The Black Wind Tiger Demon grunted, severely affected by the collapse of Night Shadow, which caused its fierce attacks to weaken significantly.
Meng Zizhong wanted to counterattack but failed despite trying various methods.
The Black Wind Tiger Demon's close combat skills were profound, clearly superior to Meng Zizhong.
Meng Zizhong's Golden Core remained dim and did not recover even with close quarter combat.
Thinking it over, Meng Zizhong had no choice but to strike a heavy blow, temporarily forcing the Black Wind Tiger Demon back, then quickly turned around and leapt into the formation of cultivators.
Military tactics—speed is of the essence!
Military tactics—cooperation from head to tail!
Under the coverage of these two rounds of tactics, the speed of the cultivator army increased dramatically, and their coordination improved more than fivefold.
The cultivator army was already in a Dynamic Formation; now, with their speed and coordination surging, the power of the Dynamic Formation also increased sevenfold to eightfold.
A single battle formation suddenly became equivalent to at least seven stacked battle formations.
The battle formation was like a flood sweeping across the land, swiftly enveloping the Black Wind Tiger Demon.
Meng Zizhong, acting as the main general of the formation's heart, was now spirited and spirited, proactively confronting the Black Wind Tiger Demon.
Boom boom boom!
The two again engaged in fierce combat, but the situation had completely reversed, now with Meng Zizhong firmly on top, leading in strength, attacks, and defenses against the Black Wind Tiger Demon.
The Black Wind Tiger Demon was at a disadvantage, quickly covered with wounds, but fortunately, its Meat Shield Blood Swallowing Technique combined with its demon beast body made its recovery ability ample, preventing its defeat.
However, it could maintain the situation, but other Demon Cultivators could not.
Human Clan Cultivators launched a massive counterattack, quickly slaying the Demon Cultivators.
"Run, run fast!"
"We can't hold them back, great king, take care!"
"Waaah..."
There were cries and shouts from the Demon Cultivators as they turned to flee.
The Black Wind Tiger Demon had no military tactics to rely on and usually did not discipline or train the Demon Cultivators. Although these Demon Cultivators were individually strong, they were essentially a disorganized mob.
They could fight when the battle was going their way, but once the tides turned, as now, their inherent weakness was immediately revealed.
As the Demon Cultivators fled in disarray, the Human Clan Cultivators did not pursue but instead, under Meng Zizhong's orders, continued to grind against the Black Wind Tiger Demon like a millstone.
The pressure on the Black Wind Tiger Demon multiplied!
It roared as it fought bitterly.
The clash at the Golden Core level was not something ordinary cultivators could withstand. Many were affected and died tragically in the formation.
In the high clouds above.
Zhu Xuanji and Prefect Xuanci, invisible and undetected, were coldly overlooking the battlefield.
Seeing this, Zhu Xuanji sneered, displeased, "What a Meng Zizhong, purposely preserving the core members of the Meng Family while expending ordinary cultivators, preparing for future reinforcements."
On the slopes of Mist Hidden Mountain.
Ning Zhuo and others lacked Zhu Xuanji's insight to notice Meng Zizhong's subtle moves.
Even so, Ning Zhuo also felt a thrill.
Leading troops is one of the Hundred Skills of Cultivation, corresponding to being an official.
Ning Zhuo had learned about military tactics from texts and was aware of many classic strategies. Witnessing them firsthand today and tying them with his knowledge brought more understanding.
"Black Wind Tiger Demon, you have caused trouble for many years. Today, I, Meng Zizhong, on behalf of the people and the country, will slay you!" Meng Zizhong's presence was formidable, his voice thunderous, pressuring the Black Wind Tiger Demon.
Sun Lingtong, observing with innate ability, now saw through the Black Wind Tiger Demon's extreme weakness: "This Black Tiger is done for. Its internal strength is about to be depleted."
"We need to make a move now!" Sun Lingtong alerted.
The Fox God was slightly taken aback.
Ning Zhuo nodded slightly, smiling, and looked towards the Fox God, "Fox God, heed the order, quickly do what must be done to bring the Black Wind Tiger Demon back to the mountain."
