Daoist Hongye remained seated at the front lines, perched upon a crimson maple tree that seemed to pierce the sky, his eyes half-open, half-closed. He had waited here throughout the days since Feng Zikang’s departure. He had known last night when Feng Zikang returned to the camp. Even if Feng Zikang had summoned reinforcements, what of it? Daoist Hongye currently felt neither sorrow nor joy, having entered a state of serene emptiness. His sole intention was to slay Feng Zikang and avenge his disciple! Suddenly, a clamor arose from the walls of Lizhou City. Daoist Hongye looked up to see Feng Zikang standing atop the battlements, smiling at him. Just as he was about to issue a challenge, an old man beside Feng Zikang leaped into the air and flew directly toward him. “Venerable Nu!” As a member of the Seventy-Two Eminent Sects, Daoist Hongye certainly recognized him. This old man possessed a peculiar temper and vast supernatural powers, yet Hongye felt no fear. “Venerable Nu, what brings you here?” His tone was indifferent, carrying a subtle note of warning. What business did you have coming here? Venerable Nu let out a strange laugh. “You can come, and I cannot? What you come for, I come for too!” His manner was equally arrogant: I come as I please. What concern is that of yours? Daoist Hongye’s face darkened, his anger fiercely suppressed. He said coldly, “Venerable Nu, I am here to seek justice because my disciple, Hong Kang, was killed. In this great calamity befalling heaven and earth, why must you involve yourself in this mess?” Amidst the calamity of heaven and earth, where karmic threads were tightly entangled, the killing of his disciple Hong Kang had already established a cause and effect; he could not have refrained from coming. If Venerable Nu insisted on interfering out of obligation, wasn't he simply courting death? Venerable Nu laughed heartily. “You entangled yourself in karma, who can you blame? The mandate of heaven dictates that martial prosperity must rise, and the Li Tang line must fall. If you act against heaven, it is hardly strange that your disciple died. If you persist in rambling here, I fear you might fall yourself, wasting centuries of cultivation!” Daoist Hongye was furious. “I offered you good counsel, advising you not to be caught in this karma, not because I fear you, Venerable Nu! Since you insist on your delusion, then there is no need for more words—let us settle this with our hands!” Without further ado, he waved both hands, and crimson leaves began to fall, instantly manifesting the Crimson Leaf Barrier! Since they were both Core Condensation cultivators, seizing the initiative was paramount! Venerable Nu roared with laughter. “What tricks are these? Behold, my Red Lotus in Flame Barrier!” He too waved both hands, and flames danced around him, exploding into the shape of a red lotus, which incinerated the descending crimson leaves. The two faced off from a distance, each maintaining a wary stance! The Crimson Leaf Barrier! Met against the Red Lotus in Flame Barrier!

Feng Zikang watched, nodding repeatedly. When Core Condensation masters are fully prepared, they naturally choose the illusionary realm most suited to them in a confrontation. Daoist Hongye’s Crimson Leaf Barrier, aligned with the Wood element, granted him immense augmentation of his Wood-element Dao techniques and divine abilities while within it. Venerable Nu’s Red Lotus in Flame Barrier, aligned with Fire, complemented his ‘Raging Fire Burns the Nine Heavens’ ability perfectly. This was the first time Feng Zikang had witnessed two equally matched Core Condensation masters clash. The subtleties involved were like savoring fine wine, opening his mind to new realizations. The previous time he witnessed a clash between Core Condensation masters was the battle where his master, Ye Tiansheng, skewered Yan Fengqi, the master strategist of Luochuan. However, in that fight, Ye Tiansheng’s power was overwhelming. He firmly suppressed Yan Fengqi, shattering his divine abilities with a single spear thrust, leaving Yan Fengqi gravely wounded. Many intricate subtleties were never given a chance to manifest. But this current battle was evenly matched. Although Venerable Nu held a slight advantage due to elemental affinity, there was no obvious disparity in their overall strength. As such, there were many insights he could glean from observing.

Daoist Hongye’s expression grew grim. He knew of Venerable Nu’s Red Lotus in Flame Barrier, but he hadn't expected it to be so potent. Although his Crimson Leaf Barrier was comparable, the nurturing cycle of Wood over Fire meant he was inherently suffering a minor disadvantage in this exchange. “Hongye, show me what tricks you have left! I don’t have all day to waste on you!” Venerable Nu’s tone was aggressive. Being an ancient and seasoned expert, now that he held his trump card, he intended to enrage Daoist Hongye into attacking quickly, hoping to slay him before he could react, avoiding a protracted attrition battle! Sharp brilliance shot from Daoist Hongye’s eyes, his rage surging. He bit his finger and drew a crimson seal on his forehead. Waving both hands, the leaves within the Crimson Leaf Barrier twisted and solidified, transforming into a length of rope. “Bind!” Daoist Hongye roared, and the rope flew out, coiling toward Venerable Nu. “A mere minor technique, how can it possibly restrain me?” Venerable Nu was startled by the rope’s agility, like a swimming dragon, but he naturally maintained an air of confidence. With a gentle flick of his sleeve, two fire dragons roared, baring their fangs and claws, rushing out to block the binding spell of the Crimson Leaf Rope. Though the fire dragons were fierce, they could not ignite the crimson rope, yet the rope also could not advance a single step past their boundary. A stalemate ensued. Daoist Hongye, angered, waved both hands, unleashing the Crimson Leaf Storm divine ability! As the gale rose, crimson leaves swirled wildly. Venerable Nu inwardly recoiled in shock. “A formidable ability, only second to my Raging Fire Burns the Nine Heavens!” This hurricane was ferocious, its immense power unstoppable. Even Venerable Nu was caught up, spinning within the vortex! “Turn! Turn again!” Daoist Hongye viciously accelerated the rotation of the hurricane. Blood seeped from the corner of his mouth—he cared not—determined to push this ability to its peak to annihilate this Venerable Nu! “Oh dear! What is to be done?”

