Qin An just claimed that the three of them are close friends and need to stay in one room.
However, it's clear that the three of them are meeting for the first time, so where does the talk of close friendship come from?
But whether it's Chu Xing or Zhao Nian, both are seasoned Copper Prefecture Generals and naturally understood his intention.
Qin An's action must have deeper implications.
He must have sensed something unusual to come up with this strategy.
The two discreetly nodded in agreement with Qin An's arrangement.
Liu Cheng was initially stunned but then understood and cupped his hands, saying, "Esteemed gentlemen wish to share a room, and of course, I shall comply. I'm only concerned the room might be small and may lead to some discomfort."
Qin An shook his head, saying, "No matter, we are used to living in harsh conditions. Even a tiny space will suffice for rest."
Liu Cheng said no more, raising his hand to lead the way, "Please, follow me, gentlemen."
Qin An, along with Chu Xing and Zhao Nian, followed him towards an isolated building.
...
This pavilion is built on the left side of the Thunderfire Sect's mountain but is out of place with the surrounding buildings.
It is quite distant from the nearest house.
Liu Cheng walked inside, explaining as he went, "This place is quiet and secluded, always used to entertain esteemed guests. Staying here ensures no disturbances from disciples."
Qin An did not speak, silently indicating to continue forward.
Many disciples stepped forward, leading the household officers of the Evil Extermination Bureau to their respective rooms.
Liu Cheng cupped his hands, saying, "If there is any need, feel free to inform our disciples, and I will fully cooperate with the Evil Extermination Bureau's investigation."
Having said that, Liu Cheng turned around and left.
Just as he stepped out of the building, a cold glint appeared in Liu Cheng's eyes.
Two elders followed behind him.
The elder on the left spoke in a low voice, "Sect Leader, the fact that all three are staying in the same room suggests something is fishy."
Liu Cheng turned back to glance at the building behind him, shaking his head with a cold smile, "The Evil Extermination Bureau is always cautious. Staying together might just be for mutual care, besides..."
He revealed a murderous intent in his eyes, "The sachets are prepared, the Three Corpses Divine Elixir is taking effect, gathering them together will only hasten the poison's onset, and they will be sent to the underworld together!"
The elder fell silent upon hearing this, knowing Liu Cheng had already made up his mind and said no more.
Liu Cheng added in a deep voice, "Gather all Gui Cang Realm disciples for covert defense. When the poison takes full effect in two days, it will be their death knell!"
...
Inside the room.
Qin An had just sat down, preparing to take a brief rest.
Chu Xing couldn't wait to ask, "Mr. Qin, why did you have all three of us share a room?"
Although Zhao Nian did not speak, the same question was in his eyes.
Qin An softly tapped the table, "Sect Leader Liu Cheng has a faint smell of pills on him. An ordinary person wouldn't notice it unless they are a Pill Master, this proves he's had contact with some particular pill."
Chu Xing frowned, "What kind of elixir?"
Qin An shook his head, "I was unsure at first, but once I entered this room, I confirmed it was the Three Corpses Divine Elixir."
Zhao Nian furrowed his brow slightly, "I've heard of this type of elixir, it emanates a peculiar fragrance, but I didn't smell anything."
Qin An stroked his knife, "That's the brilliance of their scheme. By blending it with a special herb, the scent is completely masked, becoming odorless and tasteless."
"But I detected a faint scent of that herb."
Chu Xing was astonished, "To detect the Three Corpses Divine Elixir requires knowledge in both Alchemy Dao and medicine. Could it be, Mr. Qin, that you are accomplished in both fields?"
Qin An shook his head, downplaying his expertise, "I only know a little."
With that, Qin An looked towards the farthest corner of the hallway.
"That must be where the Three Corpses Divine Elixir is hidden. With the excellent ventilation of this place, it would gradually poison everyone, while the distance from other buildings keeps the scent from spreading, leaving Thunderfire Sect disciples unharmed."
Zhao Nian stood up, murderous intent flashing in his eyes as he slammed the table, "I will take my household officers and obliterate this viper's nest right now!"
