[You possess Ice Flame Water Breaker, attempting to unite the two, but unfortunately, your talent is insufficient, and the unification attempt fails.]

[Unwilling to accept this, you sit in meditation for several years, deciding to ignite the blood and qi within you.]

[After the massive combustion of blood and qi, a glimmer of insight appears within you.]

[You continue to burn your internal blood and qi, and the insight gradually deepens.]

[After several years of burning a large amount of blood and qi, you finally come to an understanding.]

[You name the new cultivation technique Ice Flame Blood Transformation Saber.]

[Ice Flame Blood Transformation Saber (Initial Comprehension)]

"It worked!"

Six whole monster essences vanished in an instant.

If not for the thirty-two monster essences obtained from previously slaying the tiger monsters, success would have been difficult to achieve.

Qin An slightly closed his eyes, and a phantom wielding a long saber appeared before him in the void.

As the phantom dissipated, an ocean of information about the Ice Flame Blood Transformation Saber flooded into his mind, all of which Qin An absorbed completely.

Opening his eyes, Qin An placed his hand on the hilt of the Cold Star Saber.

The long saber was drawn, its blade enwrapped with terrifying ice flame power, making the Cold Star resemble a cold glint capable of cleaving heaven and earth.

This Pulse Condensation Realm Ice Flame Blood Transformation Saber not only possesses the might of Three Blades Unite but also integrates the characteristic of the Blood Transformation Saber in absorbing essence blood.

Whether in instantaneous bursts or prolonged combat, it is an extremely domineering cultivation technique.

"It's time to cultivate the next profession." Qin An's eyes gleamed with cold light.

Before him, smoke twisted like a spiritual serpent, coalescing in mid-air.

[Blacksmith lv.7 (0/1500): The quality of items you forge improves, and material consumption decreases]

[Talents: Jade Bone Realm Power Skill Mastery, Jade Bone Realm Forged Object Spirituality Granting]

Qin An had already devised a clear plan for how to advance the next profession.

He intended to enhance the Blacksmith profession.

This profession is tightly connected with hand-to-hand combat techniques, and his Blood-Burning Dragon Demon Hand is not only a crucial lethal move but can also burn qi and blood in dire situations to turn the tide of battle.

Raising the Blacksmith profession to level nine was the current top priority.

The day was still early, and after a brief contemplation, Qin An stepped out of the Evil Extermination Bureau.

Just like when he practiced the Butcher profession before, he only needed to find the blacksmith shop he had visited previously to practice the Blacksmith profession.

Subsequently, Qin An's figure disappeared from within the Evil Extermination Bureau.

...

Lingzhou, inn.

Heifeng filled the wine cup and respectfully handed it to Zhao Wuhuan: "Sir, I don't understand why you would give the Blood Transformation Saber to Qin An? Although Gui Cang Realm cultivation techniques aren't worth much in Xunyang Prefecture, they are rare treasures in Lingzhou."

Zhao Wuhuan took the cup, downed it in one go: "I appreciate him."

Heifeng was slightly stunned: "Is that all?"

Zhao Wuhuan pondered, then murmured: "And to form a favorable connection."

Heifeng was even more confused: "With your position, why bother connecting with a lowly patrol officer?"

Zhao Wuhuan put down the cup and shook his head: "Nobody likes being investigated. By offering some benefits first, even if the truth comes out later, there's still room for maneuver."

Heifeng hesitated: "Does someone of your standing still need to be so roundabout?"

Zhao Wuhuan sighed lightly, his tone laced with helplessness.

"How did you reach Pulse Condensation?" Zhao Wuhuan remarked flatly: "Qin An may be like an ant now, but one should never underestimate the heroes of this world."

Heifeng hastened to bow and apologized: "I understand my mistake, but if you want to form a connection, why not meet Qin An directly?"

He knew Zhao Wuhuan's temperament well; although appearing gentle, he was ruthless.

Apologizing first before questioning was a familiar tactic to him.

Zhao Wuhuan nodded in satisfaction: "Meeting directly would be too abrupt, and I don't want him to know about my existence. Otherwise, how could I observe his potential?"

"I want to see not only his strength but also whether he truly is a fine talent in demon slaying."

Hearing this, Heifeng finally understood Zhao Wuhuan's intention and was suddenly enlightened, quickly flattering: "Sir, your insight is profound."

Zhao Wuhuan waved his hand: "Leave now, continue waiting in Lingzhou; he will eventually go out."

