He had chosen the simplest advancement mission this time, seeking only to reach the Core Formation stage as quickly as possible. It was highly likely that the task would involve merely retrieving some item within this realm, yet unexpectedly, it required him to cross over into another Mystic Realm.

However, it was only natural that a Core Formation merit mission would be more difficult than a Foundation Establishment one. Feng Zikang sighed and resigned himself to bad luck.

This Mystic Realm was a place of beautiful scenery, with clear waters and verdant mountains—a truly picturesque domain.

Yet, despite having entered the realm for some time, he still had not received any word regarding the details of this Core Formation mission.

“Truly strange…”

Feng Zikang shook his head.

“My Lord, there is no need to worry. Let us explore a bit, gauge the local customs, and we are sure to find something,” Ghost King Tu advised. Feng Zikang nodded in agreement.

It was thanks to the potent rouge box left by the Nine-Tailed Fox that he could safely traverse the Mystic Realm with his companions. Still, before the mission concluded, he must remember to recall Li’er back into the box; otherwise, he might end up abandoning her in the True Human Realm, just as he had done with Huo Zhongguang.

Having a few people to consult with was certainly much better than struggling through the mission alone.

This Mystic Realm was vast. Feng Zikang located a city and descended gracefully, entering to inquire about news. However, upon entering, he discovered that there were absolutely no true cultivators existing in this world. Although temples dedicated to Buddhism and Taoism remained, they were purely religious sites, offering no path of true doctrine!

Feng Zikang was greatly shocked.

“This… is this another Mortal Realm?”

Prompted by the Turtle Child, Feng Zikang recalled that after the shattering of the Primordial Era, the cosmos had fractured into countless Mystic Realms, each filled with its own unique legends, tales of joy, and sorrows.

But if left unattended, the history of every Mystic Realm would gradually align with that of the Main Mystic Realm. While minor variations might exist, the general trajectory remained largely the same!

Feng Zikang remembered the world he inhabited before becoming a Heavenly Demon—it had been a Mortal Realm!

A Mortal Realm was a Mystic Realm where the true methods of cultivation had never been transmitted. Its inhabitants were all mortals, incapable of cultivation or longevity; birth, aging, sickness, and death were their normal course.

In that world, dynasties changed, and technology advanced. Looking back now, the first half bore striking resemblances to the Main Mystic Realm.

For instance, the transition from the Shang to the Zhou dynasties in the Main Mystic Realm involved the earth-shattering Battle of Deification. His original Mortal Realm also had such a conflict, but it was fought only by mortal soldiers. Yet, literary figures there had used their imagination to weave a narrative, crafting an account called Investiture of the Gods that he had been quite familiar with back then.

Furthermore, the Tang Dynasty currently existing in the Main Mystic Realm also had its counterpart in his former Mortal Realm. There, too, had been an incident where a woman named Wu usurped the Tang. However, that so-called usurpation involved a woman surnamed Wu marrying into the palace, later seizing political power, and declaring herself Empress.

Now, with the Crown Prince already slain by his own hand in the Main Mystic Realm, and Wu Ji preparing to establish the Zhou Dynasty by raising troops against the Tang, the emergence of another Empress Wu seemed highly unlikely.

Still, the prophecy did mention the crowing of the Northern Cock. Thinking it over, Feng Zikang wondered if it was because Wu Ji had no sons, meaning his daughter, Miss Wu, would inherit the throne?

Recalling that he had once saved Miss Wu, Feng Zikang allowed a faint smile to touch his lips.

In a Mortal Realm, because there were no cultivators intentionally or unintentionally interfering, the grand course of the world was clear and unstoppable. Now, finding himself in another Mortal Realm, he had no idea what the mission entailed.

“A Mortal Realm?”

Ghost King Tu also clicked his tongue in surprise. “I have only heard the name; I have never been here. It is truly strange that there isn't a single cultivator.”

Having grown accustomed to the presence of cultivators, Feng Zikang felt a degree of unease upon suddenly arriving in a world devoid of magical power and divine abilities.

Fortunately, his own magical powers and divine abilities remained unaffected by entering the Mortal Realm, which somewhat reassured him. If all his powers vanished, establishing any sort of achievement in this Mortal Realm would be extremely difficult!

“Since there are no cultivators here, it seems that once we know what needs to be done, it should be child’s play for us. The key is knowing what to do?”

