When the line of text appeared before him, Qin An's lips curved slightly, and a trace of undisguisable joy flashed in his eyes.

The appearance of this text marked that the two martial arts techniques had perfectly fused in his hands, becoming one.

The swirling mist once again condensed and, under Qin An's calm gaze, transformed into a brand new line of text, suspended in mid-air.

[You have fused the Blood-Burning Eight-Forged Dragon Demon Hand with Viper Strangle, creating a new Cultivation Technique, which you named Blood-Burning Eight-Forged Dragon Demon Kill.]

[Blood-Burning Eight-Forged Dragon Demon Kill (Great Success)]

At this moment, the mist suddenly dispersed, turning into a torrent of information that surged into Qin An's mind like the tide.

Qin An closed his eyes and comprehended the newly acquired Blood-Burning Eight-Forged Dragon Demon Kill in its entirety.

Now, the Cultivation Technique, now known as Blood-Burning Eight-Forged Dragon Demon Kill, had reached the level of Great Success of the Vein Condensation Realm, and its power was vastly superior to before.

Apart from possessing various characteristics from before and the power of blood-burning, this technique was particularly exquisite in grappling and strangling.

"If I were to use the current Blood-Burning method against that severely injured Poison Pill Master, it would only take burning five Demon Crystals to claim his life," Qin An pondered secretly.

Though the Poison Pill Master was not in his full power Outer Elixir Realm state, his strength was only a fraction of what it was, but he was an Outer Elixir Realm expert nonetheless, able to easily kill Vein Condensation cultivators even when severely injured.

Now that Qin An had perfected both his swordsmanship and unarmed techniques to the level of Great Success of the Vein Condensation Realm, he possessed the strength to kill the Poison Pill Master back then.

"Perhaps there's still a gap with the true Outer Elixir Realm, but my direction is not wrong," Qin An thought with determined eyes, clenching his fist.

He must achieve the Supreme True Elixir, for he, unlike the offspring of other families or members of powers with backing, had no one to rely on.

All he could depend on was himself.

The people of the Evil Extermination Bureau revered strength; without sufficient strength, no one would even look at you.

In this survival-of-the-fittest Bureau, strength was the foundation.

If Qin An cut corners at this step and failed to achieve the Supreme True Elixir, it would be like building a skyscraper on unstable ground, doomed to collapse.

With this in mind, Qin An slightly composed himself and started calculating internally.

"The three professions of butcher, blacksmith, and scholar are all at the tenth level, only waiting for Array Master to reach the tenth level, after which I can attend Gao Lingyu's invitation and then practice other professions."

At this moment, as night fell deeper, Qin An, following his usual practice, did not practice the proficiency of the Array Master profession at night.

After tidying up briefly, he fell into a deep sleep.

...

Early the next morning, as the first ray of sunlight pierced through the window grille, Qin An rose early and donned a clean set of clothes.

He strolled out and headed to a street food stall for breakfast.

After eating, Qin An prepared to return to the Evil Extermination Bureau.

Practicing the Array Master profession was not bound to any particular venue; any random items could be used for arrays.

When setting up arrays, proficiency would increase accordingly.

Therefore, Qin An planned to continue practicing slowly at the Evil Extermination Bureau.

However, just as Qin An rose to leave, a familiar figure appeared at a corner of the street, causing Qin An's gaze to slightly sharpen.

At the end of the corner, Mr. Sun, the Medicine King, came striding towards Qin An with a full-faced smile, his steps vigorous like a dragon or tiger.

For an ordinary person of his age, reaching out for a cane would be expected, but for the Vein Condensation Realm's Mr. Sun, age was no longer a factor.

As Mr. Sun approached briskly, many commoners looked on in astonishment, as if doubting their own eyes.

Qin An paused slightly and, after Mr. Sun was near, asked, "Is there something you need?"

Mr. Sun nodded and whispered as he approached, "Mr. Qin, do you have time now? If so, would you accompany me to a place?"

Qin An frowned slightly, "Does that influential figure want to see me?"

