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

Chapter 149 Fiery Blood Ginseng King, Five-Lacking Old Man
The Great Yan City is majestic and imposing, with towering city walls. From afar, it resembles a fiery dragon coiled on the earth, exuding awe and power.

Upon entering the city, the afterglow of the setting sun bathed everything in sight. Inside, magnificent palaces and pavilions stood tall, and crowds of people moved about, creating a bustling atmosphere.

Su Chen glanced around lightly, as if taking a quick look, and the faint sense of unfamiliarity in his eyes disappeared.

Without wasting any time, he found the "Wanglai Restaurant" before it got dark.

Thanks to his collaboration with Qiao Qiliang in destroying a branch of the Shadow Assassins organization, Su Chen wasn't running around like a headless fly.

According to numerous reports from the Shadow Assassins branch, each prefecture city in Donglin Prefecture has a Shadow Assassins stationed there.

Although it doesn't provide detailed information about the Shadow Assassins' locations in each state, it does contain some basic information.

For example, this restaurant called Wanglai Restaurant is one of the Shadow Assassins' publicly revealed locations, and it is generally used to sell various kinds of information.

While assassins are important to an assassin organization, information is even more crucial, and selling information is one of the main businesses of Shadow Assassins.

Upon entering the Wanglai Restaurant, one is greeted by a bustling scene with a large number of people coming and going, most of whom are martial artists. The restaurant is almost full.

Su Chen stood in the restaurant for a while, but still no waiter came forward to greet him. He couldn't help but chuckle. It seemed that the restaurant was very busy!
He then approached the shop assistant and explained his purpose. Upon hearing that he was there to buy information, the shop assistant looked him up and down before indifferently asking, "What grade?"

Su Chen was taken aback upon hearing this.

Seeing that Su Chen looked like a newcomer, the waiter briefly explained the meaning of the words, saying that the so-called grades were the budget amounts.

A budget of less than one thousand taels is considered first-class; two thousand to five thousand is second-class; and five thousand to ten thousand is third-class.

After that, every additional 30,000 would advance one rank, up to a maximum of 100,000.

After 100,000, they are divided into different levels, with each 100,000 forming a new level, resulting in nearly twenty levels in total.

After listening to the shopkeeper's story, Su Chen pondered for a moment. Although he was not quite sure about the value of the Fire Blood Ginseng King, he knew that since it was monopolized by the Chu family, the price must not be cheap.

So he said, "Fourth grade and above!"

"Guest, please come upstairs!" Upon hearing this, the waiter smiled broadly and respectfully invited Su Chen upstairs.

The room is small, less than ten square meters, with only a table and chairs, and looks like a specially created independent space.

Are you selling information or buying information?

There were designated people sitting in the room. The waiter led Su Chen to the door and then left.

As soon as Su Chen entered the room, he saw a masked man sitting in a chair, who closed his eyes and asked him a question in a low voice.

"Buy information," Su Chen said quietly.

"What kind of information do you want to buy?" the masked man asked.

Su Chen stepped forward and uttered a sentence: "Fire Blood Ginseng King".

Upon hearing this, the masked man opened his eyes and stared at Su Chen. He knew that there must be a true face hidden beneath that handsome appearance.

Although he couldn't see through Su Chen's disguise, the masked man guessed that Su Chen was probably around twenty-five years old.

This is based on experience; young people generally don't deliberately dress up as old people.

He didn't care about Su Chen's identity. After thinking for a while, he replied, "This information is worth five thousand taels!"

Snapped!
A five-thousand-tael silver note was placed in front of the masked man in the blink of an eye.

The masked man was slightly taken aback. It had been a long time since he had encountered such a straightforward customer. He was already prepared to face Su Chen's barrage of questions.

Unexpectedly, it turned out he was mistaken!
Faced with such a generous and distinguished guest, the masked man chuckled and handed a slip of paper to Su Chen.

"Shenzhuang, the Five Lacking Elders." Su Chen opened it and glanced at it.

The masked man noticed Su Chen's confusion and said, "Go to Ginseng Village and ask the one-eyed old man where he is."

Su Chen nodded, then walked out and left the restaurant amidst the waiter's amiable smile.

Before leaving, I even spent some money to ask them about the location of the ginseng farm.

The ginseng farm was located in the north of Dafeng City, only three miles away from the restaurant. However, it was already late, and by the time Su Chen arrived, the farm was already closed. So the waiter kindly reminded Su Chen that he could go tomorrow and then kindly introduced him to the inns in the city.

