As the Fox Girl's words fell, the entire flower garden was suddenly shrouded in a chilling aura of death.

The night wind blew by, causing the garden's vibrant flowers to tremble and sway as if sensing danger, their petals swirling like shattered snow.

The Fox Girl shivered from the piercing cold, and softly inquired, "Empress, should we recall the two clansmen we sent to the Golden Iron Sect...?"

The Fox Girl cast a cold glance at the Fox Girl, her eyes like icy blades, as she shook her head, "Not necessary, let them carry on with the plans to maneuver against the Golden Iron Sect."

"But... now that a Mountain Patrol Copper General has been dispatched, if this is the case, the ones we've sent might be in grave danger," the Fox Girl swallowed hard and said, "Why let the Evil Extermination Bureau gain a huge advantage?"

The rest of her words dared not continue.

For in her view, this was a grand net already spread wide, waiting for the demons to jump in.

Even if, as the Fox Girl said, we invite two Outer Elixir Realm Perfection members from the Cyan Snake Demon Clan, any casualties on their part would be a loss to Carefree Mountain no matter what.

"If the act isn't genuine, how can you catch big fish?" the Fox Girl replied coldly, "If we only send the Cyan Snake Demon, they will inevitably feel suspicious in their hearts upon seeing them. If we can't get them on the hook, we can't take Qin An's head."

"If that were the case, why would I bother setting up such a plan?"

The Fox Girl hesitated, "But those two Fox Girls are from Carefree Mountain..."

"I naturally know this." The Fox Girl's eyes suddenly turned icy, "If the angler isn't willing to use bait, how can they get the fish on the hook?"

"Two Outer Elixir Realm Fox Girls, dead if dead."

Upon hearing this, the Fox Girl instantly fell silent.

She felt a hint of Evil Qi emanating from the Fox Girl, aware that in this Carefree Mountain, no one could defy the Fox Girl.

If she continued to ask, it would surely result in severe punishment.

"I will handle it immediately, rest assured, Empress." The Fox Girl said no more, slightly bowed, paid her respects, and then departed the flower garden alone.

After the Fox Girl left, the Fox Girl leisurely strolled among the flowers.

The moonlight cast a silver glow over her, and as her skirts brushed by, the flowers intriguingly straightened their stems as if flattering a king.

...

The Golden Iron Sect nestled among the mountains.

The scenery here was picturesque, with clear mountains and rivers, exuding a strong sense of spiritual energy.

Not far from the Golden Iron Sect was a small village.

The Mountain Patrol Copper General Zhuang Xuan was caressing a coarse pottery tea cup, his gaze locked on the distant cloud-shrouded mountain gate.

From this position, the high mountains housing the Golden Iron Sect were fully visible.

If the Golden Iron Sect made any movement, they could reach it in the fastest time.

Qin An lounged nearby, his fingers absent-mindedly tapping on the sword sheath, which emitted a faint dragon-like hum.

Not far from here was the entrance to the Golden Iron Sect's mountain gate.

According to Zhuang Xuan's intentions, the Fox Demon from Carefree Mountain would inevitably ascend this mountain path.

Once they reached it, that would be the time to act.

Therefore, Qin An and others were patiently waiting.

Xv Shifeng was chatting with a Silver Prefecture General, and they were getting along happily.

Zhuang Xuan set down the tea cup, calmly glanced at Qin An, and suddenly spoke, "Generally, it's at night that the Fox Demons ascend the mountain, before that, it's relatively safe. But I am very curious about you."

Qin An sat calmly in his place, nonchalantly said, "What's there to be curious about me?"

Zhuang Xuan mused, "Everyone else is showing a heavy demeanor, only you seem relaxed and at ease. It seems you are confident about this mission."

"That's not where your curiosity should lie," Qin An hinted, "Your curiosity should be elsewhere."

Zhuang Xuan's lips slightly curled, "Why don't you tell me... what am I curious about?"

Qin An glanced at Xv Shifeng and the Silver Prefecture Generals.

Xv Shifeng, who had been chatting happily with a Silver Prefecture General, immediately understood after seeing Qin An's look and quietly left the place.

The remaining three Silver Prefecture Generals exchanged glances and, seeing Xv Shifeng leaving, also followed suit.

