Meanwhile, Feng Zikang's supposed 'apprentice,' Mou Canglang, was boiling with rage at Dao Mo'e. He had spoken too boldly and lost the wager, meaning he, a dignified Demon Venerable, was now Feng Zikang's disciple. No other demons from the Sea of No Return had arrived yet; he was the vanguard, so at least the shame was only witnessed by a few. But over these past few days, more demons from the Sea of No Return were due to arrive soon, and if they learned of this, how could he ever show his face in public again?

"I can't believe this brat actually managed to withstand the Maddening Staff Technique. That monk is truly useless!"

He gnashed his teeth in hatred, yet deep down, he knew Feng Zikang's strength had already surpassed his own.

Less than a year ago, when Feng Zikang was traveling under the alias Zhou Ping'an, Mou Canglang had chased him in a sorry state across the sea. To think that in such a short time, his power had reached that level?

"Was he hiding his strength back then?"

Mou Canglang began to muse, feeling a prickle of lingering fear. If that brat had truly been concealing his power and had landed a serious blow when he was caught off guard, that would have been dangerous.

Even so, he was the proud disciple of the White Eagle King, a direct heir among the Five Great Demon Kings of the Sea of No Return. Now, bound by a bet, he had to take a third-generation disciple of the Military School of Mount Longhu as his master—this was absolutely unacceptable!

"I must find a way."

Cheating was clearly out of the question. The demons of the Sea of No Return placed the highest value on their word; being publicly shamed for breaking a promise would be an even greater disgrace than his current predicament.

Either Feng Zikang had to personally renounce this supposed master-disciple relationship, or… he had to be killed!

Mou Canglang pondered for a long time; these seemed to be the only two possible solutions.

Forcing Feng Zikang to yield was obviously impossible; he couldn't even bring himself to beg the man to let him save face.

"So, that means… it only leaves…"

Mou Canglang's expression flickered between dark and bright as he secretly hardened his resolve.

Feng Zikang had emerged from seclusion these past few days, and in three more days, the first contingent of demons arriving from the Sea of No Return to assist would reach Lizhou.

Time was running short for him.

Mr. Xu Wan felt completely reassured after officially becoming Feng Zikang's disciple.

From this moment on, he could consider himself a man of status. While he wouldn't rush to announce it to the world, if anyone inquired, he could use this connection as a response, and no one would doubt him.

As for the future resurgence of the Demonic Sect, Feng Zikang would naturally be involved, and Xu Wan didn't fear dragging him down.

Feng Zikang’s acceptance of a disciple would certainly be reported to the Military School of Mount Longhu. As a disciple of the Small Bamboo Grove lineage, with Ye Tiansheng gone, Feng Zikang, now in the Core Condensation stage, could make the final call. Even the Sect Master of the Military School would merely be informed.

Mr. Xu Wan was deeply impressed.

The methods of this Eastern Sect senior brother were truly brilliant. He himself had gone through immense effort to infiltrate the Lizhou army, constantly having to suppress his strength to avoid attention and maintain a low profile. But Feng Zikang was different; he could continuously display his power. The more dazzling his brilliance, the more firmly established his position within the Military School of Mount Longhu became.

"Master, what do we do next?"

Mr. Xu Wan was quick-witted. In private, he naturally changed his address, a clear sign acknowledging the Western Sect’s complete defeat to the Eastern Sect.

Feng Zikang chuckled, "Xu Wan, there's no need for such formality. This master-disciple relationship is just to protect your identity. You can still call me Senior Brother."

"Absolutely not!" Mr. Xu Wan repeatedly shook his head. "Since I have taken you as my master, I am genuinely convinced and have no intention of going back on my word."

Feng Zikang smiled slightly; Mr. Xu Wan’s actions were entirely within his expectations.

If it weren't for this, why would he take on such a huge burden as Xu Wan as a disciple?

Through this connection, should the Heaven-Defying Demonic Sect re-enter the Central Plains in the future, even if Feng Zikang couldn't fully control it, he would at least have established a foundational relationship that would prove useful.

He said calmly, "Then let it be as you wish. However, do not publicize this for now. In front of others, you need not use this address."

Mr. Xu Wan nodded. It was best if no one realized that Feng Zikang had suddenly taken a disciple. If he abruptly changed his title, people would naturally ask why. If they found out he had only become Feng Zikang's disciple that day, it would offer no help regarding his former identity or background.

"Besides that, just continue operating as you have been. We are merely supporting Lizhou in achieving supremacy; other matters can proceed slowly."

Feng Zikang smiled faintly and gave his instructions. He knew that apart from his origins and identity, Mr. Xu Wan handled everything else excellently. Now, they only needed to continue solidifying his position and cultivating the Demonic Sect's influence within Lizhou. Once Lizhou unified the Central Plains, the resurgence of the Demonic Sect would naturally follow.

"Yes!"

Mr. Xu Wan agreed. After they exchanged a few more words to finalize their strategy, Mr. Xu Wan took his leave.

A smile spread across Feng Zikang’s face. Up to this day, after several years of effort, he finally held a certain standing in the cultivation world of the Central Plains. Especially with the Heaven-Defying Demonic Sect and the Xuan Realm providing him with a fallback and support, he could now embark on something grand!

