Chapter 27 of 100
Chapter 27
7 min read1,802 words
The Embroidered Qi Sect, one of the five major sects in Qingzhou, ranks in the middle in terms of strength.
Compared to the Iron Scroll Sect, it is much stronger. After this upheaval, the Iron Scroll Sect's strength has been greatly diminished, falling far behind the Embroidered Qi Sect.
Of course, although the Embroidered Qi Sect is strong, they have not had an easy time in recent years.
The constant pressure from the Danqi Sect has compressed the Embroidered Qi Sect's living space, making life particularly difficult for them.
Musan didn't know why Bai Chen was going to the Embroidered Qi Sect, but since Bai Chen had spoken, Musan naturally wouldn't refuse.
The entrance of the Embroidered Qi Sect is also located within Qingzhou City, but unlike the Longhu Sect, which is in the bustling market, the Embroidered Qi Sect is in a more secluded corner.
Even though it was almost midnight, the entrance of the Embroidered Qi Sect was still brightly lit, with a charming night scene.
The two disciples guarding the entrance did not make things difficult for Musan when they saw him and hurriedly went to report.
Soon, a handsome young man in a silk robe strode over, his brows slightly delicate, but his figure not weak, exuding a sharpness and a faint medicinal scent, indicating that he often dealt with herbs.
"Brother Mu, what brings you to our Embroidered Qi Sect today? It's quite a rare occasion."
Yue Zhuxin came forward, heartily patting Musan's arm, showing a close relationship with Musan.
Musan smiled bitterly, "Brother Yue, I'm here to accompany Lord Bai."
"Lord Bai?" Yue Zhuxin only then noticed Bai Chen, initially thinking he was just Musan's fellow disciple.
Now, he realized that their positioning revealed Bai Chen's superior status.
Curious, Yue Zhuxin wondered about Bai Chen's identity, as Musan, the young master of the Iron Scroll Sect, would stand on equal footing with him.
Yue Zhuxin was usually only interested in flowers and plants and did not handle the sect's affairs, so he was not well-informed.
"I am Yue Zhuxin of the Embroidered Qi Sect. How should I address this gentleman?"
"Bai Chen. Is your sect leader here? I'm here to discuss a business deal with him." Bai Chen nodded slightly.
It must be said that he had seen many talented individuals in Qingzhou, but Yue Zhuxin was the most comfortable to be around.
He lacked Qin Kelan's domineering, Qin Youwei's arrogance, Musan's gentleness, and Long Tuxiao's pride.
He had a gentlemanly demeanor, a scholar's elegance, and no weakness, being approachable yet not lacking in the boldness of a martial artist.
This was the kind of humble gentleman he admired, without any pretense.
If Musan knew what Bai Chen thought of him, he would be quite surprised.
Yue Zhuxin hesitated when he heard Bai Chen say he wanted to discuss business with his master.
First, he didn't know Bai Chen's background or his intentions.
Second, Bai Chen didn't seem to have the qualifications to discuss business with his master.
Seeing Yue Zhuxin's hesitation, Musan quickly interjected, "Brother Yue, don't hesitate. Lord Bai is no ordinary person, and his visit to the Embroidered Qi Sect will be a blessing for us."
Yue Zhuxin was taken aback and looked at Bai Chen more closely. To be so highly praised by Musan, he must have some ability.
But he couldn't find any particular strengths in Bai Chen. His aura and strength were average, and he always had a dismissive smile on his face, making it hard to associate him with the word "talented."
"Please wait in the inner hall for a moment. My master is still in seclusion, and I need to inform him first."
At that moment, a young man rushed over and bumped into Yue Zhuxin, who was about to leave.
The young man ignored Yue Zhuxin and stood in front of Bai Chen, pointing at him rudely.
"Are you Bai Chen?" The young man looked to be about fourteen or fifteen, with a hint of childishness on his face and some dirt on his clothes.
"Little brother, this Lord Bai is a guest of the Embroidered Qi Sect. How can you speak to him like that?"
Yue Zhuxin apologized to Bai Chen, "I'm sorry, my little brother is spoiled by our master and often acts without manners."
"I heard you won against Qin Youwei on the arena with your alchemy skills. Is that true?" Qu Feng still pointed at Bai Chen rudely, showing no manners.
Yue Zhuxin was taken aback and looked at Bai Chen more closely. To win against Qin Youwei in alchemy was indeed impressive.
"Indeed, what do you want?" Bai Chen glanced at the boy and smiled.
Could this boy be a friend of Qin Youwei, planning to embarrass him?
Bai Chen sized up the fourteen or fifteen-year-old boy, unsure of his intentions.
"I also heard that the Medicine Venerable and the Poison Venerable have issued a challenge to you, to face you on the arena in eight days. Is that true?"
Qu Feng's words made Yue Zhuxin pause, almost laughing.
Although he usually didn't handle sect affairs, he knew the identities of the two venerables, who were top figures in Shu.
They were the two elders of the Ten Thousand Flowers Valley and great alchemy masters!
