Zhanshenzi’s eyes nearly bulged out when he saw Feng Zikang return with the newly sharpened God-Slaying Blade. “Indeed… it truly has slain the Primordial Spirit of the Seven Fiends Earth Dragon!” He couldn't put it down, constantly stroking it.

“You brat are truly blessed by fortune; I was not wrong about you! Hahaha, you helped me hone the God-Slaying Blade, fulfilling a decades-long wish of mine.

Take it and use it well; just return it to me when you’re done!” The God-Slaying Blade was indeed a formidable weapon, capable of slaying a Primordial Spirit while ignoring physical defenses. Even a master of the Core Condensation stage, whose spirit was solid, might not escape a strike from it, potentially even damaging the Nascent Soul of a master whose spirit had formed an infant shape.

However, its killing momentum was too slow. Even in a sudden sneak attack, it was hard for it to go unnoticed.

It was only useful after immobilizing a target, which greatly limited its practicality. Feng Zikang gazed at the God-Slaying Blade, calculating silently in his heart.

It was a pity that his Heaven-Swallowing Ancient Sword had not yet absorbed the divine abilities of the sword souls it had consumed. Otherwise, if the Ancient Sword had already devoured the Moon-Slaying Demon Sword, and now devoured the God-Slaying Blade, wouldn't it become an incomparably potent tool for sneak attacks… Zhanshenzi, naturally unaware that his benefactor’s disciple was plotting to swallow his God-Slaying Blade, reluctantly smiled and handed the weapon over to Feng Zikang.

“Daoist Friend Feng, use it well, and return it to me soon!” Having successfully sharpened the God-Slaying Blade, he was overjoyed, and his tone became markedly warmer. Feng Zikang ‘cheerfully accepted’ the God-Slaying Blade, tucking it into his storage pouch, bid farewell to Zhanshenzi, and returned to Lizhou City.

Master Xu Wan was waiting for him. Seeing his return, he laughed heartily, “Congratulations, Zikang.

Now that the God-Slaying Blade has been retrieved, today is the day to eliminate that Hong Kang!” “Oh?” Feng Zikang smiled enigmatically, “Why is Master Xu Wan so certain I could borrow the God-Slaying Blade? Perhaps I returned empty-handed?” Master Xu Wan roared with laughter, “Zikang, stop joking.

You are a man of immense destiny. For these decades, you command the wind and rain, are invincible in battle, conquering all you face—how could there be anything you fail to accomplish?” “Immense destiny?” Feng Zikang’s expression shifted subtly.

Did this Master Xu Wan know about his possession of the Investiture of the Gods list? He smiled faintly, “Does that mean that during these decades, any sensible person will wisely stand outside my opposition?” “Naturally!” Master Xu Wan chuckled, his words firm and resolute.

Just then, Luo Kedi came forward. He had been away escorting grain supplies a few days prior and hadn't seen Feng Zikang.

Hearing his Martial Uncle had arrived, he was extremely delighted and rushed forward for a warm greeting. Feng Zikang and Master Xu Wan exchanged knowing smiles, letting the conversation pause there.

“Martial Uncle, that Hong Kang is truly formidable!” After inquiring about Feng Zikang’s recent endeavors, Luo Kedi began sighing again, his eyes filled with envy. He had cultivated diligently for years but never grasped the true essence; ultimately, he remained a mortal general.

Seeing these supreme cultivators inevitably stirred his envy. “Formidable, so what?

He is but dust in a coffin. Today is the day he meets his end!” Luo Kedi was overjoyed.

“Martial Uncle, you are moving against him again today? I heard that when you struck last time, you effortlessly reclaimed the Withered Vine Staff and sent Hong Kang fleeing in disarray.

Are you going to take his life today?” Feng Zikang nodded slightly. “Since he remains obstinate and unwilling to see reason, I have no choice but to break my vow against wanton killing and send him on his way first!” Before obtaining the Investiture of the Gods list, Feng Zikang had to maintain some restraint, daring not to indulge in mass slaughter.