The Fox God was shocked, turning pale, "Am I to assist the Black Wind Tiger Demon?"
Ning Zhuo snorted coldly, "The Black Wind Tiger Demon is our prey, and so is Meng Zizhong."
Hearing this, The Fox God's mind wavered, her lips parted in uncertainty.
If she intervened, she would severely offend Meng Zizhong. While she did not overly concern about Meng Zizhong alone, the key worry was the Meng Family.
Ning Zhuo's gaze turned icy, "Fox God, you have your divine mandate, do you still intend to play both sides? Don't misled yourself!"
The Fox God felt a chill in her heart, realizing she was now caught in the political strife between the Zhu Family and the Meng Family.
Even being a Golden Core Level being in Mist Hidden Mountain, she dared not get entangled in such a fierce conflict. With a bit of bad luck, she could become a sacrifice, crushed to dust amid the standoff between the two powers.
But as Ning Zhuo stated, did she have any other choice?
No!
If she did not act now, she might suffer before the Black Wind Tiger Demon, for all anyone knew.
Innate—Clouds and Mists.
The Fox God clenched her teeth, her face clouded, and finally, she took action.
Instantly, mountain mists arose, enveloping Mist Hidden Mountain and then swiftly spreading, covering the battlefield.
The dense fog billowed, sweeping up the Black Wind Tiger Demon, breaking it free from the battle formation.
Meng Zizhong did not lack the will to intervene, but the Black Wind Tiger Demon, fighting desperately, entangled him, leaving him no chance to respond.
The other Foundation Establishment Cultivators, although strengthened by the battle formation, were lacking in means and unable to resist the sweeping fog.
The Fox God easily succeeded.
The Black Wind Tiger Demon was rescued and burrowed into Mist Hidden Mountain, shouting at the same time, "Fox God, thank you for your help. I'll repay this life-saving grace today!"
At this moment, Meng Zizhong was controlling the battle formation, clearing the fog in front and, looking at the towering Mist Hidden Mountain, he shouted angrily, "Fox God, you are recognized by the Southern Country as a True God, yet you assist a Demon!"
The Fox God snorted coldly, deciding to go all out, sweeping many Human Cultivators into Mist Hidden Mountain without Ning Zhuo's order.
"General, save me!"
"Ah..."
The Human Cultivators fell into chaos. They were separated from the battle formation, their strength returning to normal, and many were counter-killed by the fleeing Demon Cultivators.
Many were also trapped in bitter fights, unsaved and inevitably losing their lives.
Originally, when Meng Zizhong saw the Mountain God intervene and save the Black Wind Tiger Demon, he thought of retreating.
But the current situation left him no way to retreat.
If he really abandoned his troops and left alone, he would undoubtedly be deemed a deserter. It was not only a matter of ruined reputation, but he would also face severe official punishment. The position of main commander of Yugang Town would definitely be lost.
This would undoubtedly severely harm the Meng Family's interests in this area.
In terms of Meng Zizhong's personal feelings, he was also unwilling to abandon his subordinates, especially the core members of the Meng Family. He had diligently trained his troops and spent countless hours and effort with them daily, developing deep feelings.
There's a saying: do not pursue a cornered enemy. Meng Zizhong naturally knew this.
But he had no choice, only able to grab his long-handle war hammer and charge into Mist Hidden Mountain.
To his surprise, after entering the mountain, he was not stopped by the Fox God but instead managed to follow the Black Wind Tiger Demon into Shanxi Valley and confronted it again.
The Black Wind Tiger had a chance to catch its breath and significantly recovered its combat power.
It clashed with Meng Zizhong once more.
Without the support of his battle formation, Meng Zizhong lacked his previous imposing manner. But the Black Wind Tiger Demon was also quite weak, resulting in a draw between them.
Feeling increasingly exhausted, the Black Wind Tiger Demon finally resorted to its last trump card.
A divine seal was thrown, floating above its head.