How could such figures issue a challenge to an unknown young man?
And for two of them to team up against a young man who could be their grandson was even more absurd.
"Boy, are you planning to have a warm-up match with me before that?" Bai Chen said dismissively, finding it unchallenging to compete in alchemy with such a young boy.
Especially now that he had advanced to a high-level alchemy master, surpassing the level of a great master by their standards.
"Both venerables have publicly admitted that neither of them is your match. I'm not as foolish as Qin Youwei!" Qu Feng said seriously.
"Little brother Qu, don't speak rashly. If the two venerables hear you, even the Embroidered Qi Sect can't bear the consequences." Yue Zhuxin was startled, thinking Qu Feng was talking nonsense.
Imagine, how could such a thing happen? The Medicine Venerable and the Poison Venerable, not only in terms of ability but also in seniority, were far above them. How could they publicly admit weakness?
Qu Feng rolled his eyes at Yue Zhuxin, saying disdainfully, "Everyone in Qingzhou knows about this. Brother, you are really out of touch."
Yue Zhuxin was stunned and turned to Musan, seeking confirmation.
"Brother Yue, Lord Bai is a great alchemy master. His alchemy skills are so remarkable that even the two venerables are amazed. I can't say if he surpasses them, but his alchemy level is on par with them."
Yue Zhuxin's eyes widened as he stared at Bai Chen, almost rudely, "You are a great alchemy master?"
"I wouldn't dare to claim that. I'm just a beginner in alchemy." Bai Chen didn't dare to accept the title of a great alchemy master.
Suddenly, Qu Feng bowed deeply before Bai Chen.
"Qu Feng, I beg you to take me as your disciple!"
"What are you doing now?" Bai Chen looked at Qu Feng on the ground, speechless.
This boy, despite being a fellow disciple of Yue Zhuxin, had none of Yue Zhuxin's demeanor, no manners, and no dignity.
Yue Zhuxin's face turned dark. Qu Feng was completely disgracing the Embroidered Qi Sect.
"Little brother, get up. Let's talk properly. Don't be so informal."
"I won't get up until my master accepts me."
"Brother Yue, this isn't right."
Yue Zhuxin, helpless, lowered his stance, "Please wait in the inner hall for a moment. I'll go fetch my master. This boy will behave when he sees him."
Initially, he said he would report, but now he was going to fetch the master directly.
This showed the change in Yue Zhuxin's attitude. After all, the difference between an ordinary person and a great alchemy master was enough to make anyone treat them differently.
Soon, Yue Zhuxin returned with another middle-aged man. This man had a similar aura to Yue Zhuxin but was more composed and reserved, with deep, inward-looking eyes.
Qu Feng immediately got up and ran into the back courtyard when he saw his father.
"I am Qu Yang. You must be Lord Bai Chen?" Qu Yang was very amiable.
After the formalities, Bai Chen took out a small bag and threw it to Qu Yang, "Patriarch Qu, this is what I'm here to trade. Take a look."
Qu Yang had intended to make small talk and build a relationship, but he was taken aback by Bai Chen's directness.
He was momentarily stunned and opened the bag, a fragrant aroma wafting out.
Instantly, Qu Yang's smile froze, replaced by shock and amazement.
Dewdrops Pills! The small bag was full of Dewdrops Pills! The quantity was so large it was hard to count.
The Embroidered Qi Sect's lack of Dewdrops Pills was well-known in Qingzhou, though the reason was unknown.
Whenever someone in Qingzhou sold Dewdrops Pills, the Embroidered Qi Sect would buy them at any cost.
Even if the original value of Dewdrops Pills was around 20,000 taels, the Embroidered Qi Sect would pay several times that to secure them.
Musan's expression changed again. Although he didn't understand the significance of Dewdrops Pills to the Embroidered Qi Sect, he could see that Bai Chen had brought a large quantity of sixth-grade Dewdrops Pills, at least thirty in the small bag.
Thinking of the missed opportunity, Musan felt a wave of regret.
Qu Yang put down the bag, carefully tying the string, and tried to calm his excitement.
"Lord Bai, what do you intend?"
As the leader of the Embroidered Qi Sect, Qu Yang knew that Bai Chen's intentions were not just a simple business deal.
If it were just a regular transaction, there would be no need to bring such valuable Dewdrops Pills.
If they were put on the market, their value would multiply, and the Embroidered Qi Sect would still try to secure them at any cost.
"I want the herbs and alchemy materials from the Embroidered Qi Sect. It's that simple. Whenever I need them, the Embroidered Qi Sect must supply them first, and the price must be 30% lower than the market price. The transaction can be in pills or cash, as you prefer."
"Is that all?" Qu Yang almost couldn't believe his ears. This deal was beneficial to the Embroidered Qi Sect, and the 30% discount was acceptable.
Especially since the other party was willing to use Dewdrops Pills as currency, which greatly excited Qu Yang.
"There is one more condition, the most important one. It will determine our cooperation. If you agree, we will work together; if not, we will part ways!"