The moment the Monkey Elder finished speaking, a sudden deathly silence fell all around.

The Tiger Demon chewed his lip, not daring to respond for a long while.

The other demon beings exchanged glances, all showing confusion in their eyes.

The current situation was obvious at a glance.

Among the three major demon factions, the Fire Crow Race had already met its doom, leaving only the Ten Thousand Mouse Cave and the Thousand-legged Cave.

The centipede demons of the Thousand-legged Cave were on good terms with the Demon Hall and acted low-profile, so they could still preserve themselves.

Alone, the Ten Thousand Mouse Cave seemed doomed to inescapable disaster this time.

If one more demon faction were killed off, only the Demon Hall and Thousand-legged Cave would remain dominant.

By then, the Evil Extermination Bureau would certainly concentrate all its efforts on dealing with the two of them.

This situation was so clear that even these demons could see it, so why was the Monkey Elder indifferent to the fate of the Ten Thousand Mouse Cave?

The Monkey Elder leisurely raised his hand and took a wine pot from the hand of the monkey demon standing by, taking a great swig while playfully scanning the gathered demons.

"Let me ask you, what do you think of the demons in the Ten Thousand Mouse Cave?"

The Tiger Demon immediately replied, "Cunning and scheming."

The Monkey Elder set down the wine pot, speaking in a somber tone: "The Demon Transformation Pool and the Blood Frenzy Elixir are both foundational to the rise of our Lingzhou demon race. If we were to obtain the Geomancy Crystals, our ascension would be just around the corner."

"But those damn mice think only of themselves!"

"Back when I studied at a human academy, the teacher I devoured once said, if you can't work as one, then you might as well sever an arm."

"The Fire Crow Race was like that, and so is the Ten Thousand Mouse Cave. If the Thousand-legged Cave also harbored such disloyalty, they too would not escape death."

Upon hearing this, the Tiger Demon felt the chilling killing intent surrounding the Monkey Elder, hurriedly prostrated himself, and dared not speak any further.

The Monkey Elder shook the remnants of wine in the pot, chuckling coldly: "The only thing that caught me off guard in this perfect plan is the emergence of Qin An."

The Tiger Demon immediately caught the implication behind the Monkey Elder's words, hastily raised his head, a flicker of murderous intent crossing his eyes: "Elder, I am willing to go and take Qin An's head!"

The Monkey Elder smashed the pot onto the Tiger Demon's head, scolding: "Who do you think you are, to be worthy of taking Qin An's head?"

Wine dripped from the Tiger Demon's forehead, streaming down his face.

Yet the Tiger Demon dared not speak, just kept smiling ingratiatingly.

The Monkey Elder said coolly: "The Demon Transformation Pool is about to be revealed, and the state governor did not fall for the plan to seek divination from the Celestial Calculation Sect. We can only wait for the opportunity."

"The Blood Frenzy Elixir is lost, the Demon Hall has lost a strong ally, Qin An must die, but not now."

"Wait until we seize the Demon Transformation Pool, then this Demon-Slaying Saber stirring trouble in Lingzhou will surely die without a whole corpse!"

His words carried a chilling murderous intent.

The Tiger Demon dared not continue the conversation, afraid of inadvertently offending the Monkey Elder, and instead kept agreeing incessantly.

The Monkey Elder stood up, his scholar's robe fluttering in the wind.

He straightened the creases in his robe until it was smooth, and then turned to walk away.

"Find a few more human women, last night's one was too fiery, I didn't like it, ate her."

"A scholar ought to be paired with a good family woman, find some gentle ones, after I've enjoyed them, they'll be much more palatable to eat."

It wasn't until the Monkey Elder's figure disappeared that the demon beings dared to lift their heads, casting a frightened glance over the vanishing figure.

...

On the barren plains, the night was as dark as ink.

At this moment, figures either descended from the sky or turned into afterimages, standing one after another on the plains.

Plates of identity badges flashed with cold light under the moonlight.

Copper and silver plates intertwined, with even gold ones gleaming among them.

Each figure was a being that invoked fear in the hearts of demons.

Guo Jinfa tapped his booted foot against his pipe, scanning the surroundings, and sneered: "This time it has certainly stirred up quite a few people, even three mountain patrol gold guards have come."

