Human Clan Defender

He turned the first page.

Shen Changqing saw a name.

Rageblood Pill!

Effect: When taken by a Martial Artist in the Innate Realm, it boosts qi and blood by fifty percent. When taken by Grandmaster Martial Artists, it boosts qi and blood by ten to thirty percent, depending on individual strength. The more robust the qi and blood, the lower the boosting effect. The duration is a quarter of an hour.

Side Effects: Following the decline of effects, minor symptoms include a deficit in qi and blood, while severe symptoms can be a qi and blood backlash, which in serious cases could endanger life. (Do not use when heavily injured; otherwise, the probability of death is very high.)

Merit Points Required: 10

"Rageblood Pill!"

Seeing the introduction, Shen Changqing thought of the Blood Burst Pill he had purchased from the Pill Sect.

The difference was that the Blood Burst Pill was not very versatile, and for Grandmaster Level Martial Artists, it had no effect at all. The Rageblood Pill before him, however, had a much higher upper limit. Of course, its lower limit was also similarly high. From the description, it was clear that anyone below the Innate Realm likely couldn't withstand the elixir's power.

Having such an elixir could be quite useful at a critical moment. Stimulating qi and blood could significantly enhance a Martial Artist's strength in a short period. Plus, a quarter of an hour wasn't a short time; it was enough to turn the tide during critical moments.

However—

Shen Changqing looked at the price and hesitated.

Ten Merit Points.

Right now, even counting everything, I only have eighteen Merit Points. If I forced an exchange, I could only get one at most.

He turned to the second page. It revealed another entirely new elixir. Similar to the Rageblood Pill, this one was named True Essence Pill. Its effect was to stimulate the Dantian's True Yuan, allowing a Martial Artist to exert strength far beyond their normal capabilities.

After reading the introduction, Shen Changqing found that the True Essence Pill and the Rageblood Pill complemented each other. If both were taken simultaneously, the increase in strength would be even more comprehensive. As for the exchange price, it was identical to the Rageblood Pill's.

Clearly, this is another item I can't afford.

Shaking his head, he turned to the next page.

The more he perused the list, the more Shen Changqing understood his own poverty. In the exchange list for Earth Rank Demon Hunters, the lowest price was ten Merit Points, and some items even required twenty to thirty.

Upon further thought, it seems reasonable. Those who become Earth Rank Demon Hunters are very strong. A Resentment Level Monster grants three to five Merit Points, and a Fiend Level Monster provides ten to thirty. Higher merit point rewards naturally lead to correspondingly higher exchange prices; there's nothing wrong with that. Moreover, although the items on the list are expensive, their effects are excellent.

Turning another page, Shen Changqing's hand paused.

Ice Spirit Tea!

Effect: This Spiritual Tea, harvested from glaciers, can neutralize True Qi conflicts when consumed over time. It also cleanses impurities from the Flesh and True Qi, enhancing True Qi quality and Flesh strength.

Side Effects: None (Earth Rank Demon Hunters are limited to purchasing 500 grams per year)

Merit Points Required: 0.5 (per gram)

"As expected!"

When Shen Changqing saw the Ice Spirit Tea and recalled what Jiang Zuo had said, he understood. According to Jiang Zuo, Profound Rank Demon Hunters exchanged Ice Spirit Tea at one Merit Point per gram, with an annual limit of 100 grams. Now, the price is 0.5 Merit Points per gram—half the price—and the exchange limit has increased fivefold to five hundred grams. That comes out to two hundred fifty Merit Points. I'm not sure if a typical Earth Rank Demon Hunter could afford that much every year, but I know for certain I can't. Long-term use of Ice Spirit Tea has good effects, but it's too expensive. If not used long-term, the benefits are limited. I can only consider it later.

Thinking this, he turned the next page.

For nearly an hour, Shen Changqing stood there, slowly flipping through the list. Since it was meant for Earth Rank Demon Hunters, many of the items had significant effects for Grandmasters. Of course, the prices are uniformly expensive.

By the time he finished reviewing the last page, he returned the list.

"Thank you."

Shen Changqing expressed his gratitude and then left the Treasure Repository Hall.

I currently have no intention of accepting tasks. After my breakthrough to Grandmaster, many issues haven't been resolved. Accepting tasks now would undoubtedly contradict my initial purpose for returning to the Demon-Subduing Division.

After leaving the Demon Slaying Hall, Shen Changqing had planned to visit the Scripture Pavilion. However, just as he stepped out of the Demon Slaying Hall, he saw someone waiting there.

Jiang Zuo!

I'm almost certain Jiang Zuo is here waiting for me.

As expected, when Jiang Zuo saw him emerge, he approached.

"Brother Shen, have you successfully advanced?"

"Indeed."

Seeing Shen Changqing nod in acknowledgment, a look of envy flashed in Jiang Zuo's eyes.