Once the three left, Qin An's eyes carried a hint of sarcasm.

"You are a Mountain Patrol Copper General under Mr. Jin."

Upon hearing this, Zhuang Xuan was slightly taken aback, falling into silence.

Moments later, Zhuang Xuan asked, "How did you figure that out?"

Qin An said calmly, "Since I joined the team, you've shown a great deal of curiosity towards me. I have no dealings with you, so what could pique curiosity? Naturally, it was a prior connection with Mr. Jin."

Qin An didn't know much about the Xunyang Prefecture's power struggles, but he had a preliminary understanding.

What could draw a Mountain Patrol Copper General's attention must have something to do with Jin Fengyu.

Of course, this was just his guess.

Guess it right, guess it right, guess it wrong, it doesn't matter.

Zhuang Xuan's eye corner carried a smile, "Indeed, you do know a lot. I am indeed under Mr. Jin. For this task, Mr. Jin instructed me to take extra care of you, but now it seems unnecessary."

"Why is it unnecessary?" Qin An asked.

Zhuang Xuan said slowly, "I felt a strong aura of killing intent and a faint sense of oppression from you. Your strength must not be low. I've been a Mountain Patrol General for many years, with a strength reaching Great Success in the Outer Elixir Realm. If you can make me feel this way, you're certainly not simple."

Qin An said nothing, simply stroking the sheath of his sword.

Zhuang Xuan found it quite dull, shrugged, "The waiting process is quite dull, chatting more has its advantages. I heard you are quite close with Zhao Wuhuan."

Qin An asked, "So what if I am?"

Zhuang Xuan paused slightly, his gaze suddenly sharp, "In this Xunyang Prefecture, choosing the right side is extremely important. Those who stand on two sides have no good outcome."

"Do I need you to manage?" Qin An retorted.

Zhuang Xuan's eyes furrowed, "I'm merely telling you this. If you don't believe it, there's nothing I can do."

Qin An said with indifference, "That's what you really wanted to say, intending to use your Mountain Patrol Copper General status to change my stance and then run to Mr. Jin to seek credit."

There was nothing unusual in their initial conversation, but when the topic shifted to Jin Fengyu, Zhuang Xuan's tone changed markedly.

On the surface, it seemed like persuasion, but in fact, it carried a couple of threats.

Qin An doesn't like threats.

Killing his way from Ding County, those who could threaten him were long turned into bones.

In his hand, countless lives have been taken, so how could a Mountain Patrol Copper General of the same level intimidate him?

The corners of Zhou Xuan's lips slowly drooped: "I saw your unlimited potential, and with Mr. Zhou's favor, that's why I spoke to you this way. Consider my goodwill as donkey's liver and lungs."

"Complete this task well." Qin An's tone was as calm as autumn water: "There's no need to bring up unnecessary nonsense."

Zhou Xuan lightly clenched his left hand: "Do you know that your performance this time is entirely up to my decision?"

Qin An raised his eyes and said: "What, failing to intimidate me before, now you're resorting to using your authority? You're just a mere Mountain Patrol Copper General, the same rank as me, and given how crucial this assessment is, if you dare write even a single word wrong, you'll have to bear the consequences."

"Insolence!" Zhou Xuan suddenly stood up.

This scene immediately caught the attention of Xv Shifeng and others.

Xv Shifeng looked puzzled, not knowing what was happening between the two.

Initially, the two seemed to be having a pleasant conversation. Why had their demeanor changed so suddenly?

Xv Shifeng pondered for a moment, then prepared to step towards Qin An to mediate the situation.

After all, in Xv Shifeng's view, Qin An's potential was much greater than that of Zhou Xuan, the Mountain Patrol Copper General.

He wanted to forge a favorable bond with Qin An.

Unexpectedly, just as Xv Shifeng took a couple of steps, Qin An's voice drifted over.

"If you like, after the task is over, let's find a place for a duel, how about it?"

"Fine!" Zhou Xuan coldly laughed: "I'm curious to see what level someone favored by Mr. Jin is actually at."

With each of them having their say, they fell silent.

The surroundings became silent once again.

Xv Shifeng halted his steps, looking at Qin An with astonishment.