This Mystic Realm was currently in the throes of an ancient dynasty, named Song. Although facing some external invasions, the populace was prosperous and lived in peace—a relatively good era.

Feng Zikang frowned. If this Mortal Realm’s history mirrored his own, there had also been a Song Dynasty, later destroyed by nomadic tribes from the north, making the current situation strikingly similar.

“Surely this Core Formation merit mission isn't asking me to help repel foreign invaders?”

He gave a wry smile. If that were the task, it would be far too simple. With his current peak Foundation Establishment cultivation, dealing with mortals, even armies numbering in the tens of thousands, would be effortless. He wouldn't even spare a glance for the nomadic cavalry from the north. The Great Reincarnation Disk wouldn't assign a mission this close to being handed over for free, surely?

Without the mutual restraint provided by other cultivators, crushing an entire nation through sheer individual power would not be difficult.

Ghost King Tu’s expression shifted slightly. “But what could the Lord possibly be required to do in this Mortal Realm? Surely it’s not to establish a sect and pass down a doctrine? Such tasks require a significant amount of time, even for the mightiest experts, especially in the mortal world. This doesn’t align with the requirements for an advancement merit mission.”

Advancement merit missions typically would not consume excessive time if one possessed the capability to complete them. Tasks like founding a sect or transmitting a lineage require considerable effort from even the strongest individuals, and this holds true even in the mortal realm. Logically, the Great Reincarnation Disk would not issue such a mission.

“It truly is peculiar.”

Feng Zikang furrowed his brow, unable to fathom it. He had been blending into this Mortal Realm for several days now, yet found no clue. He could only maintain his patience.

Fortunately, although Daoist magic was not prevalent here, it was not a place where cultivation was entirely impossible. He slowly refined his mental techniques and tempered his demonic embryo, not feeling rushed.

Ghost King Tu and Qing Li’er spent their time roaming around, seeking an opportunity.

Feng Zikang secluded himself in the city, posing as a physician and treating the sick. Being a cultivator, common mortal ailments were easily cured by him, and he gradually earned the title of Divine Doctor.

A month passed this way.

“So long without a clue, it's making me anxious.”

Dragon Lacking, with its strange form, could not wander freely in this world devoid of strange powers or gods and demons, so it remained by Feng Zikang’s side, feeling rather stifled.

Feng Zikang smiled faintly. “Don’t be anxious. The Great Reincarnation Disk absolutely will not fail to assign a mission. In my view, it will arrive within these few days. We just need to wait calmly for the events to unfold.”

In the ensuing days, rumors of incursions by border tribes were indeed frequent, causing widespread panic in the capital. Most people, however, believed that with the Song capital’s strong fortifications and tens of thousands of elite troops, the city would surely be safe.

Feng Zikang vaguely felt that the mission must be related to this matter and waited patiently.

Three days later, he heard that the Emperor of the Song Dynasty had fallen ill from worry, and the Imperial Medical Academy was powerless to help. They resorted to searching the common folk for famous doctors. Feng Zikang’s reputation had recently grown quite large, and he was summoned to the palace.

Ordinary civilian doctors entering the palace would naturally be dazzled and terrified, trembling with fear. Feng Zikang, however, feared no such mortal imperial authority. Even in the True Human Realm teeming with cultivators, he had unhesitatingly struck down the Crown Prince; thus, at this moment, he remained perfectly composed, which drew even more attention.

With his deep cultivation, the divine light in his eyes was brilliant, making his ordinary appearance radiant. Even hidden in a crowd, his peerless elegance could not be concealed.

However, he deliberately restrained himself. Only after all the other doctors had failed to treat the Emperor did he slowly step forward to examine him.

“Divine Doctor Feng, this way please!”

The young eunuch led him through the palace corridors. The scenery in the rear garden was suitably arranged, but in Feng Zikang’s eyes, these mortal landscapes counted for nothing.

He paid them no mind, following the eunuch directly into the Emperor’s sleeping chambers.

“Reporting to Your Majesty, Divine Doctor Feng has been brought to take your pulse!”

“Enter!” A weak, listless voice responded from within.

“Hmph!” Accompanying the Emperor’s invitation came a sharp, grating snort. “What Divine Doctor? They come one after another, and if they can’t cure the Emperor’s illness, they all face execution. Is this the last one?”

Feng Zikang stepped into the room and saw the Emperor, clad in bright yellow robes, reclining on the bed, his face pale, eyes half-open and half-closed, looking utterly haggard. The one who had just snorted was an old woman with entirely white hair, seated by the bedside.

