Rise to God with Life Skill Professions-Chapter 332 - 322: Hostility, Colleagues

At this moment, only Qin An and Ke Mingzhe were whispering, while the other disciples of Sheng Yuan Sect were keeping their distance.

Ke Mingzhe’s changing expression caught Qin An’s eye entirely.

Qin An frowned slightly and handed over a secret letter: "Master Ke, do you have something you cannot speak of? If you doubt my identity, this secret letter may resolve your confusion."

Ke Mingzhe received the secret letter, glanced over it quickly, and tucked it into his sleeve, but his face grew increasingly grave.

"If there are any difficulties, feel free to speak." Qin An’s tone deepened.

He initially thought this journey would smoothly procure the Human Level True Meaning, after which he could return to the Evil Extermination Bureau to focus on cultivation.

However, Ke Mingzhe’s expression clearly indicated to him that complications might arise in this matter.

As he pondered this, a trace of struggle appeared on Ke Mingzhe’s face.

After a long while, this trace of struggle gradually faded away.

Ke Mingzhe seemed to have made a decision, gritting his teeth as he spoke: "Mr. Qin, as you come with Mr. Jin’s letter of authorization, I should support you with all my might. However, Sheng Yuan Sect now has another distinguished guest whose request conflicts with mine..."

"Oh?" Qin An’s gaze sharpened: "For someone who makes Master Ke of the Unity Realm so apprehensive, this person must not be ordinary?"

Ke Mingzhe’s courtesy toward Qin An was entirely due to Jin Fengyu. Otherwise, with his status as a Sect Leader, he wouldn’t have been so respectful to a mere Mountain Patrol Silver General.

For someone who left him helpless, there must be a presence behind them comparable to Jin Fengyu.

"Three days ago, a Mountain Patrol Silver General named Ji Cheng visited, intending to take the Human Level True Meaning." Ke Mingzhe smiled bitterly: "Backing him is a Mountain Patrol Golden General who is very powerful, equally matched with Mr. Jin, and coincidentally..."

He gave Qin An a meaningful look: "This person also has some connection to you."

"Connected to me?" Qin An’s fingers suddenly tightened around the Cold Star Saber’s hilt, feeling its icy touch: "I have always only associated with Mr. Jin, who is this illustrious Golden General?"

Qin An thought the person behind him must be a significant figure, but he didn’t expect it to be a Mountain Patrol Golden General of the same level as Jin Fengyu.

Moreover, Ke Mingzhe mentioned having a connection with him.

This piqued Qin An’s interest.

"This person is the teacher of Ji Cheng, surrounded by many disciples." Ke Mingzhe slowly said: "Zhou Yuanfeng, Tang Zizhen are among them."

Gripping the Cold Star Saber hilt tightly, Qin An’s eyes flashed with a cold light: "I see."

He finally understood why Ke Mingzhe mentioned having connections with him.

This must be the teacher Zhou Yuanfeng often mentioned.

This person is also a Mountain Patrol Golden General, whose strength rivals Jin Fengyu, and is accompanied by many disciples.

Including from the General Mansion, Zhao Wuhuan, Zhou Yuanfeng, and Tang Zizhen, all are this Mountain Patrol Golden General’s disciples.

Ke Mingzhe said: "Mr. Qin, this person should not be underestimated."

Qin An nodded slightly, guessing some reasons.

Perhaps this Ji Cheng, the Mountain Patrol Silver General, had enough potential that his teacher was willing to put aside his pride to seek a Human Level True Meaning for him, allowing him to enter the Unity Realm.

If he could enter the Unity Realm, it would provide him with more advantages.

With the General Mansion soon vacated, any Mountain Patrol Golden General vying for its position was secretly developing their forces.

This might be a very crucial move.

Ke Mingzhe smiled bitterly: "Mr. Qin, can you understand my predicament?"

"Being in the midst of it, freedom is indeed hard to come by." Qin An stepped forward, coming face to face with Ke Mingzhe, suddenly chuckling: "I naturally understand Master Ke’s predicament, after all, the Xunyang Prefecture is a quagmire from which it is so hard to leap out."

This is a very simple truth.

Ke Mingzhe was now caught in a choice.

If he helped Qin An, he would offend Ji Cheng’s teacher.

But if he supported Ji Cheng, he would offend Jin Fengyu.