At this point, anyone could see that the Thunderfire Sect had ulterior motives and clearly colluded with the poison Pill Master, even attempting to harm them.
Given the Evil Extermination Bureau's style, exterminating the Thunderfire Sect would be considered a normal action.
Chu Xing quickly grabbed Zhao Nian, stopping him, "Mr. Zhao, don't act impulsively, don't startle the snake."
Zhao Nian frowned, "They've already gone this far. Wouldn't it be better to destroy them while our strength is still at its peak before we are deeply poisoned?"
Chu Xing shook his head, "Mr. Qin understands both alchemy and medicine, yet he did not take immediate action, so there must be a deeper meaning. Let's hear Mr. Qin's thoughts."
Though Zhao Nian has a fiery temper, he's also shrewd. After contemplating for a moment, he sat back down, looking at Qin An.
Chu Xing did the same.
Both were waiting for Qin An's response.
Qin An calmly said, "Brothers, don't forget our mission is the poison Pill Master."
"Aside from the poison Pill Master, the Thunderfire Sect is just an appetizer, so let's use the opportunity to our advantage."
"This Three Corpses Divine Elixir will reach full effect in two days. Let's trust that the poison Pill Master will then reveal himself."
Zhao Nian frowned, "But if that's the case, we'd be deeply poisoned, and our combat power would be significantly reduced. By then, how would we handle the situation?"
Chu Xing pondered, "Indeed, but if we leave to avoid the poison, the enemy will not show themselves either."
Both of them were correct.
Considering the cunning nature of the poison Pill Master, it was impossible for him to reveal himself easily before they had enough assurance.
Qin An picked up a pen and paper from the table, writing a line before handing it to Chu Xing.
Chu Xing took it, slightly surprised, "These are all herbs written here?"
Qin An nodded, "Mr. Chu, arrange for a smart household officer good at stealth to collect these herbs."
"These herbs can be found throughout the mountain. Blend them according to the proportions noted and wear them, and you won't be affected by the Three Corpses Divine Elixir."
Zhao Nian sneaked a glance, full of shock, "Mr. Qin, you just said you only have a rudimentary understanding of medicine and alchemy, but it seems you were being modest."
This is not just a basic understanding; this clearly shows a mastery of the art.
Though everyone in the Evil Extermination Bureau is a warrior wielding knives to slay demons and Pseudo-Gods, Qin An alone possesses a dual mastery of medicine and alchemy, along with unrivaled combat power.
This is just too preposterous.
Chu Xing sighed, "I finally understand why Mr. Zhou sees Mr. Qin in a different light. Mr. Qin must indeed be a world-class genius."
"But I never imagined he was a genius to such an extent."
Zhao Nian withdrew his gaze: "For an ordinary person like me, cultivating two types of cultivation techniques is already the limit. Going any further would make me mediocre among the crowd. But someone like Mr. Qin, who not only cultivates combat-type techniques but also practices paths in other fields, is simply astonishing."
At this moment, both of them were deeply impressed.
From the initial confusion, to the later speculation, and now to certainty, they knew that Qin An would definitely be more than just a copper prefecture general in the future.
Even the few geniuses in Xunyang Prefecture would likely pale in comparison to Qin An.
Chu Xing clasped his fists and said: "It is my honor to carry out this mission with Mr. Qin. I will now arrange for my subordinate officers to take action."
Qin An nodded and said: "Do not publicize it, and be careful in everything."
Chu Xing agreed and then left the room.
Zhao Nian couldn't wait and said: "Mr. Qin, is there anything I can do?"
Being naturally impatient, he felt very anxious seeing Chu Xing occupied while he remained idle here.
Qin An shook his head and said: "Mr. Zhao, you and I can just sit here. The other side surely has spies secretly observing. If we move too much, it will trigger a response."
"We'll put on a show here, letting them know we are sitting here calmly."
Although Zhao Nian was somewhat regretful, Qin An's words were reasonable, so he didn't ask further.
Afterward, the two of them patiently waited.
...
Inside the main hall.
Liu Cheng walked in briskly.
At this moment, Fang Hu was dressed in plain, simple clothes, hunched over, with a respectful demeanor.