Luo Kedi watched clearly from the ramparts. Panic seized him, and he urgently turned to Feng Zikang. “Even Senior Venerable Nu has been caught up; Daoist Hongye is too formidable!” Feng Zikang had been caught in the Crimson Leaf Storm ability that day, sustaining severe injuries and forced to flee in disarray. He never expected Venerable Nu to suffer the same fate, caught in the storm. What now? Feng Zikang offered a slight smile before he could speak, when Mr. Xu Wan interjected cheerfully, “Kedi, worry not. When Senior Brother Feng handles matters, nothing is ever amiss. Since he has already witnessed this storm ability, how could he not be prepared?” He turned his head and smiled at Feng Zikang. “Senior Brother, I’m correct, am I not?” Feng Zikang smiled faintly. “Mr. Xu Wan’s foresight is miraculous; a scholar can know the world without leaving his door. I am truly full of admiration!” Luo Kedi did not understand the riddle they were exchanging, but judging by their tone, it seemed Venerable Nu still had a way to escape the predicament. His anxiety eased slightly, and he clenched his fists, watching intently.

By now, the Crimson Leaf Storm ability was spinning faster and faster. Feng Zikang felt a chill of fear run down his spine. “If he had gone all out that day against me with this ability, I fear that even if I escaped, I would have been severely wounded.” It was fortunate that Daoist Hongye had seen his Foundation Establishment cultivation level that day and hadn't exerted this much power, allowing him to escape relatively easily. However, no matter how fierce the wind's might became today, Feng Zikang felt no concern whatsoever! Venerable Nu spun like a top, extremely fast, yet his expression remained composed. He was merely waiting for an opportunity! Daoist Hongye, seeing that the situation was ripe, brought his hands together, drawing the storm vortex toward him, intending to infuse it with his core essence blood to increase its speed tenfold! “Now is the time!” Venerable Nu’s great laugh rang out. Before Daoist Hongye could react, the swift storm abruptly ceased. Venerable Nu spat out a torrent of raging fire that instantly enveloped him, burning fiercely! “Ah!” Daoist Hongye shrieked a mournful cry, struggling hopelessly within the flames. His seat, the maple tree, also began to burn, and he could not break free! Above Venerable Nu’s head, a treasure pearl shone brightly, casting light ten thousand zhang wide, suppressing the invincible hurricane! “The… the Dingfeng Pearl!” Daoist Hongye’s heart shattered. He never imagined the nemesis of this divine ability was actually in Venerable Nu’s possession! A crackling sound came from his body; he only managed to utter this last name before dissolving into flying ash! Raging Fire Burns the Nine Heavens! Venerable Nu’s ultimate technique was no mere display. Using his core essence blood as a catalyst, disregarding the potential loss of cultivation, this expulsion left Daoist Hongye caught completely off guard; there was no possibility of evasion! Alas, a generation's master was thus reduced to flying ash! Even his perennial perch, the ten-thousand-year-old maple, was utterly consumed by that all-consuming, raging fire, reduced to cinders!

“With this battle, Qixia Mountain is certain to be struck from the ranks of the Seventy-Two Eminent Sects,” Mr. Xu Wan shook his head. Though he spoke words of regret, his tone carried little actual sorrow. Such was the way of heaven; to forcefully defy it—what could the mere Seventy-Two Eminent Sects truly amount to? Qixia Mountain had lost its future star, Hong Kang, and now its pillar, Daoist Hongye. Its current strength was at best that of a slightly stronger Middle Sect. Its status as an Eminent Sect was certainly unattainable. “He brought ruin upon himself,” Feng Zikang also sighed softly, but from the battlefield, Venerable Nu was laughing heartily. Though his voice lacked some vigor, it remained exceedingly bold. “Zikang, Daoist Hongye is eliminated. I shall return to my mountain now. If you need me again, send word!” He had gained considerable insight from this battle, particularly from fighting to the death. He had borrowed Feng Zikang’s fortune, and his words carried an underlying gratitude. Feng Zikang nodded once. “Senior Venerable Nu, until we meet again!” Venerable Nu laughed again, flicked the Dingfeng Pearl, and sent it spinning toward Feng Zikang’s hand. Feng Zikang caught it and tucked it into his robes. He watched as Venerable Nu transformed into a streak of rainbow light and vanished. “A divine dragon that shows its head but never its tail—truly a peerless master of our age!” Luo Kedi watched with burgeoning awe.