Offending any Mountain Patrol Golden General was not something Ke Mingzhe could bear.

Ke Mingzhe sighed with relief, as if lifted of a great burden: "Your understanding, sir, is greatly appreciated."

Qin An shifted his tone, his garment’s hem stirring with a cold aura: "Understanding is one thing, but the Human Level True Meaning is something I am determined to obtain."

Ke Mingzhe’s expression stiffened slightly, sighing: "I naturally know Mr. Qin is determined to claim the Human Level True Meaning, so I have devised a reasonable method that might determine the one who will obtain it."

Qin An asked: "What kind of method?"

Ke Mingzhe raised his hand in invitation: "Please follow me to the inner courtyard, Mr. Qin, so we can discuss it in detail."

Qin An did not speak, gesturing for Ke Mingzhe to lead the way.

Without further ado, Ke Mingzhe turned and headed toward the inner courtyard.

...

The two of them walked along the cobblestone path, making their way inward, eventually reaching the inner courtyard of Sheng Yuan Sect.

There were quite a number of buildings here, but far fewer people.

The sect’s hierarchy had many rules; though not as strictly regimented as the Evil Extermination Bureau, the hierarchy within remained distinct.

Some sects even had not only inner and outer divisions but also numerous registered disciples.

Only by ascending step by step could one access applicable resources.

And these resources were not something one could acquire merely by slaying monsters and demons.

This was in stark contrast to the Evil Extermination Bureau.

While it made disciples of sects much safer, the opportunity for advancement became exceedingly difficult.

For this reason, Qin An had not joined a sect but the Evil Extermination Bureau.

Ke Mingzhe led the way, finally bringing Qin An to a room, pushing the door open and entering.

The room was spacious, but it contained all sorts of furnishings and furniture.

Each object exuded a sense of ancient elegance, evidently costly.

Sheng Yuan Sect was indeed a leading force; though not the strongest amongst the top forces, its wealth exceeded that of ordinary forces by far.

Thus, such ancient and elegant furnishings were to be expected.

What really caught Qin An’s eye, however, was a young man sitting at a table, quietly sipping tea.

This person looked young, about twenty-some years old, dressed in clean, dark clothing, with a silver-patterned waist badge hanging at his waist.

He was handsome, with ink-black hair.

But in his eyes, there was a deeply hidden ferocity.

The long sword hanging at his waist had not yet been drawn, but the faint aura of evil emanating from it hinted at its having been stained with the blood of too many demonic and pseudo-god creatures.

As Qin An and Ke Mingzhe approached, the young man raised his eyes to glance at them, his gaze paused on Qin An for a moment before he shifted his eyes away, continuing to lower his gaze and sip the tea from his cup.

A subtle chill emanated constantly from his body.

Ke Mingzhe noticed the chill from the young man and put on a slightly awkward smile, then guided Qin An to sit opposite the young man.

Qin An’s expression remained indifferent; after pausing momentarily on the young man, a slight smile appeared at the corner of his mouth.

He could sense that besides the subtle chill, Ji Cheng also carried a hint of hostility.

Upon careful consideration, it was quite understandable, as he was here to compete for the opportunity, thus naturally not warranted a warm reception.

Seeing the two seated, Ke Mingzhe cleared his throat and said, "Gentlemen, shall we have a formal introduction first?"

Ji Cheng glanced at Qin An, his eyes filled with a murderous glint like sharp knives, "I have long heard of Mr. Qin’s reputation; Mr. Zhou often praises your extraordinary talent, yet you refuse to join the mentor’s command and instead turned to Mr. Jin, ultimately proving yourself to be an ungrateful traitor."

With those words, Ke Mingzhe was the first to react.

Ke Mingzhe broke out in a cold sweat, his heart skipped a beat.

If these two were merely simple Mountain Patrol Silver Generals, it wouldn’t be an issue for someone of his Unity Realm’s caliber.

But the power behind these two was terrifyingly immense.

Offending such influential forces because of these two was something his little Saint Yuan Gate couldn’t handle.

At this moment, Ji Cheng’s words turned the situation increasingly tense.

Qin An said calmly, "No need for idle chatter."

As soon as he finished speaking, a cold glint flashed in Ji Cheng’s eyes.

Qin An continued, "We’re both here for the Human-Level True Intent, so let’s just talk about the Human-Level True Intent. Set aside the power struggle; if you truly want to linger in this power rivalry, then let’s settle it with real evidence under our hands."

