The mountain breeze gently brushed by, and the bright moon hung high in the sky.

Silver light poured down like a satin veil, draping a gleaming luster over the winding mountain path.

An elder with gray hair and beard rode a wild ox backwards, leisurely sipping from a wine flask now and then.

The wild ox stopped three feet before Qin An, its large, bell-like eyes sizing up the young man before it, and surprisingly, it spoke human words.

"Old thing, we've reached the place. This young fellow seems like a good seedling."

Feeling the evil qi emanating from the wild ox, Qin An's fingers tightened slightly, and his black blade was already drawn three inches: "Pseudo-God."

The wild ox was no demon but a Pseudo-God, and moreover, one at the Returning to Storage Realm.

Pseudo-Gods are all forms born from thoughts, and this wild ox was undoubtedly not an animal turned spiritual, but rather a thought condensed.

Adding the elder's power, Qin An faced two Returning to Storage entities.

The elder opened his muddled drunk eyes, burping, a hint of appreciation gleaming in his murky eyes: "A vigilant young man, worthy of this old chap's night journey."

With that, he extended the wine flask toward Qin An.

"Care for a sip?"

Qin An remained unmoving, his gaze sharp as a blade: "May I ask the venerable one's name, and your purpose here?"

The elder tidied his disheveled white hair, a playful smile appearing on his furrowed face: "If this old man doesn't tell you, would you dare to strike at the Returning to Storage Realm with your blade?"

The mountain wind suddenly stilled.

Qin An's grip on the blade was as firm as a rock, silence being the best answer.

The elder, seeing this, found his interest growing even stronger, then handed a letter to Qin An, saying: "I'm here on someone's behalf, bringing you a letter with no malicious intent."

Qin An did not accept it.

"Interesting."

The elder burst into laughter: "Entrusted by someone to do something for them, take the letter or not, as you wish."

With that, he patted the ox's rump.

"Let's go, old beast."

The wild ox mooed in dissatisfaction: "You're the old beast! Your ancestors for eighteen generations are old beasts!"

The elder lay back against the ox, holding the wine flask high, the clear liquor tracing a silver arc in the moonlight: "We're of the same family, so if you curse my ancestors, you're cursing yours as well."

The bickering between the man and the ox gradually faded, eventually dissolving into the mountain night.

Qin An sheathed the black blade, murmuring to himself: "A decent Pseudo-God indeed."

Having learned earlier, Pseudo-Gods are also divided into good and evil.

The kind ones can benefit a region, while the evil ones consume human livers and hearts.

Regardless, the elder indeed bore no hostility.

Otherwise, if these two Returning to Storage Realm experts had attacked, his life would have been forfeit.

On the ground, the moonlight lent a silver edge to the letter.

After a moment of thought, Qin An channeled the True Qi within him, and a foot-long Gang Qi surged forth.

Wrapping his hand with Gang Qi, Qin An picked up the letter from the ground.

Opening it revealed nothing unusual, just a few lines of hasty scrawl.

[Guo Jinfa has already detailed to me the matter of the Yang Elixir.]

[Hasten the Returning to Storage, and strive to complete the Patrolling Mountain Rank task to build a reputation.]

[Zongzhou, penned by hand.]

The few lines appeared quite hasty, yet between the lines was an overwhelming sense of horror, as mighty as a mountain.

Especially the last two words "Zongzhou," which surprised Qin An greatly.

Regarding this "Zongzhou," in Qin An's mind, the person has always been mysterious.

His power is at the pinnacle of Lingzhou, but due to handling the Demon Hall, he temporarily went out with three Jinzhou Rank officers.

Now, Zongzhou suddenly sends a letter through the elder, there must be something amiss.

After careful thought, Qin An already understood the reason.

The letter mentions the Yang Elixir, doesn't this imply that those above have already planned to investigate the Yang Elixir matter?

Within Daqian, never underestimate the Evil Extermination Bureau.

They possess unimaginable energy.

If the investigation reaches him, future events might carry the risk of life-threatening peril.

"So for now, Zongzhou is also covering for me."

"No wonder Guo Jinfa was able to conceal it, with Zongzhou backing him."

"In this case, enhancing my strength is of utmost urgency."

Standing under the moonlight, Qin An lightly tapped the sheath, his thoughts racing.

Currently, the crises before him remain.

First is the Fire Crow Race and two other forces; they are the top three forces in Lingzhou, and even if one achieved perfect Jade Bone, it's said there are quite a few in the Returning to Storage Realm.

