Though Feng Zikang was widely knowledgeable, he couldn't help but feel a pang of awkwardness. He coughed lightly and helped the young man to his feet. In the mortal realm, being mistaken for an immortal might have been tolerable, but the critical issue was that the Sect Master Yuan Buhuan, a cultivator at the Core Condensation stage—a full realm above him—was present. Pretending to be a god in front of him offered no advantages.

However, Yuan Buhuan was unconcerned, merely chuckling as he apprised Feng Zikang of the situation. These past two years had been tumultuous for the Southern Barbarians. After Wudunya’s death, the entire Southern territory dissolved back into disarray. Among the various tong (clans/villages), instead of focusing on recovery and peace, they engaged in relentless warfare against each other, resulting in countless casualties.

Mo Li’s brief time in the Southern Barbarians had seen him attempt to change this situation. Unfortunately, in his resolve to protect the villagers from the soul-altering technique of the Nine Nethers Ten Hells (Jiu You Shi Ming Bo Hun Da Fa), he resolutely headed to Mangcang Mountain, where he met his untimely end. Since then, no one had truly managed this region.

The story of Feng Zikang slaying demons and saving children in the Hanshan Tong had gradually spread. In this age of chaos, individuals capable of turning the tide were greatly revered. Moreover, Wudunya had certainly employed ruthless means to unify the Outer Eighteen Tong. Feng Zikang’s defeat of him positioned him as the savior rescuing the masses from dire straits. Consequently, the Southern Barbarians began worshipping Feng Zikang as an immortal. This left him in a state of bewildered amusement.

Fortunately, after some time, Mo Fenghuang journeyed southwest to continue Mo Li’s unfinished work, teaching the barbarians agriculture and weaving, and striving to quell disputes. It took over a year of effort before these endeavors began to bear fruit. Now, the barbarians often enshrined Feng Zikang and Mo Fenghuang together, referring to them as "Parents." Feng Zikang grew even more embarrassed. The minds of these barbarians were truly slow to turn; he couldn't fathom how they had linked the two of them together.

“But this boy’s visit today isn't for worship...” Yuan Buhuan, in high spirits, also made a jest. It turned out that in recent days, monstrous beasts (yaoshou) had been frequently rampaging across the Southern Barbarians. Mo Fenghuang resisted valiantly, but her cultivation was limited, and she had actually been injured by one of the beasts. The people of the Southern Barbarians were helpless. After much deliberation on whom to seek aid from, they thought of Feng Zikang. Thus, this youth, utilizing Southern Barbarian shamanistic arts, traversed mountains and waters, finally arriving at Dragon Tiger Mountain to seek the immortal’s help.

“Monstrous beasts?” Feng Zikang was startled. He knew that the Southern Barbarians were inhabited by mixed populations of beasts, many of which were formidable. Even with his current Foundation Establishment cultivation, he might not be able to defeat them assuredly. He quickly made detailed inquiries and learned that the beasts causing the recent unrest were not overly powerful; even ordinary people could contend with them, and Mo Fenghuang could hold off a hundred. They had only been injured after accidentally encountering a few particularly strong ones. Judging by this, the beasts rampaging in the Southern Barbarians likely possessed cultivation levels peaking at Foundation Establishment, at most. If that were the case, there was no need for excessive fear.

Feng Zikang calmed himself. He knew that the calamity upon the Heaven and Earth's roots had already begun. Although he had severed karma while cultivating in the Mystic Realm these past few days, his vital essence was still disturbed, frequently interrupted. He had been planning to venture south to investigate, but receiving this request seemed like a timely pillow delivered to a sleepy man. Dealing with monstrous beasts was a simple task that would also earn him merit; there was no reason to refuse. He readily agreed to accompany the youth to the Southern Barbarians. Yuan Buhuan had already laid plans for the south and was naturally pleased to see this development, nodding his assent. The young man was overwhelmed with gratitude, bowing repeatedly. ※ The next day, Feng Zikang set off with the youth. Celestial Maiden Tianfu, feeling bored in the Mystic Realm, also decided to join the outing to see the scenery of the Southern Barbarians. The little fox and the celestial steed were even happier to return to their homeland. The youth was named Manjiao, the son of an elder of one of the tong. He was brave and skilled in combat, one of Mo Fenghuang's personal guards (Yong Hao). In the battle against the beasts, he was at the forefront of the charge. Mo Fenghuang was injured precisely while trying to protect this group of young people. Manjiao was filled with guilt, which drove him to undertake the arduous journey to Dragon Tiger Mountain's military stronghold to seek Feng Zikang’s aid. His success in securing help this time made him the happiest of all.

