In the quiet room, a beam of dim light slanted through the window lattice.

The silver token suddenly trembled, emitting a soft buzzing sound, which seemed particularly abrupt in this tranquil space.

Qin An frowned slightly, taking out the silver token from his pocket to carefully examine it.

As a Mountain Patrol Guard, he usually took on tasks voluntarily, so the silver token rarely issued a warning on its own.

One exception is when there's a task so important it could overthrow Lingzhou, only then would it ring.

Whenever the token rings, the Mountain Patrol Guard can accept the task.

Qin An was quite curious.

This situation was extremely rare; even when exterminating the Ten Thousand Mouse Cave previously, it didn't occur.

Now that it's happening suddenly, it must not be a simple matter.

With this thought, a stream of True Qi was directed into the silver token.

When the True Qi flowed in, the silver token gleamed with light, and several lines of text hovered in the air.

[Task: Protect the Profound Celestial Array Gate members]

[Members of the Profound Celestial Array Gate will soon arrive in Lingzhou; accompany them into the wilderness, ensuring their safety]

Qin An squinted, a green-clad figure flashed in his mind.

He previously had interactions with the Sect Leader of the Profound Celestial Array Gate, and upon seeing this task, he immediately understood.

"Seems she has discovered traces of the Demon Transformation Pool..." Qin An mused as he rubbed the silver token, raising his eyebrows slightly, "To make the entire state mobilize like this, the array must be extraordinary."

Given his profession as an Array Master, with just a bit of analysis, he deduced the conclusion.

After a brief consideration, Qin An tapped his fingers lightly and accepted the task.

Originally, he intended to concentrate on cultivating medical skills, advancing them to level nine before researching a self-protection cultivation technique.

But after seeing this task, Qin An's thoughts changed.

He had no achievements to exchange for the Cultivation Technique; even if he advanced the medical profession to level nine, he still needed to take on tasks.

The mysterious person who provided the Cultivation Technique would not continue giving them, and he wouldn't entrust his needs to others.

Everything must be within his own control.

The task that has appeared must be able to solve immediate needs; if luck allows, with enough achievements gained, perhaps he wouldn't need to take on tasks for a long time after its completion.

This is one reason.

The second reason is related to the Demon Transformation Pool.

Making the enemy uncomfortable is a great thing for himself.

If he can deliver a significant blow to the Demon Hall during this task, Qin An would gladly make a move.

The third reason is to use this task to enhance his prestige in Lingzhou, with hopes of advancing to a Mountain Patrol Gold Guard.

By then, matters of the Yang Elixir would be more stable.

For any one of these reasons, it's enough for Qin An to accept this task.

"Still have five days, enough to let me continue practicing as a medical practitioner."

Qin An calculated in his mind.

The task states it requires five days.

Five days is enough to increase proficiency by over a thousand points, Qin An didn't want to waste time.

With this thought, Qin An did not stay, and while it was still early, he headed towards the small courtyard where Cheng Sufeng was.

Cheng Sufeng came from a family of doctors; last time, when practicing proficiency as a medical practitioner, it was also through Cheng Sufeng that he sat at the clinic.

This time is no exception.

Before long, Qin An left the courtyard where Cheng Sufeng stayed and headed to the nearest clinic.

...

On the street, people came and went.

When Gao Lingyu and the Great Elder returned to Lingzhou, two days had passed.

The Second Elder arrived slightly later than them but wasn't too delayed.

Regarding the Profound Celestial Array Gate disciples coming to Lingzhou, Gao Lingyu had already sent a message back via carrier pigeon.

In no time, many disciples of the Profound Celestial Array Gate will be coming.

"You all rest for now, I'm going out."

Gao Lingyu stood up and walked out of the inn.

The two elders exchanged glances but did not speak.

They knew why the Sect Leader was going out; it must be related to Qin An, whom she had encountered before.

In their eyes, Qin An indeed has some attainment in arrays, but for the Sect Leader of the Profound Celestial Array Gate to visit a second time, it seemed undeserved.

Nevertheless, Gao Lingyu is the Sect Leader, and if the Sect Leader acts this way, they dare not utter a word of complaint.

...

After leaving, Gao Lingyu made her way alone to the Evil Extermination Bureau.

