At this moment, Qin An and Mr. Sun stood side by side, with only a Cyan Snake Demon left beside them.

Qin An immediately noticed Mr. Sun's unusual behavior.

Qin An asked, "Do you know what the Hunter Conference is?"

Mr. Sun snapped back to reality, his face as solemn as iron, "The monsters run rampant in Xunyang Prefecture. Every so often, a large number of demons gather, dedicated to hunting cultivators."

Dedicate to hunting cultivators?

Qin An's eyes narrowed slightly, a cold light appeared, feeling there was a lot of information inside, "Is the Evil Extermination Bureau just letting it happen?"

Even with the constant turmoil in Lingzhou, whether it's the Demon Hall or other demonic forces, no one dares to be so rampant.

The monsters in Xunyang Prefecture truly open one's eyes.

Mr. Sun laughed bitterly, "Xunyang Prefecture is vast and complex, with various forces deeply intertwined, and monsters are everywhere. Maintaining the current balance is already not easy."

Hearing this, Qin An pondered secretly.

He originally thought that this trip to Xunyang Prefecture was dangerous, but now it seems it's not just dangerous, it's fraught with dangers.

Just this brazen Hunter Conference is enough to show that Xunyang Prefecture is full of crises.

The Cyan Snake Demon swallowed hard, and said trembling, "Monsters die like weeds, cultivators fall like flying ash, this is the norm in Xunyang Prefecture."

Qin An tilted his head and asked, "Is there news of the Jiao Long Hall?"

The Cyan Snake Demon hurriedly said, "Grandfather, I am just a mere Loose Cultivator, how could I know such secrets."

Qin An lightly tapped the hilt of his straight blade with his knuckles, "So, this bit of information might not be enough to spare your life."

The Cyan Snake Demon's face changed drastically, the look of struggle flashed through his eyes.

This slight change did not escape Qin An's sharp eyes.

Qin An waited leisurely.

After a long time, the Cyan Snake Demon opened his mouth and spat out a square object wrapped in oilcloth.

"Grandfather, this is the secret manual of the Cyan Snake clan, it is a grappling technique…" The Cyan Snake Demon said with a flattering smile, "Human cultivators can also practice it, though it's slightly less effective, but it's definitely a Pulse Condensation Realm Cultivation Technique."

"A grappling technique, barehanded?" Qin An drew his cold star blade, used the tip to pry it open, revealing the bamboo slip inside.

The cover of the bamboo slip had the four words "Cyan Snake Strangling" written on it.

Qin An used his cold star blade to lift the bamboo slip and put it into his bosom, satisfied, "Not bad, this is indeed enough to spare your life."

Originally fifteen demon crystals, four spent and gained two, there are still thirteen left.

Though slightly at a loss, obtaining this Cultivation Technique made it profitable instead.

The Cyan Snake Demon said joyfully, "So, I can leave now?"

Before finishing the sentence, intense pain suddenly spread throughout his body.

Qin An slowly withdrew the bloodstained straight blade, "The Cultivation Technique can buy your life, but it's still lacking heat, together with your demon crystals, it's only considered settled."

The Cyan Snake Demon fell to the ground, writhing in pain, with its vitality severed after the demon crystals were extracted, it had no way to live.

"You'll die, you won't die a good death!"

"Shameless villain, I'll wait for you on the path to the yellow springs!"

The Cyan Snake Demon cursed with resentment as he twisted.

Qin An, however, looked pleased, collecting the demon crystals.

Until the cursing gradually faded, the Cyan Snake Demon had already turned into a corpse.

Mr. Sun watched from the side, observing the whole process, only feeling a chill down his spine.

Qin An's decisive methods in killing deepened his understanding of him.

The concept of buying life with demon crystals was truly unheard of.

Could one live after taking out the demon crystals?

But against such a brutal demon, Qin An's ruthlessness was in line with the style of the Evil Extermination Bureau.

Mr. Sun recalled Qin An's identity for this trip, thinking it's not an issue.

"Let's go." Qin An glanced at the empty official roadhouse, "I'm curious to see how many surprises Xunyang Prefecture still holds."

The two of them spoke no more, after a brief rest, they rode fast horses towards Xunyang Prefecture again.

...

Xunyang Prefecture City, flourishing and vibrant.

The streets paved with bluestone slabs extended into the distance, with vermillion lacquered and carved buildings lining both sides, copper bells hanging from the eaves tinkling in the wind.

The streets were crowded with people.

A silk shop's clerk unrolled a piece of lake blue cloud-patterned brocade, attracting several bejeweled women to stop.

The scent of Dragon Well tea wafted from the tea house, the storyteller slapped his wake-up block, and the full house of tea drinkers held their breaths in concentration.