The innkeeper clearly stated the price and operated with integrity, and did not deceive Su Chen in this respect. Based on the inn information provided by the innkeeper, Su Chen chose the most suitable inn and checked in. The price and information were exactly as the innkeeper had described.

As the night passed and dawn broke the next day, Su Chen headed to the Ginseng Manor that the waiter had mentioned. The Ginseng Manor was named after a manor under the Chu family, but it was actually more like an urban village in his previous life, though its liveliness was no less than that of the Great Yan City.

According to the information given by the masked man, it seemed that this Five-Deficiency Old Man was quite famous in Ginseng Village. And indeed, just as the masked man said, Su Chen casually found a shop and, after asking around, learned where the Five-Deficiency Old Man lived.

However, upon arriving at the residence of the Five Lacking Elders, Su Chen's brows furrowed slightly.

What appeared before him was not a dwelling, but a garbage dump. Flies and mosquitoes swarmed everywhere, and the stench was so strong that it seemed to seep into his pores. Even before he got close, he could feel waves of revulsion coming from every cell in his body.

There was a beggar living inside.

"Could he be one of those 'five deficiencies' old men?"

Su Chen stood not far away, gazing at the beggar lying on his side. He was covered in mud and filth, looking so disheveled that he almost blended into the garbage.

Somewhat uncertain, Su Chen used money to pave the way and asked passersby not far away.

"The old man with five deficiencies? You mean the old beggar? He's right over there." The passerby was a little surprised to hear this name at first, but he quickly realized that this was not the first time he had heard someone call the old beggar that.

"May I ask why he's called the Five Lacking Old Man?" Su Chen glanced at the old beggar, remained silent for a moment, and then asked.

Upon hearing this, the passerby looked saddened and sighed softly, "He is called the Five-Deficiency Old Man because he is missing an eye, two ears, a tongue, an arm, and two feet."

Finally, he said sadly, "He was a pitiful man too!"

"Could you elaborate?" Su Chen asked softly.

The passerby nodded, saying, "The old beggar used to be a man with both a son and a daughter and a happy family. Unfortunately, he offended the Little Chu Gang for some reason, and his wife and children all died tragically. He has fallen to this state."

After talking with passersby for a long time, Su Chen finally gave up.

If Su Chen's guess is correct, the Five Lacking Elder must have obtained the Fire Blood Ginseng King, which is why he was tortured by the Little Chu Gang. Judging from the name, the Little Chu Gang is a gang of the Chu family.

After learning the whole story, Su Chen stepped forward and slowly approached the old man.

"Ahhh, waaaaah..."

Before they even got close to the Five-Deficient Elder, he suddenly started convulsing and made strange noises.

He suddenly sat up, flailing his arms and legs, rolling around on the ground.

Perhaps he was thirsty, he bent down and crawled to the small puddle, put his hands together, scooped up the black water and drank it wildly, laughing maniacally as he drank.

He looks like a madman.

Su Chen frowned, stepped forward, and stood in front of the Five Lacking Elder, staring at him.

"I've come to ask you about the Fire Blood Ginseng King. If you tell me, I can avenge you!"

Ignoring the crazed Five-Deficiency Elder, Su Chen spoke in a voice only the two of them could hear.

However, the old man with five missing items ignored Su Chen completely and continued drinking the black water. After a few sips, he moved his body and crawled into the garbage heap, sometimes using his head, sometimes his body, and sometimes his arms to rummage through the dark, unappetizing food.

Even though there were insects on it, he didn't mind at all. He opened his mouth and swallowed it in one gulp, as if he had seen a delicacy.

After eating, he had another bout of convulsions, tossed and turned for a while, and then fell asleep on the ground.

Su Chen stared silently at the old man with the five missing members. His behavior seemed like that of a madman, but he wasn't sure if the old man was truly insane or just pretending.

For the rest of the time, Su Chen observed.

While observing, he would buy food and water for the other person at mealtimes, and the other person would accept it without hesitation, but after eating, the other person would still act crazy.

Su Chen had intended to have someone take him away, give him a bath, and change him into clean clothes, but the old man with the five deficiencies refused to leave.

At first, Su Chen thought that the people from Xiao Chu's gang were keeping an eye on Elder Wu Que, but after observing for almost a day, he didn't find anyone unusual. He guessed that Elder Wu Que himself didn't want to leave.

