As he practiced, the airflow all around him converged, forming the shape of an illusory dragon.

When he raised his palm, a torrent of Power surged forth, feeling as if it could tear anything apart.

After practicing it once, a light and exhilarating sensation filled his entire body.

Reaching the second layer of the Dragon’s Roar Iron Cloth Shirt had increased his Divine Power by an explosive 3,000 jin.

Based on the foundation of his Flesh Body, he could unleash nearly 5,000 jin of Divine Power.

This was purely the strength of his Flesh Body.

Achieved without using even a trace of Power.

Unleashing his full strength meant nearly 5,000 jin of Divine Power, which, by this world’s standards, was equivalent to the might of five bulls.

The Divine Power of five strong bulls concentrated in one person. With the strength of his Flesh Body alone, he could easily shatter monuments and split boulders!

The Dragon’s Roar Iron Cloth Shirt provided a comprehensive enhancement, improving his qi and blood, physique, flesh, sinews, and bones.

When he circulated the technique, Dragon Qi would protect his body, allowing him to easily withstand the damage from ordinary swords and blades.

When combined with his Power, his defense would be even more astonishing.

Dragon Qi Defense, Protective Force!

It was like having two layers of protection!

This was the advantage of Horizontal Refining Martial Arts.

Invincible External Skills!

Upon breaking through to the second layer, his Power had also grown, becoming purer and more substantial.

He was confident enough to test his mettle even against someone in the True Qi Realm.

’The third layer...’

Fang Xing looked up at the sky. He had a feeling that once his Cultivation of the Dragon’s Roar Iron Cloth Shirt reached the third layer, the stage of Great Success, it would be time for him to storm the pass and step through the Extraordinary Dragon Gate.

’In a month or two, I might just be able to break through this Dragon Gate and join the ranks of the Extraordinary!’

The True Qi Realm represented a leap to a higher state of being, a qualitative breakthrough over a major threshold in the Martial Dao.

At that stage, one could commune with the world, absorbing the Power of Heaven and Earth to strengthen oneself.

Only upon reaching this level could the true terror of the Martial Dao be displayed.

Wielding such immense power, a single person could carve a path of slaughter through a ten-thousand-strong army, even in a head-on charge.

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK!!!

Just as Fang Xing was pondering his next move, there was a knock on his courtyard gate.

Fang Xing came to his senses and went to open the gate.

"Sir."

Feng Xiu stood at the entrance, bowing in greeting.

Fang Xing looked at the man before him. "What is it?"

Feng Xiu looked at him, and as their eyes met, he somehow felt an invisible pressure emanating from Fang Xing.

This pressure...

It was as if he were facing a terrifying Great Demon.

His mind reeled for a moment before he quickly recovered. He cupped his fists and said, "Sir, Xu Yao and I have our eye on a mission and would like to ask you to join us. I was wondering if you have the time."

"A mission..."

Fang Xing pondered for a moment. "What kind?"

Feng Xiu said, "It’s to eliminate a Cult Leader from the Fire Worship Sect. This mission is a little different; besides the Cult Leader, we might also have to face Demons and Monsters."

"A Cult Leader and Demons and Monsters..."

Fang Xing was surprised to hear this.

’But then again, Demons and Monsters and Evil Cults are often closely related.’

’Some Evil Cults have the support of Demons and Monsters.’

’To gain their support, some Evil Cults will strike deals with them.’

’And the Demons and Monsters, seeking flesh and blood, wouldn’t refuse.’

’Shen Ye had mentioned this kind of situation before.’

"Here are the details. You can take a look first, Sir."

As he spoke, Feng Xiu took out a document he had with him and handed it to Fang Xing.

Fang Xing took the document and began to read.

Feng Xiu stood at the door, waiting quietly.

According to the document, in addition to eliminating the Cult Leader, they were also to destroy the Evil Cult’s stronghold.

Furthermore, it was highly likely that a Demon was also present at the stronghold.

The document provided a brief description, stating that this was a Demon approaching the Great Demon Level.

It was a Chi Demon whose original form was a mountain cat that had gained spiritual awareness, and its power was formidable.

After a moment, Fang Xing finished reading and looked up at Feng Xiu.

"This mission is a lot more difficult than the ones before. You two are quite bold."

Hearing this, Feng Xiu scratched his head. "Sir, the mission offers a lot of Merit—eight hundred points in total. We wanted to give it a shot."

Fang Xing considered it for a moment, then nodded. "Alright, we can give it a try. But you must be well-prepared. Go tell Xu Yao we’ll set out tomorrow."

"Understood. Thank you, Sir." A delighted look appeared on Feng Xiu’s face. He nodded, then turned and left.

