Feng Zikang paused slightly; the root of the unrest indeed lay in the South. The Southwest was swarming with demons and sparsely populated; the Southern Barbarians were overrun with savage beasts. After Wudu Ya’s death, not many of the Dong tribes remained. Where, then, could a power comparable to the Zhou Dynasty arise, capable of confronting the Great Tang? Contending for the Lordship of the Central Plains was not a task for demons or savage beasts. Only humans were qualified—not even cultivators would suffice. They could support and advance the emergence of the Central Plains Lord, but they could not do it themselves; otherwise, they would surely face heavenly retribution, and success would be absolutely impossible. If it was neither a savage beast nor a demon, what influence remained in that desolate South? Thoughts flashed like lightning in Feng Zikang’s mind, yet he found no answers.

"You dare to try and fool me!" Ghost King Tu pondered for a moment, letting out a cold laugh. She was no ordinary woman; although sequestered on Dragon Tooth Island, focusing solely on its Profound Realm matters for the last sixty years, she was well-versed in the affairs of the Central Plains. "The Great Tang enjoys peace and prosperity now; how can it compare to the era of Shang Zhou? Where is this potential for unrest coming from?"

White Eagle King chuckled, "When King Zhou of Shang was at his zenith, was the Great Shang not also flourishing? Yet, in just twenty years, it decayed completely. Who can truly predict the workings of Heavenly Mandate?" Back then, when King Zhou conquered the Eastern Yi, his might spanned the seas. The Shang Dynasty's foundations seemed unshakeable, filled with wise ministers and fierce generals, its treasury abundant. Who would have thought that just two decades later, it would end with a self-immolation atop Lutai?

"That is true." Ghost King Tu knew the Mandate of Heaven was hard to defy, sighing, "But this Southern region is so remote; how could a King Wen of Zhou or a King Wu of Zhou emerge from there? If you knew something, you should have told me sooner; I would have sent my precious daughter to follow the true dragon, making her a true Empress." Her words held a teasing quality now, showing that most of her anger had dissipated. White Eagle King was overjoyed, scratching his head, "Little Tu, what are you saying? Our daughter is naturally precious; why would she bother becoming some earthly Empress? Besides, according to the Venerable One, this destined Son of Heaven is not a man this time, but a woman. How could my daughter 'follow the dragon'?"

"A woman?" Feng Zikang’s expression shifted, suddenly recalling the stellar divination shared by Gu Ya, echoing the Heavenly Secret Feather Master’s findings. "In just a few years, it will be a situation where the Northern Rooster crows at dawn." At the time, he assumed it meant something akin to a previous dynasty where the Empress Dowager held power. He never imagined that what he heard today implied a woman would rise to challenge the Great Tang, intending to supplant it and trigger a colossal, world-shaking calamity! This revelation was utterly staggering!

※ "My Lord, since we know of this, what should we do?" Ghost King Tu found an excuse to slip away from White Eagle King. After some time, she returned with her daughter to find Feng Zikang. This news had shaken her deeply too. After all, such massive shifts in heaven and earth profoundly affected cultivators, demons, ghosts, and monsters alike. Especially since White Eagle King spoke of this event as comparable to King Wu of Zhou’s campaign against Shang, this Heavenly Tribulation was clearly immense.

Feng Zikang had only intended to gauge the strength of the sea demons of the Unreturnable Sea, but he had inadvertently uncovered such monumental news, causing his heart to waver. When facing such world-altering calamities, ordinary cultivators generally adopted two attitudes. One was fear: sealing their mountain gates, cultivating silently, waiting for the tribulation to pass before re-emerging. However, if the destiny of the age was involved, hiding offered little utility. The other was bold participation: stirring the waters, seeking the greatest benefits amidst the chaos. Feng Zikang immediately discarded the first idea without hesitation. Heroes emerge in chaotic times; fortune favors the bold risk-taker. If one dared not gamble, how could one hope to break through the Great Dao of Life and Death? Even an ancient turtle hiding in its cave for millennia, living for ten thousand years, would eventually turn to dust when its lifespan ended, perhaps even without a burial place. Since witnessing the fate of the Scale-Draining Fish Demon, Feng Zikang understood the necessity of resolute, vigorous progress and dared not slacken in the slightest.

"What to do? Naturally, we must choose to assist one side," Feng Zikang smiled coldly, yet inwardly he was calculating. Judging by White Eagle King’s hints, the demons of the Unreturnable Sea intended to support this rising power. After all, even if they wished to support the Tang Emperor, the Three Teachings—Confucianism, Buddhism, and Daoism—would never grant them such an opportunity. However, the nature of this Heavenly Tribulation suggested the new faction was destined to defeat the Great Tang. If that were the case, siding with the demons seemed like following the current of Heaven. The Three Teachings would certainly back the Great Tang; this would put them, by extension, in opposition to Heaven’s will. The remaining Nine Streams might not have fixed alignments. But considering the recent clash between Central Plains cultivators and the demons, siding with the latter now would seem strange. Yet, as a Celestial Demon, how could he not stand with the inevitable victor? Feng Zikang pondered in silence, still fraught with doubts.

