The air was filled with the sharp scent of sparks.

Both Mountain Patrol Copper Generals were cultivated in the Outer Elixir Realm. At the moment, they were unleashing their aura without any concealment, their fierce presence sweeping through the entire courtyard, causing the passing Prefecture Generals to halt in their tracks.

The Mountain Patrol Copper General on the left was short and stout with an ebony slingshot hanging from his waist; the one on the right was lean and tall, carrying an icy gleaming long sword on his back.

The tension between the two was palpable, even from a distance.

Qin An stepped into the courtyard, his gaze sweeping across the scene like lightning and a sharp glint flashed in his eyes: "This assessment seems to be quite complex."

Back when he participated in the Mountain Patrol Official assessment in Lingzhou, it was merely assigned a single task by the Mountain Patrol Official to complete.

Now, with these two Mountain Patrol Copper Generals each harboring their own thoughts, it seems there will be added variables.

Qin An quickly considered this but showed no change in his expression, casually choosing an empty spot to stand.

Just as he stopped, a Silver Prefecture General lightly tugged at his sleeve.

Qin An turned back, frowning slightly: "What is it?"

"Mr. Qin, it's been a long time since our last mission," the Silver Prefecture General cupped his hand: "I am Xv Shifeng."

"Last mission?" Qin An lightly tapped his knife handle: "Was it the campaign to annihilate Jiao Long Hall?"

If there had been a previous mission, it would only be the annihilation of Jiao Long Hall.

Qin An looked at this Silver Prefecture General, finding him somewhat familiar, perhaps one of those who entered Jiao Long Hall together in the past.

Xv Shifeng nodded repeatedly, admiration flashing in his eyes: "Yes, yes, the power of Mr. Qin's three strokes breaking the mountain that day is unforgettable. Meeting you again today, I came specifically to greet you."

Qin An asked: "Mr. Xv, do you know the situation with these two?"

He arrived late, so he wasn't aware of the prior events.

Since someone spoke to him, he casually asked, using it as a way to pass the time.

Xv Shifeng looked around, then explained in a lowered voice: "The two lords belong to different Mountain Patrol Golden Generals, hosting this assessment together inevitably led to some friction, hence the argument upon meeting."

Upon hearing this, Qin An showed a look of realization: "I see."

While the Mountain Patrol General exterminates evil across miles, it also involves the power struggles within Xunyang Prefecture.

Many Mountain Patrol Copper Generals tend to side with a particular Mountain Patrol Golden General, which is considered a type of allegiance.

Therefore, these two Mountain Patrol Copper Generals not getting along might be related to the Mountain Patrol Golden Generals above them.

This aspect is quite different from Lingzhou.

Though Lingzhou's Mountain Patrol Officials were very strictly layered, there was no such concept of taking sides.

As the two conversed, a few Silver Prefecture Generals subtly listened in.

Those who had not participated in the Jiao Long Hall campaign were still unfamiliar with Qin An.

Yet, the two kept their voices so low, they ultimately could not hear clearly.

As they exchanged words, the two Mountain Patrol Copper Generals, seeing the time had come, retracted their auras and turned their attention to the numerous Silver Prefecture Generals.

The slightly shorter Mountain Patrol Copper General on the left stepped forward, speaking solemnly: "I am Lin Tiande, one of the examiners for this mission. The task this time is slightly different; there are two missions, and you can choose which one to follow one of us for."

The Mountain Patrol Copper General on the right snorted coldly: "My name is Zhou Xuan, this mission is fair and just. Which one you wish to do, entirely depends on your choice."

At these words, the Silver Prefecture Generals present exchanged glances, all seeing the surprise in each other's eyes.

The Mountain Patrol General's assessment has always involved just one task. Having it split into two is extremely rare.

However, no one spoke, as the contents of the task were unknown, making it too soon to speak.

Lin Tiande's tone was indifferent: "Both paths involve house raids. I am responsible for the Northwest Huo De Sect, and he will go to the Southeast Golden Iron Sect."

"House raids?"

Qin An narrowed his eyes slightly, a sharp light flickering within as he pondered: "I didn't expect this mission to be so distinctive."

As for 'house raids', it is naturally to raid those sect forces that betrayed the human race.

