The tip of the blade aimed for the vital point. To completely sever Hong Kang’s primordial spirit, rather than merely impressing a warning upon it—injuring and imprisoning him severely—was no simple feat.
If he were an ordinary person, Feng Zikang wouldn't have held any expectation whatsoever.
However, since Hong Kang cultivated the Ba Jiu Xuan Gong (Eight-Nine Arcane Art), where spirit and flesh were intrinsically merged, there was still a sliver of hope.
If he could shatter the spirit with grievous injury, breaking the tight bond between the primordial spirit and the physical body, that would effectively nullify the boy's Ba Jiu Xuan Gong.
As for the Ba Jiu Xuan Gong itself, Feng Zikang didn't necessarily regard it with much awe. After all, once his demonic fetus fully matured, he would recast his demonic body, a process largely similar to the principles of the Ba Jiu Xuan Gong, yet requiring no laborious retraining.
The ability to change at will—not only allowing one to evade calamity but offering profound utility in combat—was something he absolutely had to acquire.
Seeing Hong Kang grow more spirited and ferocious in battle, Feng Zikang remained unhurried. He leisurely guided Hong Kang toward the more desolate regions.
Venerable Xu Wan sighed, filled with distinct regret.
“This Feng Zikang, he truly doesn't wish to reveal himself to onlookers; the secrets he holds are truly too numerous,” he muttered to himself. Luo Kedi, standing nearby, overheard him and questioned, “Venerable Master Xu Wan, what do you mean by that? My Martial Uncle...”
Venerable Xu Wan smiled, waving a hand dismissively. “Kedi need not concern himself; it was merely a casual observation. Since they have gone far afield, today's events are now settled. Why not let the Prince of Zhou prepare a banquet and quietly await Martial Brother Feng’s return?”
He gazed in the direction Feng Zikang and Hong Kang had departed, a faint smile gracing his lips.
“Feng Zikang! If you have the nerve, don't run!”
Hong Kang, spurred by anger, watched Feng Zikang fight and retreat, shouting and giving chase. Feng Zikang paid him no mind, merely leading him farther and farther away until they reached a secluded spot far from the main skirmish, where he finally halted.
“Hong Kang! You certainly have courage, daring to follow me here!”
Feng Zikang planted his feet firmly, turned around, and flicked his sword light, effortlessly deflecting Hong Kang’s incoming blade strike.
“Nonsense! Even if your cultivation is slightly superior to mine, you are still merely that. What can you possibly do to me?” Hong Kang roared with laughter. Confident in the protection of his Ba Jiu Xuan Gong, he believed even Feng Zikang, despite his formidable skills, could not kill him—so what did he have to fear?
Feng Zikang gave a slight smile, shaking his head. He retrieved the Withered Vine Technique from his storage pouch and chuckled, “If this item restrains you, what can you do then?”
Hong Kang’s expression shifted. The myriad vines of the Withered Vine Staff were renowned for ensnarement; it was true that his full range of skills would be hampered. Nevertheless, he scoffed, “Even if you use the Withered Vine Technique, you can only trap me, not kill me!”
At worst, he would simply transform and flee; Hong Kang was utterly fearless!
Feng Zikang laughed heartily and unleashed the Withered Vine Technique. True to form, colossal green vines erupted and coiled, instantly enveloping Hong Kang completely. Hong Kang’s face changed color, and he was about to transform when he heard Feng Zikang call out, “Wait! Wait a moment!”
Hong Kang paused his struggle, momentarily stunned, and laughed, “Your Withered Vine can’t hold me; why call me to a halt?”
Feng Zikang laughed again. “I certainly cannot hold you indefinitely; you would just transform into an insect and fly away—where is the fun in that? We haven't settled the victory!”
Hong Kang snorted coldly. “It’s good that you know that. Then why employ this Withered Vine Technique?”
This artifact was supremely effective at binding opponents. If Hong Kang remained entangled here, no matter how many transformations he employed, he would be hampered and unable to strike, forced only to change form and flee. Once free of the Withered Vine’s grasp, the fight would be over. Since you desire a decisive conclusion, why bring out this magic tool?
Feng Zikang smiled. “Actually, when I used the Withered Vine Technique, I knew it couldn't truly trap you either. I merely wanted to keep you here for a moment to discuss a method for a true conclusion.”
“Oh?”
Hong Kang blinked wide. “Tell me!”
Feng Zikang offered a slight smile, raising the Sky-Swallowing Ancient Sword in his hand. “The method is quite simple. You boast that your Ba Jiu Xuan Gong is supreme, but I refuse to believe it. If you have the courage, withstand three strikes from me. If you survive those three, I will concede defeat, cease meddling in the affairs of Lizhou, and even return the Withered Vine Technique to you.”
He glanced at Hong Kang and added with a smile, “Of course, if you perish, that will count as your loss!”
