Starting as pearl divers, they have endless jobs.

Chapter 142 Job Change, Killing Blade Asura!
Chen Ye didn't pay much attention to these things. At the same time, Su Yuan bent down and picked up the head that had rolled off the ground.

She held that beautiful head as if it were a watermelon, her face showing a mixture of curiosity and a desire to study it.

She gently tapped her forehead with her fingers, then pinched her still smooth cheek, clicking her tongue in amazement.

"This craftsmanship is really good. It's a pity that it was awakened prematurely and its intelligence wasn't fully developed. Otherwise, it would definitely be more fun."

She muttered to herself, completely disregarding the severed head.

This scene sent chills down the spines of the Demon Slayers and others watching from afar.

This young lady is definitely not a normal person.

Chen Ye's lips twitched as well.

He discovered that although the girl appeared innocent and cute, her behavior exuded an indescribable evil.

Killing and manipulating corpses seemed to be as commonplace to her as eating and drinking.

"Hey." Su Yuan, holding the severed head, suddenly looked at Chen Ye.

"Why aren't you afraid of me?"

With everyone else keeping their distance, Chen Ye's continued presence on the stage made him stand out conspicuously.

"Of course I'm scared, how could I not be?" Chen Ye coughed and said seriously.

"Then why didn't you dodge?" Su Yuan asked, even more curious.

Chen Ye thought to himself, "I can't hide from you even if I want to."

But you definitely can’t say that.

He thought for a moment, then put on a sincere expression: "Actually, I'm scared too, but I feel that since you just helped me, if I act too distant now, wouldn't that be too unfriendly?"

This is half true and half false.

On the one hand, he did feel that although Su Yuan was strange, she had indeed saved his life just now, and one shouldn't be so ungrateful.

On the other hand, he also wanted to use this opportunity to get closer to her, at least to prevent this capricious little devil from seeing him as an enemy.

Unexpectedly, Su Yuan's eyes lit up instantly when she heard the word "friend".

She murmured those two words, and then the smile on her face became even brighter, like a hundred flowers blooming.

"Okay! Well said!"

She nodded vigorously, and her gaze towards Chen Ye became much more affectionate.

"Now that we're friends, I'll come visit you again in a couple of days!"

Without waiting for Chen Ye's reply, she picked up the puppet's head and turned to leave.

Chen Ye was left standing there dumbfounded.

I was just saying it casually, why did you take it seriously?

You're still coming to play with me?
Sister, we're from completely different worlds!

Chen Ye secretly regretted it.

Let you show off!
Now look what's happened, he's been entangled by a wicked little vixen.

Chen Ye only hoped that the little girl was just saying it casually and would forget about him in a couple of days.

Otherwise, it will be another headache.

"Cough cough." Just then, Cong Bo limped over, leaning on his ghost-headed broadsword.

He looked at Chen Ye with a complex expression of schadenfreude mixed with admiration, and then gave him a thumbs up.

"Bro, no doubt about it, you're really awesome!"

"That young lady's identity is definitely not simple. There are probably very few people in the entire Qingzhou who dare to speak to her like that."

"I truly admire your audacity in calling her 'brother'!"

Chen Ye rolled his eyes and said irritably, "I didn't mean to provoke her."

"I know I know."

Cong Bo chuckled.

"But the problem is, they don't know that."

"I think that young lady really considers you a friend."

"Brother, your luck with women is truly... unique."

Chen Ye was too lazy to pay any more attention to this guy who loved to watch the drama unfold.

"Alright, enough with the nonsense," Chen Ye waved his hand and said.

"The case is solved, the person is dead, the rest is up to your Demon Slayer Division."

"Remember to deliver my commission to the inn tomorrow, not a single penny less."

After saying that, he ignored Cong Bo's reaction and turned to walk out of the secret passage.

All he wanted to do now was leave this troublesome place as soon as possible and go back to the inn to calm down.

Watching his retreating figure, Cong Bo shook his head and chuckled, then led his men to begin the finishing touches.

Chen Ye ignored all that and went straight back to the inn. He sat on the bed, let out a long breath, and then opened the system panel.

