The contents of the letter were concise and clear, only instructing Qin An to bring the Celestial Calculation Bead to where the main state is located.

"Where is the Celestial Calculation Bead now?" Qin An put down the letter in his hand and asked in a deep voice.

Since he joined the Evil Extermination Bureau, the main state has always been in the wilderness.

Now, as mentioned in the letter, it's evident that he is required to bring the Celestial Calculation Bead for a meeting.

For this strongest person in Lingzhou, Qin An naturally felt curious.

Yang Quanfeng, who hadn't seen the contents of the letter, respectfully replied, "It has always been kept by me; please wait a moment, Mr. Qin."

Qin An nodded slightly.

Yang Quanfeng said no more and turned to walk towards the inner room.

Before long, he returned to the courtyard carrying a wooden box in his arms and offered it to Qin An with both hands.

Qin An opened the box to check, his gaze falling on the crystal-clear bead: "Only one usage left?"

The Celestial Calculation Bead had been used once last time, and this final use remained.

Yang Quanfeng nodded in confirmation: "Indeed, only one use left. The specific method should be known by the main state master."

This item is not exclusive to the Celestial Calculation Sect; otherwise, the Sixth Elder of the Fire Crow Race wouldn't have troubled the Celestial Calculation Sect initially.

Qin An stood up and took his leave: "Since that's the case, I'll take my leave first."

As the main state had issued a task, he should set off immediately.

Although the Pill Master had not yet advanced to level nine, for Qin An, exterminating the demon hall was more pressing.

Yang Quanfeng responded and escorted, watching as Qin An's figure disappeared from sight before returning to the courtyard.

"With the changes in the Demon Transformation Pool imminent, we Jinzhou officers must stabilize the rear and not cause trouble for the Mountain Patrol Officer."

To various forces in Lingzhou, the state officer is not considered a rear person.

But to the lone Evil Extermination Mountain Patrol Officer, they are like logistics support.

Only by stabilizing the situation in Lingzhou before the final battle can they ensure no worries for the Mountain Patrol Officer.

"Someone." Yang Quanfeng's gaze sharpened: "Go invite the remaining eight Jinzhou officers."

In the courtyard, a figure flickered, disappearing in an instant.

...

Southwest of Lingzhou, several hundred miles away.

In the deep mountains, all is silent.

A figure suddenly appears.

Qin An looked around, frowning slightly.

Several days had passed since he received the letter from the main state.

After changing to three fast horses, he finally reached the location mentioned in the letter — Silent Forest.

Here, the mountains are towering, clouds and mist linger, it looks like a fairyland from afar.

The Silent Forest is vast, ordinary people who wander in could walk for three days and nights without finding a way out.

At the nearest station, Qin An abandoned the fast horse, walking on the rugged mountain paths.

The Dragon Roar Wind Shadow Step in the Pulse Condensation Realm combines long-distance assault capability, making it faster on this treacherous mountain road than riding a horse.

However, with Silent Forest so extensive, finding the main state became a challenge.

Qin An gently stroked the Cold Star Saber's hilt, pondering internally.

Just as he was calculating secretly, a faint sound of footsteps emerged.

"Clang!"

Without hesitation, Qin An drew his saber, focusing his attention on the source of the sound.

The figure gradually revealed itself, and seeing the arrival, Qin An returned the Cold Star Saber to his waist.

Gu Zhenghong bowed and greeted: "Greetings, Mr. Qin."

After the Celestial Calculation Sect incident, Gu Zhenghong had a brief encounter with Qin An.

Although he is a Jinzhou officer, he has followed behind the main state for a long time, having not returned to the Evil Extermination Bureau for a while.

Regarding Qin An before him, Gu Zhenghong felt complex and indescribable.

During their last meeting, they could still interact as peers.

But in just a few short years, Qin An has risen rapidly, now requiring the address of Mr.

Qin An nodded in acknowledgment: "No need for formalities. Did the main state send you to guide me?"

Gu Zhenghong nodded in affirmation: "Indeed, please follow me into the forest. The path here is winding, so please keep close."

Qin An raised a hand, signaling Gu Zhenghong to lead the way.

