"The affairs of Xunyang Prefecture?"

Upon hearing this, Qin An's eyes flashed with brilliance, and he understood in his heart.

"It's still quite some time before the one-month deadline Zhao Wuhuan mentioned, but it seems to have been expedited."

Qin An took the letter from the Internal Affairs Department's state official, lightly tapping the envelope with his knuckles, pondering in his heart.

In fact, whether it is expedited or delayed is very normal.

What Zhao Wuhuan mentioned was just an approximation.

Regarding the expedited timing, Qin An found no issue with it.

After delivering the letter, the state official from the Internal Affairs Department left respectfully.

The affairs of Xunyang Prefecture were not something a small official like him dared to presumptuously speculate about.

Hearing even one more sentence could invite a lethal disaster.

He didn't want to lose his life because he heard too much.

After the state official from the Internal Affairs Department left, Ge Feng also tactfully excused himself.

Although he had allied himself with the Evil Extermination Bureau, he wasn't part of it, so he didn't dare to look or listen much.

In the blink of an eye, only Mr. Sun and Qin An remained here.

As soon as Mr. Sun heard the words Xunyang Prefecture, he knew Qin An probably wouldn't stay in Lingzhou for long.

He didn't rush to leave, patiently waiting instead.

Qin An lightly flicked his fingertips, and the letter opened in response.

Dense small characters jumped into view.

But the entire content conveyed only one message — the Yang Elixir disturbance has been resolved, and he is ordered to depart within three days for Xunyang Prefecture to assume his post.

The specific duties were unclear, but Qin An understood that the turmoil above had already calmed.

Qin An slipped the letter into his robe and eyed, "Still not leaving?"

Mr. Sun stroked his beard and chuckled softly, "I am waiting for Mr. Qin."

Qin An asked with interest, "Why wait for me?"

Mr. Sun smiled slightly, "Once this letter arrived, Mr. Qin would surely leave Lingzhou, did I guess correctly?"

Qin An nodded slightly, "What keen eyes."

"Not daring to claim keen eyes," Mr. Sun changed the topic, "How about we travel together?"

He remained immensely curious about Qin An, not only for his talent in the Medical Dao but also for his extraordinary talents in both the Alchemy Dao and Array techniques.

Even in the path of cultivation, he seems like an unparalleled prodigy.

Since they both have to go to Xunyang Prefecture, traveling together allows Mr. Sun an opportunity to genuinely exchange knowledge about the medical path with Qin An.

After all, even though his medical skills are superb, there are many areas he hasn't mastered entirely, and Qin An has quite a broad expertise in the Returning to Storage Realm's medical arts.

Qin An pondered for a moment and nodded, "Very well."

This journey is long, and Mr. Sun does have a decent network in Xunyang Prefecture.

Fostering a good relationship with Mr. Sun brings nothing but benefits for himself.

The two spoke no more and then headed towards the Evil Extermination Bureau.

Qin An didn't intend to leave right away; he planned to pack up a bit and exchange some beast crystals before departing.

The weather would be fine the next morning, which would be an opportune time to set off for Xunyang Prefecture.

After returning to the Evil Extermination Bureau, Qin An exchanged for five beast crystals and kept the remaining merit, intending to exchange for corresponding cultivation techniques when enhancing other professions.

Mr. Sun returned to the accommodation arranged by the Evil Extermination Bureau, and Qin An also went to his courtyard.

...

Surveying the scenery in the courtyard, every plant and tree seemed particularly familiar at this moment.

Qin An felt a pang of emotion in his heart.

From Ding County to Lingzhou, he carved a bloody path with his Straight Blade to achieve his current position.

Now, about to leave Lingzhou for a position in Xunyang Prefecture, he felt somewhat reluctant.

This emotion is common, and Qin An didn't think there was anything inappropriate about it.

People have emotions and desires, but as long as you can suppress your desires and release only the positive parts, you can transform desire into progress.

Qin An shook his head to disperse his sadness and lightly tapped on the desk, planning for the matters to come.

"Though the overt crisis is resolved, undercurrents still stir."

"Xunyang Prefecture may have cleared me of the Yang Elixir issue, but there are always some who dislike me, that's one."

