Chapter 152: An Envy-inducing Opportunity

It wasn’t the warmth I expected. Instead, a refreshing coolness trickled down my throat, settling directly into my belly.

In that instant, it felt as if frost was blooming, slightly cooling the blazing Qi and blood within.

At the same time, the True Qi in my Dantian became more docile, no longer as restless as before.

You see, after fusing with the Pure Yang True Qi, the Heavenly Martial Gang Qi inherently carried the Pure Yang attribute, making it incredibly scorching.

Scorching Pure Yang True Qi was extremely effective against evil, but equally, such intense energy could also harm its wielder.

It was only because Shen Changqing’s True Qi was so abundant, coupled with his formidable Qi and blood, that he could withstand the heat.

But even so, there were still underlying risks.

Yet, after consuming the spiritual tea, I was astonished to discover that the heat within the Heavenly Martial Gang Qi had been neutralized slightly, becoming more rounded and potent.

This discovery startled me.

"What kind of tea is this?"

"Ice Spirit Tea."

Jiang Zuo seemed to have anticipated my reaction, and chuckled.

"If you are promoted to a Black-Rank Demon Slaying Envoy, you can exchange for it once a year. Each gram costs one merit point, with a limit of one hundred grams."

One merit point per gram?

My pupils constricted slightly. That’s a bit excessive.

How much is in a gram of Ice Spirit Tea? Enough for a few cups, at most. A normal pot requires at least a few grams of tea leaves.

A Nether Rank monster is worth one or two merit points, while a Grievance Rank monster yields three to five.

A Fiend Rank monster, comparable to a Grandmaster, grants slightly more, but only a few dozen points.

It was clear just how precious Ice Spirit Tea was.

And even Black-Rank Demon Slaying Envoys had purchase limits, indicating that the Demon Suppression Division didn’t have much in reserve.

"If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t have considered sharing this spiritual tea with anyone else," Jiang Zuo said meaningfully.

He then brewed two more cups of spiritual tea, taking one himself.

"To be honest, I didn’t expect your strength to improve so quickly. Slaying the Barbarian General Mierba – you’ve truly made a name for yourself in Jianghu!"

"Warden Jiang knows about it?"

I looked surprised.

Jiang Zuo shook his head and chuckled.

"How could I not? Or rather, how many people in Jianghu don’t know about this? A Grandmaster expert already attracts attention, let alone Mierba, such an established Grandmaster.

Back when the Barbarians crushed the Baijiang Sect, it caused a huge stir.

If you had killed another Barbarian Grandmaster, it might not have had such a significant impact. But you killed Mierba, so the impact is considerable."

As he spoke, Jiang Zuo was filled with emotion.

He knew that Mierba was a Grandmaster Middle Stage expert. For Shen Changqing to slay him, his strength must be considerable.

In less than three years, to go from a mere Apprentice Demon Slaying Envoy to slaying Grandmaster-level experts – no one would believe that there wasn’t something special involved.

However, Jiang Zuo didn’t pry too much.

Everyone has their own opportunities. Shen Changqing must have obtained some secret that he didn’t know about, to reach where he is today.

Such an opportunity is as precious as one’s life to anyone.

If he were to ask, not only would the other party not answer, but it would also create a rift in their relationship.

The main thing is, Shen Changqing is no longer the Apprentice Demon Slaying Envoy he once was. In terms of strength, Jiang Zuo knows he’s no match.

In this situation, investigating someone else’s secrets is just foolish.

"Brother Shen, I have a few words to say to you," Jiang Zuo said suddenly, the change in address making my expression odd.

"Warden Jiang, please speak."

"Opportunities are personal and must never be revealed to a second person. Even if the higher-ups ask, you must guard your secrets. Having secrets is not a problem, but losing your value is a big problem.

In the Demon Suppression Division, as long as you don’t collude with evil, no other crime can touch a Demon Slaying Envoy, especially a Grandmaster."

Jiang Zuo warned solemnly.

"I understand."

I showed a grateful expression, but my heart remained calm.

I understood the hidden meaning in Jiang Zuo’s words. He simply wanted to gain some favor with me.

I had no reason to refuse.

"It’s good that you understand. I can’t say much more. Moreover, with your strength, it’s more than enough to promote to Earth-Rank Demon Slayer. Calling me Warden Jiang all the time seems a bit distant. If you consider me a friend, you don’t have to be so reserved."

"Brother Jiang!"

"Good!"

Jiang Zuo’s face was wreathed in a gentle smile, seemingly very pleased.

Then, his smile faded slightly.

"You should promote now. A Yellow-Rank Demon Slaying Envoy at the Grandmaster Realm is unacceptable. Your reputation has already spread, and you’re bound to attract attention.

With that factor involved, even if you resist promoting, the Demon Suppression Division might assign you some highly difficult missions.

