"Using demon essence as a guide, this expenditure is not small."

Inside the blacksmith's shop, the furnace was blazing, and the flickering tongues of flame cast shifting shadows on Qin An's face.

Gazing at the rising smoke, Qin An lightly shook his wrist, and the black blade unsheathed with a clear dragon-like hum.

The cracks densely lining the blade looked like fissures in an icy river, as if one more strike would cause it to break apart.

The blacksmith had reached the pinnacle of level five, but advancing required forging with demon essence.

Qin An considered the last pseudo-essence and demon essence he had, just enough to meet the requirements.

Since that was the case, he might as well reforge the black blade now.

As he pondered, Qin An retrieved a piece of metal from his bosom.

Under the reflection of the furnace flames, the metal surface shimmered with a dark blue chill.

Xuanxin Iron.

This metal was from Casting Valley, the best forging material in the valley.

When melted and cast, it could transform a weapon completely.

Since it was a reforging, he decided to add Xuanxin Iron again.

Qin An thought no more and threw the black blade into the furnace.

At the moment the black blade entered the furnace, the flames suddenly leaped three feet higher.

Qin An skillfully controlled the heat, and as the hammer rose and fell, the blade gradually turned into a stream of red.

Until it was nearly finished, he tossed in the Xuanxin Iron and demon essence simultaneously.

The iron melted like snow encountering spring water, while the demon essence turned into a blood-colored mist entwining the blade, blending with the sword billet within a few breaths.

"Now's the time."

Qin An's eyes sparkled with sharp light, and the hammer danced like a meteor, tirelessly striking the black blade.

Only when the black blade began to cool did Qin An finally stop his actions.

Before him, the black blade had already taken on a new appearance.

In the smoke appeared a long, straight blade—the blade was like a frozen cold stream, the guard marked with dark patterns resembling interwoven clouds and water, and the flowing silver light along the edge even pushed the furnace flames back three feet.

Qin An grasped the hilt.

Though a weapon was external, for Qin An's Ice Flame Extinction Saber, this was a tangible improvement.

With this blade, the power of Qin An's Ice Flame Extinction Saber would be even stronger.

Before him, the smoke condensed and then transformed into lines of text, twisting like snakes in the air.

[Blacksmith lv.6 (0/1000): The quality of the items you forge increases, and material consumption decreases]

[Talent: Jade Bone Realm Power Cultivation Technique Great Success, Jade Bone Realm Forged Object Spirituality Granting]

After the black blade was reforged, the blacksmith smoothly advanced to level six, achieving a new transformation.

A flood of forging secret skills surged into his sea of consciousness.

Qin An closed his eyes, instantly mastering all capabilities, as if he were an old blacksmith, familiar with the many methods of blacksmithing.

After reaching level six in blacksmithing, besides the quality enhancement of forged items, there was also a reduced consumption of materials.

This ability was similar to that of a Pill Master.

Additionally, his talent was also enhanced.

He had now reached the level of Jade Bone Realm Power Cultivation Technique Great Success and gained an additional talent.

Spirituality Granting.

As long as he was crafting a Jade Bone Realm weapon, Qin An could imbue it with a spirit during the crafting process.

What is called spirituality is making the crafted item more pure and imparting a sense of unity with the object.

Weapons are always external, but if they possess spirituality, they can be wielded as though they were part of the body.

After a moment's thought, Qin An infused True Qi into the long blade.

The next moment, the long blade hummed slightly, as if it had come alive.

"Is this spirituality?" Qin An was slightly surprised.

He felt as though the long blade was a part of his body and could act according to his will.

"If so, the Ice Flame Extinction Saber's Three Blades Unite would be enough to vanquish the metal pseudo-god of the past."

Qin An gently stroked the spine of the blade, with the cold gleam flowing around his fingers like a living thing.

This not only strengthened the long blade but also enhanced his own power.

"Indeed, the profession is the most important foundation."

Qin An set aside his thoughts, examined the long blade briefly, and said indifferently, "Since you no longer resemble your former self, let's give you a name."

"The blade is slender, and the cold light is like ice; I will call you Cold Star."

He felt like making something lively, thinking of the phrase Frostmourne.

But on second thought, that name was indeed a bit long and not very auspicious.