Subsequently, Gu Zhenghong led Qin An towards the depths of the Silent Forest.

...

The air carried a damp scent.

As Qin An and Gu Zhenghong delved into the Silent Forest, the sounds of birds and beasts gradually emerged.

Not far ahead, the path suddenly opened up, revealing an open space.

On the open space, three people stood.

Two of them were Jinzhou officers, gold waist plaques still hanging at their waists.

The other was a middle-aged man.

The middle-aged man carried a black halberd on his back, exuding an aura as deep as the sea.

Most noticeable were the middle-aged man's features.

Though ordinary in appearance, when gathered together, they conveyed an inexplicable righteousness.

As Qin An and Gu Zhenghong approached, all three focused their gaze on Qin An.

Qin An briefly contemplated, then walked towards the middle-aged man, bowing: "Qin An meets the main state master."

Apart from the three Jinzhou officers, the one waiting here could only be the main state.

Although Qin An had envisioned various meeting scenarios, he hadn't anticipated such simplicity and directness.

The main state revealed a barely noticeable smile: "I've heard much about you, meeting today confirms that a hero indeed rises from youth."

Qin An shook his head humbly: "Not at all."

The main state put away the smile, speaking seriously: "You don't need to hide that air of pride. What I admire is not just your potential but also that unique pride you possess."

Qin An showed slight surprise, not anticipating such frankness from the main state.

The main state continued: "Rising from Ding County, breaking the promotion record of Lingzhou's Evil Extermination Bureau, you are arguably the first among the younger generation of the Evil Extermination Bureau, even among Lingzhou's youth."

Qin An pondered for a moment, then said frankly: "Perhaps."

The main state turned to look at Gu Zhenghong and the others, saying: "You all may withdraw; I have important matters to discuss with Qin An."

Gu Zhenghong and others were still in shock.

They knew well about the main state's character; never had they seen him praise someone so.

This exceptional commendation, if spread, would certainly cause a sensation in Lingzhou.

However, it was not the time to be shocked; they knew in their hearts that there must be matters that the Central State cannot let others know about.

Subsequently, Gu Zhenghong and the other two men wisely cupped their hands and hurriedly retreated.

Qin An stood in place, his hand caressing the Cold Star, patiently waiting.

He had already guessed what this was about.

For the Central State to be so cautious, it must be about the Yang Elixir.

Sure enough, after a detailed look at Qin An, the Central State spoke bluntly.

"The matter of the Yang Elixir is already a ten out of ten certainty."

Upon hearing this, Qin An slightly raised his head, his eyes flickering slightly.

The Central State continued, "Potential, strength, background—you have all these, only missing one point."

"What's missing?" Qin An asked.

The Central State slowly spoke, "Merit."

Qin An remained silent.

The Central State pointed to the Silent Forest behind, saying, "Eliminate the Demon Hall, and the Yang Elixir matter will be assured."

Qin An nodded slightly, "This indeed aligns with what I was thinking."

The Demon Hall was a sword hanging over Lingzhou.

Now Qin An had everything except the Demon Hall matter.

If after wiping out the Demon Hall matter the Yang Elixir is still unattainable, that would be strange indeed.

The Central State nodded in satisfaction, saying, "It's good that you understand this. Next, we move on to the second matter."

Qin An raised an eyebrow slightly, "What matter?"

He hadn't expected a second matter waiting for him, which piqued his curiosity.

But after Qin An asked this question, the Central State fell into silence.

Qin An could see an overwhelming sorrow emanating from the Central State, a feeling palpable even from the side.

The Central State's gaze focused on a direction, the nostalgia in his eyes growing stronger.

Qin An recognized that direction—it was where Xunyang Prefecture was located.

"Would you like to know my story?" the Central State recollected himself and spoke in a deep voice.

Qin An nodded, "If you are willing to say, I am willing to listen."

The Central State revealed a helpless smile, "You little rascal, you certainly know how to put on a good show. Fine, since the time is right, I will tell you."

"I was originally part of the Evil Extermination Bureau in Xunyang Prefecture. I came to Lingzhou alone because my views did not align with my master's."

Qin An asked, "Who is your master?"

