Chapter 126: Hiring with an Eighth-Grade Spirit Herb

Chapter 126: Hiring with an Eighth-Grade Spirit Herb

The maid took a deep breath and maintained her smile as she said, "Young Master, our Tianbao Pavilion branch in Tieshan County does not have any storage bags for sale."

Meng Chong's face fell at her words, and he asked, "What about spirit herbs? Do you have any sixth-grade spirit herbs for sale?"

The maid's smile froze on her face as she eyed Meng Chong with suspicion. Why was he asking for sixth-grade spirit herbs right off the bat?

"I'm sorry, Young Master, but we don't have any sixth-grade spirit herbs either," she replied.

It was rare for anyone in Tieshan County to purchase spirit herbs of the ninth grade or above, and even if they did, it wasn't a common occurrence. Usually, only a few of the county's major powers would make such purchases.

For the average martial artist, these herbs were far too expensive, and even if they could afford them, they would only be able to buy the lowest-grade variety. It was much more cost-effective to buy potions or pills instead.

And yet, here she was, encountering not one but two customers inquiring about sixth and seventh-grade spirit herbs.

"You don't have any seventh-grade spirit herbs either?" Meng Chong frowned, his disappointment evident. The Tieshan County branch of Tianbao Pavilion was insignificant, and he blamed the small size of the county for their lack of resources.

He took out five spirit crystals and placed them on the counter. "How many spirit herbs can I buy with these?"

The maid's lips twitched as she recognized the familiar number of spirit crystals. It seemed that these customers were all from the same village.

"With five spirit crystals, you can purchase one Water Spirit Grass and one Bone Strengthening Flower. The Water Spirit Grass is three spirit crystals, and the Bone Strengthening Flower is five," she explained.

Meng Chong's face fell further as he heard this. Spirit crystals didn't seem to go very far.

"Can I use gold instead? How many spirit herbs would ten thousand taels buy?" he asked, his mind turning to the fact that he was owed at least that much by Wu Huang. If he could use gold, he wouldn't have to worry about a lack of funds.

The maid's smile turned awkward as she shook her head. "I'm sorry, but Tianbao Pavilion does not accept gold. The only thing you can purchase with gold here are ordinary martial arts manuals, at a rate of one hundred taels per book."

Tieshan County was situated in a remote area, and the martial arts scene was not as prosperous as it could be. While Tianbao Pavilion did sell manuals, they were of common varieties, yet even these were invaluable treasures to the average person.

As it was difficult for ordinary people to obtain spirit crystals, Tianbao Pavilion offered the option to purchase manuals with gold. Gold was the only currency besides spirit crystals that the pavilion accepted.

Meng Chong's eyes widened at this information. Spirit crystals were indeed hard currency, and he felt the weight of his poverty. How could he earn more spirit crystals?

"I'll take the Bone Strengthening Flower, then," he said at last.

"Certainly, Young Master. Please wait a moment," the maid replied, turning to a shelf behind the counter. She opened a compartment and retrieved a carefully sealed spirit herb—the Bone Strengthening Flower. "Here you are, Young Master. Please take care of it."

Meng Chong accepted the herb, his heart sinking. His entire fortune had just been exchanged for this single spirit herb.

As he left Tianbao Pavilion, he pondered his next steps. "I need to find a way to earn more spirit crystals. I'll give this Bone Strengthening Flower to my junior martial sister. She's at the Golden Bone stage, and refining her bones to create the Evergreen Bone won't be easy.

"With this spirit herb, she'll have an easier time refining the herb into a pill and achieving the Evergreen Bone."

With this in mind, Meng Chong set off back to Yunshan County to deliver the herb to Su Lingxiu.

However, as soon as he left Tieshan County, he realized that someone was following him.

His eyebrows furrowed as he looked down at the Bone Strengthening Flower in his hand. "I've been careless. I should have hidden it. Has someone taken an interest in me because of this herb? I wonder if this guy has any spirit crystals on him?"

A spark of inspiration lit up his eyes as he considered the possibility of acquiring spirit crystals from this pursuer.

Pretending not to notice, he continued on his way, strolling casually.

"My good sir, I have a request for you!"

As Meng Chong left the county and ventured onto a secluded path, a man appeared from the surroundings and addressed him.

The newcomer was dressed like a scholar, with a pale complexion that suggested he had been injured. Despite his unassuming appearance, Meng Chong could sense that he was a Master-level martial artist!

"The Bone Strengthening Flower isn't exactly a rare spirit herb. Why would a Master-level martial artist take an interest in me because of it? And why would a Master be lurking in this backwater place like Tieshan County anyway?" Meng Chong's mind raced with questions.