The three figures with gold plates hanging from their waists stood tall and imposing.

The surrounding silver and copper guards dared not come close, only observing quietly from a distance.

Nearby, a mountain patrol silver guard spoke.

"It's not just these three, there are quite a few more. Look over there, Dongfang Mo, Zhao Hai, Yan Li, all three titled Five Yang Elixir prodigies are here."

"And the Hundred Facts Maiden Cheng Hong, she's not out gathering intelligence, but she's taken on this mission instead."

"Even stranger, how does she know those three?"

Guo Jinfa cast a glance in that direction, then retracted his gaze: "All prodigies, making us old bones seem unnecessary."

The mountain patrol silver guard's eyes showed a complex expression, and he smiled bitterly: "Too many monks and too little porridge, grab whatever we can."

As the two exchanged words, several mountain patrol silver guards had already begun to form groups.

The three mountain patrol gold guards were wary of each other, maintaining significant mistrust among themselves.

Guo Jinfa was about to say a few more words when he suddenly sensed the approach of footsteps.

Upon turning his head, he saw the group of four led by Dongfang Mo approaching.

Apart from Cheng Hong, the other three, led by Dongfang Mo, each had their unmatched foundation built on five Yang Elixirs, which made them quite renowned among the mountain patrol silver guards and naturally attracted much attention.

Cheng Hong was no pushover either; she was known for her vast intelligence, always the first choice for alliances during missions.

Guo Jinfa was slightly taken aback, quickly stood up, and bowed respectfully: "I wonder what guidance you have for me?"

Speaking those words, Guo Jinfa showed some respect.

He only had a foundation built on two Yang Elixirs, insignificant in front of these figures.

He was also puzzled because these people usually held their heads high and wouldn't normally approach him.

Had it been any other time, they probably wouldn't even look at him.

The nearby mountain patrol silver guard was somewhat nervous, instinctively gripping his weapon tighter.

Dongfang Mo glanced around, then cut straight to the point: "Are you the guide for Mr. Qin?"

Mr. Qin?

Guo Jinfa's eyes widened in surprise, his heart racing.

He had guided many people, but only one with the last name Qin.

"Did Qin An offend you?"

Guo Jinfa pondered for a moment, then bowed: "If that is the case, please do not hold it against him. I am also an experienced silver guard in mountain patrol; could you perhaps grant me some face and resolve this peacefully?"

Saying this, Guo Jinfa felt bitter inside.

What face does he have?

In front of these geniuses, his face was insufficient.

He just hoped to help Qin An avoid some trouble.

Dongfang Mo shook his head: "It's a misunderstanding, during the last mission, Mr. Qin turned the tide and saved us from crisis. We are here to form an alliance with him."

As he finished speaking, Yan Li and Zhao Hai nodded in agreement.

Cheng Hong was looking around everywhere, slightly disappointed at not seeing Qin An's figure.

Guo Jinfa's pupils contracted sharply, and he rubbed his ears, wondering if he had misheard.

"Please wait a moment while I take a smoke."

He took several deep puffs of his cigarette, finally calming himself down, but his expression remained complex.

"What realm has Qin An reached now?"

Cheng Hong said in surprise, "Aren't you the one who introduced him? Didn't you know he has the supreme foundation built with five Yang Elixirs?"

Guo Jinfa's previously calm emotions surged like a storm, and his cigarette holder almost slipped from his hand: "What! Five Yang Elixirs?"

Five Yang Elixirs?

When did this happen?

He suddenly realized how little he knew about Qin An.

Not long ago, Qin An was just a newcomer who had recently perfected the Jade Bone Realm, and he didn't think much of it.

But now, even geniuses like Dongfang Mo among the patrolling silver guards spoke to him so courteously.

Even he, who guided Qin An, received respect because of this.

Guo Jinfa smiled bitterly: "To be honest, I don't know Qin An's current situation either."

Even as a guide, the patrolling guards don't often stay together.

So he didn't know if Qin An would participate in this mission.

After he spoke, Cheng Hong's expression suddenly changed.

Then, a woman with hair tied up and a cold expression on her face walked over slowly.

The woman was dressed in white with a soft sword hanging at her waist.

