We're practicing all martial arts, so why did you switch to easy mode?

Chapter 133 Both Advance, Exorbitant Dowry, Plot to Seize the Elixir Formula
Knowing the connection, Su Chen smiled faintly and then handed the secret letter to Qiao Qiliang, as this kind of information would be more effective with him.

Su Chen was busy until the next morning before he finally left.

Qiao Qiliang and his companion did not leave. The city lord's mansion sent people overnight to take over Green Willow Manor, and they needed to direct operations from the sidelines, so they could not leave for the time being.

On the second day, the second thing agreed upon with Qiao Qiliang came to fruition: he brought fifty Qi and Blood Pills and thirty Profound Origin Pills.

So, in the following days, Su Chen immersed himself in learning and cultivation.

It wasn't until the fifth day that Su Chen finally pushed the progress of Fire Cloud Transformation and Profound Origin Technique to the maximum.

[Easy Mode Activated: Roast by the fire for 50 minutes to train the Fiery Cloud Transformation to the fourth transformation.]

[Easy Mode Activated: Swallow 500 times to reach the fourth level of the Profound Origin Technique.]

After spending some pills to activate the easy mode for both cultivation techniques, Su Chen quickly completed the upgrades for both techniques.

Now, apart from the Wuding Gong, which is still at the second level, and the Houtu Que, which is at the third level, Su Chen has cultivated the other three attribute techniques to the Bone Forging level.

The sixth level is Iron Shirt, the Bone Forging level.

The fourth level is the Fiery Cloud Transformation and Profound Origin Technique, the Bone Forging level.

His strength has increased again. Simply measured by the total amount of force, Su Chen is now equivalent to the combined force of three beginner Bone Forging martial artists.

His true strength is at least comparable to that of a Three-Section Jade Bone martial artist.

With the addition of the sword-drawing technique, it's likely that even a martial artist with four-section jade bones could be matched. With the assistance of various other methods, it's not impossible to kill a martial artist with four-section jade bones.

While this level of skill might not reach the top level in Qinzhou, it would already make him a formidable expert in Dafeng City.

No one expected that Su Chen's strength would improve to this level in less than half a year since he came to Dafeng City.

This day.

Qiao Qiliang, who hadn't seen Su Chen for many days, found him.

"Finished with your work?" Su Chen put down his medical book and asked casually.

Although the Shadow Assassins branch did not leave behind much money, it left the City Lord's Mansion with an immeasurable fortune.

The city lord's mansion has not yet fully digested the information channels that cover almost all of Qinzhou.

These past few days, Qiao Qiliang has been busy with tidying up and cleaning up, but unexpectedly he had time to come and see Su Chen today.

"It can't be that fast!" After hearing Su Chen's question, Qiao Qiliang picked up a teacup, poured himself a cup of tea, drank it all in one gulp, and shook his head.

"I've come to see you today because I have something important to tell you!" Qiao Qiliang smiled mysteriously.

Su Chen glanced at Qiao Qiliang, appearing somewhat unmoved.

Seeing Su Chen's expression, Qiao Qiliang was the first to speak, asking, "Why don't you care at all about what news I brought?"

"You said it."

Su Chen replied calmly, his gaze never leaving the book.

This made Qiao Qiliang lose interest, but when he thought of this news, he smiled: "Do you remember the news about the Chu family that we saw a few days ago?"

Su Chen nodded.

"Guess what happened in the end?" Qiao Qiliang asked, winking as he saw that Su Chen finally reacted.

Su Chen put down his book, seemingly about to take action.

"How boring," Qiao Qiliang said, taking a step back. "The Hong family is really in trouble. They've compromised and are preparing to send out the formula for the Qi and Blood Pill as a betrothal gift for the marriage between the two families."

"A marriage alliance?" Su Chen exclaimed softly.

Qiao Qiliang nodded: "Yes, the purpose of the two Chu sisters coming to Dafeng City was for a marriage alliance, a marriage alliance between Hong Hu, the successor of the Hong clan in this generation, and the Chu clan."

"But didn't this marriage fall through?"

"It was supposed to be off, but it's been revived!" Qiao Qiliang pouted.

These words did not dispel Su Chen's doubts, but instead aroused his curiosity: "I am a little curious, why does the Chu family insist on a marriage alliance with the Hong family?"

Qiao Qiliang explained, "Previously, the Chu family did need to form a marriage alliance to consolidate their position in Yunzhou. Now that they have the prefectural lord backing them up, whether or not they form a marriage alliance is actually irrelevant. However, the Chu family does not intend to let the Hong family go. Why do you think that is?"

