Inside the courtyard, a silence prevailed.

When Zhou Yuanfeng uttered those words, Qin An narrowed his eyes slightly, unconsciously rubbing the sheath of the Cold Star Saber at his waist with his fingertips.

The duties of the Copper Official were similar to those of the Copper Guard, both stationed within the Evil Extermination Bureau, with tasks uniformly assigned by the bureau.

This time, with the task assigned, Qin An had no objections.

It's just that Zhou Yuanfeng's tone seemed particularly cold.

But on closer thought, this attitude might have something to do with the General Prefecture and Zhao Wuhuan.

The three of them came from the same school, and the first two always acted erratically, which influenced Zhou Yuanfeng with a touch of resentment.

As for who their master was, Qin An did not inquire.

He came to Xunyang Prefecture solely to leverage the resources here, aiming to break through to the Outer Elixir Realm with the Supreme True Elixir, unwilling to bother with other trifles.

Seeing Qin An's indifferent expression, Zhou Yuanfeng didn't waste words and took out a letter from his sleeve, handing it to Qin An: "The details of the task, you can check them yourself."

Implying that Qin An could leave.

Qin An, always straightforward in his actions, immediately turned and left.

Quickly, the courtyard returned to silence, leaving only Zhou Yuanfeng sitting alone on a stone bench, slowly sipping his tea.

About half an hour later, a figure quietly appeared.

"Report!" The Household Officer bowed and presented a letter: "Sir! This is detailed information on Qin An. Please review it."

Zhou Yuanfeng tapped the table with his fingertips.

The Household Officer understood and respectfully placed the letter on the stone table before retreating.

Only then did Zhou Yuanfeng gently set down his teacup, open the letter, and carefully read it.

After an incense stick's worth of time, he closed the letter with a thoughtful expression.

"Though the experiences are unusual, they're far from sufficient and ultimately superficial."

Zhou Yuanfeng spun his teacup, the glazed surface reflecting flickering firelight: "What they call a genius in Lingzhou is merely ordinary in Xunyang Prefecture; only those who can survive and stand out deserve true recognition."

Before his voice faded, Zhou Yuanfeng threw the letter into the furnace.

Watching the intense flames rise from the furnace, Zhou Yuanfeng stood and walked to the doorway.

His last whispered words floated through the air.

"Even attaining a Supreme True Elixir, so what? If luck isn't on one's side, they'll forever remain stagnant at the Outer Elixir Realm, as I have."

...

After stepping out of the courtyard, Qin An, guided by the Internal Affairs Department, arrived at his designated courtyard.

This was a small courtyard, although still a private courtyard, the furnishings were far more refined than those of Lingzhou.

Besides, Qin An chose the most secluded spot, just like in Lingzhou.

As Qin An pushed open the door, a rather elegant setup came into view.

The Evil Extermination Bureau provides generous treatment, and these people who lick their blades naturally have no poor accommodations.

Seated on a chair, Qin An meticulously reviewed his interaction with Zhou Yuanfeng today, then took out the letter Zhou Yuanfeng had given him from his sleeve.

He didn't want to exert extra mental effort on unnecessary matters; for now, breaking through to the Outer Elixir Realm with the Supreme True Elixir was the right path.

The content of the letter entered his sight.

Subsequently, Qin An frowned slightly and placed the letter on the table.

"The first task isn't particularly difficult."

The letter mentioned that Qin An should go to the villages surrounding Xunyang Prefecture to investigate the case of missing children.

Previous intelligence suggested this might be related to the Pseudo-Gods, but the specifics needed Qin An to investigate personally.

Moreover, Qin An wasn't the only one undertaking this task; another Copper Official under Zhou Yuanfeng's command would accompany him.

"I'll check it out first." After making up his mind, Qin An thought of other matters and frowned slightly.

"Now that I'm in Xunyang Prefecture, it's time to practice the literati profession.

The task requires departure tomorrow.

The Copper Official doesn't compare to the Mountain Guard; the next task is unknown as to when it will be assigned.

He plans to elevate the literati profession to level ten once this mission is completed.

Then he could use the demon crystal to advance the Heart Method to the Great Success of Vein Condensation Realm.

