Xunyang Prefecture

Biodata

Overview

Xunyang Prefecture is substantially stronger and more resource-rich than Ling Prefecture, with numerous entrenched factions, powerful cultivators, demonic creatures, and false gods. Its abundance of cultivation resources attracts ambitious experts, but its political struggles and external threats make it exceptionally dangerous. 249 301 315

The prefecture is repeatedly described as a vortex of power. Personal connections, factional loyalty, and cultivation strength heavily influence advancement within its institutions. 303 318 342

Cityscape and Security

Xunyang Prefecture City is prosperous, with bluestone streets, decorated buildings, busy markets, teahouses, waterways, and commercial traffic. 316

• The city gate is guarded by Jade Bone Realm soldiers, a level comparable to Mountain Patrol Bronze Captains elsewhere. 316
• Inspections were tightened before the Hunter Cultivation Tournament due to the expected influx of dangerous cultivators and demons. 316
• The Evil Extermination Division's compound is many times larger than its Ling Prefecture counterpart. Personnel encountered there include Returning Treasury Realm and Meridian Condensation Realm cultivators. 316
• South Garden Village lies roughly fifty miles east of the city, while Cangnan Mountain is more than two hundred li east. 318 332
• Shuiyun Prefecture lies five hundred li east of Xunyang Prefecture. 468

Evil Extermination Division

The Xunyang Prefecture Evil Extermination Division is a powerful but politically divided institution. Its system includes Prefecture Officers and Prefecture Generals of Bronze, Silver, and Golden rank, alongside the separate Mountain Patrol General system. 316 386

• The division maintains a strict hierarchy and values strength, particularly among those who actively slay demons and eradicate evil. 492
• Unlike Ling Prefecture's comparatively direct organization, its officials often operate through patronage networks and competing factions. 303 318
• Bronze Prefecture Generals may serve under different Silver Prefecture Generals, while maintaining alliances across those chains of command. 318 325
• Corruption is a persistent threat: Zheng Yu had previously arranged the deaths of newly appointed Bronze Prefecture Generals, while Qian Yong secretly served multiple demonic factions from within the division. 320 324
• Even corrupt officials rely on political connections for protection; Qin An had Qian Yong's subordinates detained as witnesses before Qian Yong could return and leverage his network. 331

Confidential Archives

The Confidential Archives are a major resource within the division, used by Qin An to study cultivation methods, regional knowledge, Demon Consciousness, and miscellaneous texts. 371 466 534

Major Powers

Hunter Cultivation Tournament

The Hunter Cultivation Tournament—also called the Hunter Cultivation Convention—is a dangerous prefecture-wide event in which demonic creatures openly hunt cultivators. Its approach caused rogue demons to gather subordinates and prompted strict security measures in the city. 315 316

During the tournament:

• The Evil Extermination Division assigned Prefecture Generals and Mountain Patrol Captains to protect vulnerable sects and forces. 325
• Demonic attacks occurred throughout the prefecture; some sects and task forces survived, while others were wiped out. 331
• The Free and Unfettered Sect was attacked amid the tournament, exposing Qian Yong's collusion with demonic forces. 326 327
• After the tournament, both human and demon forces entered a temporary period of recuperation, allowing ordinary residents a rare respite. 340

Political Climate

Xunyang Prefecture's wealth, factions, and resources create constant political pressure. Cultivators commonly seek connections across sects and division ranks, while enemies exploit missions, promotions, and investigations to remove rivals. 318 320 343

Qin An initially attempts to avoid these struggles, focusing instead on merits, Demon Crystals, cultivation methods, and professional proficiency. However, his rapid rise and reputation as the “Blade and Fist Dual Master” make him increasingly impossible for local factions to ignore. 481 495 498

• Zhao Wuhuan regards the prefecture's power struggles as rampant and values Qin An's comparatively pure commitment to exterminating evil. 306
• Wang Feng seeks to monitor and potentially recruit Qin An away from Zhao Wuhuan's command. 309
• Gao Lingyu views Xunyang Prefecture as a stepping stone rather than the limit of Qin An's future. 345
• The prospect of a treasure capable of shaking Xunyang Prefecture is enough to draw the attention of its Inner God Realm experts. 539

Major Incidents

• Hunter Cultivation Tournament — Demons attacked sects, rogue cultivators, and Evil Extermination Division missions across the prefecture. 325 331
• Post-tournament demon resurgence — After the temporary peace, demonic creatures erupted across Xunyang Prefecture, sending division cavalry out continuously. 372
• Ancient Battlefield Ruins eruption — Outer Core Realm experts and stronger factions shifted their attention toward the ruins and its emerging treasures, briefly reducing local disturbances. 403
• Mount Xiaoyao's destruction — Qin An annihilated the fox-demon force, causing his reputation to spread throughout the prefecture. 492 495
• Bamboo Water Rebellion — More than one hundred human, demon, and false-god factions in the Bamboo Water River region created a long-running crisis that Xunyang Prefecture could only contain, not fully pacify. 510
• Renewed unrest — Following the Ancient Battlefield period, demonic creatures, false gods, and human factions resumed open conflict, leaving the prefecture in an uneasy balance of order and chaos. 438 495