"Oh?"

Qin Yuxian raised an eyebrow slightly, then apologized:

"This is difficult to say, it's not a dangerous matter, but I currently have things to attend to. If I leave now, it will lead to significant changes."

He wanted to help Tan Chongrui promote reforms, not knowing how many people wanted Tan Chongrui's head. He dared not leave easily for even a day.

Chen Ku, hearing this, still not giving up, asked: "Then when might you be free?"

Qin Yuxian thought for a moment and said: "The reforms in Baojiao County are nearing completion. If there are no surprises, they should conclude in a month or so. By then, the effects of Tan's new policies can be reported to the Imperial Court, and perhaps I can free myself... By the way, Junior Brother, why don't you tell me about the place first. Even if I can't make it, Master Uncle can assist you."

Chen Ku felt that the Bronze Axe General at the gate had Seventh Realm cultivation, and there might be other dangers inside. If any of them fell in there, he would be the eternal sinner of the Imperial Enlightenment Sect.

He sighed at last and said:

"Actually, it's not far, just a hundred miles outside Baojiao County. But it's best if you and Master go with me, for safety's sake. Since Senior Brother is unavailable, I'll take my leave for now."

Qin Yuxian was pensive.

What place is it? It requires both him and Master Uncle to go?

After leaving Qin Yuxian, Chen Ku went directly to the Grey Clothes Tower to inquire about the bounty prices for Fourth and Fifth Realm demons.

As a result, the middle-aged shopkeeper shook his head with a sigh and said: "Originally, when the Fish and Dragon Association was around, they loved taking these kinds of bounties. But now the Fish and Dragon Association, along with most of their headquarters, have moved, not knowing when they'll return. Sir, these bounties are all high-level demons in Baojiao County. Unless a hunter of Yang Luochen's caliber is deployed on a large scale, perhaps only then could they be hunted..."

Chen Ku frowned and said: "Is there no way then?"

"There is one method. If you don't mind the trouble, I can post the bounty for you at the Grey Clothes Tower in Qiu Dragon Mansion. As you know, our business extends nationwide, and there's also a Grey Clothes Tower at the Prefecture City, with even larger scale, comparable to organizations like the Fish and Dragon Association. Besides, there's a dedicated 'Demon Slayer Tower.' However... the price will be higher than in the county," the shopkeeper said.

"Here are two million taels. For everything I want, place bounties wherever you need. Try your best to hunt them... Once they're hunted, send a message to the contact point immediately."

With that, Chen Ku handed over two million taels of silver to the Grey Clothes Tower in one go.

The next day.

After dawn, the news of Chen Ku defeating the formidable Pei Qingzhi at Fragrance Pavilion spread like wildfire throughout many parts of Baojiao City.

In the county government office.

"This Chen Ku really has skills and ability!"

After hearing this news, Sui You pondered and said to Shangguan Yun in the courtyard:

"Even I might find it hard to withstand three to five rounds against Pei Qingzhi, but Chen Ku was able to defeat him with such ease. Fifth Realm, seventeen years old, Fifth Realm... My lord, what might be the reason for his rapid cultivation speed?"

"Judging by Qin Yuxian's attitude toward this boy..."

Shangguan Yun faintly smiled and said:

"They definitely have known each other for a long time."

"Are you suggesting that Chen Ku has long been a hidden agent cultivated by Qin Yuxian in Baojiao County?" Sui You's complexion slightly changed.

"Not necessarily, but perhaps," Shangguan Yun said with hands behind his back: "I've heard that Ye Zhong's bombardment of Taihuang Mountain not only killed most of the Demon People hidden in the mountain but also summoned the Four Great Guardian Gods of Peace Path to descend upon our world. These Evil Gods could be utilized... After all, their goal is to establish a Heavenly Kingdom on earth, desperately needing treasures and riches."

Sui You was silent for a moment and then slowly said: "The people from Treasure Tripod Sect in the north will arrive soon, just in time for when we'll open the door to the Underground Palace. It's now almost certain that there's a Mercury Lake blocking the path before the door."

Shangguan Yun murmured softly: "That Void Sky Treasure Box should be within it."

...

Meanwhile, Chen Ku was waiting for news from the Grey Clothes Tower but didn't expect the Four Unlikes to return even faster.

It only took two days for its round trip after advancing to the Fourth Realm demon.

Moreover, its physical strength was enhanced, exceeding Chen Ku's expectations by bringing back a dozen strands of Fifth Realm Fire Evil Qi.

"Collect!"

Chen Ku absorbed both the Four Unlikes and the Fire Beak Pot into his brow, immediately feeling the flame evil qi transmitted from the Four Unlikes.

[The Fire Evil Qi is detrimental to the master...]

[The Diagram Master successfully refined the Fire Evil Qi using Li Fire Body... Obtained eleven strands of Fifth Realm Fire Evil Qi... Two hundred strands of Fourth Realm Fire Evil Qi]

Chen Ku exhaled a breath in the courtyard.

"Eleven strands of Fifth Realm Fire Evil Qi are enough for the 'Shape-Shifted' and 'refining shape' processes of the Flood Dragon Transformation. Now, all that's missing is a Dragon Descendant Demon compatible with the Flood Dragon Transformation."

After briefly assimilating the evil qi throughout his body.

He came into the courtyard.

Seeing Kou Ming walking briskly in the courtyard, upon seeing Chen Ku, he immediately approached: "Junior Brother Chen, you've come at the perfect time, there's news. Some people from the Fish and Dragon Association have shown up, and we need to hold a meeting."

"Fish and Dragon Association? Li Yutang?"

Chen Ku was slightly surprised:

"Has he appeared?"

"Yes."

Kou Ming said:

"We're about to talk about this matter, you should attend the meeting, and you'll know."

In no time, in the main hall of the Medicine King Hall, several shopkeepers were seated on chairs, with Yang Luochen, Shang Yunfang, and Chai Bao present. However, this time, an additional seat was added among the shopkeepers and main teachers.

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