Killed a Demonic Creature, gained Universal Proficiency +500
Pfft!
Ning Xiu pulled the iron spike from the Fish Demon before him. Greenish blood immediately gushed uncontrollably from the wound, splattering onto the ground and pooling across the floor.
"This is the last cell."
Ning Xiu caught his breath, gazing with satisfaction at the Universal Proficiency displayed on the Proficiency Panel: 106,800.
One hundred and six thousand eight hundred. It was the most Universal Proficiency Ning Xiu had ever obtained.
Once he spent all of it, his strength would surely receive a tremendous boost.
There were more than two hundred cells, and nearly all of them held Evil Spirits, Demonic Creatures, or Demon Persons with strength above the Ninth Rank. If not for a place like the Demon Subduing Prison, specially built to hold Evil Spirits and Demonic Creatures, Ning Xiu could never have slaughtered so many of them all at once.
Unless he went to the front lines, that was.
Executing the Evil Spirits in more than two hundred cells in one go was something no one in the Demon Subduing Prison had ever done.
For one thing, the executioners weren't willing. Their stamina and ability to resist Evil Qi entering their bodies couldn't keep up. Even veteran executioners would execute only twenty or so Evil Spirits in a day; doing any more was simply too much trouble.
For another, few Demon Subduing Captains would willingly come to the Demon Subduing Prison to do this dirty, exhausting work. There was no benefit or reward in it. Anyone who came to do it was purely volunteering.
So the feat Ning Xiu had accomplished today would surely become a legend among the executioners of the Demon Subduing Prison. No exaggeration.
Some Iron Horse Demon Subduing Captain had a peculiar obsession: he took pleasure in executing Evil Spirits and Demonic Creatures. In a single day, he slaughtered two hundred demons, earning a reputation as a blood-handed butcher.
Ning Xiu returned the bloodied iron spike to the torture table, pushed open the cell door, and walked out. He had enough Universal Proficiency. It was time to return and break through to the realm of opening a Martial Aperture.
He went to the hall, greeted the Prison Warden, then quickly left the Demon Subduing Prison.
Watching him go, the Prison Warden couldn't help muttering, "He executed every one of the two hundred-plus cells? That kid's definitely got some kind of fetish."
After returning to his residence, Ning Xiu summoned the Proficiency Panel.
Pure Yang Extreme Fist: Ninth Layer (45/5000) (+) Golden Bell Shield: Ninth Layer (30/5000) (+) Spiritual Eye Qi Observation Technique: Fifth Layer (34/3000) (+) Great Sun Profound Scripture: Tenth Layer (1/6000) (+) Heavenly King Vajra Art: Second Layer (6/3000) (+) Fivefold Hammer Force: Unranked (0/100) (+) Universal Proficiency: 106,800
When he had studied the Great Sun Profound Scripture in the Three Saints Hall, Ning Xiu had learned that the technique had only ten layers. Beyond the tenth lay perfection.
Internal Energy Cultivation was key to whether one could open a Martial Aperture. The deeper a martial artist's Internal Energy, the greater the chance of success each time they tried to open one.
First, he would raise the Great Sun Profound Scripture to perfection. It would be a tremendous help in opening his Martial Aperture.
He poured in 6,000 points of Universal Proficiency, and the Great Sun Profound Scripture reached perfection in an instant.
Ning Xiu immediately felt the Internal Energy within him grow denser, becoming almost indistinguishable from liquid.
Internal Energy turning liquid was the ultimate expression of the Martial Dao Seventh Rank. As soon as he opened his Martial Aperture, reaching the Sixth Rank would follow naturally.
"Ugh!" Ning Xiu's whole body shuddered. He could clearly feel the Internal Energy throughout his body surging along his meridians toward his chest, where it was forcibly squeezed into a sphere.
It seemed that somewhere inside him was slowly being torn open. All his Internal Energy flowed toward that spot, gradually filling and repairing the torn area.
Ning Xiu hurriedly removed his robe. A clear white light shone from within his chest, while fine red lines spread across the entire area.
The Martial Aperture was a closed bodily aperture that everyone was born with. Within it lay the boundless potential of the human body.
But unless the Martial Aperture was opened, that potential could not be released, and ordinary people would remain ordinary.
The pain of tearing open a bodily aperture that had been closed for so many years was more than even a Martial Dao Seventh Rank martial artist could bear.
Within moments, Ning Xiu was drenched in sweat. The cold sweat constantly pouring from his body, combined with the agony, made him want to pass out at any moment.
But this step was crucial. He had to remain conscious. If he passed out, all his efforts would be in vain.