Once the disciples of the Profound Celestial Array Gate arrive in Lingzhou, it will inevitably attract the attention of the Demon Hall, a matter impossible to conceal.

The central state is aware of this, thus issuing the task to the Mountain Patrol Guards.

Since it can't be concealed, Gao Lingyu naturally saw no need to hide her identity.

She intended to go directly to the Evil Extermination Bureau to have a thorough discussion with Qin An.

After witnessing Qin An's talent, Gao Lingyu developed a fondness for nurturing it.

If Qin An could abandon the dangerous task at the Evil Extermination Bureau and go to Xunyang Prefecture to peacefully cultivate in the way of arrays, Gao Lingyu felt it would be beneficial for Qin An.

Only those proficient in arrays know how difficult the path of arrays is.

Otherwise, in the vast Xunyang Prefecture, there wouldn't be only the Profound Celestial Array Gate dominating.

Qin An's prominence as a Mountain Patrol Guard in Lingzhou proves his formidable combat strength.

With substantial combat strength, coupled with achieving this level of array proficiency, if he were to fully devote himself to array cultivation, he would be astoundingly exceptional.

This is why Gao Lingyu must visit again.

"What? He went to the clinic?" Gao Lingyu stood at the entrance of the Evil Extermination Bureau, stunned upon hearing the state official's words.

She had assumed Qin An was at the Evil Extermination Bureau, or at least executing tasks outside, but what was he doing at a clinic?

The state official replied helplessly, "Mr. Qin currently seldom takes on tasks, previously frequenting a bookstore, then tinkering with blacksmithing, and today, it seems he's sitting in at a clinic."

"A bookstore? Blacksmithing? A clinic?"

Gao Lingyu even doubted her ears, her beautiful eyes filled with disbelief.

Evidently possessing such potent array talent, yet wanting to wield a blade.

Wielding a blade would be one thing, but reading books and blacksmithing, now even becoming a doctor?

Is it that Qin An is mad, or is Gao Lingyu herself mad?

Could it be that those with exceptional talent all have unique little quirks?

Gao Lingyu took a deep breath, calmed herself, asked for the location of the clinic where Qin An was, and left without looking back.

The state official watched Gao Lingyu's departing figure, scratched his head, and continued to guard the entrance.

...

Medical Hall.

There was a long queue of people waiting for diagnoses.

At the front of the line, Qin An, dressed in black, sat on a chair with a stern expression, diagnosing the civilians.

The medical halls in Lingzhou were all run by the Cheng Family, so for Qin An to sit in on a consultation was just a matter of saying a word.

Moreover, given Qin An's status as a patrolling officer in the mountain, the Cheng Family's patriarch was eager to befriend Qin An.

As the civilians were gradually being diagnosed, the physician's proficiency was also steadily increasing.

At this moment, a sudden sound of footsteps was heard.

Qin An glanced up, and upon seeing who it was, raised an eyebrow and said, "Is there any news on the array matter?"

Although he was speaking, his hands did not stop. After diagnosing the pulse, he skillfully prescribed medicine to the civilian.

Gao Lingyu looked at Qin An with a complex expression, saying, "May I have a word with you privately?"

Qin An pondered briefly, then called over the respectful-looking physician beside him, "You attend to the patients for me."

The physician quickly and respectfully agreed.

This attitude made Gao Lingyu ponder deeply.

This reverence wasn't feigned, nor was it merely due to Qin An's status.

It was due to Qin An's medical skills.

She had been here for quite a while, and upon observing Qin An's consultations, discovered that he truly knew medicine.

And judging by the physician's expression, his medical skills were indeed extraordinary.

Seeing Qin An already getting up to head to the backyard, Gao Lingyu hastily followed behind him.

After arriving at the inner courtyard, Qin An found an elegant stone table to sit at and asked, "What's the matter?"

Gao Lingyu walked opposite Qin An and sat down gracefully, saying, "If you could cultivate the array with me..."

Her words had become rather hesitant, completely different from her previously lofty demeanor when meeting Qin An.

If Qin An were a swordsman, she might still be able to persuade him.

But the medical skills Qin An displayed now made her unconsciously equalize their statuses.

This was also caused by the surprises Qin An consistently brought to Gao Lingyu.

Qin An frowned and said, "If it's about that, there's no need to mention it. I have other matters to attend to and do not wish to waste my time."

