The hurried footsteps shattered the quiet of the courtyard, and Qin An frowned slightly.

He preferred peace, which is why he chose this secluded courtyard.

As a Patrol Mountain Silver Guard, and considering his current reputation among the Patrol Guards, it was rare for anyone from the Evil Extermination Bureau to disturb him.

The urgency of these footsteps must mean there is an important matter to discuss.

Considering this, Qin An paused in contemplation, setting aside his thoughts for now, and got up to open the door.

As soon as the door opened, the figure of Yang Quanfeng came into view.

"Qin An, just as you're here—hold on, the aura around you..."

Originally anxious, Yang Quanfeng's expression suddenly froze, disbelief and shock flashing in his eyes.

"You... broke through to the Vein Condensation Realm!"

As an experienced expert of the Returning to Storage Realm, Yang Quanfeng's perception would not be mistaken.

The pressure surrounding Qin An at this moment clearly surpassed the scope of the Returning to Storage Realm.

Qin An nodded calmly, "Just entered the Vein Condensation Realm."

Yang Quanfeng stood there like he was struck by lightning, as motionless as a wooden statue, momentarily forgetting the purpose of his visit.

"This... how could it be so fast!"

The Vein Condensation Realm is said to be the top combat power in Lingzhou.

In the Evil Extermination Bureau, only the Patrol Mountain Gold Guard possessed the cultivation of the Vein Condensation Realm.

Even Yang Quanfeng himself was only at the Returning to Storage Realm, far from the Vein Condensation Realm.

But now Qin An had actually entered the Vein Condensation Realm!

What an incredible talent!

Thinking back to a few months ago, Qin An was just an insignificant figure in the Evil Extermination Bureau.

Yet, in such a short time, he had crossed so many realms to reach the Vein Condensation Realm, even surpassing him.

In that instant, the feelings in Yang Quanfeng's heart were extremely complex; besides shock, there was also a touch of bitterness in his gaze towards Qin An.

"Previously, I mentioned to Wan Ziqing that in a few days we would have to honor you as Mr. Qin, but I did not expect that my words would come true so soon."

What he thought would take at least half a year, he now realized he had underestimated.

Qin An shook his head and said, "I am still a Patrol Mountain Silver Guard, so there's no need to call me 'Mister'."

"You came hurriedly, so there must be something important to discuss."

Regarding the matter of the realm, Qin An saw no need to hide it, as he needed those above to see his talent and potential in order to resolve the issue of Yang Elixir.

However, Qin An did not wish to dwell on the topic of realms here. By the look of Yang Quanfeng, it seemed he was here for other matters.

Yang Quanfeng snapped back to reality, smiling bitterly, "You almost made me forget the real business here."

Saying this, Yang Quanfeng's expression gradually became serious.

"The Jinzhou Guard sent by the General State has arrived, specifically requesting to see you."

General State?

Jinzhou Guard?

Qin An frowned slightly, his eyes flickering, "It seems the situation over there has eased."

Since the events with the Demon Hall and Demon Transformation Pool broke out, the General State had sent three Jinzhou Guards to the wilderness.

Now that they could dispatch someone back, there must have been changes in the battle situation.

Yang Quanfeng nodded, "Indeed, since the incident with the Four Yin Women was exposed, the Demon Hall suffered significant losses, but the General State still cannot withdraw entirely, sending only one person back to the bureau."

Qin An pondered, "If that's the case, let's go meet them."

Now that the Jinzhou Guard had returned and specifically asked to see him, it must be on the General State's orders.

Qin An was somewhat intrigued.

Especially concerning matters of the Demon Hall, which now interested him even more.

After all, only by eliminating all demons of the Demon Hall could they remove external threats.

The two of them did not speak further; after leaving, they headed towards Yang Quanfeng's small courtyard.

...

In the courtyard, the atmosphere was heavy.

All the Jinzhou Guards stationed at the Evil Extermination Bureau were present, gathered there.

Besides them, there was a middle-aged man in plain clothes, sipping tea.

The man had a square face, exuding the aura of the Returning to Storage Realm.

No one spoke, giving the courtyard an air of silence.

All attention turned towards the sound of footsteps approaching.

Everyone saw Qin An, with a cold star-studded sword at his side, slowly approaching with Yang Quanfeng.

