"You're mistaken, Senior. "I was just trying to familiarize myself with the process of harvesting Blood Leech Roots ahead of time to avoid encountering danger again." Chen An responded firmly to Wei Ming's interrogation. Wei Ming was no fool. He knew there was no truth to such a flimsy excuse.
Chen An was certain that Wei Ming would not believe him.
Chen An knew from experience that when you tell a ridiculous lie, you need to cover it with an even more absurd lie to make it more convincing. He had grown up amidst outlaws and scoundrels. That's precisely what he was doing now.
"Hmph!" Do you think I'd ever fall for your nonsense? "Tell me the truth now, or I'll kill you on the spot!"
Wei Ming didn't believe a word Chen An said and was rapidly losing his patience. He had already drawn his sword from his waist, and he was ready to strike.
Seeing this, Chen An stood up slowly and sighed in resignation.
"I can't hide it any longer." Chen An shook his head, visibly disappointed. "I'm going to be straight with you, Senior. "My late-night visit to the herb field does have another purpose. And that purpose is a treasure."
"A treasure?" Wei Ming was intrigued. He had already figured out that Chen An was lying. His pride blinded him to the fact that he was now being led along by Chen An.
"Indeed, my purpose in coming to Lingfu Sect is very specific," Chen An continued, his voice firm and confident. "Years ago, I saved a traitor from Lingfu Sect down the mountain. He gave me a treasure map and told me that if I could decipher it, I would find a great treasure.
"Chen An, do you think I'm a child?" "You think I'm going to believe this nonsense about a treasure map?"
Wei Ming didn't believe the story about a treasure map. Chen An remained calm and confidently countered, "I am just a lowly cultivator with inferior spiritual roots. "Even if I stole spirit herbs, what good would they do me?"
"I can even tell you the traitor's name was Bai Chenyu. He betrayed the sect six years ago, and there are records of him in the Lingfu Sect. "Check it out if you don't believe me."
Chen An was right. Bai Chenyu was a traitor who had fled the Lingfu Sect six years ago. Chen An saved him back then, and it was through Bai Chenyu that he first learned about the Lingfu Sect. However, the part about the treasure map and hidden treasure was a complete fabrication.
Wei Ming was unconvinced by Chen An's detailed account. After all, he had heard of Bai Chenyu before, and there was a good chance it was true.
"Show me the treasure map if you're so confident."
"The map was burned long ago, but I memorized every detail of it. We can work together. "Once we find the treasure, I'll take what I need," Chen An stated, his expression unwavering.
Wei Ming cursed his lack of skill. He knew he needed to improve. If only he had higher cultivation, he could use soul-searching techniques to uncover the truth of Chen An's words.
Wei Ming still wasn't convinced, but he wasn't going to take any chances. After a moment's thought, he agreed to give Chen three days. "We'll meet back here in three days. You'd better bring the treasure by then or you'll regret it.
"I warn you, don't try to escape. I have eyes everywhere in the outer sect. "If you run, I'll make you regret ever being born!"
With that, Wei Ming turned and left. Chen An exhaled in relief only after confirming that Wei Ming had truly gone. He thought back on how close he had come to being caught.
He had bought himself three days, and he was certain that the poison he planned to make would be ready in time. Nevertheless, he had no other choice. His survival depends on this.
...
Chen An seized the opportunity afforded by the night and returned to his quarters. He saw that the plump boy who lived next door was still away, which gave him the perfect chance to prepare the Achi Grass and Revitalizing Flower he had gathered.
To make poison from these two spirit herbs, you must follow a few precise steps.
First, thoroughly dry and crush the herbs. Then, mix them with a specific ratio of quicklime to maximize their potency.
Chen An had no choice but to hope for sunny days in the coming days since there was no furnace here. The herbs must be exposed to sunlight to dry properly and ensure the poison is effective.
By the time he finished, it was already quite late. Chen An took a short rest, knowing he'd need his energy for work come daylight.
In the Lingfu Sect, menial labor was plentiful. All the tasks that outer and inner disciples didn't want to handle were forcefully assigned to the servants. This included tending to spirit herbs in the fields, feeding and cleaning up after spirit beasts, and even serving tea to the elders.
For the next few days, Chen An completed his daily chores and prepared the poison.
Luckily, the weather was on their side, with clear skies for three consecutive days. By the end of the third day, the poison was ready.
The plump boy never returned, nor did any of the other servants who had been called away with him. Chen An was certain that the plump boy had perished.
This grim realization deepened Chen An's understanding of the cruel reality of life in the Lingfu Sect. What appeared to be a paradise was, in truth, a den of slaughter and treachery.
Night fell.
Chen An strode purposefully into the herb field, a wooden box in hand.
He was visibly nervous, and it was clear that this was not an act. He had shed blood before, but this would be his first time attempting to kill a cultivator. Of course, he was anxious.
Wei Ming arrived promptly as if he had burned a stick of incense in the interim. When he saw the wooden box in Chen An's hands, his face lit up with excitement. He knew Chen An had discovered some treasure and hurried over.
Chen An stood his ground, a grin on his face as he declared, "I followed the map's clues and found this treasure, Senior." "Take a look!"
As he spoke, Wei Ming advanced. Without hesitation, Chen An opened the box and threw its contents at Wei Ming.
Wei Ming, who had been filled with joy a moment ago, suddenly saw his vision obscured by white smoke. His eyes began to burn intensely. It was lime powder.
It was clear to anyone with half a brain that he had fallen into a trap.
"You insolent wretch!"
Wei Ming roared, drawing his sword with fierce determination. But before he could strike, Chen An threw the poison powder he had prepared into Wei Ming's mouth with a decisive move.
Wei Ming, just recovering his sight, was now hit with the poison. The excruciating pain from his dantian filled him with both terror and rage. "I'll kill you for this!"
He advanced with a sword in hand, while Chen An fled as fast as he could.
Wei Ming was poisoned, but Chen An knew he couldn't outrun a cultivator. With each step, the sharp sword drew closer.
Just as the blade was about to reach him, Chen An gritted his teeth and did the unthinkable—he charged forward, meeting the sword head-on.
*Squelch!*
The sword pierced Chen An's abdomen, blood gushing out uncontrollably. Wei Ming hadn't expected Chen An to impale himself on the sword and was momentarily taken aback.
That moment of hesitation was all Chen An needed.
With a maniacal grin, Chen An stepped closer, allowing the sword to run him through completely. This brought him within striking distance.
"Remember this name—Chen An!"
With a cold smile, Chen An drew the dagger hidden on his person and slashed Wei Ming's throat without hesitation.