“Greetings to His Majesty and the Empress Dowager, why do you not bow?”

Seeing Feng Zikang surveying them both indifferently, the young eunuch grew anxious and quickly reminded them. Feng Zikang smiled faintly but remained silent.

The Empress Dowager was furious. “Where did this savage come from, so ignorant of etiquette? Have him thrown out immediately!”

“Mother!” The Emperor called softly, laughing bitterly. “If a doctor truly possessed the skill to cure my ailment, why would they care about such vulgar ceremonies? Since Divine Doctor Feng has made the effort to come, please invite him to consult on my condition…”

This remark contained a subtle jab at the Empress Dowager. Her face changed. She realized this was not the time for propriety; they were focused on treating the Emperor, and these common doctors were naturally not sticklers for protocol. She snorted again and said no more!

Feng Zikang had merely intended to stop by, hoping to spot a clue related to the mission. But when he saw the Emperor’s sickly appearance, he suddenly rejoiced.

He strode forward two steps, grasped the Emperor’s wrist, and then burst into loud laughter.

“So it was here!”

The Empress Dowager and the surrounding eunuchs were utterly terrified, crying out in unison. Feng Zikang lightly waved a hand, freezing their movements, and chuckled, “Emperor, you are not ill; you have been harmed!”

※

The Emperor’s sickness was not a result of worry, nor was it an ailment treatable by mortal medicine.

It was entirely caused by a Heart Bewilderment technique from the realm of cultivation. This divine ability causes spiritual exhaustion, suspicion, and the tendency to believe whatever one hears, leading to gradual physical decline and increasing confusion.

Since finding traces of cultivation techniques on the Emperor, it indicated that the direction of the mission was highly relevant. After all, in a Mortal Realm where divine arts are absent, the Emperor’s Dragon Qi is profound; ordinary harm cannot touch him. The appearance of this supernatural technique today must be an extremely important clue.

Feng Zikang sneered, activating his divine ability to silently erase the Heart Bewilderment technique affecting the Emperor. The Emperor instantly felt refreshed, and his mind seemed to clear dramatically!

“Divine Doctor! You cured me!”

The Emperor joyfully sprang up, as if free from all illness, and angrily demanded, “Who dared to secretly plot against me?”

Although he had been muddled, he had clearly heard Feng Zikang’s words. As Feng Zikang coldly prepared to answer, someone came rushing in with heavy, hurried footsteps. Seeing the Emperor standing robustly in the center of the room, the newcomer paused for a moment before quickly falling to the ground, prostrating in alarm. “Urgent military intelligence for Your Majesty! The northern Jurchens are invading our borders, less than three days’ distance from the capital!”

With the arrival of this urgent military dispatch, the mission bead in Feng Zikang’s robe began to vibrate incessantly. A thought struck him, and he pulled it out to examine it.

“Indeed, this mission requires me to help this weak Great Song defend the capital!”

Feng Zikang was initially surprised, but then he understood the situation!

If it were merely ordinary nomadic cavalry raiding the border, he wouldn't even need to act personally; a few divine abilities would suffice to crush them. However, this border incursion, coupled with the Emperor being poisoned, suggested… it seemed a cultivator had infiltrated the myriad realms. As for his own…

“It’s a conflicting mission! I can’t believe I only realized it now!”

Feng Zikang slapped his forehead, regretting not thinking of it sooner!

In a Mortal Realm, there were naturally no individuals with great power or immense divine might who could serve as his opponent in this mission. But precisely because of this world’s simplicity, it became an excellent battlefield!

Two cultivators, both needing to pass an assessment, entered the same advancement mission.

The missions were mutually exclusive.

Only one could achieve success!

This was another type of advancement merit mission, one that Feng Zikang had heard others mention, but the probability of encountering it was extremely low. When Feng Zikang first entered this realm, he hadn't considered such a possibility at all.

But judging by the current situation, the other party had clearly planned ahead and acted swiftly. They had already poisoned the Song Emperor, clearly intending, firstly, to draw out the hidden cultivator—Feng Zikang—and secondly, even if Feng Zikang hadn't appeared, the Emperor’s death would inevitably lead to internal strife, giving the Jurchen cavalry a good chance to seize the capital in the ensuing chaos!

This clever scheme of killing two birds with one stone was quite formidable. By dissolving the spell on the Emperor, Feng Zikang had exposed himself. Now, with Feng Zikang in the open and the other party in the shadows, he was at a significant disadvantage.