Since arriving at Xunyang Prefecture, Qin An had stayed clear of the so-called vortex of power struggles.

But some things get closer the more you try to avoid them.

As his strength gradually increased, Qin An, originally an unknown entity, was slowly recognized by the Evil Extermination Bureau and began to stand out.

The more formidable the talent displayed, the more attention it garnered.

This was inevitable.

Qin An needed accomplishments, needed demonic recognition, and also needed Cultivation Techniques.

To obtain these, a certain cost must be paid.

But in Qin An’s view, these costs were only temporary.

As long as he could elevate his power to dominate over Xunyang Prefecture, like Lingzhou once before, then all conspiracies in front of him would be nothing but fragile white paper.

Now was the crucial step in this ascent.

Ji Cheng sneered, "What sharp words you have, just like Senior Tang said — your tongue is like a sharp knife, making people uncomfortable."

Qin An picked up a teacup, took a sip, and mocked, "You’re not as efficient as Zhou Yuanfeng. At least Zhou Yuanfeng is neat and concise, but you talk too much."

Ji Cheng abruptly stood up, placing his hand on the long sword at his waist.

The atmosphere of impending confrontation gradually spread at this moment.

"Master Ke!" Ji Cheng called out.

Ke Mingzhe immediately responded, "Sir, what is the matter?"

Ji Cheng took a deep breath, "Since he is here for the Human-Level True Intent, as I am, why not draw a line and determine how one can obtain the Human-Level True Intent?"

It’s impossible to fight now.

Ji Cheng knew very well that if a fight ensued, it would only be a disadvantage.

Both were here for the Human-Level True Intent, so why not let strength determine the outcome.

Whoever obtains the Human-Level True Intent will be the victor.

The loser will become like a stray dog.

Qin An nodded, "Sect Leader, speak freely. After obtaining the Human-Level True Intent, I have other matters and cannot stay here long."

Ke Mingzhe breathed a sigh of relief, "Since both of you gentlemen share this intention, I’ll be straightforward."

He’s indeed in a tough spot.

He worried about other potential troubles these two might cause, which would be difficult for him to handle.

For neither side could a small gate like the Saint Yuan Gate afford the consequences.

But now that the two have made their intentions clear, seeking only the Human-Level True Intent, it becomes manageable.

Ke Mingzhe paused slightly, then said slowly, "Both are pillars of the Evil Extermination Bureau, and opportunity belongs to the virtuous; virtue is defined by one’s own strength. Whoever is stronger will claim the Human-Level True Intent."

"Furthermore, this is entirely consensual between both parties, regardless of the outcome, neither party should blame the other. How about that?"

Qin An smiled slightly, "Master Ke, this move is quite crafty, pushing the difficult problem onto us."

Ke Mingzhe said helplessly, "I hope Mr. Qin understands, currently this is the only feasible method. After all, the Saint Yuan Gate can’t afford to offend either side."

Ji Cheng said, "I don’t mind. But I’m unsure if this so-called extraordinary talent is afraid to duel with me."

Qin An calmly replied, "Since my rise from Ding County, I’ve never known what it means to fear. However, if one happens to lose their life, they can’t blame anyone else."

Ji Cheng sneered, "Losing a life won’t be me."

The grave atmosphere between them once again spread.

"No one will lose their life," Ke Mingzhe quickly interjected, "The Saint Yuan Gate has a Secret Technique, able to create a Divine Sense realm. Both of you can enter it in a Divine Sense form and even fight with full strength. The loser may suffer injury to their Divine Sense, but after a period of recuperation, will recover normally."

"When will it begin?" Qin An asked.

Ke Mingzhe replied, "Tomorrow at the earliest. I need a little time to prepare. Meanwhile, the gentlemen can rest at the Saint Yuan Gate."

"Then prepare a room for me," Qin An said calmly.

Ke Mingzhe stood up and gestured, "Sir, follow me."

With the matter settled and both men agreeing, Ke Mingzhe’s taut nerves finally relaxed.

Qin An followed Ke Mingzhe to the door. 𝘧𝘳𝘦ℯ𝓌𝘦𝒷𝘯𝑜𝑣𝘦𝓁.𝒸𝘰𝓂

At this moment, Ji Cheng’s voice came.

"You’d better be ready. I intend to make sure you lose everything."