When she approached Cheng Hong, she looked over the group.

"Still alive?"

Cheng Hong clenched the double daggers in her hands and sneered: "You're not dead, so how could I be?"

Dongfang Mo frowned deeply: "Lin Qianyu, your conflict with Cheng Hong can be resolved later; this is a major mission..."

Lin Qianyu glanced at Dongfang Mo: "Are you guys in a team with her?"

The coldness in her words was evident.

Guo Jinfa felt quite helpless.

The woman in front of him named Lin Qianyu was said to have already reached the Great Success of Gui Cang Realm.

Moreover, she had condensed two main meridians into Earth veins, making her strength unfathomable.

The reason she was taking on this mission was surely for the Earth vein crystals of the Ten Thousand Mouse Cave.

As for the conflict between Lin Qianyu and Cheng Hong, Guo Jinfa knew very little about it.

It was said that during a mission, Cheng Hong used her intelligence skills to reap most of the benefits.

Because of this, Lin Qianyu became displeased.

Don't think that all patrolling guards are only focused on killing demons; there are actually many internal conflicts.

Zhao Hai gripped his spear tightly: "Do you really think that with two main meridians condensed, you can act recklessly?"

Lin Qianyu sneered: "This is a major mission, as Dongfang Mo said, I don't wish to argue with you much, but after this mission, whether Cheng Hong can come out alive is still uncertain."

"If you beg me then, I might save your life in a critical moment."

Yan Li frowned: "You're going too far."

Lin Qianyu ran her fingers over her sword scabbard: "So what?"

Cheng Hong gritted her teeth: "I've never seen a petty woman like you before, the task itself is for those who can get the most, I gain benefits by my ability, and you hold a grudge, you've really lost your grace."

Lin Qianyu turned back to speak.

But just at that moment, a calm voice suddenly sounded.

"So lively?"

Lin Qianyu shivered.

When this voice resounded, it wasn't far away.

With her level of strength, she should have sensed it, but she didn't feel anyone approaching.

When Lin Qianyu came to her senses, she saw a man dressed in black with a chilling star at his waist arriving gracefully.

"Old Guo, do you know them?" Qin An stroked his chilling star.

Guo Jinfa's eyes brightened slightly, pleasantly surprised: "Mr. Qin, you really came!"

Qin An said faintly: "Such a lively atmosphere, of course I have to come, long time no see, everyone."

Dongfang Mo cupped his hands: "Long time no see, Mr. Qin, how about forming an alliance?"

Zhao Hai and Yan Li also cupped their hands in salute to Qin An.

Cheng Hong walked next to Qin An, teasing, "Want intelligence?"

A sparkle flashed in Qin An's eyes.

Recalling the time in the black market, he had met Cheng Hong in such a manner.

This time, mentioning it again made him a bit nostalgic for their black market encounter.

Understanding, Qin An nodded: "Since we've met, let's ally."

This is a major mission; an alliance benefits everyone.

Though Qin An preferred to act alone, he was no fool; he wouldn't hesitate to ally when necessary.

Watching the conversation among them, Guo Jinfa felt a bit emotional as he seemed to also be included in their plans.

Joining these geniuses meant not only increased safety for him but also substantial gains.

Then a cold voice sounded.

"So they were all waiting for you."

Qin An glanced over without speaking.

Lin Qianyu gave Qin An a sidelong look: "Good looks, but who knows about your strength."

Qin An looked at Cheng Hong and the others, asking, "You know her?"

Cheng Hong shook her head: "A conceited woman, and somewhat petty."

Upon hearing Cheng Hong's words, the coldness in Lin Qianyu's eyes intensified.

"Do you really think you're someone important?"

"Relying on buying and selling intelligence to gain status without power, you'll die sooner or later."

Cheng Hong clenched her fists, her eyes showing a complex expression.

Compared to the geniuses in Lingzhou, she was indeed lacking.

But she had fully utilized her advantages to progress further.

Only Cheng Hong knew how exhausting each step she took was over the years.

But Lin Qianyu's words negated everything about her.

Cheng Hong was about to retaliate, but Qin An, standing beside her, pressed her shoulder, making her pause slightly.

Qin An stepped forward, looking down from above.

"Scram."

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.