"You're probably the fastest person ever to be promoted to Earth Rank Demon Hunter since the Demon-Subduing Division was established, bar none. I've been in the Demon-Subduing Division for almost ten years and I'm still hovering at Profound Rank. Compared to you, I'm quite ashamed."

"Brother Jiang, your promotion is just a matter of time."

Shen Changqing smiled faintly. I'm not taking his words too seriously.

Then, his tone shifted. "Brother Jiang, you didn't wait here just to ask if I've been promoted, did you?"

It's not like Jiang Zuo is so idle, nor would my promotion warrant him waiting here personally.

"The Defender Envoy has summoned you. You should go see him."

"Summoned by the Defender Envoy?" Shen Changqing looked startled. "May I ask which Defender Envoy?"

"I'm not sure. You'll know once you go."

Jiang Zuo shook his head, smiling wryly. "I'm just the messenger. You can go by yourself; you've been to the Council Hall before, anyway."

The Council Hall. Shen Changqing remembered the place he had visited with Jiang Zuo and nodded slightly. Yes, I have indeed been there.

"Alright, if you don't have anything else to do now, just head over. It wouldn't be good to keep the Defender Envoys waiting too long."

"Thank you for delivering the message, Brother Jiang!"

Shen Changqing cupped his fist in salute and then headed towards the Council Hall.

The Council Hall was some distance from the Demon Slaying Hall, but not too far. Having been there once before, he knew the way well. But as he walked, speculative thoughts emerged in Shen Changqing's mind. He wasn't certain why the Defender Envoys had summoned him.

Is it because of the Mairba incident, or because I broke through to the Grandmaster Realm in less than three years?

Many thoughts churned in his mind.

If it's the former, it's likely more good than bad. But if it's the latter, it's hard to determine. Rapid promotion to the Grandmaster Realm would certainly provoke suspicion. I've made some preparations for this. Just as Jiang Zuo said, I'll keep my secrets to myself. Those Defender Envoys probably won't force me to reveal them. However—if they really do force me to talk, then I need to be prepared with an exit strategy!

A cold glint flashed briefly in Shen Changqing's eyes.

The panel is my greatest foundation; it's something I can't tell anyone. Besides, the panel can't be replicated, so no one would believe me even if I told them. Furthermore, I can't possibly reveal the panel to anyone else. If the Demon-Subduing Division doesn't force me to reveal my secrets, that's fine. But if they do, I'm prepared to leave. The world is vast. If the Demon-Subduing Division can't accommodate me, there are plenty of other places that can. With my current strength, self-preservation shouldn't be a major issue. If even a Grandmaster isn't qualified for self-preservation, then this world would be far too terrifying. Great Qin may be a strong nation in this world, but it's not the only one. Other forces also stand against Great Qin. Forget it, I'll assess the situation first.

Shen Changqing's expression remained unchanged as he continued towards the Council Hall.

I'm still not sure of the Demon-Subduing Division's attitude, so there's no need to overthink it. Anyway, my decision is made. If the Demon-Subduing Division doesn't pressure me, I'll stay here peacefully. Although a Grandmaster isn't weak, the Demon-Subduing Division is a much stronger backing. Having their support significantly increases my safety, far more than struggling alone. However, if the Demon-Subduing Division shows no consideration, then I'll have nothing to regret leaving behind.

As his thoughts shifted, Shen Changqing arrived at the entrance of the Council Hall.

Just as he was wondering whether to enter directly, an ethereal voice drifted from inside.

"Since you've arrived, come in."

The voice was unfamiliar; Shen Changqing couldn't tell who it belonged to. Without hesitation, he stepped into the Council Hall. His vision first plunged into darkness, then suddenly brightened. Though only a threshold separated the spaces, it felt like stepping into two different worlds.

Moving forward, Shen Changqing saw two people seated at the head of the hall. One had a completely unfamiliar face; if Shen Changqing hadn't known better, he would have mistaken him for an ordinary, elegant scholar. Yet, given his seat here, his status is self-evident. The other person was Zhou Yuanzheng, whom he had met once before.

Shen Changqing quickly approached, cupped his fist, and bowed. "Earth Rank Demon Hunter Shen Changqing greets the two esteemed Defender Envoys!"

"No need for ceremony."

A gentle voice spoke. The man in the centermost seat looked at him, a faint smile on his face. "So, you are Shen Changqing. Indeed, meeting you in person surpasses your reputation. I am Dongfang Zhao. You may not have heard my name, but you are certainly aware of my position."

Shen Changqing remained silent. The name Dongfang Zhao is unfamiliar to me, but the seating arrangement alone makes many things clear. Though both are Defender Envoys, Zhou Yuanzheng's status is a notch below this Defender Dongfang.

While Shen Changqing was contemplating this, Dongfang Zhao's gentle voice sounded again. "You need not be nervous. The two of us summoned you primarily to see the rising star of our Demon-Subduing Division for ourselves."