Feng Zikang roared a challenge, channeling the power of the Water-Repelling Orb to intercept several jets of water surging toward Mo Zhongxiao.

Mo Zhongxiao smiled at him. "Relax. This is just the initial surge. As long as you and I work together to suppress it, there shouldn't be any issue. Only when the Water Essence appears will the Ten Thousand Transformations Yin Water Tribulation reach its zenith. We must shatter and collect that Water Essence to finally pass this trial."

Feng Zikang quickly assured him, "Senior, please rest assured. I encountered this tribulation before at the Cihua Temple on Luyun Mountain. Back then, I collected the Wind Essence, which suppressed the core eruption of the wind eye."

Mo Zhongxiao chuckled heartily. "Indeed. Since you have such experience, I am completely relieved!"

He was secretly overjoyed. He had initially feared that during this great heavenly tribulation, with the Ten Thousand Transformations Yin Water erupting wildly, even if he could suppress it, he would inevitably sustain some damage.

Who would have thought that Feng Zikang would suddenly appear? Although his cultivation was lower, he had witnessed the severity of the eruption of the Luyun Mountain Cihua Temple wind eye when he helped Monk Huiji suppress it, and he even managed to collect the Wind Essence.

Therefore, concerning today's Ten Thousand Transformations Yin Water Tribulation, Feng Zikang could certainly assist from the sidelines and help with the suppression.

Mo Zhongxiao whistled, ordering the Water-Repelling Golden-Eyed Beast to rise again and help hold back the Ten Thousand Transformations Yin Water.

Sure enough, not long after, a mass of emerald-green Water Essence jetted out from the water eye, and Mo Zhongxiao’s pressure instantly increased. He hurriedly called for Feng Zikang's assistance. Feng Zikang watched clearly from the side, relying on the formidable power of the Water-Repelling Orb, rushed forward, using his flying sword to strike at the Water Essence, and then collecting it with countless jade bottles.

Ghost King Tu and Mo He'er, having received his instructions, also rushed up to desperately gather the Water Essence. Their fierce, desperate posture actually stunned Mo Zhongxiao for a moment.

These three clearly did not regard this as some world-ending great calamity; they saw it purely as an excellent opportunity to collect Water Essence!

Mo Zhongxiao let out a wry smile. Young people nowadays truly possessed boundless drive, leaving him with nothing to say. But in this moment, there was no time for politeness; he also summoned his own vessels to collect the Water Essence.

Once the Water Essence was secured, this great disaster would conclude.

Precisely at this moment, a sudden, strange change occurred.

A sinister, strange laugh echoed nearby, and from an unseen location, a massive hand stretched out, sweeping toward the Water-Repelling Orb floating in the air, extinguishing its radiance and snatching it away!

The momentum of the Ten Thousand Transformations Yin Water instantly increased several times over.

Mo Zhongxiao, caught at the epicenter, was taken completely by surprise. Several parts of his body were struck by the Yin Water jets and immediately dissolved!

Fortunately, his cultivation was profound. He wrenched his body, narrowly avoiding countless water columns, shielded the Water-Repelling Golden-Eyed Beast beneath him, and pulled himself up, letting out an immediate curse!

"What manner of scoundrel is this!"

Feng Zikang, positioned on the side, had managed to avoid the ferocious Yin Water through careful maneuvering. Turning back, he saw the Heart-Snatching Ancestor gleefully clutching the Water-Repelling Orb, laughing heartily.

Fool...

Feng Zikang cursed inwardly.

Without the Water-Repelling Orb now, resisting the Ten Thousand Transformations Yin Water Tribulation erupting from underground was practically impossible. Why would the Heart-Snatching Ancestor choose this moment, the peak of the calamity, to strike? Was he trying to kill everyone?

"Heart-Snatching Ancestor! Please quickly activate the Water-Repelling Orb! This Ten Thousand Transformations Yin Water is lethal. If we don't exert our full effort, I fear we will all come to harm!"

At this moment, he could not afford to say more, so he shouted loudly, hoping the Heart-Snatching Ancestor would recognize the gravity of the situation.

The Ten Thousand Transformations Yin Water was tremendously potent. If it truly erupted fully, even someone with Core Condensation cultivation might not escape with their life.

Who knew that the Heart-Snatching Ancestor, blinded by greed, tucked the Water-Repelling Orb into his robes, unwilling to bring it out again!

"Nonsense!"

Feng Zikang stomped his foot and retreated, watching as the Yin Water erupted with a ferocity incomparable to before. Moreover, previously, the Yin Water only spewed from the central cave and a few other water eyes; now that the Water-Repelling Orb was gone, water columns burst forth from every corner of the island, leaving almost no safe foothold!

