Ma Wukang was astonished that the Sect Leader would support him to such an extent. Back when he first saw the Sect Leader during the Sunset Peak Grand Competition, he had considered him incompetent and weak, never imagining he possessed such deep planning and skill.

Since the incident at the Tribunal Hall, the Sect Leader had grown increasingly assertive, no longer a leader caught between factions, but a figure wielding genuine power. Of course, Yuan Buhuan’s ascension also owed something to him.

It was thanks to Feng Zikang’s tireless running back and forth, earning substantial merit and prestige for the Military Strategists School, that Yuan Buhuan’s position as Sect Leader had solidified. Now, his gesture of gratitude was certainly justifiable.

"Then I thank the Sect Leader!" Feng Zikang accepted without pretense, graciously taking the offered ring. At present, apart from his cultivation level being slightly lower, he was perfectly capable of serving as an Elder of the Military Strategists School.

Since it was something he had earned, there was no need to be coy. Seeing him take the ring, a look of appreciation surfaced in Yuan Buhuan’s eyes.

"Junior Brother Ye has truly taken a fine disciple! It is a pity I have no such worthy successor to inherit my mantle." He sighed.

The Sunset Peak lineage had successively lost Liang Si’an and Huo Zhongguang, and there was truly no one among the remaining disciples capable of rising up. Witnessing Feng Zikang’s rapid progress, nearing the breakthrough from the middle stage of Foundation Establishment to the late stage, Yuan Buhuan felt a profound melancholy.

"Ah, yes! I have already taken Elder Li Huo’er's former disciple, Meng Qinglu, into my own tutelage.

You two are acquainted, are you not? I recall during the Sunset Peak Grand Competition three years ago, you single-handedly subdued him with your words.

He, in turn, has often spoken highly of you!" Remembering his prized disciple, Yuan Buhuan could not help but elaborate. "His progress is good; he is close to reaching the Great Perfection of Qi Condensation.

In the future, I will need Junior Nephew Zikang to look after him a bit more." "Oh?" Feng Zikang had spent the last few years traveling or in seclusion. Although Meng Qinglu used to visit frequently, it had been several years since they last met.

He had not expected that after years of maneuvering, the young man would finally succeed in becoming Yuan Buhuan’s disciple. The fellow was ambitious, but the current gap in their cultivation levels was immense.

Feng Zikang merely offered a slight smile. "Senior Brother Meng possesses exceptional talent; under the Sect Leader’s guidance, he will certainly realize his ambitions." He offered a few polite remarks and then excused himself.

Yuan Buhuan urged him to be careful in all things, advising him to flash his identity if any trouble arose, and the Military Strategists of Dragon Tiger Mountain would step forward to support him. Yuan Buhuan was perceptive; Feng Zikang’s status was different now—he was the recognized authority of the Investiture of the Gods List.

Even the Sect Leader needed to curry favor with him. If the Military Strategists School could use this opportunity to make a resurgence, that would bring true glory.

Feng Zikang thanked him profusely and departed. ※ Feng Zikang’s travels this time were aimless wandering, interspersed with discreet inquiries about the recent state of Lizhou.

It turned out that after repelling the imperial court’s twice-led punitive expeditions, Wu Ji had finally taken the advice of Master Xu Wan to establish a kingdom, to legitimize his rule and attract talented individuals from all corners to join him. He had, as Feng Zikang anticipated, named the state Zhou.

The prophecy, “Wu Zhou replaces Tang,” was spreading increasingly far, to the point where even small children on the roadside sang ballads about it. The Emperor of the Tang Dynasty was naturally enraged and dispatched another massive army to suppress Lizhou.

"I heard this time General Guchongtang of the Garrison Army is leading the expedition. Tsk, tsk, that’s no small matter." "Wasn't General Gu busy fighting the Tujue in the northern frontiers?

Why was he suddenly recalled to deal with Lizhou? It seems the Emperor is truly furious this time?" "Why ask?

Haven't you heard? The Duke of Ying has already declared himself the King of Zhou!

This is outright treason! The Emperor lost face after his first two attempts ended in complete rout, so he had to recall General Gu!" There were always well-informed individuals in the villages spreading the reasons behind the events.

Feng Zikang smiled faintly, sitting to the side sipping tea, finding the discourse of these mortals quite amusing. "Alas, the Emperor is also to blame for this whole affair.

Did you hear? It was because the Emperor wanted to take his own niece as a concubine that he forced the Duke of Ying to rebel." "Is that so?" Someone who hadn't heard was shocked.

"Has the Emperor gone senile, turning into a foolish ruler?" As the crowd buzzed with discussion, a detachment of the Imperial Guards suddenly rushed in and seized the man who had taken the lead in spreading rumors about the Emperor. The others fell silent, daring not to speak further.

Feng Zikang shook his head, but then heard a short, sturdy Daoist mutter discontentedly nearby, "What nonsense!" Feng Zikang turned his gaze. The stout Daoist was perhaps at the Qi Induction stage.

Though scruffy, his eyes held a divine light, suggesting he was a man of cultivation. The stout Daoist noticed Feng Zikang looking at him and glared.