After observing for two days and two nights, Su Chen was fairly certain that the other party was a madman.

He returned to the restaurant and found the masked man who had given him the message earlier.

After learning about Su Chen's situation, the masked man shook his head and said, "I didn't lie to you. He does know about the Fire Blood Ginseng King, but it's very difficult to get information about the Fire Blood Ginseng King from him. However, this is the only way at the moment."

Su Chen fell silent. Suddenly, a question arose in his mind, so he asked, "Why did the Chu family keep him here?"

The masked man didn't speak, but instead held up a finger. Su Chen paid, and only then did he speak: "I know your suspicion that the Chu family kept him around so that others would try to get their hands on the Fire Blood Ginseng King. But don't you think that he's suffering more from being alive than from being dead?"

“But based on my observations over the past two days, he’s a madman!” Su Chen said coldly.

The masked man retorted, "How can you be sure he's not faking madness?"

How can you be sure he's faking insanity?

The masked man opened his mouth, but said nothing.

"Is there any other news?" Su Chen didn't dwell on this question with the masked man and asked in a deep voice.

The masked man shook his head and said, "No, this is the only way."

He paused, then added, "Of course, if you don't believe me, you can also post the acquisition announcement yourself."

"Are there any restrictions?" Su Chen asked, raising an eyebrow.

"No."

Subsequently, Su Chen followed the masked man's advice and spent 10,000 taels of silver to announce the purchase of the Fire Blood Ginseng King.

He was still somewhat unwilling to give up, so after leaving the restaurant, he went straight to the ginseng manor and found the old man with the five deficiencies again. But this time, he did not disturb him.

They would only offer food to the elderly man during mealtimes and would not leave him in the evening, keeping an eye on him.

After observing for two days, Su Chen still couldn't find anything unusual.

Either the old man with five deficiencies has truly gone mad, or he has become so skilled at feigning madness that even he himself thinks he's insane.

But regardless of which two options they were, they both presented a rather troublesome challenge for Su Chen.

He had already spent five days in Dayan City, but still hadn't found any news about the Fire Blood Ginseng King.

If things continue like this, who knows when we'll be able to find out any news about the Fire Blood Ginseng King.

Su Chen did not intend to keep focusing on the Five Lacking Elders; he planned to try and see if he could start with the Chu family.

But just as he went to the restaurant to inquire about the Chu family, the masked man told him that someone had taken on his mission.

"He doesn't plan to meet you at the restaurant. Instead, he wants to meet you in the suburbs around midnight tomorrow. Here's the location." The masked man handed him a slip of paper with the location written on it.

Seeing that Su Chen remained silent, he said meaningfully, "This place is rather remote."

When conducting business at restaurants, the presence of the restaurant provides protection for both parties, ensuring their safety within the restaurant premises.

However, the other party did not intend to do business with Su Chen at the restaurant. Instead, he asked him to meet in the suburbs. His intentions were ulterior. As a small patron of the restaurant, the masked man gave a brief but meaningful reminder.

Su Chen didn't pay any attention, accepted the note, and calmly said, "Thank you for informing me."

After saying that, Su Chen turned and left. Seeing his imposing manner, it seemed that he was going to meet the other party. The masked man shook his head slightly but did not say anything.

midnight.

Suburbs.

Su Chen arrived as promised, but the appointed time had come, and the person he was supposed to meet did not appear.

However, not long after Su Chen appeared, three figures emerged from the darkness. All three were dressed in black, wore masks, and carried long swords.

"Are you the customer who bought the Fire Blood Ginseng King?" the leading man asked in a low voice.

Su Chen nodded expressionlessly.

"Did you bring the money?" a man next to him asked.

Su Chen took out ten silver notes from his pocket.

Upon seeing this, the three men's faces lit up with joy. The leader held out his hand and said, "Give us the money first, and then we'll tell you the news."

Su Chen readily handed the silver notes to the leading man.

Upon seeing this, the three quickly huddled together and counted the silver notes.

At that moment, Su Chen's voice came through: "Where's the message?"

"Hahaha!" The three of them were stunned for a moment after hearing this, then looked at each other and burst into laughter.

Then the leading man sneered, "What an idiot! You didn't actually think we were here to make a deal with you, did you?"

"So, you don't know anything about the Fire Blood Ginseng King?" Su Chen asked calmly.

"Stop talking nonsense and get out of here, or you'll regret it!"

Another man in black shouted angrily, drew his long knife, and pointed it at Su Chen.

