Chapter 44: Examination
Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
“Discovered the Origin Returning Bow Technique. Would you like to spend one tael of silver to learn the simplified version of the Origin Returning Bow Technique?”
“The Origin Returning Bow Technique is being simplified. Simplification is successful. Origin Returning Bow Technique -> Mix Noodles!”
Once again, Chen Fei found himself taken aback by this unexpected simplification. He blinked, wondering about the connection between an archery technique and noodle mixing. Did they all share a one-track mind? However, noodles were certainly not tendons.
Chen Fei grinned and rummaged through the food reserves, but to his dismay, he couldn’t find any noodles. Nevertheless, he knew a simple solution to this problem. He would have the Zhao family send some over tomorrow.
In the eyes of the Zhao Family, Chen Fei was merely a gold worker. If he wanted to enjoy a bowl of noodles, he had to make a special request to fulfill this culinary desire.
Since he couldn’t farm proficiency at the moment, Chen Fei decided to shift his focus to something else. He took out the medicinal ingredients he had acquired earlier for the Light Spirit Pill.
The proficiency of the Light Spirit Pill was still slightly below Great Completion, but Chen Fei estimated that he would be able to achieve it within a few more days. Although he hadn’t reached complete mastery, he had successfully refined the Light Spirit Pill, and the quantity of pills produced was substantial.
…..
Currently, Chen Fei was in the process of refining a cauldron of Light Spirit Pills. He anticipated having at least two pills, and if luck was on his side, he might end up with three. Therefore, in the underground market, exchanging a set of medicinal herbs for a Light Spirit Pill and receiving a payment of six taels of silver proved to be yet another profitable transaction for Chen Fei.
Ultimately, gaining expertise in his craft was akin to acquiring the key to wealth.
The more advanced the technology, the greater the potential for wealth. In comparison to other pill refiners, who could only reach the Master Level in their proficiency with the Spirit Pill, they would only be able to produce one pill per cauldron and earn a fraction of the hard-earned subsidy money.
The following afternoon, in response to Chen Fei’s request, the Zhao family sent over a box of noodles. This prompted Chen Fei to reorganize his schedule, balancing his time between mixing noodles, concocting pills, and cultivating his inner strength. Meanwhile, he eagerly awaited news from Chi Defeng.
The rebel army’s activities at Mount Pingyin seemed to be growing increasingly peculiar. They were gathering more frequently, indicating their genuine intention to govern Pingyin County effectively.
Perhaps as a result of the rebel army’s diligent efforts, the eerie phenomena on Pingyin Mountain began to diminish. The dense atmosphere of danger and death that once permeated the area had subsided.
The general sentiment of the people in Pingyin County towards the rebel army also seemed to improve slightly. Common folk naturally harbored fear and suspicion toward the unknown. However, Chen Fei couldn’t find solace in this change, as the gangrene on his arm showed no signs of subsiding. On the contrary, it appeared to be slowly strengthening over time.
Frustratingly, Chen Fei knew that reporting his situation to the rebel soldiers would be futile as he lacked any concrete evidence. A mere alchemist’s word would likely be dismissed. Suddenly, a sharp sound rang out, resembling a cracking whip.
“Pa!”
In the courtyard, the wooden stick that had been hanging and swaying slightly was shattered by Chen Fei’s precise arrow. He placed his longbow down, satisfied with his mastery of the Origin Returning Bow Technique. The technique did not specify how much he had to mix at once.
Chen Fei had a straightforward approach. He mixed one noodle at a time, which allowed him to quickly reach the peak of his proficiency. The only drawback was that he had been consuming a lot of noodles lately, and he was getting bored.
Regarding the power of the Origin Returning Bow Technique, it was rather ordinary. After all, he had only spent one tael of silver to simplify it. This highlighted the fundamental nature of the archery technique.
In comparison, it was the Extreme Mountain Fist that Chen Fei had learned which truly stood out.
Chen Fei felt a great sense of satisfaction. Within just a few days, he had transformed from a complete novice to a skilled archer capable of hitting any target. With such remarkable progress, he had little to complain about.
Two more sets of archery techniques remained for Chen Fei to cultivate. Based on his estimation, he would be able to complete the training in approximately five to six days. Once that was accomplished, Chen Fei planned to purchase a higher-quality longbow, marking the completion of this stage of his cultivation.
As night fell, Chen Fei made his way to the black market.
“This is for today.”
Chen Fei placed the Qi Rejuvenation Pill and the Light Spirit Pill on the counter of the stall in the black market. The stall owner inspected the pills briefly before accepting them with a smile. In return, he handed Chen Fei two taels of silver and five portions of the Light Spirit Pill’s medicinal ingredients.
