The Evil Qi seemed to be there but not, almost impossible to discern without focusing intently.

The mountain patrol officer, who had been dealing with demonic creatures and Pseudo-Gods for years, was exceedingly sensitive to Evil Qi, and only needed a glance to notice something was amiss.

—The person in front of him either had contact with demonic creatures and Pseudo-Gods, or frequently hunted them down.

The latter was absolutely impossible.

The Casting Valley was ultimately just a weapon-forging power, it was impossible for them to be hunting demons every day.

So it could only be the former.

Qin An narrowed his eyes slightly, knowing his visit was not in vain.

Thinking of this, he temporarily set aside his thoughts, intending to observe quietly and see what the other party planned to do.

A middle-aged man appeared, immediately drawing the attention of everyone present.

Everyone turned their gaze towards the middle-aged man.

The man looked around before slowly speaking, "I am Pu Yunpeng from the Casting Valley, greetings, everyone."

The others responded by cupping their hands in a return salute.

Pu Yunpeng continued, "Since you all have passed the first test, please proceed to the second one—come, present the casting device!"

As soon as Pu Yunpeng said this, two assistants immediately carried a heavy weapon rack from the inner courtyard.

The weapon rack was covered with a black cloth, its outline faintly visible, but the contents were unclear.

Pu Yunpeng pointed to the weapon rack, saying, "Ladies and gentlemen, this is the masterpiece of the Valley Master. If you can discern its mystery, you may be seated as honored guests."

With that, Pu Yunpeng walked over, grabbing a corner of the black cloth and pulling it open.

When Pu Yunpeng pulled the cloth away, the true form inside was immediately revealed.

On the weapon rack lay an iron whip.

The iron whip was dark green with a faint glint of cold, its edge restrained, certainly not a common item.

All who entered the blacksmith shop were connoisseurs, each one gazing intently at the weapon rack.

Two assistants brought out writing materials and distributed them in turn.

Once everyone had writing materials before them, Pu Yunpeng continued to speak.

"You have one stick of incense's time to write your answers on the paper. If you pass, you can naturally enjoy the honored guest's seat."

After saying this, Pu Yunpeng remained silent, as if intending to give everyone space to think.

The people glanced at each other, studying the iron whip on the weapon rack in detail.

Then several individuals took up their pens and began to write thoughtfully.

Huang Man observed carefully for a long time, but after a period of observation, she was utterly bewildered, unable to help holding her head.

Although she knew some forging techniques, she was not a specialist, so she could not see any issue.

In contrast, Qin An furrowed his brows.

Huang Man, observing his expression, asked softly, "Any clues?"

Since it's the second test, it must be harder than the first.

Huang Man worried that Qin An couldn't figure it out either.

If so, the first test would have been meaningless.

Upon hearing this, Qin An nodded, "Yes."

Then, Qin An said nothing else, picking up the pen and writing a single word on the paper.

Huang Man thought Qin An was bluffing and looked down to see the word "blood" on the paper.

"Blood?"

"What does this mean?"

Huang Man's heart skipped a beat, a hint of doubt arising.

She wanted to ask, but saw Qin An shook his head, knowing this wasn't the time to inquire.

The stick of incense burned out swiftly, and everyone had written their answers on the paper.

Then, the assistant collected the papers and handed them to Pu Yunpeng.

Pu Yunpeng reviewed them one by one, and upon reaching the last sheet, he declared loudly, "Congratulations, everyone, on passing the test and being eligible for the honored guest seat. In three days, please enter the Casting Valley with your invitation."

The assistant stepped forward, handing invitations to each person present.

At that moment, someone suddenly spoke up, "I have a question, can you help me solve it?"

After this person spoke, the others turned their gaze towards him.

Pu Yunpeng slowly said, "Since you are honored guests, the Casting Valley will naturally answer your doubts."

The person pointed to the iron whip and said, "I observed the circulation of blood energy on it. Is it a forbidden method of casting, using blood to refine?"