"What? Thinking of informing on me?

This Daoist isn't afraid of you!" His words sounded tough, but they held a hint of fear. If he were truly unafraid, he wouldn't wait for the Imperial Guards to leave before voicing his opinion.

After all, he was merely an itinerant cultivator at the Qi Induction stage; while he might not fear the mortal guards, provoking the imperial court meant drawing the attention of many hidden masters who could capture him. Feng Zikang smiled lightly.

"Fellow Daoist, please do not misunderstand. I merely observed your imposing presence and extraordinary bearing; you must be a rare man of the world, a genuine cultivator, which is why I looked a moment longer." "Really?" The Daoist was delighted by the praise, his mouth unable to close.

He was ugly—with triangular eyes, a lion-like nose, and large ears—and likely hadn't heard a compliment about his appearance since birth. Hearing this, he didn't care if it was flattery and simply enjoyed the moment.

"I am Daoist Zhu Mu, an itinerant cultivator from Mount Qingcheng. May I ask your esteemed name?" In his excitement, the Daoist stopped bristling and cordially greeted him.

Feng Zikang raised his hand and smiled. "I am Feng Zikang, a disciple of the Small Bamboo Grove under the Military Strategists School of Dragon Tiger Mountain.

Greetings, Daoist Zhu." "Oh?" Daoist Zhu Mu's expression shifted, and he muttered, "So, a disciple of a prestigious sect..." His face looked distinctly troubled, and he turned to leave. The status difference between a disciple of a prestigious sect and an itinerant cultivator was like heaven and earth.

While many sought to curry favor with prestigious disciples hoping to gain some benefit, many proud itinerant cultivators preferred to avoid interacting with them, wishing only to distance themselves, lest they be accused of latching onto established power. Feng Zikang understood his mentality and smiled faintly.

"Fellow Daoist, please stay your steps!" Daoist Zhu Mu paused, turning back angrily. "What else is there?

You are a disciple of a prestigious sect; what business could you have with us itinerant cultivators?" Feng Zikang smiled and blocked his path. "We merely met by chance.

Cultivators care little for origins. I felt an instant kinship with you upon meeting, which is why I called out.

I overheard your recent complaints; you must also be dissatisfied with this tyrannical rule. Why not join the King of Zhou and help achieve great things together?" Daoist Zhu Mu was startled.

"Are you perhaps someone under the King of Zhou?" As soon as he asked, he realized his mistake. How could a disciple of the Military Strategists School of Dragon Tiger Mountain possibly serve a mere mortal?

At most, he would be an honored guest. "Fellow Daoist, I see your extraordinary potential.

If you serve the King of Zhou, your contributions could allow you to enjoy the world's prosperity. What do you say?" Feng Zikang pressed, and Daoist Zhu Mu was tempted.

As an itinerant cultivator with no hope of reaching Foundation Establishment, he possessed a formidable spirit weapon and wished to find a place to test his skills. "It's just that..." He hesitated.

"I am unacquainted with the King of Zhou, and I have no recommender." "That is no obstacle," Feng Zikang chuckled. "I will write you a letter of recommendation to join the King of Zhou’s service; benefits will certainly follow." Daoist Zhu Mu was overjoyed, shedding his reservations immediately.

"In that case, I thank Brother Feng very much!" Feng Zikang took a letter from his robes and handed it over. He had been doing this sort of thing frequently in the past few days—whenever he encountered a cultivator, regardless of the circumstances, he would recommend them to Wu Ji’s side first.

Daoist Zhu Mu happily took the letter of recommendation and departed. Feng Zikang did not rush, calmly finishing his tea.

He had heard that General Gu Zhongtang, who had been campaigning against the Tujue, was about to march on Lizhou. The court was taking this matter very seriously this time, meaning they surely sent many cultivators along with the army.

Although he had recruited many cultivators these past few days, they were mostly itinerant cultivators at the Qi Induction stage. Even with specific skills, they might not stand a chance against truly formidable masters.

"It seems finding experts is easier within the major sects." He pondered for a moment. He would leave the Three Teachings and Nine Schools alone for now, but the seventy-two Upper Sects, three hundred and sixty Middle Sects, and countless Lower Sects were worth considering.

Feng Zikang gently unfurled a jade pendant. Starlight shimmered within it, revealing a map of the Divine Province suspended in the air, with dots of light indicating the locations of various cultivation sects.

This was a map of the Central Plains cultivation world he had purchased from the Flying Cloud Mirage Pavilion—quite useful. "The closest one to this location is..." Feng Zikang narrowed his eyes, carefully scrutinizing the map.

"Xuantian Sect!" Feng Zikang felt the name sounded vaguely familiar. After a brief recall, he found no strong impression, dismissing it as something he had heard long ago.

After all, it was merely a Middle Sect, not worth his focused attention. "However, a Middle Sect should still have a Foundation Establishment expert presiding over it, much like Liu Yuansu in the Mount Tai Sword Sect." Liu Yuansu’s divine power and cultivation were quite high; he could contend with the combined efforts of Ghost King Tu and several other Foundation Establishment masters with room to spare.