Upon sensing Qin An's aura, the Jinzhou Guards' expressions changed dramatically, echoing Yang Quanfeng's.

Especially Wan Ziqing, whose face was filled with disbelief; even her usually cold, emotionless demeanor could not hide her surprise.

Mo Chuan rubbed his eyes, thinking he must be mistaken.

Vein Condensation!

All could see at a glance that Qin An had now entered the Vein Condensation Realm.

There was a silence as no one knew what to say.

Originally equal in status, Qin An's entry into the Vein Condensation Realm changed everything.

The sudden shift in status left them momentarily speechless.

Qin An glanced around, calmly took a seat, picked up a cup of tea, took a sip, and then studied the square-faced man.

The square-faced man also observed Qin An, showing a hint of surprise when their gazes met.

"Let's get straight to business," Qin An set down the teacup and got straight to the point, "Why was I called here?"

Given the current situation, Qin An didn't want to waste time.

Excessive pleasantries were unnecessary; it was best to go straight to the point.

Gu Zhenghong picked up on this and said, "Since everyone is here, I'll get straight to it."

"The matter of the Demon Transformation Pool is nearing its conclusion."

At this, everyone present frowned.

Regarding the intelligence on the Demon Transformation Pool, these stationed Jinzhou Guards knew very little.

After all, it was the General State pursuing this issue, and they, stationed at the Evil Extermination Bureau, were naturally unaware.

Qin An's fingertips lightly grazed his sword's hilt, "The Demon Hall could no longer hold back?"

Gu Zhenghong responded gravely, "Indeed, ever since the Four Yin Women incident was uncovered, the Demon Hall seems to have lost an important leverage, and now they are deploying troops for a final gamble."

Qin An pondered for a moment, then said, "It seems the Mountain Patrol Officer should set out."

The information he received indicated that the Yao Hall was determined to obtain the Demon Transformation Pool.

The reason for the leaked news was merely to use the Demon Transformation Pool to hold the capital region in check.

The matter of the Four-Yin Woman is crucial to the Demon Transformation Pool. Without pleasing the Demon Transformation Pool with a Four-Yin Woman, the Yao Hall might have to find other methods.

Now that the Yao Hall is acting, and even making big moves, they are either seeking something similar to the Four-Yin Woman or preparing for a final showdown with the Evil Extermination Bureau.

Either way, it is a good thing for the Evil Extermination Bureau.

The enemy is in the open, while we are in the light. It's far easier to deal with enemies in the light than in the dark.

Gu Zhenghong continued, "The capital region has issued orders. The nine Jinzhou Officers of the Evil Extermination Bureau will stay to maintain stability. The matter of the Demon Transformation Pool is fully handed over to the Mountain Patrol Officer."

As soon as he said this, the Jinzhou Officers present exchanged looks, clearly surprised by the order.

They hadn't expected that, with the matter of the Demon Transformation Pool nearing its end, the capital region would arrange for them to continue holding Lingzhou.

After some thought, they understood.

The Mountain Patrol Officer is a level higher than the State Officers, both in strength and position, not something State Officers can compare to.

It is only natural to leave such a major affair to the Mountain Patrol Officer.

As for them, the State Officers, they only needed to ensure the rear court wouldn't catch fire.

This wasn't difficult since the Mountain Patrol Officer would take on part of the burden, leaving them with less pressure.

Qin An rubbed his chin and suddenly asked, "What about me?"

Just now, when Yang Quanfeng found him, he said Gu Zhenghong had something for him.

Now, Gu Zhenghong was issuing a command from the capital region, but it was related to the State Officers.

There was not a word about him.

Gu Zhenghong said, "Don't be anxious, Mr. Qin. I will explain to you in detail later. Everyone, since the orders have been given, let's start preparing."

The Jinzhou Officers exchanged glances, sensing other meanings in Gu Zhenghong's words.

The next conversation was not meant for their ears. The space was to be left for Qin An and Gu Zhenghong.

With that in mind, including Yang Quanfeng, the nine Jinzhou Officers left one by one.

Soon, only Qin An and Gu Zhenghong were left.

Qin An poured himself another cup of tea, sipped a little, and then said, "Mr. Gu, now that no one is here, you can explain in detail."

