13. A Deal

(At the same time, Golden Prosperity City Lord's Mansion)

*KNOCK KNOCK*

"Come in" said Zheng Renshu

Zheng Renshu sat behind his ornate wooden desk, his gaze sharp and calculating as he observed the investigator from the Jing family. The investigator, a tall man with an air of quiet authority, bowed slightly before speaking, his voice calm yet firm. "My lord, the Jing family is aware of the turmoil brewing in your city. The whispers in the streets, the rumors that spread like wildfire, and the unrest. none of it has escaped our notice. We are here to offer our assistance in mediating the conflicts and finding the culprit. The Jing family can use its influence to help stabilize things among the noble families, bring about peace, and restore order."

Zheng Renshu leaned forward, a flicker of hope crossing his features as he regarded the investigator. "You are offering this... help, without expecting something in return?" His voice was strained, the weight of his duties evident in every word. The investigator's expression remained impassive, but the subtle glint in his eyes conveyed the understanding of the political game at play. "Our family simply wishes to see the city return to its proper state. In doing so, we shall ensure that the Jing family's ambitions for peace are also respected. Consider it a mutual benefit, my lord."

A silence fell over the room as the city lord considered the offer. He knew the Jing family's power, their reputation for mediation and handling delicate matters, but he also understood that any agreement would come with strings attached. However, given the chaos at hand, he had little choice but to entertain the idea. Finally, he spoke, his voice low but resolute. "Very well. Let's see what your family can do. But know this. this city's authority will not be given away easily."

…

(4 Months later, Slums outside of Golden Prosperity City)

After trial and error for multiple months. A Martial Art forged from both the restraint of orthodox arts and the reckless power of demonic cultivation was created. Mo Tian sought balance, not in weakness, but in mastery over extremes.

Like the orthodox path, its foundation was stable, ensuring the practitioner did not destroy themselves with raw force. Yet, unlike rigid orthodox techniques, it wielded flowing brutality, allowing devastating strikes without sacrificing momentum. Instead of mindless destruction, it refined the chaos, turning excess power into controlled, overwhelming force.

At lower levels, the method would appear stable, deceiving opponents with its structured movements. But as it advanced, hidden bursts of explosive strength shattered all expectations, breaking defenses at unpredictable moments. A demonic art that did not collapse under its own weight. a balance beyond mortals was made.

The Art could be used by all melee weapons. Mo Tian just could not add ranged weapons like the bow into the art, but that did not really matter to him. He would have to make another basic art when that time arrives.

After seeing the art perform for one last time. He was satisfied and sighed in relief.

*Sigh*

"This will be the new basic art of the demonic cult. It will be named the 'Heavenly Demonic Weapon Arts'."

After he said that he heard a sound in his mind.

[Congratulations Host! You have reached completion in a martial-level Art]

[The 'Martial Art' Reward has been rewarded to the Host. Please click on the Rewards Tab to claim your reward.]

When Mo Tian heard this, he was quite startled. Looking at his [Host Status] he sees that he has reached 100% in the Demonic Saber. It seemed he could get a reward for every time he manages to reach completion in the progress of an Art. Or it would be based on the realm and not the art. But he quickly put it in the back of his mind. After the starting reward, the system did not mention anything anymore. So he quickly went to the [Rewards] to see what was going on.

[Rewards]

['Martial Art' Reward – Ready to be claimed]

[Return]

Mo Tian prepared himself for a big headache as he clicked on the rewards. But it never came, instead he felt something change in his Mind Space and checked it out. In the Mind Space projections started to appear. They performed arts he had never seen before, performing things he would have never expect. But Mo Tian realized the opportunity. The projections were paired against projections performing his own new art. He started perfecting the art further. Slowly, his art as his art changed, projections started to become lesser and lesser until there were none left. All this happened in a mere moment. Mo Tian knew that the 'Heavenly Demon Weapon Art' has become an art that would be unrivaled against any other art in his world, but it's essence remained unchanged. A balance in mastery of extremes. Unless one had extreme control over their whole body, they would not be able to perform it and break their body from the inside out.

This was a problem for Mu Tian as he was still at a Third-Rate Martial Artist or at the Skin Tempering realm. He needed to be at the transcendent realm to even perform it after the system reward, let alone master it. To master it the 'Demonic Way' would not be enough. It needed to have the same characteristics. So basically, he was screwed until he had created his own cultivation method to accompany the martial arts

*Sigh* "Oh… Shit" says Mo Tian as he realized what kind of monstrous creation he made. Before quickly starting to think about the cultivation method. The Martial Realm is divided into Skin Tempering, Bone Tempering, Marrow Tempering, Visceral Tempering and Aperture Tempering.

After thinking for a moment, Mo Tian records the requirements for the cultivation method on a scroll.

In the skin tempering realm the cultivation method needs to harden and reinforce the skin, but must not lose in elasticity and adaptability. The bone tempering realm needs to create extremely dense bones, while joints and skeletal structure need to be able to adapt and absorb shocks. The Marrow Tempering realm needs to accelerates blood production, this would increase stamina and regeneration. The Visceral Tempering needs to toughen and fortify the organs enabling them to endure extreme conditions and inner energy cycle energy faster. Lastly, The Aperture Tempering Realm needs to strengthen and open the body's hidden apertures, which would allow the body to suck in the energy it releases and expel energy that gets into the body.

After being satisfied with the list, Mo Tian started reading all the cultivation methods and looking for the characteristics. Mo Tian sat cross-legged on the wooden floor, his fingers tracing the worn edges of the book. His eyes, dark with quiet intensity, flickered across the pages, absorbing each word with unwavering focus. The dim candlelight cast shifting shadows over his face, but he remained still.

After having read all the books, Mo Tian realized that he did not have enough books. Therefore, he needed to find more. Thus he started slowly crafting a plan again.

…

(At the same time, In the Jing Family's Gentlehold City)

The grand hall was silent save for the low crackling of incense burners. Two figures sat opposite each other, their gazes sharp as blades, their expressions unreadable. Clan Leader Zheng, clad in green robes embroidered with a golden embroideries, sat with his arms folded, his posture rigid. Across from him, Clan Leader Jian, dressed in crimson and black, rested his hand lightly on the table, fingers tapping a slow, deliberate rhythm. Between them, Elder Jing, a neutral party, sighed inwardly as he surveyed the charged atmosphere.

"The chaos in the city must be dealt with," Family head Zheng stated, his voice measured but firm. "Your Jian clan's forces were seen near the riots. Tell me, should I consider this mere coincidence?"

Family head Jian remained impassive. "My people were there to protect our assets. If your Zheng clan had done the same, perhaps the city wouldn't be in such disarray."

Family head Zheng's gaze darkened, his fingers tightening over his sleeve. "Protecting assets? A convenient excuse. Dozens of my people have gone missing, and now bandits run wild under your watch."

Before Family head Zheng could continue, Elder Jing raised a hand. "Enough." His voice, though calm, carried the weight of authority. "The city suffers while the two strongest clans bicker like children. If we do not act together, outside forces will seize this opportunity to bring ruin to us all."

A tense silence followed. Family head Jian's fingers finally stilled on the table. Family head Zheng exhaled slowly, the tension in his shoulders easing by a fraction.

"Then speak, Elder Jing. What solution do you propose?" Han asked.

Elder Jing's gaze swept across both men. "A temporary ceasefire. Information exchanged, and neither side will make a move without the other's knowledge. Any who act in the shadows will be treated as enemies to both."

Neither leader spoke for a moment. Then, at last, family head Zheng nodded, and family head Jian, after a pause, followed suit.

The storm had not passed, but for now, a brittle peace had been struck.