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

Chapter 191 A Deceptive Imitation Leads to the Acquisition of the Elixir Formula

The ancestor of the Liang family?

Su Chen keenly caught the key words, and a chill ran through him.

Liang Qingsong, the patriarch of the Liang clan, is quite adept at finding excuses. He clearly wants it himself, but he insists on dragging the Liang clan's ancestor into it.

However, his words confirmed his suspicions: the other party wanted to use the Mind-Loss Powder to force him to reveal the formula for the Blood-Strengthening Pill.

"What are you doing?" Su Chen asked without changing his expression.

Liang Qingsong frowned slightly: "This matter was ordered by the Ancestor, how would I know?"

Su Chen snorted coldly: "If you want the Mind-Dispelling Powder, then trade it for the Blood-Strengthening Pill."

Upon hearing this, Liang Qingsong asked suspiciously, "What do you need the Blood Strengthening Pill for?"

"No comment!" Su Chen took his aloofness to the extreme. At this moment, the more he explained, the more flaws he would reveal, so it was better to keep quiet.

Liang Qingsong asked out of curiosity, not expecting Su Chen to answer.

Although the two sides were in a subordinate relationship, they did not interfere with each other, and he had no right to order Li Jing and others to do things.

After a moment of silence, Liang Qingsong relented: "How many do you want?"

"The more the better!" Su Chen replied calmly.

"Wait."

After leaving a message, Liang Qingsong turned and went into the study. When he reappeared, he was carrying a small package.

"I only have fifty Blood Strengthening Pills in my study. If that's not enough, I'll give you the rest when we meet next time." Liang Qingsong tossed the pills to Su Chen.

Su Chen accepted the pills, weighed them in his hand for a few moments, and then tossed out a packet of Mind-Dispelling Powder. The amount was small, but enough for three or four people.

"This is what you want."

The transaction went very smoothly, and Liang Qingsong had no doubts about Su Chen's identity.

After the transaction was completed, Su Chen pretended to leave, but secretly met up with Ma Chen, and the two hid in the shadows.

Ma Chen lowered his voice and said, "There is a dungeon in this room, and the Yun family alchemist is imprisoned in the dungeon."

Su Chen glanced around and found that the room was heavily guarded both inside and out, with even the guards at the door having reached the Blood Moving Realm, demonstrating the strictness of the security.

As expected, Liang Qingsong arrived here immediately after obtaining the Mind-Dispelling Powder.

The two watched Liang Qingsong enter the room and disappear from sight.

"I estimate that Liang Qingsong will obtain the pill formula soon," Ma Chen said in a low voice during this brief interval.

Su Chen nodded. It would be strange if Liang Qingsong couldn't get the pill formula with the help of the Mind-Loss Powder.

"Do you have any way to obtain the formula?" Ma Chen asked curiously.

After pondering for a moment, Su Chen shook his head: "Let's wait and see how things develop. We'll find an opportunity eventually."

Although Su Chen was determined to obtain the pill formula, he would only do so if he could escape unscathed. If the risk was too great, he would not make a move.

Seeing that Su Chen already had a plan, Ma Chen stopped asking questions.

About an hour later, Liang Qingsong walked out of the room with a radiant face and returned to the study he had just been in.

The two exchanged a glance, both guessing the outcome from Liang Qingsong's expression.

As expected, he must have obtained the recipe.

As night deepened and the earth fell silent, the Liang family guards changed shifts, but Liang Qingsong was still awake in his study.

He was in his study, happily staring at the prescription he had just obtained.

With the help of the Heart-Stealing Powder, he inquired about every detail and learned the formula for the Blood-Strengthening Pill.

Dozens of sheets of paper were used to record the refining process in detail.

The records are extremely detailed, as if a real alchemist were personally demonstrating the alchemy process.

After a long while, Liang Qingsong organized the contents of the prescription and hid it in his bosom, clearly intending to keep it on his person.

Upon seeing this scene, both Su Chen and Ma Chen felt a pang of anxiety.

After Liang Qingsong left, Su Chen sighed softly, "Let's go back."

Although disappointed, at least I learned the location of the pill formula, so the trip wasn't in vain.

Moreover, Su Chen also obtained fifty Blood Strengthening Pills, enough to upgrade his Vajra Iron Shirt technique.

Ma Chen nodded, and the two quickly returned to the courtyard. After working for most of the night, they each chose a room to wash up and rest.

The next day.

Ma Chen brought back breakfast early, and the two chatted while eating.

"Don't worry about the pill formula, I'll keep an eye on it for you," Ma Chen assured Su Chen, slurping up a mouthful of meat porridge.

Su Chen nodded: "Yes, be careful and also be wary of the Demon Martial Sect."

