Martial Aperture

"The Purple Lightning Hammer..." Qin Daorong's expression fell into a brief memory.

The owner of the Startling Thunder Purple Lightning Twin Hammers was a former Silver Tiger Demon Subduing Captain of the Demon Subduing Bureau, the weapon of the Purple Thunder True Man.

Ten years ago, the Purple Thunder True Man was already at the Immortal Path Rank 3. Because of his exceptional talent, he was highly regarded by everyone, and it was by no means difficult for him to reach Rank 1 in the future.

If it weren't for the accident that occurred during an expedition to suppress demons, the Purple Thunder True Man would have surely shouldered the burden of the Demon Subduing Bureau by now and been promoted to Golden Dragon Demon Subduing Captain.

And in that demon-suppressing expedition, the Purple Thunder True Man's pair of Weng Jin Hammers were regrettably lost. He never expected that one of them would appear in the hands of an Iron Horse Demon Subduing Captain today.

"Restoring the former glory of the Demon Subduing Bureau is what we should naturally do.

Since you were able to find the Startling Thunder Hammer, it means you have a connection with the Purple Thunder True Man. I accept this request.

Tomorrow, I will have all the Demon Subduing Captains of the Demon Subduing Bureau do their best to search for clues to the Purple Lightning Hammer's whereabouts when they are out on missions, so that you can complete the pair of hammers as soon as possible.

In place of the Purple Thunder True Man, continue to suppress malevolent spirits and eliminate demons in this world, and protect the people of Great Shang." Qin Daorong nodded in agreement.

"Thank you, Lord Qin."

The world is vast. Sixteen states are still under Great Shang's control, while twenty states outside are affected by malevolent spirits and demons, forcing them into division.

Without the help of a behemoth like the Demon Subduing Bureau, Ning Xiu's hope of finding the other Purple Lightning Hammer would be extremely slim.

Startling Thunder and Purple Lightning – if either one is missing, it's just a hammer weighing three hundred and twenty jin.

Only with both hammers in hand can they unleash the divine might of immortal techniques, driving heavenly thunder and commanding lightning.

"Although your current strength is only at the Lower Three Ranks, each Iron Horse Demon Subduing Captain is an indispensable cornerstone of the Demon Subduing Bureau. It is because of you that the Demon Subduing Bureau exists today. I hope you four will cultivate diligently, advance to the Middle Three Ranks as soon as possible, establish your own Bronze Leopard Squad, and help the Demon Subduing Bureau eradicate malevolent spirits throughout the land, reclaim the twenty states for Great Shang, and rebuild a peaceful era of prosperity." Song Tieshan said, cupping his fists.

Although he was a Bronze Leopard Demon Subduing Captain and the superior of Ning Xiu and the other three, his words were very sincere at this moment, without any condescension from a superior.

He completely regarded Ning Xiu and the other three as the future pillars of the Demon Subduing Bureau, which made Ning Xiu and the others feel deeply moved.

Since the rewards had been distributed, Qin Daorong likely had many instructions to give to the Bronze Leopard Demon Subduing Captains regarding the matter of breaking into Marquis Wuyi's mansion tonight to apprehend him. It was imperative to conclude cleanly and smoothly address the subsequent repercussions of this incident.

Ning Xiu and the other three bowed and exited the main hall. Their patrol duty for the night had ended, and they were now free. They prepared to return to the Demon Subduing Bureau to rest.

On the way.

"Qin Ben, I really don't understand the reward you requested. Can you explain it so I can be enlightened?" Ning Xiu asked, carrying the hammer.

Liu Yong and Li Yueying also cast curious glances.

After all, it was an exceptionally rare opportunity for a Silver Tiger Demon Subduing Captain to grant you a reward. From the perspective of others, Qin Ben's requested reward tonight was a huge loss.

Qin Ben smiled mysteriously, "Do you guys know where the greatest merit in the Demon Subduing Bureau is obtained?"

"That would definitely be by sending troops to attack the several demon countries that occupy twenty states of Great Shang," Liu Yong answered without hesitation.

"Precisely. Do you guys know about the 'Demon Subduing General Slayer'?"

