At this moment, it was already late at night.

The night was as dark as ink, with the moonlight completely swallowed by thick clouds.

The stars were dim, as if draping the earth in a cloak of darkness.

In this deeply silent night, a sudden urgent knocking at the door broke the tranquility of Qin An's residence.

The courtyard where he lived was always secluded, with few visitors on ordinary days.

The sudden visitor at this time must be due to an extremely urgent matter.

Qin An's gaze sharpened, his five fingers quietly grasped the hilt of the Cold Star Saber at his waist, and he asked in a deep voice, "Who is it?"

"Sir, urgent report from the Internal Affairs Department!" A breathless voice from a Household Officer came from outside: "Mr. Zhou has an important matter to discuss with you, and requests your immediate presence for a meeting."

"Mission?" Qin An furrowed his brows, nodded, and said, "I understand, you may leave now."

"Yes, sir." The Household Officer from the Internal Affairs Department responded before taking his leave.

Once the footsteps of the Household Officer faded into the distance, Qin An's slender fingers tapped lightly on the table, his thoughts surging like tides.

A midnight summons must be a matter of great urgency and importance.

At present, he was in need of demon crystals for cultivation, and this sudden task seemed like a rare opportunity.

As for his practice in Array Mastery, there was still time before the month's end, so it would not be too late to resume after completing the task.

Having made up his mind, Qin An suddenly stood up, the cold star on his waist reflecting a cold glare, and he strode briskly out of the room.

...

Within the small courtyard.

Two Copper House Generals were already standing at attention, waiting.

From the courtyard gate came steady footsteps, and everyone turned their heads to look.

With a long saber hanging by his waist, Qin An stepped into the courtyard with ease and stood beside a Copper House General.

The two Copper House Generals exchanged a look of surprise.

Though the previous Hunter Conference had gathered many generals under Zhou Yuanfeng's command, there were still some generals who did not attend.

Therefore, they had never met this newly promoted Copper House General.

However, being Copper House Generals themselves, the two dared not underestimate him.

Zhou Yuanfeng was sitting by a small table, sipping fine wine from a cup.

For practitioners, drinking does not induce drunkenness; instead, it is the perfect way to pass the boring night.

Once Qin An arrived in the courtyard, Zhou Yuanfeng put down the wine cup, glanced around, and said lightly.

"Since everyone is here, let's get to the main point and announce the upcoming task."

One Copper House General bowed and clasped his fists: "Please give us your instructions, Sir."

His words carried a tone of respect and flattery.

Qin An observed the Copper House General's expression, slightly shaking his head, thinking to himself, "No wonder Xunyang Prefecture is renowned for its interwoven influence; indeed, even in such subtle situations, people exert great efforts."

Zhou Yuanfeng was not affected by this, nor did he say anything, but he returned to the main point and said, "The upcoming task is of great importance. A batch of elixirs from the Alchemy Master Alliance has been suddenly stolen, and all the escorts were killed. It's been found to be the work of Poison Pill Masters."

"The last known location where they went missing is West Sea Village."

Qin An's brows furrowed slightly, a glint flashed in his eyes.

This doesn't seem related to the pseudo-gods or demons.

However, the three words "Poison Pill Master" reminded him of the Outer Elixir Realm Poison Pill Master he had killed before.

The Copper House General on the left spoke, "Your Excellency, if that is the case, it will be very difficult for us to complete this task."

The Copper House General on the right dropped his ingratiating demeanor and chimed in, "The Evil Extermination Bureau specializes in slaying demons and eradicating devils, while also maintaining order in the martial world, but in matters of investigation with no clue, it is not something that can be resolved overnight."

With the elixirs lost and so few clues—just one West Sea Village—it would be like finding a needle in a haystack for these few people to find anything under such circumstances.

Zhou Yuanfeng raised his hand to interrupt, "I know it's difficult, but since the task has been assigned, I have my considerations, and naturally, I won't let you have a wasted trip, wasting your time."

"According to intel from my secret sources, there is a force named Thunderfire Sect to the east of West Sea Village, where they practice Thunder-Fire Dual Attribute Secret Skill, and the Poison Pill Master's escape route was precisely towards Thunderfire Sect."