Secondly, there's the Demon Hall.

From what Hongxuan mentioned this time, the Demon Hall dearly wants his head.

Finally, the people above.

By refining the Yang Elixir, he made it so that Lingzhou is no longer bound by those above, unlike the Alchemy Master Alliance, without the protection like Ge Feng.

If those above fear that he might leak the Yang Elixir's refining method, catastrophe might descend upon him.

Qin An squinted his eyes, having made up his mind.

"The urgent task is to quickly accumulate two Yang Elixirs, then rapidly break through to Returning to Storage."

"Occupational proficiency must swiftly reach level six in full."

"On this return trip, first elevate Blacksmithing to level six."

Yang Elixir is the priority, it must come first, for entering Returning to Storage is the foundation to stand firm in Lingzhou.

Occupational proficiency is fundamental, he plans to return and train Blacksmithing to its second qualitative change.

Next are tasks, raising his prestige as high as possible, ensuring leeway even if events transpire.

With these thoughts, Qin An no longer lingered, taking advantage of the moonlight to head towards the nearest station.

...

In Lingzhou, there was no wind or rain.

The sunshine was just right today.

A carriage entered through the city gate.

Citizens alighted from the carriage successively.

With the patrol mountain bronze badge at his waist, Qin An disembarked the shaft slowly, heading toward the Evil Extermination Bureau.

The Evil Extermination Bureau was as usual, bustling today.

Ye Lengshuang, having no tasks today, was checking the tasks of the bronze state officers under her.

As a silver state officer, a small portion of her subordinates' merits would be credited to her.

Although scant, accumulated over time, it became a considerable sum.

Nearby stood her younger sister, Ye Lengyu, dressed in white, her eyes darting mischievously while scanning the passing state officials.

"Sister, when will the savior you mentioned return?"

She was somewhat bored, yet filled with curiosity.

Ye Lengshuang, after finishing her count, looked up, saying: "He's joined the Patrolling Mountain Rank, hunting demons across a thousand miles, I don't know when he'll return either."

Ye Lengyu gave an "oh" in reply, her expression lackluster.

She often heard her sister mention Qin An, which sparked great curiosity in her about him.

Especially upon hearing that Qin An joined the Patrolling Mountain Rank, her curiosity had been maximized.

Yet, it's common for those in the Patrolling Mountain Rank to seldom return to the Evil Extermination Bureau, and she had never met Qin An.

Ye Lengshuang was about to speak a few more words with her sister.

At this moment, a series of gasps suddenly erupted.

The Evil Extermination Bureau is a gathering place for the elite of Lingzhou, so whatever has caused this must be significant.

Ye Lengshuang instinctively lifted her gaze and her pupils contracted slightly.

At the entrance of the Evil Extermination Bureau, a young man was approaching slowly.

The young man's appearance was handsome, his brows as calm as autumn waters.

A black saber hung at his waist like ink, and his bronze badge shone brilliantly.

Both the state officials and passing Silver Guardsmen halted their tasks and cast reverent glances.

Those who enter as Mountain Patrol Guards rarely meet a good end.

State Guardsmen are required to show respect.

Seeing her sister's expression, Ye Lengyu immediately understood and covered her red lips with her hand, "Sister, is he..."

Ye Lengshuang nodded, "That's right, he is Qin An."

Having received confirmation from her sister, Ye Lengyu gently moved her lotus steps, preparing to follow.

Unexpectedly, Ye Lengshuang restrained Ye Lengyu with a pull and a press.

"Sister, what do you mean by this?"

"Do not disturb him."

Seeing Qin An's silhouette disappear, Ye Lengshuang said with a complex expression, "He has returned, which means his mission is complete. The Mountain Patrol Guard's tasks are more dangerous than ours. Let him rest well."

Ye Lengyu was stunned, and after regaining her senses, clenched her fair fists and lifted her head, "Sister, I want to become a Mountain Patrol Guard!"

The silhouette of Qin An earlier seemed to etch itself in Ye Lengyu's mind.

The usually arrogant Silver Guard even showed respect towards Qin An.

She couldn't even imagine it.

Her ordinarily proud sister even uttered words of not disturbing.

"He is so imposing."

A thought emerged in Ye Lengyu's mind.

Ye Lengshuang knocked on her sister's head, "Get through the state official selection first."

Ye Lengyu held her head, crying out in pain repeatedly.

...

Confidential Library.