"The formula for the Qi and Blood Pill?" Su Chen asked, revealing his thoughts.

“Yes.” Qiao Qiliang nodded. “That’s right. It’s also a lesson for the Hong family. This time, they not only want the formula for the Qi and Blood Pill, but they also want the Hong family to personally deliver it to Yunzhou as a betrothal gift…”

"What did you say?" Su Chen suddenly interrupted.

“I said you’re right, the Chu family is indeed after the formula for the Qi and Blood Pill…”

"Not this sentence, the last sentence."

"Uh, I don't remember very well."

"The Hong family intends to send the formula for the Qi and Blood Pill as a betrothal gift to Yunzhou?"

Su Chen spoke softly, word by word.

Qiao Qiliang, who was standing to the side, immediately realized what was going on. He stared at Su Chen in surprise and stammered, "You wouldn't happen to be...?"

Su Chen gave a light hum and said with a smile, "I haven't yet gotten my dues from the Hong family's assassination attempt on me last time."

Upon hearing this, Qiao Qiliang opened his mouth, his expression immediately turning solemn: "Su Chen, I advise you not to get involved in this matter."

"Why?"

Qiao Qiliang took a deep breath and, seeing that no one was around, said, "You also know the importance of the pill formula to the Hong family. It is no exaggeration to say that, relying on the Qi and Blood Pill, the Hong family has amassed a fortune and amassed most of the wealth in Qinzhou."

It is easy to imagine how important this pill formula was to the Hong family. If it weren't for the circumstances, the Hong family would never have given up the pill formula.

Although they have now agreed to give the pill formula to the Chu family as a betrothal gift, it does not mean that the pill formula is unimportant. On the contrary, this pill formula is still the Hong family's giant money-devouring beast, capable of bringing them endless wealth.

Therefore, the Hong family will definitely protect the pill formula and will not allow it to be taken away by anyone other than the Chu family.

According to my information, the Hong family has dispatched Blood Transport Realm warriors to escort the pill formula in order to prevent anyone from stealing it.

This is just the visible escort force; there are countless others operating behind the scenes.

Moreover, I suspect that the Hong family deliberately released this information. They are not worried at all about anyone trying to seize it; on the contrary, they hope that other forces will try to seize it so that they can wipe out these forces that are hostile to the Hong family in one fell swoop.

Going there would be tantamount to walking into a trap. Your current strength is indeed very strong, and you can be called the number one among the younger generation in Qinzhou, but you still have no chance of winning against a powerhouse at the Blood Transformation Realm.

You should have experienced this firsthand with Uncle Yong.

Qiao Qiliang said a lot, earnestly trying to persuade Su Chen, and his words implied that he did not want Su Chen to get involved in this matter.

Anyone with a discerning eye can see that this is very likely a carefully orchestrated scheme by the Hong family, waiting for their prey to fall into a trap and wiping out all the foolish forces in one fell swoop.

Su Chen was well aware of the dangers involved, but he still wanted to give it a try.

It wasn't just about taking revenge on the Hong family and ruthlessly tearing off a piece of their flesh; even if it couldn't cripple them, it wanted to inflict heavy losses on them.

More importantly, he needs the formula for the Qi and Blood Pill, or more precisely, the Qi and Blood Pill itself.

Of all the cultivation techniques he currently practices, almost 90% require Qi and Blood Pills for enhancement. Once he obtains the formula for Qi and Blood Pills, he will be able to learn how to refine them, and his strength will no longer be so constrained as it is now.

The Hong family's control over the Qi and Blood Pills was almost abnormal. Even the City Lord's Mansion had to be mindful of the Hong family's attitude if they wanted to obtain a large number of Qi and Blood Pills.

Especially during this period, because Su Chen joined the City Lord's Mansion, the Hong family and the City Lord's Mansion gradually became at odds. It might not have been so serious before, but now this discord almost feels like it's out in the open.

Although the two sides did not openly break off relations, the Hong family subtly reduced the supply of Qi and Blood Pills to the City Lord's Mansion. They would rather not make money than offend the City Lord's Mansion and Su Chen.

Su Chen naturally did not intend to sit idly by and wait for his death. In fact, after his strength improved this time, he planned to take revenge on the Hong family.

As Qiao Qiliang said, Su Chen is indeed no match for a Blood-Moving Warrior, but with his current strength, he is enough to be among the top warriors at the Blood-Moving Realm.