"Why waste my time? Don't you know I'll be very unhappy?"

A cold voice rang out, and Su Chen slowly raised his dark eyes, which flashed with a dangerous light.

Before the three could react, Su Chen flashed and leaped in front of them.

popping.

Two slaps landed, shattering the skulls of two of the men, their brains spurting out along with blood.

"you you……"

The remaining man in black was so terrified when he saw his two companions die tragically before his eyes that he lost his mind, his legs went weak, and he collapsed to the ground.

"Where's the news?"

The voice, seemingly emanating from the deepest hell, reached the ears of the man in black, causing him to tremble with fear and his very soul to shudder.

"I, I don't know..."

Click!

As soon as he finished speaking, Su Chen wasted no time and dealt with him directly.

With a stern face, Su Chen took back the silver notes, searched the three people for a while, and then returned to the city.

Snapped!
The next morning, Su Chen found the masked man and asked him bluntly, "Who is the culprit who caused the death of Elder Wuque?"

"Little Chu is helping Zhao Si!"

Seemingly sensing the chill emanating from Su Chen, the masked man paused for a moment before speaking.

After Su Chen left, the masked man realized that he had forgotten to collect the money.

"Fine, let's just consider it a free gift to him. But judging from his expression, it seems like he's going to deal with Zhao Si. Should I send someone to inform Zhao Si and try to make a double benefit?"

He stroked his chin, deep in thought.

"Let's forget it. All of Zhao Si's assets combined don't even amount to what this patron has spent at the restaurant. It's better to let him kill Zhao Si and then wait for the Little Chu Gang to come to me to buy information."

With this in mind, he quickly sketched Su Chen's appearance. In less than the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, he finished the drawing, which captured seven-tenths of Su Chen's charm.

The masked man waited until evening but still received no news of Zhao Si's death, which made him wonder if he had guessed wrong.
He was somewhat unsure and planned to wait until the next morning to see. After busying himself for a while, the masked man packed up and went back.

at the same time.

Su Chen only left quietly after the restaurant closed.

The location of the Little Chu Gang is not hard to find out. Zhao Si is one of the leaders of the Little Chu Gang, and he is usually in charge of the territory where the Five Lacking Old Man is located.

So Su Chen quickly found Zhao Si's house, but Zhao Si hadn't returned yet. After learning Zhao Si's location from a gang member, Su Chen headed straight for a nearby brothel.

"Oh, young master, would you like to come upstairs for a meal?"

Upon entering the brothel, he was greeted with a warm welcome, to which Su Chen replied curtly, "Get lost."

The group of girls were so frightened that they stood there dumbfounded, looking at each other in bewilderment.

Soon after, he found Zhao Si's location, pushed open the door, and went inside.

"Hey, you bastard, who the hell let you in?"

Zhao Si was currently experiencing a passionate encounter.

A person is too thin...

Upon seeing someone enter, he immediately flew into a rage.

However, Su Chen responded with a clean and swift slash and two blows, killing Zhao Si and knocking out two women before jumping out of the window and leaving.

In a dilapidated alley.

There was a grunt.

The old man, who was fast asleep, suddenly heard a strange sound and smelled blood in his nostrils.

He opened his eyes and immediately saw a dead face with its eyes wide open in front of him.

"Woooooooo..."

He only glanced at it before he became excited and started screaming wildly, clutching Zhao Si's head, his body trembling violently, and tears seemed to be streaming from his eyes.

The elderly man, who was missing five things, burst into tears.

Su Chen stood not far away, watching silently. Seeing this scene, he was certain that the Five Lacking Elder was indeed faking madness.

I sighed inwardly.

"Ah ah ah..."

A moment later, the old man with five missing eyes looked at Su Chen with tears in his eyes, and one of his eyes became clear.

Boom boom boom!
He knelt on the ground and kowtowed three times to Su Chen.

Then, under Su Chen's gaze, he picked up a piece of tile from the ground, raised it sharply, and stabbed it heavily into the flesh of his severed leg, cutting it open so that blood flowed out from the wound.

The excruciating pain contorted the old man's face, but he gritted his teeth until he cut large chunks of flesh from his severed leg.

shocking!

Only then did Su Chen notice that there was a piece of cowhide hidden in the flesh and blood of the severed leg.

"Woo!"

Taking the cowhide from the blood-stained hands of the old man with the five deficiencies, Su Chen opened it with a complicated expression, revealing a map.

(End of this chapter)