The scorching heat rose like a raging sun, sweeping through the entire stone cave in an instant.

Even though everyone in the Evil Extermination Bureau possessed Perfect Cultivation in the Jade Bone Realm, they were still driven into a sweat like rain by the scorching heat waves.

The temperature continued to rise, as if it wanted to turn everything into ashes.

Qin An squinted his eyes, tapping his fingers on the knife handle, and said in a deep voice, "It seems they want to roast us."

Just standing on the open space, the heat wave was already extremely terrifying, showing how perilous the sea of fire below was.

Seeing this, Zheng Long wiped away the sweat rolling off his forehead, gritting his teeth, "The sea of fire is a dead end, but it's also the only way to survive."

The Fire Crow Race all fled into the flames, and the surroundings were sealed by the current of flames, the exit must be beneath the sea of fire.

Duan Feng clenched his double rings, his expression heavy, "Breaking into this sea of fire... is as hard as climbing to the heavens!"

The flames surged, the heat wave like a knife, making the skin of several officers of the Evil Extermination Bureau turn red, their robes soaked with sweat, clinging to their bodies.

If they continued like this, they'd be like fish and meat in a steamer, scorched in a moment.

One officer approached, pulling a Copper Coin from his chest and tossing it into the sea of fire.

As soon as the Copper Coin touched the fire, it vanished with a "hiss," turning into a wisp of blue smoke swept upwards by the flames.

Everyone turned pale with shock.

This situation indicated that entering the sea of fire at the Jade Bone Realm equates to certain death.

Zheng Long's throat moved, his voice hoarse, "Unless there's a supreme ice attribute treasure to temporarily suppress the blaze, we can't even stay here, let alone venture in."

Ice attribute treasure?

Everyone looked at each other, seeing the helplessness in each other's eyes.

Such treasures are rare as it is, not to mention it needs to specifically overcome the sea of fire; where could one find it now?

Qin An rubbed the scabbard with his thumb and said, "An ice attribute True Qi might work."

Before the journey, Guo Jinfa had given him discreet advice to find an ice attribute treasure, which might break the deadlock.

At that time, Qin An had demonstrated the icy True Qi of the Two Principles Bodhi Heart, and Guo Jinfa had indicated that this level of True Qi could work.

Qin An thought this might be the key to breaking the deadlock.

Upon hearing this, Zheng Long shook his head and sighed, "It's useless. My cultivation is ice attribute True Qi, but facing the sea of fire is like a drop in the bucket."

He knew Qin An's strength, but this massive sea of fire, how could Perfect Cultivation's True Qi in the Jade Bone Realm possibly lower its heat?

Duan Feng advised, "Mr. Qin, think it over carefully, we could still find other ways."

He didn't explicitly state it, but it was understood.

Even though Qin An was strong, confronting such a sea of fire alone was like trying to stop a chariot with an arm.

Qin An raised his eyes and said, "We can try."

Saying this, Qin An swept to the edge of the sea of fire, placing one palm on the ground.

Zheng Long sighed, hesitating to speak, "Mr. Qin... sigh, alright, if you want to try, go ahead."

He knew Qin An wouldn't give up without trying, and there was no way to dissuade him.

But he did not hold out hope for Qin An and was privately contemplating other ways to break the stalemate.

But then, a sudden change occurred!

As soon as Qin An injected his True Qi into the sea of fire, a thin layer of ice formed on the surface of the turbulent flames.

Zheng Long's pupils contracted abruptly, stepping forward, unable to believe it, "Is it really effective?"

Qin An withdrew his hand, "It's effective, but the effect is minimal."

Just now after using the Two Principles Bodhi Heart, it could temporarily suppress the blaze but could not protect everyone.

With an additional Celestial Body, he might brave the sea of fire alone.

But others wouldn't be able to.

The sea of fire is fraught with peril, and though Qin An's strength was great, he wasn't reckless.

He had always aimed for steadiness.

To rush into an unknown environment with only himself, if the unexpected happened, he would fall into a dead trap.

Upon hearing this, Zheng Long, whose hopes had risen, suddenly fell back to earth, "After all, it's still impossible."

The surrounding temperature rose once more, the heat waves growing more violent, making several officers of the Evil Extermination Bureau feel dizzy and lightheaded.

If it continued like this, they feared they would perish before even entering the sea of fire.

Qin An raised his eyes and said, "There is a way."