"Don't worry, it was an accident last time," Ma Chen explained.

Su Chen didn't dwell on the issue, but instead said, "Liang Qingsong's performance last night did give me a wake-up call."

"Hmm?" Ma Chen looked up at Su Chen.

"He seemed to have known about the mind-altering powder for a long time, so it was obviously not the first time he had used it."

Su Chen's expression turned solemn. Judging from the fact that the Liang family had secretly captured the Yun family's alchemist, the Liang family had big plans.

He thought for a moment and said, "I'll accompany you to keep an eye on Liang Qingsong for the next few days."

Su Chen originally planned to go back, but he was unwilling and decided to observe for a few more days to see if he could find an opportunity.

"also."

……

A courtyard outside Qingxi Town.

Two figures entered the courtyard one after the other.

"Aren't Li Jing and Zhao Fei here?"

An aged voice rang out, and Qiu Wuyai, an elder of the Demon Martial Sect, came to Luo Zhuo's side, hunching over as he asked.

He looked around but didn't see anyone in the courtyard.

Luo Zhuo frowned and nodded, saying, "Elder Qiu, they may have gone out on business. Let's leave them alone for now."

"How many people are in this courtyard?" Qiu Wuyai suddenly asked.

"Four. If Shi Hongying comes too, then five."

So much time had passed, and Luo Zhuo wasn't sure if Shi Hongying had arrived yet, so he replied uncertainly.

"Li Jing, Zhao Fei, and the others have probably met with some misfortune." A look of solemnity flashed across Qiu Wuyai's face.

"What?" Luo Zhuo was shocked upon hearing this.

Qiu Wuyai said calmly, "There is an unfamiliar aura in the courtyard. This person is not a demon blood warrior."

“Others have been here!” Luo Zhuo quickly realized the implication behind Qiu Wuyai’s words.

This courtyard is usually only occupied by Li Jing, Zhao Fei, and others; it's impossible for anyone else to appear there.

Now Qiu Wuyai says that there is an unfamiliar aura in the courtyard, and it is not a demon blood warrior, which means that someone took the opportunity to come here.

Regardless of who the other party is, it means that Li Jing and his group's identities have been exposed.

On the bright side, Li Jing and the others are still alive, but on the dark side, they may all meet with misfortune.

"Elder, do you know where this person is?" Luo Zhuo asked in a deep voice, his expression slightly solemn.

Qiu Wuyai shook his head: "I don't know."

He paused for a moment and then said, "Let's wait a little longer. If they still haven't shown up, things are probably going to turn badly for us."

“Mm.” Luo Zhuo nodded.

Several days passed, and Luo Zhuo did not see Li Jing and Zhao Fei, but instead saw Wen Qingqiu and Shi Hongying.

I learned what happened from Wen Qingqiu.

"The two disappeared without a trace while searching for the mysterious swordsman. It's likely that they found a clue, but the swordsman struck first and eliminated them," Qiu Wuyai speculated.

Luo Zhuo's expression turned slightly grim. These two good-for-nothings had actually been killed at this crucial moment.

"Elder, this is my fault," Luo Zhuo said, bowing slightly in apology.

Qiu Wuyai nodded: "You are indeed guilty, but now is not the time to punish you. The North is about to fall into chaos, and Donglin Prefecture also needs your assistance to this elder in managing the overall situation. You can make up for your mistakes with your merits."

"Thank you, Elder." Luo Zhuo kowtowed.

While the members of the Demon Martial Sect were discussing the disappearances of Li Jing and Zhao Fei, the Luo family was also debating the murder of the three elders of the Luo clan.

The bodies of the three elders were discovered and brought back.

Upon seeing the three men's gruesome deaths, Luo Yuanxiu, the patriarch of the Luo clan, flew into a rage and immediately ordered that the culprit be found at all costs.

The entire city of Fengbei was in turmoil due to the deaths of the three elders of the Luo family.

at the same time.

The news of the deaths of the three elders of the Luo family quietly reached the hands of the manor lord.

"...This whole thing started because of Luo Huaiwu. The person selling the information was disguised, and the buyers included the Luo family, the Dragon Guard, and two mysterious people," Yuan Fan said in a low voice.

Lord Qian Ruyuan lowered his eyes, and after a long while, he looked away and said softly, "A single piece of information tricked five forces. This Luo Huaiwu is truly cunning." Yuan Fan nodded. Apart from the four forces that bought the information, even Shadow Assassins had been tricked.

Shadow Assassins have now issued a warrant for Luo Huaiwu's arrest. Anyone with information about Luo Huaiwu will receive a reward of 50,000 taels of silver.

As soon as the news came out, Luo Huaiwu became a hot commodity, but several days passed and no one knew anything about him.