"Forget it. There are still several years left. We can investigate carefully then and ascertain the attitude of the cultivation world before deciding," Ghost King Tu nodded in agreement. "My Lord, I also think caution is best. Since the turmoil hasn't begun yet, perhaps you should travel the world, make new acquaintances. When the great calamity arrives, then..."

"Oh?" Feng Zikang nodded. "Your counsel is excellent. Since this is the case, our objective for visiting Winged-Feather Island has been achieved. While White Eagle King hasn't discovered it yet, I shall depart early." If he left with Ghost King Tu and Zhu Li'er, their target would be too large, and explanations would be difficult. It was better for him to leave alone and maintain remote control, arranging for Ghost King Tu to bring Zhu Li'er to meet him later. Ghost King Tu agreed, setting a time and place for their rendezvous. Feng Zikang went to the back hall to bid farewell to White Eagle King, who was quite surprised and repeatedly asked if he was worried about the day’s events, urging him not to fret. "Certainly not. My fox already damaged the Eagle King’s immortal fruit, causing me great distress. Furthermore, I inadvertently caused Elder Ghost Senior to be injured, which weighs heavily on me. However, my departure now is not due to that. It is merely that I have been away from the East Sea for too long, fearing my Master will worry." White Eagle King praised his filial piety and gifted him a platter of rare overseas fruits before allowing him to leave.

※ Feng Zikang departed Winged-Feather Island, leisurely making his way, unhurriedly piloting his cloud chariot. This return journey encountered no storms, and soon Winged-Feather Island receded, disappearing over the horizon. Mid-flight, a loud shout echoed from behind him. "Brother Zhou, why leave so quickly without saying goodbye?" Feng Zikang turned to see Mu Canglang, the disciple of Eagle King Ran. Why was he chasing after him? Feng Zikang’s heart stirred, and a strong sense of alarm and caution rose within him. "Ah, it is Brother Mu! I lingered on Winged-Feather Island for quite some time and caused trouble yesterday. I truly lacked the face to stay longer. I already reported to the Island Master, Eagle King, but regrettably failed to bid you farewell, Brother. I am deeply ashamed!" His acquaintance with Mu Canglang hadn't reached a level where a formal goodbye was required. He was merely White Eagle King’s disciple, and Feng Zikang was only a friend of his mistress. They were chance acquaintances who had exchanged few words. Mu Canglang’s sudden enthusiasm and pursuit to see him off could not help but arouse suspicion. "Alas, the moment I met Brother Zhou that day, I felt a lifetime of satisfaction, always wanting time to seek your counsel thoroughly. Unfortunately, I was constantly entangled in trivial affairs and couldn't socialize more with you. Now that I finally have time to visit, I learn you have already departed—a great pity." Though Mu Canglang’s words were courteous, his eyes revealed a streak of venomous light—a nuance Feng Zikang did not miss. Mu Canglang was typically cold and reserved. His current excessive warmth signaled something nefarious. Feng Zikang refused to believe he chased him down purely for friendship. "May I ask where Brother is headed?" Feng Zikang smiled faintly. "I am merely a rogue cultivator disciple from the East Sea. This entire journey, I am naturally returning Eastward."

"Returning to the East Sea?" Mu Canglang’s expression subtly shifted, then he smiled again. "I heard Junior Sister will also be returning to the East Sea in a few days, not residing permanently on our Winged-Feather Island. Is this true?" Feng Zikang inwardly smirked; the fox's tail had finally emerged. Mu Canglang’s purpose in coming was his beautiful Junior Sister. This Junior Sister was White Eagle King’s only descendant. If he could marry her, at least half of Winged-Feather Island’s foundation would fall into his pocket. However, in Mu Canglang’s view, the biggest obstacle to this marriage was this Zhou Ping'an. Because he was in the East Sea, his Junior Sister and his mistress constantly clamored to return there. Mu Canglang had initially planned to keep this fellow on Winged-Feather Island longer, where he could deal with him slowly. But he hadn't expected him to leave so hastily after yesterday’s parting, which surprised Mu Canglang. It seemed this fellow wasn't coveting his Junior Sister's beauty or the island’s legacy, but... Mu Canglang was a meticulous planner; how could he easily let someone go? When dealing with people and matters, one must cut the roots to prevent future trouble. This person, while alive, remained a fixation for his Junior Sister. If he died, all problems would vanish. When he was on the island, the presence of his Master and Mistress made it inconvenient to act. Now that he was alone out at sea, it was the perfect opportunity to eliminate him effortlessly. After taking his head, he could send it back to Winged-Feather Island, claiming a sea patrol discovered the body—who could guess that Mu Canglang was the killer? He approached Feng Zikang with a plastered-on smile, preparing to unleash a killing blow! Even a lion uses its full strength to catch a rabbit. Although Mu Canglang possessed Nascent Soul cultivation, far surpassing this unknown youth, there was no need to be complacent! "Alas, Brother Zhou returning to the East Sea means fewer chances to meet in the future. Come, come! Let me toast Brother one last time. Here, above this ten-thousand-fathom ocean, let us finish this bowl!" Mu Canglang clapped his hands together, and two flying maidens descended from the air. One held a jade table upon which rested two cups, and the other delicately held a green jade wine pot, smiling demurely as she filled both cups with amber-colored wine. "Come, come!" Mu Canglang picked up a cup, smiling broadly as he walked toward Feng Zikang.