Chapter 583: Mad Alchemist

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

At the Yang Family Residence.

In the main hall, key members of the Yang family were assembled.

Old Master Yang happily said, “First, congratulations to Linfeng for achieving the Middle A. Keep striving for the next time.”

Yang Linfeng stood up and cupped his hands. “Yes, Grandpa.”

As for the others, Old Master Yang encouraged them one by one before getting down to business. “What do you think of Chu Qingshuang?”

Yang Linfeng replied, “Grandfather, this young lady possesses both talent and ability. In time, she’s bound to become a formidable opponent for the Yang family.”

Old Master Yang thought about it and nodded. “You think so highly of her?”

Yang Linfeng earnestly said, “Initially, I didn’t think much of it. But after inquiring about Chu Qingshuang’s performance during the competition, I realized she’s truly exceptional. If she had joined the competition a couple of years later, I honestly believe I wouldn’t have been her match.”

Seeing his grandson being so modest, Old Master Yang smiled and said, “Since you recognize her potential, do you have any strategies for dealing with her?” Master Yang said, “Father, if Chu Qingshuang is the innocent Chu Qingshuang, then this matter will be very simple to handle. However, Chu Qingshuang is Chu Qingzhi’s younger sister. If this matter is not handled properly and angers Chu Qingzhi, not only will it not bring help to the family, but it will also bring disaster.”

Old Master Yang was surprised. “Chu Qingshuang is Chu Qingzhi’s younger sister?”

“Exactly!”

“Since that’s the case, think carefully about how to let Chu Qingshuang bring benefits to the family without offending Chu Qingzhi.”

“Yes, Father.”

Tainan restaurant.

Ren Buqing, accompanied by two officers, arrived at Tainan Restaurant and headed upstairs, “Miss Chu Qingzhi, I need your help with something.”

In the private room, Chu Qingzhi heard the voice and thought to herself, fortunately, they had finished eating, “I’ll go take a look. You all continue eating.”

“Ok.”

Chu Qingzhi opened the door, “What happened?”

“I came to ask if you could accompany us to Xiaoyun Village.”

“Why Xiaoyun Village?”

Ren Buqing explained, “The situation is like this…” he said, “We questioned those kidnappers, and they all come from a village called Xiaoyun Village…”

This village is quite remote.

One day, the villagers went out to gather herbs and rescued a man from the mountain. This man later became known as the “Mad Alchemist” by the villagers.

Xiaoyun Village is surrounded by mountains and has access to numerous herbs. The Mad Alchemist took all the villagers’ herbs, claiming he was researching a potion for eternal youth.

The villagers, suffering from illnesses, endured on their own. Now, with the arrival of a man skilled in medicine, they treated him like a deity, eventually becoming completely subservient to him.

After a year of research, the potion was developed, but there were no test subjects. The Mad Alchemist then turned his attention to the villagers.

At first, he targeted the elderly villagers, and those villagers had indeed after when they first took the medicine.

For example, an 8o-year-old man’s hair turned black after taking the medicine, and a woman in her seventies saw her wrinkles significantly reduced, looking rejuvenated…

However, such conditions only lasted two to three days, after which they would revert overnight, even appearing older than before. Subsequent doses of the medicine had no effect.

The Mad Alchemist frantically continued his experiments, which lasted for three months.

After three months, he expanded his testing, giving the medicine to everyone in the village over fifty years old.

This time, the villagers maintained their youthful appearance for five days, but then aged rapidly, appearing at least ten years older than before.

The days continued with the Mad Alchemist concocting potions, testing, and observing results. This routine went on for ten years, and eventually, all villagers, including children, turned into very old people.

It’s evident that the Mad Alchemist’s experiments failed. In a fit of rage, he recalled the Eternal Youth Herb stored in the Imperial Hospital.

He speculated that the issue might be with the catalyst used, so he sent villagers to retrieve the Eternal Youth Herb.

All these plans were conceived by the Mad Alchemist.

Leaning on the railing of the balcony, Chu Qingzhi listened to Ren Buqing’s story and said, “Let’s go, we’ll meet this Mad Alchemist.”

Ten years of relentless potion-making, what drove the Mad Alchemist to do all this? She was somewhat intrigued.

Xiaoyun Village.

The journey was entirely along steep mountain paths, unsuitable for horse riding. The group walked towards Xiaoyun Village.

The only enjoyable part of the journey was the abundance of wild fruits. It was autumn, and many trees were laden with large, sweet fruits.

Chu Qingzhi invited Chu Qingning, Yuan Hongjun, and Bao Linjiang to join her, wanting them to experience the Mad Alchemist’s spirit of medical pursuit.

Chu Qingning pointed excitedly in a direction, “Sister, there are several Gastrodia elata plants over there.”

Chu Qingzhi looked over and instructed, “Mark the spot. We’ll dig them up on our way back.”

“Okay.” Chu Qingning tied a red ribbon to a nearby tree as a marker, then the group continued onward.

After walking for one or two hours, they finally arrived at Xiaoyun Village.

The village was truly secluded, with access to the city requiring a river crossing, severely hindering travel.

Everyone stood at the entrance of the village, surveying the surroundings before entering.

Nearby were vast fields, now abandoned and desolate, with a bleak and withered appearance. At the edge of the fields flowed a clear and transparent river. In the distance, mountains surrounded the area, covered with dense, lush greenery, creating an environment of tranquility and seclusion, almost like a hidden retreat.

A few steps into the village, several fierce dogs rushed towards the group, barking wildly. “Woof woof woof, woof woof woof…”

Ren Buqing and the others immediately drew their swords, ready to defend against the dogs.

However, after Chu Qingzhi glanced at the fierce dogs, they suddenly became docile and hurriedly ran away, as if encountering something terrifying.

Ren Buqing and his companions were left bewildered.

The barking of the dogs drew the villagers out of their homes…

All of them were old men and women; even the children looked aged, with white hair, wrinkled faces, and an air of decay.

This scene shocked everyone, but what was more horrifying was the realization that these people were merely tools for the Mad Alchemist’s experiments, no longer treated as human beings.

At this moment, a mad voice echoed from the furthest house in the village, “All ah ah, why has it failed again? Why? Eternal Youth Herb, Eternal Youth Herb, 1 need the Eternal Youth Herb—”

After the voice spread, the villagers hurriedly ran back into their homes and shut their doors, as if a demon was about to descend upon the world.

“Let’s go and see,” Chu Qingzhi led the way to the house where the voice originated.

As they approached, the air became thick with the scent of herbs. Chu Qingzhi stopped and instructed, “You all stay back ten steps and wait for me.”

Chu Qingning asked worriedly, “Sister, is something wrong?”

Chu Qingzhi explained, “The air here contains components of hallucinogenic drugs. If you inhale too much, you might experience hallucinations.”

Everyone immediately followed Chu Qingzhi’s instructions and retreated to stand ten steps away.

Chu Qingning advised, “Be careful. If anything goes wrong, call us, and well come to help.”

“Okay.” Chu Qingzhi patted Chu Qingning’s shoulder, reassuring her..

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