Upon hearing this, the others remained silent, seemingly agreeing with the question.

Huang Man noticed this and furrowed her brows slightly.

She finally understood the meaning behind the word "blood" Qin An had written.

Using blood to refine.

This was somewhat insane.

Pu Yunpeng smiled faintly and shook his head, "It's not human blood but the blood of demonic creatures and Pseudo-Gods. Look at me, do I have any Evil Qi?"

Saying this, Pu Yunpeng no longer concealed, revealing the Evil Qi on his body.

When the Evil Qi appeared, the entire room fell into silence.

Pu Yunpeng collected the Evil Qi and said slowly, "As forgers, we pursue the ultimate forging method. Blood-forging is forbidden because it cannot use the blood of kin."

"We at the Casting Valley have recently experimented repeatedly and have already pioneered weapon forging using the blood of demonic creatures and Pseudo-Gods."

"Currently, all we're missing is refinement. This opportunity coincides with the Valley Master's birthday banquet, where we can exchange insights with everyone during the feast."

"Demonic creatures and Pseudo-Gods harm the lives of Lingzhou. What we do not only protects all beings but also enhances forging methods. Why not leave a lasting legacy?"

Every word seemed like a heavy hammer, striking the hearts of those present.

Pu Yunpeng continued, "If you are willing, take your invitation. If not, we will not force you."

The room was silent.

After a long while, everyone took their invitations in hand.

Pu Yunpeng, seeing this, smiled slightly, "If that's the case, you may leave for now. In three days, you can visit the Casting Valley."

He said no more, turning to leave the room.

Those present looked at each other and left the blacksmith shop one by one.

Qin An stood up, followed by Huang Man.

Throughout the process, Huang Man played the role of a silent partner, not saying a word.

Not until they were out on the street, far from the blacksmith shop, did she finally speak.

"It seems the Casting Valley may not be a problem."

Forging weapons with the blood of demonic creatures and Pseudo-Gods was a good thing.

The two sides were naturally incompatible.

Qin An turned back and said, "There is a significant problem."

Huang Man furrowed her brows lightly.

Qin An brushed his hand over a black blade, "If you had such a discovery, what would you do?"

Huang Man pondered a bit and said, "I would immediately report it to the Evil Extermination Bureau..."

The conversation paused.

Huang Man thought of the reason.

If it were her, she would not only inform the Evil Extermination Bureau but also ensure substantial support from them, even having them protect the Casting Valley.

However, now that the Casting Valley was proceeding quietly, it raised several issues.

"We'll see once we enter the Casting Valley," Qin An said.

Huang Man nodded and asked, "What do you plan to do next?"

Qin An retorted, "According to the rules of the Mountain Patrol Guards, what should be done?"

Huang Man pondered, "The Mountain Patrol Guards have always focused solely on results; they probably won't show up until three days later."

Qin An nodded, "If that's the case, we should find a place to stay for now."

The two found an inn, where Qin An paid silver coins for a room.

They were disguised as a married couple, so naturally, they couldn't rent two rooms.

On this point, Huang Man raised no objections.

Having endured many hardships as a Mountain Patrol Guard, sharing a room was a small matter.

After returning to their room, they rested briefly and then went out for lunch before heading back to the inn again.

As Qin An walked down the street, he felt the Mountain Patrol medallion in his pocket vibrate occasionally, making him narrow his eyes, "Many colleagues are on this mission."

He could sense others, and naturally, others could sense him.

The lack of communication indicated that they had no intention of forming alliances.

Qin An didn't bother with it.

Huang Man quietly observed, "Getting benefits might be much harder."

Qin An replied nonchalantly, "No matter, it's just a matter of skill."

They spoke no further and, back in their room, patiently awaited the passage of time.

...

In the blink of an eye, three days passed.

Qin An and Huang Man woke early and headed for the Casting Valley.

The Casting Valley wasn't far from Red Tree County; otherwise, a blacksmith shop wouldn't be there.