“So that is how it is,” Feng Zikang glanced at the youth Manjiao, smiling faintly. He noticed the distinct contours of the boy’s skull, suggesting the bearing of a future powerful figure, and took note silently. The Southern Barbarians were nominally under the jurisdiction of Wuji, but he had long been stationed in Yingzhou and couldn't manage the southern territories effectively. This region was still primarily governed by the traditional power structure of the thirty-six tong. However, their vitality was greatly depleted, preventing them from challenging the Central Plains again. Furthermore, instigated by the School of Vertical and Horizontal Alliances (Diplomats), deep-seated conflicts existed between the tong, making a unified front like the one under Wudunya an impossibility now.

“The combined efforts of the three factions ultimately resulted in this state. It is indeed interesting,” Feng Zikang recalled the time he, Mo Li of the Mohist School, and Leng Jinchuan of the Diplomat School went to the Southern Barbarians to accomplish deeds of merit. His goal then was to slay Wudunya and quell the chaos in the south; Mo Li hoped for reconciliation between the two schools and the restoration of peace; while Leng Jinchuan wished for perpetual chaos and endless conflict in the south to profit from the turmoil and fish in troubled waters. In the end, Wudunya was slain, and the Central Plains and the Southern Barbarians re-established a subordinate relationship. However, the internal state of the Southern Barbarians was utter confusion. The actions of these three individuals each left a profound impact on the situation in the south. He wondered what Leng Jinchuan was up to now. Mo Li was dead, and his return to the Southern Barbarians brought a wave of nostalgia.

The group traveled swiftly, soon reaching the territory of the Southern Barbarians. Manjiao was dazzled by the sights and deeply envious of the immortals' divine abilities. “Master, there are people fighting below!” Long Que’s eyes were sharp. As soon as they entered the Southern Barbarian domain, he spotted a group of monstrous beasts surrounding a small troop of soldiers, roaring and biting viciously. Though the soldiers were weaker, their command was steady, and they had not yet been overrun. However, the beasts were numerous, and more were approaching from afar. It seemed likely that in a short time, these few dozen remaining troops would be slaughtered and become food for the beasts. “I will save them!” Seeing the monstrous beasts, Manjiao felt a shared enmity. Despite the soldiers wearing the livery of the Tang army, he was anxious to save them and was about to leap from the cloud chariot. Feng Zikang smiled faintly, waving his sword lightly. A torrent of sword light descended, slaying all the monstrous beasts! The struggling soldiers froze momentarily, then looked up. They saw the cloud chariot suspended high above, with Feng Zikang standing at its head, resembling an immortal from the heavens! “Martial Uncle! Is that Martial Uncle?” The leader of the soldiers squeezed out from the crowd, waving his hands and shouting loudly. “Oh?” Feng Zikang focused his gaze. He saw a man in white robes and white armor, holding a long spear, his entire body stained red with beast blood. It was none other than his old acquaintance, Luo Kedi! “Kedi?” Feng Zikang slowly lowered the cloud chariot to meet him. Luo Kedi, seeing his imposing presence, admired him even more. “Martial Uncle, you are becoming ever more formidable! Such cultivation—destroying hundreds of beasts with a mere wave of your hand!” His attempt at cultivation had failed, and seeing the ever-widening gap between himself and his Martial Uncle filled him with envy. Since receiving the Yellow Dragon Banner from Feng Zikang, he had grown much stronger, virtually unrivaled within battle formations. However, his personal cultivation level had never improved, and the path to immortality seemed increasingly distant... Feng Zikang offered a few words of encouragement, acting very much like an elder. He knew Luo Kedi was brave and courageous, but lacking immortal destiny, he simply couldn't cross the threshold of the Dao path; there was nothing to be done about it.

“Last time Martial Uncle rescued Miss Wu and brought her home, this disciple hasn’t thanked you properly!” Luo Kedi recalled how Feng Zikang had rescued the Wu family’s young lady on his way out previously, and he offered another round of deep thanks. His mention reminded Feng Zikang, “Right, Wuji mentioned an intended marriage arrangement for you. Have you completed the wedding?” Luo Kedi’s expression grew awkward. “Martial Uncle jokes. How could such a thing happen...” Feng Zikang noted his look; it didn't seem like shyness, but rather a trace of melancholy. It turned out that after returning home, the Wu family’s young lady, for some unknown reason, devoted herself entirely to cultivation and flatly refused any talk of marriage. Thus, although Wuji harbored that intention, it never materialized, and he ended up treating Luo Kedi merely as a nephew figure before departing. This great plague of monstrous beasts in the Southern Barbarians meant Wuji, as the Grand Commander overseeing the region, could not stand by idly. He dispatched Luo Kedi to the south to eradicate the beasts. Luo Kedi had fought diligently and achieved some success, but the beasts were too numerous, seemingly endless, and he was gradually being pushed into a precarious situation. Had Feng Zikang not intervened today, he would have been forced to make a tough decision, sacrifice a contingent to cover the retreat, and lead the remainder away.

Feng Zikang nodded. It was normal for Wuji's subordinates to send armies to suppress monstrous beasts. He hadn't expected the beast infestation to be so widespread across the Southern Barbarian territory. Fortunately, the strength of the beasts was not overwhelming, and the truly powerful ones had not made an appearance, allowing a tense stalemate to be maintained.