A cultivator standing behind the Heart-Snatching Ancestor failed to dodge in time. Struck by a water column, more than half his body dissolved instantly. He lost his balance in mid-air, tumbling to the ground and crying out in agony.

The Heart-Snatching Ancestor was startled as well. He hastily reinforced the dark protective light enveloping him, shielding another cultivator, his expression grim, wavering between shock and suspicion.

"Scoundrel!"

Mo Zhongxiao was also in a sorry state, but he glared furiously at the Heart-Snatching Ancestor. "Hand over the Water-Repelling Orb immediately! Otherwise, don't blame me for showing no mercy!"

Although the Heart-Snatching Ancestor didn't recognize him, seeing he was only at the Core Condensation level, he scoffed. "You old fool, don't think too highly of yourself. What can you do even if I refuse to give it up?"

Mo Zhongxiao was enraged. He deployed the Water-Repelling Golden-Eyed Beast to suppress the water calamity while he, seated in his wheelchair, shot toward the Heart-Snatching Ancestor!

It wasn't that he didn't understand priorities; it was that the Water-Repelling Orb was too crucial. Without its aid today, this Ten Thousand Transformations Yin Water Tribulation could not be resolved. Even if he didn't perish here, he would certainly suffer if he couldn't defend this water eye.

The Heart-Snatching Ancestor, seeing his fierce approach, felt a tightening in his chest. He hadn't expected this person, despite only being Core Condensation, to possess such formidable divine arts. Even under the suppression of the Yin Water, he could unleash such might.

"Transform!"

The Heart-Snatching Ancestor waved his hands, and dense black energy enveloped him, blocking Mo Zhongxiao's fierce strike. He retreated rapidly.

Mo Zhongxiao flipped backward, landing several feet away. He snorted, slammed his hands on the armrests of his chair, and unleashed two fire dragons that coiled and danced in the air, lunging toward the Heart-Snatching Ancestor with bared fangs and claws.

"Good!" the Heart-Snatching Ancestor roared. Only now did he realize that Mo Zhongxiao's abilities were truly powerful, and his mastery of mechanisms was also exceptional.

"You are of the Mo family..."

He sneered, using infinite black energy to counter the two fire dragons.

"So what!"

Mo Zhongxiao rasped, "Hand over the Water-Repelling Orb quickly!"

The Heart-Snatching Ancestor snorted coldly. "If you have the ability, come and take it!"

Feng Zikang watched from the side as the two wrestled fiercely, locked in a stalemate for the moment. He considered taking advantage of the distraction, but alas, in the midst of the Ten Thousand Transformations Yin Water, he could barely maintain his own safety and had no opportunity for a sneak attack.

"Were the mechanisms on this island your work too?" the Heart-Snatching Ancestor asked.

"Heh heh," Mo Zhongxiao sneered. "You couldn't possibly break my interlocking formations, could you?"

The Heart-Snatching Ancestor was already infuriated by this very fact; hearing Mo Zhongxiao confirm it, he snarled even louder, striking with greater urgency. Black energy and dark light surged and spat forth in fierce retaliation!

By this time, the isolated island had become a veritable Yama's realm!

The Ten Thousand Transformations Yin Water raged unchecked. Ghost King Tu and Rong Li'er stood behind Feng Zikang, conjuring over ten streams of the Nether River, coordinating with Feng Zikang’s sword light to completely surround the three antagonists, barely managing to fend off the impact of the Yin Water.

Screams echoed from a distance across the island; no one knew who had become collateral damage.

"It was Old Man Fang."

Ghost King Tu’s expression shifted. The terrifying scene brought back memories of past events.

Now, the Heart-Snatching Ancestor could no longer worry about the other cultivator behind him. Finally, struggling to manage everything, that cultivator was swept away by the Yin Water, dissolving into nothingness in an instant!

Witnessing this horrific sight, the faces of Ghost King Tu and Rong Li'er grew even paler.

"We have to leave!"

Feng Zikang gritted his teeth and made a decisive move.

If the Heart-Snatching Ancestor refused to release the Water-Repelling Orb, this Ten Thousand Transformations Yin Water Tribulation would not end easily. Even the Water-Repelling Golden-Eyed Beast was struggling just to maintain its own defense. If this continued, even if Mo Zhongxiao defeated the Heart-Snatching Ancestor and reclaimed the Orb, Feng Zikang, with his current cultivation, would likely not survive here.

Aiding Mo Zhongxiao to regulate the Yin Water Tribulation would indeed be a great merit, but one needed to be alive to earn it!

Since their primary objective on this island had been achieved—collecting a substantial amount of Nine Heavens Breathing Soil and securing half the Water Essence—they had profited greatly. Now was the time to beat a swift retreat!

