Zhong Muqing stood there without taking the initiative to attack. Since the opponent was not moving, he was happy to drag it out as long as possible.

Feng Haiyang observed for a moment, confirmed that there was no one else within several miles, then decided not to delay further. First, he dispersed the devils to a farther place, then shouted loudly and unfolded the Tribulation Water. A mighty wave rushed forward.

At present, his Escape Skills, Mana, and Divine Skills were all above the opponent, so he used the most direct method to attack the enemy.

Zhong Muqing’s expression slightly changed; this was the situation he most dreaded seeing. But at this time, he had no way to retreat and could only withstand it, shouted lowly, and the Gang Cloud above his head surged, producing spiraling Gang Wind, rushing up fiercely against the Tribulation Water.

His cultivation of Water and Wood Skills was known for its long-lasting power, but the gap in mana between the two was too great. In such a direct collision without a moment to breathe, after a mere two dozen breaths, he gradually felt unsupported.

Feng Haiyang’s expression remained calm; this straightforward confrontation was most advantageous to him.

According to his estimation, it would take at most half a teapot’s time to completely exhaust this person.

Soon, cold sweat appeared on Zhong Muqing’s forehead; he was panting heavily, shaking all over like a seriously ill person, even his Protective Treasure Light was flickering, indicating that his mana was exhausted, and he was at the end of his rope.

A cold gleam flashed in Feng Haiyang’s eyes; he felt the opportunity was coming, shook his sleeve, and a pale beam of light flew out.

Zhong Muqing, though fatigued, was not without resistance. He pinched a spell, and a segment of Jade Umbrella emitting gentle Clear Light descended from the Gang Cloud, suspended like Hua Gai above him.

This treasure was bestowed by Qin Yu, used by her in the past, and was no ordinary item. The white light circled a few times but could not break through.

Seeing this, Feng Haiyang pointed downwards, and three faint shadow-like devils appeared from the void, biting towards him.

Zhong Muqing’s expression changed. He immediately perceived the eeriness of these devils. Given his current state, he probably couldn’t resist; with a snort, a pinpoint of light flew from his sleeve and instantaneously transformed into a grand palace with countless fluctuating Prohibition lights. The Tribulation Water, upon hitting it, shattered like crashing against a rocky shore.

"Da Wei Cloud Palace?"

Feng Haiyang’s eyes narrowed. He had intended to kill this person with a single blow, but had not expected there to be such an object, sneered, "Even with this item for protection, it’s just a show of delaying the inevitable."

Da Wei Cloud Palace was well-known for its strong defense but heavily drained mana. With Zhong Muqing’s capability, it couldn’t last long. When it collapsed, there would still be only a dead end. Thus, he increased the power of his spells, and the Tribulation Water piled up and surged again.

Zhong Muqing sat inside the Cloud Palace, endured the Tribulation Water assault, and held on for over a hundred breaths before his complexion turned pale.

He steadied himself and took out the token talisman from his sleeve, thought to himself, "Brother Huo, I can only hold out this far, so I’ll have to leave first."

With incantation murmured, he rolled out the token talisman, immediately drawing all remaining mana from his body, which softened upon collapsing.

Without mana to sustain it, the Da Wei Cloud Palace immediately condensed into a single glimmer of light, returning to his Sleeve Bag, and the surrounding Tribulation Water, without a barrier, crashed inwards with a rumbling sound.

Suddenly, a gleam flashed in Zhong Muqing’s eyes. He looked near death but abruptly revitalized, sat up forcefully, shouted, and the Gang Cloud above shook, mana surged wildly, Gang Qi spread out, firmly holding against the incoming Tribulation Water.

Feng Haiyang hesitated, glanced at the token talisman suspended before Zhong Muqing, frowned slightly, and pondered, "Could this be the ’Dual Transformation’ technique? Truly Divine."

The ’Dual Transformation’ technique divides Divine Intent into internal and external parts. When severely injured or mana depleted while fighting, one could retract the outer divine into the heart, bring out the inner divine to take control, and swap, not only restoring mana but also healing injuries, as if having two lives.

Only those who cultivate both Mutual Generation Skills within the Mingcang Sect can master this Divine Skill. Among the Top Ten Disciples, only Zhong Muqing currently excelled in this art.

Zhong Muqing, in this state, was akin to his peak, with protection from strange treasures. Fully defending, for the time being, Feng Haiyang could do nothing to him.

A few dozen breaths later, the token talisman activated, exploding with a burst of golden light, encircling him, smashing through the Tribulation Water, and vanished.

Inside the Ten Thousand Mountains Illusion Map, Zhang Yan tried to explore the area, gaining some insight. Here, flying was impossible, and proceeding with Dharma Treasures was inadvisable, as it would only disrupt spiritual mechanisms, complicating matters.

Other than that, there was no anomaly—it seemed Feng Haiyang used it merely to delay them.

Initially, upon entering, he vaguely saw Xun Huaiying falling into it but later couldn’t find a trace of him; probably separated by the mountain’s illusion. But given the Shaoqing Disciple’s abilities, he would be alright.

He smiled slightly and stepped in. Walking through the map, there was no set path, relying purely on one’s luck.

Luckily his fortune was not bad; in a bit more than a quarter-hour, he slowly walked out of the map, shouted clearly, turned into a ray of Clear Light striking into the Heavenly Vault, scanned around, and saw Xun Huaiying had yet to come out, so he stood waiting. But after a moment, he still hadn’t appeared.

Looking up, Zhang Yan thought, "Who knows when Master Xun will come out? It’s unwise to wait further, better to proceed on my own."

Taking out a Flying Book, he activated spiritual mechanisms, wrote a few words, left it behind, and then rode a streak of sword light flying south.

...

...(To be continued. If you enjoyed this work, please visit Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendations and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation.)