“Martial Uncle, should we first return to Yingzhou and report to the Grand Commander?” Luo Kedi was left with only a few hundred surviving soldiers; continuing the suppression would be futile. It was best to retreat to Yingzhou to rest and reorganize the army. Feng Zikang considered this but shook his head, refusing. “I must first go to the Liyue Tong to see a friend. That area appears to be the epicenter of the beast disturbances. There are several powerful ones; I will eliminate them first to see if the tide of beasts can be quelled. If not, I will then seek your assistance from Grand Commander Wu!” Feng Zikang was confident in dealing with a few leading beasts, but if the land were overrun, humans would need to clear them out themselves; one man with one sword could not slay an infinite number. Luo Kedi’s eyes lit up. “Martial Uncle, you are going to Liyue Tong? Then please allow me to accompany you. I can instruct my remaining soldiers to return on their own.” He knew following his Martial Uncle would bring advantages, and moreover, if they could discover the cause of the beast outbreaks and resolve it in one go, the situation would become much simpler. Feng Zikang saw no reason to object. Since Luo Kedi suggested it, it simply meant one more person on the cloud chariot. He nodded his assent. Luo Kedi was overjoyed. He arranged for his remaining forces to return by themselves, and he followed Feng Zikang. Soaring through the air, he was quite pleased with himself, shouting loudly, recovering some of his youthful spirit, and no longer looking like a general.

After flying for another half a day, they finally reached the vicinity of Liyue Tong. Manjiao pointed forward. Ahead, a towering peak housed the Liyue Tong. “Immortal Lord, that is our Tong ahead!” Feng Zikang looked closely and saw faint black miasma swirling around the peak. He felt a touch of surprise and inwardly raised his guard. They descended the cloud chariot at the entrance to the Tong. Manjiao scrambled down immediately. “Father! Tong Master! Miss Mo, I have brought the Immortal Lord back!” His voice was high and clear, echoing throughout the mountains. “Brought back...” “Brought back...” The echoes continued, but not a single person emerged from the Tong. Feng Zikang’s sense of danger intensified; the people of the Southern Barbarians would never react this way. Manjiao grew frantic and rushed into the Tong, only to find everything as it should be—but empty of people! All the houses were deserted; there wasn't a soul in the central clearing. Manjiao stood frozen in the clearing, utterly unable to comprehend the scene. Where were his parents, the Tong Master, and Miss Mo? Where were all the villagers? Why were they all gone? Could it be... all taken by the beasts...? Horrifying images flooded his mind. “No... it can’t be!” Manjiao collapsed to his knees in anguish, crying out in distress.

Feng Zikang slowly walked into the Tong. The Liyue Tong was outwardly normal, eerily peaceful. The only strange thing was the complete absence of people. Luo Kedi muttered beside Feng Zikang. If some monstrous beast could abduct an entire Tong and Mo Fenghuang without a trace, that beast would have to be overwhelmingly powerful.

“Manjiao, stop crying!” Feng Zikang called out softly, “How badly is Miss Mo injured?” Hearing the question, Manjiao stifled his sobs. After all, Feng Zikang was the immortal in the hearts of the Southern Barbarians; hope flickered within him. “Miss Mo is injured, but her mind is still clear; she just has difficulty moving.” Feng Zikang nodded slightly, his brow deeply furrowed. “Then take me to where she lives!” If Mo Fenghuang had not lost consciousness, even if captured by a powerful entity, she would surely have tried to leave behind clues. The most likely traces would be in her dwelling.

“Okay!” Manjiao agreed, wiping the tears from his eyes. He straightened up and led Feng Zikang deeper into the Tong. Mo Fenghuang, by teaching the clansmen farming and weaving, ensuring they had ample food and clothing, was deeply beloved. Her residence was next door to the Tong Master’s, a quiet little wooden cabin. “Let’s take a look inside!” Feng Zikang carefully pushed open the wooden door and stepped inside. Here too, everything was orderly. The bedding on Mo Fenghuang’s couch was completely undisturbed, as if she had simply prepared to step out momentarily.

“It’s the same in every household—could it be...” Luo Kedi mumbled, “they moved?” Luo Kedi knew this guess was impossible, but the uncanny situation made him veer toward such speculations. All the houses were tidily packed; it didn't look like they left due to a sudden accident. It looked more like they departed knowing something in advance. Feng Zikang shook his head. “Even if they left voluntarily, it wasn't a move. Judging by the state of the Tong, it seems more like they temporarily evacuated for several days to evade something.” “But,” But if they intended to return shortly, the accumulated layer of thick dust on the writing desk and bed frame suggested otherwise. Something must have happened to prevent their return within a short timeframe!

“Martial Uncle, look!” Luo Kedi pointed to the writing desk, where a sliver of cyan wood lay flat upon it! For the story to continue, please visit [website address], more chapters are available, support the author, and support genuine reading!

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