With such strength, assassinating martial artists below the Blood Transformation Realm would be an easy task.

After killing them, plunder their Qi and Blood Pills, then hide to secretly increase their strength, then kill again, hide again, and increase their strength again...

After several cycles, Su Chen will eventually be able to enter the Blood Transformation Realm.

With his current accumulation, once he reaches the Blood Transformation Realm, his strength will surely increase by leaps and bounds, and how could an ordinary Blood Transformation Realm cultivator possibly be his match?

At that time, we'll unleash a massacre.

It's only a matter of time before we wipe out the Xuan Shui Gang, Xuan Shui Sect, and Hong Clan.

Of course, he knew that things might not go according to plan, but that was the logic.

Qiao Qiliang could clearly see that Su Chen's interest had lingered for a long time, so he added, "Moreover, the waters here are very deep, and many forces will make a move. Even if you have an opportunity, you won't be able to seize it with your own strength."

"Which forces are involved?" Su Chen asked.

Upon hearing this, Qiao Qiliang's expression froze. So you only listened to the first half of the sentence and completely ignored the second half, right?
Even so, he patiently replied, "I know there's one force that will definitely make a move: the Luo family of Cangzhou." The Luo family of Cangzhou?

Upon hearing this, Su Chen fell into deep thought, and related information popped into his mind.

Like the Chu family of Yunzhou and the Hong family of Qinzhou, the first prominent family in Cangzhou was the Luo family.

As the Great Qian Dynasty declined, these powerful families gradually emerged, replacing the government as the rulers of various states.

Sometimes, the government's decrees were less effective than a single word from these powerful families, reminiscent of the fragmented power struggles at the end of a dynasty.

"Why is that?" Su Chen didn't know much about the Luo family and didn't understand what connection this had with them.

"The reason is simple: the Hong family snatched this pill formula from the Luo family," Qiao Qiliang explained.

Seeing Su Chen's curious expression, he shook his head and said, "I don't know the specific reason either. I was just a child back then."

All that is known is that the feud between the two sides runs deep. If it weren't for the Chu family protecting the Hong family back then, the Hong family would probably never have achieved its current glory. However, the Chu family never expected that its former subordinate would grow so powerful and now want to fly solo. Unfortunately, in the end, the Chu family still managed to break one of its wings.

It was a very vivid metaphor; upon hearing it, Su Chen immediately conjured up a picture of love, hate, and entanglement in his mind.

"Of course, after so many years, the Luo family's hatred for the Hong family isn't as deep anymore. It's more about preventing the Chu family and the Hong family from forming a marriage alliance. After all, with their combined strength, other forces might not be able to sit still, especially the Luo family, which is on par with them. They're probably restless after receiving this news," Qiao Qiliang added.

He looked at Su Chen and asked, "Are you still planning to go?"

Su Chen shook his head. Just when Qiao Qiliang thought he had given up on the idea, he heard him say seriously, "Let's forget about taking action. We can go and join in the fun!"

I've tried everything to explain, but you haven't listened to a single word!
What do you mean by shaking your head and saying you want to go?
That's so hypocritical!

Qiao Qiliang's forehead was covered in black lines, his face contorted with deep frowns, and he was speechless for a moment.

"You don't look too well. How about I prescribe some medicine for you?" Su Chen asked, noticing Qiao Qiliang's dark complexion.

Qiao Qiliang quickly shook his head: "You should keep this medicine for yourself."

He paused for a moment, then smiled and said, "Since you insist on going, then take me with you."

Su Chen: "...!"

……

In a small town about ten miles away from Dafeng City.

At this moment, the atmosphere in a certain courtyard was unusually serious.

"This time, the Hong family is escorting the formula for the Qi and Blood Pill. Tell me, what are your plans?"

A man with thick eyebrows and large eyes sat on a stone bench. A recent scar on his face, combined with his imposing aura, made him look unusually ferocious.

Three men stood in front of him, dressed differently, but all of them were injured. When they heard the name Hong, the three men immediately exuded a murderous aura.

"What other plan could there be? Just ambush them halfway and kill them all!" a burly man said angrily, making no attempt to hide his rage towards the Hong family.

The scarred man glanced at the burly man but didn't speak. Instead, he turned his gaze to a tall man and asked, "He Quan, what are your thoughts?"

The tall man, He Quan, looked at the map on the stone table, examined it carefully, and said, "Vice Master, the best place for us to make our move is the Funiu Mountains. This is the only route the Hong family can take when they are escorting their troops to Yunzhou."

"Then let's make our move in Funiu Mountain!" the burly man said hastily.

