Chapter 12

Rapid Promotion

Moxiang returned to the Devil Sect and submitted a detailed report. The Sect Leader read the reports from the four high-level experts who accompanied Moxiang and greeted him with a somewhat displeased expression.

"Your Excellency."

"The results of this mission have been well received. However, why did you choose a direct confrontation instead of an assassination? It's fortunate that you won, but if you had lost, wouldn't I have lost an excellent expert?"

"I apologize, but once I encountered an expert of that caliber, I wanted to cross swords with him, even if it meant death. I learned a lot from it."

"Tsk, to say such things... You're quite a bold one. Do you think you can defeat me in a duel?"

"If given the chance..."

"Ha ha ha, what a bold fellow. If you have the skill to kill one of the Three Princes, you should have such confidence. So, do you want the position of Sect Leader?"

"No, I do not. I want to further my martial arts. I have been alone for a long time and do not have the confidence to lead many subordinates."

"Hmm, you're a person who can walk alone in the world but cannot dominate the martial world. Don't you want to dominate the martial world?"

"Managing myself is already difficult; how could I possibly control the entire martial world? Besides, I have no desire to do so."

"My son is not as skilled in martial arts as you. You are young, but you have achieved a level of martial arts that can rival me. I want to pass the position of Sect Leader to you. What do you think?"

"No, thank you. The position of Sect Leader involves too many responsibilities, leaving no time to practice martial arts."

"Ha ha ha, in this world, there are all kinds of people. I heard from Yubai that your main martial arts are not demonic arts but orthodox martial arts. What do you think of that?"

"It's true that demonic arts are not my main focus, but orthodox martial arts are not either. They are mixed. As an assassin, I must not leave traces, so I learned various orthodox martial arts, but not because I thought they were superior to demonic arts."

"I also heard that from Yubai. After discussing with the Deputy Sect Leader, we decided to appoint you as Deputy Sect Leader. What do you think?"

"That would be good if you give me enough free time."

"Of course, you will have plenty of time. However, according to our principles, the Deputy Sect Leader cannot have subordinates. Instead, you can have a team of five independent guards. Since you won't have many miscellaneous tasks, it should be a good position for you."

"In that case, I accept."

"How about your guards? Do you have anyone in mind?"

"Please choose them for me. I would prefer someone who does not emit demonic aura."

"I will send them to you later. As for your residence..."

"Excuse me, but I would like a small cottage in a quiet place, with someone to cook for me. I find it hard to concentrate in a busy area."

"Feel free to choose the location. Just tell me where, and my Chief Administrator will take care of it. Since everything is settled, you may return now. Your official appointment as Deputy Sect Leader will be in a month. At that time, you will choose a sword for the ceremony. There are several suitable swords in the Heavenly Demon Arsenal; choose one. I will inform the guards, so go in and select one."

Moxiang pointed to Moxun and said to the Sect Leader.

"This is enough for me."

"No, it wouldn't be appropriate for the Deputy Sect Leader of our sect to use an ordinary sword. However, I am used to this shape and don't want to use anything else."

"Hmm, in that case, I will have a new one made for you. It will take some time, but I will instruct Wuliang to make it. Just tell him, and he will do it."

"Thank you for your consideration."

"You must be tired, so you may leave now."

Moxiang bowed to the Sect Leader and then went to see Yubai. Yubai was the only person in the main hall who had become close to Moxiang and had cared for him. Yubai welcomed Moxiang sincerely and celebrated his return as Deputy Sect Leader with a night of drinking. During the conversation, Yubai did not forget to give advice.

"You may not know this, but the Devil Sect has several places where martial arts manuals are stored. The Heavenly Demon Arsenal, accessible to those ranked 100th or higher, contains various supreme demonic arts and orthodox martial arts stolen from other sects. The Demon Lord Arsenal, accessible to those ranked 2,000th or higher, and four other places—the Heavenly East Arsenal, Earthly West Arsenal, Mysterious South Arsenal, and Yellow North Arsenal—each contain the same books, but they are for lower-level experts.