Feng Zikang’s figure flickered, transforming into a streak of sword light, enveloping Ghost King Tu and Rong Li'er. The more than ten Nether Rivers continued to circle them. He plunged toward the outside of the island!

Mo Zhongxiao roared in anger. He knew that in this situation, asking Feng Zikang to risk staying was unrealistic. The boy was only at the Foundation Establishment level; lasting this long was commendable enough. It seemed this Ten Thousand Transformations Yin Water Tribulation was fated not to end easily!

If this calamity persisted, his tenure guarding this spot would be extended. Thinking of this, Mo Zhongxiao’s rage boiled over, and he glared viciously at the Heart-Snatching Ancestor. It was all this bastard's fault for causing trouble that led to this outcome. His attacks became relentless!

The Heart-Snatching Ancestor was inwardly lamenting. After stealing the Water-Repelling Orb, he was immediately besieged by this man. Furthermore, the Yin Water erupting beneath his feet intensified rapidly. Although his protective dark light was formidable, he had sustained several minor injuries.

To end up in this predicament over a single Water-Repelling Orb, he was furious. Now, letting go of the Orb to quell the situation was impossible. His only thought was to seize a moment when the old man momentarily let his guard down and flee, just as Feng Zikang had done!

But how could Mo Zhongxiao allow him to leave? The key was that the Water-Repelling Orb was still on his person. Without it, this water eye could not be suppressed, leading to minor disasters every three days and major ones every five—a situation Mo Zhongxiao could not tolerate.

Therefore, no matter what, he had to keep the Heart-Snatching Ancestor entangled and reclaim the Water-Repelling Orb!

The Heart-Snatching Ancestor had no idea how vital the Orb was to Mo Zhongxiao. He could only grit his teeth and hold on. The two wrestled in a chaotic mess, all while needing to be wary of the surging Yin Water behind them. Both were utterly miserable!

Feng Zikang exited the cave entrance only to find the sky above was also a scene of devastation. Countless columns of the Ten Thousand Transformations Yin Water, seemingly originating from nowhere, covered the entire small island endlessly!

He dared not delay, flying rapidly until he cleared the island’s perimeter. Looking back, he saw no one else emerging. The others seemed trapped on the island!

"My Lord, it seems they truly gained nothing from this venture," Ghost King Tu sighed, her shock finally subsiding now that they were clear of the island, shaking her head.

Old Man Fang was also an acquaintance of many years. Though they weren't close, seeing him perish on the island still evoked some emotion. Years of arduous cultivation, gone in a flash. The path of cultivation was indeed full of constant change. Never mind others; even she herself could never have predicted her current state just a few years ago.

"They might not have been entirely willing," Feng Zikang smiled faintly.

On the island earlier, he had noticed subtle clues. Now, observing the battle between the Heart-Snatching Ancestor and Mo Zhongxiao from the outside, he had a clearer grasp.

The Heart-Snatching Ancestor, famed for 'Snatching Hearts,' likely lived up to his name, but perhaps he didn't steal fleshly hearts, but rather the will of men. Old Man Fang and his ilk were almost certainly tricked by the Ancestor's Heart-Snatching technique, leading them to follow him to the island with unwavering loyalty. While he and the others hadn't felt directly controlled, they were likely influenced by the Ancestor on major decisions, which is why they entered the island to seek treasure despite the obvious danger.

Logically, this was an unwise action. If they had been thinking clearly, they should have realized that with a master like the Heart-Snatching Ancestor present, even if treasures were on the island, they could only hope to sip the broth while he ate the meat. Why such excitement? Had Feng Zikang not mentioned the White Eagle King’s name, perhaps they would have readily agreed to enter the island for treasure, only to suffer the same influence...

"I see now!"

Ghost King Tu suddenly understood, a chill running through her heart.

The Heart-Snatching Ancestor’s fame throughout the East Sea was well-earned. Such a technique was nearly impossible to guard against, and the worst part was that once ensnared, one remained confused about what happened—even close friends and relatives might not notice. It was incredibly sinister.

"His dominance in the East Sea for so many years was no mere accident," Feng Zikang chuckled. "Though he is powerful, I suspect he is due for a bad turn today."

Although the Heart-Snatching Ancestor was late-stage Core Condensation, a master of his era, facing the eccentric Mo Zhongxiao, he was likely to suffer. Just as Monk Huiji was a manifestation of an Arhat, Mo Zhongxiao surely possessed more than just the Water-Repelling Golden-Eyed Beast. Even if he only had one trick, had the Ten Thousand Transformations Yin Water not demanded half his strength to suppress the heavenly tribulation, he could have subdued the Heart-Snatching Ancestor long ago.