He never expected Qin An would actually arrange a duel with the Mountain Patrol Copper General.

But given the current situation, it seemed that advising them was futile.

With this thought, Xv Shifeng also stopped his steps, remaining in place, not approaching further.

The silent atmosphere filled the village.

Time gradually passed, and in the blink of an eye, the sun had set, and night had fallen.

...

At the moment, the mountain path was tranquil.

A gentle breeze blew, and two mountain gate disciples stood at the entrance, yawning.

Suddenly, a slight rustling came from the bushes, immediately raising the disciples' alertness.

Soon after, two Fox Girls stepped out of the bushes with enchanting strides, exuding a mesmerizing fragrance.

The Fox Girl on the left was slightly shorter, but her curvaceous figure and extraordinary features were captivating.

Especially the sway in her walk made one feel parched just at a glance.

The Fox Girl on the right was slender, but her waist twisted like a water snake, as if a slight motion would ensnare one's mind.

The disciples caught a flicker of greed in their eyes, but quickly concealed it.

They pretended not to see, each shifting their gaze to the distant forest.

The two Fox Girls exchanged a glance, chuckled lightly, and nonchalantly strutted up the mountain path.

On the mountain path, the darkness was as thick as pitch, obscuring the steps below.

But the two Fox Girls were creatures of the Outer Pill realm; this level of darkness was no obstacle for them.

After walking for half an incense stick's time, they finally reached the midpoint of the mountain.

...

Midway up the mountain stood a grand hall.

At this moment, the clearing in front of the hall was filled with over a hundred weapons.

Each weapon was shimmering with golden light, extremely sharp.

In front of the hall, two elders and a middle-aged man stood at the entrance, exuding the powerful aura of the Outer Elixir Realm.

The middle-aged man was the Sect Leader of the Golden Iron Sect, named Li Qing.

The other two elders were the elders of the Golden Iron Sect.

As the two Fox Demons approached, Sect Leader Li and the elders stepped forward respectfully.

"Welcome, envoys from Carefree Mountain. The weapons you require have been imbued with the Geng Metal Qi. As long as you take them back, the transaction is complete."

The voluptuous Fox Girl covered her mouth with a light laugh: "Sect Leader Li is indeed trustworthy, but it seems there's still something missing."

Upon hearing this, Sect Leader Li was slightly taken aback, then he realized and replied with a wry smile.

"Currently, the Evil Extermination Bureau is strict, and it's difficult to obtain blood sustenance, let alone cultivators. We need more time."

The voluptuous Fox Girl said nothing, while the slender Fox Girl snorted coldly.

"You've been given enough time already. If you can't provide the corresponding blood sustenance, does Golden Iron Sect still have a reason to exist?"

Sect Leader Li wiped the sweat from his forehead: "Just a bit more time, please. I assure Her Ladyship that I will provide plenty of blood sustenance."

The voluptuous Fox Girl patted the slender Fox Girl's shoulder: "Don't be so stern. We're all allies here. Since you ask for more time, we'll grant it. For today, we'll stay at the Golden Iron Sect temporarily. Please prepare a few sturdy disciples for us to enjoy."

At this point, a glint of greed flashed in the slender Fox Girl's eyes.

Sect Leader Li wiped the sweat from his forehead and nodded: "Since the envoys have come to Golden Iron Sect, we must treat you with utmost hospitality. Great Elder, please lead the envoys to the guest rooms, and select two disciples with abundant Yang energy to send to the rooms."

The Great Elder nodded in agreement, gesturing: "Please follow me, envoys."

The voluptuous Fox Girl giggled and, along with the slender Fox Girl, made their way to the rear courtyard.

The Golden Iron Sect and Carefree Mountain had a long-standing cooperation.

Carefree Mountain ensured that Golden Iron Sect was free from demonic incursions, while Golden Iron Sect had to provide weapons imbued with Geng Metal Qi and periodically offer blood sustenance. Thus, the envoys were held in high esteem.

Before long, the two Fox Girls vanished into the courtyard.

Sect Leader Li instructed his subordinates to organize the weapons and disappeared into the grand hall.

The moonlight slipped behind dark clouds, and Golden Iron Sect fell into silence.

Just then, a scream shattered the stillness.

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