These four places were created to prevent the loss of any one location and to distribute the same manuals to four places instead of having four copies in one place. You can access all of them, so you can study new martial arts. In particular, the Northern Mystic Art in the Demon Lord Arsenal is worth checking out. It is one of the three arts that require the Sect Leader's permission to view. The other two are unlikely to be allowed, but the Northern Mystic Art might be. It's worth asking, as you have nothing to lose."

"Understood."

Yubai took another sip of wine and continued.

"Every expert in the Devil Sect should learn the Black Maitreya Demon Art. Have you heard of it?"

"No."

"What about the Indestructible Body?"

"I have heard of it."

"The Indestructible Body is derived from the Shaolin Temple's Indestructible Body Art, which can make the body as hard as steel. There is also the Withered Wood Art, which makes the body as hard as wood, making it resistant to most weapons. The Devil Sect has developed countermeasures, one of which is the Black Maitreya Demon Art. This art can withstand most attacks without injury. Unlike the Indestructible Body, which only toughens the skin, it strengthens the blood vessels, acupoints, and bones, making it resistant to fatal injuries. It's worth learning."

"I will keep that in mind."

"Since you are already skilled with internal energy, you shouldn't have much trouble, but for close combat, the White Hand Demon Art or the Blood Hand Demon Art are the best. The White Hand Demon Art is extremely yin, and the Blood Hand Demon Art is extremely yang. When used, the hands emit a white or red glow, making them invulnerable to weapons, and the cold or heat can cause fatal injuries to the enemy. They are ideal for attacking close-range enemies. Some top experts have learned one or both. It would be good for you to learn them."

"I will keep that in mind."

"There are many other martial arts. The Sect Leader has mastered the Self-Turning Demon Art to its peak. You've seen it, right? The Sect Leader's face turns purple and looks strange..."

"Yes."

"The Self-Turning Demon Art is said to be incredibly powerful. It is a highly yang martial art and very difficult to learn. It's hard to see its effects until you reach the 8th level, but at the 8th level, it becomes a formidable art. Of course, it will be challenging for you, hehe..."

Yubai suddenly laughed, making Moxiang feel uneasy. There was no need to laugh so quietly.

"Why are you laughing?"

"Ha ha, you are someone who keeps women at a distance... To learn the Self-Turning Demon Art, a woman is essential."

"Essential?"

"It is an extremely yang martial art, and the yang energy is hard to control. It constantly arouses desire. You must engage in sexual activity several times a day to control the desire. While doing so, you naturally absorb the yin energy from women to maintain balance. Otherwise, your blood vessels will burst, and you will die. Do you understand? Hehe..."

Moxiang's face turned slightly red as he replied curtly.

"Even so, I can still learn it, can't I?"

"You can spread a false rumor that you are learning the Child Art to prepare for future events, but if you learn it, all your previous efforts will be in vain."

"Ah, I hadn't thought of that. I apologize."

"Learning the Formless Demon Art is also worth considering. It includes the Soft Demon Fist, Demon Shadow Finger, and Demon Yin Palm. They are all formless and silent, making them difficult to defend against. They are generally less powerful but excellent for surprise attacks. If you master them to the 10th level, you can turn an opponent's internal organs to powder."

"But I can already perform something similar."

"Still, it's worth seeing. Understanding the differences between your techniques and theirs can be helpful."

"Understood."

"Also, take a look at the Black Death Demon Palm. I don't recommend learning it, but it is a powerful demonic art. If struck by this palm, the flesh turns black and rots rapidly. Even a small wound will start to rot, and if you let your guard down, it's fatal. If mastered to the peak, it can be launched as a qi attack. It is a cruel and difficult art to learn, but its power is formidable. Only the former Deputy Sect Leader, the Dark Demon Sect Leader, and the Black Death Demon Emperor, Zhang Yingjie, have mastered it to the 9th level. It's very difficult to reach the 9th level. Be very careful if you meet such a person. Understand?"