After inspecting Qin An's Mountain Patrol badge, the Internal Affairs Department officer respectfully presented it, "Sir, you can exchange it for three Jade Bone Realm Cultivation Techniques."

Qin An nodded and asked, "Can I exchange for demon essence?"

If it's a State Guard, demon essence can only be obtained after completing a mission. Most of their merits are for exchanging cultivation techniques.

The Mountain Patrol Guard is different; their exchanges aren't limited to cultivation techniques.

The Internal Affairs Department officer, understanding Qin An's intention, replied, "Sir, ordinarily there wouldn't be a problem, but not now."

Qin An frowned, "Why not?"

The Internal Affairs Department officer respectfully explained, "A message came from the master state a thousand miles away; all demon essence has been allocated to Spring Breeze Hall and cannot be exchanged temporarily."

Upon hearing this, Qin An understood the reason.

Now that Ge Feng has mastered the method to refine Yang Elixirs, the master state must want to use the stocked demon essence to quickly refine Yang Elixirs to enhance the depth of the Evil Extermination Bureau.

After thinking for a moment, Qin An asked, "Can I exchange my merits for a Returning to Storage Realm Cultivation Technique?"

The Internal Affairs Department officer shook his head, "Only ten Jade Bone Realm Cultivation Technique merits can be exchanged for one Returning to Storage Realm Cultivation Technique."

"Moreover, it requires you to be promoted to a Silver Patrol Guard first."

Qin An nodded thoughtfully, turned around, and left.

He did not intend to redeem the Jade Bone Realm Cultivation Technique, planning instead to save for later and exchange for a Returning to Storage Realm Cultivation Technique, which can be greatly beneficial.

As for how to get promoted to a Silver Patrol Guard, one requirement is to reach the Returning to Storage Realm, and the other is merits.

These can be addressed later.

He had just heard from the Internal Affairs Department officer about Spring Breeze Hall and knew that Ge Feng was now backed by the Evil Extermination Bureau.

Thus, Qin An had an idea.

Perhaps this idea could help him obtain Yang Elixirs sooner.

...

Leaving the Confidential Library, Qin An headed towards the Spring Breeze Hall.

The route was bustling with activity.

Voices of commotion, noise, and hawking rose and fell.

With the black saber at his waist, many commoners quietly gave way upon seeing him.

Without incident, Qin An arrived at Spring Breeze Hall.

Currently, at the entrance of Spring Breeze Hall, two Silver Guards with silver plaques were guarding the place.

Upon seeing Qin An, the two Silver Guards exchanged glances, and one stepped forward.

"Brother, you cannot enter here without permission."

Qin An frowned but then understood the reason.

Ge Feng, who could refine Yang Elixirs, naturally needed to be well protected.

Otherwise, anything happening would be a loss for Lingzhou.

After a brief consideration, Qin An said, "I wish to see Ge Feng. Please inform him that Qin An is here."

"If he wishes to see me, he will naturally let me enter."

The Silver Guard was slightly stunned, "Brother is Qin An?"

Qin An looked up, "You know me?"

The Silver Guard nodded, "As a new Silver Guard, daring to become a Mountain Patrol Guard, such fame has already spread among the Silver Guards. Meeting you today proves it's well-deserved."

"If you have time, after I finish my shift, let's hang out at the Music Bureau."

"It's on me."

Not expecting to encounter Qin An, he naturally wanted to connect.

Although the Evil Extermination Bureau lived by the sword, it valued networking somewhat.

It's known that the martial world also has its human relationships and matters of the heart.

Qin An shook his head, "No need. I truly have an urgent matter and need to seek a pill from Ge Feng."

Specifically which pill, Qin An did not mention.

Sensing Qin An's seriousness, the Silver Guard did not probe further. After a moment's wait, he left.

Not long after, the Silver Guard emerged and said, "Mr. Qin, please!"

Qin An placed his hand on the sword sheath, stepping into the inner courtyard.

...

In the inner courtyard.

Ge Feng was stationed at the pill furnace.

The flame of the pill furnace had long been extinguished, and Ge Feng was glancing around, seemingly wishing to see the person he desired to meet.

At this moment, a silhouette gradually became clear.

Ge Feng returned to his senses, hastily stepping forward. Seeing no one around, he bowed deeply, "Student greets the teacher."

Qin An's lips twitched slightly.

He knew Ge Feng was stubborn, but he hadn't expected such persistence.

However, this visit was for an important matter, and Qin An didn't intend to dwell on it.

"How much demon essence remains, enough to refine how many Yang Elixirs?"

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