With the divine seal's enhancement, the Black Wind Tiger Demon's combat power surged, forcing Meng Zizhong into a steady retreat.
Previously, outside the mountain in the battlefield, this divine seal was useless. Now, within Mist Hidden Mountain, the Black Wind Tiger Demon, leveraging its bloodline, partially activated the divine seal's power, completely gaining the upper hand.
"I'm defeated!" Meng Zizhong realized the situation was irretrievable and had to drag his war hammer as he fled towards the outside of the mountain.
The Black Wind Tiger Demon relentlessly pursued him and landed a heavy blow on Meng Zizhong.
Meng Zizhong fell to the ground but did not panic. Now at a sufficient distance, he decisively ignited an Escape Void Talisman, teleporting swiftly outside the mountain.
The Black Wind Tiger Demon dared not chase outside the mountain.
The divine seal was ineffective outside.
Just as it turned to vent its frustrations on the Human Cultivators trapped inside the mountain, Zhu Xuanji descended from the sky.
This Divine Hunter of Southern Bean Country pressed a finger down, directly smashing the head of the Black Wind Tiger Demon.
The Black Wind Tiger Demon struggled fiercely, but with the divine seal ineffective and being extremely weak, it couldn't resist Zhu Xuanji's immense force.
Pfft.
The head of the Black Wind Tiger Demon was crushed.
Its headless body wobbled for a moment before it fell to the ground, motionless.
Dead.
Meng Zizhong, who was about to flee, seeing this scene, showed a look of surprise.
He recognized Zhu Xuanji and called out loud, "Divine Hunter Zhu!"
Zhu Xuanji, however, did not show him any favor, his eyes examining him critically, "Meng Zizhong, you led the army without authorization, demonstrated incompetence in battle, causing heavy casualties to the Yugang Mountain troops, and even fled in defeat, completely lacking the dignity of a Southern Bean Country's Military General!"
"Do you recognize your crime?"
Meng Zizhong's face turned extremely unsightly. His mouth opened wide, his Adam's apple moving as he tried to say something, but ultimately he simply lowered his head and responded in a muffled voice, "This general recognizes his crime."
Ning Zhuo looked at the Fox God, "Aren't you going yet?"
The Fox God transformed into mountain mist, disappearing on the spot. In the next breath, he appeared in front of Zhu Xuanji.
He bowed deeply, volunteering his guilt.
Zhu Xuanji's expression was severe as he reproached the Fox God, harshly scolding him before finally letting him go.
Next, the Fox God himself helped round up the remaining Human Cultivators in the mountain.
Zhu Xuanji, escorting Meng Zizhong and leading the remnant troops, returned to Yugang Mountain to take control of the situation.
Meng Zizhong's error in judgment was too great, likely causing full-scale confrontation between the Zhu and Meng families. But Meng Zizhong's defeat and escape this time were sufficient grounds for his inability to continue the role of guardian of Yugang Mountain.
Ning Zhuo and Sun Lingtong met privately, following their agreement to join in the final division.
As he had been responsible for negotiating with the Fox God and gained some profits, his share of the spoils was smaller.
Ultimately, Ning Zhuo acquired many parts of Demon Cultivators, including a complete set of tiger bones from the Black Wind Tiger Demon, ranked at Golden Core Level.
Besides this, there was the distribution of profits from Yugang Mountain.
He sent a letter, using the Royal Family's channels, to Ning Jiufan at the Ning Family, explaining the situation and temporarily arranging Ning Youfu to represent him and station at Yugang Mountain.
This former Family Elder, although quite aged, was experienced and tempered, making him a suitable candidate for external assignment.
Thus, the conflict surrounding Mist Hidden Mountain came to a resolution.
Sun Ning and the other continued their journey on the Ten-Thousand-Li Travelling Dragon.
Inside the Dragon Head Cabin, as Sun Lingtong pondered, he felt increasingly delighted, looking at Ning Zhuo with shining eyes, "The Righteous Path is actually quite fun."
"We gain the most while exerting the least effort. More such good deals wouldn't be too many!"