[Job: Bounty Hunter (lv5) has reached the maximum level. Do you wish to change jobs?]

This notification had already appeared when Chen Ye was slaying the puppet at Black Buddha Temple, but he was busy dealing with other matters at the time and temporarily ignored it. Now that he finally had time, Chen Ye naturally chose to confirm without hesitation.

The system panel before him shone brilliantly, and then three brand-new options, each radiating a different light, slowly appeared in front of him.

【Job Change Path 1: Astrology Master】

[Job Description: A mysterious sorcerer who travels the world, capable of observing the qi (vital energy) and stars, discerning celestial secrets, and seeking good fortune while avoiding misfortune.]

[Talent: Premonition—A vague premonition of impending danger or opportunity.]

[Job Change Path Two: Assassin Asura]

[Job Description: Born for slaughter, greatly enhancing swordsmanship power and combat instincts.]

[Talent: Eye of Asura - Enhanced bloodlust vision, allowing the perception of energy flow patterns and weaknesses.]

【Career Change Path Three: Gluttonous Diner】

[Job Description: A bizarre branch of the Devouring Path, believing that everything can be food. They can devour the flesh, souls, and resentments of demons and evil spirits, converting them into their own cultivation or seizing some of their abilities. Their cultivation speed is incredibly fast, but there is a huge risk of losing their sanity and undergoing physical mutation.]

[Talent: Gluttonous Stomach - Able to digest the flesh and blood of demons and evil spirits, converting it into energy to nourish itself.]

The three distinct career paths represent three completely different routes.

Chen Ye's gaze slowly swept over the three options, his eyes flickering as he fell into deep thought.

Physiognomists who observe qi tend to be more inclined to provide assistance and planning.

The ability to avoid misfortune and seek out the secrets of heaven sounds very tempting.

In this world teeming with demons and monsters, and fraught with danger, being able to foresee danger can undoubtedly greatly increase the chances of survival.

However, the drawbacks are also obvious, namely, its ability to engage in direct combat will definitely be lacking.

Chen Ye had no intention of entrusting his life and fortune to the illusory luck and divine secrets.

Then there are the gourmets.

The mere description of this profession sent chills down Chen Ye's spine.

They gain power by devouring demons and monsters.

This is practically a shortcut to power!
The cultivation speed is extremely fast, and you can also gain the other party's abilities; the temptation is undeniable.

But the subsequent risk warnings were like a bucket of cold water, extinguishing the fire in Chen Ye's heart.

Reason is lost, and the body is alienated.

To become a mindless monster that only knows how to devour others in order to gain power?

What's the difference between that and those demons and evil spirits?
Chen Ye shook his head, decisively eliminating this option.

He pursued power to survive better, not to become a monster he couldn't even recognize.

Finally, his gaze fell upon the Asura Blade.

This is the ultimate advancement of the Bounty Hunter, a profession that takes combat and slaughter to the extreme.

The key is that this talent, the Eye of Asura, can see through the flow of energy and pinpoint weaknesses.

This is simply a divine skill tailor-made for his Needle Knife Technique!

Therefore, Chen Ye made his choice without hesitation.

"I choose, the Asura Blade!"

Job change successful

Along with this prompt, a powerful and pure force surged forth from his limbs and bones, instantly flowing throughout his entire body.

Chen Ye felt as if his body had been thrown into a furnace and reforged.

Both the resilience of the meridians and the purity of the internal energy have achieved a qualitative leap.

He could even feel that he was only a thin layer of paper away from the realm of the Sea of ​​Condensation, as if he could break through it at any moment!

"Is this... the power of the Killing Blade Asura?"

Chen Ye slowly opened his eyes, a terrifying flash of blood-red light disappearing from them.

Eye of Asura, activate!
In an instant, the world before my eyes changed completely.

Everything became so clear, even down to the smallest detail.

Moreover, Chen Ye also saw the faint aura emanating from many objects. The flow trajectory and changes in strength of these auras were presented to him in a very intuitive way.

He tried to look at the long sword in his hand.