"Huh? What's that?" Ning Xiu had never heard this title before and couldn't help but be curious.

He looked at Liu Yong and Li Yueying. Their faces also showed confusion and bewilderment, clearly indicating that, like Ning Xiu, this was the first time they had heard of it.

Qin Ben looked at Ning Xiu and the other two. "Bronze Leopard Demon Subduing Captains can establish their own Bronze Leopard Squads to go out and suppress demons. Once they are promoted to Silver Tiger Demon Subduing Captains, they will either be stationed in Chaotian Capital and the prefectural capitals and cities of various states, or rush to the front lines for reinforcements.

In fact, even when they are Bronze Leopard Demon Subduing Captains, there is another thing they can do, which is to form a squad composed entirely of Bronze Leopard Demon Subduing Captains with other Bronze Leopard Demon Subduing Captains.

They can go deep into the twenty states occupied by demon countries on the front lines and kill demon generals everywhere. This is the Demon Subduing General Slayer.

There are exceptionally talented elites in the Bronze Leopard Squads of Chaotian Capital. As long as I can gather elites in my team, my team will perform exceptionally well when acting as General Slayers on the front lines, far surpassing squads of the same rank. This is what I believe is the most exhilarating thing a Demon Subduing Captain can do in the Demon Subduing Bureau."

The Demon Subduing Bureau had rules. Once you joined a Bronze Leopard Squad, unless you died or were promoted to Silver Tiger Demon Subduing Captain, you could not change teams.

Even if the squad leader died, another Bronze Leopard Demon Subduing Captain would take over, and it would not affect the members within the team.

So, basically, every Bronze Leopard Squad had powerful individuals and ordinary performers.

According to Qin Ben, he planned to use the privilege of recruiting personnel that he had obtained from Qin Daorong to form a Bronze Leopard Squad composed entirely of elites and go to the front lines to be 'Demon Subduing General Slayers'.

Doing so could indeed enhance the overall strength and survival ability of the team. In Ning Xiu's words, it would be an all-star lineup.

Although Ning Xiu had not witnessed the situation on the front lines, it should be far more brutal and dangerous than the interior.

If it weren't for those burgeoning demon countries, Great Shang would not have been unable to reclaim the twenty states and their people outside for so many years.

"There's even a mission like this," Liu Yong exclaimed in surprise.

In fact, it wasn't strange that Ning Xiu and the other two were ignorant. The 'Demon Subduing General Slayer' was an affair that only Middle Three Ranks Bronze Leopard Demon Subduing Captains would come into contact with.

Qin Ben had also learned about it by chance from a Bronze Leopard Demon Subduing Captain while tempering his military heart and soul on the battlefield. This matter then planted a seed in his heart.

This made Qin Ben conceive the idea of forming an elite squad and venturing deep into the twenty states of the demon countries to kill demon generals.

"Gentlemen, if you are interested in the future, you can consider joining my team," Qin Ben said, cupping his fists.

"This matter is interesting, I will consider it," Liu Yong said with a smile.

Returning to the Demon Subduing Bureau, it was already late. After bidding farewell, the four of them returned to their respective residences.

As soon as he entered his room, Ning Xiu immediately began to feel the Great Sun Profound Scripture, which had been cultivated to the tenth level.

As he circulated the Great Sun Profound Scripture, heat immediately surged within his body. With a snort from Ning Xiu's nose, two streams of white heat were expelled from his nasal cavity.

"Cough!"

Ning Xiu coughed slightly again, and a few sparks sprayed from his mouth, splashing onto the ground.

These sparks were not real flames but were formed from Ning Xiu's internal energy, shaped like fire and possessing astonishing heat.

Although they were not real fire, their power and effects were indistinguishable from actual flames, which undoubtedly greatly enhanced the power of Ning Xiu's internal energy.

Ning Xiu felt a surge of gratitude towards the old man at the entrance of the Three Saints Hall who had recommended this Great Sun Profound Scripture, thinking he must properly thank the elder the next time he visited.