Gu Zhenghong nodded slightly, his face becoming serious: "The capital region has another task exclusively for you. In two months, a high-ranking figure will visit Lingzhou, and you need to personally escort them."

A high-ranking figure?

Personally escort?

Qin An squinted, eyes focused, fingers gently tapping the table: "What kind of person?"

If even the capital region calls them a high-ranking figure, there can only be one conclusion.

Gu Zhenghong raised his hand and pointed to the sky, "An important figure, as for the specific purpose of their visit to Lingzhou, I don't know either. The capital region explicitly stated you should undertake this task, saying it will be greatly beneficial to you, with no harm."

Qin An nodded, "Understood."

Seeing Qin An so calm, Gu Zhenghong asked curiously, "Aren't you curious about the benefits?"

Qin An shook his head, "Not concerned."

He knew what the benefit was.

The matter of the Yang Elixir was a secret, and judging by Gu Zhenghong's expression, he seemed unaware of it.

The capital region wanted him to protect that high-ranking figure, merely to let him stand out in front of them.

If he had this identity, the matter of the Yang Elixir would be more secure.

This was the only benefit Qin An could think of, as for anything more, he was not aware.

Seeing Qin An's indifferent attitude, Gu Zhenghong said, "If that's the case, then there's nothing more."

Before coming, he had already learned a lot about Qin An, knowing he treated everyone this way, so he wasn't surprised by Qin An's indifferent attitude.

Having completed his task, he needed to set out immediately to continue finding the capital region and alleviate its burdens.

Qin An suddenly said, "Protecting a high-ranking figure is no easy task."

Gu Zhenghong was momentarily stunned, not understanding Qin An's meaning.

Qin An continued, "The task of escorting surely won't rely on me alone. We have to prevent the Yao Hall from taking advantage during the high-ranking figure's visit. At that time, I might find it hard to manage."

Hearing this, Gu Zhenghong's hair stood on end.

He grasped the possibility Qin An mentioned.

If that were indeed the case, the crisis they would face would be much greater.

If the Yao Hall intended to harm the visiting high-ranking figure, they would have to divert attention to ensure the figure's safety.

In this way, the matter of the Demon Transformation Pool would spread their forces thin.

Gu Zhenghong rose and said, "This matter is urgent. I will report it to the capital region immediately!"

There was no time to delay. The two didn't have any more exchanges, and coupled with Gu Zhenghong still having important tasks, he quickly left.

After Gu Zhenghong left, the courtyard returned to silence.

Qin An played with the teacup in his hand, secretly thinking, "The situation in Lingzhou is becoming increasingly bizarre. Two months... enough time for me to train many professions to level nine."

The matter of the Demon Transformation Pool was already elusive, and now with the addition of a high-ranking figure, the situation seemed like a quagmire, impossible to escape.

The only way to break through was to enhance his strength, which was the most urgent matter.

Qin An's plan remained unchanged, aiming to train the butcher to level nine first.

With that in mind, Qin An no longer lingered and left the courtyard.

...

Yao Hall, atop the cliff.

Monkey Elder sat on the edge of the cliff, staring into the abyss below, his eyes slightly dazed.

The empty left sleeve fluttered in the wind, and the wound on his left arm had long scabbed, but the Monkey Elder felt no pain at the moment.

Below, a trembling little demon knelt, face full of terror.

Beside the little demon lay a still-warm demon corpse.

This was what happened when they reported the news earlier, killed by the furious Monkey Elder.

Monkey Elder crushed the wine cup in his hand, sighed, and muttered to himself, "Thirty-two Gui Cang Realm demons were all counter-killed by him. Just how deep is his strength."

The little demon dared not speak, simply bowing lower.

At this moment, heavy footsteps sounded.

The Monkey Elder raised his eyes to look at the newcomer, a cold killing intent flashing in his eyes.

A two-zhang-tall dog demon approached from the foot of the mountain, emanating Vein Condensation Realm cultivation.

The dog demon glanced at the corpse on the ground, eyes cold like ice: "Monkey Elder, you've repeatedly miscalculated, causing the Yao Hall significant losses. The Hall Master commands, if within fifteen days you cannot kill Qin An, then take your own life."

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