Now, with the ‘Golden Tablet for Killing’ in hand, what did he have to fear? Perhaps the more he killed, the more pleased his hidden patrons would be.

However, the old veterans of the Confucian, Buddhist, and Daoist sects were not fools. Though they gave him the Investiture of the Gods list, who knew what backup plans they held?

The fact that Feng Zikang had not yet enthroned anyone in the mortal realm was precisely for this reason. “Martial Uncle, Hong Kang cultivates the Eight-Nine Arcane Art, making him impervious to blades and spears.

I heard Master Xu Wan say you went to Youyuan Mountain for the God-Slaying Blade—did you succeed?” Feng Zikang nodded with a smile and took out the God-Slaying Blade for them to inspect. The blade was small, entirely blood-red, its sharpness subtle.

Everyone marveled, unable to conceive that such an object could slay Hong Kang. Yet, cultivators could sense the immense malevolent aura clinging to the God-Slaying Blade.

Upon contact, their spirits violently trembled, stirring an instinctive fear. “This thing is really… potent…” Luo Kedi quickly withdrew his hand after a light touch.

Master Xu Wan, however, was completely unconcerned. He played with it for a long time, then burst into laughter.

“Truly a fine artifact. In that case, I wish Brother Feng swift success in slaying that foolish Hong Kang!” Feng Zikang nodded slightly.

“Indeed. Let’s conclude this swiftly so I may return to the mountain.” He put away the God-Slaying Blade and rode out of the city to issue the challenge.

Although Hong Kang feared him, he relied on the might of the Eight-Nine Arcane Art. If he couldn't win, he could always flee, so he still emerged from his formation to meet the challenge.

“Who exactly are you, to repeatedly hound me without end?” Hong Kang, though outwardly fierce, was inwardly weak, and he continued to press the inquiry. Feng Zikang chuckled, “I am Feng Zikang of the Military School of Longhu Mountain.

If you don't know me, surely no one among your cohort recognizes me?” Hong Kang was startled. He had long heard of Feng Zikang’s great reputation and was shocked to find the man so powerfully imposing, his cultivation slightly surpassing his own.

“So it is Brother Feng Yi!” Hong Kang straightened his short frame and performed a salute. Knowing he was outmatched, his arrogance and pride subsided considerably.

“Martial Brother Feng possesses vast divine abilities; Hong Kang is no match. However, the Great Tang’s Sacred Son of Heaven reigns, and the world enjoys peace.

Wuji staging a rebellion is unforgivable. Our aiding the Tang to destroy Zhou is the will of Heaven.

Why must Martial Brother defy Heaven and assist the tyrant?” Since he could not fight effectively, he turned to persuasion. Hong Kang was quite glib, articulating a reasoned argument.

Feng Zikang roared with laughter, “An ignorant child, presumptuously speaking of Heaven’s mandate! What do you know of the will of Heaven?

It is the rise of the Zhou and the celestial dominance of the Tang that is Heaven’s will! You disregard the decree of Heaven, foolishly entering the great epoch of heaven and earth—are you not afraid of being reduced to ash by tribulation?” Hong Kang’s face stiffened.

He thought he had been polite, but Feng Zikang gave him no quarter, firing back insults directly. He could not stand this humiliation.

His expression drastically changed, and he sneered, “Martial Brother Feng, I called you Martial Brother out of respect for your affiliation with the Military School of Longhu Mountain, one of the three sects and nine schools. I dare say that with the Eight-Nine Arcane Art I practice, even facing tribulation fire, it is not so easy to be reduced to ash!

Martial Brother should worry about himself!” He had met with several serendipitous encounters, mastering the Eight-Nine Arcane Art, knowing it was a supreme technique capable of preserving life even through immense calamity. After a few trials, he confirmed that while he might not defeat cultivators of higher realms, he could preserve his life, bolstering his confidence.