Ning Xiu could only grit his teeth against the discomfort, sit cross-legged on the floor, and circulate the Great Sun Profound Scripture. At the same time, he spent 11,000 points of Universal Proficiency to raise the Golden Bell Shield to the eleventh layer.
The Golden Bell Shield was a Hardening Skill, and it also tempered the body. Raising its level now would help Ning Xiu open his Martial Aperture.
Sure enough, once the Golden Bell Shield reached the eleventh layer, Ning Xiu immediately felt the tearing pain in his chest ease somewhat. He could focus on circulating the Great Sun Profound Scripture and striking at the bodily aperture in his chest.
He closed his eyes. Ning Xiu then devoted himself entirely to opening his Martial Aperture.
Cultivators gave off an aura as they practiced. By sensing its strength, others could discern their level of power.
The Great Dao had nine ranks, traditionally divided into three major ranks and nine minor ranks. The three major ranks were the Upper, Middle, and Lower Ranks, each separated by an enormous gulf in both level and strength.
Thus, when cultivators broke through a major rank, it was called crossing a rank.
When crossing a rank, cultivators unconsciously gave off their strongest auras. Those with extraordinary talent or exceptional techniques could even manifest their auras, summoning wondrous visions in the sky.
After Ning Xiu closed his eyes, focused his mind, and calmed his thoughts, his aura continued to spread. Above the courtyard, a red sun edged in gold gradually appeared.
The astonishing sight soon caught the attention of nearby Demon Subduing Captains. They stopped in their tracks and looked up.
"What's that? Why are there two suns in the sky?"
"An aura made manifest. Someone is crossing a rank."
"What astonishing talent. I've heard that manifesting birds and beasts, flowers and trees is already an impressive phenomenon. This person has actually conjured a second sun in the sky."
"Who on earth is this?"
The Demon Subduing Captains were full of curiosity. For a moment, they all wanted to visit the residence of the person crossing ranks.
As long as they didn't disturb him, it wouldn't affect anything to wait outside and watch.
But as soon as the golden-edged sun appeared in the sky, several Bronze Leopard Demon Subduing Captains rushed out of the Fifth Examination Hall. They hurried to the courtyard of the person crossing ranks and sealed off every entrance.
They stopped the many Iron Horse Demon Subduing Captains who had just arrived, refusing to let them enter.
"A fellow officer is crossing ranks. Keep your distance and don't disturb him."
"Step back. Don't let your curiosity get the better of you."
"Are you all that idle? Those with assignments, get to work. Those without, go help execute Evil Spirits at the Demon Subduing Prison. Don't hang around here."
The Bronze Leopard Demon Subduing Captains guarded the courtyard gate, shouting at the crowd. Their scolding easily kept the situation under control.
But an aura manifesting and wondrous visions appearing in the sky was an extraordinarily rare sight. No one would give up the chance to witness it so easily. They all hid where their superiors couldn't see them, gazing at the sky and chattering.
"Hey! Look, the vision changed again!"
"Whoa, you're right!"
As several people cried out, everyone looked up and saw—
The golden-edged sun in the sky began to radiate crimson flames in every direction. They blazed across the heavens and devoured the clouds.
Before long, the sky above the Demon Subduing Bureau had become a magnificent sea of fiery clouds. It wasn't just the Demon Subduing Captains of every rank in the Bureau who were stunned by the sight.
Even the citizens of Chaotian Capital ran to high places, gazing at it curiously.
"What a beautiful sky. What's going on?"
"It's like a painting! Quick, dear, grind the ink for me. I'm going to paint this beautiful sight."
"Today must be a wonderful day. Just look at the sky—heaven itself is smiling on us."
Chaotian Capital was in an uproar, and the Demon Subduing Bureau was no calmer.
Su Qianqian walked out of the Fifth Examination Hall and stood at the entrance, looking toward the sun hanging in the sky. She muttered uncertainly, "That looks like the place where that kid Ning Xiu lives."
In the courtyard of the Demon Subduing Bureau, Qin Daorong sketched from life. Watching the sun and fiery clouds, he looked up and smiled. "Another prodigy has emerged. The Demon Subduing Bureau's fortunes are flourishing."
Flames scorched the sky, while the sun hid among the clouds.
This double vision was already enough to shake people to their core and fill them with awe.
But what no one expected was that, an hour later, another vision would appear.
From within the sun strode a crimson Heavenly King with a wrathful gaze. His long hair blazed like fire, and his tiger eyes radiated authority. He raised the golden-edged sun in both hands, standing atop the fiery clouds like an Immovable Wisdom King, towering high above the earth.
This time, everyone fell silent.
Three visions. Who was this person?
The wrathful Heavenly King stood at least ten zhang tall, strikingly visible in the sky. But within five breaths, every vision abruptly vanished.