"Yes, I will keep it in mind."

After a night of drinking and conversation, Moxiang visited Wuliang early the next day. Wuliang, a master craftsman responsible for the Heavenly Demon Factory, which produces weapons for high-level experts, had created many famous demonic weapons. Those ranked in the top 500 often asked him to make their weapons directly.

The Heavenly Demon Factory was a renowned place for producing weapons for the main forces of the Devil Sect. Ordinary members of the Devil Sect used weapons produced by the Demon War Factory. Wuliang welcomed Moxiang warmly. He was an elderly man in his 50s, not particularly handsome, but with a rugged appearance and a thick tiger beard, giving him a dignified presence.

"Welcome, I have received the notification from the Sect Leader."

Moxiang untied Moxun from his waist and handed it to Wuliang.

"Can you make one like this? Light and sharp..."

"Yes, the Sect Leader has sent us mystic iron. However, mystic iron is heavy, so it won't be light."

"Then make the blade as thin as possible."

"Mystic iron is very strong, so it can be made thin, but it will be challenging. It will take some time. Is that okay?"

"It's fine. Even if I don't use it in my lifetime, it's fine. Take your time and make it to your satisfaction."

Wuliang examined the handle of Moxun in detail and asked.

"You've cut the handle. How long should the handle be? And the scabbard is very simple, with no guard."

"Don't make a guard. The handle should be exactly that length, and the blade should be the same length."

"What about the name of the sword?"

"Carve 'Moxun' in the blade."

"Are you planning to destroy this one? The blade is very clean, and despite long use, there are no damages, indicating that you have taken great care of it. Do you need two swords with the same name and shape?"

"I plan to destroy this one. One sword is enough. Too many are unnecessary."

"Understood. Please wait a moment."

Wuliang went inside and brought out a heavy piece of mystic iron, handing it to Moxiang.

"Please infuse a little true essence into this."

Moxiang, slightly puzzled, asked. True essence is not something to be given lightly. It is as precious to martial artists as life itself.

"True essence? Why?"

"True essence reflects the character of each martial artist. Infusing it into the sword will create a sword that suits its owner perfectly. The more malevolent the person, the more powerful the demonic sword. A demonic sword that suits you perfectly will be created."

"Understood."

Moxiang smiled wryly and infused his true essence into the mystic iron. Wuliang, watching, asked again.

"Since Moxun is short and thin, not much mystic iron will be used, leaving some. What would you like me to make with the leftover? A few throwing daggers?"

"No, make a small, thin dagger similar to Moxun. I can use it to cut meat when camping."

"Understood. Then..."

Wuliang glanced at Moxiang and continued.

"Do you go out in the same attire?"

"Why, what's wrong with my appearance?"

"It seems you don't use throwing weapons."

"I don't use throwing weapons. I don't have a dagger, so when I catch a large deer, I cut it with Moxun and cook it, but it's troublesome to use a sword."

"Using a sword to cut deer meat... I see. I will make a dagger for you carefully."

"Thank you. Let me know when it's finished."

"It will take a while, about half a year. Please use this one in the meantime."

Wuliang handed Moxun back to Moxiang, who tied it to his waist.

"Understood. Work hard."

Afterward, Moxiang instructed to build a small house in a secluded area of the mountains, far from the main buildings of the Devil Sect. The house had two small rooms, a bathroom, and a kitchen, similar to the structure of the house where Xiaolian and her mother once lived.

Once the house was completed, Moxiang stayed there continuously. Apart from occasional visits from Yubai, no one came to Moxiang's house. He was a rare case of rapid promotion, an assassin with almost no acquaintances, and a secret weapon. Few knew he had become Deputy Sect Leader.