Feng Zikang let out a cold snort. This staff strike was even more formidable than his previous frenzied attacks; even the Five-Clawed Divine Dragon showed a hint of hesitation.

"Insolent!"

A sharp cry echoed from the Golden Phoenix formed by the Star River Shuttle as it lunged forward like a fleeing shadow!

"Boom!"

Feng Zikang's expression shifted, his pupils contracting sharply!

This strike truly lived up to its reputation of shattering the very fabric of heaven and earth!

Although the Golden Phoenix, manifested from the Star River Shuttle, carried an air of utter arrogance, it was utterly pulverized beneath this blow!

Only a lingering, unwilling phantom remained, letting out a mournful cry before dissolving into scattered specks of luminescence, vanishing without a trace!

The sheer power of this single strike had shattered the once-invincible Golden Phoenix! This phoenix was formed by the Star River Shuttle, and while Feng Zikang had only seen it twice, he knew its power was boundless, far beyond that of ordinary artifacts.

He had initially expected it to withstand at least two more strikes. He had never imagined failure would come so swiftly!

Feng Zikang’s face twitched slightly; this meant the remaining nine techniques would not be easy to overcome!

Even Dragon Que, the Five-Clawed Divine Dragon, could perhaps only endure one or two more strikes. After all, Dragon Que was different from the spirit of the Star River Shuttle, which Feng Zikang could not control at all. Furthermore, even if shattered, the Star River Shuttle could eventually recover its spiritual essence.

But Dragon Que had served him in countless battles, an extension of his own will, a trusted helper. Not only could he not easily expose it, but he also could not allow it to suffer excessive damage. Even if it possessed the ability to reform and be reborn, it was not immortal. Given how savage these frenzied techniques were, with the final strikes promising world-shattering devastation, he could not risk Dragon Que enduring that peril.

"One hundred!"

Feng Zikang hesitated. Master Wuguo's techniques allowed for no pause; another staff strike descended!

"Roar!"

Dragon Que roared again, leaping out from Feng Zikang’s sleeve. Its five claws struck out simultaneously, forcefully intercepting the blow. With a resounding crash, a massive fissure tore open in Dragon Que’s newly formed body, golden blood erupting forth.

"Five-Clawed Divine Dragon!"

This time, Master Wuguo saw clearly and shouted out in disbelief.

"H-How is it a Five-Clawed Divine Dragon? Martial Nephew Feng, where did you acquire such a divine creature?"

The Five-Clawed Divine Dragon was an ancient divine beast, long extinct in this world. But this form and the golden blood were undeniably those of a Five-Clawed Divine Dragon; Master Wuguo trusted his own eyes.

Feng Zikang quickly tucked the divine dragon back into his sleeve, offering a faint smile.

It was fortunate that Dragon Que had already grown flesh and blood, preventing it from being easily recognized as a mechanical construct. If this news spread, the Mohist school would certainly not stand idly by.

As for the claim of it being a Five-Clawed Divine Dragon, a gentleman can be misled by appearances. Deceiving this monk for a moment should be manageable.

However, they were still in the midst of battle; there could be no pause. He needed to survive the passage of these one hundred and eight strikes before contemplating the proper course of action afterward.

"Heh heh, Martial Nephew Feng, your abilities truly exceed my wildest expectations. Not only are you protected by marvelous treasures, but you possess such a divine entity as well. To think you could withstand my hundred techniques, I must admit defeat. After the final eight strikes, regardless of victory or defeat, I shall turn back and cease meddling in the affairs of Lizhou City."

He gave a wry smile, feeling a touch of regret.

Feng Zikang was rumored to be a disciple highly valued by the Military Strategists of Dragon Tiger Mountain. He, in his arrogance, had agreed to such a wager, assuming he could repel the young man during the second set of staff techniques, thus ensuring Feng Zikang’s life would be spared.

But who knew Feng Zikang was so resourceful, managing to hold out until the third stage, now revealing rare treasures and a divine dragon? His background and the forces supporting him were truly…

It was regrettable that despite his prowess, Feng Zikang was only at the early stage of Core Condensation. Now that the Golden Phoenix was shattered and the Divine Dragon gravely wounded, it seemed impossible for him to withstand the final eight techniques.

However, the Madman Staff Technique, having reached this point, was no longer being wielded by him alone; it was the soul of the technique itself driving the final strikes, unable to cease its momentum.

If Feng Zikang were to perish under these last eight blows, it would undoubtedly invite much trouble later on.

