Chapter 38: Astonishing Potency, Ascend the Three Treasures Hall

Chapter 38: Astonishing Potency, Ascend the Three Treasures Hall

A single Red Bloodgrass could be divided into three uses.

Su Chen had prepared triple portions of the other herbs as well, giving him three chances to brew the concoction. If he failed all three times, he’d have to venture out again to purchase fresh ingredients.

He began preparing the herbs, though this wasn’t the simple act of measuring ingredients at a pharmacy. It was more like alchemy—requiring precise timing as he boiled water and added the herbs sequentially.

After weighing all the ingredients and dividing them into three batches, Su Chen followed the recipe’s instructions. As the water began to boil, he carefully added each herb one by one, closely monitoring the process.

After about an incense stick’s worth of time, the kitchen filled with a pungent, acrid herbal aroma.

As expected, his first attempt failed.

Staring at the pitch-black herbal decoction before him, Su Chen sighed in resignation and started over.

The recipe stated that a successful brew would result in a pale red liquid. Any other color meant failure—not only was it inedible, but it had to be disposed of immediately.

After discarding the blackened residue, Su Chen analyzed his mistake and began his second attempt. This time, he worked more carefully, his movements slightly more practiced, no longer as frantic as the first round.

Unfortunately, this attempt also failed—the decoction turned yellow.

“It must’ve been the Yellow Hemp Grass. I added it too late,” Su Chen muttered, shaking his head. “Only one try left.”

Rather than rushing into the third attempt, he took a short break, mentally reviewing his previous failures. When he felt ready, his eyes gleamed with determination. “This time, I can do it!”

After a few self-encouraging words, he resumed brewing. Boiling water, adding herbs methodically, observing the process—everything went smoothly.

“Well, my confidence was misplaced,” Su Chen said bitterly, watching the liquid settle into a pale yellow.

Suddenly, he noticed something odd. The color was shifting.

Under his intense gaze, the decoction gradually transformed from yellow to pale red, finally stabilizing at the correct hue.

A delighted expression crossed his face as he lifted the cauldron, admiring the faint crimson liquid. “One word: incredible!”

After letting it steep for a tea’s duration, he poured out a bowl-sized portion and drank it all.

Putting the bowl down, he immediately checked his Progress Panel. As expected, the results were clear:

[Martial Arts: … Iron Wire Fist · Residual 0 times (9.3/10 portions of Blood Qi Elixir per time)]

Just as he’d hoped, this formula effectively enhanced his vital energy, its potency rivaling Hong Ming’s Vital Energy Powder.

“What a shame. If I had another bowl, the progress bar would be full!”

Though disappointed, he quickly shrugged it off. With money and the recipe in hand, advancing his cultivation was only a matter of time.

“Tomorrow, I’ll buy more herbs. By then, I’ll complete this progress!”

Excited but disciplined, Su Chen resumed his studies despite the night’s success.

...

The next day brought unwelcome news.

“I’m sorry, we’re out of Red Bloodgrass.”
“Apologies, we don’t carry Red Bloodgrass.”
“Out of stock. No Red Bloodgrass available.”
“…”

After gathering most of the ingredients, Su Chen heard the same disheartening response everywhere—no Red Bloodgrass. His heart sank.

He hurried to the apothecary where he’d bought it before. “Do you have any Red Bloodgrass left?”

“No.”

The clerk’s reply confirmed his fears.

“When will you restock?” Su Chen pressed.

The clerk hesitated. “Not sure. Probably not soon.”

“Why?” Su Chen frowned.

“It’s been bought out. The Medicine Gang’s been hoarding all the Red Bloodgrass—they’re even forbidding herb cultivators from selling it. Yesterday’s sale was the last stock we had.”

Su Chen’s expression darkened. He pulled out silver pieces. “Do you know where I might find some?”

The clerk glanced around before pocketing the silver. “Try Medicine Town. I’ve heard there’s a backchannel there, but…”

“Price isn’t an issue!” Su Chen interjected.

The clerk shook his head. “It’s not about money. Here—” he scribbled an address, “—this is the contact. I can’t guarantee they’ll have it, though.”

Grateful, Su Chen took the address and left.

On his way back, he passed the Martial Arts Institute.

Li Mo informed him, “Hong Ming’s back.”

After a moment’s thought, Su Chen entered.

Seeing him, Hong Ming paused, then asked, “You weren’t hurt during the Fang Clan caravan incident, were you?”

Su Chen shook his head. “Thank you for your concern, Master. I’m fine.”

Hong Ming nodded, studying him. “What do you want this time? You only visit when you need something.”

Su Chen faltered, as if caught in the act.

Hong Ming smirked. “You wouldn’t grace the Three Treasures Hall without reason. What’s on your mind?”

Su Chen chuckled awkwardly, detecting a faint trace of dry sarcasm.

“There is something,” he admitted.

Hong Ming waited silently.

“It’s about martial cultivation,” Su Chen explained. “The caravan incident showed me how powerful Vital Force Cultivators are. I wanted to ask you about it early.”

Hong Ming raised an eyebrow. “You’re curious now? You’re still far from that realm.”

Su Chen grinned. “Not as far as you think. Maybe in a few years?”

“Big talk,” Hong Ming scoffed, though his tone was teasing. “If you really reached that level, I’d laugh myself awake at night.”

Su Chen grinned wider but said nothing.

Hong Ming’s expression turned serious. “Still, since you’re asking—three conditions are required for a Cultivation Breakthrough in Martial Cultivation.”

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end