Having named it, Qin An didn't care how pleasant the name sounded, and sheathed the Cold Star.

"With the blacksmith profession at level six, take a day's rest and continue with tasks tomorrow."

After this fuss, it was already noon.

Qin An stroked the Cold Star, left the blacksmith's shop, ate a bowl of noodles at a roadside stall, and then headed toward the Evil Extermination Bureau.

...

Evil Extermination Bureau.

It was bustling with people, and the regional officers in their dark uniforms were coming and going.

Qin An stepped inside, the patrol mountain bronze token at his waist glowing brightly, attracting the attention of many officers.

From the front yard of the Evil Extermination Bureau to his own small house, the route wasn't long, but he still had to pass by many other people's courtyards.

Along the way, respectful glances swept over him continually.

Qin An paid no heed, getting closer and closer to his house.

Just then, a voice caused Qin An to stop in his tracks.

From the right, within a courtyard, came a resigned sigh.

"Your Excellency, you haven't rested in three days."

"It's better to rest a few days; if you wear yourself out, it will be your loss."

Just as the words faded, Cheng Sufeng's voice was heard.

"The strange ailment given by Elder Sang Yang is indeed too captivating. If I don't unravel it, I'll be preoccupied and how can I achieve Jade Bone Realm Perfection?"

"But if this continues, first to falter will be your health."

"Don't worry about me, just focus on your own task."

"Sigh..."

Qin An raised an eyebrow slightly.

Since returning, due to the urgency of time, he hadn't interacted with Cheng Sufeng.

Just now, he heard the name Sang Yang and thought of the old man riding the cow.

He didn't expect that Sang Yang was acquainted with Cheng Sufeng.

As he was pondering this, Nie Hu came out the door and coincidentally saw Qin An.

Nie Hu trembled slightly, hurriedly cupping his fist, "Greetings, Mr. Qin."

Although respectful, the complexity in his eyes did not diminish.

Not long ago, the two of them were both Tongzhou Envoys, working under Cheng Sufeng, and they even had a bit of friction.

But now, only a short time has passed, and everything has changed.

Qin An, as a Mountain Patrol Tongzhou Envoy, holds a position not inferior to a Silver State Envoy, and with the special nature of the Mountain Patrol Envoy, he dared not show any negligence.

"Hmm..."

Qin An hummed, preparing to say another word.

But just then, hurried footsteps sounded.

Cheng Sufeng, disheveled and with his clothes in disarray, rushed out of the room, even using a body technique to quickly grab Qin An's arm.

"Come, follow me into the room!"

Qin An frowned and said, "What's going on?"

Cheng Sufeng hurriedly said, "Never mind what's going on, let's go inside and talk."

Then, Cheng Sufeng pulled Qin An along towards the house.

Qin An wanted to refuse, but was quite curious about what was inside the house. Knowing it wouldn't take much time, he walked into the house together with Cheng Sufeng.

Only Nie Hu was left in the yard, and after thinking it over, he left the small courtyard alone.

...

Inside the house, it was brightly lit.

The furniture, which was supposed to be placed in an elegant manner, was currently piled up carelessly.

The blue-gray curtains half-hung on the carved wooden bed, a layer of thin dust on the tassels swayed gently with the wind leaking through the window cracks.

Piles of yellowed account books were stacked in the corner, the top one was spread open, the ink had long blurred into indistinct clouds.

Though Cheng Sufeng was usually unkempt, he would never be to this extent.

As Qin An thought this, his eyes fell on a box on the wooden table.

The box was ordinary, but it was engraved with complex patterns, giving it a somewhat refined appearance.

Cheng Sufeng quickly walked to the box, opened it, and said, "Look, what is this?"

Qin An scrutinized the contents of the box and furrowed his brow.

Inside was a jade stone about the size of a fist.

The jade stone exuded a reddish luster, and if someone knowledgeable were here, they would discover that a trace of illness was hidden within.

Cheng Sufeng quickly explained, "Do you know of Elder Sang Yang, from Hundred Medicine Valley, whose medical skills are unparalleled?"

"He was originally wandering all over Lingzhou but suddenly returned for some reason, stayed at my house, and even offered guidance to the younger generation."

"The elder gave me this jade stone, saying that if I could decipher it, I would definitely advance to Jade Bone Realm Perfection."