He knew why Mr. Sun was searching everywhere for herbs to refine pills—to save a significant person in Xunyang Prefecture.

Now that Mr. Sun had found him without reluctance, it certainly had to do with that significant figure.

Mr. Sun nodded unreservedly, "Exactly, the noble appreciates your healing effort and commanded me to invite you."

Qin An pondered, "What is the true identity of that influential figure?"

Mr. Sun quickly shook his head, "I cannot disclose this detail; once we arrive, Mr. Qin will know naturally. However, before that, I have a few words to share with Mr. Qin."

Qin An felt slightly curious, "What words?"

Mr. Sun paused for a moment, "When meeting that influential figure, there's no need to appear overly formal. That gentleman despises unnecessary formalities. Just follow your instincts."

Qin An grew increasingly interested, "This is quite rare."

Usually, the higher one's status, the more peculiar their temperament and personality.

Mr. Sun's words indicated this influential figure disregarded trivial conventions, which intrigued him even further.

Mr. Sun shook his head, "Every person has their unique differences. There's no need for Mr. Qin to dwell on it. Come with me for a while."

Qin An nodded, "Lead the way."

This trip to the influential figure Mr. Sun mentioned was driven by several reasons.

Firstly, because Qin An indeed wanted to meet this influential figure.

Secondly, acquainting himself with more people in this quagmire-like Xunyang Prefecture was not a bad idea.

Additionally, from Mr. Sun's tone, it was clear that the influential figure would surely offer some form of reward.

Anything originating from an influential figure in Xunyang Prefecture was bound to be valuable.

From both an emotional and rational standpoint, Qin An saw no harm in paying a visit.

...

The two left that street and, after navigating a few more streets, arrived at a somewhat secluded place.

There were very few commoners at this location, but at a corner of the street stood an elegant, brand-new residence.

Upon closer inspection, every part of the house was newly constructed, clearly built not long ago.

To be able to construct a new residence in such a prime area of Xunyang Prefecture reflected the owner's influence.

Mr. Sun stepped forward and knocked lightly on the door ring.

Before long, the door of the house opened.

Qin An peered through the open door and saw several people dressed in dark robes standing inside.

Upon seeing the badges on their waists, Qin An narrowed his eyes slightly.

"Silver Prefecture General?"

The owner of this house surprisingly has a Silver Prefecture General as a guard, capable of using such a person as a guard; the owner's identity becomes even more mysterious.

Qin An secretly speculated about the other party's identity.

The Silver Prefecture General on the left glanced at Qin An and Mr. Sun: "Go in, the lord is waiting for you inside."

Mr. Sun nodded and led Qin An towards the inner courtyard.

Many Silver Prefecture Generals around directed their gaze at Qin An, eyes filled with curiosity.

They were also curious about who this Bronze Prefecture General was, who was being met by such a significant figure today.

A few Silver Prefecture Generals showed a thoughtful look, planning to establish a connection with Qin An after this guarding duty ended.

...

Qin An seemed indifferent, walking along the bluestone path with Mr. Sun into the inner courtyard.

The inner courtyard was simple, with only one house standing at the edge.

At the doorway of the house, two Silver Prefecture Generals were also guarding, looking around cautiously and seriously.

When seeing Mr. Sun and Qin An approaching, the Silver Prefecture General on the left stepped forward and extended his left hand towards Qin An.

"Please hand over your weapon to me."

Qin An glanced at the Cold Star at his waist and shook his head slightly: "I am only at the Vein Condensation Realm; how could I possibly commit assassination in front of so many Silver Prefecture Generals?"

The sword is crucial for survival, especially for those in the Evil Extermination Bureau; under no circumstances can weapons be handed over.

Even though it was a meeting with a significant figure, if Qin An handed over the sword, he wouldn't feel at ease.

Mr. Sun helplessly said: "Gentlemen, Mr. Qin is the genius who saved the lord; without Mr. Qin's assistance, it's likely that the lord's injuries couldn't be treated at all. Therefore, Mr. Qin would never do anything harmful to the lord."

