I Can Merge Techniques

With a slight flick of his finger, he returned the giant stone to its original place.

This was the power of a Divine Technique!

This was different from the raw, close-quarters combat of his old Twelve Forms Fist...

Now that he was at the Third Heaven of the Divine Power Realm, even when he executed the Twelve Forms Fist, his Fist Gang could reach as far as ten zhang.

But could it ever compare to this power and wondrous application?

Chu Fan nodded slightly, his thoughts shifting.

The inconspicuous Demon-locking Chain on his left wrist responded to his call, letting out a crisp clang.

RATTLE!

The Demon-locking Chain flew out in response, expanding rapidly in the wind until, in an instant, it became a black chain as thick as a child’s arm.

The Demon-Locking Black Qi, a manifestation of his Divine Technique, instantly coated the chain, and the two became one.

It transformed into a black dragon that writhed in the night sky!

This was the complete Demon-locking Technique!

"Go!"

Chu Fan made a pressing motion with his fingers.

The black dragon chain in mid-air flared with light, accompanied by a low, thunderous roar as it tore through the air.

Like a long whip forged from tempered steel, it lashed down viciously through the air.

CRACK—!!

The sonic boom was like furious thunder rolling across an open plain.

If that "lash" had landed squarely on the Profound Iron Giant Stone, its sheer power would have instantly shattered the boulder into dust!

’Not only is its ability to trap and bind enemies superb, but its offensive power is also this astonishing.’

Chu Fan nodded in satisfaction and beckoned to the chain with his hand.

The terrifying pressure that filled the surroundings instantly receded. The chain rapidly shrank, turning into a black shadow as it flew back.

It obediently wrapped around his left wrist, returning to the appearance of an exquisite, inconspicuous bracelet.

His gaze fell back on the new Trait, [Binding Spirit, Persistent], and he silently recited its description.

"Even if shattered by brute force, it will cling like a maggot to bone, a fire in the heart..."

This was the technique’s most ingenious and exciting feature.

The Cyan Snake’s Ten Thousand Serpent Curse Binding was, in the end, nothing more than a rope woven from Magic.

Once someone broke free by force, it lost all of its power.

But this Demon-locking Technique, after Breaking its Limit, was more like a sinister and tenacious curse.

Once entangled by the chain, even if one managed to break free, a sinister and vicious energy—the Demon-locking Force—would burrow into their bone marrow and meridians. For a short time, it would continuously disrupt the opponent’s Primordial Qi circulation, causing their techniques to become sluggish and their Inner Breath to fall into disarray.

When masters face off, victory and defeat are often decided by the slimmest of margins.

Even the slightest hesitation was enough to determine life or death. Just as the Trait’s description stated—the scales of life and death had already tipped.

Now that his Divine Technique was complete, Chu Fan did not let himself grow complacent.

He gathered his thoughts, slowly stood up, and began to practice the Twelve True Forms Fist.

The moment he began his Fist Momentum, the temperature in the Martial Arts Arena dropped suddenly.

Thanks to the enhancement from his [Flowing Frost Domain], fine white ice crystals began to condense in the air in a one-zhang radius around him.

An invisible Cold Qi, like a flowing mist of frost, swirled with the wind from his punches, its chill seeping into the very bones.

[Twelve True Forms Fist Experience Points +3]

[Twelve True Forms Fist Experience Points +3]

...

Time always passed quickly when immersed in cultivation.

When the first sliver of dawn appeared in the eastern sky, morning light pierced the darkness and spilled across the land.

The female Demon Suppression Guard who had been at Nangong Yue’s side the day before arrived at the gates of the Seven Stars Gang, walking in the first light of dawn.

The woman appeared to be twenty-four or twenty-five. Her features were as cold as frost, and her practical martial attire made her seem tall and straight, radiating an aura of competence and decisiveness.

"I am Zhao Qingyan, serving under Demon Suppression Captain, Lord Nangong!"

Zhao Qingyan cupped her fist in salute to Chu Fan, her voice crisp and clear. "Lord Nangong has ordered me to take you to North City to investigate the Wang Family case today. Shall we depart now?"

As she spoke, her gaze swept over Chu Fan, and a trace of surprise involuntarily flashed in her eyes.

The faint chill still lingering around Chu Fan secretly alarmed her.

"Thank you for making the trip, Lord Zhao." Chu Fan stopped his practice and stood, his expression calm.

After changing into the standard uniform of a Demon Suppression Guard and strapping the Black Abyss Sword to his waist, Chu Fan left the Seven Stars Gang’s main gate with Zhao Qingyan.

Just as they reached the entrance, they saw a servant already waiting there, holding two magnificent steeds.

"We’re going by horse?"

Chu Fan stared at the steeds for a moment, then said honestly, "I don’t know how to ride."

"..." Zhao Qingyan was stunned for a moment upon hearing this, a look of astonishment on her face.

She had long heard that the Seven Stars Gang had evolved from a Horse Gang, and that its disciples dealt with horses from a young age.

’How could a core disciple of the Seven Stars Gang not know how to ride a horse?’

"Since that’s the case, you ride ahead. I’ll just follow on foot."

Chu Fan gestured to Zhao Qingyan, telling her not to wait.

Zhao Qingyan didn’t ask any more questions. She swung herself onto her horse and clamped her legs against its belly.

The steed neighed and galloped away in a cloud of dust.

After riding for several zhang, she turned her head slightly to look back.

Sure enough, Chu Fan had started running, easily keeping pace with her.

’His movement skill is quite impressive... Although his form looks a bit crude, his speed is incredible.’

As she galloped ahead, Zhao Qingyan began to brief Chu Fan on the Wang Family case.

"Right now, two other colleagues and I have been staking out the Wang Family estate for five whole days."

"But no matter how we investigate, even using the Demon Suppression Bureau’s specially made Tracking Disc and Developing Powder..."

"...we can’t find the slightest trace of the killer. It’s as if they were never there."

"Even with several of us standing guard, people within the Wang Family still die inexplicably from time to time."

"And strangely, the deceased are always murdered in sealed rooms with the doors and windows shut tight."

"At first, we suspected it was a revenge killing, so we specifically found and placed several of the Wang Family’s enemies under heavy surveillance."

"But they all have perfect alibis, making it impossible for them to have committed the crimes."

"What’s even more baffling is that all the victims are men... If this were simple revenge, why would the killer only target men?"