"Lord, we received intelligence that the Golden Dragon Guards arrived in Dafeng City last night," Yuan Fan said again.

Qian Ruyuan nodded slightly: "I understand. You may leave now."

"Yes!"

After Yuan Fan left, a dark figure swept into the room, knelt on one knee, and handed over a letter with both hands.

Qian Ruyuan picked up the letter, waved his hand, and the dark figure disappeared in the blink of an eye.

"father!"

Just as Qian Ruyuan was examining the envelope, a clear, bell-like sound came from outside the door.

As the voice drew closer, Qian Ruyuan knew who it was without even looking.

The next second, a graceful woman in a purple dress walked slowly like a gentle breeze. She had willow-shaped eyebrows, skin as white as snow, and smooth black hair that swayed with her energetic figure. Her bright eyes and white teeth revealed a touch of nobility.

The person who arrived was none other than Qian Ruyuan's most beloved daughter, Qian Xingyue.

"Father, what are you looking at? Why aren't you responding to your daughter?"

Seeing that Qian Ruyuan remained motionless, Qian Xingyue stomped her foot playfully and let out a soft shout, somewhat dissatisfied.

"Your father is looking for a husband for you," Qian Ruyuan said slowly, raising his head with a smile.

"What husband? Let me see!" Qian Xingyue smiled slyly, stepped forward, and came to stand in front of Qian Ruyuan.

Qian Ruyuan handed the letter to Qian Xingyue and asked, "How is it? Does this person meet your expectations?"

"Su Chen?"

Qian Xingyue did not speak, but instead softly read out the names of the people described in the letter.

She turned to look at Qian Ruyuan and asked in confusion, "Father, I don't think I've ever heard of this person before. Which faction's young master is he?"

“He is the vice leader of the Four Seas Gang,” Qian Ruyuan replied.

"So he's just some nobody!" Qian Xingyue put down the letter, immediately losing interest.

However, she was still curious, so she asked, "Father, why would a vice leader of the Four Seas Gang allow you to use secret agents to investigate? Is there something special about it?"

"Haha, why don't you take another look at the contents of the letter?" Qian Ruyuan nodded in agreement.

Upon hearing this, Qian Xingyue had no choice but to pick up the envelope and read it again.

"Huh?" After looking at it for a moment, a look of surprise and doubt appeared on her pretty face.

She put down the letter, her bright eyes landing on Qian Ruyuan, and said, "Father, your spy wouldn't be lying to you, would he? This person's talent is so high, reaching the Blood-Moving Warrior level before the age of twenty?"

Hearing Qian Xingyue's incredulous words, Qian Ruyuan was both amused and exasperated: "You silly girl, it's one thing to doubt Su Chen's talent, but you even doubt your father's secret agent."

Qian Xingyue chuckled: "Father, don't be angry. I was just a little surprised. The letter said that he rose from humble beginnings without any background and cultivated to the Blood Transformation Realm on his own. Such talent is no less than that of the two heirs of the Yun and Liang families."

Yun Haoran of the Yun family and Liang Qingping of the Liang family both broke through to the Blood Transformation Realm before they reached adulthood, but that breakthrough was achieved with the abundant resources of their two families, which is completely different from Su Chen, a genius who relies solely on his own talent.

Of course, this also shows that the two are extremely talented.

Otherwise, even with resources, they might not be able to break through. However, compared to Su Chen, they are definitely three points behind.

"There's no doubt about it, that's exactly the case. If this person had been born into a prominent family, he would definitely have broken through to the Meridian Opening Realm before he turned sixty!" Qian Ruyuan gave him a very high evaluation.

Once one enters the Blood-Transferring Warrior realm, one has a lifespan of about two hundred years; even if one reaches the age of sixty, one is only sixty years old.

Compared to two hundred years, sixty years old is just the age when a normal person enters their "established age".

If Su Chen can truly reach the Meridian Opening stage before the age of sixty, he will be among the most renowned figures in the entire Great Qian Dynasty.

Upon hearing this, a hint of surprise flashed across the bright young girl's face; this was the first time she had ever heard her father praise someone like this.

Even the most favored sons of the capital city could not receive such high praise from their father.

"Xingyue, what's your decision?" Qian Ruyuan asked when he saw Qian Xingyue lost in thought.

"What?" Qian Xingyue was taken aback, then remembered what Qian Ruyuan had just said.

Her pretty face flushed red, and she instantly became serious, picking up the letter with great earnestness and examining it carefully.

He immediately commented, "Putting aside his appearance, his talent is mediocre, but he's not a good match for me. However, we're not from the same social class, so he's not qualified."