With these thoughts, Qin An stopped overthinking and closed his eyes to meditate.

...

The next day at dawn.

As the morning sun cast its light through the window, the sound of footsteps was heard outside the courtyard.

Qin An was already prepared, dressed in dark clothing, and pushed the door open, frowning upon seeing the situation outside.

It was a Copper Official with a copper badge at their waist standing outside the courtyard.

Behind the Copper Official, over a hundred Home Officers from the Foreign Affairs Department followed.

Qin An knew this was the Copper Official's entourage, after all, being an Official allowed one to recruit a team.

This aspect was similar to the Guards.

However, at that moment, the Copper Official's gaze towards him seemed off, with a discernible hint of disdain.

Qin An pondered slightly, lightly caressing the saber's sheath with his knuckles, and stepped into the courtyard.

Before he could speak, the Copper Official preemptively interrupted him.

"Are you the new Copper Official, Qin An?"

"The task is on; quickly follow me out."

Qin An raised his eyebrow and responded, "May I know how to address you?"

The contempt in the Copper Official's eyes intensified: "Don't waste words! Remember, I am leading this journey; if you act on your own and cause the mission to fail, the blame is all on you!"

Qin An was about to step out of the courtyard, but upon hearing this, he paused slightly and turned his cold gaze toward Zheng Yu.

Zheng Yu frowned and said, "What's with that look? What, do you have objections to my words?"

Qin An replied coolly, "We are both Copper Officials under Mr. Zhou. There's no need for such excessive words."

Zheng Yu let out a derisive laugh, sneering, "Excessive, what's excessive about it? You're just a newcomer; are you expecting me to listen to you?"

Qin An shook his head and said, "It doesn't matter if you don't listen to me, and I don't need to listen to you, understand?"

Zheng Yu's eyes flashed with a cold light: "What do you mean by this?"

With his hands clasped behind his back, Qin An replied in an icy tone, "The mission is taken by both of us, and even if it fails, we share the responsibility."

"Moreover, we are of the same rank, and you have no right to order me."

"If you're unsatisfied, draw the saber at your waist now."

Hanging at Zheng Yu's waist was an iron saber, with a dark red sheen flickering on its surface, evidently a weapon long used for demon slaying.

When in Lingzhou, Qin An always had this aloof demeanor.

If others didn't bother him, he enjoyed his carefree ways, but if they troubled him, the saber in his hand recognized no one.

Especially since he had just arrived at Xunyang Prefecture, and hadn't offended anyone, yet this Copper Official named Zheng Yu seemed to despise him.

Qin An felt it was more than just idle gossip.

"Arrogant!"

Zheng Yu's eyes flashed with anger, and he had already placed his hand on the iron saber at his waist.

"You, newcomer, are so rude. Today, I'll broaden your horizons."

The pressure of the Vein Condensation Realm surged through the courtyard.

At this moment, a Household Officer suddenly stepped forward, holding Zheng Yu's right hand to dissuade him.

"Both of you are Copper Prefecture Generals and the pillars of the bureau. Why harm the peace? The task is urgent."

"Calm down, let's finish this task first, shall we?"

Zheng Yu thought briefly, a trace of gloom flashing in his eyes. Then he released his grip on the saber and snorted coldly, turning to walk outside.

Qin An sheathed the Cold Star Saber, which had been drawn an inch, and a flash of inspiration appeared in his mind.

Just as Zhao Wuhuan said, the Xunyang Evil Extermination Bureau was not only a place to slay demons and monsters but also a swirl of power struggles.

It was not as straightforward as Lingzhou.

The Copper Prefecture General, named Zheng Yu, suddenly spoke harshly to him, indicating there must be other reasons behind it.

He was unclear about the reasons.

But this mission might not be as simple as it seemed.

If Zheng Yu really intended to cause trouble, the wild could be an excellent place for burying a body.

With this in mind, Qin An walked out of the courtyard.

...

Nanyuan Village was located about fifty miles east of Xunyang Prefecture.

For the enormous Xunyang Prefecture, a fifty-mile journey was not far.

Hundreds of fast horses galloped along the highway.