The sky returned to its original appearance.
The visions had vanished. The breakthrough had succeeded.
Ning Xiu had no idea what a tremendous commotion his attempt to open his Martial Aperture had caused. He was completely immersed in the understanding that came after opening it.
Within the Martial Aperture was another vast, boundless world. It held the human body's limitless potential. How much one could draw out of it depended entirely on one's own fortune.
"The Demon Subduing Bureau manifested a vision in broad daylight. I wonder which Demon Subduing Captain has broken through."
"Every time a strong cultivator emerges from the Demon Subduing Bureau, it's a blessing for Great Shang."
"I've lived in Chaotian Capital for over thirty years, and I've never seen such a gigantic vision."
Throughout Chaotian Capital, people talked about Ning Xiu's manifested aura all day long. Teahouses, wine shops, inns, street corners, and alleyways were abuzz. The excitement was immense.
The Demon Subduing Bureau was no less stirred. Though the visions had disappeared, plenty of Demon Subduing Captains were planning to visit their fellow officer who had crossed ranks.
Three visions meant this person had the makings of an Upper Three Ranks expert. He was a powerful ally worth getting close to.
But the Demon Subduing Bureau had made its arrangements well in advance. Bronze Leopard Demon Subduing Captains were still guarding the courtyard, letting no one enter.
The measures made it clear just how seriously they took Ning Xiu. They were determined to keep his identity secret.
A day later.
Qin Daorong walked into the courtyard. Two Bronze Leopard Demon Subduing Captains were already waiting outside Ning Xiu's room.
"Has he still not woken up?" Qin Daorong asked.
"Sir, there's been no movement."
Qin Daorong said, "People who manifest visions usually take longer to absorb their insights than others who cross ranks. It's understandable. Once he wakes, arrange for him to move somewhere else. Don't let anyone discover who triggered the visions."
"Yes."
After some time, Ning Xiu slowly emerged from that state of focused meditation.
It was as if he had enjoyed a deep sleep when utterly exhausted. Ning Xiu felt refreshed and completely at ease.
The only unusual thing was that he was extremely hungry.
"How much time has passed?" Ning Xiu wondered, looking at the angle of the sunlight outside.
But that wasn't what mattered now. Ning Xiu focused inward, sensing the changes in his body. It was easy to detect a slowly turning, whirlpool-like bodily aperture in his chest.
As soon as Internal Energy entered the aperture, it was instantly transformed into wisps of silver light and sent back out.
In terms of purity, each wisp of silver light was at least equal to three times the Internal Energy he had possessed before.
Internal Energy changing from mist to liquid, then from liquid to silver light—that qualitative transformation was the greatest difference between the Middle Three Ranks and the Lower Three Ranks of the Martial Dao.
Ning Xiu clenched his fist and used the Pure Yang Extreme Fist. Three cun of silver light immediately appeared over his knuckles, wrapping his entire fist like a layer of armor.
Releasing Internal Energy beyond the body was one of the defining traits of the Middle Three Ranks.
From now on, Ning Xiu could imbue weapons with Internal Energy or pour it into another person's body to inflict devastating damage.
"My Martial Aperture is open. I'm now a Martial Dao Sixth Rank expert," Ning Xiu exclaimed with delight.
After briefly trying out the technique for releasing Internal Energy, Ning Xiu drew his focus back and turned his attention to the Proficiency Panel.
After raising the Great Sun Profound Scripture and the Golden Bell Shield, he still had 89,800 points of Universal Proficiency—plenty to spare.
Next, he needed to accompany the monk Zhengwu to Cloud Mist Mountain. That place was far from Chaotian Capital, and the farther they traveled, the weaker the Demon Subduing Bureau's influence and protection would become.
They might run into some powerful Evil Spirit or Demonic Creature along the way. There was no such thing as being too strong; the stronger, the better.
"The Golden Bell Shield is a Hardening Skill with a maximum of twelve layers. It's crucial to me, and I should've perfected it long ago. I've just been short on Universal Proficiency."
Ning Xiu looked at the Golden Bell Shield, already at the eleventh layer and needing only 7,000 more points of Universal Proficiency to reach the twelfth. He immediately added the proficiency.
In an instant, the words on the Golden Bell Shield entry changed.
Golden Bell Shield: Twelfth Layer (Into the Body)
After it reached the twelfth layer, the panel displayed the words "Into the Body" instead of the evolution he had expected.
This was beyond Ning Xiu's expectations. What effect did "Into the Body" have? He tapped it.
The Golden Bell Shield technique on the Proficiency Panel immediately began to fade, then vanished completely.
