Amidst the forest of bamboo, there was a complete silence.

All eyes were focused on Qin An, with an unmistakable look of shock.

Qin An stood wielding a sword, his gaze sweeping across the crowd like lightning.

Anyone touched by his gaze involuntarily lowered their heads, not daring to meet his eyes.

Even those Patrol Silver Captains who initially harbored thoughts of contending with him fully curbed their intentions, no longer daring to entertain any reckless thoughts.

Li suppressed the complex expression in his eyes and stepped forward with concern, "Were you hurt?"

Qin An shook his head calmly, "I'm fine."

Using eight earth veins to condense the primary vein naturally formed a perfect foundation in the Pulse Condensation Realm, complemented by a myriad of secret techniques.

Although he had just entered this realm, he was already able to overpower those who had achieved great success.

Li nodded slightly, "If so, take a moment to rest."

He hesitated to speak, momentarily seeing the Qin An from the Gui Cang Realm.

But the person before him had already grown into a top-notch talent who could stand beside him.

Finishing up was extremely straightforward.

The Patrol Silver Captains were always in charge of eliminating threats, and the state officials dealt with the aftermath.

Several Patrol Gold Captains quickly departed, and the Silver Captains gradually dispersed as well.

For the Patrol Captains, who dealt with monsters and Pseudo-Gods daily, this task was just a minor interlude.

Before leaving, Li solemnly bowed with his fist in hand, "Next time we meet, consider us equals."

He was well aware that with this achievement, Qin An's promotion to Patrol Gold Captain was certain.

The next time they meet, they would be on the same level.

By then, even the Gold Captain from the Evil Extermination Bureau in Jinzhou would have to respectfully address him as 'Sir.'

Dongfang Mo also approached to bid farewell, "Mr. Qin, I will certainly take you as a model and diligently cultivate."

Though he spoke so, deep down he was clearer than anyone else.

This goal would always be an unattainable figure in the distance.

After the numerous Patrol Captains gradually left, Gao Lingyu approached gracefully with the disciples of the Profound Celestial Array Gate.

A hint of regret flashed in Gao Lingyu's eyes, "No wonder you aren't willing to join my Profound Celestial Array Gate."

Such astonishing talent was simply tailor-made for the Evil Extermination Bureau.

If the Xunyang Prefecture's Evil Extermination Bureau learned of this, even though the Profound Celestial Array Gate had extensive connections in Xunyang Prefecture, they would not dare to seize greatness.

If they did, there wouldn't be any need for the Profound Celestial Array Gate to remain in Xunyang Prefecture.

Qin An pondered, "Are you heading back?"

Gao Lingyu nodded, "The Array is broken, and the Demon Transformation Pool has lost the nourishment of the earth veins, making it difficult to form an array. Having repaid the favor to the General Prefecture, I should return to Xunyang Prefecture."

Qin An slightly nodded.

Gao Lingyu thought briefly, "If you visit Xunyang Prefecture someday, please come to the Profound Celestial Array Gate; they would like to form a good relationship with you."

She was very aware of Qin An's potential, knowing that Lingzhou was not a place for him to remain for long; Xunyang Prefecture was truly his stage.

Although they couldn't recruit Qin An into the Profound Celestial Array Gate, forming a good relationship with such a top-notch talent was beneficial for them.

Qin An gently stroked the scabbard, "Certainly."

Gao Lingyu said no more and left the bamboo forest with many disciples of the Profound Celestial Array Gate.

At this moment, there was no one left in the bamboo forest.

Qin An pondered slightly, then turned towards the Evil Extermination Bureau.

With this remarkable accomplishment, he planned first to cultivate the healer profession to Level 9 and then exchange for a protective technique.

Once he reached Level 9 in the healing profession, the significant figure mentioned by the General Prefecture should appear.

Moreover, once the achievements were confirmed in a few days, he would be able to promote to a Patrol Gold Captain.

After the promotion, he would have completed part of his plan and greatly benefit the matter of the Yang Elixir.

Subsequently, Qin An's figure gradually disappeared into the bare bamboo forest.

The gentle breeze swept by, causing the entire bamboo sea to fall into silence once again.

...

In the Demon Hall, the atmosphere was heavy.

The Hall Master, wearing a scholar's cap, tipped his head back and gulped down a pot of strong liquor, "Lost again."

Several Pulse Condensation Realm monsters below remained silent, not daring to speak.

Scattered all over the floor were fragments, which the Hall Master had smashed a moment ago with his own hands.

"My uncle often said, those who achieve great things remain unchanged in the face of a collapsing mountain." The Hall Master's voice turned icy as he smashed the liquor pot with anger, "But I still can't do it!"

