To Feng Zikang, facing a Condensing Pill stage master was indeed a daunting prospect. Although not his first engagement with such an opponent, actually defeating a Condensing Pill cultivator in a direct confrontation was a first.
He stood firm as a mountain, calmly observing the meditating Master Wuguo opposite him. His opponent merely offered a slight smile, showing no immediate intent to attack.
“Does the Master intend to wait for me to make the first move?” Feng Zikang inquired, a faint smile touching his lips.
“This old monk is a few years older than you, and holds a slightly higher seniority. Thus, it would be improper for me to strike first,” Wuguo replied serenely.
“Then I shall not be polite!”
Feng Zikang stood holding his sword, a faint gleam of light emanating from the blade.
“It’s finally starting,” Mou Canglang sneered. Having just been defeated by the old monk, he felt considerably slighted. Master Wuguo and Feng Zikang had been talking for quite some time already, and the delay in action only deepened his irritation.
Mr. Xu Wan offered a gentle smile. “Those from the Three Teachings and Nine Schools, truly they are bound by the same thread. Yet on the battlefield, they exchange pleasantries.”
Luo Kedi was the most anxious. “Can Martial Uncle defeat that monk?”
A flash of light soared!
Feng Zikang certainly offered no courtesy in return, launching his flying sword toward Master Wuguo. Wuguo chuckled. “Nephew’s swordsmanship is indeed formidable!”
He gave a slight tremor, and countless beams of golden light erupted around him, shattering the incoming sword lights.
“Buddhist divine abilities are truly extraordinary!”
Feng Zikang smiled faintly. He himself possessed the Buddhist Golden Bell Shield and the Indestructible Golden Net techniques; Buddhist defensive methods were extraordinary. This divine ability of Master Wuguo’s was even more potent.
Even the sword light from the Starlight Great Annihilation Sword Art could not pierce the golden aura surrounding him.
Feng Zikang was inwardly startled. Indeed, cultivators at the Condensing Pill stage were incomparable to his previous adversaries.
“Your swordsmanship, Nephew, is also not simple,” Master Wuguo’s face held a hint of surprise. He could see that Feng Zikang had only just entered the Condensing Pill stage, yet the sword art was so ferocious. Although his protective Buddhist Zen skill shielded his body, the violent vibrations transmitted through it felt subtly familiar to him.
“This sword art…”
A sword art with such might could never be obscure.
He smiled slightly, pressing his palms together, and asked with a smile, “Nephew, what is the name of this sword art?”
Feng Zikang’s sword light did not cease; he continued to probe, strike by strike, for the weakness in Master Wuguo’s protective Zen skill. Hearing the question, he also smiled. “So that the Master knows, this set of sword arts I wield is called the Starlight Great Annihilation Sword Art Divine Ability.”
“Oh?”
Master Wuguo showed surprise. “This is the Starlight Great Annihilation Sword Art Divine Ability? After Young Master Yiwu perished, I believed this sword art’s lineage was broken. I did not expect the Military School of Longhu Mountain to have preserved any of it?”
His gaze shifted to the broken sword in Feng Zikang’s hand, and he nodded. “I heard Senior Brother Wu mention that you obtained the Sky-Swallowing Ancient Sword, but he never mentioned that you also learned the Starlight Great Annihilation Sword Art. So be it. That Young Master Yiwu actually has a successor carrying on his mantle; though he is gone, his ultimate techniques live on. That is certainly commendable!”
Although Young Master Yiwu had annihilated everyone at the Seven Treasures Pagoda Mountain, creating an irreconcilable feud with Buddhism, he was undeniably a genius of unparalleled talent. Men of the Buddhist path do not reject a thing because of the person; the continuation of his supreme divine abilities is, in any case, a good thing for the entire Central Plains cultivation world.
Feng Zikang’s heart sobered; he supposed that was true. Through coincidence, he had not only mastered the complete Starlight Great Annihilation Sword Art but had also reclaimed the Sword Soul of the Sky-Swallowing Ancient Sword. In that sense, calling him Young Master Yiwu’s successor was not an overstatement.
However, this title offered him no tangible benefit.
Feng Zikang shook his head. “Master’s words are inaccurate. In our Military School of Longhu Mountain, only three stances of the Starlight Great Annihilation Sword Art Divine Ability remain. The remaining variations are my own derivations. If there are any deficiencies, I would ask the Master for guidance!”