Hong Kang burst into loud laughter. “I wondered what grand scheme you had. It turns out to be this kind of scholarly wager. My Ba Jiu Xuan Gong is unmatched under heaven! Never mind three strikes, I could withstand thirty and still be fine! Why bother binding me with vines? Put away the Withered Vine Technique, and I shall let you strike three times!”
Feng Zikang shook his head. “If I don't bind you, I fear you will simply flee the moment I draw my sword. That would spoil the fun!”
Hong Kang became enraged. “I, Hong Kang, am not that sort of person! Do not slander me with baseless talk!”
Feng Zikang chuckled. “If that is the case, then what difference does it make whether the Withered Vine binds you or not? You only need to endure three strikes; if you don't die, you win. Are you perhaps lacking courage?”
Hong Kang cried out in fury, “Who fears you! Three strikes, then three strikes! Just strike away!”
“Excellent!”
Feng Zikang stepped back. The green vines on the ground churned, tightly coiling around Hong Kang, who stood fearless, a hint of contempt flickering across his face.
“The first strike is coming!” Feng Zikang closed his eyes, holding the sword. A faint sheen emanated from the tip, dazzling the eyes; even Hong Kang felt his spirit momentarily captivated!
“A magnificent divine power! An exquisite swordsmanship! A pity, it still cannot touch my Ba Jiu Xuan Gong!”
Hong Kang recognized quality; he knew Feng Zikang’s strike was extraordinary. But no matter how extraordinary, if the layer of power hadn't broken through, it ultimately couldn't injure his third-stage Ba Jiu Xuan Gong.
Feng Zikang smiled slightly. His first strike utilized one of the ultimate moves from the Starfall Great Extinction Sword Technique. He knew it likely wouldn't harm someone cultivating the Ba Jiu Xuan Gong, but it was intended to induce complacency.
“Bind!”
Indeed, the strike landed squarely on Hong Kang’s forehead. Sparks flew violently, and Hong Kang felt a wave of dizziness wash over him; the impact was substantial. He shouted, “Good!”
To rattle the body protected by the third stage of his Ba Jiu Xuan Gong was proof of this sword art’s formidable nature!
“Feng Zikang! You certainly possess skill, but sadly, you cannot harm me!”
Since even such a potent sword strike couldn't cause him the slightest injury, Hong Kang grew even more arrogant, laughing wildly!
Feng Zikang smiled faintly; the result of this first strike was entirely within his expectations.
The Ba Jiu Xuan Gong was truly extraordinary. This individual, having reached the third stage, possessed strength comparable to a Demon Lord whose demonic body had been fully formed, despite merely being in the Foundation Establishment stage. This world’s foremost hardening art was certainly not to be trifled with!
However, with the Soul-Slaying Blade in his possession, Feng Zikang felt no genuine worry. He chuckled, “Hong Kang, don't be too pleased with yourself. This first strike was merely to test your limits. Watch my second strike!”
Hong Kang snorted dismissively, but then he saw Feng Zikang’s body tense. The iron sword followed his posture, bending slightly, emitting a faint creaking sound, before curving sharply, taking on the appearance of a bow.
“What is this...”
Hong Kang sensed the tension coiled within the sword's impending momentum. Though he was unafraid, his heart lurched violently. This next strike would undoubtedly be even fiercer than the last—Feng Zikang truly was full of unexpected tricks!
He dared not slacken, subtly circulating the Ba Jiu Xuan Gong. The skin across his entire body faintly began to exude a golden sheen.
On Feng Zikang’s face, a slight sheen of sweat appeared. This move from the Starfall Great Extinction Sword Technique was called "Heavenly Wolf"—a desperate gambit using the essence of one's entire being as an arrow to shoot down the celestial wolf. Although he had mastered it, today was the first time he was using it!
The iron sword was bent into a perfect arc, faint white vapor seeming to hang above it—this was Feng Zikang’s entire sword qi, condensed into a single arrow!
This strike was for Feng Zikang to test the limits of his own foundational power against the Ba Jiu Xuan Gong!
“Come!”
Hong Kang roared in return, captivated by the sheer spirit of the action!
“Hah!”
Feng Zikang bellowed, and the sword qi was released!
“Jade Wolf! Fire!”
The beam of sword light shot forth with lightning speed, unstoppable, aimed directly at Hong Kang’s throat!
“Pfft!”
The sound of a blade entering flesh!
Hong Kang stared at his own throat in disbelief, watching golden blood seep out sluggishly!
The third stage of the Ba Jiu Xuan Gong had been breached!
“No... Impossible!”
Hong Kang stared at the ferocious sword qi before him, his face a mask of shock and fury. Immediately, with a resounding crash, the sword light shattered into pieces, vanishing into nothingness!
“Ugh!”
Both Feng Zikang and Hong Kang coughed simultaneously, each spitting out a mouthful of blood!