"You just need to visit Thunderfire Sect. If nothing can be found there, then return; no need to search further."

With the conversation going this far, the two Copper House Generals saw their superior's arrangement and naturally, they didn't object but bowed in agreement.

Zhou Yuanfeng then shifted his gaze to Qin An, stood up, and said, "Come with me inside."

The two Copper House Generals showed a look of amazement, as if they had seen the most astonishing thing in the world.

Given Zhou Yuanfeng's cold demeanor, inviting a Copper House General inside was a massive deal.

Qin An nodded slightly and followed Zhou Yuanfeng into a nearby room.

Closing the door, Zhou Yuanfeng sat on a chair, lightly tapping the armrest, "Sit."

Qin An slowly took his seat and asked, "Sir invited me over, surely the task is related to me."

Zhou Yuanfeng raised an eyebrow and said, "Why do you think so?"

Qin An replied, "There have always been entanglements between the Alchemy Master Alliance and the Poison Pill Masters. I had previously killed a Poison Pill Master at the Hunter Conference. Sir's special summons surely relate to me."

"What a perceptive mind!" Zhou Yuanfeng's tapping on the armrest gradually slowed, "Though there is a connection, it's not a huge one. It's just that since some goods were snatched, it requires you to make a trip."

Qin An frowned and asked, "Why do I need to make the trip since their goods were stolen?"

Zhou Yuanfeng said nonchalantly, "Because this trip is beneficial to you."

Qin An rubbed his chin and asked, "What benefit?"

Zhou Yuanfeng straightened up slightly, "This batch of elixirs was concocted by the Alchemy Master Alliance at a great cost, and no losses are allowed. Thus, the Alchemy Master Alliance offers three demon pills as the bounty for this task."

"If you complete this task, you can get one demon pill. Do you think it's beneficial?"

Qin An initially had a nonchalant expression, but upon hearing the words "demon pill," there was a hint of emotion in his eyes.

No wonder Zhou Yuanfeng specifically invited three Copper House Generals; it turns out it's to justly distribute the three demon pills from the Alchemy Master Alliance.

If that's the case, Qin An felt that he could take action.

After all, he now only needed three demon pills to achieve the condensation of a Supreme True Elixir.

If I obtain another one, it will shorten by another third.

Qin An solemnly cupped his fist and said, "Thank you, my lord, for your support."

He was not a fool and could naturally see that this task was specifically chosen for him by Zhou Yuanfeng.

If otherwise, they could have found any Copper Prefecture General, there was no need to come to him especially.

Zhou Yuanfeng suddenly changed the subject and said contemplatively, "My situation... you may not understand me, but I can tell you."

"I got injured while serving as a Mountain Patrol Copper General and will never be able to step into the next realm for the rest of my life."

"So when I see someone like you, who can also condense a Supreme True Elixir, I feel a bit of empathy."

Qin An was slightly surprised.

It was indeed the first time he heard that Zhou Yuanfeng could never advance to the next realm.

Zhou Yuanfeng continued, "Consider my suggestion carefully. Serving as a Prefecture General in the Evil Extermination Bureau is much safer than being a Mountain Patrol General. You will have enough opportunities to enhance your strength without an early death."

Qin An contemplated for a moment and said, "Mr. Zhou, I will decide when the Mountain Patrol General's assessment comes."

He did not respond nor directly reject the question.

Qin An finally understood why Zhou Yuanfeng was reluctant to let him join the Mountain Patrol Generals.

One reason was appreciation, and the other was the concern that he might perish on the mission to exterminate evil across the land.

Qin An was a man of principles.

If others are kind to him, he remembers it a hundredfold.

If others are bad to him, he responds with the blade.

Now, Zhou Yuanfeng treated him well, so he did not embarrass Zhou Yuanfeng on the spot.

Zhou Yuanfeng sighed, waving his hand, "So be it. As that scoundrel Zhao Wuhuan said, everything depends on you."

During this period, Zhou Yuanfeng had come to understand many things.

If Qin An really wanted to join the Mountain Patrol General, Zhou Yuanfeng also didn't have the right to stop Qin An from pursuing a great future.