This statement was vaguely true, and mostly false. Feng Zikang was unwilling to claim the identity of Young Master Yiwu’s successor; Yiwu was a notorious villain, and he wanted no association with such baggage. Even if most in the Buddhist sect didn't mind, some troublemakers surely would.
“Oh?”
Master Wuguo showed profound respect. “Martial Nephew Feng is actually capable of self-creating sword arts; truly remarkable!”
Although deriving techniques based on an existing framework falls short of completely creating a divine ability from scratch, Feng Zikang’s capability at such a young age was truly worthy of admiration.
Though they continued their exchange, Feng Zikang’s sword light never stopped.
It resembled the earlier fight between Mou Canglang and Master Wuguo: Wuguo defended without attacking, and the aggressor simply could not overcome him.
“This monk is truly troublesome,” Luo Kedi gritted his teeth and clenched his fists. “This pervasive golden light—it’s impossible to cut through. How can it be broken? If he attacked like he did just now, it would be better...”
Mou Canglang shot him a disdainful glance. While the monk’s protective Zen skill was as tough as a turtle’s shell, his attacks were like those of a demon. If Mou Canglang himself could barely hold on, how could Feng Zikang fare any better? The fact that he could force a draw through the old monk showing mercy was already quite significant.
Thinking this, he grew more annoyed. Although he had also forced a draw yesterday, he had been defeated immediately today. The monk drove him back, then immediately retreated into his shell of defense. This made it seem as if his own cultivation and skills were inferior to Feng Zikang’s!
How could these ignorant commoners tell the difference in cultivation levels?
Mou Canglang glanced around and saw everyone cheering for Feng Zikang; his resentment deepened.
“The monk is defending staunchly, allowing Feng Zikang to maintain a stalemate...”
He snorted, which infuriated Luo Kedi.
Luo Kedi also snorted through his nose. “My Martial Uncle has his ways. Do you think you’re someone? Fleeing in disarray under the monk’s offensive!”
“Insolent!”
Mou Canglang was, after all, a Condensing Pill expert. For Luo Kedi, a junior at the Qi Induction stage, to speak such nonsense before him, how could he not be enraged? He pointed toward the city walls and roared, “What does a mortal like you know? If Feng Zikang can withstand Master Wuguo’s offense for one hundred rounds, I will take him as my master!”
Feng Zikang, new to the Condensing Pill stage, could never compare to him. But the monk’s Mad Demon Staff Technique was one skill growing heavier than the last. Mou Canglang calculated that the monk’s staff technique was divided into three stages, with thirty-six moves in each, forming an unbroken torrent. He could barely hold off the first stage of thirty-six strikes, but by the second stage of thirty-six moves, danger would be everywhere, making resistance almost impossible.
If the monk unleashed the thirty-six killing moves of the third stage, Mou Canglang believed he would be utterly annihilated. However, the monk would need to fall gravely ill to even attempt that.
As for Feng Zikang, he probably couldn't even survive the seventy-two strikes of the second stage. Claiming a hundred moves was already an exaggeration.
“Agreed!”
Luo Kedi, youthful and impetuous, burst into loud laughter when Mou Canglang spoke those words carelessly. “I accept on Martial Uncle Feng’s behalf! Hmph hmph, don't go back on your word when the time comes!”
“You!”
Mou Canglang’s anger flared. He had only said that casually; given his status, he certainly wouldn't bow to Feng Zikang as a master. But then he considered that Feng Zikang definitely couldn't last a hundred moves. He gave a cold smile and suddenly shouted loudly, “Master Wuguo! Feng Zikang! How long are you going to fight like this? Since this is only about determining a victor, I actually have a way!”
Feng Zikang paused, then turned to look. He saw Mou Canglang leap off the city wall and hover in the air, a cold sneer playing on his lips.
Master Wuguo pressed his palms together. “Amitabha. Donor Mou, what method do you propose?”
Mou Canglang smiled coldly. “Master Wuguo, you haven't finished demonstrating your set of one hundred and eight Mad Demon Staff Techniques. I regret that somewhat, but since Martial Brother Feng is fighting you now, I cannot experience it myself. However, since your sects have often interacted, it would be improper to resort to foul play. Why not wager on this one hundred and eight Mad Demon Staff Techniques?”
Master Wuguo looked momentarily stunned. “Donor Mou truly has wide knowledge; you recognize my Mad Demon Staff Technique. I wonder what method Donor Mou proposes? This old one is eager to hear the details!”
Feng Zikang smiled faintly, having already guessed what Mou Canglang intended to say.
