Start slaying demons from the proficiency panel.

Ning Xiu reached out and grabbed it, and immediately a large number of flame particles gathered and swirled onto Ning Xiu's arm, forming an arm armor in no time.

This arm armor is fused with Ning Xiu's hand and the gun handle, so there is no problem of the gun handle slipping out of his hand.

hum!

Ning Xiu flicked his wrist, and instantly the gun trembled. A fire dragon coiled around his arm, its head resting on Ning Xiu's shoulder, roaring and spitting fire.

When it moves, the spirit of the spear manifests, displaying extraordinary power; this already reveals the difference between a national treasure and a supreme artifact.

Holding a long spear and with a fire dragon wrapped around his arm, Ning Xiu looked as if he were an immortal descending to earth.

"I'll call you 'Candle Dragon' then." Ning Xiu smiled with satisfaction as he looked at the spear in his hand.

Two handy weapons were added to his arsenal overnight, one of which was an extremely rare national treasure. Anyone would be overjoyed to have that.

Furthermore, when Zhulong and Yinliu are combined with the Heavenly Might Divine Spear, they will surely be able to unleash unimaginable power.

"A national treasure..." Immortal Lord Heshan and Qin Daorong sat at the stone table, completely stunned.

Even with their status, experience, and knowledge, it was difficult for them to accept the emergence of a national treasure.

It was so sudden, so unexpected.

"Master Hechuan!"

Inside the foundry, Tsurukawa swaggered out, his face beaming with pride, unable to hide his joy.

"Good, good, good! I never thought I, Hechuan, would actually be able to reach the Upper Realm of Dragon Elephant in my lifetime. Ning Xiu, I really owe you a lot!" Hechuan laughed loudly.

Immortal Master Heshan quickly surrounded them, looking at Hechuan: "You, you've broken through."

"In order to break through the Dragon Elephant Upper Realm of the Craftsman's Way, I immersed myself in the forging room for several years, forging weapons under the bright lights, just to achieve a qualitative change through quantity. But it turned out to be completely useless. I could only turn to seclusion to comprehend the path of the Craftsman's Way, but it still didn't work. Until today, after forging a national treasure by unifying my mind and body, I have finally broken through my bottleneck. Throughout history, I am the first person to step into the Dragon Elephant Upper Realm of the Craftsman's Way. I have lived up to the expectations of my predecessors."

There was a hint of tears in Tsurukawa's eyes.

According to Qin Daorong's confession, in the hundreds of years of the Great Shang Dynasty, only the three Paths led by the Martial Immortal Buddha have ever reached the Dragon Elephant Upper Realm. The other Paths have basically never reached it. He Chuan's progress today can be said to have paved the way for the Craftsman Path. He will surely become a person who can be called an ancestor and saint in the Craftsman Path in the future.

Tonight's breakthrough can be said to have fulfilled Hechuan's dream and proven Hechuan's path.

"Congratulations, Master Hechuan," Qin Daorong said, clasping his hands in greeting.

The Dragon-Elephant Upper Realm of a Craftsman's Path is of immense help to the entire Great Shang Dynasty. In terms of overall influence, it is far more profound than that of a Martial Immortal Buddha at the Dragon-Elephant Upper Realm.

"Sigh..." Tsurukawa breathed a deep sigh of relief.

Upon reaching the Dragon-Elephant Upper Realm, one's lifespan will increase significantly, greatly alleviating He Chuan's worries about his lifespan.

"Thank you for your help tonight, Master Hechuan. I am very satisfied with these two spears." Ning Xiu walked over and smiled, holding two newly forged spears.

He Chuan looked at the Zhulong in Ning Xiu's hand with the eyes one would use to look at a child: "No, I should be thanking you. Timing, materials, environment, the right time, the right place, and the right people are all indispensable. If you hadn't come to me tonight, I wouldn't have taken this step. Being able to forge a national treasure, my life can be considered complete."

Qin Daorong smiled and said, "Master Hechuan is too modest. Now that you have reached the Dragon Elephant Upper Realm, there will surely be a second national treasure in the future. You will play a pivotal role in the future of the Great Shang Dynasty."

……

Unlike the harmonious atmosphere in Ningxiu's area, a different voice emerged in many places in Dashang.

The Marquis of Wuxin's Residence.

"The national treasure is a vital national artifact. Even though He Chuan was fortunate enough to forge it, he still has to hand it over to the national treasury so that someone with real ability can take charge of it. My lord, we must fight for it this time."

Marquis Wu Chen sat on the main seat, while his retainer Zheng Huan leaned over and spoke.

The Shang Dynasty possessed three national treasures: one hidden deep within the imperial palace, and the other two held by the two most powerful princes among the thirty-six princes.

Because they possessed the national treasure and were valued by the Shang emperor, those two princes became the voice of the thirty-six princes.

Of course, not all kings and nobles like to be subordinate to others, even their own clansmen; Marquis Wuxin was one such example.