Upon hearing this, Zheng Long's once despairing heart shifted once again.

"Mr. Qin, can you say it all at once? You're killing me with suspense... I'm a bit overwhelmed." Zheng Long said helplessly.

Qin An surveyed the surroundings and said, "How many people here possess ice attribute True Qi?"

Including Duan Feng, there were nine officers present from the Evil Extermination Bureau.

If more people had ice attribute True Qi, Qin An might have a way to lead everyone down.

As soon as Qin An spoke, three officers stepped forward.

Including Zheng Long, there were four officers with ice attribute True Qi.

Zheng Long asked, "Mr. Qin, what do you intend to do?"

The surrounding temperature kept climbing, and Zheng Long was getting impatient.

Qin An rubbed the black knife and nodded, "Gather your True Qi onto me; I will use it to pave a way, temporarily breaking through the sea of fire."

Saying this, Qin An raised his hand and sent a burst of True Qi onto the flames.

The flames were frozen immediately for several seconds, creating a deep pit.

But in no time, the pit was filled with flames again.

Qin An said, "During the emergence of the gap, we charge forward with all our might. The gap will inevitably close, but I can continue to forge new gaps ahead."

"It's risky, but worth a try. Are you willing?"

Zheng Long and several officers of the Evil Extermination Bureau looked at each other.

Then they all nodded in unison.

Those who joined the Evil Extermination Bureau are unafraid of death.

Among this group of fearless people, adding those willing to join Mountain Patrol, even more so.

Afraid of death?

If they were afraid of death, they wouldn't participate in Mountain Patrol trials.

Zheng Long seriously said, "We entrust our lives to Mr. Qin. If we find a way to survive today, we shall fearlessly face mountains of blades and seas of flames in the future!"

The rest of the officers echoed, "If we are assigned, we shall face endless demise without complaint!"

Duan Feng watched, clicking his tongue silently.

After this endeavor, this group had hopes of joining the ranks of Mountain Patrol.

That is a position above the rank of a provincial officer.

The promises of the Evil Extermination Bureau are as good as gold, not false.

In other words, even though Qin An has not yet become a patrol officer, he has obtained the recognition of a preparatory patrol officer.

To Duan Feng, this is extremely terrifying.

Without any nonsense, Qin An then turned towards the sea of fire.

Together with Zheng Long, four Silver State officers jointly transferred their True Qi to Qin An.

The Two Principles Bodhi Heart was inherently domineering, quickly devouring all the True Qi, and with its ice attribute True Qi, enveloped Qin An.

Qin An raised his hand and pressed it against the ground, revealing a gap on the surface.

"Enter!"

Without needing Qin An to say more, the Silver State officers cooperated seamlessly, following behind Qin An, they moved into the gap in the sea of fire.

The sea of fire restored its calm, the surrounding temperature still exceedingly high, but no trace of the crowd remained.

...

Deep within the cave, surrounded by the sea of fire.

Liu Qingzhou's longsword trembled, his knuckles pale, as he gazed at the figure beside the stone table, despair surged over him.

A stone table was placed ahead, with a wine jug atop it.

The jug was filled with red blood.

A two-zhang tall demon creature was seated on the chair, raising a wine cup to clink with Nie Ruhai.

The creature's body was covered in fiery feathers, exuding a metallic sheen.

Its head large as a buffalo's, with a fiery glow emanating from its sharp beak.

Behind it, twelve Fire Crows lay prostrate on the ground, their eyes glowing with fanaticism, filled with madness.

The creature raised its hand, drained the blood in the cup, and squinted: "Thanks to Mr. Nie, for bringing such a fine vessel for me."

Nie Ruhai smiled slightly, clinking glasses with the creature: "Mr. Lv occupies this place, the demon hall already knows. But those ordinary mortals, how can they form a top-grade demon fetus, assisting Mr. Lv in reconstructing the Fire Crow secret body?"

Around the stone table, dozens of civilians with tattered clothes lay dead, unable to close their eyes.

Both men and women, their bodies sullied, all are sacrifices of the Fire Crow Race's 'harvesting replenishment.'

The Fire Crow Race loves indulgence, undistinguished between men and women, even demon creatures consider them disgraceful.

Yet, they are one of the top three forces among the seven major powers.

Apart from the demon hall, forces like Tree Lord are merely inferior.

Though seemingly strong, the Returning to Storage Realm demon creatures are rather few.