"What is it that you want from me? Could it be that you've also set your sights on my Bone Strengthening Flower?" Meng Chong asked, a sly smile spreading across his face.

As Meng Chong smiled, the scholar's eyes narrowed, and his demeanor became increasingly fierce. Meng Chong's sturdy build already made him seem like a formidable opponent, and now he seemed ready to pounce like a wild beast.

Meng Shushu suddenly regretted his decision to approach this particular individual, but it was too late to turn back now. Besides, there was no one else who would have suited his purposes better.

Meng Chong's eyebrows furrowed. Was this person not here to rob him?

"What is your request?" he asked.

Seeing that his display of Grand Master-level aura had no effect, and noting the other party's nonchalant attitude, Meng Shushu felt even more regretful, thinking he might have approached the wrong person.

"It's like this," Meng Shushu continued, taking a deep breath. "I have an item stored in the Tianbao Pavilion in Qinglin City. I want to hire you to retrieve it for me. I will generously reward you for your efforts!"

"Qinglin City?" Meng Chong frowned, wondering where that was.

"How will you reward me?" he asked, his voice deep and serious.

Meng Shushu held up a finger. "With an eighth-grade spirit herb!"

Meng Chong's eyes lit up. "Are you serious?" An eighth-grade spirit herb was a rare and valuable commodity.

"I assure you, I am not lying," Meng Shushu replied gravely.

"Alright, I accept!" Meng Chong readily agreed, not giving a second thought to whether this task of retrieving the stored item might be dangerous.

To someone like Meng Shushu, a Grand Master, it would only take one punch to take down an opponent. What danger could there possibly be? Conspiracies and tricks were like paper tigers in the face of absolute strength.

However, it wouldn't hurt to be cautious.

"Then let's set off for Qinglin City now," Meng Shushu suggested.

"Wait," Meng Chong said, his eyes narrowing slightly. "I still have something to take care of. Let's meet here at this time tomorrow."

He needed to deliver the Bone Strengthening Flower back to Su Lingxiu.

"No problem!" Meng Shushu readily agreed.

"Farewell!" He bowed and, in a flash, disappeared with incredible speed.

Meng Chong narrowed his eyes, observing the other man's swift movement. After a moment's thought, he surmised that the item Meng Shushu wanted him to retrieve was probably being watched by someone else.

"An eighth-grade spirit herb... The item must be extremely valuable," Meng Chong mused to himself. "If this guy has any ill intentions, he shouldn't blame me for turning the tables on him."

With a single step, he vanished from his original spot and headed straight for the borderlands.

With his strength, it would be nearly impossible for a typical Grand Master to track him without being noticed. Thus, Meng Chong was not concerned about being followed as he made his way to the borderlands.

Li Xuan was surprised to see Meng Chong return from the inner domain so soon.

"Junior Martial Sister, this is the Bone Strengthening Flower," Meng Chong said. "With this spirit herb, it will be much easier for you to refine the Evergreen Bone."

Su Lingxiu was overjoyed. "Thank you, Second Senior Brother!"

With this Bone Strengthening Flower, along with the Water Spirit Grass, she could refine a more potent Evergreen Pill.

"Junior Martial Sister, do you know where Qinglin City is?" Meng Chong asked.

"Qinglin City?" Su Lingxiu shook her head and turned to Zhou Ying. "Aunt Zhou, do you know?"

Zhou Ying thought for a moment. "Qinglin City is located on the border between Lanping County and Yunjiang County, thousands of miles away from Tieshan County."

"Second Senior Brother, are you going to Qinglin City?" Su Lingxiu asked curiously.

"I heard there's some excitement there worth witnessing. I plan to go and take a look," Meng Chong replied, not mentioning the matter of retrieving the stored item.

"Master, I'm heading back to the inner domain," Meng Chong said as he prepared to depart again after delivering the Bone Strengthening Flower.

The next day...

At the agreed-upon meeting place, Meng Shushu had already arrived, driving a horse-drawn carriage.

"Brave warrior, starting today, you will be my carriage driver and escort me to Qinglin City..." Meng Shushu said as he applied a disguise to his face.

"Being a carriage driver is fine, but first, I want to ask: do you have money?" Meng Chong asked in a low voice.

"Money? But we agreed on an eighth-grade spirit herb as payment," Meng Shushu replied, taken aback.

That was the deal, wasn't it? To go to Qinglin City and retrieve the stored item in exchange for an eighth-grade spirit herb.

"No problem. If you want an eighth-grade spirit herb, then that's what you'll get. Come, let's draw up a contract. You will owe me two eighth-grade spirit herbs," Meng Chong said, taking out paper and a pen.