"You silly girl, you're all talk and no action. Don't blame your father if you can't get married in the future." Qian Ruyuan said with a wry smile.

His daughter was proud and arrogant, and didn't even respect those guys in the capital, so naturally she wouldn't be interested in Su Chen.

However, he did not expect Qian Xingyue to give such an evaluation, which clearly showed that she also recognized Su Chen's talent.

“However, Father, this guy is probably not as simple as you think.” Suddenly, Qian Xingyue’s eyebrows furrowed slightly.

"What's wrong?" Qian Ruyuan asked.

Qian Xingyue handed the letter to Qian Ruyuan: "It's a bit strange. This person has several gaps in his life experiences, especially after he came to Dafeng City. Moreover, he moves frequently, and even after arriving at the Qiao residence, he often disappears. These behaviors seem very strange."

Upon hearing this, Qian Ruyuan stopped smiling, looked closely, and indeed it was so.

"You suspect this person is hiding their identity?" Qian Ruyuan asked.

Qian Xingyue shrugged: "Who knows?"

"Alright, Father, I'll go back now." She said proactively when she saw Qian Ruyuan frowning.

Qian Ruyuan didn't pay any attention. After Qian Xingyue left, Qian Ruyuan summoned his secret agents.

……

Several days passed, and Su Chen and Ma Chen found nothing.

In the past few days, Liang Qingsong has carried the prescription with him at all times and rarely goes out.

There was no way for the two of them to find an opportunity to steal the elixir formula.

However, the two discovered something else: every two or three days, one or two more prisoners would appear in the Liang family's dungeon.

They were all masked, making it impossible to distinguish their identities or see their faces. They were captured and taken to the Liang family dungeon in the dead of night.

Liang Qingsong would go in and out of the dungeon every time a new prisoner was added.

The courtyard where the dungeon was located had become one of the most heavily guarded places in Liang's household.

Even now, Su Chen and Ma Chen have not been able to find the mechanism to open the dungeon.

That night, Su Chen was cultivating.

"Tie Kun".

Ma Chen, who had gone to observe, rushed back with a joyful expression, "I have good news!"

Upon hearing this, Su Chen quickly stood up and asked, "What good news?"

"It's good news about the Blood Strengthening Pill formula!" Ma Chen returned to the courtyard.

Before Su Chen could speak, he continued, "We have a chance to obtain the formula for the Blood Strengthening Pill."

"what chance?"

"Start with the alchemists."

Su Chen was taken aback and asked, "You rescued that alchemist?"

"No." Ma Chen shook his head; he didn't have that ability.

He laughed and said, "He is an alchemist from the Liang family."

He then told Su Chen about his discovery.

It turned out that he noticed Liang Qingsong always carried the pill formula with him, and guessed that the other party must want to refine the Blood Strengthening Pill. So he took a step back and paid attention to everyone Liang Qingsong came into contact with.

During the time he observed Liang Qingsong, he noticed that Liang Qingsong would always go to a secluded but heavily guarded courtyard to meet a man.

At first, he didn't know why Liang Qingsong was meeting that person. But tonight, when he smelled the fragrance of medicinal herbs outside the courtyard, he immediately realized that this person was the alchemist Liang had found to secretly refine the Blood Strengthening Pill.

Remembering Su Chen's reminder, he immediately locked onto this person.

After observing for a while, he became even more certain of the man's identity, so he couldn't wait to run back and tell Su Chen the news.

Upon learning this, Su Chen's face lit up with joy.

"Then let's go."

The two moved quickly, and in less than half an incense stick's time, they sneaked into the Liang family mansion and arrived at that secluded courtyard.

There were guards patrolling in front of and behind the courtyard, but they were mostly at the Bone Forging Realm, so they posed no challenge to Su Chen and Ma Chen.

"Unless the alchemist inside gives the order, the guards outside rarely enter the courtyard. However, the alchemist is attended by four alchemy apprentices. These apprentices are all young girls, and each of them is skilled in martial arts. They are all bone-forging martial artists who serve the alchemist while also monitoring him."

Ma Chen told Su Chen the information he had gathered, and Su Chen nodded after listening: "It's alright, leave these to me, you just stay here and keep watch."

Su Chen didn't care at all. They were just a few Bone Forging Warriors. How could they stop him?

He's determined to get the Yun family's Blood-Strengthening Pill formula tonight!

With that thought in mind, Su Chen leaped into the air, his ghostly figure appearing in the courtyard in the blink of an eye before quickly disappearing from Ma Chen's sight.

Ma Chen had complete confidence in Su Chen. After glancing at him a few times, he stopped paying attention and turned his gaze to the outside of the courtyard.

Suddenly, Ma Chen's expression changed drastically: "Oh no, why is he here?"

(End of this chapter)