Feng Zikang frowned inwardly.

Of course, people have turning points in their destiny. As the saying goes, a golden scale is no mere fish in a pond; once it encounters wind and clouds, it transforms into a dragon. Before that transformation, it is nothing more than an ordinary carp. It is utterly impossible to discern.

However, the turning point for this woman was perhaps too conspicuous.

Such intense emanation of imperial energy, even the current Emperor standing before her, would not manifest with such might. Considering that she is a woman only made the situation utterly perplexing.

This transformation seemed almost as if someone had intentionally acted, using a secret method to accelerate the outbreak of her imperial energy for the next several decades, resulting in this outcome.

"Deceiving the Old Mother?"

Feng Zikang’s heart tightened slightly, and he felt an even greater sense of apprehension toward the Sect Master of the Eighty-One Sects.

If this was truly her doing, then this person’s ambition and maneuvering were unmatched. With Wu Mei’s current imperial energy, unifying the realm was the inevitable trend. In fact, even her father, Wu Ji, might perish prematurely because of this formidable energy, lest he stand in the way of a future Empress.

And the conflict in Lizhou would certainly be resolved swiftly.

This point, however, did not align with the interests of the Three Teachings and Nine Schools.

For the Confucian, Buddhist, and Daoist sects, they fundamentally could not accept the outcome of a Lizhou victory, and they would certainly never accept a woman ascending to the throne; this severely violated the foundation of their interests.

As for the Nine Schools, they did not wish for this war to end too soon. Only by relying on the conflict could they dismantle the potential of the Teachings across the realm, allowing the Nine Schools to rise to a higher level, achieving status equal to, or even surpassing, the Three Teachings.

Among them, the expectations of the Military Strategists were the highest.

For Feng Zikang himself, he also did not wish for this battle to conclude quickly. Everything was in place, he only lacked the final push—time.

Given sufficient time for his cultivation to improve and the Xuan Realm to develop, he would fear no one in the world. He could easily deal with those he intended to confront.

While the Three Teachings and Nine Schools were mired in internecine strife, he could fish in troubled waters. “It seems,” he thought, “I am fated to oppose this Yinshan Old Mother.”

Feng Zikang shook his head, having processed so many thoughts in that single instant.

At that moment, Wu Mei descended from the clouds, stopping on the city tower.

“Mei’er!”

Wu Ji and his wife wept torrentially and rushed toward her. They had only this one daughter, whom they cherished dearly. Wu Mei, seeing how aged her parents looked, was also deeply moved, her eyes glistening with tears as she wept in her mother’s embrace.

Despite this, she repeatedly glanced sideways at Feng Zikang, her gaze burning, as if afraid he might slip away.

Feng Zikang was naturally bewildered, while Luo Kedi sighed inwardly.

Given Wu Mei’s current status and cultivation, she was far removed from him. Luo Kedi naturally harbored no further illusions; he only hoped she could attain her wishes and live harmoniously with Martial Aunt Yuan Meng.

But judging by the Martial Aunt’s expression, this matter was unlikely to be simple.

Wu Mei wept with her parents for a long time before pulling herself free from her mother’s arms and stepping before Feng Zikang, bowing gracefully.

“This humble girl, Wu Mei, thanks Senior Feng for saving my life.”

Now that she was also a cultivator, she addressed him as a Senior.

“No need for such formality,”

Feng Zikang waved his hand. “You are now the direct disciple of the Yinshan Old Mother. The Old Mother is of the same generation as my Master; you may call me Senior Brother.”

Wu Mei had always employed retreat as a means to advance. She had cultivated under the Yinshan Old Mother for several years; the Old Mother had revealed everything to her. How could she not know the seniority relations? She had only been reluctant to be looked down upon by Feng Zikang, thus proactively offering to call him Senior Brother. Now that Feng Zikang had spoken, allowing her to call him Senior Brother perfectly matched her desires. A wave of secret delight washed over Wu Mei, her eyelashes fluttering, perfectly blending anger and joy.

The title of Senior Brother was far more intimate than any savior or Senior.

Feng Zikang was not a fool; by this point, he had naturally understood the young woman’s feelings for him.

“I saved this woman casually, yet she has unexpectedly become deeply attached to me.”

His thoughts raced. This matter was undoubtedly a boon for him. Lizhou was currently at the center of the storm, and this woman’s overflowing imperial energy was naturally the absolute linchpin. With this affection existing, whatever schemes the Yinshan Old Mother harbored, this plan now contained a flaw he could exploit.

Feng Zikang was inherently a Celestial Demon, so he would naturally not consider what was proper or improper. He would never miss any opportunity he could utilize!

At once, his mind worked swiftly, and a hint of tenderness entered Feng Zikang’s tone.

“There’s hope!”

Luo Kedi was overjoyed. Seeing the change in Feng Zikang’s attitude, he could not fathom the multitude of thoughts churning in his mind, assuming the Senior was merely developing feelings for Wu Mei, and he felt greatly relieved. He nudged Wu Ji in the side with his elbow.

Wu Ji, seasoned by years of command, immediately saw that his daughter’s affections were entirely set upon Feng Zikang. Seeing that Feng Zikang was also responding favorably, his old heart was immensely comforted. He immediately laughed heartily, ordering a banquet to be prepared and inviting Feng Zikang to join the family meal.

Cultivators do not adhere strictly to worldly etiquette. He also looked favorably upon this young man, Feng Zikang; making him a son-in-law would certainly not be a poor match. He glanced back at Luo Kedi and sighed, “Kedi, I have wronged you…”

He understood Luo Kedi’s feelings, moreover, it was he who had initially intended to match his top subordinate with his daughter. Seeing how things had unfolded now, he naturally felt a pang of guilt toward Luo Kedi.

Luo Kedi shook his head. “My Lord Governor, what are you saying? As long as the young lady is safe and happy, this humble subordinate will be content. As one under the Governor’s command, my only desire is to ensure the safety and peace of the Governor’s family, I have no other thoughts!”

His words were sincere. If Wu Mei had fallen for someone else, perhaps Luo Kedi would have contested it, but the person Miss loved was Senior Uncle Feng, whom he revered the most. He could only wish them peace and happiness.

Feng Zikang conversed with Wu Mei, noticing her eyes growing brighter, knowing the woman had fallen for him. Yet, his mind continuously calculated how to leverage the current situation.

From the present situation, although he did not know what secret method the Yinshan Old Mother used to push Wu Mei’s imperial energy to this extent, given the current trajectory, Wu Mei becoming an Empress was unavoidable.

What Feng Zikang intended to do was simply to prolong this process as much as possible, reserving sufficient time for his own cultivation and development.

“Yinshan Old Mother,”

Feng Zikang smiled faintly. “You have your grand plan, but I have my strategy. Don’t assume that everything in this world can be accounted for in your calculations!”

Wu Mei blinked slowly. “Senior Brother, why are you smiling?”

Feng Zikang smiled faintly. “Nothing, merely that the taste of this wine is exquisite, and I could not help but offer a compliment. Come, Junior Sister, let us share a cup!”