Knowing he could not avoid it, he decided to concede first, intending to retreat into the temple for solitary meditation afterward to minimize complications.

Master Wuguo was entirely unaware that his hundredth strike had definitively sealed the failure of one person.

"Master Monk need not say more! Deliver the final eight strikes!"

Feng Zikang smiled faintly, adopting his final defensive posture.

Master Wuguo’s face tightened; he raised his staff technique high, his expression reverent.

The final eight techniques were strikes that decided life and death!

※

"Brother Feng Bei truly exceeds my expectations,"

Mr. Xuyuan sighed. "One hundred techniques—he actually held out for one hundred techniques!"

"What?"

Mou Canglang's face instantly flushed the color of liver. He had been restless with worry, and seeing Feng Zikang linger amidst the flurry of technique shadows made him even more anxious.

On the battlefield, Feng Zikang and Master Wuguo had wagered on the entirety of the Madman Technique Divine Powers—a full one hundred and eight strikes.

But the wager he had with Luo Kedi was only for one hundred strikes!

"What do you mortals know? If Feng Zikang can withstand Master Wuguo's assault for a hundred rounds, I will take him as my master!"

That statement, delivered with force, was heard by everyone nearby.

Mou Canglang had genuinely never expected Feng Zikang to reach this stage. He himself had calculated that with the might of the one hundred and eight Madman Staff Techniques, even if he used every magic treasure he possessed without reservation, he could withstand, at most, ninety techniques. Feng Zikang's cultivation was lower than his; what secret treasures could he possess to achieve the same result? For anyone to last a hundred strikes was absolutely impossible!

That was why he had made the bet with such confidence. He never imagined Feng Zikang would actually manage it!

"Damn it!"

Mou Canglang gnashed his teeth, bitterly regretting his careless words.

His only recourse now was to hope Feng Zikang could not survive the final eight blows. If he died under the divine technique, no one would care about such a casual wager.

However, as long as Luo Kedi didn't bring it up now, Mou Canglang wiped sweat from his fingers, glancing cautiously at Luo Kedi, only to see him looking utterly excited, completely forgetting the earlier bet.

Luo Kedi was preoccupied with worrying about Feng Zikang's safety and hadn't considered anything else.

He urgently asked Mr. Xuyuan,

"Mr. Xuyuan, how is Martial Uncle right now? Can he defeat that monk?"

Mr. Xuyuan shook his head and chuckled, "No rush, no rush!"

He spread his hands. "I can only vaguely sense the situation within; I cannot see clearly. But based on the current state, Martial Brother Feng does not appear to be seriously injured. In my view—"

"Well?"

Mou Canglang and Luo Kedi both asked loudly; the others present were equally eager to hear the outcome.

Mou Canglang was anxious that Feng Zikang might truly survive all one hundred and eight Madman Techniques, which would leave him deeply embarrassed. Luo Kedi, however, genuinely cared for his young Martial Uncle.

The others, including Qinging Mo and Nu Mo, who had risen due to Feng Zikang's support, were also deeply concerned about his survival.

Seeing a crowd suddenly gather around him, Mr. Xuyuan simply laughed heartily.

"I didn't realize Martial Brother Feng commanded such influence—even more than I imagined..."

He shook his head, looking toward the outskirts of the city.

"Since things have come to this, it has indeed surpassed my expectations. It seems Martial Brother Feng is about to win again this time..."

"What?" Mou Canglang’s face contorted in shock. "Mr. Xuyuan, how is that possible?"

Mr. Xuyuan gave him a faint glance and shook his head. "Brother Mou, whether it’s possible or not will be known in a moment."

He glanced down at the city, suddenly bursting into loud laughter. "Brother Mou, no need to wait. While we spoke, things changed rapidly. Master Wuguo’s one hundred and eight Madman Staff Technique Divine Powers are complete. Look for yourself!"

A deafening, earth-shattering roar erupted, like the collapse of the firmament.

The eardrums of many onlookers burst, blood trickling out.

Following this sound, an absolute silence descended.

The fight below was over!

Mou Canglang's face changed drastically; he lunged forward, peering down toward the battle site!

Master Wuguo lay slumped on the ground, his staff technique cast aside. Wrinkles covered his forehead, as if he had aged several years overnight.

This was the aftereffect of unleashing the Madman Staff Technique, already revealing itself.

Feng Zikang, however, was nowhere to be seen!

"Feng, where is Feng Zikang?"