The Silver Prefecture General frowned and was about to say something else.

Unexpectedly, a voice full of authority came from within the room.

"Let him in, no need to remove his sword. Who in Xunyang Prefecture can harm me?"

With these words, the Silver Prefecture General immediately turned around, cupped his fists, and bent over in response towards the room.

Only then did Qin An and Mr. Sun push open the door and walk inside.

...

Inside the room, the light was dim, with only a few oil lamps lit in the corners.

Directly ahead was a curtain dividing the room into two.

Through the dim light, Qin An could see a tall figure sitting on a chair behind the curtain.

Mr. Sun closed the door behind himself and was about to step forward when the tall figure spoke steadily.

"Medicine King, you go out first. I want to have a chat with this young brother face to face."

Mr. Sun was slightly stunned, nodded in agreement, opened the door again, left quietly, and closed it behind him.

Now, only Qin An and the tall figure were left in the room.

The tall figure's voice came from behind the curtain: "Sit."

Qin An glanced at a nearby chair and walked over calmly, taking a seat confidently.

The tall figure spoke straightforwardly: "This healing process owes much to your assistance."

Qin An shook his head: "Merely a minor effort, and when Mr. Sun came to Lingzhou initially, it was for a mission, and it was also beneficial for me to agree at that time."

The tall figure paused slightly: "I am aware of your deeds, making numerous enemies in Lingzhou, and having the Yang Elixir matter hanging above you."

"The reason you helped Mr. Sun save me was to erase the matter of the Yang Elixir."

Qin An nodded, making no attempt to conceal the topic: "That's right, that's precisely it."

The person in front could be called a significant figure of Xunyang Prefecture, undoubtedly possessing full knowledge of his information.

There was absolutely no point in disguising at this moment.

The tall figure said, "It's unfortunate that the crisis with the Yang Elixir is something you resolved with your sword; I didn't contribute assistance in that matter."

Qin An shook his head: "Just for safety."

The tall figure pondered briefly.

The scene fell into silence.

Qin An sat serenely with an observing posture, hand resting on the sword's scabbard.

The tall figure broke the silence with a light laugh: "Interesting. Facing me, you can still maintain such composure. This temperament surpasses many in the Evil Extermination Bureau, and in my view, your character far exceeds your talent."

Qin An said lightly: "If not composed, I would've already been beheaded in Ding County, unable to live to reach Xunyang Prefecture."

The tall figure changed the topic: "May I ask you a question?"

Qin An nodded: "Please ask."

The tall figure asked solemnly: "From Ding County to Lingzhou, and then to Xunyang Prefecture, you've slain demons without hesitation; I must ask you, what is your purpose in slaying demons?"

Qin An pondered briefly and answered simply: "To survive."

"What does it mean to survive?" The tall figure asked with a hint of puzzlement.

Qin An thought for a moment and replied: "In Ding County, demons covet me, and many colluding with demon entities in the county office want my life. If I want to live, I have to kill them."

"The Evil Extermination Bureau in Lingzhou can give me what I want; cultivation techniques and various vital materials are treasures for enhancing power. Under the gaze of demons, I have no choice but to slay demons in the Evil Extermination Bureau."

"Only by continuing ceaselessly can I survive, and it's the same in Xunyang Prefecture."

"Hahaha!" The tall figure laughed loudly: "I thought you would answer with empty words about maintaining the populace's interests, but didn't expect you to be so direct, making me view you in a new light."

"Catch!"

As soon as the words fell, two streams of light shot out from behind the curtain.

Qin An caught them easily, his eyes narrowed slightly: "Demon Pill?"

The tall figure said plainly: "You saved my life; I didn't assist you in the Yang Elixir matter, so I offer other rewards."

"These two Demon Pills are just one part, helping you forge the Supreme True Elixir Realm more swiftly."

"There is a second benefit, but before that, I have one last question for you."

Qin An took the Demon Pills into his arms: "What is the question?"

The tall figure asked solemnly: "Have you guessed my identity?"

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