Chapter Ten: Seeking Trouble

After their meal, Chu Han accompanied Liu Qingli around the city for an entire day. The young girl was delighted, and when the sun set, the two finally parted ways.

Before returning home, Chu Han stopped by an herbal shop to purchase some medicinal ingredients. Knowing he would soon leave, he wished to ensure the Tang family could defend themselves, so he intended to teach Tang Hao cultivation techniques.

Once Tang Hao reached a certain level, he would be unmatched within Jingyuan City, allowing the Tang family to stand firm.

However, Tang Hao’s age made it difficult for him to start cultivating from scratch, so he needed the assistance of pills. Chu Han bought herbs with the intention of returning to refine medicine.

Sun Qing had gifted him a Body Tempering Pill, which was decent, but failed to meet Chu Han’s discerning standards.

Pills were divided into four grades: Heaven, Earth, Mortal, and Harmony. Each grade was further classified into upper, middle, and lower tiers. The Body Tempering Pill was merely a lower-tier Harmony pill, its effects negligible.

Returning to his room, Chu Han took out the herbs he’d bought and a coarse medicine cauldron. The corners of his mouth lifted slightly, recalling how he’d learned alchemy in his previous life to enhance his strength.

Today, he planned to refine a middle-tier Harmony pill—One Essence Pill—which was perfect for someone like Tang Hao, just beginning his cultivation journey.

He closed his eyes, striving to restore himself to peak condition. Since he was only at the physical realm, he couldn’t summon external fire and had to rely on outside forces.

He extended his right hand, placing it atop the cauldron, channeling the power of Thunderstrike Wood within him. A trace of thunderfire entered the cauldron, slowly igniting.

After a while, he tossed in a herb, carefully controlling the heat, knowing that the key to alchemy was mastering the fire.

Refining the One Essence Pill required ten basic herbs. With the right technique, it wasn’t difficult.

Two hours passed. The herbs in the cauldron were refined into a drop of pure medicinal power. Chu Han smiled and began refining the next herb.

Time flew by, and soon all ten herbs were refined. Now came the fusion of their medicinal powers.

Chu Han meticulously merged the ten pure essences, aware that each herb’s properties differed and careless fusion could lead to an explosion.

Yet his alchemical skills were superb. With no mishaps, he successfully fused all ten essences.

Now, he only needed to wait for the pill to form. Chu Han wiped the sweat from his brow and gradually increased the heat.

Meanwhile, a loud crash echoed through the Tang household. The main gate was kicked apart, and an old man led a group inside.

Tang Hao and the others were startled and rushed out to see what was happening. Upon recognizing the intruders, their expressions darkened.

"Mo Yu, what are you doing here? The Tang family does not welcome you," Tang Hao said coldly, stepping forward. The man was none other than Mo Yu, proprietor of the Mo family’s weapon shop.

Mo Yu said nothing, sneering as he strode into the Tang family’s main hall.

"Old Tang, don’t say I didn’t give you a chance. Your son assaulted members of the Mo family, and I cannot swallow this insult. You must give me an explanation," Mo Yu said icily. He had come looking for trouble, emboldened by a powerful ally.

As Mo Yu finished speaking, a young man clad in armor sat beside him, his expression indifferent, as if nothing concerned him.

"This is General Guo Fei, subordinate to the Third Divine Commander of the Lantian Camp," Mo Yu introduced, clearly pressuring Tang Hao by revealing the young man’s affiliation and hinting he should choose his words carefully.

Sure enough, Tang Hao’s face changed. He hadn’t expected the Mo family to ally with the Lantian Camp, and the young man’s strength was evident.

"What do you want?" Tang Hao bit his lip, forcing himself to endure for the sake of his family. After all, the Tang family couldn’t afford to provoke the Lantian Camp.

"It’s simple. Hand over Chu Han. I want to take him away. Otherwise, don’t blame me for what comes next," Mo Yu smiled, revealing his purpose.

He’d heard Sun Qing had gifted the Summer Retreat Winery to Chu Han and was envious. He’d found a pretext to cause trouble, determined to take Chu Han away.

"Impossible! Give up that thought," Tang Hao shouted. No matter what, he could not hand over Chu Han. He ordered his household to prepare for battle.

Mo Yu shook his head, surprised by Tang Hao’s stubbornness. He waved his hand, and his men surged forward, attacking the Tang family.

In truth, the Mo and Tang families were evenly matched, and the fight quickly stalemated. Mo Yu himself refrained from joining the fray, instead glancing at Guo Fei with a flattering smile.

Mo Yu knew that even if he personally intervened, he might not subdue Tang Hao. He had paid a great price to persuade Guo Fei to act.

Guo Fei’s face remained expressionless, but he stood up and approached Tang Hao. With a flash, he appeared before him.

Before Tang Hao could react, Guo Fei struck, grabbing his throat with his right hand and lifting him into the air.

Tang Hao’s face turned crimson. Against Guo Fei’s overwhelming strength, he was powerless.

With just a slight squeeze, Guo Fei could snap Tang Hao’s neck. As he prepared to strike, a sudden gust of wind whistled past his ear. Startled, he let go and dodged the attack.

Standing to one side, he saw a young man before Tang Hao, impressive and imposing, his cold gaze piercing to the soul.

"Father, are you alright?" Chu Han had finished refining his pill and emerged to witness the scene. He had no time to think, only to save his father first.

His expression was grim, his eyes turning icy. Though he didn’t recognize Guo Fei, he could instantly gauge his strength—sixth level of body refinement, inner breath realm.

"I’m fine. You should go. He’s too strong; you’re no match for him," Tang Hao coughed lightly, still worried for Chu Han, given the formidable power Guo Fei had displayed.

Chu Han shook his head and helped his father to a seat, then turned to Guo Fei, "Who are you?"

"I am Guo Fei, subordinate to the Third Divine Commander. I’ve come today to take your life," Guo Fei snorted, speaking for the first time. Chu Han’s earlier ambush had left him displeased.

"Today, you will die," Chu Han said furiously. He could not tolerate anyone laying hands on Tang Hao; today, no matter what, Guo Fei would not leave alive.

With those words, Chu Han charged at Guo Fei, who met him head-on with a punch.

Chu Han’s right hand shot out, lightning-fast, grabbing Guo Fei’s wrist and yanking him forward. His other hand slammed into Guo Fei’s chest.

Guo Fei grunted, spitting blood, staring at Chu Han in disbelief. He hadn’t expected such speed, nor that Chu Han could withstand his strength.

He thought Chu Han’s earlier ambush had forced him back, underestimating his opponent. Yet that arrogance would cost him his life.

Chu Han released him, and Guo Fei collapsed. His chest bone was shattered by a single punch, blood pouring from his mouth.

"You can’t kill me. I am the Third Divine Commander’s subordinate. If you kill me, the Commander will not spare you. He will hunt you down," Guo Fei begged, trembling under Chu Han’s murderous gaze. He was truly afraid, for Chu Han clearly meant to kill him.

"It doesn’t matter if you have the king of heaven behind you. Today, you must die."