Feng Zikang’s body was caught in the tempest. After holding on for a brief moment, it finally disintegrated, collapsing into a ball of bloody light and mire!

At that same instant, the laughter of Daoist Hong Ye choked off abruptly!

“Damn it! He actually slipped away from this brat!”

He withdrew the Red Leaf Barrier divine ability, only to see Feng Zikang, transformed into a streak of blood-red light, already hundreds of miles away!

“What manner of escape technique is this?”

Daoist Hong Ye marvelled at the speed, then sneered, “Feng Zikang, I don’t believe you won’t return. I will wait for you right here within the battle formation!”

※

Feng Zikang first unleashed the Withered Vine technique to slow the approach of the Red Leaf Ropes, and then, utilizing the Wind Howls and Bird Cries—where grass and trees seem to become soldiers—he managed to escape by having a stand-in bound.

“A Core Formation master is indeed extraordinary!”

At his current cultivation level, challenging a Core Formation master was truly pushing his limits.

“Cultivation comes first; this is an absolute truth one must never forget!”

Feng Zikang reminded himself once more that no matter how many resources he commanded, only by advancing his own cultivation could he truly secure his place in this world.

Masters at the Core Formation stage were already rare in this world; among the great sects, except for a few old monsters within the Three Teachings and Nine Schools, few possessed a cultivation realm higher than Nascent Soul.

If Feng Zikang could reach the Core Formation stage, a whole new horizon would naturally open up for him.

“Once this matter is settled, the proper course is to return to the Profound Realm for secluded cultivation and strive for further advancement!” Although he thought this, Feng Zikang knew that with the current great calamity engulfing heaven and earth, countless karmic ties were entangled. While he could certainly seize a moment of leisure for solitary practice, the majority of his time needed to be spent honing his skills amidst this great tribulation.

Moments of life-and-death peril were also excellent opportunities for cultivation breakthroughs.

Like this time, though he was battered and bruised, having narrowly escaped Daoist Hong Ye with his life, he had gained considerable insight, understanding the gap in the application of power between himself and the Core Formation stage with greater clarity.

He possessed rare great fortune: in the face of death, there is always a chance for life. Seizing such opportunities to temper himself was also a chance to rapidly elevate his cultivation. Back then, General Qin’s ability to rise above all others and become the foremost figure in the realm was precisely due to this reason.

However, the immediate priority was finding someone capable of dealing with this Daoist Hong Ye.

Although he still yearned for personal enlightenment, squandering his luck and acting recklessly based solely on the protection of the Investiture of the Gods tablet was not the righteous path. Since he had ascertained Daoist Hong Ye’s capabilities, he should find the right person to counteract him.

Daoist Hong Ye’s most formidable divine ability was the Red Leaf Barrier. Within this barrier, he could amplify his inherent powers and magic. But this technique could be resisted and neutralized by any Core Formation cultivator familiar with Barrier Arts; cultivators who had mastered the arts of the Profound Realm could naturally restrain it even better.

The second was the Red Leaf Storm divine ability. This technique possessed immense power, almost rivaling the might of heaven and earth, making it nigh impossible to defend against. It required treasures or divine abilities related to Wind Stabilization to counteract it.

The third was the Red Leaf Binding Law, a technique capable of immobilizing a person completely.

If he were to seek someone to deal with Daoist Hong Ye, that person would need to be able to overcome these three divine abilities.

Having traveled the world extensively during this period, Feng Zikang was knowledgeable. With a moment's thought, he had a plan. The area was not far from Sichuan, so he directed his sword light straight towards Mount Emei.

The Emei Sect was one of the Seventy-Two Great Sects. This sect excelled in sword manipulation, and their methods of slaughter and combat were closer to those of the Military School. Their founder, True Person Nu, only achieved Foundation Establishment and subsequent Core Formation breakthrough by borrowing the Great Cycle Plate from the Military School of Mount Longhu.

Feng Zikang was now seeking True Person Nu’s assistance.

Emei was renowned for its beauty. As Feng Zikang approached on his sword light, he sensed overwhelming spiritual energy, the continuous succession of peaks, possessing a refined elegance.

“In a few centuries, Emei will surely reach a day of great prosperity.” The military scholars of the past had also praised this, and looking at the beautiful scenery, it indeed possessed the efficacy for continuous fortune, allowing for gradual accumulation leading to immense future achievements for Emei.

However, Feng Zikang paid no heed to these matters at the moment. He landed his sword light at the mountain gate, and Emei disciples quickly came forward to greet him.

“May I ask which Daoist friend comes from afar? What is the purpose of your visit to Emei?”

Seeing Feng Zikang’s tattered robes and wounded face, they were quite suspicious.

Feng Zikang remained neither subservient nor arrogant, returning their bow.

“I am Feng Zikang from the Bamboo Grove of the Military School, Mount Longhu. I have had the honor of meeting True Person Nu once, and passing by today, I have come to pay my respects.”