Heifeng said no more, silently leaving the room.

...

Time flew by, and two days passed in an instant.

Within the blacksmith shop, Qin An put down the hammer, looking at the text that appeared before him, nodding with satisfaction.

[Blacksmith lv.7 (400/1500): The quality of items you forge improves, and material consumption decreases]

[Talents: Jade Bone Realm Power Skill Mastery, Jade Bone Realm Forged Object Spirituality Granting]

In these two days, Qin An had returned to a peaceful life, traveling daily between the blacksmith shop and the Evil Extermination Bureau.

If not for needing achievements and monster essences to deduce cultivation techniques, he would have almost reveled in the pleasure of proficiency growth.

"Sir, a sweat towel." The blacksmith handed over a clean towel.

Qin An accepted the towel, wiping the sweat from his forehead.

Each proficiency increase was accompanied by energy expenditure, and even at the Pulse Condensation Realm, fatigue was inevitable.

This was why Qin An didn't practice proficiency tirelessly day and night; maintaining adequate energy was necessary.

"Heading back."

Qin An placed down the towel, simply said, then walked out of the blacksmith shop.

He would return the next day, continuing until the Blacksmith profession was raised to level nine.

...

On the street outside, moonlight cast a silvery glow, akin to mercury spilling across the ground.

Occasionally, citizens hurried by, appearing not at all deserted under the silvery glow.

The blacksmith accompanied him all the way to the entrance, stopping only when they reached the door.

Although Qin An was approachable, as a significant figure in the Evil Extermination Bureau, the blacksmith dared not show any neglect.

Just as Qin An was about to step out of the blacksmith shop, a burst of urgent footsteps suddenly resonated.

Qin An looked towards the source of the sound, seeing an Internal Affairs Department state official, sweating profusely, hurrying towards him under the moonlight.

Despite the night being cool, the official's sweat flowed incessantly.

Qin An narrowed his eyes: "Coming for me."

With only the blacksmith shop still operating here, his presence at the forge was no secret.

The state official from the Internal Affairs Department had come now, clearly seeking him.

Indeed, as the official approached, he breathlessly clasped his hands, showing undisguised urgency.

"Mr. Qin, something has happened!"

With these words, Qin An clutched the Cold Star at his waist.

"What's the matter?"

The State Official from the Internal Affairs Department glanced at the blacksmith and whispered, "Please, Mr. Qin, accompany me back, and you'll see."

The matters of the Evil Extermination Bureau must naturally not be known to outsiders, especially ordinary villagers; the more they know, the more dangerous it becomes.

Qin An nodded, "Lead the way!"

Subsequently, Qin An and the State Official from the Internal Affairs Department hurried away, rushing towards the Evil Extermination Bureau.

...

The journey was uneventful.

When Qin An stepped into the front courtyard of the Evil Extermination Bureau, his pupils suddenly contracted at the sight before him.

In the courtyard stood over a dozen Silver Prefecture Guards, their sabers drawn, standing solemnly.

Yang Quanfeng and Wan Ziqing, with gold plaques hanging from their waists, looked gravely ahead.

In the open space ahead, over a hundred bodies were exposed under the moonlight, looking particularly eerie, making one's hair stand on end.

These corpses wore the attire of ordinary villagers.

Pale skin, distorted facial features, and scarred bodies indicated that these villagers suffered horrific pain before their deaths.

Especially many of the bodies were missing limbs, with wounds seemingly torn by sharp teeth, still bearing faint traces of Evil Qi.

Demonic creatures!

With just one glance, Qin An discerned the clues within.

Yang Quanfeng, upon seeing Qin An return, gravely said, "Qin An, we have big trouble."

Qin An stepped closer and asked, "What kind of demonic creature could commit such a massacre?"

Over a hundred lives lost in one night, even in Lingzhou where demonic Pseudo-Gods run rampant, this was a monumental case.

Wan Ziqing interjected, "The entire village, from elderly to infants, none survived. You'll understand once you read this letter."

With that, Wan Ziqing handed a crumpled letter to Qin An.

Qin An slightly frowned, took the letter, and quickly scanned its contents, his eyes flashing with killing intent.

The contents of the letter appeared before his eyes.

[Qin An, long time no see. Are you satisfied with this humble gift from me, the Elder?]

[These villagers' meat is coarse, I only took the tenderest parts, still unsatisfied.]