Just as some monsters crave survival, there are also humans who cling to life unscrupulously.

Like Ding County and Lingzhou, numerous human forces have aligned with monsters.

The vast Xunyang Prefecture, especially, is filled with those who colluded with monster forces.

Therefore, once some human forces are found to be in league with monsters, they face the calamity of sect eradication.

But since this is a Mountain Patrol General assessment, it is surely not just a simple raid.

There must be deeper aspects involved that the two did not disclose.

As to why it was divided into two tasks, Qin An thought it might also relate to the power struggles between the Mountain Patrol Golden Generals.

These are all deeper aspects, things Qin An didn't dwell on.

The many Silver Prefecture Generals sank into silence.

They all voluntarily participated in the Mountain Patrol General assessment, wanting to join the Mountain Patrol General's ranks.

But now, with the tasks split into two, many harbor selfish thoughts in their hearts.

Which side will smoothen their passage through the assessment is a grave decision.

If the other side is more complicated, preventing them from entering the assessment, they would have to wait another year.

For anyone, this is unwise.

Xv Shifeng asked: "Mr. Qin, which side do you plan to go to?"

Qin An replied: "Either side is fine."

At present, nothing problematic appears on the surface.

Thus, either choice is the same, a matter of luck.

Xv Shifeng thought carefully and felt Qin An made sense.

Worrying about which side to choose was indeed unnecessary.

With this in mind, Xv Shifeng tentatively asked: "Mr. Qin, why not pair up with me?"

During the Jiao Long Hall task, Xv Shifeng had witnessed Qin An's extraordinary potential, leading him to consider teaming up for this mission.

Qin An nodded: "Naturally."

Teaming up or not made no difference to Qin An, as long as he could successfully complete the task and join the Mountain Patrol General.

Having one more person means an additional helping hand.

The world has its benefits for solitary combatants, but partnering up for this mission offered greater advantages.

The two Mountain Patrol Copper Generals, seeing the crowd in silence, showed a slight cold smile.

The slightly plump Mountain Patrol Copper General Lin Tiande spoke coldly: "How can you hesitate over such a simple choice? What will become of you when facing life and death missions in the future? Those undecided within half an incense stick will be disqualified!"

Zhou Xuan did not speak.

Although there was quite a bit of animosity between the two, he deeply agreed with Lin Tiande's current statement.

Qin An pondered slightly, then walked towards Zhou Xuan, standing by his side, making his intentions clear without words.

Xv Shifeng, after a brief thought, followed behind Qin An, standing beside him.

Zhou Xuan glanced at Qin An with a bit of surprise, not expecting him to make a decision this quickly.

However, he said nothing more, merely stood with a calm expression, patiently waiting.

With Qin An and Xv Shifeng setting the example, the many Silver Prefecture Generals looked at each other and quickly chose their respective tasks.

A total of ten Silver Prefecture Generals were divided into two groups, five each.

Once everyone had finished selecting, Zhou Xuan coldly glanced at Lin Tiande.

"This time, my side will definitely have more who advance to Mountain Patrol General."

Lin Tiande replied with an equally cold sneer: "With just those people in your hands, thinking to advance to Mountain Patrol Generals is nothing but a pipe dream."

The gunpowder in their eyes became even thicker.

But they both understood the importance of the mission, refraining from further confrontation, and turned to leave the courtyard.

Qin An and Xv Shifeng walked side by side.

Xv Shifeng asked quietly, "Why did you choose to follow that Mountain Patrol Copper General, Mr. Qin?"

He was somewhat curious, after all, Qin An had made his choice extremely quickly, so he wanted to ask for the reason.

Qin An, gently stroking the blade by his side, wandered down the street without turning his head: "The name is short and easier to call."

Hearing this, Xv Shifeng was momentarily stunned, then could not help but smile wryly.

Back at the Jiao Long Hall, he had sensed Qin An's aloofness, but never imagined it would be this pronounced.

But he clearly knew that Qin An's character was far preferable to those shrewd opportunists in the Evil Extermination Bureau.

With nothing more to say, the group departed Xunyang Prefecture, heading to their destination.

...

This time it was an assignment to crush an entire household. During the journey, Zhou Xuan detailed the task's proceedings.

The Golden Iron Sect, a mid-tier power in Xunyang Prefecture, had no shortage of Outer Elixir Realm experts.