※ Daoist Hongye was indeed dead, and the morale of the troops in the valley had plummeted. They retreated thirty li to set up camp. Feng Zikang arrived at the center of the battlefield and collected the remains of Daoist Hongye’s ancient maple tree. Unfortunately, there were no other spoils of war. The ‘Raging Fire Burns the Nine Heavens’ ability was so terrifyingly effective that it had incinerated everything else, much to Feng Zikang’s chagrin. Otherwise, a Core Condensation master’s Qiankun Bag should have held quite a few treasures. “I’ll have to handle the cleanup myself next time,” Feng Zikang smiled wryly. Murder and arson were certainly the quickest ways to acquire valuable goods. It was just that Venerable Nu’s fire was too intense; next time he found someone to deal with, he’d have to find someone whose finishing touch was a little lighter. “Senior Brother Feng, what use do you have for these remains?” Mr. Xu Wan found it strange when he saw him picking up a few charred branches. “Oh, I also dabble in artifact refinement; I wanted to see if I could forge anything from this material,” Feng Zikang had indeed studied artifact refinement, so this wasn't entirely a lie, but his true purpose was elsewhere. “Artifact refinement?” Mr. Xu Wan stepped forward to examine the few pieces of deadwood and shook his head. “Senior Brother, the essence of this material is already lost; these are just ordinary dead branches. No matter how you refine them, you won't get anything worthwhile.” Feng Zikang knew Mr. Xu Wan was exceptionally intelligent and feared he might see through the deception, so he merely offered a mysterious smile and offered no further reply. This truly stumped Mr. Xu Wan. He felt deeply suspicious. Objectively, the branches of the ancient maple held absolutely no value. So why was Feng Zikang intent on taking them back? “Could it be that Hong Kang is not dead? Is he taking the dead branches to scare him?” Mr. Xu Wan shook his head. “Impossible. I personally examined Hong Kang’s corpse; his Primordial Spirit has absolutely dissipated. For those who cultivate the Eight-Nine Arcane Art, the Primordial Spirit and physical body cannot be separated. Under the blow of the God-Slaying Blade, survival is impossible.” Yet, Feng Zikang’s original intention had been to capture Hong Kang alive. Why he ended up slaying him was something Mr. Xu Wan could not decipher, leaving him profoundly perplexed. If Hong Kang were alive, it would be utterly incomprehensible; but if he were dead, it failed to explain Feng Zikang’s actions. Mr. Xu Wan sighed. “Feng Zikang, oh Feng Zikang. You are truly the only person in the cultivation world whom I cannot see through!”

※ Hong Kang was indeed not dead—at least, his Primordial Spirit was not yet extinguished. He continued to suffer within the Four Symbols Demonic Prison. The young man was stubborn, absolutely refusing to reveal the origins of the Eight-Nine Arcane Art and the myriad transformation techniques. The Four Symbols Demonic Spirits had exhausted every method to torment him. Had he not been a spirit body currently residing within Feng Zikang’s Sea of Consciousness, his demise would have been unavoidable. Feng Zikang quietly descended, stopping outside the Four Symbols Demonic Prison, a faint smile on his face. “Hong Kang, have you made up your mind? As long as you tell me the origin of the Eight-Nine Arcane Art and the myriad transformation techniques, you will no longer have to endure this suffering. I can release you to reincarnate.” “Bah!” Hong Kang was a tough bone. Even at this moment, he dared to spit on the ground. “Feng Zikang, I never expected someone from the righteous path of the Three Teachings and Nine Schools like you to employ such despicable methods. Rest assured, I will absolutely never tell you!” “Oh?” Feng Zikang smiled coldly. “Absolutely never tell me? What if I say, if you refuse, I will exterminate your entire Qixia Mountain sect, slaughtering them all?” Hong Kang was startled at first, then burst into loud laughter. “Feng Zikang, are you talking in your sleep? Let alone the fact that your sect would never permit you to do such a thing, with your current cultivation, you think you can destroy Qixia Mountain? Don't make me laugh!” He grinned, his face contorted. “My master, Venerable Hongye, has reached the apex of cultivation; he is currently at the Core Condensation stage. Your ability might surpass mine by a small margin, but to challenge my master is truly like trying to crush a stone with an egg!” “Who is the egg, and who is the stone?” Feng Zikang smiled coldly and slowly produced a few objects. “Naturally, you are the egg.” Hong Kang turned his head, ready to continue mocking Feng Zikang’s overestimation of himself, when he suddenly froze at the sight of what he held in his hand. “Th-this is…” These were clearly the scorched remains of his master’s ancient maple tree! How? How could these have fallen into Feng Zikang’s possession? His mind descended into panic, utterly lost and disoriented!

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