[You ruined my plans and caused me to be punished by the Hall Master; truly deserving of ten thousand deaths.]

[Today I give you a chance. I await you at Changfeng Mountain, north of Lingzhou.]

[All grievances will be settled there.]

[Remember, I possess the ability to hide from prying eyes; if I detect any other patrol guards coming, even more people will die.]

[If you don't come within three days, more people will die regardless.]

[—Written by Elder Monkey.]

At the end, there was a small bloody handprint, clearly that of a child's hand.

A murderous aura emanated, the pressure of the Pulse Condensation Realm causing the Silver Prefecture Guards nearby to struggle to breathe.

Even Yang Quanfeng and Wan Ziqing, upon sensing the killing aura emanating from Qin An, involuntarily held their breaths.

"Elder Monkey, it seems you've grown sick of having your head attached, and now your neck itches," Qin An's tone was chilling and icy.

Yang Quanfeng wiped the sweat from his forehead, "Calm down for a moment."

The Golden Prefecture Guards only had the strength of the Gui Cang Realm, struggling under the pressure of the Pulse Condensation Realm, even Yang Quanfeng felt discomfort.

Qin An withdrew his imposing aura, his gaze sharp as a blade.

Wan Ziqing showed a hint of complexity and asked, "How do you plan to respond?"

Qin An spoke slowly, "Since a trap has been set, I will go to break it."

Wan Ziqing said seriously, "It's a death trap. Are you going alone?"

Qin An nodded, "If I gather patrol guards, it will only alert the enemy."

Yang Quanfeng hesitated briefly, "But what if something happens to you—"

Qin An raised his hand to interrupt, "That's a discussion for later."

This time, Elder Monkey had set the trap, and Qin An had good reasons to go.

First, the villagers were innocent, and they should not be implicated.

Though Qin An doesn't regard himself as a good person, he does hold principles.

Second, the matter of the Yang Elixir remains unresolved.

He needs to show those above that he has the potential to slay demons.

If he retreats because of fear, those above would not look favorably upon him afterward.

If he resolves the issue with Elder Monkey, it not only resolves the villagers' danger but also showcases his potential to those above.

For both Qin An and the people of Lingzhou, this is the best outcome.

Of course, if Qin An only had the strength of the Gui Cang Realm, this matter would need careful reconsideration.

However, he had already entered the Pulse Condensation Realm, and with all eight main meridians tempered by Earth Vein Crystals, he wasn't an ordinary Pulse Condensation Realm cultivator.

This mission held much confidence for success.

Yang Quanfeng opened his mouth to speak, but understanding Qin An's intent, he refrained and asked, "When will you set off?"

Qin An looked towards the dark night sky and calmly said, "Tomorrow."

After practicing blacksmithing today, too much energy had been expended.

Since he was going to claim Elder Monkey's head, he needed to gather his strength.

With those words, Qin An spoke no further, exchanged a few words with Yang Quanfeng, and then walked alone towards his small dwelling.

Only after Qin An's figure disappeared did Yang Quanfeng regain his senses.

"He now has the ability to confront Lingzhou's top forces head-on,"

Yang Quanfeng's tone carried a complex undertone as he spoke, "If he wins this battle, from then on, he would have free rein across all Lingzhou."

Wan Ziqing pondered, "Do we need to notify the central prefecture?"

Yang Quanfeng shook his head, "Three days isn't enough time, and what good would notifying do? He intends to go, and no one can stop him."

Upon hearing this, Wan Ziqing sighed deeply, her gaze sweeping over the hundreds of bodies, solemnly stating, "Bury all the dead with honor. Remember today's shame, lest Lingzhou's demonic Pseudo-Gods continue to sow unrest, Lingzhou shall not find peace."

The many Silver Prefecture Guards silently collected the bodies, their hearts heavy with the weight of the grief.

They joined the Evil Extermination Bureau precisely to slay demons and eliminate threats, yet seeing over a hundred innocent deaths, their feelings were naturally grim.

Several Silver Prefecture Guards gazed at the departing silhouette of Qin An, suddenly filled with a sense of anticipation.

"If Mr. Qin personally sets out, perhaps he will return with the monkey demon's head, delivering justice for the villagers..."

For this new luminary in Lingzhou, all present held high hopes.

...

The next day.

On the main road, a sparse drizzle fell.

Qin An sat firmly on horseback, gazing into the distance at the towering mountain range, his aura as sharp as a blade.

"This head, it's time to claim it."

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