On the way, many cultivators were also heading there.

Some were genuinely wanting to celebrate the Valley Master's birthday, while others sought to obtain a piece of casting material.

Others were blacksmiths, coming specifically to discuss casting techniques.

The journey was uneventful.

Upon reaching the Casting Valley, Qin An looked at the grand valley before him and slightly narrowed his eyes.

"What a picturesque place."

A valley appeared ahead.

Damp mist floated in the valley.

Cliffs on both sides seemed to have been cleaved by a giant axe, with dry yellow vines hanging between the exposed rock layers, trembling in the wind.

Twelve bronze furnaces lay prostrate against the rock walls like wounded beasts, dark red molten iron slowly trickling from their mouths.

From afar came the dull thud of hammers striking anvils, each thud reverberating through the eardrums.

Just this scene alone was captivating enough.

Huang Man smiled, "Truly a formidable force in Lingzhou with strong financial capabilities."

Being a casting-related power, wealth was a given.

At the entrance of the Casting Valley, two disciples stood with hands lowered, checking the guests' invitations.

Qin An and Huang Man approached with invitations in hand. After being checked by the two disciples, one of them showed a hint of respect.

"Esteemed guests, you have a designated room for resting."

"Mr. Chen, please lead them inside."

Shortly after, a young disciple dressed in Casting Valley's attire approached, acting as their guide.

Qin An nodded, indicating it was fine.

Guided by a Casting Valley disciple, they entered a suite.

The suite was exquisitely decorated; a fine Longjing lay on a sandalwood table, and a bronze incense burner in the corner released a wisp of blue smoke, the fragrance tangling with the pair of mandarin ducks on the embroidered screen.

"Esteemed guests, please rest a while; tomorrow is the Valley Master's birthday, and there is nothing of note today."

The welcoming disciple spoke a few more words before taking their leave.

Qin An seemed unbothered, found a spot casually, and fiddled with the smoke above the incense burner.

"Worthy of a VIP's accommodations, truly comfortable."

Huang Man, facing Qin An, said, "Later, let's take a walk to see the varied settings of the Casting Valley."

The welcoming disciple only suggested rest, not restricting movement.

Since they had come in smoothly, it was natural to explore thoroughly.

Qin An nodded in agreement.

With a little rest, the two left the room.

...

The Casting Valley was vast; as a major force in Lingzhou, it wasn't stingy with space.

Currently, not only Qin An and Huang Man wandered about, but many other cultivators also toured around.

During the time, they encountered several Mountain Patrol Guards, and when meeting, there wasn't even a nod, as if ignoring each other's presence.

From the valley to the end, nothing strange occurred.

Qin An was about to return with Huang Man when suddenly, an anomaly appeared.

Ahead, sounds of discussion arose.

Following the noise, Qin An saw several Casting Valley disciples gathered ahead.

He exchanged a glance with Huang Man, walked up, and saw what they were watching.

Not far ahead, a young man in plain clothes huddled in the shadows at the alley's entrance.

His straw-like hair clumped together, covered in unwashed dust.

Sunken eyes held clouded eyeballs, yellow-tinted sclera like dusty glass, occasionally turning with a shimmer like stagnant water.

As people passed, his bony fingers would twitch slightly, with brown dirt lodged in his nails, like stubborn moss on old tree roots.

"Alas, why has he been let out again? I truly don't understand why the Valley Master keeps such a madman." A Casting Valley disciple sighed.

Another disciple added, "Who knows, just get him out of here quickly so as not to ruin the Valley Master's birthday."

Several disciples promptly dragged the madman away.

Seeing no more commotion, many Casting Valley disciples left one by one.

Qin An pondered briefly, intending to follow with Huang Man to see further.

If an anomaly was found, it should be thoroughly examined; any findings could alleviate many troubles.

At this moment, a figure suddenly blocked their path.

"Could you both step aside? I have something to say."

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