The Sun and Moon Tidal Technique is a divine skill that stands alongside the Feng Clan and the Heavenly Bird Nine Transformations. Since its creation by Martial Saint Li Canghai of the Fengfeng Tribe eight hundred years ago, countless individuals have met their demise beneath the tides of sun and moon.
In the Gou Li North Continent, there are over two hundred ethnic groups. Among them, Jiu Li is a warrior tribe that has produced many powerful experts throughout history. However, Jiu Li has never been able to ascend to the ranks of high nobility within the Lihan Empire. The imperial power has always been firmly held by the [***] family, which includes the Wind Family and Wang Family, among others, forming a power group of sixteen races such as the Wind Speaker and Beast God bloodline. While not every member of the Wind Speaker clan or those who inherit the Beast God bloodline belong to the [***] family, only those with pure bloodlines from the same ancestry are qualified to enter the core of the family's power.
Even the current royal family of the Lihan Empire belongs to the [***] family, specifically the Moon Di Family. Throughout history, all emperors have been members of the Moon Di Clan.
Despite possessing formidable martial strength, Jiu Li is relegated to being cannon fodder in the power struggles of the empire due to their lack of exceptional intelligence. Although there is no formal intelligence testing in Gouli Continent, comparatively speaking, the [***] family and its sixteen major clans have always been regarded as wise races. In contrast to Jiu Li, known as a combat tribe, it is akin to comparing sixty-four central core processors with thirty-two processors—not a difference in frequency but in caliber.
Although they possess innate strength, due to their intellectual disparity, while Jiu Li generally excels in martial arts training, their chances of producing extraordinary masters lag far behind those of the [***] wise races. As an Earth proverb states, a tribe of sheep led by a lion is stronger than a pack of lions led by a sheep.
All this changed with the emergence of Martial Saint Li Canghai from the Fengfeng Tribe.
In his youth, Li Canghai was regarded as a waste by the elders of his clan and was unable to cultivate the Heavenly Bird Nine Transformations. He left home and wandered through many places, leading a life filled with hardships. However, this lifestyle broadened his horizons. Within Jiu Li, it was traditionally believed that their unique divine skills were the only path to enhancing one's power. Despite variations in versions, the essence of each clan's divine skills remained fundamentally similar. After his travels, Li Canghai began to question this rigid doctrine and studied the cultivation methods of the [***] family and other powerful beings on Gouli Continent, ultimately creating the Sun and Moon Tidal Technique.
After mastering this technique, Li Canghai defeated renowned experts across Lihan Continent consecutively and solidified his status as a Martial Sage after battling against Wang Family's Beast Clan Blade Saint. From that point on, members of Fengfeng Tribe began to practice this novel martial art that diverged from traditional teachings.
Fang Lin Kong showcased the pinnacle transformation of Celestial Transformation, which was an astonishing revelation for every member of Fengfeng Tribe.
Tengu Zongyuan had initially only passed through this area and showed no intention of intervening despite witnessing his clan's army suffer defeat. However, Fang Lin Kong's final move immediately caught his attention. As one of Li Canghai's four great disciples, he had cultivated his Sun and Moon Tidal Technique to such an extent that he could summon tides from sun and moon. Even within Feng Clan’s original divine skill Heavenly Bird Nine Transformations, he had reached its ninth transformation. Among millions in Feng Clan, he was second only to his master in martial prowess. Even within Lihan Empire and across Northern Continent, his fame and strength were likely surpassed only by the Four Great Saints.
Moved by this display, Tengu Zongyuan finally decided to take action.
Confronted by a brilliant light, Fang Lin Kong's figure shifted, immediately launching a counterattack. Both utilized the Heavenly Bird Nine Transformations, but Fang Lin Kong excelled in subtlety and unmatched speed. Tengu Zongyuan, on the other hand, possessed profound strength and overwhelming presence. After their first clash, both were forced back, resulting in a stalemate.
"Where did such a master come from?" Fang Lin Kong thought to himself, and even Nine-Headed, who was watching from behind, felt a sense of shock.
With a long howl, Fang Lin Kong shouted, "Who goes there? You certainly have some skill!"
Tengu Zongyuan smiled slightly and replied, "I am just an unknown nobody from the Fengfeng Tribe! You have captured so many of my clansmen; isn't your ability greater than mine?"