The sound of the pot shattering was particularly abrupt, making the Pulse Condensation Realm monsters shiver all at once.

"Useless! All of them are useless!" The Hall Master tore off his scholar's cap, crushing it into a ball, his eyes bloodshot, "A mere Pulse Condensation Realm Patrol Captain repeatedly ruins my grand scheme! Is there truly no one in my Demon Hall who can take his head?"

The elder with a goatee stepped forward to console, "Master, please calm your anger; the immediate priority is the matter of the Demon Transformation Pool."

The Hall Master raised his eyes, sweeping over the Pulse Condensation Realm goat demon, suppressing his fury, "Is there any news on the search for the Demon Transformation Pool?"

The goat elder quickly reported, "There's a lead; one of our people got an arm chopped off by the Demon Transformation Pool and it said that we've repeatedly broken our promises, and it's extremely disappointed with us."

"If we don't bring something good, I'm afraid..."

The goat elder didn't continue, but the implication was clear.

All the demons remained silent.

The Demon Transformation Pool was on the verge of full revival, and the plan they had painstakingly arranged over the years might fade like a dream bubble?

The Hall Master shredded the scholar's cap, and a dragon's horn glinted coldly on his forehead, "Is an External Core Realm expert sufficient?"

Upon hearing this, the demons were stunned.

The Hall Master said grimly, "Throughout Lingzhou, aside from me, only the General Prefecture is in the External Core Realm. Since the Demon Transformation Pool is a Pseudo-God, I shall sacrifice the General Prefecture to it!"

"But..." the goat elder hesitated, "The General Prefecture has long been immersed in the External Core Realm; it might be difficult to handle. If we try to deal with it, all it needs is to send one signal, and a Patrol Gold Captain will come."

The Hall Master sneered, "If two External Core Realms join forces against him, can he still have a way out?"

The goat elder stood astonished, "Two?"

The Hall Master revealed a sinister smile, "The Demon Transformation Pool is an External Core Realm Pseudo-God; with it and me joining forces, it will ensure the General Prefecture has no return!"

The goat elder was overjoyed at the news, "If it's true, Lingzhou will belong entirely to our Demon Hall!"

Once the General Prefecture fell, the Evil Extermination Bureau in Lingzhou would surely crumble, providing them with an endless supply of blood and power.

"When does the Hall Master plan to act?" the goat elder inquired.

The Hall Master replied coldly, "The Demon Transformation Pool is not yet mature; once it is, we will attack on two fronts."

"First, send some Pulse Condensation Realm elders to kill the important figure coming to Lingzhou, forcing the General Prefecture to allocate forces."

"Second, seize this opportunity to lure the General Prefecture to the Demon Transformation Pool and suppress him there!"

Elder Yang quickly clasped his hands in salute, bowing with admiration and saying: "Hall Master's insightful view!"

The Hall Master waved his sleeve and barked: "Start preparations immediately! As for Qin An..."

The killing intent was evident in his eyes.

"Keep his head; I want to personally drink to it!"

"As you command!"

The demons hurriedly complied and swiftly went on their way.

...

Time flew by, and in the blink of an eye, several days passed.

Recently, Lingzhou was extraordinarily peaceful, with only the Thousand-legged Cave sustaining itself among the three major demon forces, and the Demon Hall lying in wait.

Apart from the few stray demons causing trouble, there were no more disturbances.

The only thing causing ripples within the Evil Extermination Bureau was Qin An.

Or rather, he should be called the Mountain Patrol Golden Captain—Mr. Qin.

After his return, his achievements were compiled in just a few days.

The General Command issued an order, making Qin An the youngest Mountain Patrol Golden Commander in Lingzhou's history.

Now, even officials like Yang Quanfeng from Jinzhou must respectfully salute when they see him and call him Mr. Qin.

At this moment, two state officials within the Evil Extermination Bureau were having a conversation.

"You've just joined the Foreign Affairs Department; there are many rules to learn."

The leading veteran state official had his hands behind his back, displaying the demeanor of a senior: "The first thing is to thoroughly study the records of the Evil Extermination Bureau, then follow me to the Confidential Library."

The new state official quickly nodded, curious: "Senior, when we came over, we heard everyone discussing Mr. Qin. Who is he?"

The veteran state official paused, showing a respectful expression, and then his demeanor turned solemn: "Mr. Qin is a legend in the Lingzhou Evil Extermination Bureau."

The new state official, hearing this, became even more intrigued.