Under his Asura Eye, the internal structure of this longsword, the energy conduction path, and even some minor flaws left during forging were all clearly visible.

He could even clearly see how the energy flowed within the blade when he channeled his inner energy, and at what points it stagnated and was lost. Chen Ye was shocked. This was the power of the Asura's Eye! Truly formidable!
For the rest of the day, Chen Ye didn't go anywhere, staying in his room and tirelessly testing his newly acquired abilities.

The next morning arrived, and just as Chen Ye was facing the rising sun and swallowing a wisp of the morning glow, Cong Bo arrived.

Although only a little over a day has passed, Cong Bo's injuries have almost completely healed.

He smiled and handed Chen Ye a money pouch. "Here, your commission."

Upon taking a look, I saw that it was full of bright yellow beans, and there were many more than fifty-two beans inside.

Chen Ye didn't stand on ceremony and accepted it directly.

"Also," Cong Bo took out a five-hundred-tael silver note from his pocket and handed it to Chen Ye, "this is for that Miss Su Yuan."

"Although I don't know why she helped you, she did contribute a lot to this battle, and she deserves a share of the reward."

Cong Bo said with a pained expression, "This is money I squeezed out of the Demon Slayer Bureau's budget for you out of my own pocket. You'd better put in a good word for me when you see her."

He wouldn't dare deliver it himself.

The thought of that girl's unpredictable and mysterious methods sent chills down his spine.

Chen Ye glanced at the silver note, nodded, and accepted it.

"Okay, I'll pass it on to you when I see it."

"That's good." Cong Bo breathed a sigh of relief.

Chen Ye casually asked, "You've solved several major cases, haven't you heard anything from above?"

Upon hearing this, Cong Bo's smile vanished, replaced by a bitter and helpless expression, and he shook his head.

"A gesture? What could possibly be a gesture?"

"There will definitely be awards, but it'll just be a little more money and a perfunctory commendation to give me some empty fame."

"As for promotion... hehe."

Cong Bo sneered, "Don't even think about it."

"I've held this position as a centurion in Yuhuo County for ten years. It's not that I lack ability, but that there are no positions available above. Even if there were, it wouldn't be my turn."

"Which of those commanders and garrison commanders in the Demon Slaying Division of the prefectural city doesn't have powerful backers? Which one isn't deeply entrenched in their own power?"

"What can a rough man like me, with no background or connections, use to compete with others?"

At this point, Cong Bo sighed, a hint of melancholy in his eyes.

"That's just how the world is these days. You risk your life and work yourself to the bone, but in the end, you're not as valuable as someone who just says something to you from above."

Upon hearing this, Chen Ye sighed inwardly.

No wonder the world is getting more and more chaotic.

Talented and responsible individuals like Cong Bo are relegated to a small county town simply because they lack connections.

It is clear that its promotion mechanism has serious problems.

If a dynasty cannot even achieve the most basic principle of clear rewards and punishments, then it is not surprising that its control will decline.

After chatting for a few more minutes, Cong Bo left in a hurry, as things were not completely over and there was still a lot of work waiting for him.

After seeing Cong Bo off, Chen Ye closed the door and entered a meditative state once again.

He needs to quickly familiarize himself with the surge in power and completely transform the abilities of the Asura Blade into his own combat strength.

For the next two days, Chen Ye stayed in his room at the inn, consolidating his strength.

The news of the destruction of the Black Buddha Temple quickly spread throughout Yuhuo County.

For a time, the topic of this matter was discussed everywhere, from the streets and alleys to the teahouses and taverns.

Chen Ye's name also became well-known among the people of Yuhuo County.

Everyone knows that the Demon Slayer Division has gained a formidable unofficial expert.

And just as Cong Bo predicted.

A few days later, the commendation from the prefectural government arrived.

A reward of one thousand taels of silver, plus a flowery but practically useless commendation.

After receiving the item, Cong Bo merely pursed his lips and casually tossed the commendation order aside, depositing the reward money into the Demon Slayer Division's treasury to compensate the wounded or killed captains.

For him, these empty titles were far less important than the lives of his men.