Willow branches along the moat brushed over the stone bridge railings, and beneath the bridge, black canopy boats passed by slowly, loaded with fresh lotus rhizomes and water caltrops, the boatwomen hummed the lotus picking tune mixed with sounds of dice games from the tavern.

The word "prosperity" seemed ready to be carved onto the plaque above Xunyang Prefecture's city gate.

At this time, an old man and a young man led their horses to the city gate.

Two soldiers guarded the city gate, both with Jade Bone Realm cultivation, carefully inspecting the people coming and going.

Qin An observed for a moment, "No wonder it's the prefecture city, just these city guard soldiers are already comparable to a Mountain Patrol Copper General."

Mr. Sun looked grim, "The inspections are not usually this strict, it seems the Cyan Snake Demon was right, the Hunter Conference is approaching."

Qin An nodded, "Let's enter the city first."

Saying this, the two of them arrived at the city gate.

The soldiers on either side were about to come for inspection, but at seeing Mr. Sun's face, they were slightly startled.

"Please, come in!" The soldiers greeted with clasped hands, without inspection.

Qin An raised an eyebrow slightly, already knowing the reason.

Mr. Sun had some reputation in Xunyang Prefecture, it was normal for the soldiers to recognize him.

It was because of Mr. Sun that they were spared inspection.

Mr. Sun slightly raised his head, a bit proud, "Mr. Qin, this old man still has some face in Xunyang Prefecture, right?"

He felt that the shock he experienced from Qin An over time could finally be balanced a little.

Unexpectedly, Qin An merely nodded calmly, without saying much.

Mr. Sun's mouth twitched slightly, although he was long accustomed to Qin An's calm nature, he still felt like punching cotton.

Thinking of this, Mr. Sun could only shake his head and let it go, not dwelling on the matter.

Once inside the city, the prosperity was even greater.

Qin An turned and cupped his fists, "This is where we part ways."

Both he and Mr. Sun had their own matters. After reaching Xunyang Prefecture, it was time to go separate ways.

Mr. Sun clasped his hands in a formal salute, "I am also in Xunyang Prefecture, if you ask around, you'll know where I stay. If Mr. Qin has time to visit, I will certainly host a banquet in your honor."

He was also a veteran of the martial world, well aware of the importance of duties in the Evil Extermination Bureau, not daring to delay.

Qin An returned the salute with few words, "Certainly."

After speaking, he said no more, and turned towards the direction of the Evil Extermination Bureau.

...

Xunyang Prefecture Evil Extermination Bureau.

At this moment, two Household Officers stood guard at the entrance, standing solemnly.

The Hunter Conference was approaching, and the atmosphere within the bureau was tense like iron, even passersby on the street could feel the murderous aura.

A sound of footsteps arose, drawing the attention of the two Household Officers.

When the officer on the left saw a young man in black leading a horse approaching, he immediately stepped forward two steps: "This is a vital place of the Evil Extermination Bureau, leave quickly!"

The officer on the right had already placed his hand on the weapon at his waist, a look of vigilance in his eyes.

Qin An glanced over, and said lightly: "As expected of the Evil Extermination Bureau of a prefecture-level city, even the Household Officers are of Jade Bone Realm cultivation."

The Household Officer frowned slightly, ready to continue inquiring about Qin An's identity.

At this time, Qin An raised his hand and threw over a golden light.

The officer unexpectedly saw a golden light flying towards him, reached out to catch it, and exclaimed: "Mountain Patrol Golden Guard?"

Qin An said calmly: "At the command of Mr. Zhao Wuhuan, I have come to the Evil Extermination Bureau of Xunyang Prefecture to take office."

The officer returned the Mountain Patrol Gold Token with both hands, saying: "Please wait here for a moment, allow me to report."

Qin An nodded without speaking.

The officer turned and left, heading towards the inner courtyard of the Evil Extermination Bureau.

Not long after, the sound of two sets of footsteps could be heard.

One was the officer who had just left, and the other was a young man with a stern face.

The man was dressed in dark clothes, with an iron whip hanging from his waist, shimmering with an intimidating light.

As soon as he approached, the man glanced at Qin An and spoke indifferently: "Follow me inside."

Qin An could feel the aura of the Pulse Condensation Realm emanating from the man, nodded, and followed him into the Evil Extermination Bureau.

...

The courtyard was very spacious, many times larger than the Evil Extermination Bureau in Lingzhou.

Passing through a courtyard several times wider than Lingzhou's, the weakest seen along the way were those skilled in Gui Cang Realm.

Pulse Condensation Realm cultivators were not few either.