To withstand the monk’s one hundred and eight Mad Demon Staff Techniques to decide the winner—this method wasn't bad. He had witnessed Mou Canglang’s fight with Master Wuguo and knew how formidable this technique was; it was likely the monk’s ultimate trump card. Using it to decide the match was rather elegant.
“The method is simple. If the Martial Nephew can completely withstand the Master’s full set of one hundred and eight Mad Demon Staff Techniques, then our side wins, and the Master will depart immediately and cease aiding the Tang Dynasty. If the Master wins, then—”
Mou Canglang’s gaze shifted to Feng Zikang, who nodded. “If the Master wins, I will also depart, cease meddling in these affairs, and leave.”
Master Wuguo’s expression changed slightly, and he gave a wry smile. “The problem is that the Mad Demon Staff Technique is executed in one continuous breath. If I unleash it, even I might not be able to control it perfectly. If Martial Nephew Feng is accidentally injured...”
So this was Mou Canglang’s scheme: using another to commit murder.
Feng Zikang gave a cold sneer. Having fought Master Wuguo personally, he certainly knew the power of the Mad Demon Staff Technique. He wanted to borrow a knife to kill?
Feng Zikang chuckled. “Master, there is no need to worry. Since this is combat on the battlefield, life and death are matters of fate. There is no need to be overly concerned.”
This demonic technique is powerful, but just because Mou Canglang couldn't handle it doesn't mean I, Feng Zikang, cannot! Feng Zikang’s lips curled into a cold smile; he was fully confident!
Master Wuguo considered it. That made sense. Even if Feng Zikang was a junior of the Military School, they met on the battlefield. If he was killed accidentally, it was simply the will of Heaven, and no one else could be blamed.
His mind made up, he smiled slightly. “Since that is the case, this old monk will not stand on ceremony.”
“Please!”
Feng Zikang flashed his sword light to protect himself, bracing for battle with full attention!
Luo Kedi rejoiced, waving his fist and shouting loudly, “Go, Martial Uncle! Go, Martial Uncle! Make that Mou Canglang your disciple! He said if you can defeat this Mad Demon Technique, he will become your student!”
Feng Zikang was utterly confused. He didn't know about the bet between Luo Kedi and Mou Canglang, so he didn't understand what Luo Kedi was shouting about. Mou Canglang, however, was furious, his inner spirits boiling. Luo Kedi’s loud yell made it sound as if Mou Canglang was intentionally seeking to become Feng Zikang’s disciple!
“Hmph! You are going to die this time regardless! I will remember this humiliation!” Mou Canglang seethed inwardly, but on the stage, the situation suddenly shifted!
Up until now, Feng Zikang had been the primary attacker, while Master Wuguo had only defended. Now, the golden light surrounding the monk suddenly retracted, and the Zen technique in his hand emitted a scorching golden radiance.
“The one hundred and eight Mad Demon Techniques! I invite Martial Nephew Feng to enlighten me!”
“I wouldn't dare!”
Feng Zikang did not dare to be careless, focusing his entire being on defense. He watched as Master Wuguo raised his staff, his momentum akin to Mount Tai pressing down, swinging it wildly toward Feng Zikang’s head!
“So powerful!”
Feng Zikang dared not meet the blow head-on, somersaulting backward. The very first strike of the Mad Demon Staff Technique was this potent! Watching from the sidelines was nothing like being the recipient of the locking force of this inherent energy. No wonder Mou Canglang, with his blade skills, was forced to retreat after only two stages. Facing it head-on is completely different from observing from the side!
“No wonder you thought I would surely die and proposed such a scheme,” Feng Zikang said with a cold smile, rapidly retreating, though his expression remained unchanged.
Master Wuguo roared, his arms swelling to twice their size, swinging his staff relentlessly at Feng Zikang’s body, seemingly without pattern or sequence. Regardless of distance, each strike targeted Feng Zikang’s vital points!
“This technique is truly wicked!”
Every strike was a convergence of refined Jing, Qi, and Shen—similar to the Primal Chaos Unrestricted Blade Cleave that Huo Zhongguang had previously practiced. But what was unsettling was that the power of each subsequent strike increased. While it wasn't like the world-ending, doubling force of the Nine Shatters he used against Royal Uncle Li Daoling, the momentum left over from each blow gradually merged, making each strike stronger than the last!
The increase in power with each staff swing was slight, but when accumulated, it became terrifying!
If he allowed the technique to progress for dozens of strikes, it would indeed be difficult to withstand!
