Chapter 369 - 163: Cleansing, Demon Embryo (Part 2)

Chapter 369: Chapter 163: Cleansing, Demon Embryo (Part 2)

In his hands, the Mountain and River Treasure Mirror could still only unleash some of its simpler abilities.

Unleashing its more powerful abilities required a profound level of Cultivation.

This was only possible because he had cultivated his Gang Qi to the Tenth Grade. If it were any other True Gang Martial Artist, they would struggle to activate even one percent of its power, let alone one-tenth.

He had once found it strange that the Nine Great Demon Kings could use the power of the Netherworld Blood Lotus to imprison him, but now, he understood.

By infusing a powerful enough force into the Magical Treasure, one could temporarily unleash its full might.

And this force needed to be, at a minimum, at the level of the True Essence Realm.

After looking at it for a while, Fang Xing put the Mountain and River Treasure Mirror away.

He quieted his mind, sensing the state of his Power Cultivation.

After absorbing the Nirvana Golden Core, he had advanced all the way to the peak of the True Gang Fifth Layer.

The pure Gang Qi circulated within him, causing the Gang Seed in his body to shine even more brilliantly.

’To break through to the Sixth-Layer, I’ll need at least a few Divine Beast Essences of the High Realm Demon King Level, or a single one from a Top Level Demon King.’

’Breaking through the barrier to the Sixth-Layer is a process that simply requires a massive accumulation of resources.’

’I still have that Vermilion Fruit... Its enhanced effects should be quite potent. I’ll save it for now and use it when I’m breaking through to the Grandmaster Realm in the future.’

Fang Xing thought of the Thousand Year Vermilion Fruit he had gotten from Hong Miaojin. Such Marvels of Heaven and Earth were rare, and he decided he wouldn’t use it until he was ready to push for True Gang Perfection.

He would wait until he broke through to True Gang Perfection and comprehended the Grandmaster Realm, then use the enhanced Vermilion Fruit to clear the final hurdle in a single stroke.

This way, he could make perfect use of the Vermilion Fruit’s power.

He would reach the Grandmaster Realm that much faster!

Returning to the present, Fang Xing closed his eyes and began to circulate the Longevity Technique, absorbing Heaven and Earth Primordial Qi to strengthen his Cultivation.

「The next morning.」

After washing up, Fang Xing left the Demon Suppression Mansion and headed for the Commander-in-Chief’s Residence.

He arrived at the main hall of the Commander’s Mansion.

Wei Qing and the other three Marshals were already in the main hall as well.

’True Gang Fifth Layer...’

’He broke through after just one trip to Celestial Star Island?!’

As they saw Fang Xing and perceived his aura, Wei Qing and the other three Marshals were inwardly shaken.

They exchanged a look, each seeing the shock in the others’ eyes.

This rate of advancement was frankly terrifying.

"It’s been a while, Lord Fang. You’re looking well," Wei Qing said, rising with a smile.

Fang Xing looked at Wei Qing and smiled faintly. "I’m doing all right. I’ve made some small gains recently."

"Lord Fang, how were things on Celestial Star Island? I hear it was quite an event this time," Wei Qing said, watching him.

"Yes, it was. And the Upper Sect Disciples are indeed powerful."

As he spoke, Fang Xing walked to an empty seat on the left and sat down.

The other Marshals also greeted him, and they all made small talk.

Fang Xing was used to dealing with these old foxes. He didn’t ask many questions, and he didn’t meddle.

The atmosphere was congenial.

Just as the conversation was warming up, Hong Miaojin appeared at the entrance to the hall.

The five of them, Fang Xing included, immediately rose and bowed with cupped fists. "Greetings, Commander."

Hong Miaojin nodded, strode to the head of the hall, and took her seat.

"Be seated."

They nodded and sat back down.

Hong Miaojin’s gaze swept across the men, finally landing on Wei Qing’s group.

"You’ve all had a difficult time these past few days."

Wei Qing smiled. "You are too kind, Commander. Qing Province has been stable recently, with nothing of note occurring. We have merely been fulfilling our duties and standing guard."

"Lord Wei puts it nicely. However, I seem to have heard that the situation in some areas isn’t quite so good," Hong Miaojin said, looking at Wei Qing.

At this, Wei Qing chuckled. "There’s no need to worry, Commander. A few stray Demons and Monsters can’t stir up any real trouble. It’s a minor issue."

"Is that so?"

"The entire population of a township in Beiyang County was slaughtered by Demons and Monsters, and you call that a minor issue?"

The color drained from Wei Qing’s face. He immediately stood and cupped his fists. "Reporting to the Commander, that incident did occur. It was a failure on my part. Please rest assured, Commander, I will immediately arrange a purge of the Demons and Monsters."

"Then I hope a situation like this does not happen a second time. Otherwise, I will be forced to hold people accountable."

Hong Miaojin gave Wei Qing a long, hard look and spoke coolly.

Wei Qing’s expression flickered, but he nodded. "I will do my utmost to give you a satisfactory resolution, Commander."

’She’s trying to whip them into line ahead of time...’

Hearing Hong Miaojin launch into a tirade of questions right from the start, Fang Xing sensed that something was off.

’Hong Miaojin probably already knows exactly what’s going on. It’s just that now isn’t a good time for her to make a move.’

’After all, these Marshals are still the pillars of Qing Province.’

’Even if she plans to purge them, now is not the time. But rapping their knuckles in advance serves as a warning.’

The slaughter of an entire township by Demons and Monsters was, in fact, no small matter.

But for Hong Miaojin to bring it up at this particular moment suggested she might have other motives.

Next, Hong Miaojin admonished the other three Marshals in turn.

The issues weren’t major, but her attitude was a stark departure from her previous demeanor.

The expressions on Wei Qing and the other three Marshals were grim.

However, none of them offered any rebuttal; facts speak louder than words.

Such an incident had indeed occurred, and it was undeniably a dereliction of their duty.

After her admonishments, Hong Miaojin said little else and dismissed the four Marshals, leaving only Fang Xing behind in the hall.

Watching the four men’s departing figures, Fang Xing turned to Hong Miaojin. "Commander, is there something you need me to do?"

"Take a look at this dossier."

Hong Miaojin produced a dossier and handed it to Fang Xing.

Taking the dossier, Fang Xing began to read it carefully. It contained a great deal of information, primarily concerning the problem of Evil Cults and Demon Sects.