"The Martial Dao's Lower Three Ranks involve both internal and external cultivation, emphasizing a stable physique externally and the liquefaction of internal energy internally. Upon opening the Martial Apertures, one becomes a Martial Dao Sixth Rank, officially entering the Middle Three Ranks. I am currently at Martial Dao Seventh Rank, showing signs of internal energy liquefaction, and only the final step of opening the Martial Apertures remains," Ning Xiu mused to himself, ceasing his cultivation of the Great Sun Profound Scripture.

Compared to the Buddhist and Immortal paths, the Martial Dao lacked any particularly outstanding advantages, earning it the descriptor "ordinary."

In terms of body refinement, the Buddhist path followed this very path. Upon reaching great accomplishment, one achieved an indestructible Vajra body, rendering them immune to Malevolent Spirits, who would instead be subdued on the spot.

In terms of cultivation techniques, the Immortal path possessed foundational Five Elements Sorcery, and advanced techniques like lightning magic, wind magic, sword control, and Magic Treasures. A full combo could unleash power comparable to a missile, far more ferocious than Martial Dao techniques.

Yet, in the face of these two paths, the Martial Dao stood its ground without inferiority, recognized by people as one of the 'Great Three Paths.'

This was precisely because martial artists could open Martial Apertures within their bodies.

Martial Apertures were the greatest treasures of the human body, containing infinite potential. Once opened, they could shape limitless possibilities.

Stopping a river with a finger, causing mountains to collapse with a sword, making a million demon soldiers faint with a roar, piercing through three hundred miles with an arrow... these were all astonishing feats achieved by Martial Dao powerhouses with their physical bodies.

Only after Ning Xiu opened his Martial Apertures could he truly feel the might of the Martial Dao.

Martial, Immortal, and Buddhist paths, in Ning Xiu's eyes, represented Strength, Magic, and Body.

When martial artists cultivated to the extreme, they tapped into the potential of their Martial Apertures, developing their bodies to their fullest. Their punches and palms, imbued with force and wind, would sweep away everything in their path, capable of lifting earth ten thousand feet high.

A single stomp could cause the ground to indent and soar a thousand feet into the sky.

Although the grand displays of a First Rank martial artist were not overly ostentatious, their punches carried tens of thousands of pounds of force, and each step covered a thousand miles. They were simple and unadorned, but once they closed the distance, they could certainly take an enemy's life.

Fast attacks and fierce power were the most formidable aspects of martial artists.

Ning Xiu sat on his bed, cultivating the Great Sun Profound Scripture and sensing his Martial Apertures, quickly entering a state of deep cultivation.

The next day.

Marquis Wuyi colluded with the Black Heaven Gate, fell into depravity midway, and Marquis Wuyi's mansion was permanently sealed.

Within a single day, this significant news spread through every street and alley of Chaotian Capital via traveling peddlers.

Everyone was shocked by the content of this news. Although Marquis Wuyi's mansion had been surrounded by the Demon Subduing Bureau some days prior, no one had ever imagined this was the reason.

That was the title of one of Great Shang's thirty-six marquises!

Not only could Marquis Wuyi enjoy glory and wealth for a lifetime, with numerous wives and concubines, but his descendants could also inherit it.

Such a life, dreamed of by countless people, to be enjoyed without worry – yet Marquis Wuyi had fallen into depravity midway.

It had to be said that this was the joy of the upper echelons, something ordinary people could not even imagine.

The common folk were shocked, and so was the imperial court.

Wu Gai, who had gone to Marquis Wuyi's mansion with Qin Daorong to visit Wu Huannian that day, was stunned speechless upon hearing this news.

"Foolish, so foolish. How could our Wu family have produced such an unfilial descendant, bringing shame upon our ancestors."

The other thirty-four marquises, upon hearing this, also wore complex expressions and reacted in various ways.

"Huannian and I had a good relationship before. It's truly regrettable that he has ended up like this."

"After all, he is of the same kin. I will still go to see His Majesty and implore him to spare Huannian's life."

"This fellow became reclusive and strange after his wife died, and stopped interacting with us relatives. So this is what was happening in secret."

Buzz!

Just as civil and military officials and imperial relatives were sighing in their homes upon hearing the news, nine deep bell tolls suddenly rang out from within the imperial palace.