The Central State shook his head, "It's not convenient to disclose his identity. Just know that he is a significant figure in Xunyang Prefecture."

Qin An was somewhat thoughtful and said, "What do you mean by differing views?"

Since he was unwilling to say, Qin An did not ask, but the notion of differing views intrigued him.

The Central State's eyes slightly narrowed, "My master believed that the Evil Extermination Bureau was part of the court, naturally entailing court politics, whereas I believed that the Evil Extermination Bureau was pure and existed solely to slay demons."

Qin An rubbed the Cold Star Saber's hilt, "That indeed aligns with the style of Lingzhou's Evil Extermination Bureau."

Having been in Lingzhou's Evil Extermination Bureau for a long time, Qin An felt that Lingzhou's Bureau was indeed pure enough.

"What happened later?" Qin An continued to ask.

The Central State paused slightly and spoke slowly, "Later, my master was disappointed in me. I let down his nurturing, and came to Lingzhou to lead the Evil Extermination Bureau here."

Qin An released his hold on the Cold Star, "So that's how it is."

Through this understanding, Qin An was now quite clear about the origin of the Central State.

However, Qin An caught a different tone from the Central State's exchange.

After some thought, Qin An asked, "The person who came to secretly investigate must be related to you?"

Upon hearing this, a hint of interest flashed in the Central State's eyes, "How did you guess?"

Qin An analyzed, "If they weren't related to you, I would likely have already been taken to Xunyang Prefecture by the person in secret investigation; they wouldn't give me time."

If things were as Qin An speculated, everything would be logical.

After all, if Qin An were the investigator, he wouldn't leave much time for himself.

Upon arrival, a simple investigation, and if guilty, taking away immediately.

Only someone related to the Central State would allow so much time.

The Central State nodded and openly said, "He is my senior brother."

"Senior brother?" Qin An expressed surprise, "From your words, it seems you haven't met him."

The Central State did not conceal, nodding, "Because my master and I were not in harmony, my senior brother resents me too, but that's not the point. The point is that he is willing to give you this opportunity, which is already rare."

"As long as the Demon Hall matter is settled, you can earn merit and thereby escape the crisis of the Yang Elixir."

Qin An nodded and did not continue speaking.

He sensed that the Central State must have more to say to him, for if there were no important matters to discuss, they wouldn't meet at this time.

The Celestial Calculation Bead could be escorted by anyone; it didn't have to be him.

The Central State also noticed the hint in Qin An's eyes and sighed, his eyes growing incredibly sharp, "You possess enormous potential, rare even in Xunyang Prefecture."

"With a Five Yang Elixir Foundation and eight earthen veins coalescing the main vein, you are already standing at the pinnacle of the Vein Condensation Realm."

"Therefore, Lingzhou cannot possibly constrain you."

Qin An remained silent.

The Central State continued, "The Mountain Patrolling Gold Officer in Lingzhou has reached the end of his journey, and after achieving the Pulse Condensation Realm, the resources required will be countless."

"How difficult it is to break through to the Outer Elixir Realm. After so many years, in Lingzhou, only I and the hall master of the Demon Hall are of the Outer Elixir Realm."

"This shows that Lingzhou's resources aren't enough to produce a third expert in the Outer Elixir Realm."

Qin An nodded, "Indeed."

These days, for cultivation, resources are of utmost importance.

Though Lingzhou is large, it indeed can't produce a third one of the Outer Elixir Realm.

"Do you mean for me to go to Xunyang Prefecture?" Qin An asked.

The Central State did not conceal his intent, nodding slightly, "Yes, you are a dragon, Xunyang Prefecture is the ocean, Lingzhou is a shallow pond."

"A dragon should roam the sea, not be trapped in a small place like Lingzhou."

"If I were to keep you in Lingzhou, it would only be detrimental to you."

"Moreover, once you enter Xunyang Prefecture, only then can you, with a perfect foundation, step into the true Outer Elixir Realm."

"Not merely an ordinary Outer Elixir Realm like me, regretful for life."

As those words fell, the regret in the Central State's tone was unmistakable.

Qin An sensed the deeper meaning in the Central State's tone, his eyes slightly flickering.

"Perfect foundation... what is a perfect foundation?"

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