He had lived in Yuhuo County for more than a decade and had long regarded it as his home.

So if he were to be promoted and leave, he would actually be reluctant to do so.

On this day, Chen Ye was cultivating in his room.

He has completely mastered the power of the Killing Blade Asura and has vaguely sensed the opportunity to break through to the Sea Condensation Realm.

But he was not in a hurry to achieve results.

He knew that breakthroughs in realms required a natural process and could not be forced.

Just then, there was a knock on the door.

Beneath, bee, bee.

The three tones are very rhythmic.

Chen Ye raised an eyebrow, feeling a chill run down his spine.

Sure enough, when the door was opened, Su Yuan was standing outside.

Today she wore a light green dress and her hair was styled into two cute buns, making her look like a sweet and innocent girl next door.

If one hadn't witnessed her unpredictable and mysterious abilities firsthand, no one would have been able to associate her with the infamous Gu Saint Sect.

I've come to play with you!

When Su Yuan saw Chen Ye, she immediately flashed a bright smile, her eyes curving into two adorable crescent moons.

Since she was already there, Chen Ye couldn't just kick her out, so he had no choice but to step aside and let her into the house.

Su Yuan sat down at the table and looked around Chen Ye's room with curiosity, as if she were surveying her own territory.

Chen Ye then took out the five-hundred-tael silver note from his pocket and handed it over.

"This is what Cong Bo asked me to give you; consider it payment for this."

Su Yuan glanced at it, didn't refuse, and accepted it with a smile.

"At least he has a conscience."

She casually stuffed the banknote into her sleeve, then, as if remembering something, said to Chen Ye:
"By the way, the annual trade fair is going to be held in Qingzhou City in a few days. Would you like to come with me to take a look?"

"A trade fair?" Chen Ye was taken aback.

“Yes!” Su Yuan’s eyes sparkled. “That’s the most exciting event in Qingzhou!”

"At that time, people from all walks of life will go there. Not only can they buy all kinds of rare and precious materials, magic weapons and pills, but they can also find a lot of valuable information and news. Even some lost cultivation techniques and secret manuals may appear."

"It's like a huge exchange meeting, it's so much fun!"

Su Yuan spoke with great enthusiasm, clearly filled with anticipation for the grand trade event.

Chen Ye was also tempted upon hearing this.

What does he lack most right now?
It refers to the subsequent cultivation techniques and a deeper understanding of this world.

Although his strength has greatly increased, he is still like a frog in a well in a small place like Yuhuo County.

To become stronger, you must go out and explore a wider world.

This trading event was undoubtedly a golden opportunity for him.

Even if you don't buy anything, it's good to broaden your horizons and gather some information.

But the problem is...

He glanced at Su Yuan, who was looking at him expectantly, and hesitated again.

Seeing that Chen Ye remained silent for a long time, Su Yuan's smile gradually faded, but she didn't say anything. She simply stood up and said...

"Fine, since you don't want to go, I'll go by myself."

After saying that, she turned to leave, and her decisive manner surprised Chen Ye.

Su Yuan's hand was about to touch the doorknob.

As if possessed, Chen Ye spoke up, "Wait a minute."

Su Yuan paused, turned around, and looked at him with some confusion.

Chen Ye took a deep breath. "When do we leave?"

Su Yuan was taken aback when she heard this, and then the smile on her face became even brighter than before.

"Meet at the city gate first thing tomorrow morning."

"Okay, see you tomorrow." Chen Ye nodded.

"See you tomorrow!"

Su Yuan left with a smile.

After he left, Chen Ye pondered for a moment, then let out a long sigh.

Although I felt that Su Yuan was somewhat sinister, he was still a good person, and the key was that his Gu techniques were extremely powerful.

This trip to Qingzhou, putting aside everything else, is fraught with unknown dangers along the way. Having such a powerful companion by my side makes it much safer.

This is why Chen Ye agreed.

Meanwhile, outside Qingzhou City, a dusty and disheveled old Taoist priest finally stopped, looked up at the towering city wall, and was moved to tears.

We've finally escaped from Yuhuo County!

(End of this chapter)