Only the top three forces are Lingzhou's elite, with numerous Gui Cang masters among them.

This Mr. Lv before us is the kin of an elder from the Fire Crow Race.

As for the method of the Fire Crow secret body, it is the coveted secret of the Fire Crow Race.

To reincarnate with a demon fetus, wash away one's flaws, and attain the supreme demon body.

What Mr. Lv does is for the Fire Crow secret body.

Mr. Lv, hearing this, slightly clenched his claws: "Mr. Nie, if so, how will you clear your suspicions and infiltrate the patrol officer realm?"

Nie Ruhai shook his head: "The patrol officer trial is inherently brutal, it's fine if all perish, as long as we keep it clean."

Mr. Lv nodded slightly, pouring another cup of blood and drank it down.

At this moment, he turned his gaze upon Liu Qingzhou, revealing a brutal smile.

"If Mr. Nie hadn't brought him, I would have wanted to taste a man's Jade Bone Realm flavor first."

Liu Qingzhou shivered profoundly under this gaze, a flash of fear emerged in his eyes.

He never expected that Nie Ruhai would lead him through a secret passage, eventually arriving at this fiery cave.

Even more unexpected, Nie Ruhai turned out to be a traitor to the demon hall.

Like sheep entering a den of wolves, there is no way back.

Nie Ruhai observed Liu Qingzhou's expression and chuckled: "Rest assured, after today, you will still be a Silver State officer, and even gain another identity—a planted thorn from the demon hall in the Evil Extermination Bureau."

"From now on, enjoying the best of both worlds, isn't it delightful?"

Liu Qingzhou clenched his teeth, said nothing, but it was obvious he had resigned himself.

Falling into a trap like this, there's almost no escaping.

Nie Ruhai withdrew his gaze, saying: "Gentleman, there's a person among the Silver State officers named Qin An, enormously challenging, caution is paramount."

Mr. Lv raised his eyes: "I have heard of this name, the demon hall and numerous demon pseudo-gods have issued bounties for him. To be honest, I'm quite intrigued."

Nie Ruhai pondered: "Although he is in Jade Bone Realm Perfection, he can effortlessly slay similarly ranked individuals, extreme caution is necessary."

Mr. Lv shook his head: "Did you forget my title amongst the demon creatures?"

Nie Ruhai was slightly startled.

Mr. Lv stood up, raising his sharp right claw.

Upon the right claw, a blood-red demon fetus emerged.

"I've faced many Jade Bone Realm experts, but none were a match for me."

"Here in the sea of fire, this is the time of heaven, with your support, this is earth's advantage, I possess a demon fetus that aligns inherently, this is harmony."

"Heaven, earth, and man—all are in my hands, what does Qin An use to win?"

Nie Ruhai was slightly startled, then appeared enlightened: "So that's it, why not add one more element?"

Mr. Lv spread his sharp beak and swallowed the demon fetus into his belly: "What do you want to add?"

Nie Ruhai smirked coldly: "When the moment comes, we'll pretend to battle Mr. Lv, and when the fight reaches a peak, suddenly betray and strike Qin An, presumably at that time, Qin An's expression will be quite interesting."

Mr. Lv came back to his senses and laughed heartily: "You humans have crafty minds, good, I accept, I also want to see how spectacular his expression will be when we feign battle and suddenly betray."

At this, Mr. Lv turned his head and swept a glance at a Fire Crow.

The Fire Crow knew what to do, ran to one of the hidden rooms, and dragged out a raggedly dressed woman.

"Taste it?" Mr. Lv asked: "There's only this one now, I'll find more another day."

Nie Ruhai gently waved his hand: "No need."

Mr. Lv shook his head: "You all don't understand pleasure."

While removing his attire, he walked towards the woman, extending both claws to force her to the ground.

The woman painfully screamed but couldn't break free.

The sharp claws pierced into the woman's shoulder, she cried out loudly in pain, blood flowed down her shoulder, dripping onto the ground.

Mr. Lv licked his sharp beak, showing a trace of cruelty in his eyes: "Quite fiery, it is indeed the vigor of human women, today I shall treat you well."

With that said, Mr. Lv prepared to act.

Just then, the flames above suddenly showed an abnormality, like ocean waves crazily surging.

Mr. Lv halted his actions, raised his head to gaze at the flames: "Mr. Nie, they are coming. The plan you mentioned can be implemented now."

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