If he could also possess a national treasure, he would gain unprecedented influence within the royal family.

However, all the national treasures that the Shang Dynasty could distribute had already been completely allocated, leaving no room for replacement. Therefore, the sudden appearance of this national treasure undoubtedly became an opportunity for some members of the royal family, such as Marquis Wuxin, to rise to power.

They had no idea that Ning Xiu had provided the materials and asked He Chuan to build it; they simply assumed that He Chuan had been secluded in the mountains for many years and had suddenly decided to come out tonight after completing his mission.

If I can offer generous gifts, I might be able to obtain ownership of this new national treasure.

"Bring your men and come with me to visit the Hechuan residence." Wu Chen stood up and immediately walked towards the gate.

At the same time, many important figures took action, all with a clear objective: to locate Hechuan's residence.

……

[Forging Talent: Excellent (10/100)]

As He Chuan unexpectedly forged the Candle Dragon, Ning Xiu also gained a lot of talent points in the process, raising his forging talent to the next level. With his current talent, Ning Xiu can certainly guarantee the quality of his weapon crafting, even if he can't reach the same level as He Chuan.

As this talent gradually improves, Ning Xiu will be able to do the work himself when he obtains the materials, without having to ask others to do it anymore.

After thanking He Chuan, Ning Xiu and Qin Daorong were about to take their leave when a commotion suddenly broke out outside the mansion.

"Master He, congratulations! You have actually crafted the fourth national treasure of the Shang Dynasty."

A group of people rushed into the courtyard, and the person in the lead was the first to congratulate Tsurukawa.

When Qin Daorong saw this person, he raised an eyebrow slightly and said to Ning Xiu with amusement in a low voice, "I didn't expect to attract Marquis Wu Xian here tonight. It seems this place will become more and more lively later."

"Marquis Wu Xian?" Ning Xiu glanced at the man who was chatting warmly with Master He Chuan. He had to admit that this man bore a resemblance to Marquis Wu Yi. They were indeed from the same clan.

"He's probably here for the national treasure, which might involve you later, so be careful," Qin Daorong warned.

Ning Xiu gripped the Candle Dragon's hand but did not reply.

He provided the materials for this national treasure himself, and He Chuan was the opportunity to forge it that he obtained by deliberately going to the outer realms and capturing Fang Jingzhou amidst danger.

There's no way he'd give it up to anyone else, not even the thirty-six kings and marquises. If they wanted to take the treasure from him, they'd have to ask Ning Xiu's first-grade martial arts skills before they'd agree.

"Master Hechuan, where is that national treasure? Could you lend it to me for a look and to share in its auspiciousness?" After chatting with Hechuan for a few minutes, Marquis Wu Hao suddenly asked, his eyes filled with anticipation.

Master Hechuan, being a shrewd individual, was certainly aware of the hidden intentions behind the sudden visit of this long-unseen prince. He immediately smiled and said, "Lord Wuxian, you may have misunderstood. Although I forged that national treasure, I am not its owner."

“Hey, Master Hechuan, you are mistaken. I know you want to present the national treasure to His Majesty, but it hasn’t been made yet. How can you say you are not the master? I just want to take a look. Master Hechuan, are you unwilling to even grant me this small request?” Wu Hao said.

"To be honest, I was commissioned by this Demon-Slaying Officer to forge this weapon. Although I was fortunate enough to create a national treasure, the materials were provided by this Demon-Slaying Officer, so he should be the rightful owner of the national treasure," He Chuan explained.

Upon hearing this, Wu Hao turned his gaze to Ning Xiu, who was standing beside him, holding the Candle Dragon in his hand.

As a national treasure, the extraordinary nature of the Candle Dragon cannot be concealed; it shines as brightly as a bonfire in the night.

"Lord Wu Xian of the Great Shang Dynasty, Wu Hao, how should I address you, young brother?" Wu Hao walked up to Ning Xiu and asked politely.

"Ning Xiu, the Bronze Leopard Demon-Subduing Captain of the Demon-Subduing Division."

"Bronze Leopard..." Upon hearing Ning Xiu's level, Wu Hao's expression immediately relaxed.

As a member of the royal family, Wu Hao was naturally aware of the internal hierarchy of the Demon Subduing Division. The Golden Dragon Demon Subduing Captain was an entity that absolutely could not be provoked; only the Emperor could negotiate with them, placing them at a level second only to the Emperor.

The Silver Tiger Demon-Subduing Commander is an equal to a king or marquis; they are absolutely equal, and there is no possibility that a king or marquis could suppress him.

If Ning Xiu were a Silver Tiger Demon-Subduing Officer, Wu Hao would still be somewhat wary of him. But knowing that Ning Xiu was merely a Bronze Leopard Demon-Subduing Officer, Wu Hao immediately felt at ease.