Mou Canglang asked, trembling, a mixture of shock and relief in his voice. If Feng Zikang had been completely annihilated, the wager would naturally be void, and he wouldn't have to become his disciple.

"My apologies for the concern, Martial Brother Mou. Feng is here!"

A calm voice sounded, and Feng Zikang suddenly materialized in the void. Although his robes were tattered and stained with blood, making him look somewhat disheveled, he stood upright in the air with imposing dignity, his expression composed.

Who had won or lost was instantly clear!

"Martial Uncle!" Luo Kedi shouted in ecstasy, waving frantically.

Mr. Xuyuan shook his head, his expression unchanged, though a sharp glint flashed in his eyes.

Master Wuguo slowly stood up, placing his palms together in a gesture of respect toward Feng Zikang. "Martial Nephew Feng, your cultivation is profound, far beyond what this old monk can match. I have exerted the entirety of my one hundred and eight Madman Technique Divine Powers, yet I could not overcome you, Martial Nephew. Since this is the case, as per our prior agreement, I shall take my leave and return to the temple for secluded cultivation!"

Though inwardly still astonished that the youth could withstand the final eight techniques, the facts were undeniable. Not only had the opponent endured them, but he had also used the backlash to secure his own safety.

At this moment, let alone conceding the bet, even if Feng Zikang demanded his life, Master Wuguo would have yielded.

Master Wuguo chose to look on the bright side: not having killed Feng Zikang this time meant he avoided forging an irreconcilable feud with the Military Strategists. This was a blessing.

After all, he had initially assumed Feng Zikang was merely an outstanding disciple of the Military Strategists. But as the fight progressed, he realized how extraordinary he was. Had he died by his technique, it would surely have led to trouble. Now, he didn't need to worry about that.

"I must also thank the Venerable Master for showing restraint,"

Having secured the victory, it was appropriate to offer polite words. Feng Zikang bowed respectfully, treating Master Wuguo with great courtesy.

Master Wuguo felt greatly appeased, though he repeatedly denied it. "What are you saying, Martial Nephew Feng? Everyone knows that when I, Wuguo, unleash my set of Madman Staff Techniques, I do not hold back. Only a cultivation level like yours could possibly resist it so completely. This old monk has lived in a well, truly underestimating the heroes of this world!"

"Master Monk is too kind!"

After a brief exchange of courtesies, Master Wuguo departed gracefully. Having lost the battle, he naturally could not pursue the matter of his disciple's death or the lost treasure. He would let the young novice go for now. The Purple-Gold Alms Bowl was a treasure of Jinshan Temple; losing it would certainly cause some trouble, but he was too ashamed to press the matter further, leaving it for another day.

Seeing the monk defeated, the Tang forces were naturally terrified and immediately retreated, pulling back a hundred miles.

Feng Zikai returned to camp in triumph.

"Congratulations, Martial Brother Feng! This battle was earth-shattering. Your cultivation is indeed unfathomable!"

Mr. Xuyuan was the second to offer effusive praise, and the generals naturally gathered around. Feng Zikang smiled faintly, offering a few humble remarks.

Then, Luo Kedi led Mou Canglang over. "Senior Mou, you stated that if Martial Brother Feng could endure one hundred rounds, you would take him as your master. Now that my Martial Uncle has returned victorious, does your word still stand?"

Mou Canglang's face changed drastically. Anger knotted his chest, but those were indeed his very words, and now Luo Kedi had brought them up, causing him immense humiliation.

"Oh? There was such a matter?"

Feng Zikang inwardly smiled. It explained why Mou Canglang had suddenly stepped forward to establish that wager with them; it seemed he had a prior arrangement with Luo Kedi.

He let out a cold laugh. Mou Canglang had attempted to kill him before; that grudge was already deep and irreconcilable. He wouldn't mind humiliating him further; what did one more indignity matter?

"Kedi, don't speak like that. Keeping one's word is the custom of us Central Plains people. Brother Mou is from the Boundless Sea; perhaps he doesn't adhere to this rule..."

This statement sounded like an excuse, but it was actually insinuating that people from the Boundless Sea often went back on their word. Mou Canglang could not tolerate such an insult; his face turned crimson, and he suddenly knelt, kowtowing once.

"Master above, please accept this disciple’s bow!"

Before Feng Zikang could respond, he leaped up and fled, covering his face!

Feng Zikang watched his retreating figure, his heart tightening.

Mou Canglang would rather submit to humiliation than tarnish the reputation of the Boundless Sea. It seemed that under King White Eagle, unity was indeed this strong, which made Feng Zikang even more worried.