After retreating several hundred meters, Fang Lin Kong took the opportunity to stabilize his chaotic internal energy. The demonic power he could wield was still too weak. Tengu Zongyuan had not used his full strength earlier; otherwise, in a life-or-death situation, Fang Lin Kong would have been compelled to unleash the seven Yuan Shen powers within him. After all, protecting his life was more important than hiding his identity.
As he retreated, he contemplated how to confront his opponent.
Tengu Zongyuan casually rode the winds over the sea, rising and falling with the waves. His plain robe appeared ordinary, and his face could only be described as average—one that could easily be found among dozens of passersby on the street.
However, from their earlier exchange, Fang Lin Kong sensed the surging energy within Tengu Zongyuan. The energy reading detected by his sensors reached a terrifying level of 180,000. Moreover, Tengu Zongyuan's previous technique was exceptionally clever, indicating a far superior understanding of martial arts and combat compared to that useless Nine Ghosts Yu Zhai.
If Fang Lin Kong had initially approached with the Heavenly Bird Nine Transformations for amusement, he was now serious about the fight as he activated True Fire of the Rabbit and Innate Sword Artifact. His expression remained calm as he spoke gravely: "We have no intention to fight; however, your clansmen are bound to be unreasonable and drive us away. While we cherish peace, we will not shy away from provocation."
Tengu Zongyuan was unaware that Fang Lin Kong intended to capture these Fengfeng Tribe members for deep-sea excavation work. Observing from the sidelines, he noted that Fang Lin Kong rarely resorted to lethal force; instead, he often opted to incapacitate or capture alive. This left Tengu Zongyuan with a favorable impression of Fang Lin Kong and his companions. Seeing Fang Lin Kong's composed yet assertive response made him smile again as he said, "If my clansmen are at fault, I can apologize. But please release them first before we discuss further!"
If Fang Lin Kong were willing to concede, he wouldn't be who he was. Furthermore, the First Guard Brigade's demons were all under his strong command; if he backed down in front of outsiders now, how could he maintain his authority in the future? Therefore, Fang Lin Kong's expression darkened as he replied, "It’s not difficult for us to release them! However, simply letting them go won't suffice. You attacked us without reason; at the very least, you should compensate for medical expenses and emotional damages! With so many captives here and no war reparations offered for their release, how can I explain this to my brothers?"
Tengu Zongyuan smiled and said, "So you certainly refuse to return my clansmen? How about we make a bet? Let’s have a one-on-one duel; if I lose, I will pay compensation. If I win, you will release my clansmen!"
Fang Lin Kong thought, "You really are beautiful when you bubble! If I were to unleash my full strength, I would have knocked your teeth out by now. But the odds of winning in a fight right now are too low, so I won’t play with you!"
"Nine-Headed! Someone wants to challenge me; you should handle it!"
Fang Lin Kong shouted, directing his frustration at Yamata no Orochi, who was watching from behind. He thought, "When faced with a situation I can't handle, I have to step in! This kid is really calculating! I wonder how Chairman Zhou could have put such a troublesome character into this team!"
Indeed, Yamata no Orochi was one of Zhou Qingzhe's trusted aides. Banma was unaware of Fang Lin Kong's true identity, but he had long been privy to the inside information. Zhou Qingzhe had instructed him: "Fang Lin Kong is an extremely important figure, especially with connections to Liexiezi and Azure Sky Ancestor. In this Journey of Gouli, we absolutely cannot afford any accidents or casualties."
Initially, Nine-Headed had considered secretly looking after Fang Lin Kong. However, as soon as Fang Lin Kong appeared, he displayed overwhelming strength. Although his power seemed slightly weaker than what Zhou Qingzhe's information suggested, compared to the recruited adventurers, Fang Lin Kong was still exceptionally outstanding and domineering. Nine-Headed had always preferred not to take action himself; after all, as Zhou Qingzhe's confidant, his role was to balance the team's power and suppress Banma's dominance.
Having remained inconspicuous until now, today he found himself outmaneuvered by Fang Lin Kong, which felt quite refreshing for Nine-Headed.
Tengu Zongyuan had initially felt quite disappointed; Fang Lin Kong's retreat had diminished his good impression. However, after Nine-Headed replaced Fang Lin Kong, his eyes lit up with excitement. If Fang Lin Kong's strength only reached a level that piqued his interest, then Yamata no Orochi's power was something he couldn't even begin to gauge with all his might.
The allure of a battle that is certain to be won versus an apparently invincible enemy is entirely different for a true warrior. Tengu Zongyuan's long-suppressed fervor could no longer remain dormant; it erupted into a fierce fighting spirit.
(To be continued)
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