Upon hearing this sound, everyone's expressions changed, their eyes filled with seriousness.

The Imperial Bell striking nine times signified a major announcement of an imperial decree. It seemed that Marquis Wuyi's mid-way depravity had finally pushed even the Emperor too far.

"Marquis Wuyi, Wu Huannian, as a member of the Wu imperial family, should have made it his duty to exterminate demons and subdue evil. However, he broke the law he was meant to uphold and fell into depravity midway. Effective immediately, his noble title is revoked, he is removed from the imperial genealogy, and he will be executed on a chosen date."

A majestic and ancient voice from within the imperial palace echoed throughout Chaotian Capital, informing everyone of Marquis Wuyi's judgment.

Within the Demon Subduing Bureau, Qin Daorong was astonished upon hearing the imperial decree being read. "They actually had the Second Rank Martial State Duke announce it. It seems His Majesty is determined not to let anyone intercede for Marquis Wuyi's life."

Inside the Demon Subduing Prison, Wu Huannian, heavily wounded and bound by various seals, suddenly trembled all over as wisps of purple energy began to seep from his body.

They then dissipated into the air like fine dust.

Wu Huannian could clearly feel something disappearing from within him – his status and title.

Since his noble title had been revoked, this Third Rank status naturally no longer belonged to him.

This was the downside of the official path; one's strength was entirely at the Emperor's whim.

"I am willing to die! I am willing to atone with my death. Take it, take everything I have. Please, spare my Wan'er, Your Majesty, I beg you, Your Majesty!"

As his status and title continuously dissipated, Wu Huannian frantically shouted, tilting his head back, but no one paid him any mind.

Only Wu Huannian's hoarse cries echoed throughout the entire prison cell.

The end of every month was the happiest time for the Demon Subduing Captains.

Because today was the day everyone's monthly salary and merits would be settled, it meant more money.

Ning Xiu was in his room, looking through the miscellaneous books left by the previous owner, when someone suddenly knocked on his door from the outside.

He walked over to open the door and saw an old soldier wearing the custom uniform of a Demon Subduing Captain standing outside.

"Is this Lord Ning Xiu?" the other party asked.

"Yes, I am."

"This is your settlement for the month. Congratulations, my lord." The old soldier handed Ning Xiu an exquisite letter and then quickly turned to leave.

Seeing the basket of letters on his back, he must have had to deliver to other Demon Subduing Captains.

"This way of settling accounts is just like checking my credit card balance every month," Ning Xiu muttered, immediately opening the envelope.

As an Iron Horse Demon Subduing Captain, Ning Xiu's basic monthly salary was fifty taels, with over ten merits.

Actually, it was quite high, almost like hazard pay. If you were capable, you could earn more for several months or even years, or perhaps retire honorably when you got old.

The additional income was the real source of a Demon Subduing Captain's earnings. Every month you completed missions would earn you extra silver and merits.

[Investigated drowning case in Wendeng County, apprehended a puppet demon, reward: one hundred taels of silver, fifty merits]

[Discovered demon hiding in Spring Full Pavilion, thwarted Marquis Wuyi's escape plan, reward: five hundred taels of silver, one hundred and fifty merits]

In his very first month after joining the Demon Subduing Bureau, Ning Xiu directly earned six hundred and fifty taels of silver. He no longer had to worry about the remaining payment for the custom puppet for Nie Ying.

The feeling of suddenly becoming rich was truly wonderful.

Of course, Ning Xiu knew it was due to his good luck. After all, incidents like those involving Steward Chu and Marquis Wuyi didn't happen every month.

"The custom puppet hasn't arrived yet. I won't report to Su Qianqian actively for the next few days. I'll go to the Three Saints Hall first and pick a suitable hammer technique for the Startling Thunder Hammer. After all, I can't just hold a hammer and rely on basic attacks."

"After I get the hammer technique, I'll go to the Demon Subduing Prison to gather some resources and earn proficiency. I need to hurry and open up this Martial Aperture as soon as possible."

Muttering his plans for the day, Ning Xiu stopped reading and, after closing his room door, quickly left his residence.