely be an effort yielding no reward. He nodded toward Fei Tianhe, 'Sect Master Fei, why don't you try striking this demon with a bolt of lightning?'"

"This..."

Secretly blasting a strike from the city wall was tantamount to a sneak attack, something righteous cultivators naturally disdained. However, Feng Zikang spoke with such cryptic gravity that Fei Tianhe gritted his teeth and, bringing his fingers together, sent down a Heavenly Thunder strike.

The demon was currently flexing its might, celebrating victory, when suddenly a lightning bolt struck from above. Caught completely off guard, it hit squarely on the crown of its head!

"Good!"

A cheer erupted from those on the ramparts. Looking up, they saw the demon's hair standing on end and its face blackened, yet it was angrily shaking its fingers and cursing—it didn't appear injured.

Fei Tianhe was stunned. While his thunder arts weren't always lethal, this was the first time they had proven utterly useless against an opponent, leaving him disheartened.

"Sect Master Fei, no need to be discouraged," Feng Zikang said, sensing his thoughts, with a faint smile. "This demon was deliberately sought out to counter your thunder arts. It's only normal that your lightning is ineffective. The method she uses is the same as mine, except hers is innate instinct, while I had to painstakingly explore mine."

"Ah? Deliberately countering my thunder arts? And her method is the same as the General's?"

The enemy had waited days for reinforcements, and when this demon finally arrived, it specifically called out Fei Tianhe for a duel. If they didn't possess a dedicated method to suppress thunder arts, they wouldn't have issued the challenge so readily.

Feng Zikang nodded. "If I am not mistaken, this female demon is transformed from a giant deep-sea fish, innately associated with lightning. She can emit electricity, and after cultivating into a demon, this thunder art is her innate divine power."

"Is that so?" Fei Tianhe finally breathed a sigh of relief. If it was the demon's innate power, that explained it. Otherwise, if demons could simply learn thunder arts, that would herald a massive upheaval.

"Then why did the General say her method of evading lightning is the same as yours?" Fei Tianhe had long been troubled by how Feng Zikang had withstood his Myriad Thunders Striking the Summit unharmed. Now that Feng Zikang confirmed the demon's method was similar to his, it was the perfect time to ask.

"Hahaha!"

Feng Zikang pointed at the demon and laughed heartily. "Don't let her posture atop the sea serpent fool you; her legs are actually touching the ground, connecting with the earth's qi."

Fei Tianhe stared blankly. "So... what of it?"

"Heh," Feng Zikang waved his hand. "Look closely at the demon. Although she appears delicate, her exterior is covered in an oily hide. This oil is excellent for conducting lightning. As long as she maintains contact with the ground, even if struck by heavenly lightning, the energy can be guided into the earth. Think of it—this vast, boundless earth, bearing all things with deep virtue—even heavenly lightning is helpless against it. What can your little thunder art possibly do?"

He gestured toward the demon again. "It was just that she was caught off guard a moment ago. If she had been prepared, she wouldn't have looked so flustered."

The Manmu Ancestor below the walls was stamping her feet in fury. She had just killed Zhang Ping and was savoring the moment, only for the righteous cultivators to launch a sneak attack, causing her to suffer an unexpected loss. Her complete victory was tainted, making her rage boil.

"Then, General, what about you...?"

Feng Zikang smiled faintly. "I simply reverse the Five Elements, infusing my body with the Metal qi of the Five Elements. My entire body becomes like metal. When the heavenly thunder strikes, it is drawn through me and sinks into the earth. I, naturally, remain unharmed."

He said it so casually, but the difficulty involved was beyond what an ordinary person could imagine. If he hadn't completed the God-Tier Foundation Establishment Merit Mission, been fundamentally transformed by the Great Reincarnation Disk, and possessed an innate Golden Spirit as one of the Five Elements, allowing him to construct the Western Metal Tower within the Five-Story, Twelve-City structure—which could channel Metal qi to quickly reform his physical body—it would never have been so easy.

"Astonishing, truly astonishing," Fei Tianhe murmured, his heart churning. In truth, Feng Zikang's method for dealing with his Myriad Thunders Striking the Summit wasn't impossible to counter. A body naturally composed purely of Metal wouldn't fear lightning. But to reverse the Five Elements in that split second when one does not possess a pure Metal body—what kind of divine ability did that require?

