Chapter 52

The Xiuqi Sect was not far from Qingzhou City, and Bai Chen recently had a shortage of medicinal stones, so he decided to take this opportunity to get some for his own use.

Originally, the Medicine Venerable and the Poison Venerable were worried about Bai Chen's health and wanted to accompany him, but after Bai Chen sat down and collapsed the bed, they gave up the idea.

The two had keen eyes and could see that Bai Chen's aura was deep and steady, even more so than a few days ago, which reduced their worries. At the same time, they felt even more reverence for Bai Chen's mysterious master.

Although the two were surprised by the various things that had happened to Bai Chen, they were not overly surprised.

After all, it was quite normal for elders to take some protective measures for their juniors entering the world. Even in the Wanhua Valley, such actions were common.

However, it was rare to have such a high-level method, where one could leave their true essence in Bai Chen's body to protect his life.

Upon reaching the Xiuqi Sect's mountain gate, the path was lined with medicinal fields filled with various rare flowers and herbs. However, few people were tending to them. Surprisingly, Bai Chen did not see a single Xiuqi Sect disciple in over a hundred fields, which left him somewhat puzzled.

These medicinal fields were not ordinary crops; they required meticulous care to ensure the growth of the rare flowers and herbs, and the initial investment was significant.

However, the returns were also substantial. The cost of the materials for a single pill accounted for one-third of its price.

Of course, alchemists relied on their skills. Bai Chen, with his alchemy techniques, had no fear of the Wu Liang Sect starving him, and even the expansion of the Wu Liang Sect was just around the corner.

At the mountain gate, two gatekeeping disciples seemed to recognize Bai Chen and greeted him early.

"Are you Young Master Bai?" The two gatekeepers asked dutifully, but their eyes already confirmed Bai Chen's identity.

"A few days ago, I heard that Qu Feng was looking for me. Could you please inform him?"

"We will do so immediately. Please come in, Young Master Bai."

Bai Chen was led into the inner hall by one of the gatekeepers. Soon, an old man with white beard and a face full of wrinkles, hunched back, and slow steps appeared.

Seeing that it was not Qu Yang or Qu Feng, Bai Chen was somewhat surprised. Apart from Qu Yang and Qu Feng, he was only familiar with Yue Zhuxin. Why didn't they come, but instead sent an unfamiliar old man to meet him?

"Are you Young Master Bai? I have long heard of your great name. I am Elder Bai Que of the Xiuqi Sect, and it turns out we are from the same family," the old man introduced himself with a polite smile.

Elder Bai Que warmly invited Bai Chen to sit down. Bai Chen glanced at Bai Que, and this old man gave him an uncomfortable feeling, as if there was something hidden behind his face.

"Where are Sect Leader Qu and Young Master Qu? Why haven't I seen them?"

"A few days ago, Young Master Qu went to Huai Prefecture to deliver goods and encountered some problems. Sect Leader Qu is now heading there to handle the situation, so he cannot personally receive you. Please forgive us, Young Master Bai."

At this moment, a disciple brought in a tea set, and the fragrance could be smelled from a distance. Even someone like Bai Chen, who knew nothing about tea, was moved.

Elder Bai Que took a sip of tea, his smile widened, and the wrinkles on his old face completely relaxed. "Young Master Bai, do you have any important matters to convey to Sect Leader Qu?"

"Not really, just that a few days ago, Sect Leader Qu bought a batch of pills from me. I believe the Xiuqi Sect has gathered enough silver by now. Sect Leader Qu should have instructed you, Elder Bai. If it's convenient, could you please settle the account?"

Elder Bai Que was taken aback but quickly recovered. "Of course, Sect Leader Qu did mention it. However, this is a transaction, so please verify the amount. I will have a disciple fetch the silver note."

"That's fine. It's a total of five million taels. I won't count the odd amount. After all, the Xiuqi Sect and I are close allies, and we will continue to do business in the future."

Elder Bai Que's expression froze, and a cold glint flashed in his eyes, but he quickly covered it up.

"Of course. By the way, Young Master Bai, this is our Xiuqi Sect's Three Clarity Tea, made from various herbs. Please try it."

Bai Chen took a sip, and his breathing became smoother. The tea's fragrance was invigorating and calming. He couldn't help but exclaim, "Good tea! The fragrance is refreshing, the taste is strong but not bitter, the aroma is sweet but not cloying, and the bitterness is followed by a hint of sweetness. Truly a top-notch tea. By the way, about those five million taels..."

"I will have the disciples prepare it immediately. If you have no urgent matters, why not stay as a guest in the Xiuqi Sect for a few days?"

"Unfortunately, I have important matters to attend to and cannot stay longer."

Elder Bai Que's expression changed abruptly, and a cold glint appeared in his eyes. He slammed the teacup on the table, and his tone became icy. "Young Master Bai, are you dissatisfied with my hospitality?"

Bai Chen sneered, "Elder Bai, you are truly vigorous in your old age. Your limbs are well-maintained!"

Elder Bai Que's expression suddenly changed, and he transformed into a whirlwind, rushing towards Bai Chen. "Young man, you are courting death!"

If it were a few days ago, Bai Chen might have had to retreat, but now his cultivation had reached the peak of the Ninth Stage of the Later Heaven realm. In Qingzhou City, there were few who could defeat him.

When he saw Elder Bai Que, he sensed that this person was an enemy, and his tone carried a hint of killing intent.