"The second issue lies with the demons of Xunyang Prefecture, especially the Hall Master's uncle, whose desire to kill me probably swells like a tidal wave, eager to eliminate me."

"No matter which crisis, I cannot afford to stop; only through courageous advancement can I safeguard myself."

"And the basis for my courageous advancement is professional mastery."

Qin An continuously contemplated and soon determined his plan.

"After taking office at the Evil Extermination Bureau of Xunyang Prefecture, continue to enhance merit."

"On one hand, improve professional mastery to deduce cultivation techniques; on the other, collect beast crystals to achieve the Supreme True Elixir."

Qin An's eyes shone with a determined light, slowly grasping the cold star at his waist.

"I must achieve the Outer Elixir Realm with supreme foundation!"

The moonlight filtered through the window, casting dappled shadows on his well-defined face, with an aura faintly surging around him.

...

At dawn the next day, when the first rays of the morning sun appeared on the horizon, Qin An was ready to depart.

He had a pack strapped on his back, light and simple, with only some spare rations inside.

Though the journey is long, he could replenish food along the way, so he didn't need to carry too much.

When he opened the door and stepped out, besides Mr. Sun, many familiar faces greeted him.

Yang Quanfeng, Wan Ziqing, Mo Chuan, Ye Lengshuang, and others.

All the acquaintances Qin An made after arriving at the Evil Extermination Bureau were present.

Qin An knew their purpose for coming and, with a solemn expression, walked up to them.

Yang Quanfeng stepped forward two steps, clasping his hands, "Mr. Qin, as you head to Xunyang Prefecture, like a dragon soaring through the sky, you will surely carry the might of Lingzhou to sweep over Xunyang Prefecture!"

When he said this, there was not a hint of falsehood in Yang Quanfeng's words.

If others were to go to Xunyang Prefecture, he might not have thought much of it, but it was different with Qin An.

Given Qin An's prodigious talent, he believed that soon, the fame of Qin An's fists and blades would fill Xunyang Prefecture.

Wan Ziqing's expression remained as calm as water, but a complex emotion flashed in her eyes: "I never imagined that the decision I made by chance back then would make you the most prominent new rising star in Lingzhou."

"The journey ahead is long; be careful and take care of yourself."

Cheng Sufeng couldn't hide his excitement: "Mr. Qin, I have already joined the Mountain Patrol, which has been my lifelong dream; I will never forget our days together!"

Ye Lengshuang hesitated for a moment, looked around, then slightly bowed, "Thank you, Mr. Qin, for saving my sister's life. Even if you leave Xunyang Prefecture, I won't forget this kindness."

Other familiar faces also stepped forward to greet him.

As for Li and the other mountain patrol officers, they did not appear.

After all, for these patrol officers who travel vast distances to hunt demons, they couldn't stay long in the Evil Extermination Bureau.

Qin An returned the courtesy one by one, without the slightest air of superiority.

These people had provided him much help when he arrived in Lingzhou.

Now, as he was about to leave Xunyang Prefecture, Qin An naturally would not be at all impolite.

"Everyone, since I came to Lingzhou, I have troubled you all."

"Afterwards, when I go to Xunyang Prefecture, if anything happens, I will give my all to assist." Qin An said slowly.

The words were few but carried great weight.

The crowd nodded slightly.

Mr. Sun observed this scene, secretly amazed.

In the Evil Extermination Bureau, there were many experts and countless geniuses.

But the only one who could, by his own strength, make the entire Lingzhou Evil Extermination Bureau submit, was Qin An.

He was more convinced that, after Qin An went to Xunyang Prefecture, it would certainly cause a great stir.

People of the martial world don't concern themselves much with emotional farewells.

Once Qin An finished speaking, he said no more, and with his luggage on his back, he and Mr. Sun mounted two fast horses and headed straight down the official road.

Yang Quanfeng and the others watched Qin An depart, all remaining silent.

After a long time, a long sigh finally resonated.

Everyone turned their attention to Yang Quanfeng.

Yang Quanfeng gripped the iron hammer at his waist and spoke slowly, "This time, going to Xunyang Prefecture, the sea is vast enough for fish to leap, the sky high enough for birds to fly."

