As an external employee of the Demon Suppression Division, Ye Chen found himself in a unique position. Unlike formal members who enjoyed access to its sanctified quarters and profound resources, he was relegated to the periphery. His tasks were meticulously chosen, ensuring that he remained distanced from sensitive operations. This was not a slight against his capabilities but a reflection of the Division's justified paranoia. External personnel often harbored hidden agendas—temptresses skilled in deceit, spies seeking intelligence, or saboteurs plotting chaos. Trust was a rare and precious commodity in the war against demons.
Ye Chen perused the mission roster, a collection of high-stakes assignments tailored to the Division's ever-growing needs. Demon extermination, reconnaissance into uncharted territories, and artifact retrieval missions filled the list. Each promised rewards that sparkled with temptation. Yet Ye Chen, ever pragmatic, knew his limitations. As a Stone Skin Realm Martial Artist, his abilities were respectable but far from invincible. Venturing into demon-infested zones without sufficient preparation was tantamount to courting death.
Among the intimidating list of tasks, one mission caught his eye:
[Task: Forging the Demon-Breaking Arrow]
The mission intrigued him. The Demon-Breaking Arrow was no ordinary weapon. As a Ninth Grade creation, it possessed the capability to pierce through the toughest demonic hides, delivering devastating blows that could tip the scales in battle. Though unfamiliar with its construction, Ye Chen recognized the opportunity it presented. The mission offered access to the refining blueprint, a rare chance for advancement. As an Eighth Grade blacksmith, crafting Ninth Grade weapons was a challenge within his grasp, though it required precision and skill.
"This is it," he murmured, a spark of determination igniting within him. "This mission is perfect."
Securing the assignment required credentials, but Ye Chen was no ordinary craftsman. A top-ten placement at the prestigious Blacksmith Conference served as his ticket, earning him swift approval. He was soon introduced to Cao Jun, an envoy whose stern demeanor matched the gravity of the task.
"Ye Chen," Cao Jun began, presenting a meticulously detailed scroll. "Here is the blueprint for the Demon-Breaking Arrow. Memorize it carefully. This knowledge is classified. Any breach of confidentiality will result in severe consequences."
Ye Chen's response was immediate and earnest. "Understood."
The blueprint outlined the arrow's construction in vivid detail. The core material was the Blazing Sun Stone, infused with solar energy potent enough to sear demonic flesh. Supplementary metals provided structural integrity, while Monster Blood served as a quenching agent, enhancing the weapon's lethality. The process was intricate, demanding unwavering focus and precision, but Ye Chen felt confident. With diligence, he estimated he could produce several arrows in a single day.
Over the next week, Ye Chen transformed his modest forge into a sanctuary of relentless activity. Each arrow he crafted bore the mark of meticulous craftsmanship, gleaming with a faint yet ominous brilliance. His efforts did not go unnoticed; the quality of his work earned him three merit points per arrow, surpassing the standard rate of two points for lesser contributions. By the week's end, Ye Chen had amassed an impressive sixty merit points.
"Enough to exchange for quality martial arts," he thought, satisfaction blooming within him as he made his way to the resource exchange office.
The inventory was staggering. The Demon Suppression Division's repository boasted a collection of martial arts manuals so vast it could leave even the most seasoned warriors in awe. Though superior techniques were scarce, intermediate ones were abundant and diverse. After careful consideration, Ye Chen selected two manuals:
[Intermediate Skin-Grinding Martial Art—Iron Head Kung Fu]
[Intermediate Skin-Grinding Martial Art—Iron Crotch Kung Fu]
Both techniques addressed critical vulnerabilities. With his selections secured, Ye Chen retreated to his training chamber, determined to fortify himself. The Iron Head Kung Fu progressed smoothly, aided by Bai Ling Secret Medicine, which enhanced the circulation of qi and blood. The Iron Crotch Kung Fu, however, was a grueling endeavor. The sensitivity of the area tested his resilience and fortitude, but he endured, knowing that mastery would bring unmatched durability.
Months passed in relentless training. Ye Chen's dedication bore fruit as both techniques reached a state of perfection. His body, fortified and resilient, edged closer to achieving the elusive full-body Stone Skin Realm. Yet his journey was far from over.
Returning to the forge, Ye Chen redoubled his efforts. Over ten days, he crafted a surplus of Demon-Breaking Arrows, amassing a staggering 120 merit points. This newfound wealth allowed him to acquire additional martial arts manuals, each promising to enhance his abilities:
[Intermediate Skin-Grinding Martial Art—Bear Back Kung Fu]
[Intermediate Skin-Grinding Martial Art—Iron Belly Kung Fu]
[Intermediate Skin-Grinding Martial Art—Iron Throat Kung Fu]
With these manuals in hand, Ye Chen began the final phase of his transformation. Mastery of these interconnected techniques would unlock the potential for monumental physical strength, a crucial asset in his quest to ascend the ranks of the Demon Suppression Division.
Before Ye Chen could immerse himself in his training, a summons from his master disrupted his plans. The message was urgent, instructing him to report to the Qinggang Martial Arts School immediately. Upon arrival, Ye Chen was met with an unusual sight. All sixty formal disciples had been called back, a rare occurrence that underscored the gravity of the situation.
Among the gathered disciples were familiar faces: Senior Brother Qin Xun, whose stoic presence commanded respect; Second Senior Brother Chang Shanle, a figure of unyielding strength; Senior Sister Xiao Ling, whose sharp gaze betrayed her tactical brilliance; and Sixth Senior Brother Bai Dongdong, a warrior whose cheerful demeanor masked his deadly prowess. Each radiated power, their auras a testament to their mastery of the Bone Refining Realm.
Ye Chen greeted them respectfully before turning his attention to Master Xu He, whose grave expression silenced the murmurs of the assembly.
"An internal order has been issued," Xu He announced, his voice steady yet heavy. "The sixteen martial arts schools of the outer city are to join forces with the nine major families, three great gangs, and the city guards. Together, we will mount an assault on a stronghold located over a hundred miles from the city."
The revelation sent ripples of unease through the crowd. Qin Xun was the first to voice the collective curiosity:
"Master, what warrants such a coalition? Surely this is no ordinary stronghold?"
Xu He nodded solemnly. "Indeed, it is not. Reports indicate that the stronghold has long been under demonic control. It has become a hub for demons, their numbers and strength unknown. The inner city forces wish to test the waters, using our combined strength as a probe."
The implications were clear. The disciples exchanged uneasy glances, the weight of their mission settling heavily on their shoulders. They were to be the vanguard, the first line of offense in a battle fraught with uncertainty. For Ye Chen, the mission represented both peril and opportunity—a chance to prove his worth and take a decisive step toward his ultimate goal: becoming an official member of the Demon Suppression Division.