“Roar!”
Master Wuguo roared again and again, the techniques flowing ceaselessly!
“Seven!”
“Eight!”
“Nine!”
Amidst the whistling wind, Feng Zikang moved left and right, struggling to cope, even as he silently calculated the monk’s moves. Simultaneously, Luo Kedi, on the city tower, counted aloud, deliberately trying to enrage Mou Canglang.
“Ten strikes! Ten strikes! Martial Uncle, over a tenth of the way done! You must hold on! Soon you’ll have a great disciple!”
Feng Zikang, caught in the middle of the storm, was inwardly suffering!
As the technique unfolded, staff shadows filled the sky. Even without making solid contact, the sheer oppressive force made it hard for him to breathe.
“I had planned to wait a few more strikes, but it seems I cannot!”
Feng Zikang gritted his teeth. “Master Wuguo, do not be complacent, watch my divine ability!”
Strongman Binds a Thousand Armies!
Feng Zikang had not used this divine ability lightly since dealing with Li Daoling, but now it was perfectly timed. After this ability was unleashed, the power of Master Wuguo’s next few strikes was halved. Feng Zikang bit down and counterattacked, managing to withstand the ensuing blows, and the situation shifted back again!
“A fine divine ability!” Master Wuguo laughed loudly. “This ability is quite clever, but you used it too early. My staff art grows stronger with every strike. If you had waited until the final few strikes to use it to neutralize their power, that would have been a strategy. But since you are already struggling now, I wonder how you will cope when we reach the second stage!”
In the first stage of the Mad Demon Technique, Master Wuguo was relaxed, exerting no self-injury and retaining energy to speak.
Feng Zikang’s expression shifted slightly; he knew this monk was truly difficult to handle.
“Master, words are useless. Let us see skill in action! Continue!”
“Good!”
Master Wuguo spoke while his Zen technique did not pause. He swiftly swung four more times. The first stage was now more than halfway done. Although the Strongman Binds a Thousand Armies divine ability had not yet dissipated, the technique's power had already recovered to the level after the tenth strike!
“Once the Strongman Binds a Thousand Armies dissipates, won't the power of the staff technique at this point be terrifying? And this is only halfway through the first stage. What will the power be like later?” Feng Zikang nodded in appreciation. “Master, this Mad Demon Technique is truly formidable. Seeing it today has made this life worthwhile!”
Master Wuguo chuckled heartily. “Martial Nephew, if you know you cannot bear it, just tell me before the second stage ends. If I am allowed to unleash the third stage, even I cannot stop the momentum, and if you are injured, it will be difficult to explain!”
Feng Zikang smiled proudly. “This Mad Demon Technique is wondrous. How could I be satisfied without seeing its full scope? Master need not worry!”
“Excellent!” Master Wuguo praised him. “Truly a young hero with spirit. Then, prepare yourself for the attack!”
Staff shadows danced, roaring mightily!
“Twenty-three!”
“Twenty-four!”
“Twenty-five!”
Feng Zikang calculated the timing; the Strongman Binds a Thousand Armies ability was about to expire. The current power of the staff technique already felt like the upheaval of five great mountains. Even grazing a stray shadow made him feel suffocated and nauseous. He marveled secretly; once the divine ability vanished, this current level of technique alone would be too much for him to handle!
“Haha, Martial Nephew, be careful! I am about to use the second stage techniques. Your divine ability seems to be reaching its end. If you cannot hold on, tell me quickly!”
“Master, feel free to attack as you please!”
Feng Zikang’s gaze turned cold, still weaving and dodging, enduring the onslaught through sheer willpower!
Master Wuguo finished the thirty-six techniques of the first stage. Debris flew everywhere, yet not a single piece remained whole. This was not from direct impact, but merely from the sheer force of his presence.
He shifted his hands, commencing the second stage technique. It was significantly slower than before!
Feng Zikang felt his breath seize, and the pressure instantly doubled!
“The first stage technique was all about unmatched ferocity, like Mount Tai, like the Five Peaks. Although immensely powerful, it could still be evaded. The second stage, however, is like the power of water—a vast, boundless ocean. It carries a thousand jun of force, yet there is nowhere to hide. This pressure alone could crush an ordinary person!”
Feng Zikang grunted and retreated repeatedly. Although not a single staff shadow in the sky managed to strike him squarely, wounds blossomed across his body, splattering blood!
“Martial Uncle!” Luo Kedi cried out, his expression filled with alarm!