A hunchbacked youth stood not far in front.

The gray cotton clothes wrapped around his bony shoulders, resembling crumpled parchment.

The left shoulder was noticeably half an inch higher than the right, and when his neck leaned forward, the protruding spinal vertebrae looked like twisted rosary beads.

Qin An frowned, seeing the person in front wearing the clothes of Casting Valley, asked coldly: "What's the matter?"

Now, everyone had infiltrated inside Casting Valley, and the sudden appearance of a disciple made him vigilant.

The hunchbacked youth smiled faintly, moving his lips silently.

Qin An's eyes narrowed, discerning three words from the hunchbacked youth's lip movements — Evil Extermination Bureau.

Not only did Qin An see it, but Huang Man also recognized it.

The two exchanged a glance, then Qin An slightly nodded.

"Lead the way."

The hunchbacked youth spoke no more, turned and led the way ahead.

They circled past winding mountain paths, arriving at a dilapidated wooden house.

"I'm merely a servant in the valley; my dwelling is humble, receiving you two lords poorly," the hunchbacked youth opened the door, showing a shameful expression.

Qin An stroked the black knife, stepped slowly into the room, and surveyed the surroundings.

Spider-like cracks cast shadows on the mottled walls, the smell of mold mixed with dust stagnant in the air, each breath felt like swallowing dry sand.

In the corner were piles of yellowed old books, the pages curled like dead leaves, with jagged tooth marks left by mice on the edges.

This environment was even worse than when he was in Ding County.

After the hunchbacked youth approached, a cold light suddenly appeared at Huang Man's waist, and the dagger was already pressing against the youth's throat: "Your origins."

Eyes like blades, the murderous intent was chilling.

As long as the hunchbacked youth made a slight mistake, she would take the man's head.

The mountain patroller would often wander alone, slaying evil, the slightest carelessness could lead to being buried in the wilderness.

Only by being cautious can one survive.

The hunchbacked youth felt the coolness on his neck, his whole body erupted in goosebumps, cold sweat dripping.

Qin An said calmly, "Put down the dagger."

Huang Man furrowed her brows, not understanding Qin An's meaning.

Qin An gently stroked the scabbard: "If he can truly escape from the hands of us two, your dagger is meaningless."

Huang Man pondered for a moment, furrowed her brows, sheathed her weapon, and stood aside.

Qin An glanced at the hunchbacked youth: "You have the time it takes a scent to burn halfway; if your answer is unsatisfactory, I cannot restrain her."

Huang Man snorted softly: "You couldn't restrain me anyway."

They were both mountain patrollers; she was merely giving Qin An some face.

The hunchbacked youth wiped the sweat off his forehead, clasped his fists, and bowed to Qin An and Huang Man: "I am Liu Er, an undercover agent planted by the Evil Extermination Bureau into Casting Valley."

"Helplessly, my abilities are limited, wasted three years in vain, and can only serve as a servant."

Undercover agent?

Qin An's eyes narrowed: "How do you know our identities?"

Even though the other party was an undercover agent, the two had long since disguised themselves, their identities should not be exposed.

The hunchbacked youth smiled bitterly: "Lord, if I say I was just lucky, would you believe me?"

Huang Man scolded sharply: "You think we're fools!"

The hunchbacked youth shrank his neck, again shifting his gaze to Qin An.

He saw that the woman in front of him was bad-tempered, only this man with the black knife at his waist could communicate with him.

Qin An rested his hand on Huang Man's shoulder, "Let him continue."

Huang Man snorted again, saying no more.

The hunchbacked youth continued: "Were it not for the urgency of the matter, I wouldn't act so rashly; if you follow that madman, your identities might be exposed."

Qin An pondered: "What is that madman's identity?"

Since things had reached this point, Qin An felt it was time to get to the point.

For now, let's not discuss whether the hunchbacked youth's identity is real or fake.

Let's see what clues follow.

The hunchbacked youth raised his head: "The Valley Master's illegitimate son."

Immediately, the room fell silent.