So, I personally propose that you directly promote to Earth-Rank Demon Slayer, enjoy the corresponding treatment, and also accept corresponding missions. It’s much better than staying at the Black Rank."

Seeing my expression, Jiang Zuo paused before continuing.

"To put it simply, the current Ice Spirit Tea has exchange limits for Black-Rank Demon Slaying Envoys, but for Earth-Rank Demon Slayers, the limits will be lower, and the price will also be relatively cheaper.

The Demon Suppression Division is spread throughout the world, with countless treasures stored within.

If you promote, the items you can exchange for will increase accordingly, which will greatly benefit your strength."

"Brother Jiang’s words have suddenly enlightened me. In fact, I originally had the idea of promoting to Earth Rank, but I wasn’t clear on the specifics. Now, after hearing Brother Jiang’s words, I can promote with peace of mind," I said.

I had originally planned to promote to Earth Rank. Coming to Jiang Zuo was just to report it.

Now, Jiang Zuo’s words had further confirmed my inner thoughts.

Jiang Zuo said, "But the promotion from Yellow Rank to Black Rank requires slaying a Grievance Rank monster or an Innate Realm evil being. The promotion from Black Rank to Earth Rank requires slaying at least a top-level Innate evil being or a top-level Grievance Rank monster.

You went to Dahuang Prefecture earlier, so you must have made some gains in this regard, so there is no problem from Yellow Rank to Black Rank.

But for the promotion from Black Rank to Earth Rank, you still have to perform an Assessment Mission. It’s a pity that Mierba is not considered an evil being, otherwise, killing him would have saved you the Assessment Mission."

Jiang Zuo looked somewhat regretful.

If Mierba were an evil being, this would have been a huge win for Shen Changqing.

However, the Demon Suppression Division is an organization for slaying demons and evil, and all missions are based on demons and evil. If there is no connection with demons and evil, it is of little use.

"Speaking of which, you killed Mierba, so the Imperial Court should have a reward. But you just came back, so the Imperial Court may not have taken action yet. If you wait a few more days, it should be there.

A Barbarian General, and a Grandmaster Middle Stage expert, this reward should be quite substantial," Jiang Zuo smacked his lips, his eyes full of envy.

He could already guess how much the reward would be.

"The reward can be postponed. When I annihilated the Eternal Life Alliance stronghold in Dahuang Prefecture, I killed a powerful evil being. I think the merit points from that evil being should be enough to waive the Assessment Mission."

As I spoke, I took out the Clear Spirit Jade Pendant.

Looking at the black as ink color on it, Jiang Zuo gasped.

"What a strong Yin and evil aura!"

The Clear Spirit Jade Pendant absorbs Yin and evil aura and has the effect of sealing off the aura, so when I didn’t take out the Jade Pendant, he couldn’t detect the Yin and evil aura on it.

When I took out the Jade Pendant, Jiang Zuo clearly saw just how rich the black as ink Yin and evil aura was.

"I was overthinking it."

"With this Yin and evil aura concentration, you don’t have to participate in the Assessment Mission at all. You can go to the Demon Slaying Hall to promote rank!"

Jiang Zuo gave a bitter smile.

He had underestimated the other party.

This Yin and evil aura was enough to allow a Yellow-Rank Demon Slaying Envoy to directly promote to Earth-Rank.

After I put away the Clear Spirit Jade Pendant, he continued, "You can go promote now. Anyway, I don’t have anything to do here. You are an Earth-Rank Demon Slayer, so strictly speaking, you are no longer under the control of the Demon Slaying Courtyard. When you return in the future, you only need to report to me.

You can handle the remaining things yourself."

Simple reporting is to let the Demon Suppression Division know whether the Demon Slaying Envoy is in the Demon Suppression Division or on a mission.

Like before, in addition to reporting, they also had to report some mission content. Now, such troubles have been directly saved.

"Then I’ll take my leave first. After the promotion is completed, I’ll come back and chat with Brother Jiang."

I stood up.

Jiang Zuo also stood up and sent me out the door before returning.

"In less than three years, Grandmaster Late Stage, this opportunity is really envy-inducing!"

He sat back in his original position, his face full of envy.

Originally, Jiang Zuo was quite optimistic about Shen Changqing, and now it was even more so, so he had said so many words earlier, just to sell some favors, anyway, favors don’t cost money, and maybe there will be a return later.

"It won’t be long before another top expert will appear in the Demon Suppression Division!"

After sighing, Jiang Zuo stopped thinking about it.

Looking at himself and then looking at Shen Changqing, the more he thought about it, the more upset he felt.

Instead of thinking so much and making himself uncomfortable, it’s better to save some effort and find a way to break through to the Grandmaster Realm.

On the other side, I was also walking towards the Demon Slaying Hall.

End of Chapter