The veteran state official recited fluently: "In over half a year, he climbed from a state official to a Silver Commander, then from a Mountain Patrol Bronze Captain to a Mountain Patrol Golden Captain, unparalleled in history."

He paused, sternly advising.

"Remember, it's acceptable not to salute a Jinzhou officer, but when you see Mr. Qin, you must greet him respectfully."

The new state official was shocked, showing an expression of admiration, but then thought of something puzzling.

"Encounter him?"

"But aren't the Mountain Patrol officers usually out exterminating evil?"

The veteran state official coughed once: "Mr. Qin is different; he often stays inside the bureau studying various obscure techniques, but remember, this is the privilege of an extraordinary genius—it's not something ordinary people should imitate."

The new state official inhaled sharply: "To be able to advance so quickly despite being so distracted, Mr. Qin truly has extraordinary talent."

The veteran state official nodded: "Indeed, sir is our pride in Lingzhou. Enough with idle chatter; quickly follow me to the Confidential Library."

The two ceased speaking and headed towards the Confidential Library.

Such conversations were commonplace within the Evil Extermination Bureau.

The legend of Qin An was spreading from the Evil Extermination Bureau throughout the entire Lingzhou world.

...

Rays of sunlight filtered through the window frames, laying a golden carpet on the floor.

Qin An had a golden badge hanging on his waist, which shimmered brilliantly in the sunlight.

Before him, smoke appeared, twisting like serpentine text.

[Healer lv.9 (0/3000): You enhance the effects of your treatment on patients, reducing treatment time, and increasing the efficacy of medicines]

[Talent: Mastery in Gui Cang Realm healing techniques, Great Success in Gui Cang Realm poison resistance, Mastery in Gui Cang Realm pharmacology]

The smoke in front of him quickly dissipated, transforming into a sea of information that poured into Qin An's mind.

The condition for upgrading to a level nine healer was treating a hundred people, which was an easy task for Qin An to achieve.

And the benefits of reaching level nine in the profession were plentiful.

First was obtaining the trait of enhancing medicinal effects.

This trait allowed Qin An to fully maximize the effects of medicines when used.

Next was the talent.

All of his talents were upgraded to mastery in the Gui Cang Realm, and in addition, he acquired the talent of mastery in Gui Cang Realm pharmacology.

This talent complemented the trait of enhancing medicinal effects.

In the future, when Qin An diagnosed and treated people, he would prescribe medicines with greater precision and make full use of their effects during the process.

Although it was not a combat-type talent, this kind of support talent might one day prove useful, much like an Array Master.

"Time to upgrade."

Qin An took a deep breath, then pulled out a book on Cultivation Technique from his bosom.

The cover of the book read "True Essence Protection".

This was a Cultivation Technique he casually exchanged in the Confidential Library after returning.

Now that his healer profession had advanced to level nine, he saved himself the time of making another trip to the Confidential Library.

True Essence Protection was a Gui Cang Realm technique that focused on covering the entire body with True Essence, bearing a remarkable similarity to the Xuan Gang Medical Physique.

Originally, with his promotion to Mountain Patrol Golden Captain, Qin An could exchange for a Pulse Condensation Realm technique.

But after thinking it over, Qin An decided it was too wasteful to use a Pulse Condensation Realm technique for deduction.

All he needed was a Gui Cang Realm technique, and with the amount equivalent to six demon cores, he could deduce it to the initial understanding of the Pulse Condensation Realm, sparing the use of merit points.

The remaining merit points, Qin An had plans for.

When the influential figures arrived in Lingzhou, Qin An would exchange all the merit points for demon crystals, to serve as the foundation for the Blood-Burning Eight-Forged Dragon Demon Hand.

Qin An sat cross-legged, guiding the True Qi within his body according to the True Essence Protection route.

After a cycle of True Qi operation, a line of smoke appeared before him, gradually twisting into serpentine-like text.

[Through practicing True Essence Protection, due to possessing the influence of the Xuan Gang Medical Physique, you draw parallels and gain insight]

[True Essence Protection (Perfected)]

With the formidable assistance of a level nine healer profession, the Gui Cang Realm protection Cultivation Technique quickly reached perfection.

Qin An, however, didn't dwell on it and continued to deduce.

In front of him, the smoke quickly vanished, then gathered once more.

[You attempt to integrate the Xuan Gang Medical Physique with True Essence Protection, unfortunately falling short of talent]

[With unwavering resolve, you start burning your internal vitality and blood]

[As your vitality and blood burn wildly, a fleeting inspiration lights up in your heart]

[Continuing to burn your vitality and blood, the inspiration becomes increasingly clear, ultimately leading to an epiphany]

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