“Good... good swordsmanship...” Hong Kang coughed incessantly. The power of that single strike managed to pierce his flesh by half an inch, drawing a drop of his golden blood! This man’s divine might was truly extraordinary!
Feng Zikang’s face was pale as parchment, but he managed a slight smile.
“The Ba Jiu Xuan Gong is indeed formidable!”
The Heavenly Wolf, which gathered his strongest attack to date, managed to penetrate only half an inch. The Ba Jiu Xuan Gong was truly too terrifying; such a cultivation method should not be accessible to someone at the Foundation Establishment stage!
This boy’s fate was certainly tenacious!
Feng Zikang smiled coldly, slowly raising his sword again, his hands trembling slightly. He chuckled, “Hong Kang, don't celebrate too early; I still have a third strike prepared!”
Hong Kang lifted his head, observed Feng Zikang’s complexion, and then laughed loudly. “The third strike! When you unleashed that last sword light, you expended all your vital energy. Even if you could manage a third strike, it would be nothing more than the last gasp of a spent force—how could it possibly harm me? You might as well stop now and save face!”
The fact that Feng Zikang’s second strike had managed to wound him filled Hong Kang with awe, but judging by Feng Zikang’s appearance, that attack must have been the convergence of his entire essence. To ask him to unleash a similar strike again in a short period would be difficult; how could a third strike possibly hurt him?
His arrogance resurfaced. If he could subdue this newly renowned Feng Zikang, he would solidify his title as the foremost disciple of the third generation, whom even the varied masters of the myriad sects would dare not slight!
Feng Zikang coughed twice, his face growing even ashen. He managed a wry smile. “Don’t underestimate... cough... don’t underestimate me. Be prepared for this third strike!”
Hong Kang shook his head, his expression contemptuous. “Stubbornly persisting in delusion!”
He was certain of victory and his expression remained unchanged, yet he dared not relax, fully circulating the Ba Jiu Xuan Gong to guard his entire body. He watched as Feng Zikang moved the tip of his sword, and a streak of white light sliced through the heavens, slowly drifting towards his neck.
The might of this strike was far inferior to the first. Hong Kang almost concluded that Feng Zikang was already spent. He chuckled, completely unconcerned!
Just as the white sword light neared his throat, Hong Kang happened to catch a glimpse of a cryptic smile on Feng Zikang’s face. That pallor instantly vanished. His heart seized violently!
“Not good!”
This boy must have hatched some vile scheme!
Hong Kang’s heart shook, yet he still relied on his absolute strength, on the Ba Jiu Xuan Gong to crush any trickery!
This was his final thought.
“Pfft!”
The white light dissipated at the last possible moment, revealing a crimson thread enveloped within!
The Soul-Slaying Blade!
The Soul-Slaying Blade grazed his throat. Hong Kang felt no pain, only a wave of dizziness, as if his entire being were dissolving. Dazed, he saw four divine demons, appearing from nowhere, pulling at his body with iron chains. Forcing his eyes open, he saw his small frame falling from mid-air onto the dust after the vines receded, his eyes wide open, unable to close in death!
Then came a deep, profound darkness!
Feng Zikang clapped his hands and straightened his back. Seeing the four divine demons using iron chains to pierce through Hong Kang’s unconscious primordial spirit, he nodded slightly.
He lowered his sword light and kicked Hong Kang’s corpse. Having lost his spirit, the corpse’s Ba Jiu Xuan Gong was useless; it was nothing more than dead flesh.
“Heh!”
Feng Zikang chuckled softly a few times, caressing the Soul-Slaying Blade in his hand.
When Hong Kang awoke again, he felt agony throughout his body. Opening his eyes, he saw thick iron chains piercing his limbs, shoulders, chest, and waist. These chains were held by four imposing divine demons on all sides. The surroundings were a vast expanse of white, nothing visible.
“W-where is this? Is this the Underworld?”
“Pathetic!”
A light voice reached his ears, shocking Hong Kang. Turning his head, he saw Feng Zikang standing composedly nearby, grinning at him.
“A dignified cultivator, even in death, need not descend to the Underworld. Are there not guides in the myriad Mystic Realms? To end up like a mortal, forced to drink Lady Meng’s soup, re-entering the cycle of reincarnation, trapped in the mystery of the womb—wouldn't that be too miserable?”
“Feng... Feng Zikang!”
Hong Kang’s face shifted drastically. His last memory was being slain by Feng Zikang!
“I... I didn't die?”
Feng Zikang smiled faintly. “Originally, I could have killed you. I still have ways to interrogate you... however, to avoid drawing the attention of certain interested parties, I chose not to kill you for the time being. You need not thank me for that!”
“You... what do you want to ask?”
Hong Kang knew he was trapped, his face ashen, filled with bitterness.
“Why feign ignorance?”
Feng Zikang chuckled. “What I wish to ask, you know perfectly well...”