Qin An, clad in black, felt the fierce wind blowing past his ears, lightly tapping the scabbard with his fingers.

Even for a small task, over a hundred people were dispatched.

The worst of the Household Officers was at the Jade Bone Realm, and some were even at the Returning to Storage Realm.

This scale was much larger compared to Lingzhou.

He knew he had not come to Xunyang Prefecture in vain.

With his current need for resources, Lingzhou truly could not satisfy it.

"But this situation is just too complicated," Qin An thought as he held the reins.

Ahead, Zheng Yu was galloping on horseback, his back exuding anger.

Although he had his back to Qin An, the fury in his eyes was unconcealed.

The interpersonal relationships in Xunyang Prefecture were complex. He had been entrusted by a Copper Prefecture General with whom he had friendly ties to intimidate the newcomer from Lingzhou.

That Copper Prefecture General was not under Zhou Yuanfeng.

As to why they needed to befriend people under different Silver Prefecture Generals, it was quite common in Xunyang Prefecture.

The more people you know, the broader your network, and the easier it is to get things done in the future.

The intention was simple—just to find some trouble for Qin An.

For Zheng Yu, it was a trivial matter.

After all, what influence could a Copper Prefecture General, newly arrived from Lingzhou, possibly have?

It was thought to be a simple task, but unexpectedly, he was humiliated in public.

These Household Officers were recruited after many years of efforts, yet in front of them today, he was severely reprimanded by Qin An.

The anger in his heart had already transformed from simply helping someone to genuinely resenting Qin An.

"Soon you'll know the consequences of offending me."

Zheng Yu clenched the iron saber at his waist, his hatred deepening.

Then, he thought no more and continued to gallop ahead.

...

The outline of the village loomed in the vast wilderness, coupled with the faint white mist around, it had a unique beauty.

Qin An slowly approached, looking at the village ahead, squinting slightly.

The village was not dilapidated; on the contrary, it was very prosperous.

Whether it was the grey stone slabs in the village or the surrounding brick houses, they were much more affluent than those in Lingzhou.

Under the rising smoke, the aroma of food wafted along with the wind.

Many villagers still walked the streets; it did not seem like a place needing the Evil Extermination Bureau.

However, Qin An keenly noticed something unusual.

From the village entrance, the eyes of the coming and going villagers were filled with a hint of sorrow and gravity.

Zheng Yu looked at Qin An standing alone in front, observing the village scene, and a trace of coldness flashed in his eyes.

"Even afraid of a task like this? How did Lingzhou raise someone as worthless as you?"

He seized the opportunity and taunted incessantly.

Qin An turned back, glanced at Zheng Yu, and drew the Cold Star from his waist.

A flash of cold light swept by.

Zheng Yu felt a chill all over.

He sensed the faint killing intent emanating from Qin An.

"What do you intend to do?"

Zheng Yu also drew the iron saber from his waist, looking vigilant.

The surrounding hundred Household Officers, seeing this, were somewhat at a loss.

Though they answered to Zheng Yu, this was a matter between two Copper Prefecture Generals.

They were just Household Officers, unsure of what to do.

Qin An lowered his saber to the ground, the killing intent palpable: "I've said before, I don't like others pointing fingers at me."

"Now, in this wilderness, if you don't want to become a corpse, you'd better behave."

Zheng Yu laughed in anger: "What kind of thing are you to command me? How dare a country bumpkin act rampant!"

"Since you say it's the wilderness, today I'll teach you the rules of Xunyang Prefecture!"

With that, Zheng Yu strode toward Qin An, the iron saber shining coldly, the blood pattern on the blade brightening.

He intended to teach Qin An a lesson.

If possible, severing his opponent's head would be ideal.

They were all his people here, and no one would dare speak out.

After returning, he could fabricate any reason.

The momentum of both sides kept escalating.

Qin An sensed the killing intent from his opponent and already had the will to kill.

But just then, the sound of hurried footsteps suddenly rose.

Qin An and Zheng Yu looked back, seeing a large group of villagers holding farm tools, their faces full of terror looking ahead.

"Black mist! The black mist is coming!"

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