Upon mastering the third stage, he inevitably became somewhat arrogant, viewing all heroes under heaven as insignificant. Feng Zikang laughed three times, “Arrogant fool!

A frog staring into a well! Do you think the protection of the Eight-Nine Arcane Art grants you immunity from all destruction?” Hong Kang sneered, “While not immortal through all calamities, any cultivator of the same level trying to kill me is absolutely impossible!” A Core Condensation cultivator might find a way to kill him, but Hong Kang truly did not fear a mere Foundation Establishment stage cultivator!

Feng Zikang knew Hong Kang was destined to die today, his mind muddled by delusion, uttering such boastful words. Feng Zikang laughed loudly, saying no more, “Hong Kang!

Words are useless. Let us fight!

The one who ends your life today is I, Feng Zikang!” “Nonsense!” Hong Kang was genuinely enraged, swinging his great saber to cleave down upon Feng Zikang’s head. Feng Zikang chuckled and met the attack with his sword, and they became locked in combat!

Hong Kang’s martial arts were profound, and his saber techniques subtle, so for a time, he did not lose the upper hand. Feng Zikang nodded slightly.

This man’s fortune was high; having mastered the Eight-Nine Arcane Art and various transformation techniques, he would surely achieve great things if he hadn't encountered me. Indeed, the great tribulation brought forth all manner of extraordinary individuals.

He was not in a hurry to press the attack, having other calculations in mind. Hong Kang, however, grew braver as the fight continued.

In their previous encounter, Feng Zikang had easily broken the restrictions of the Withered Vine Staff and turned it against him, terrifying Hong Kang into retreating hastily. But today, meeting saber to sword, he felt that even if Feng Zikang’s abilities surpassed his own, the difference was limited, and his courage gradually swelled.

Luo Kedi watched from the city wall, his heart pounding, anxiously wiping sweat for his Martial Uncle. Although he trusted Feng Zikang would win, seeing Hong Kang’s fierce saber attacks, and recalling the imposing might Hong Kang displayed when slaying generals and capturing banners, his concern made him uneasy.

“Kedi need not worry…” Master Xu Wan, seeing his expression, chuckled, “Your Martial Uncle has not yet used his ultimate move; he merely intends to capture Hong Kang alive. Do not worry…” “Capture alive?” Luo Kedi was astonished.

“Sir, didn’t you say the God-Slaying Blade is incredibly fierce? A strike from it completely annihilates the Primordial Spirit.

If this method isn't used, how can Uncle capture Hong Kang alive?” Master Xu Wan shook his head, an expression of profound respect dawning on his face. “For anyone else, naturally, once the God-Slaying Blade is used, it results only in the annihilation of the Primordial Spirit, with no room for change… However, your Martial Uncle is a genius of astonishing talent.

Though he only just acquired the God-Slaying Blade, he seems to have already deduced its proper application…” He stared intently at the battle below, exclaiming in admiration. “In all the world, none can surpass your Martial Uncle, Feng Zikang!” His tone held both admiration and respect, yet also a trace of regret.

Luo Kedi, of course, could not discern the latter. Hearing that Master Xu Wan also predicted his Martial Uncle’s victory, he finally relaxed.

Watching his Martial Uncle’s swordplay and Hong Kang’s saber techniques, he gradually ceased worrying about the tide of battle, instead focusing on studying the profound mysteries within, sighing at his own inferiority. Feng Zikang certainly intended to capture Hong Kang alive!

The Eight-Nine Arcane Art and the transformation techniques would be too great a loss to let vanish if they were destroyed. However, he had only possessed the God-Slaying Blade for a short time.

To pierce the Primordial Spirit while leaving Hong Kang’s life intact—to learn the secrets of the Eight-Nine Arcane Art and the various transformation techniques—he was not entirely confident. It required an extremely precise strike!

He had to wait for the perfect moment! As sword met saber, the battle between the two gradually became enveloped in a silver radiance.

Those with keen eyes shouted praise at the beautiful moments; it was utterly magnificent!