Qin An cupped his fists and said, "The mission is urgent. I must take my leave now."

Zhou Yuanfeng said with little interest, "Be careful, prioritize safety."

Qin An nodded, said no more, got up, and left the room.

...

In the courtyard, two Copper Prefecture Generals had been waiting for some time.

When they saw Qin An come out, they exchanged a glance and approached together.

The Copper Prefecture General on the left had a pair of iron spikes at his waist and introduced himself, "Mr. Qin, I'm Chu Xing, I've been in the Evil Extermination Bureau for almost eight years."

The Copper Prefecture General on the right wore gloves on both hands, clearly skilled in unarmed combat, "I am Zhao Nian, I've met Mr. Qin."

There was a tinge of wanting to befriend in their tone.

Qin An could naturally see that they intended to befriend him because they knew of his connection with Zhou Yuanfeng.

He wasn't one to spoil the mood, so after announcing his name, he said no more.

The three exchanged glances, deeply aware of the urgency of the task, and together, they left the courtyard, heading towards Thunderfire Sect.

...

Thunderfire Sect was located on a hill south of Xunyang Prefecture.

It was a lower-level force, with its strongest only at the Pulse Condensation Realm. Moreover, lacking the foundation of the Evil Extermination Bureau, their Pulse Condensation Realm was much weaker.

At this moment, the Sect Leader of Thunderfire Sect, Liu Cheng, hands trembling, cautiously set a cup of tea on the table.

Beside the table, a middle-aged man in a black robe snorted coldly and overturned the tea cup on the table.

"Why haven't the herbs I asked you to gather been collected yet?"

If you looked closely, you would see a massive bloody hole in the chest of the man in the black robe.

The bleeding had stopped, but the man's tone was slightly frail.

Liu Cheng quickly bowed his head and respectfully said, "Mr. Fang, please calm down. Those herbs are extremely difficult to find. I've already sent people to fetch them. I'm sure they will be gathered in a few days to make your healing pills, my lord."

Fang Hu sneered, "If it weren't for that old guy's sudden counterattack, I wouldn't be so badly injured. Remember, don't let anyone know I'm here, especially the Evil Extermination Bureau."

"If someone comes, cover for me. Otherwise, you won't be able to bear the crime of colluding with a Toxic Pill Master."

Liu Cheng nodded repeatedly, not daring to say a word.

He truly did not expect the Toxic Pill Master, Fang Hu, to seize the Alchemy Master Alliance's pills and, while injured, come to him.

He had quite a bit of association with this Toxic Pill Master before, not to mention some association in private affairs.

So now he could only grit his teeth and let the Toxic Pill Master recuperate here.

"Mr. Fang, how about this..." Liu Cheng cautiously suggested, "You know the Evil Extermination Bureau people will surely track us to Thunderfire Sect. Why not temporarily disguise as a servant in the sect?"

Fang Hu's eyes widened, "What do you mean? Want me to be your servant?"

Liu Cheng hurriedly shook his head, "I dare not. It's just a way to cover up and avoid the Evil Extermination Bureau's threat."

Fang Hu closed his eyes slightly and put away his anger, "Fine, I'll endure hardship for a while. Remember, this batch of pills is extremely important and must be sent to Jiao Long Hall without the slightest mistake."

"If successful, you will also be protected by Jiao Long Hall and receive great benefits."

Liu Cheng nodded repeatedly, not daring to say even a single word against it.

Fang Hu picked up the cup of tea and took a sip, like a cow chewing a peony blossom, "Three days later, monsters from Jiao Long Hall will come to receive the pills. By then, I can also take off and leave."

Liu Cheng was just about to respond.

But at that moment, a disciple from Thunderfire Sect rushed in, kneeling before Liu Cheng and Fang Hu.

"Reporting to the Sect Leader, informants report that Copper Prefecture Generals are already on their way to Thunderfire Sect, and it seems there's a Copper Prefecture General named Qin An among them."

Liu Cheng did not react immediately.

But Fang Hu suddenly stood up, eyes flashing with ferocity, "Are you saying... it's the Qin An being hunted by Carefree Mountain and Jiao Long Hall?"

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.