With his wretched appearance, who would believe he was merely passing by? However, when he stated he was Feng Zikang of the Military School of Mount Longhu, the greeting disciples were startled. After all, the Military School of Mount Longhu held considerable prestige, and Feng Zikang himself was already famous. The disciple dared not neglect him, asking him to wait a moment while he rushed off to report to his master.

Not long after, True Person Nu came running out, beaming, and upon seeing Feng Zikang, he roared with laughter, “Zikang, what wind blew you here to visit me at this time? Come inside quickly for some tea!”

Although they had only met once, they had taken an immediate liking to each other. He quickly pulled Feng Zikang inside. Entering the main hall of Mount Emei, they settled down in their respective seats.

True Person Nu ordered tea to be served. He had already noticed Feng Zikang’s miserable state and did not avoid the subject, asking in surprise, “Zikang, how did you get into such a mess? Who had the gall to bully you? Let your old brother avenge you!”

He was well aware of Feng Zikang’s capabilities; none below the Core Formation stage could defeat him. Anyone who could push him to this extent must be a Core Formation master. Since Feng Zikang had come, he naturally sought help. True Person Nu did not ask for details and immediately promised his support.

Feng Zikang smiled, “Thank you, Senior Nu, for your kind regard, but the one who injured me possesses profound divine abilities. Although you are powerful, I fear…”

“Fear what?” True Person Nu’s face darkened, and he slammed the table. He most detested being looked down upon. From Feng Zikang’s words, it seemed he considered himself inferior to the one who had injured him, and he could not accept that. If a Nascent Soul master had attacked, he didn’t believe Feng Zikang could have escaped. Suffering such minor injuries, the opponent should only be at the early to mid-stage of Core Formation; what was there to fear?

“If I, True Person Nu, take action, is there anyone I cannot deal with?”

Feng Zikang smiled and shook his head, “Senior Nu, it is not that I doubt your strength, but that person is also a senior from one of the Great Sects. I fear he might even know you. If we clash, it might become awkward…”

“Nonsense!” True Person Nu roared. “How can my relationship with those people compare to your master Ye Tiansheng and our bond? Tell me quickly who it is, and I will crush his skull before I leave!”

True Person Nu had a volatile temper, and the Emei Sect was a nascent organization. Its relationship with the seventy-two Great Sects was generally lukewarm. Compared to them, the relationship with the Military School of Mount Longhu was far more important. His own Core Formation breakthrough relied on the Military School’s Great Cycle Plate, and he and Feng Zikang had hit it off immediately. Since there was a matter at hand, why would he shrink back?

“Senior Nu is truly righteous…”

Feng Zikang chuckled internally. He rose respectfully, bowing deeply. Having secured the commitment first, he then recounted the situation in full.

“Daoist Hong Ye from Mount Qixia?”

True Person Nu snorted a plume of cold air from his nose, “I wondered who it was. It’s that old fellow. He merely refined a ten-thousand-year Red Maple into a magic treasure, which is why his divine abilities seem decent. But under my ‘Burning Rage Scorching the Nine Heavens,’ what advantage can he possibly gain?”

He excelled not only in sword control but also specialized in fire. Feng Zikang had thought of this specialty, hoping True Person Nu could incinerate all of Daoist Hong Ye’s red leaves, leaving him with no tricks left.

True Person Nu slapped his chest, assuring Feng Zikang he would avenge him. He grabbed two flying swords and, without delay, prepared to take Feng Zikang back to Lizhou to deal with Daoist Hong Ye.

Feng Zikang smiled faintly, “Senior Nu, please do not be hasty. To deal with Daoist Hong Ye, we still lack one item. With this object, victory will be assured…”

“What object?” True Person Nu’s face elongated. “I can subdue that Red Leaf with a casual gesture; why would I need outside help?”

Feng Zikang waved his hand and smiled, “Senior Nu’s divine power is indeed unparalleled, but that Red Leaf possesses a strange storm technique where wind and fire entwine, which could cause trouble. If we had the Wind Stabilizing Pearl in hand, locking down his storm, wouldn’t that make things much easier?”

“The Wind Stabilizing Pearl?”

True Person Nu’s expression changed. “You bold brat, to think of scheming for that object—you truly have courage!”

※

At the base of Mount Luyun stood Cihua Temple, an ancient monastery of several hundred years, surrounded by towering, ancient cypress trees, giving it the feel of a hidden paradise.

On the small mountain path, Feng Zikang was dressed as a scholar, slowly ascending the steps. True Person Nu beside him also wore a scholar’s cap, ambling along the mountain track with a swagger that ill-suited his short, stout frame, causing passersby to chuckle incessantly.

As cultivators, they naturally paid no mind to outward appearances or the judgment of the world. He just laughed loudly all the way, “Zikang, you really are something to devise this method to acquire the Wind Stabilizing Pearl. Do you think this will actually work?”