He sat cross-legged, slowly circulating his inner energy to promote the growth of his Golden Core and forge his Demonic Body.

Say what you will, cultivation was paramount. Now that he had reached the Core Condensation stage, he was still constantly reminded that his true opponent was a Soul Transformation master, two entire tiers above him.

The road ahead was long, and he still had much to do.

At this moment, he heard a disturbance nearby.

Feng Zikang's Formless Heavenly Demon avatar maintained vigilance within a hundred zhang radius. His heart stirred, realizing who it was. A smile touched the corner of his lips again.

"I gained one disciple, and now another one arrives."

He chuckled lightly. Mou Canglang's ridiculous wager had inadvertently done him a favor. Although Mou Canglang would be hard to subdue, he was essentially a spike lodged deep within the Sea of No Return. If used correctly, perhaps it wouldn't be impossible to reorganize the forces there!

Mou Canglang arrived quickly, his movements light and silent, but unfortunately, he had already been firmly locked onto by the Formless Heavenly Demon avatar. Feng Zikang watched him dart under the window, seemingly trying to secretly observe the situation inside, and couldn't help but laugh.

However, this fellow's skill in concealing his cultivation was indeed impressive. If not for his Formless Heavenly Demon avatar, he might not have detected his arrival.

Feng Zikang understood clearly: this arrogant demon hadn't come in the middle of the night to seek guidance; he had come to deal with his 'Master.'

"This hurdle must be crossed eventually."

Mou Canglang held some status in the Sea of No Return; naturally, he couldn't stomach losing face. To escape the wager, the best course of action was clearly to eliminate his nominal master.

"But…"

Feng Zikang smiled faintly. "Since you have already entered the palm of my hand, how can you escape?"

He laughed aloud, "Is that Disciple Canglang? Since you've come to see your Master in the dead of night, why not enter through the front door?"

Mou Canglang outside the window jolted, an expression of disbelief crossing his face.

His method of concealment was learned from the swimming fish in the deep sea; when he moved, his aura didn't betray him, not even the slightest whisper of wind. How on earth had Feng Zikang discovered him?

He slowly straightened up and laughed, "I didn't expect you to have such a trick up your sleeve. It seems I was the one who misjudged you!"

Mou Canglang swaggered through the front door, staring straight at Feng Zikang, his expression cold and severe.

Clearly, he had no intention of paying respects to his master. Feng Zikang smiled slightly, pretending ignorance. "Disciple Canglang, what brings you here today?"

Since he had been discovered, Mou Canglang decided to go all in.

"Feng Zikang, what do you think I've come for?"

Feng Zikang frowned slightly and then smiled. "That is not the proper way to address your Master."

"Pah!"

Mou Canglang spat, completely abandoning any pretense of decorum. "Feng Zikang, no need for pleasantries. You know exactly why I'm here. I didn't expect you could actually see through my stealth technique, so let's dispense with the talking. Let us fight here and now, face to face. If you die by my hand, this whole affair is void!"

Feng Zikang burst into loud laughter. "So, you refuse to accept defeat and want to reclaim your honor? That can be arranged. If I don't subdue you, you likely won't be convinced. But if I lose, I die. What if you lose?"

"If I lose, I die too!"

Mou Canglang felt a chill down his spine hearing the calm tone in his voice, but he still gritted his teeth, refusing to show weakness.

"Hahahaha!"

Feng Zikang laughed heartily, shaking his head. "Disciple Canglang, what use is your life to me? If you lose, you will obediently become my disciple and then offer up your Nascent Soul Core. How about that?"

Only by taking his Nascent Soul Core could he completely control this man. Feng Zikang certainly didn't trust leaving a time bomb by his side.

Mou Canglang shuddered, realizing that if he handed over his Nascent Soul Core, he wouldn't just be a disciple, but effectively a slave. Still, things had come to this point; he had no choice but to risk it all!

"Fine! I'm not afraid of you!"

He ground his teeth and agreed! With a century of cultivation, his mastery was perfect. Even if he was slightly inferior in raw power, his experience was profound. Forging a mutually destructive outcome would not be difficult!

Besides, he had that item.

He was full of confidence. Feng Zikang observed him in secret, knowing he must have some trump card.

"If this were a few days ago, I might have feared you."

Feng Zikang chuckled inwardly. But now that his Demonic Body had just taken shape, he was nearly invincible against anyone below the mid-stage Core Condensation. He was just looking for someone to test his skills on. Mou Canglang delivering himself to his door was perfectly timed.

"Very well! Disciple Canglang, you choose the time and place! As your Master, I cannot take advantage of you."

Hearing Feng Zikang repeatedly refer to himself as 'Master' made Mou Canglang grind his teeth in furious resentment. "Feng Zikang, why wait? Let's settle it right now! How about a duel thirty li outside the city, at Qingfeng Mountain?"

Thirty li south of the city stood a mountain called Qingfeng Mountain, usually deserted, and even quieter in the dead of night.

Feng Zikang nodded. "Good, let's do it!"

He flickered and was already out the door!

Mou Canglang sneered coldly and followed behind!