Feng Zikang didn't expect to find someone of that caliber, just a barely competent Foundation Establishment expert would suffice. "Then let's give it a try.

I will go to the Xuantian Sect and try to persuade them!" Feng Zikang smiled faintly, transforming into a streak of sword light, heading directly toward the direction of the Xuantian Sect. ※ The Xuantian Sect was currently celebrating a joyous occasion.

When Feng Zikang flew over the sect, he saw lanterns and decorations draped everywhere; the atmosphere was festive and buoyant. The location of the Xuantian Sect was a region of rolling hills interspersed with water—a fine place indeed.

The arrangements displayed deep significance, suggesting these Middle Sects possessed some tangible heritage. Feng Zikang nodded, then saw a figure fly up from below.

This person wore the red festive attire of a guest and intercepted him. "Esteemed Senior, may I ask where you have come from?

Today is the day of our Young Sect Master’s grand wedding. Since you happen to be passing by, why not stay for a cup of wedding wine?" The welcoming disciple was impeccably mannered.

Although Feng Zikang appeared young, his skill in sword riding was superior, indicating a respectable cultivation level; the address of "Senior" was still offered. It was the Sect Master's instruction to invite any passing cultivators to join the joyous occasion.

"Oh?" Feng Zikang smiled. "Since there is such an elegant affair, I must certainly join the merriment." The disciple was overjoyed and bowed again.

"Then might I request Senior to leave your esteemed name so I may guide you to your seat?" This was customary—to ascertain the guest's status to arrange the seating. The disciple, seeing only a young man before him, though clearly possessing decent cultivation, didn't place him in the highest tier of importance, though his demeanor remained polite.

Feng Zikang saw him take out a red wedding register and smiled faintly. "I am Feng Zikang, a disciple of the Small Bamboo Grove under the Military Strategists School of Dragon Tiger Mountain..." Before he finished speaking, the disciple stared blankly, frozen in place!

The Military Strategists School of Dragon Tiger Mountain! Feng Zikang!

The current Feng Zikang was an idol among the younger generation of the righteous path in the Central Plains. To think that he, a disciple of Dragon Tiger Mountain, had been unintentionally invited to attend the Young Sect Master's wedding banquet!

The Sect Master had exhausted his prestige just to invite three disciples from the Upper Sects for congratulations; not a single person from the Three Teachings and Nine Schools had shown up! Such an immense contribution had unexpectedly fallen right into his lap?

The disciple was utterly dumbfounded. Feng Zikang laughed heartily, took the register from his hand, inscribed his name, and then asked with a smile, "Little brother, will you guide me inside now?" The disciple finally snapped out of his stupor and quickly bowed.

"I did not realize the esteemed Senior Feng had arrived! Please wait a moment, I shall immediately go invite the Sect Master out to welcome you!" Even if an ordinary inner disciple from the Three Teachings and Nine Schools arrived, the Sect Master would personally greet them; how much more so the famous Feng Zikang!

The disciple scurried away joyfully, and shortly after, amidst the blare of drums and music, an elderly man wearing splendid crimson festive robes flew into the sky, accompanied by several attendants. Upon spotting Feng Zikang, he immediately bowed low.

"I did not know the Daoist Friend Feng from the Military Strategists School of Dragon Tiger Mountain was visiting; I apologize for not coming out to greet you sooner!" The old man was plump, not resembling a cultivator, with white hair and beard, yet possessing a look of prosperity. His expression was one of alarm, and his politeness bordered on obsequiousness.

"Sect Master need not be so formal!" Feng Zikang chuckled. "I was merely passing by and decided to join the fun out of curiosity." Despite his casual words, the Sect Master dared not be disrespectful.

The Xuantian Sect had existed for over five hundred years, developing solely on its own without affiliation to the Three Teachings and Nine Schools. Although each generation produced talents capable of achieving Foundation Establishment to barely maintain their Middle Sect status, if they could align with any faction among the Three Teachings and Nine Schools and gain the aid of the Great Reincarnation Disk, their potential would be limitless.

The Sect Master, whose surname was Xuan and given name Ye, possessed a cultivation at the middle stage of Foundation Establishment. However, he was already over two hundred years old, incomparable to a monstrous young genius like Feng Zikang who had reached the middle stage of Foundation Establishment in just a few years.

Upon observing Feng Zikang's age, Xuan Ye became even more respectful. Feng Zikang was rather satisfied with the Sect Master's cultivation level and nodded slightly.

Sect Master Xuan pulled the young man beside him forward and said with a fawning smile, "Daoist Friend Feng, this is my unworthy son. He is getting married today.

He is still immature, so I ask Daoist Friend Feng to offer some guidance!" The young man's face carried a mixture of arrogance, belligerence, and apprehension—a beggar-like expression. Feng Zikang was instantly displeased; clearly, this was someone who bullied the weak and feared the strong.

However, since he was the groom today, certain courtesies had to be observed. Feng Zikang nodded and offered a few words of praise.

Sect Master Xuan was overjoyed, personally leading him into the mountain and seating him in the primary position.