CHAPTER 43: CHAPTER 43: ASSIGNMENT OF ALLEGIANCE, NEW MISSION

Qin An pushed open the door, his expression unchanged: "Lead the way."

The issue concerning his affiliation had lasted for about ten days, and now it finally had an answer.

Currently lacking Cultivation Technique, once his affiliation was determined, he would have to find ways to acquire more Blood Crystals and Cultivation Technique, and elevate his own Cultivation Technique further.

The determination of his affiliation today was precisely to his liking.

The State Official from the Internal Affairs Department lowered his head, avoiding eye contact with Qin An, and led the way to a courtyard.

...

The courtyard where the Silver Prefect resided was much larger compared to that of the Bronze Prefect.

The courtyard was spotless, with an old tree laden with spring buds standing in the corner.

In the courtyard was a stone table and four stone stools.

"I take my leave."

The State Official from the Internal Affairs Department murmured a sentence and then left alone.

Qin An stroked the black knife, striding into the courtyard, scanning his surroundings.

Footsteps sounded in front of the house.

Dressed in a dark robe, his waist adorned with a silver badge, Cheng Sufeng walked to the stone table and sat down, pouring a pot of clear tea.

"Sit."

Qin An walked closer, still as calm as a lake: "I greet Mr. Cheng."

Cheng Sufeng pushed the teacup towards Qin An, saying, "Are you surprised now?"

Qin An’s face was emotionless: "Surprised."

Cheng Sufeng shook his head: "You are very perfunctory, never mind, today, I have important matters to discuss with you."

He was already accustomed to Qin An’s temperament, and his curiosity about this new subordinate overshadowed other emotions.

Qin An took a sip of tea, quietly waiting for him to continue.

Cheng Sufeng said slowly, "You have offended many people, Cangyun Valley, Tree Lord, and also a sect power in Lingzhou."

"That sect, though intimidated by the Evil Extermination Bureau, always harbors resentment, fearing they might trip you up."

"Yesterday, I smoothed over that sect’s issue for you, but the matter of monsters hangs over you like a sharp sword, and no one can help you."

Qin An nodded: "Since joining the Evil Extermination Bureau, I was already prepared."

"Indeed."

Cheng Sufeng took a sip of tea: "Joining the Evil Extermination Bureau means fighting demons diligently. Slaying demons will offend more demons and Pseudo-Gods, so you need to fight even harder."

"The Evil Extermination Bureau offers ample rewards, making this desperate gamble feel worthwhile."

"You have no subordinates, but I have a mission under my command. You can go with other Bronze Prefects."

Every year, the Bronze Prefects would select State Officials as subordinates, but Qin An’s rapid promotion meant he had no new recruits to choose from yet.

If a mission is assigned from above, the Silver Prefect will consider it.

If the Silver Prefect is needed, they will take Bronze Prefects and a number of State Officials.

If not needed, the Silver Prefect will send Bronze Prefects alone.

The merits of the completed mission will be shared with the Silver Prefect.

Not much, but with hundreds of Bronze Prefects under each Silver Prefect, it adds up to a substantial number.

With benefits, naturally, there are also downsides.

If a mission fails and causes severe consequences, the Silver Prefect is also responsible.

Qin An narrowed his eyes: "What mission?"

Now, exactly in need of Blood Crystals and Cultivation Technique, a mission would be good.

Cheng Sufeng said slowly, "To the north of Lingzhou is a demon power called Fox Mountain."

"A group of fox spirits feed on people’s Yang energy, engaging in sordid activities, luring men into the mountains, and draining them dry."

"Several villages have fallen victim to them. You are to investigate, and if any Fox Girls leave Fox Mountain, kill them immediately."

As soon as the words fell, footsteps sounded outside the door.

A middle-aged man entered the courtyard, followed by a woman.

Besides them, a hundred State Officials from the Foreign Affairs Department were standing guard outside the courtyard, creating an impressive scene.

Cheng Sufeng pointed at the middle-aged man, saying, "His name is Nie Hu, proficient in the Horizontal Refining Skill, his body as sturdy as a mountain."

Then, Cheng Sufeng pointed at the woman.

"Her name is Ma Rou, skilled in using the Life-taking Rope, snatching heads as easily as retrieving items from a bag."

Qin An observed their appearances.

The middle-aged man exuded Evil Qi like a dragon, his muscles bulging like hills, his strength reaching Body Realm Perfection.

The woman was alluring, her figure gracefully soft and smooth like silk, with a yellow rope hanging at her waist.

Both were at Body Realm Perfection, yet their aura was several times stronger than Tang Lingwei’s, clearly adept masters immersed in it.

While Qin An watched, Nie Hu and the others were also observing Qin An.

Especially Nie Hu, his eyes showing some dissatisfaction.

He had followed Cheng Sufeng for a long time but had never seen Cheng Sufeng pay such attention to a Bronze Prefect.

Just for slaying two Body Realm Perfection enemies, one of which was only a Pseudo-God?

If he took action, he would also be able to slay them in an instant.

Now, Qin An was to join them on a mission. Nie Hu knew this was to promote Qin An.

If Qin An’s reputation spread, he would find recruiting State Officials much easier next time.

Ma Rou, however, was indifferent, just watching Qin An with a seductive gaze, unable to resist licking her red lips.

Cheng Sufeng waved: "Set off immediately."

The Evil Extermination Bureau is always efficient, especially in demon hunting.

Qin An and Nie Hu took their fast horses, rallying a hundred State Officials, and headed for the gate.

At this moment, a woman brushed past Qin An, gazing at the bronze badge on his waist, a slight bitterness on her red lips.

Tang Lingwei felt a pang of bitterness: "He’s grown stronger again, and seems to be valued highly; perhaps I shouldn’t have ignored him that day."

Gao Quan, seeing this, consoled her: "Sir, with talents like Qin An’s, we couldn’t have retained him anyway."

The two sighed, taking a dozen State Officials into the courtyard.

...

Leaving the Evil Extermination Bureau, the fast horses galloped onto the official road.

The weather was perfect, the red sun high above.

Nie Hu kept a certain distance from Qin An, exuding a sense of estrangement.

Only Ma Rou, with her skillful sociability, discussed the situation at Fox Mountain with Qin An.

"Fox Mountain is also a demon force and a considerable one, but they only linger in the mountains."

"Only those who enter the mountains suffer the draining of their Yang essence."

"But for some reason, a Fox Girl left the mountain today; perhaps the Fox Mother in charge there is inadequate."

"If so, the Evil Extermination Bureau will take care of it by sending her a few Fox Girl corpses."

With Ma Rou’s explanation, Qin An gained considerable understanding of the situation.

At this moment, the outline of the village ahead became faintly visible.

Even though it was midday with abundant sunshine, a faint mist, like a snake, shrouded the village.

Nie Hu reined in his horse, turning to a State Official: "Go in and investigate."

The State Official seemed skilled in concealment techniques; his body wriggled, minimizing his presence, and quietly approached the village ahead.

After half an incense stick’s time, the State Official returned with a grim face, clasping his fists towards Nie Hu.

"Sir, the situation in the village... is very strange."

Nie Hu frowned: "Strange how?"

The State Official looked up: "The villagers are not dead, they... are immersed in joy, seemingly displeased by our presence."

Nie Hu’s frown deepened, waving his hand: "Enter the village."

The Evil Extermination Bureau came to resolve anomalies, standing outside the village was not a solution.

Everyone drew their weapons, ready to enter the village.

At that moment, the snake-like mist surged, and a figure slowly emerged.