It was laughable that the Heart-Snatching Ancestor was so foolish as to engage Mo Zhongxiao in the cave, refusing to surrender the Water-Repelling Orb. Once the Yin Water Tribulation subsided slightly, if he didn't suffer a setback, who would?

Ghost King Tu smiled. "My Lord, do you wish to wait here?"

She made a gesture of beheading. Feng Zikang smiled faintly and nodded. "We must see the extent of his injuries. If he isn't gravely wounded, we might still not be his match!"

Three Foundation Establishment cultivators against a late-stage Core Condensation master—even with premeditation and a sneak attack, they had no real chance of victory. But if the Core Condensation master was severely injured, the situation changed entirely.

Feng Zikang paused outside the island precisely for this reason; the key depended on the Heart-Snatching Ancestor’s injuries.

The three of them waited outside the island, watching the Ten Thousand Transformations Yin Water Tribulation intensify, not only dissolving the entire small island but also turning the surrounding sea into a death zone! Countless living creatures must have perished.

Feng Zikang was secretly shaken, but he understood that the merit gained from suppressing a heavenly tribulation was extraordinary. Just like when he and Monk Huiji suppressed the wind eye at Cihua Temple, had they not coordinated perfectly, thousands of lives would have been lost, and the affected area would not have been limited to just one temple, but at least a dozen villages within Luyun Mountain territory! Widespread devastation would have been inevitable!

Fortunately, they returned the Wind-Fixing Pearl and helped suppress the great calamity. All that negative karma transformed into merit; the accumulation of good deeds must be substantial!

A smile touched Feng Zikang’s lips, though he hadn't gained much himself this time. But Mo Zhongxiao would certainly be furious about the merit the Heart-Snatching Ancestor destroyed. Once this tribulation was over, Mo Zhongxiao would surely unleash his full power upon the Ancestor. The greater the calamity, the angrier Mo Zhongxiao would become. Consequently, his retaliation would be heavier.

Feng Zikang sneered. He knew that once Mo Zhongxiao recovered the Water-Repelling Orb, he wouldn't pursue anyone off the island. So, if the Heart-Snatching Ancestor managed to fight his way out, there was still a chance.

However, others were waiting for him here!

Feng Zikang waited seven days and seven nights. Finally, the Ten Thousand Transformations Yin Water Tribulation gradually subsided. As the great net of the calamity ended, a thunderous boom, like an explosion, echoed from the sea surface where the island once stood.

This was followed by a piercing scream. A streak of dark light fled away at high speed.

"Old wretch! My Heart-Snatching Ancestor vows to repay this debt!"

Feng Zikang looked closely. Within the dark light, the Heart-Snatching Ancestor appeared utterly wretched; only his head remained, his body having vanished entirely. His face was smeared with blood, and his aura had plummeted to its lowest point!

He fled desperately, heading precisely in Feng Zikang’s direction.

Feng Zikang secretly smiled. This must be Heaven's will; he shouldn't feel any pity!

Just as the Heart-Snatching Ancestor’s severed head rushed near Feng Zikang, Feng Zikang shouted, and countless sword lights erupted, surrounding the head, slicing through the dark light, hacking it until it was a bloody mess!

"It hurts me to death!"

The Heart-Snatching Ancestor shrieked. He never expected an ambush in such a place. Feng Zikang’s swords were fast and vicious; one quick twist turned the Ancestor’s head into fragments! A streak of dark light shot out, attempting to escape!

This was the Heart-Snatching Ancestor’s Nascent Soul! After Core Condensation, the Nascent Soul solidifies and eventually condenses into a physical form, the foundation for the Nascent Soul stage. This Ancestor had cultivated for so long that his Nascent Soul had shrunk to half a person's height, almost substantial. If he had advanced further, he could have achieved Nascent Soul. Who knew that due to a moment of greed, his physical body was destroyed, and now his escaping Nascent Soul sought swift flight.

"Where do you think you're running!"

Feng Zikang laughed mockingly, waving his hand. Four loyal Divine Demons rushed forward, each carrying a chain, completely surrounding the Nascent Soul!

"What is this?"

The Heart-Snatching Ancestor, having already been reduced to a desperate state by having his physical body destroyed, never expected this brat to be so ruthless as to intercept his Nascent Soul!

"Mou Canglang, don't push me too far!"

He still remembered the alias Feng Zikang had used earlier and cursed sharply.

Feng Zikang coldly chuckled. "Heart-Snatching Ancestor, I shall push you too far, and what can you do about it?"

He now held the dominant position. His words were casual, yet imbued with overwhelming aggression. I will push you too far, and what can you do? His demonic nature surfaced, his eyes flickering unpredictably, making him appear even more imposing!

The Heart-Snatching Ancestor trembled inwardly and shouted fiercely, "Brat, aren't you afraid I'll self-detonate and take you with me?"