Chapter 146 - 146: The Unspeakable Hardships_l

Translator: 549690339

The first round of the Alchemy Convention shortlisted a hundred alchemists.

It was impossible to see their actual skill levels from the gathered group. Basically, everyone from Danqing Pavilion and Dan Peak made it through, but they were all hiding their true strength, controlling their elixirs just enough to pass the round.

Of course, there were also many who really lost their spots while trying to ‘control their points’. They were all begrudgingly yelling and ordered out by Qin Changqing.

You like to control your own points, huh?

This kind of thing is a game for the big shots, and you want to join in too?

Failure is failure, and there’s no chance for a do-over.

“Junior sister, what do you think?” After the first round of the competition, Zhuge Wanqing walked straight toward Li Ruoyu.

“Didn’t you see everything, senior sister?” Li Ruoyu’s tone was rather cold. “Or are you saying that you think I’ll lose right in the first round?”

“Of course not.’

Zhuge Wanqing pursed her lips, pondering what to say. However, Li Ruoyu suddenly walked past her and headed into the distance.

In front of them, Qin Changqing was chatting with the disciples of Dan Peak.

As Li Ruoyu approached, the scene became quiet all of a sudden.

Everyone was looking at this unwelcome guest.

“I’ve met Lord Qin.” Li Ruoyu ignored the gazes of everyone present and greeted only Qin Changqing.

Qin Changqing was a bit puzzled.

Did his Innate Furnace Cauldron’s effect come into play again?

That shouldn’t be the case.

According to his findings, the charm effect had limitations.

It was related to the other party’s status, strength, and other personal circumstances.

For instance, a country bumpkin and Liu Mengxian would react differently.

A country girl might quickly fall for him, while at most, Liu Mengxian would just develop some good feelings.

“Miss Li, congratulations on passing.” Qin Changqing gave her a polite smile.

“Thank you.” Li Ruoyu whispered, “Master Qin, I have something to…”

“Master Qin.” Zhuge Wanqing approached with a smile, “I’d like to thank you again for your support in the Alchemy Convention. I, on behalf of the Danqing Pavilion, have prepared a banquet at Qingfeng Tower. I hope you will grace us with your presence.”

“A meal, huh?”

Looking at the two women, Qin Changqing suddenly realized something.

These two were clearly at odds with each other.

Even within the Danqing Pavilion, the factions represented by Zhuge Wanqing and Li Ruoyu were in competition.

“Let’s skip it then.” He laughed, “I appreciate the sentiment, Miss Zhuge, but I have to go home and accompany my wives.” Zhuge Wanqing was stunned.

Even Li Ruoyu’s eyes showed a hint of surprise.

Everyone around was shocked.

He refused, he actually refused?

He refused an invitation from Saintess Zhuge?

Because he wanted to go home and accompany his wives?

What a ridiculous reason!

Among the alchemists present, countless people were queuing to make an appointment to see Zhuge Wanqing.

However, they couldn’t make an appointment, and Qin Changqing didn’t even want to try.

“Brother Qin, you’re amazing!” Lin Dong gave a thumbs up and said to the disciples around him, “I’ve made up my mind, starting today, Brother Qin is my idol.”

“In that case…” Zhuge Wanqing finally recovered, showing a somewhat forced smile, “It’s my own intrusion, so I won’t bother Master Qin any longer.”

“Haha- it’s not really a bother, Miss Zhuge, feel free to visit the Qin family whenever you have time, and of course, Miss Li as well. I will always welcome both of you.” After he finished speaking, Qin Changqing and his party left.

Zhuge Wanqing watched them leave.Her clear eyes were filled with intense curiosity.

She couldn’t quite figure out Qin Changqing.

Had he figured out her intention and thus deliberately avoided spending time with her?

But then, why would he invite her to the Qin family?

Wasn’t he afraid that she would find out about the mysterious Alchemist?

Or perhaps… the other party was not actually in the Qin family?

A thousand questions filled Zhuge Wanqing’s mind.

Then she heard Li Ruoyu’s somewhat mocking words: “Senior Sister, it seems even you can be rejected.”

Zhuge Wanqing smiled: “The leader of the Qin family has his own things to do; there’s nothing wrong with that. But it seems you have a great interest in the leader of the Qin family, Junior Sister.”

“What, do I need your permission to meet someone, Senior Sister?”

“Not exactly.” Zhuge Wanqing pondered for a moment. “Junior Sister Li, I know just what you’re thinking, but you really don’t need to be so hostile towards me. Both of us belong to Danqing Pavilion; if only we could join forces, one day we

could… ”

“Senior Sister, you must be joking, I am not hostile to you at all.” Li Ruoyu walked away.

Zhuge Wanqing shook her head secretly.

Unity in Danqing Pavilion still had a long way to go.

“Liu’er, help me find more information about Danqing Pavilion.”

After returning to the Qin Mansion, Qin Changqing immediately began collecting information about Danqing Pavilion.

He had the Red Mill investigate while also requesting information from Lingxiao Sect.

Previously unconcerned, Qin Changqing thought the affairs of Danqing Pavilion had nothing to do with him. But now his daring idea was getting bolder and bolder.

By the time Qin Changqing had finished reading the information about Danqing Pavilion, he realized that the internal struggles there were far fiercer than he had imagined.

Especially between Danqing Pavilion and Qingyang Pavilion, the conflict had escalated openly, and it was rumored that Qingyang Pavilion had plans to break away.

Li Ruoyu was Qingyang Pavilion Master’s disciple.

Now, the secret rivalry between Senior and Junior Sisters made sense.

But it doesn’t seem wise for me to intervene… Qin Changqing heard from Elder Jin that the old woman beside Zhuge Wanqing was extremely strong and possibly a Divine Transformation Realm expert.

If he dared to mess with them, even under the Lingxiao Sect’s roof, it wouldn’t go well.

Moreover, after using that old man’s Divine Symbol last time, he never gave him a second one.

Qin Changqing knew it wasn’t because the old man was reluctant; there must have been some unspeakable difficulties.

With this in mind, Qin Changing decided to wait patiently for the Alchemy Convention to end.

However, the day after the competition ended, Li Ruoyu came to seek him out again.

This time, she didn’t call him out in the square but directly came to the Qin Mansion, evading Zhuge Wanqing’s interference.

“Greetings, Master Qin.” Li Ruoyu, wearing a veil, bowed slightly to Qin Changqing. “Please forgive my sudden visit.’

“No problem at all.” Qin Changqing smiled. “Miss Li’s visit to my Qin family is an honor.”

He led Li Ruoyu into the Qin Mansion.

This woman came alone.

“May I know the reason why Miss Li seeks me?” After sitting down, Qin Changqing ordered tea and then asked.

Li Ruoyu didn’t reply but instead removed her veil.

Only then did Qin Changqing realize that her beauty was no less attractive than Zhuge Wanqing. No wonder she wore a veil; otherwise, those lascivious men would have been staring with wide eyes.

He was also a lascivious man, but after a short glimpse, he naturally regained his composure.

Qin Changqing knew that Li Ruoyu was trying to show her sincerity by doing so.

“Master Qin, I came here to ask where the top-grade elixirs sold in the Qin store come from,” Li Ruoyu whispered. “Please don’t take it the wrong way, Master Qin; I am just curious.”

So she was here for the mysterious Alchemist again.

Qin Changqing chuckled to himself. The people of Danqing Pavilion were all the same; when Li Ruoyu approached him, she either wanted to win over the mysterious Alchemist or learn the method of refining top-grade elixirs.

Unfortunately, this woman didn’t know that there was no mysterious Alchemist in the Qin family, only an open and upright Master Qin..