"Brother Ning, congratulations on obtaining the national treasure. However, even a powerful weapon can only play its true role if it is placed in the right hands. I wonder if I can discuss something with you? I am willing to rent this national treasure from you for one year at the cost of three thousand taels of gold per year, and return it to you after the term expires."

"What Marquis Wu Xian means is that I am not the right person," Ning Xiu sneered.

"No, no, no, that's not what I meant. It's just that your strength is still weak at the moment, and it would be too precious for you to have a national treasure in your hands. It would be heartbreaking if you lost it while on a mission. I plan to borrow it from you for a year, and it will be just the right time to return it to you after a year when your strength has increased."

"Since that's the case, I'm willing to lend you ten thousand taels of gold. Young brother, why don't you consider me?"

Just as Wu Hao finished speaking, other voices came from outside the courtyard.

Hechuan and Heshan Xian Gong's expressions turned strange; this was going to be interesting.

Ning Xiu and Qin Daorong looked out of the courtyard and saw that the person who came was none other than Marquis Wu Chen, who was also one of the Thirty-Six Marquises.

Arriving here at this time, this person naturally also came with the intention of obtaining the national treasure.

"This is quite a spectacle. The emergence of a national treasure has drawn out all these princes and nobles who rarely show their faces before," Qin Daorong thought to himself.

Qin Daorong wasn't worried at all about whether Ning Xiu could protect Zhulong. Not to mention that as one of the Three Tigers of Subduing Demons, no one could take anything from a mere Subduing Demons officer, not even a king or nobleman.

Qin Daorong himself couldn't fathom Ning Xiu's strength, so he had reason to suspect that Ning Xiu's strength far surpassed his own. A young man with such strength at such a young age—who would dare say that he wasn't worthy of possessing the national treasure, the Candle Dragon? That would be a huge joke.

"Lord Wu Xian, you're underestimating a national treasure by only paying three thousand taels of gold to rent it for a year?" Wu Chen said mockingly as he approached Wu Hao.

"Wu Chen, you're here too..." Wu Hao sneered with a forced smile: "The price is naturally negotiable. If this Demon-Subduing Commandant is not satisfied, I will offer a price that satisfies him. What, are you going to compete with me now?"

"To be able to keep a national treasure for a year is something to be proud of for a lifetime. How could I miss out on this? Young brother, give me a price, and I'll rent it from you for a year. I'll send someone to return it to you immediately after the lease expires."

For these kings and nobles, once they've got something in their hands, there's no reason to take it back.

This is because Ning Xiu's strength far exceeded the expectations of these two kings and marquises. Otherwise, if it were just an ordinary Bronze Leopard Demon-Subduing Captain, he would never have been able to protect a national treasure.

As Wu Hao just said, those who are still weak and wield national treasures are prone to losing them when they go out on missions, just like when Master Zi Lei lost his Zi Dian Jing Lei twin hammers.

"I'm sorry, gentlemen, I have no such intention. National treasures are not to be rented out." Seeing the two princes arguing with each other, as if winning the argument would allow them to rent the Candle Dragon from him, Ning Xiu directly and decisively refused.

A weapon like the Candle Dragon is something I would never lend out for even a day, let alone a whole year. Anyone who tries to lend it out is an idiot.

"Are you sure, young man? I can give you a huge sum of money that you can't refuse," Wu Hao asked, narrowing his eyes.

Some of the thirty-six princes and nobles enjoyed the benefits of their ancestors' legacy and had no desire for advancement.

Some people hoped to make a name for themselves, while others thought about gaining as much power as possible in order to increase their influence in the business world.

Wu Hao and Wu Chen are examples of this third type of person.

Of the thirty-six princes and marquises, thirty-five chose the official path, which allowed them to reach the upper three ranks without having to cultivate diligently.

However, while choosing the official path saves countless hours of cultivation, it also brings a shackle: your strength can never be improved unless you are officially appointed by the emperor.

If you want to get promoted, you can only raise your official rank to a higher level.

If one could possess a national treasure, such a task would be much easier to carry out.

Therefore, these two princes are determined to obtain this national treasure tonight, no matter what, even if it means resorting to any means necessary.

Seeing Wu Hao's seemingly threatening gaze, Ning Xiu smiled calmly and gently tapped the two spears on the ground.

Instantly, the Heavenly Gang Inner Force of the first rank of martial arts erupted from the Candle Dragon and Yin Willow, sweeping out in all directions with Ning Xiu as the center.

Qin Daorong reached out and drew a picture in the air, and a landscape painting-like barrier surrounded his entire body, blocking the Heavenly Gang Inner Force that Ning Xiu unleashed.

Hechuan and Heshan Xian Gong also used their own methods to resist.

Wu Hao and Wu Chen's hair was blown high by their internal force, and their robes looked very disheveled.

Even though they tried to resist using official means, they found it completely useless. Ning Xiu's Heavenly Gang Inner Force could always suppress them by a trace, forcing them to use their physical bodies to withstand Ning Xiu's pressure.