"Heh heh," Mr. Xuyuan chuckled lightly. "Martial Brother Feng defeated Master Wuguo today, and even gained the allegiance of Mou Canglang from the Boundless Sea as a disciple. Truly enjoying the peak of success, truly remarkable!"

Feng Zikang smiled faintly and returned the bow in thanks. "Mr. Xuyuan overpraises me. I have just finished a strenuous battle and am rather fatigued. I shall rest for a moment before speaking further with everyone!"

"Yes, yes!" Luo Kedi slapped his forehead. "Martial Uncle fought so hard... he must be exhausted; he should rest quickly!"

Feng Zikang bowed to the crowd and returned to his quarters.

Mr. Xuyuan stared at his receding figure, his eyes shining with a strange light.

※

"Hah!"

Upon returning to his room and setting up protective divine restrictions, Feng Zikang’s face turned pale as he spat out a mouthful of blood!

How could he emerge unscathed after battling the final eight techniques of Master Wuguo? The appearance of vigor he displayed earlier was nothing more than a desperate facade!

In those last eight strikes, he had been driven to the absolute limit.

The Star River Shuttle was dim, the Five-Clawed Divine Dragon severely wounded, and all his other treasures were useless.

At that moment, his only apparent option was to retreat into the Mystic Realm.

Even if he couldn't defeat Master Wuguo, he could at least save his life.

But when Master Wuguo launched his one hundred and first strike, he suddenly realized that this thought was utterly foolish; even fleeing into the Mystic Realm offered no guarantee of survival.

The so-called shattering of heaven and earth—at this level, the technique had already locked onto Feng Zikang’s essence and spirit. As long as the technique persisted, it could strike him even across vast distances, beyond the Mystic Realm!

At the final moment, a flash of inspiration struck Feng Zikang. He suddenly dispersed his Demon Fetus, directly utilizing this boundless might to temper his Demonic Body!

This was the most ancient method of Demonic Body refinement, one that modern Celestial Demons disdained. But in the epoch of ancient chaos, the original Demon Lords had all achieved their indestructible Demonic Bodies through this very method!

Destruction, reorganization, an endless cycle. A Demon Body recast through the boundless Demonic Qi sustaining it!

This was an extremely painful process, but also one of rapid advancement!

Feng Zikang had taken a tremendous gamble this time!

A single strike, given his physical condition, was enough to shatter him ten times over!

But each time he was shattered, the boundless Demonic Qi generated by the Demon Fetus’s collapse instantly reformed his body, only for it to be struck again by the lingering power of the technique, initiating another cycle!

During those final eight strikes, Feng Zikang’s body was shattered over a hundred times!

By now, the Demonic Qi produced by the Demon Fetus’s explosion was dwindling, but this time, it had succeeded in forging his nascent Demonic Body!

"Pure luck,"

All these factors—the timing, the advantage of the situation, and human elements—aligned perfectly to yield this result. A slight deviation, and Feng Zikang would have been utterly destroyed today.

In the final blow, Feng Zikang had also employed the power of the Xiang You Yi You Xiang Xi Yi Xi (If You Worry, I Worry; If You Rejoice, I Rejoice) Divine Power, inflicting severe counter-damage upon Master Wuguo.

"Master Monk, do not blame me for being ruthless."

He let out a cold laugh. If the monk hadn't been difficult to kill outright, he would have preferred to end him. Otherwise, the Golden Phoenix and Divine Dragon he mentioned would remain a threat. Until he could kill him safely, inflicting grievous injury was the only option, forcing the monk back to Jinshan Temple for decades of seclusion.

Once his cultivation reached perfection, allowing him to stride unimpeded through the Central Plains cultivation world, he would no longer mind if the news spread. Then, he would like to see who dared to demand retribution!

"Hmph!"

Feng Zikang let out a cold snort, aggravating his wounds, and pursed his lips.

Although this ordeal resulted in the fortuitous gain of a nascent Demonic Body, it stemmed from the explosive demise of his Demon Fetus, meaning his physical injuries had not yet healed.

"This means I'll need a long period of recuperation..."

This was truly troublesome. Since he had come here, he had intended to gain further advantages in the Lizhou battlefield; leaving hastily felt deeply unsatisfying.

"But if I stay, I fear..."

Mou Canglang’s hatred for him was certain; whether he would act covertly was anyone's guess. Yet, Feng Zikang was not overly concerned about him.

What worried him more was that increasingly mysterious Mr. Xuyuan!