He originally thought Gao Lingyu had come to inform him about the Demon Hall's news, but he didn't expect it to be regarding this.

With less than three days before the mission starts, Qin An didn't want to waste time improving his medical proficiency.

Gao Lingyu slightly opened her mouth and asked, "Is the Demon Hall's information that important?"

Qin An nodded and said, "Of course, if we know the Demon Hall's information, there's a chance to strike a heavy blow to them."

Gao Lingyu asked, "Do you have a deep vendetta with the Demon Hall?"

"To the death," Qin An said flatly.

Gao Lingyu seemed to grasp the key: "With such outstanding talent, once you join the Profound Celestial Array Gate, you would gain protection from many forces. Xunyang Prefecture is much better than Lingzhou; a mere Demon Hall wouldn't dare touch you."

At this moment, Gao Lingyu thought of persuading Qin An to join the Profound Celestial Array Gate under the guise of protection, which was the only reason she could think of.

"Talent?" Qin An heard this and shook his head indifferently, "No need, I have my methods."

What is called talent?

Qin An knew well in his heart.

He had no talent; everything was due to proficiency.

Only through constant practice in various professions could he continuously improve himself.

And the achievements of the Evil Extermination Bureau were complementary.

Joining a so-called sect force would only bind him with another layer of chains.

Gao Lingyu bit her lower lip.

As the Sect Leader of the Profound Celestial Array Gate, she had already considered Qin An exceptionally valuable, even persuading in such a manner.

Yet, she didn't expect Qin An to remain the same.

This time, Gao Lingyu didn't maintain her previous tough stance.

"In that case, I'll leave first."

Gao Lingyu stood up with a touch of melancholy, "If you change your mind, the Profound Celestial Array Gate always welcomes you."

She had come primarily to recruit Qin An, and since Qin An was unwilling, there was no point in staying.

Qin An watched Gao Lingyu leave, then returned to the medical hall to continue the task of diagnosing patients.

...

Time passed, and three days swiftly went by.

Qin An got up early, and after having breakfast, went to the Internal Affairs Department to fetch a fast horse, heading toward the wilderness.

Last night, the specific location had been communicated; it was in the bamboo forest south of Lingzhou.

Since the mission time had arrived, Qin An naturally did not plan to continue practicing medical proficiency.

Soon, Qin An rode the fast horse and swiftly disappeared into the corner of the street.

...

Demon Hall.

Atop a towering peak, amid broken walls and ruins, a white figure climbed step by step.

A white-robed man with a scholar's hat exuded a gentle demeanor, yet two ferocious great demons followed behind him.

One of them, just recently, had conflicts with Elder Monkey—a Dog Demon.

"Elder Dog." The white-robed man suddenly halted, "Elder Monkey is dead, what do you think?"

Elder Dog's pupils contracted, and he respectfully clasped his hands, "To be inferior in skill is one thing, but the terror of Qin An's talent is another. In any case... Qin An must die."

Beside him, a Bird Demon with a sharp beak had its eyes gleaming coldly, "A human with such talent will become a grave threat to the Demon Hall if not eliminated."

The white-robed man gently caressed his hat's string, suddenly sneering, "Then I'll give you an opportunity, how about you kill Qin An?"

Elder Dog looked visibly surprised, "How do we kill him?"

The white-robed man withdrew the coldness, "My uncle informed me that people from Profound Celestial Array Gate suddenly left Xunyang Prefecture, heading towards Lingzhou. It seems the chief state has already seen through our plan."

"If that's the case, why not turn their strategy against them?"

As he spoke, both Elder Dog and Elder Bird remained silent.

They knew that the white-robed man must have more to say.

Sure enough, after a brief pause, the white-robed man continued to speak at length.

"Send many elders there; this battle must not only kill Qin An but also annihilate all the disciples of the Profound Celestial Array Gate."

"Not only can it resolve the crisis in Lingzhou, but it can also eliminate the major threat for the Xunyang Prefecture demon tribe."

A terrifying murderous aura emanated from the white-robed man.

Elder Dog and Elder Bird exchanged glances and respectfully said, "Yes, Hall Master!"

The Hall Master took off his scholar's hat, revealing a pair of prominent dragon horns on his forehead, shimmering with a chilling gleam in the morning light.

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