Watching Feng Xiu’s departing figure, Fang Xing glanced back down at the document in his hand.

’Hmm. If I complete this mission, my breakthrough to the True Qi Realm should be within reach,’ Fang Xing thought to himself as he looked at the document.

Then, he closed the courtyard gate and went inside.

——

「The next day.」

Early in the morning, Feng Xiu and Xu Yao arrived at Fang Xing’s residence.

"Sir."

The pair bowed to Fang Xing in greeting.

Fang Xing looked at the two of them and spoke. "This mission is not without its dangers. How are your preparations?"

"Sir, we are fully prepared," Xu Yao replied. "We’ve brought medicine that will allow for a swift recovery, even from serious injuries."

Fang Xing nodded. "Alright. Let’s head out."

With that, Fang Xing took the lead and departed.

The other two followed close behind.

Just as they stepped out of the Observatory and were about to leave, they ran into Shen Ye.

Seeing the three of them, Shen Ye stepped forward. "Off on a mission?"

Fang Xing nodded. "Yes, a mission concerning an Evil Cult and Demons and Monsters."

At this, Shen Ye’s gaze sharpened. "Just the three of you?"

"Don’t worry, Sir," Fang Xing said. "This mission isn’t overly difficult. I believe we’ll be fine."

Hearing this, Shen Ye clapped him on the shoulder. "Alright, then. Stay safe. The mission is secondary; failing it will only earn you a demerit at worst. Your lives are the priority."

The three of them nodded.

Shen Ye then waved them off, and after bowing, the trio departed.

Watching the trio’s retreating figures, Shen Ye gently stroked his chin. ’That kid’s aura... It seems he’s grown stronger again these past few days. His chances of breaking through to the True Qi Realm have definitely gone up.’

As a Commander, Shen Ye was naturally pleased that Fang Xing was becoming stronger.

He looked forward to the surprises Fang Xing would bring.

...

「One hour later.」

The trio rode their Wind Spirit Steeds out of the city and soon vanished down the main road.

「Five days later.」

After a journey of several thousand miles, the trio finally arrived at their destination.

Lin Chuan County.

This was a County Town under the jurisdiction of Jinyang Prefecture, Jiang Province.

It was a relatively prosperous County Town.

The setting sun was the color of blood.

Lin Chuan County, White Cloud Village.

Three figures appeared before an abandoned temple.

The temple was ancient and in disrepair, with wind whistling through gaps on all sides.

However, since it was now summer, this hardly mattered.

They had left their Wind Spirit Steeds at the official Post Station and traveled to White Cloud Village on foot.

Standing at the entrance of the temple, Fang Xing gazed into the distance at a monastery partway up a nearby mountain.

Baima Temple!

In the local area of Lin Chuan County, it was a fairly well-known monastery.

Its fame was known throughout the region.

It appeared to be a legitimate monastery, but in reality, Baima Temple was a stronghold for an Evil Cult.

"This Fire Worship Sect really loves to pose as monks..." Fang Xing sighed softly as he gazed at Baima Temple on the distant mountainside.

He couldn’t help but be reminded of the first time he met Shen Ye.

That time, too, had been to clear out a Fire Worship Sect stronghold, and it had also been in a monastery.

The circumstances were remarkably similar.

The only difference was that this time, a Demon was suspected to be inside Baima Temple.

A Cult Leader, plus a Demon.

The danger was far greater than that first time!

But time had passed, and things were different now. In the past, he could only look up in awe at the Neutralizing Force level.

Now, he had not only reached that same pedestal but had even surpassed it.

Hearing Fang Xing’s sigh, Xu Yao, who was standing beside him, said, "Sir, these Evil Cults do love to disguise themselves as monks. After all, here in the Great Jing, monks and their monasteries have special privileges."

Hearing this, Fang Xing scoffed. "A bunch of parasites who only take and never give. They all need to be purged."

"..."

"Sir, what should we do next?" Feng Xiu asked, changing the subject.

Fang Xing glanced at the setting sun on the horizon. "We’ll wait for nightfall. Then we move."

"Sir, should we ask the local Government Office to send people to assist us?" Xu Yao asked.

Fang Xing shook his head. "No need. Apart from the leaders, who might be a bit of a hassle, the rest are just small fry. We’ll notify the Government Office after we’re done so we don’t alert our prey."

Hearing this, the other two fell silent.

Fang Xing’s approach to missions was completely different from their usual procedure.

Normally, for safety, they would rely on the cooperation of the local Government Office.

With Fang Xing, however, that was clearly not the case.

’Perhaps Sir is worried there’s a mole in the Government Office...’ The two exchanged a look as the same thought crossed their minds.