He was playing the role of a servant of the Thunderfire Sect, and his actions and expressions were extremely realistic.
Liu Cheng slightly bowed: "Mr. Fang, they have already settled in, and there is currently nothing unusual."
Fang Hu sneered: "Be cautious with your actions. This Qin An is not easy to deal with. The Jiao Long Hall suffered twice in his hands, and even Carefree Mountain suffered once."
Liu Cheng nodded: "Rest assured, Mr. Fang, just wait for two days, and we can slay him. Then, after another day, when the monsters from the Jiao Long Hall come to collect the pill, we can conveniently hand over Qin An's head, and we might also receive a reward."
Fang Hu nodded slightly: "That's good. During this period, they will certainly search the entire Thunderfire Sect. When you encounter me in the future, there's no need to call me Mr. Fang, just treat me as a servant."
"As you command!" Liu Cheng bowed again.
...
The moon was very round.
The officers of the Evil Extermination Bureau and the three copper prefecture generals were residing in remote buildings, and there was nothing unusual.
Until the next day arrived.
Qin An and Zhao Nian went out together.
At this moment, a few disciples respectfully approached on the bluestone-paved road not far away.
"Ladies and gentlemen, the Sect Leader has dispatched us to wait here and cooperate with the Evil Extermination Bureau in investigating the whereabouts of the poison pill master."
Qin An glanced at the disciples: "No need, Mr. Chu, take the officers with you to search."
Since they were putting on an act, they naturally had to commit to the role.
Chu Xing and Zhao Nian did not waste words and took their respective officers, ignoring the Thunderfire Sect disciples, heading off to search along the way.
Qin An, meanwhile, went alone towards the main hall.
Since he had no officers under him, he wanted to meet this Sect Leader of the Thunderfire Sect.
In case he could discover something, perhaps he could act before the planned time.
The Thunderfire Sect disciples saw Qin An heading to the main hall alone and immediately followed him with sweaty foreheads.
"Slap!"
A light sound was heard.
The Thunderfire Sect disciple who followed was sent flying, clutching his swollen cheek, his face full of terror.
Qin An said coldly: "Did I let you follow?"
The disciple quickly kneeled on the ground, kowtowing repeatedly: "Spare my life, sir, my manners were poor, please forgive me!"
Qin An, with his hands behind his back, turned and walked towards the main hall without another word.
The Thunderfire Sect disciple continued to kowtow on the ground until Qin An's figure disappeared before raising his head and sweeping the front with a resentful gaze.
"What an act! Just wait, in one more day, you'll all become corpses, ugh!"
The Thunderfire Sect disciple got up, spat, and left with his swollen cheek covered.
...
Main hall.
Liu Cheng was enjoying a cup of tea, listening to the disciple's report.
When the disciple mentioned that the members of the Evil Extermination Bureau were searching everywhere, it did not surprise him.
At this moment, another disciple hurriedly ran in.
"Sect Leader, Qin An is here, and he might want to search the main hall!"
Liu Cheng put down the teacup, his brows furrowed.
He wasn't worried about the other two copper prefecture generals but was particularly concerned about Qin An, this variable.
After all, Fang Hu described Qin An's situation as too mysterious.
But now that Qin An had come knocking, he had no reason not to meet him.
Liu Cheng said: "Go invite Mr. Qin in."
But before he finished speaking, Qin An had already entered the main hall with his hand on the knife.
Liu Cheng hurriedly got up and walked over quickly: "Mr. Qin, if you were coming, you should have informed me, so I could prepare and properly entertain you."
Qin An shook his head: "There's no need. I dislike formalities; I'm a rough man."
"However, this main hall is quite luxurious, a rare sight."
Seeing Qin An's nonchalant demeanor, a trace of an imperceptible fierceness flashed in Liu Cheng's eyes.
He always felt that Qin An had some ulterior motive for coming, but he didn't know what it was.
At this moment, Qin An suddenly stepped towards the backyard of the main hall.
Liu Cheng was slightly taken aback, about to say something when Qin An quickly disappeared at the end.
Seeing this, a look of panic crossed Liu Cheng's face, and he hurriedly followed.
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