Feng Zikang’s expression changed. “What a fine advancement mission!”

What started as a simple advancement mission had devolved into a life-or-death struggle. He wondered what madness had possessed the Great Reincarnation Disk.

However, upon deeper reflection, Feng Zikang gradually calmed down.

This person entered the Mortal Realm and immediately knew about his advancement mission, and the methods employed were nothing extraordinary. Moreover, the advancement missions from the Great Reincarnation Disk should not be false.

That meant, under the assessment of the Great Reincarnation Disk, the opponent’s strength was far inferior to his own, which is why it had been rated as a simple advancement mission for him!

What was the simplest advancement mission for him might be an extremely difficult ‘Transformation’ level, or even a ‘Divine’ level mission for the other person!

“I wonder which young whelp it is that insists on seeking difficulty; truly…”

Feng Zikang shook his head. There was no need to make a Core Formation merit mission so difficult; the benefits of increased difficulty were not obvious. He wondered what the elders of this person’s sect were thinking.

However, since it was a mission spanning Mystic Realms, this cultivator might not even belong to the established sects and schools of the Main Mystic Realm. If Feng Zikang wanted to look down on him, he wouldn't even know where to start.

He tentatively deduced that this person was likely not from the Main Mystic Realm, because Core Formation was already a relatively high level for those established forces. His sect surely wouldn't tolerate him acting so recklessly.

If the person were from beyond the realms, information was too scarce. Feng Zikang could only ascertain that this person's strength was significantly below his own, yet they held themselves in high regard, insisting on challenging a mission of extreme difficulty.

“Then don't blame me!”

Feng Zikang sneered. In this conflicting mission, there could naturally only be one victor. Feng Zikang had already made his plan: securing the Core Formation was essential, and he would never let it go easily. Since this person was overestimating themselves and ran into his path, they could only be driven out and forced to withdraw. If they were sensible, perhaps in three years, when the Great Reincarnation Disk reopened for them, they could try again. If they refused to cooperate, what consequence would there be even if he killed them here in this Mystic Realm!

“What should we do? What should we do?”

The newly recovered Emperor was timid. Looking at the battle report, he only kept shrieking in panic. By this time, Feng Zikang had restored the Empress Dowager and the accompanying officials to mobility. They knew Feng Zikang was an extraordinary person, but at this moment, they paid him no mind, rushing to look at the report.

“What should we do?”

“The Jurchens are few but fierce; if they multiply, they are unstoppable! We cannot hold the defense!”

“Why don’t we flee, Your Majesty! We can quickly tour the southwest while the enemy hasn’t arrived yet.”

“Yes, Your Majesty, the Yellow River ferry crossing has been breached, the gateway lies open, the situation is critical—we must leave quickly!”

A group of people argued noisily, all favoring retreat. The Empress Dowager’s face was ashen, and the Emperor sat stunned, unsure of what to do!

“Silence!”

Feng Zikang slammed the table and roared sharply.

The Emperor’s sleeping chamber immediately fell silent!

“Why panic? This so-called thirty thousand Jurchen troops are no more than rotten mud and broken tiles in my eyes; I can destroy them with a mere flip of my hand! You have high walls and seasoned troops—what are you afraid of? Hold the defense!”

Feng Zikang directed the assembly, speaking as if issuing commands.

“What right do you have to say this? Don’t think that just because you cured the Emperor, you…”

Someone, seeing he was merely a civilian doctor—who, despite demonstrating miraculous healing arts without needles or medicine, was still just a commoner—dared to speak such nonsense, began to reprimand him sternly, when suddenly his head vanished!

It was the official Feng Zikang had slain!

Stealthily, the surrounding people erupted in screams.

“I am an immortal from the heavens, specially sent down to help you. If anyone dares to be insolent again, they will end up like this person!”

Feng Zikang was no saintly benefactor. He knew he was already a step behind; at this moment, he needed to establish his authority and control the situation within the city to have a better chance against the prepared enemy!

This miracle of killing someone without anyone noticing, coupled with the previous ability to immobilize the officials and his astonishing cure for the Emperor, finally instilled an absurd confidence in this group of panicked people. Especially after Feng Zikang’s reckless rant, some actually believed him.

“Pfft!”

The Emperor’s face turned pale, and he knelt on the ground.

“Immortal Lord, please save us!”