Although it was a crude method, few cultivators at the Foundation Establishment stage could manage it. As for Core Condensation masters? Well, they might be able to reverse the Five Elements, but they wouldn't need to use such a tactic against his standard thunder art.

Fei Tianhe finally felt settled. Discovering that his own sect's secret arts were not worthless brought him great comfort. He developed sincere admiration for Feng Zikang and became his steadfast supporter for the rest of his life, never allowing anyone to speak ill of him.

"So, how should we deal with this demon now?" Fei Tianhe knew he wasn't the right person for the job and asked for advice.

If Feng Zikang engaged personally, defeating this Manmu Ancestor would be effortless. However, as the commander, charging onto the front lines casually was inappropriate. He pondered for a moment. "Although this demon is fierce, she only relies on her innate power for brute force. In my estimation, if Elder Liu steps forward, he has a seventy percent chance of slaying this demon."

Liu Búshí's expression shifted slightly upon hearing this. The demon's thunder arts were potent; a direct strike might severely injure him too. He felt uneasy, but his inherent pride meant he couldn't refuse when Feng Zikang called him out. He took a step forward.

"General, I volunteer to descend the city and slay the demon!"

Feng Zikang smiled calmly. "Not so fast, not so fast! While this demon is constrained by the nature of your Life-and-Death Banner sect, her thunder arts are powerful. If she strikes first, Elder Liu might suffer a loss. Senior Brother Wang, please follow behind to support him. If the demon unleashes lightning, use your sect's Black Tortoise Shield to intercept it."

Wang Sihai was startled. Feng Zikang seemed to know the divine abilities and magical treasures of their sect like the back of his hand, which naturally astonished him. If Wang Sihai defended with the Black Tortoise Shield, even the powerful lightning strike couldn't shatter it in one blow. In that time, Liu Búshí's Life-and-Death Banner Gate would surely succeed.

The two agreed, descended the city wall, and the female demon, seeing two figures approach, showed no fear.

"Who dares approach? Do not become another ghost buried here!"

Liu Búshí snorted coldly. "Ignorant demon! I am Liu Búshí of the Fuwei Sect from Mount Yandang. I have come today to take your life. Die!"

The female demon roared with mocking laughter, showing utter contempt. Pinpointing his advance, she blasted a bolt of lightning toward him. Wang Sihai, watching closely from the side, summoned the Black Tortoise Shield. Struck by the lightning, the shield was flung far back, but the bolt of electricity itself dissipated into nothingness.

Taking advantage of this opening, Liu Búshí spread his hands, conjuring two banner gates in mid-air—one red, one black—which spun rapidly around the demon. The female demon, unfamiliar with the Banner Gate Evasion technique, grew dizzy. With a flick of her sea serpent mount, she charged into the black banner gate.

Liu Búshí shook his head. "You seek your own demise; do not blame me!"

With a clap of his hands, the two banner gates vanished in the air with a resounding crash, taking the female demon with them. About the time it takes an incense stick to burn, the black banner gate reappeared in the air, splitting open with a wet splash to reveal a bloody human head.

It was the head of the female demon, the Manmu Ancestor!

"Hah!"

The remaining demons, who had been emboldened by the Manmu Ancestor's brief victory, descended into chaos upon seeing her head taken so quickly. Feng Zikang seized the opportunity, ordering the city gates opened. The Black Cavalry charged forth, routing the demoralized demons, slaying over ten thousand. The fleeing creatures were driven back thirty li before setting up camp.

This great victory truly cemented Feng Zikang's standing within the Ganzhou military camp.

A celebratory banquet was held that evening for the great victory, with Liu Búshí unanimously acclaimed for the greatest contribution and given the seat of honor. Though naturally proud and sullen, he was overjoyed by such recognition and drank several cups, becoming pleasantly tipsy.

Grand Tutor Pang was also elated. With a talent like Feng Zikang, there was hope of resolving the Southern campaign, driving back the demon armies, and allowing the border populace to live in peace—this had long been his deepest wish. Seeing it within reach, he praised Feng Zikang even more highly.

"Nephew Feng possesses such great talent; if he were to enter the court as an official, how could the realm possibly be unstable?"

Though he spoke those words, he knew it was wishful thinking. Feng Zikang, at only sixteen, had already achieved Foundation Establishment—the perfect time for cultivation. He had a hundred years ahead to form a Core, nurture an Infant Soul, pass the Tribulation of Separation, and even ascend to immortality. Why would he care for worldly riches?