"My name is Yang Qing." The man with the iron whip walked ahead, speaking without looking back: "I am a Copper Prefecture General of the Evil Extermination Bureau, next, I will explain the regulations of the Evil Extermination Bureau in Xunyang Prefecture to you, listen carefully."

Qin An nodded, asked: "Under Mr. Zhao's command?"

Yang Qing stopped: "No, Mr. Zhao is a Mountain Patrol Copper General, different from us, I have only benefited from him, and specially came to lead the way."

Qin An said no more, indicating Yang Qing to continue.

Yang Qing slowly said: "In a prefecture-level city, all are called Generals, the rest is similar to state-level cities."

"Copper Prefecture General, Silver Prefecture General, Gold Prefecture General."

"Mountain Patrol Copper General, Mountain Patrol Silver General, Mountain Patrol Golden General."

"Mountain Patrol Generals are all one level higher than Prefecture Generals, which you already know."

Qin An nodded: "If that's the case, it's easy to distinguish."

Yang Qing continued: "Besides, Mountain Patrol Generals can appoint Personal Guards, which is a unique position."

"If one's strength reaches Copper Prefecture General but cannot enter Mountain Patrol General, they can become a Personal Guard to a Mountain Patrol Copper General."

"Following the Mountain Patrol Copper General to exterminate demons for miles, capable of sharing a part of the merit, until reaching the required strength and merit, then one can become a Mountain Patrol Copper General."

Qin An squinted his eyes, a glint flashing, thinking to himself that Xunyang Prefecture was indeed a place of schemes and intrigues.

In a city like Lingzhou, Mountain Patrol Guards couldn't possibly have Personal Guards.

It was widely known that Mountain Patrol Guards were the sword of the Evil Extermination Bureau, only tasked with slaying demons and vanquishing evildoers.

Now Xunyang Prefecture arranges for Mountain Patrol Generals to have Personal Guards, it was indeed adding to the schemes.

Personal Guards were not limited to one, or even many.

This arrangement was completely different from Lingzhou's pure style, no wonder the central state was unwilling to station troops in Xunyang Prefecture.

"What position am I in?" Qin An asked straightforwardly.

Yang Qing had already taken Qin An to a house, pointed at a spot and said: "You will soon take office as Copper Prefecture General, starting from the simplest tasks, after collecting your token and attire, someone will lead you to meet your Silver Prefecture General superior."

Judging by this, Yang Qing did not plan to continue leading Qin An.

Qin An seemed to have no particular view of this position.

Starting anew for everything was quite normal.

Besides, the Copper Prefecture General position was higher than that of Mountain Patrol Golden Guard.

Soon, Yang Qing left alone.

Qin An then entered the house ahead, found a Household Officer to claim the appropriate clothing and copper token.

The Internal Affairs Department officer respectfully led Qin An to a small courtyard: "Sir, this is the courtyard of your affiliated Silver Prefecture General, please go to report."

After speaking, the Internal Affairs Department officer did not dare to say more and hurriedly left, as if staying a moment longer would bring disaster.

Observing the demeanor of the Internal Affairs Department officer, Qin An felt rather peculiar.

But the courtyard was right in front, he indeed wished to meet what kind of person this superior was.

Afterwards, Qin An stopped thinking deeply, strolled into the courtyard.

...

The courtyard was tranquil.

A winding path of green stones snaked through the bamboo-shadowed courtyard, a man in a plain white gown stood quietly by the railings of a pavilion.

The man placed his slender fingers on the mottled wooden railing, the fingertips touched with the moisture of morning dew.

When his eyelashes drooped, they cast a faint solemn shadow under his eyes.

Seemingly aware of the footsteps, the man shifted his gaze to Qin An, the heaviness in his eyes disappeared and was replaced by indifference.

Qin An raised his eyebrows slightly, hand touching the sheath as he approached, cupping his hands: "Subordinate greets the superior."

The man withdrew his hand, walked towards the stone table beside: "Come."

Qin An went to one of the stone stools, pressing his hand on the sword as he sat, meeting the man's gaze.

The man poured a cup of tea, gently tapped the table: "My name is Zhou Yuanfeng, I am the Silver Prefecture General of the Xunyang Prefecture Evil Extermination Bureau."

Qin An said nothing.

He always felt this man seemed to have more to say.

Zhou Yuanfeng took a sip of tea, placed down the cup: "My two junior brothers have acted recklessly, causing trouble for our teacher."

"Since you have gained the favor of the juniors, hopefully you won't repeat their mistakes."

After a pause, Zhou Yuanfeng set down the tea cup, his tone shifted.

"Now, take your first task after entering the bureau."

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