The more he spoke, the more excited he became, but then, as if recalling something, the excitement on his face vanished, replaced by dejection.

"But my skills are insufficient, I can't discern the illness within."

"Now that you're here, can you help me?"

After speaking, Cheng Sufeng looked at Qin An expectantly.

After listening, Qin An understood, thought for a moment, and said, "If I help you, will you still be able to advance to Jade Bone Realm Perfection?"

He had listened to Cheng Sufeng's explanation, knowing well this was Cheng Sufeng's opportunity.

If he were to get involved, would it instead jeopardize Cheng Sufeng's benefits?

Cheng Sufeng shook his head and said, "No worries, the path of medicine is not a solitary journey. If a master guides, progress is faster."

Qin An nodded.

Since Cheng Sufeng put it that way, he no longer wasted words, stepped forward, picked up the jade stone, and examined it carefully for a moment.

Then, Qin An put down the jade stone and said, "This is fire poison."

Although his medical skills were only at level five, they were already above Cheng Sufeng's level.

If it were any other illness, Qin An might not have easily noticed, but coincidentally, the jade stone contained fire poison.

Qin An had encountered the Fire Crow Race and had even seen women carrying demon fetuses in Luozhe County, instantly seeing the cause.

"Fire poison?"

Cheng Sufeng was slightly startled, then took the jade stone from Qin An's hand and examined it carefully.

His expression went from confusion to joy.

"It's fire poison, it's fire poison!"

"Haha, it's solved, it's solved!"

"So that's it, the fire poison is so intricate!"

Cheng Sufeng felt all his recent dejection disappear, turned around, clasped his fists, and said, "Thank you, Mr. Qin, for your benevolent action, solving the doubts in my heart."

Being a person of sincerity, since Qin An had resolved his doubts, he naturally wouldn't be stingy with his gratitude.

Cheng Sufeng lifted his head, the complexity in his eyes flashed and disappeared: "With such talent, to not study medicine is truly a pity. Now that Elder Sang Yang is visiting, Mr. Qin, why not join me in the Qin Family? If you can get Elder Sang Yang's guidance, surely..."

He still wanted to persuade a little more.

In his view, Qin An's talent was so outstanding that it would be a real pity if he didn't study medicine.

Qin An shook his head and said, "If there's nothing else, I'll be leaving first."

Having been engrossed in the blacksmith profession lately, he was indeed a little weary.

Cheng Sufeng sighed, knowing his persuasion was fruitless, and said no more.

After Qin An left, Cheng Sufeng resumed researching ways to resolve the fire poison.

Knowing the illness, naturally, he could apply the right medicine to it.

About an hour later, Cheng Sufeng, looking at the restored white jade stone, tidied up simply, and stepped out of the room.

He was going to meet Elder Sang Yang and share his method of resolving the fire poison, surely to receive further guidance.

...

Cheng Mansion.

The head of the mansion was exceptionally shrewd, having early on clasped the thigh of the Evil Extermination Bureau.

Added to Cheng Sufeng becoming a Silver State Envoy, Cheng Mansion's status rose rapidly day by day.

At this moment, in the main hall.

Elder Sang Yang sat in the main seat, examining the pure white jade stone in his hand, and commended, "You do have some skills, the old man can offer you some guidance."

The wild bull rolled its eyes, chewing on sweet grass with disdain.

Yesterday, he was hopping mad, but today, he's putting on airs.

Elder Sang Yang ignored the disdain of the wild bull, stroking his long beard with satisfaction.

As a Hundred Medicine Valley elder, when had he ever suffered such grievances.

Now, this esteemed appearance was more like it.

Cheng Sufeng raised his head and said, "Reporting to the elder, this jade stone was not solely deciphered by me."

As the Silver State Envoy, Cheng Sufeng had always been a straight-laced person.

What he did, he wouldn't give to others, and what he didn't do, he wouldn't claim for himself.

Elder Sang Yang raised an eyebrow and said, "Oh? You're honest, which medical master helped you?"

Cheng Sufeng clasped his fists and said, "The Evil Extermination Bureau Mountain Patrol Envoy, Qin An."

Elder Sang Yang, who had been looking calm, abruptly crushed the jade stone in his hand upon hearing the name Qin An.

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