Divine Ability: Golden Bell Body Protection
A mysterious incantation suddenly appeared in Ning Xiu's mind. At a mere thought, a golden bell, somewhere between real and illusory, appeared around him.
The bell stood three chi taller than Ning Xiu and was just large enough to enclose his entire body.
Who could have imagined that bringing the Golden Bell Shield to the twelfth layer and absorbing it into his body would transform it into a martial divine ability he could unleash in an instant?
It was far more useful than the original Golden Bell Shield.
Ning Xiu put away the divine ability, then began raising the Pure Yang Extreme Fist. It was currently at the ninth layer, and he immediately poured in 5,000 points of Universal Proficiency.
When he used the Pure Yang Extreme Fist before, the redness would spread from his palm only as far as his arm. But after he raised it to the tenth layer—
The red skin reached his shoulder. From a distance, Ning Xiu's entire right arm was bright red, an extraordinary sight.
The redness came from the Pure Yang Extreme Fist strengthening the martial artist's Blood Qi as they trained. His entire body had become vigorous with Blood Qi, turning his skin red. It was clear how abundant Ning Xiu's Blood Qi had become.
Ordinary Solitary Souls and Evil Spirits would probably be steamed away, their souls scattered, the moment they approached him.
He spent 6,000 points of Universal Proficiency, raising the Pure Yang Extreme Fist to the eleventh layer.
The redness spread again, this time covering Ning Xiu's neck, face, and chest. He was red all over.
With black eyes and a red face, anyone who saw Ning Xiu using the Pure Yang Extreme Fist like this would probably mistake him for an Evil Spirit.
He spent 7,000 points of Universal Proficiency, raising the Pure Yang Extreme Fist to the twelfth layer.
His left arm turned completely red, and the skin below his waist changed color as well.
"Could this Pure Yang Extreme Fist have no limit? It's already at the twelfth layer, but it still isn't perfected..." Ning Xiu couldn't help muttering.
He had spent a substantial amount of Universal Proficiency on the Pure Yang Extreme Fist. It was like a bottomless pit with no end in sight.
His other techniques were also clamoring to be raised.
"I'll raise it one last layer. If it still isn't perfected, I'll have to stop." Ning Xiu made up his mind and spent another 8,000 points of Universal Proficiency on the Pure Yang Extreme Fist.
Pure Yang Extreme Fist: Thirteenth Layer (Into the Body)
Seeing that its entry finally no longer showed any proficiency requirements, Ning Xiu breathed a sigh of relief. He had finally filled this bottomless pit.
Into the Body!
The words for the Pure Yang Extreme Fist slowly faded, just like those for the Golden Bell Shield, then vanished completely from the Proficiency Panel.
Divine Ability: Blood Qi Furnace
When activated, this divine ability instantly turned Ning Xiu's entire body crimson, radiating scorching Blood Qi like a furnace. It was especially effective against specters, Evil Spirits, and Demonic Creatures.
Two techniques had entered his body and transformed into divine abilities.
The Proficiency Panel had suddenly become much emptier.
Spiritual Eye Qi Observation Technique: Level 5 (34/3000)(+) Great Sun Profound Scripture: Level 10 (evolved) Heavenly King Vajra Art: Level 2 (6/3000)(+) Fivefold Hammer Force: Unranked (0/100)(+) Universal Proficiency: 61800
The Great Sun Profound Scripture didn't enter my body when it reached perfection; it evolved instead. Pure Yang Extreme Fist also evolved from Primordial Yang Fist. So far, only Golden Bell Shield hasn't evolved—it entered my body directly.
Could it be that different cultivation techniques have different potential? Those with greater potential can evolve once, while those without it enter the body directly? Ning Xiu wondered.
He immediately chose to evolve the Great Sun Profound Scripture.
As an Internal Energy Cultivation technique, the Great Sun Profound Scripture was extremely important to Ning Xiu. If he lost it, then to keep improving his strength, he would have to go to Three Saints Hall and find a higher-grade Internal Energy Cultivation technique.
Fortunately, the Great Sun Profound Scripture could evolve further, saving him the trouble of finding a new technique at Three Saints Hall.
Because Lower Three Ranks Internal Energy and Middle Three Ranks Internal Energy were vastly different, replacing one's cultivation technique after breaking through to a higher rank was essential.
The Internal Energy cultivated in the Lower Three Ranks would be refined by the Martial Apertures and transformed into the Internal Energy of the new technique, without causing the martial artist any adverse effects.
Before long, the Great Sun Profound Scripture completed its evolution.
What would be a good name for the new cultivation technique? Any suggestions?
I'm a complete desert when it comes to culture, and can't think of one right now.
Please, I'm begging you.
Before you continue