“Everyone else thinks the same way,” another short man replied.

The vice leader nodded, gritting his teeth as he said, "This time, the forces that ambushed the Hong family weren't just us. However, unlike them, our main objective wasn't the Qi and Blood Pill formula, but to teach the Hong family a lesson and avenge our brothers and sisters who died tragically!"

Upon hearing this, the three men were moved, and their eyes burned with anger.

"The Funiu Mountains stretch for miles, and I imagine others will also choose to make their move here. We'll lie in wait in this canyon and wait for our opportunity!"

After a moment, He Quan spoke.

"it is good!"

……

A manor about 30 miles outside of Dafeng City.

They were also plotting.

"We must seize this opportunity presented by the Hong family's escort operation to obtain the pill formula. We absolutely cannot allow the Hong family to safely deliver the pill formula to Yunzhou!" an old man said fiercely, his words filled with an air of determination to achieve his goal at all costs.

"Yes!"

Upon hearing this, the crowd below shouted in unison, their faces filled with determination.

"Look at the map."

The old man took out a map showing the route from Qinzhou to Yunzhou and spread it out in front of everyone.

He pointed to the map and said, "This is our ambush location. Our plan is... I'm done. Did everyone understand?"

"Understood!"

"Good, this time it's all or nothing! We will repay the humiliation that the Hong family has brought upon our Luo family!" The old man nodded, very satisfied with everyone's performance.

At almost the same time, in many places near Dafeng City, various forces were stirred up by the Hong family's escort of the pill formula.

On the contrary, the Hong family appeared extremely calm and did not make the slightest move.

However, this situation did not reassure people; instead, it created a sense of impending doom.

Two days later.

At the foot of Xuan Shui Zong Mountain in Qingxi Mountain, a team is gathering.

"Hongshan, this journey is fraught with danger, so please be careful," Sect Master Hong Jingrui said solemnly.

Hongshan is a robust man, standing at least two meters tall. Just by standing there, he resembles a mountain, inspiring awe and reverence.

Hearing Hong Jingrui's words, he lowered his head and said in a deep voice, "Sect Master, please rest assured, no matter who comes, I will make them taste my power and ensure they never leave alive!"

"Ah."

Hong Jingrui nodded slightly, offered a few more words of encouragement, and then said, "It's about time, you can set off now."

"Then, Sect Master, we shall take our leave!" Hong Shan said loudly.

Upon hearing this, everyone in the group spoke at the same time, their voices rippling out like waves.

Before long, Hong Shan and his group, fully prepared, slowly descended the mountain under the watchful eyes of Hong Jingrui and his entourage.

Besides the formula for the Qi and Blood Pill, the other betrothal gifts being transported this time are also worth a fortune, and will surely attract the covetous eyes of other forces.

Only after Hong Shan and his group disappeared at the end of the road did Hong Jingrui turn his gaze away. He looked at Hong Jinchen beside him and asked casually, "How is the situation with Chu Qing?"

"We can't get in touch with them, they must have been instructed by the Chu family not to meet with us," Hong Jinchen replied.

"Hmph, what a waste!" Hong Jingrui sneered, extremely dissatisfied. "They've searched for three days and haven't even found a trace of them. Tell them that if they still can't find them, we'll reduce their share of Qi and Blood Pills!"

"Yes!"

……

the other side.

Su Chen and Qiao Qiliang had arrived at Funiu Mountain several hours ahead of schedule.

The two arrived near a canyon but did not approach it.

"You see, I told you that many forces would be involved this time. We've only been here a short while and we've already encountered five or six forces, all of them after the Qi and Blood Pill."

After the two found a place to rest for the time being, Qiao Qiliang said helplessly.

However, Su Chen remained expressionless upon hearing this, and his thoughts were not swayed in the slightest by Qiao Qiliang's words.

As he looked at the map, he said, "Isn't this even better? With so many people dealing with the Hong family, I'm overjoyed."

Moreover, it is only in the chaos of the situation that we have the opportunity to seize the formula for the Qi and Blood Pill.

Of course, he didn't say this aloud, otherwise Qiao Qiliang would definitely think he had gone mad.

Qiao Qiliang pursed his lips and didn't respond. Seeing Su Chen fiddling with the map, he asked, "What are you doing?"

"I'm calculating the time it will take them to arrive at Funiu Mountain."

"When will they arrive?" Qiao Qiliang asked curiously.

Su Chen raised his head, revealing a bright smile: "One hour later!"

(End of this chapter)