Qin An raised a brow: "Continue."

Only then did the hunchbacked youth explain the facts.

"The Valley Master's legitimate son died in an accident while casting a sword, leaving only this insane illegitimate son."

"Recently, the Valley Master used human blood to forge tools, attempting to use the power of casting to cure his madness..."

Saying this, the hunchbacked youth paused slightly, and continued speaking.

"Using human blood as a medium, forging an unparalleled weapon, awakening his consciousness with the weapon, so that Casting Valley has successors."

"The Evil Qi lingering on them is all caused by the weapon."

"The weapon... is a Pseudo-God!"

The further the hunchbacked youth spoke, the more he trembled.

By the end, sweat was falling like rain.

Qin An furrowed his brows: "Pseudo-God..."

What is a Pseudo-God, born from thoughts.

It can be a flower, a blade of grass, or a grain of dust.

As long as the thoughts are sufficient, the Pseudo-God grows like wild grass, not easily eradicated.

According to this theory, if the people of Casting Valley's thoughts converge, the birth of a Pseudo-God is not surprising.

However...

Qin An tapped his fingers on the table, calmly speaking: "You're just a servant of Casting Valley, how do you know such important matters?"

After that madman appeared, even Casting Valley's disciples were extremely disdainful, presumably they did not know the Valley Master's deeds.

Now this undercover agent, in his servant capacity, revealed the truth to Qin An and the others, which didn't match his identity.

Huang Man drew the dagger: "You do have problems after all."

The hunchbacked youth quickly said: "The reason I know so much is that I was the one who brought the madman back."

"The Valley Master knew that the madman's matters couldn't be spread, and could only let the least conspicuous person bring him back; later I have been taking care of the madman's daily life."

"Although the madman was taken away, but he often sneaks out, from his occasional words, I got this information."

He kept talking, afraid that Qin An wouldn't believe him; sweat drenched his back.

Qin An rubbed his chin: "If the madman is so crucial, being the only bloodline, why not strictly guard him, allowing him to sneak out often?"

Everything else seems fine for now, only this most crucial point, Qin An is very puzzled.

If the hunchbacked youth's words are true, the madman is the Valley Master's only offspring, then why allow him to wander off?

The hunchbacked youth shook his head: "I don't know either."

The clues he gathered are just this little bit, the rest is unclear.

Qin An pondered slightly, then stood up: "Understood."

The hunchbacked youth was momentarily stunned and hurriedly said: "Lord, next..."

"Your mission is already finished."

Qin An walked to the door, his figure gradually disappearing.

Huang Man observed this, scrutinizing the young man briefly before leaving with Qin An.

...

The two returned to their lodgings.

Qin An poured a cup of tea: "Your black-faced act was quite convincing."

Huang Man chuckled lightly: "I thought you hadn't noticed."

Qin An shook his head and said: "Those who join the mountain patrol are not fools; fools would have long perished, and you wouldn't act so impulsively."

During their exchange earlier, Huang Man frequently drew her dagger, not out of impulse, but to play the black face.

With the dynamics of red and black face, they could discern what the hunchbacked young man was saying.

Huang Man asked seriously: "If what he said is true, how do you plan to proceed?"

Having clarified many things, she wanted to hear Qin An's plan for the next steps.

Qin An gently tapped the teacup with his fingers: "Do you really think it's that simple?"

Huang Man's brows furrowed slightly: "Otherwise?"

Qin An shook his head: "For a renowned Valley Master, it should be easy to have another heir."

"If continuing the bloodline was the goal, why not raise another heir? Allowing a lunatic to wander is surely for some other reason."

Huang Man fell into contemplation upon hearing this.

Qin An stopped speaking, picked up the cup of tea, and took a small sip.

After a few breaths' time, Huang Man looked up.

"He has another scheme; this was a diversion."

"The insiders were deceived."

Qin An nodded: "Exactly, he must have anticipated the mountain patrol would arrive, hence the diversion."

"If attention shifts to the lunatic, his plan might just succeed."