Without hesitation, Bai Chen activated the Fire Brand Shirt and delivered a powerful punch towards Elder Bai Que.

Elder Bai Que's strength was not weak, also at the Ninth Stage of the Later Heaven realm. However, facing this fiery punch, he could feel the overwhelming power even before it touched him, and immediately retreated a few steps.

"Damn!" At this moment, Elder Bai Que's back was no longer hunched, and his body was straight and strong, not inferior to a young man.

Suddenly, Bai Chen felt a cold wind from behind and turned to see a sword light heading straight for his throat.

Bai Chen did not dodge. The sword tip made a "ding" sound as it touched his throat, but it did not pierce the skin.

The attacker quickly retreated several feet, maintaining a distance from Bai Chen.

Seeing the attacker's face, Bai Chen smiled. "Isn't this Miss Qin?"

Qin Kelan's face was slightly flushed, her eyebrows raised, and she stood with a heroic posture, her long sword pointing at Bai Chen.

The inner hall had already heard the commotion, and over a dozen sword-wielding disciples rushed out.

However, their attire was not that of the Xiuqi Sect.

Qin Youwei, the leader, glared at Bai Chen with anger. Bai Chen instantly understood that the Xiuqi Sect had changed hands.

"Mr. Bai, this time, I want to see how you can escape!"

Qin Youwei hated Bai Chen to the bone. Because of Bai Chen, his carefree life was completely ruined, and Qin Kelan even placed him under house arrest.

While Bai Chen was in Qingzhou City, he was forbidden from going out and causing trouble.

Every time news about Bai Chen reached him, it made Qin Youwei furious.

Now, the opportunity had finally come. Bai Chen was about to die at his hands, and he couldn't help but be excited.

"Attack him! Don't kill him, leave him a breath! I want him to kneel before me, and I want him to suffer more than death!" Qin Youwei sneered, as if he could already see the light of victory.

The disciples Qin Youwei brought were not ordinary disciples of the Danqi Sect. They were all elite disciples, each with considerable cultivation, far surpassing Qin Youwei.

However, when the leading disciple was directly punched through the chest by Bai Chen, Qin Kelan was shocked and shouted, "Retreat! Don't act rashly!"

Seeing the core disciple lying at Bai Chen's feet, Qin Kelan's expression was unimaginably grim.

These disciples were carefully cultivated by the Danqi Sect, and a significant amount of resources had been invested in them.

The weakest among them had the Fifth Stage of the Later Heaven realm, and the best had the Seventh Stage, with talents that might not be inferior to her own.

However, these disciples were no match for Bai Chen. A few days ago, they were weaker than her.

How could they become so terrifying in just a few days?

Bai Chen had forced Elder Bai to retreat and ignored her sneak attack.

Thinking about this, Qin Kelan's killing intent grew, and her gaze towards Bai Chen became even more fierce.

"Mr. Bai, I still say the same thing. If you surrender, the Danqi Sect will welcome you as an elder."

"Sister, why waste words? Just kill him!" Qin Youwei was anxious, fearing that Bai Chen might yield, ruining his revenge plan.

Bai Chen laughed, "If you dance a seductive dance for me now, I'll join your Danqi Sect."

"Kill him!" Qin Kelan lost her composure again. "Three Talents Sword Formation!"

Three of the most skilled elite disciples immediately stepped forward, forming a triangular formation with their swords, surrounding Bai Chen.

This Three Talents Sword Formation had a hint of a martial formation, but it lacked the subtlety and added a sharpness. They defended and attacked together, combining their strength.

This was not a simple 1+1+1 equation. The three disciples, while not outstanding individually, could combine their strength to create a formidable force.

Bai Chen felt a sense of pressure. The three acted as one, and with just a glance, they attacked in unison.

Their attacks were precise and targeted Bai Chen's vital points.

Bai Chen struggled to defend, but the Fire Brand Shirt protected him from immediate injury.

However, the Three Talents Sword Formation amplified the power of their attacks. Two sword strikes grazed Bai Chen's back, leaving clear marks on his red skin.

Bai Chen felt the pain, and while the Fire Brand Shirt was powerful, it did not make him invincible.

Although his body was tough, it was still flesh and blood. A deep cut would still cause serious injury.

However, this pain also stirred the wildness deep within Bai Chen.

When the three attacked again, Bai Chen did not dodge. The sword tips pierced his three vital points, but no matter how hard they tried, they could not withdraw their swords.

Bai Chen shouted and grabbed the Danqi Sect disciple in front of him.

"Don't..." Qin Kelan was shocked.

A blood-red light flashed, and everyone's vision was blurred.

Everyone's eyes were covered in red, and the two surviving disciples, pale-faced, dropped their swords and quickly retreated.

However, they were too late. Bai Chen's hands, like dragons, grabbed the two disciples, and no matter how they struggled, they could not escape.

The two disciples tried to plead, but Bai Chen, with his killing intent, ignored their despair.

Qin Kelan's chest heaved with anger. Three elite disciples, cultivated with so much effort and resources, were easily killed by Bai Chen.

Qin Youwei, frightened, hid behind the crowd, but his action drew Bai Chen's attention.

Qin Kelan did not expect the Three Talents Sword Formation to be so easily broken, and to lose three elite disciples.

Bai Chen suddenly lunged at Qin Youwei, ignoring the Danqi Sect disciples blocking his path. He killed three of them and grabbed Qin Youwei.

Bai Chen sneered at Qin Youwei, "Want to kill me? You should see if you can afford the price."