"Just you wait and see, when Mr. Qin rises to greatness in Xunyang Prefecture."

...

On the official road, the sound of horse hooves broke, and the rain curtain grew thicker.

The weather became increasingly variable.

In the morning, the sky was clear, yet by midday, it was already shrouded in drizzle.

Qin An and Mr. Sun each rode a fast horse, wearing rain cloaks, galloping along the official road.

Though Mr. Sun looked aged, he was a Condensed Vein expert, and his riding skills were no less than Qin An's.

The two didn't take a carriage, not because they didn't want comfort, but because they both had urgent business.

Qin An needed to quickly take office, while Mr. Sun was rushing to treat a noble person.

The closer they got to Xunyang Prefecture, the broader the official road became.

The rain intensified, with bean-sized drops smashing onto the bluestone, splashing into sprays of water.

Mr. Sun tightened the reins, turning his head and saying, "Mr. Qin, the rain is heavy; why not rest at the nearest post station for a while?"

Sitting on horseback, Qin An nodded, "Just what I was thinking."

The heavier the rain, the more it obstructed the horses' vision, actually slowing their pace.

Better to rest at the nearest official road, and wait for the rain to lighten a bit, then change to two faster horses, saving time.

Having made up their minds, the two headed towards the nearest official post station.

...

The Yangshan Post Station is near the Xunyang Prefecture.

This station was quite large, accommodating travelers to rest.

The post station also often sold food and water, serving as supplies.

At this moment, the rain was heavy, but luckily, the Yangshan Post Station had already set up a large canopy, making it the driest place at the station.

The post station was already filled with people.

The hall was bustling with voices.

Merchants, officials, and wanderers gathered in small groups.

The servant weaved through the tables with a teapot, refilling water for each table.

Though the Daqian was in turmoil, with demons and pseudo-gods causing chaos, much effort was put into transportation.

The sound of horse hooves drew the attention of many.

As people turned their gaze, they saw a young man and an elder riding through the rain.

As they approached, the black-clad youth leaped off his horse, handed it over to the station boy, and shook the rain cloak.

A shower of rainwater flowed down the rain cloak, splashing onto the ground, raising a spray of water.

Qin An removed his bamboo hat, holding it casually, his gaze like lightning scanning around.

Mr. Sun followed behind, his expression cautious.

Anyone who walked the Jianghu for long knew there was no absolutely safe place in this world.

Not even the official post stations.

The more crowded a place, the easier it was for danger to occur.

Mr. Sun held treatment items close to him, not wanting any mishaps mid-way.

After sizing up those around, they withdrew their gazes.

Qin An wasted no time, found a vacant table, and sat down with Mr. Sun.

At this time, the station boy brought over tea, filling a cup for both Mr. Sun and Qin An before hurriedly leaving.

Qin An narrowed his eyes, scanned the surroundings, and slightly smiled, "It seems the peace on this journey might be coming to an end."

Mr. Sun, looking at the tea on the table, sighed, "I don't know whether they're targeting the old man, or Mr. Qin here."

The tea was clear, with a few tea leaves floating atop.

If you didn't look closely, you might think it's just an ordinary cup of tea.

But both Qin An's level nine healer profession and Mr. Sun's advanced medical skills had deep knowledge of the medical arts.

Medicine and poison arts complemented each other, naturally allowing them to see the anomaly in the tea.

——The tea was poisoned, and it was extremely toxic.

To use such potent poison in this post station, one's identity was self-evident.

As soon as the two finished speaking, the bustling chatter of the resting crowd abruptly ceased.

"Creak!"

There was a sound akin to wood turning.

Everyone in the hall suddenly turned their heads in unison, their gazes vacant like puppets.

Their eyes were so piercing that just one glance would send chills down your spine.

Moreover, an uncontrollable burst of evil qi soared to the sky, as if solidifying the very air.

Qin An held a cold star, and as the cold light flashed, it was already unsheathed, his eyes like blades sweeping forward.

At this moment, a robust man stretched out his hands to the top of his head, peeling off all the skin from his body.

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