"As for what the real issue is, we'll naturally find out tomorrow."

Tomorrow is the Valley Master's birthday. If Qin An guessed correctly, many mountain patrol members would have their eyes on the lunatic by now.

Huang Man sat down opposite Qin An, moving gracefully with interest: "With your capability, resourcefulness, and mindset, why didn't you join the mountain patrol earlier?"

Qin An did not answer.

Huang Man felt somewhat helpless: "It's a pity; you're a bit dull."

"By the way, should we inform those foolish colleagues?"

Qin An shook his head: "No need, informing other colleagues would just alert them unnecessarily, it's better to counter their schemes with our own."

With this, the two no longer dwelled on the matter.

Feeling a bit tired, Huang Man stretched with a lazy yawn and teased, "My dear, won't you join me in bed?"

Pretending to be a couple, with the situation settled, Huang Man wanted to tease Qin An a bit.

Qin An got up and walked slowly toward Huang Man.

Seeing this, Huang Man, with a hint of panic, tensed her body instantly.

As Qin An approached the bed, Huang Man had placed her hand on the dagger.

"What are you doing!"

Qin An snorted: "If there's a next time, that little dagger won't stop me."

Only then did Huang Man realize that she was being mocked by Qin An.

Annoyed, she turned to face the wall, showing Qin An only her back.

Qin An glanced: "Too small a rear, not like the courtesan in the brothel."

Huang Man turned back angrily: "You're going too far!"

Qin An glanced again: "If you turned your head away, I'd think it was your back."

Huang Man's eyes widened suddenly, getting up in anger: "Today, if you don't give me a... what are you doing!"

Before she finished speaking, she saw Qin An already lying on the bed.

Qin An placed the black knife within easy reach: "Only one bed, bear with it for now."

Huang Man then realized Qin An deliberately made her leave the bed.

In this situation, she couldn't get it back, so she sat back in the chair, sulking.

Qin An casually remarked: "Between being angry or humiliated, you chose to sulk."

"Crack!"

The teacup shattered in Huang Man's grasp…

...

The next day.

The morning sunlight streamed in from outside.

The sound of knocking on the door was heard.

Outside, a disciple from Casting Valley spoke softly.

"Honored guests, the birthday feast is near, the Valley Master invites you."

From behind the closed door, Qin An's voice came through.

"Understood, you may leave, we'll come shortly."

The disciple replied: "I feared the guests might not know the way, so I will wait here; you needn't rush, just take your time."

The room fell silent.

After half an incense stick's time, Qin An strapped on the black knife and opened the door.

"Lead the way."

The disciple from Casting Valley promptly responded: "Yes."

And so, under the disciple's guidance, Qin An and Huang Man wound through twisting mountain paths, eventually arriving before a building.

...

In front, the building stood majestically, with the words "Reception Hall" written above.

Dozens of disciples from Casting Valley were already waiting here.

And those attending the Valley Master's birthday had already entered.

Qin An stepped inside, casting a glance around.

Within the Reception Hall, incense smoke curled from the sandalwood table, a censer of aloeswood permeated the air with quiet calm.

The intricately carved window lattice allowed slanted sunlight to cast dappled shadows on the brick floor.

On the eastern side, a Master's Chair draped with indigo cushions, its armrests worn to a gentle sheen.

Seated on the Master's Chair was an elderly man, white-haired and wizened.

Below were numerous tables and chairs, filled with those attending the feast.

Qin An felt the copper token in his pouch emit several vibrations, indicating many mountain patrol members were hidden among them.

He then casually, without drawing attention, led Huang Man to a seat.

They had just sat down when two Casting Valley disciples carried in an enormous cage to the Reception Hall.

Qin An's eyes narrowed slightly.

Inside the cage, a girl huddled, covered in wounds and curled up in a corner.

The girl's appearance was delicate, her body marred with scars, entirely bare, yet her eyes held a fierce glint, as if she might tear apart the people present.

If one looked closely, they'd notice the girl's pupils were slit-like.

On the girl's head were two furry cat ears.

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