Pang felt a slight pang of envy, but mostly, it was admiration for the younger generation.

"The fledgling phoenix sings clearer than the old bird! Nephew Feng’s brief appearance reveals that we old fellows are truly getting obsolete."

Fei Tianhe nodded in agreement. Now completely devoted to Feng Zikang, he naturally offered praise, admitting his own inferiority. Once they started, the others followed suit, showering Feng Zikang with compliments, which he humbly deflected while drinking with them.

"Today's victory was due to everyone's diligent effort. However, in my view, the Southern campaign will not be resolved overnight. After all, the main force of the demon side has yet to enter the fray. We must remain vigilant to guard against any counterattack."

Feng Zikang remained clear-headed, and everyone accepted his sober assessment; it was the truth. Feng Zikang dared not relax. Upon returning to his quarters, he quietly circulated the Formless Heavenly Demon Heart Method, observing the enemy camp while focusing on his own cultivation, not daring to slacken for a single day.

In the following days, there were several minor skirmishes, mostly small probes. Then, one noon, Feng Zikang detected the arrival of four figures in the demon camp.

"They keep coming in batches. There are indeed many experts among the demons from the Unreturning Sea!"

Feng Zikang sneered, but this time he felt a powerful pressure, realizing these individuals would not be easy to deal with.

The next day, a contingent of troops did indeed charge out of the demon camp to challenge Ganzhou City. It was led by the four newcomers, with grotesque and terrifying figures filling out their ranks behind them.

"General, can you discern their origins?"

Feng Zikang slowly shook his head. He had been staring at them for a long time using the Formless Heavenly Demon Heart Method but could not pierce their true forms.

"We meet force with force! General, allow me to descend the city and test their strength!"

Wang Sihai volunteered, having gained secondary merit in the last battle and now eager to claim the top honor. Feng Zikang considered briefly and agreed. Since his body was covered in something akin to tortoise shell—impervious to blades and spears—he was best suited for reconnaissance.

"If anything goes wrong, retreat quickly," Feng Zikang instructed. Wang Sihai nodded, let out a massive roar, and leaped down from the wall. The four demons laughed loudly upon seeing someone descend. An old man dressed in dark Taoist robes, carrying a large gourd on his back, stepped forward to meet him.

Wang Sihai was clever. Thinking the old man would be slow, he rushed forward, bringing his blade down fiercely toward the old man's shoulder. The elder, overconfident, blocked with the gourd and thrust a black blade from his right hand toward Wang Sihai’s chest, forcing him back.

Unexpectedly, Wang Sihai neither dodged nor ducked, instead planting the Black Tortoise Shield in front of his chest and hacking down fiercely with his blade. The old man, lacking sufficient strength, had his gourd knocked aside. The blade sliced a chunk of flesh and skin from his shoulder. The elder cried out in pain and wheeled his mount around to flee.

Wang Sihai, feeling smug, pursued him closely.

Feng Zikang sensed the situation turning sour and immediately shouted, "Senior Brother Wang, come back quickly!"

Before Wang Sihai could react, a figure darted out from behind the old man. Without a word, the newcomer drew a fan from his sleeve and waved it at Wang Sihai!

Wang Sihai felt a splitting headache, collapsing instantly, foaming at the mouth, unable to move for the moment. The old man grinned sinisterly, turned back, and brought his gourd into play. Countless black insects flew out, wrapping around Wang Sihai's body and biting desperately.

Feng Zikang's expression shifted. He flew out from the city, unleashing ten thousand sword lights with one sword strike, severing all the black bugs. He snatched up Wang Sihai. The old man retreated in distress, but the one with the fan advanced. Unsure of the fan's divine ability, Feng Zikang dared not hesitate, soaring backward and returning to the city wall.

Master Fang Sheng rushed forward anxiously, taking Wang Sihai. After checking his pulse, he shook his head.

In that single instant, Wang Sihai had been bitten to death by the black insects, leaving no hope of rescue. The horror of those black bugs was thus made terrifyingly clear.

"What is the origin of these four? How can they possess such powers?"

Grand Tutor Pang furrowed his brow deeply, unable to ascertain the four's background and immensely anxious. If you wish to know what happens next, please log onto Ming Xiong, for more chapters, support the author, and enjoy genuine reading!