Yet, colluding with monsters, they slaughtered numerous civilians.

The so-called "crushing" meant exterminating everyone from the Golden Iron Sect, leaving none alive.

As for the cultivation technique studied by the Golden Iron Sect, it was one of Geng Metal Qi.

It's said that when attached to weapons, it could make them sharper.

The cultivation technique was extremely powerful.

Thus, along with Zhou Xuan, a total of six Outer Elixir Realm experts were dispatched.

Walking along the official road, Zhou Xuan did not turn his head, and his tone seemed like ice spreading.

"This time, the household to be crushed is not just the entire Golden Iron Sect, but also the monsters closely associated with it."

"Reportedly, a Fox Demon from Carefree Mountain, at present, the Golden Iron Sect has three Outer Elixir Realm experts, and now a Fox Demon is coming over to transfer a batch of goods."

"There are two Fox Demons coming, just enough to form a group of five."

Zhou Xuan paused slightly, his tone carrying a hint of killing intent.

"Six against five, with the foundation of the Evil Extermination Bureau, we are sure to return successfully."

"Based on your performance, I will eliminate the weakest, so on this task, try to kill as many as you can."

Qin An pondered: "The other disciples will also pose an obstacle."

Zhou Xuan glanced back at Qin An: "In a six-on-five, naturally, one will be dispatched to deal with the Golden Iron Sect disciples below the Outer Elixir Realm. It will also be counted as a merit, rest assured, in the examination, everything is fair and just, with no falsehood involved."

Though Xunyang Prefecture is a whirlpool of power, in this most critical examination, even the Mountain Patrol Golden General wouldn't dare to falsify.

Therefore, Zhou Xuan's words somewhat reassured everyone.

As for why Zhou Xuan responded, it was quite simple.

If one of Qin An's people could become a Mountain Patrol General, then they would be on the same level.

Zhou Xuan would not offend them unnecessarily at this time.

Xv Shifeng asked: "Shall we approach, directly surrounding and killing them, or hide in the shadows first, waiting for the Fox Demon to arrive?"

Zhou Xuan sneered: "Naturally hide in the shadows, and once the Fox Demon comes up the mountain, kill them all."

"All the wealth of the Golden Iron Sect is to be taken away, serving the Evil Extermination Bureau."

This discussion cleared up all the doubts in everyone's minds.

Then, the group fell silent, accelerating their pace towards the Golden Iron Sect.

...

Carefree Mountain, within the flower garden.

The enchanting flowers arranged on human heads looked extremely eerie.

The Fox Girl walked among the flowers.

Beside her, the Fox Lady trembled, reporting today's events with her head lowered: "Your Highness, Qin An participated in the Mountain Patrol General examination and has already set off from the Evil Extermination Bureau, but no one knows where he is headed. Our informant dared not follow too closely, fearing exposure, but the monsters allied with Carefree Mountain got effective news, suggesting he seems to be heading to the Golden Iron Sect."

"The Golden Iron Sect?"

The Fox Girl picked a fresh flower, putting it near her nose for a gentle sniff: "It seems the Golden Iron Sect has already been exposed. Sending the information now appears to be too late."

The Fox Lady bowed and said: "If we send the message now, it might alarm the Evil Extermination Bureau's spies, and sending Fox Demons there now would also alert the Evil Extermination Bureau."

The monsters of Xunyang Prefecture and the Evil Extermination Bureau are deeply intertwined.

Even though Carefree Mountain has intelligence from the Evil Extermination Bureau, they might not dare act.

After all, the Mountain Patrol Generals ambushed in the wilderness are not easy targets.

Moreover, the examinations for Mountain Patrol Generals of the Evil Extermination Bureau are extremely important; Carefree Mountain would not dare make reckless moves.

The Fox Girl sneered: "Who said we must rely on Carefree Mountain to kill Qin An?"

"The Green Snake Clan, affiliated with Carefree Mountain, is just the right choice, aren't they?"

With those words, the Fox Lady realized and had a gleam in her eyes.

The Fox Girl crushed the flower in her hand into powder: "The Green Snake Clan has two External Elixir Realm Perfection members; send them both. This time, I want Qin An's head to decorate this flower garden!"

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