Feng Zikang gently fanned himself with his folding fan and smiled faintly. “Senior Nu, rest assured, I have this in hand. We are only borrowing the Wind Stabilizing Pearl for a time; we will return it immediately afterward. I don't believe that person will hold a grudge against me for it.”

“Mischievous!”

True Person Nu chuckled heartily, shaking his head repeatedly, yet showing no inclination to stop him.

The Wind Stabilizing Pearl was the treasure of Cihua Temple on Mount Luyun. Borrowing it through normal means would be exceedingly difficult. However, after considering all options, the Cihua Temple was the closest place nearby where a Wind Stabilizing artifact could be found; Feng Zikang truly did not wish to seek help from afar, so he decided to devise a way to sneak the Pearl out.

Cihua Temple was not a cultivation sect, but it housed a great virtuous monk who was a reclusive cultivator. Though bald and claiming to be a monk, he did not accept Buddhist incense offerings, nor did he belong to any of the Five Branches of Buddhism. He acted wildly day in and day out, drinking meat and wine, claiming, “The wine and meat pass through the intestines, but the Buddha remains in the heart.” Some said he was the reincarnation of a Golden Arhat; others called him a mad monk, but he paid it no mind.

No one knew the extent of his cultivation, but Core Formation masters would certainly not fare well in his presence.

True Person Nu had a few minor frictions with this individual and was eager to see him embarrassed. Hearing Feng Zikang’s plan, he loudly cheered.

This man seemed to remain in Cihua Temple specifically to guard this Wind Stabilizing Pearl. If the Pearl were taken, that person would surely be anxious for a time. True Person Nu, recalling the monk’s potential reaction, was already secretly delighted.

Before long, the two arrived at the gates of Cihua Temple.

Though the location was remote, the incense was still strong, and a steady stream of devout men and women passed through, making their offerings. Feng Zikang sighed inwardly, recognizing the immense influence of Buddhism, which the Nine Schools simply could not match.

It seemed that Buddhism’s influence over ordinary people was currently the greatest. The Daoist and Confucian schools followed: one pursuing the path of elite immortal cultivation, the other catering to officialdom and scholars. Among the lowest strata of the populace, they could not compare to Buddhism.

The countless common people formed an incomparably vast power of vows, ensuring Buddhism’s fortune would be long-lasting, making it exceedingly difficult to surpass in the short term.

Seeing this scene, True Person Nu also sighed.

He was the leader of a cultivation sect and now one of the Seventy-Two Great Sects, inherently intelligent and astute. He understood the importance of mortal faith. If the Emei Sect could achieve a similar status among mortals, he would not have to worry about maintaining the position of the Seventy-Two Great Sects.

But he also knew that this kind of worldly competition was not just a contest of power projection between sects; more fundamentally, it involved the tradition itself. Without a complete and profound Dao, it was impossible to compete with the Three Teachings of Buddhism, Daoism, and Confucianism.

In this regard, even those from the Nine Schools were somewhat lacking.

And his own foundationless Emei Sect was even further behind.

Feng Zikang saw his thoughts and chuckled, “Senior Nu, if you achieve Dao in the future, the Emei Sect will naturally have such prosperity!”

True Person Nu shook his head repeatedly, refusing to believe it.

Feng Zikang smiled calmly. At this moment, they stepped into the temple gates, circled the Grand Buddha Hall, and donated a considerable sum of incense money. A welcoming monk immediately approached, flattering them as they were ushered into the inner chambers for tea.

Feng Zikang and True Person Nu intended just that. They followed the welcoming monk to a quiet side chamber, tasted the tea, and engaged in casual conversation.

As masters of the Dao, their words were pearls of wisdom. The attendant monk was discerning enough to be captivated, so he quickly went to the back to invite the Abbot to join them.

The current Abbot of Cihua Temple was Master Shiyuan, an ordinary, uncultivated monk. However, he managed the entire Cihua Temple with impeccable order. Looking at his plump, pale head and rosy cheeks, one could tell the temple was quite profitable.

The monk’s conversation was elegant enough, but when explaining Buddhist scriptures, lacking personal enlightenment, his explanations were naturally filled with errors and omissions. Feng Zikang chuckled inwardly but did not expose him, casually changing the topic.

“Abbot, we came today intending to donate some incense funds, and then proceed to Pujiang Temple on Mount Emei to conduct a grand Dharma service.”

Upon hearing the words ‘grand Dharma service,’ the Abbot suddenly stood up, sternly saying, “Benefactor, all temples under heaven are one family. The service that Pujiang Temple can perform, Cihua Temple can also perform. Why travel so far?”

Feng Zikang smiled slightly, “But I heard that Pujiang Temple possesses a treasure of the temple, a Golden Buddha, which is extremely efficacious…”

“Cihua Temple also has its treasure of the temple!”

The Abbot rose up, striking the table in resentment.