Satisfied with the transaction, Chen Fei gathered his belongings and turned to leave. However, his departure was abruptly halted as a group of men dressed in black surrounded him.
“Sir, the main family invites you to their family. Would you please come with me.” The glint of moonlight reflected off the blades they held, casting a chilling aura.
Maintaining a calm expression, Chen Fei wasn’t surprised by this turn of events. He had anticipated trouble in the black market, considering the current circumstances. Being a rogue alchemist had made him a sought-after commodity, and trouble was bound to find him sooner or later.
It was easier to just kidnap him and force him to churn pills for them.
“It’s too late for negotiations. We can settle this another time,” Chen Fei calmly stated before swiftly springing into action. In a blink of an eye, he closed the distance between himself and the nearest assailant, launching an attack with his disguised blade.
Meanwhile, the leader of the black-clad men had anticipated Chen Fei’s resistance. He immediately issued an order, instructing his subordinates to break Chen Fei’s leg while avoiding causing harm to his hands. The blades in their hands swiftly came down upon Chen Fei, attempting to execute the leader’s command.
“Break his leg, don’t hurt his hand!” The black-clothed man’s order echoed through the air, and the blades of his subordinates descended upon Chen Fei.
However, a smile spread across Chen Fei’s face as he activated the Clear Heart Formula. In that instant, time seemed to pause for him, allowing him to perceive everything with utmost clarity.
With a sense of complete control, Chen Fei anticipated the next moves of the five men in black. A feeling of mastery welled up within him.
Casually flipping his long saber, the force radiating from it caused the five attackers to groan in pain. Their weapons slipped from their grasp involuntarily, their hands rendered ineffective.
The five assailants were filled with terror as they clutched their injured wrists, instinctively stepping back. Suddenly, an intense pain shot through their calves, causing blood to spurt out uncontrollably.
“Ah!” they cried out in agony, unable to contain their pain as they all collapsed to the ground.
Chen Fei burst into laughter, his victorious expression evident. With a swift leap, he vanished from the scene.
Whether these attackers were sent by a specific country or if there were others observing from the periphery, Chen Fei’s objective of instilling fear in them had undeniably been accomplished.
Chen Fei wanted to make it clear to the other noble families that he was not easily controlled. An alchemist with his level of cultivation could cause a significant backlash if mishandled. It would be in their best interest to collaborate with him.
Anticipating such reactions, Chen Fei had purposely refrained from using his sword in order to differentiate himself from his usual identity. He understood that taking risks was often necessary to reap rewards.
“You have keen eyesight, but your saber skills are average,” Chen Fei remarked calmly to his defeated assailants.
Meanwhile, Ling Hanjun observed Chen Fei’s movements from a distance and shook his head disapprovingly. “Let’s follow him. This person’s disguise is exceptional. I can’t even discern his true appearance. If we can obtain a portrait, perhaps we can uncover something,” Xing Wenxiang suggested.
“Agreed,” Ling Hanjun nodded. The two of them swiftly moved, chasing after Chen Fei.
As Chen Fei attempted to lose the pursuers trailing behind him, he suddenly sensed two figures approaching at an astonishing speed. His brows furrowed slightly. Just as he was considering using his movement technique to evade them, he caught a clear glimpse of Ling Hanjun’s face.
To his surprise, both Ling Hanjun and the other man had made no effort to conceal their identities within the black market. Several thoughts raced through Chen Fei’s mind. He swiftly dismissed the possibility that his own identity had been compromised.
Additionally, the auras emitted by Ling Hanjun and his companion didn’t indicate a hostile intent.
After a brief moment of hesitation, Chen Fei decided to observe their actions. The crucial factor was that if he intended to continue conducting business in the dark market, it would be impossible to avoid encountering these two individuals.
Shortly after, Ling Hanjun and Xing Wenxiang caught up to Chen Fei, bringing their request.
“Apologies for the interruption. I have a favor to ask,” Xing Wenxiang respectfully greeted Chen Fei while Ling Hanjun carefully scrutinized him.
Chen Fei’s appearance, height, eyes, and face were completely different from the person they had encountered before. Although it was possible for someone to use the Disguise Technique to alter their features with enough skill, it was a rare ability possessed by few.
Moreover, the movement technique Chen Fei had just displayed was markedly distinct from the person they had encountered on the previous occasion. It was more refined and agile and showcased a level of mastery that was unlikely to be achieved by a wandering cultivator in such a short period.
Ling Hanjun diverted his gaze and retrieved a portrait from his pocket..