"Wait, what do you mean I'll owe you two eighth-grade spirit herbs? It's supposed to be one! I'm hiring you to go to Qinglin City and retrieve the stored item for me. The payment for that is one eighth-grade spirit herb," Meng Shushu hastily clarified.

"Yes, that's right. But helping you retrieve the stored item is one task, and disguising myself as your carriage driver is another task. That's two tasks, so it should be two eighth-grade spirit herbs, right?" Meng Chong argued, nodding his head as if explaining something obvious.

"No, you must have misunderstood," Meng Shushu said, his eyes widening in dismay. "Disguising yourself as my carriage driver and retrieving the stored item are part of the same task. The payment for that task is one eighth-grade spirit herb!"

Meng Chong glared at him, his eyes fierce. "You want me to be your carriage driver and retrieve the stored item for just one eighth-grade spirit herb? Do you think I'm that cheap? You're insulting me!"

Boom!

A fierce aura surged around Meng Chong, causing Meng Shushu to swallow nervously. He began to regret his decision; perhaps he had approached the wrong person after all.

"Well, if we can't agree on the price, then let's call off the deal," Meng Shushu suggested cautiously.

"A thousand spirit crystals? You're robbing me!" he exclaimed.

Meng Chong's eyebrows arched, and he let out a cold laugh. "Oh? So a Grand Master is something to boast about? Trying to intimidate me? You approached me first, and now you're backing out. Shouldn't you compensate me for my trouble?"

Meng Shushu took a few deep breaths, suppressing his aura as he continued to apply his disguise. "Fine, fine! I'll give you two eighth-grade spirit herbs!"

"Now we're talking."

Meng Chong handed over the contract. "Sign here."

Meng Shushu took the pen and signed his name on the document.

"My good man, what should I call you?" he asked as he finished his disguise and climbed into the carriage.

"Why, it's Mister Meng! I'm Meng Chong!"

Meng Chong glanced at the contract before putting it away.

Meng Shushu—he wondered if that was his real name.

"So it's Brother Meng. I'd appreciate your assistance on this journey, Brother Meng." Meng Shushu bowed politely.

"Of course!" Meng Chong nodded in agreement.

"Which way to Qinglin City?"

"This way..."

Meng Chong steered the carriage toward Qinglin City, his sturdy build filling the driver's seat. Meng Shushu, having suppressed his aura, sat in the carriage, tending to his injuries.

"Brother Meng, do you have any enemies? I see someone up ahead, and it looks like they're planning to block our path!"

Less than a day after leaving Tieshan County, Meng Chong spoke up.

Meng Shushu's expression changed as he lifted a corner of the carriage curtain to peer ahead. There, he saw an elderly man hovering in the air, scanning the passing travelers and vehicles.

A Grand Master-level martial artist! His expression shifted as he wondered how this pursuer had traced him to such a remote place as Tieshan County.

"Brother Meng, can you prevent him from inspecting the carriage?" Meng Shushu asked in a low voice.

He wasn't confident that his disguise would hold up to a Grand Master's scrutiny.

If his presence here were exposed, they would surely guess that he was headed to Qinglin City.

"That's a Grand Master... it could be dangerous," Meng Shushu muttered to himself.

Just as he was pondering how to avoid detection, he heard Meng Chong say, "If you pay up, I can give it my all and ensure we get past without you being exposed. I guarantee it..."

"You're just after my money!" Meng Shushu cursed inwardly. He felt like he had made a terrible mistake in hiring this man.

However, he had no other choice. In all of Tieshan County, Meng Chong was the only one sturdy and fierce enough to retrieve the stored item.

"Ten spirit crystals!" Meng Shushu gritted his teeth and offered.

"Are you trying to pay me like a beggar?" Meng Chong retorted, clearly dissatisfied.

As the carriage drew closer to the Grand Master, the man's gaze fell upon them.

"A hundred spirit crystals! That's my final offer!" Meng Shushu said through clenched teeth.

"Done! No problem!" Meng Chong readily agreed.

"Who's in the carriage? Show yourself!" the Grand Master blocking their path demanded.

"Scram!" Meng Chong roared, his imposing aura bursting forth.

"A Grand Master stooping to highway robbery? Aren't you ashamed? And do you think the person in this carriage is someone you can afford to offend?" Meng Chong continued, his voice filled with contempt.

Inside the carriage, Meng Shushu's heart pounded with fear.

"Is this guy reliable at all?" he wondered.

Meng Chong's rude attitude, directed at a Grand Master no less, seemed to be inviting a fight.

"You ask for death!" the Grand Master shouted, his anger rising.

But before he could make a move, Meng Chong glared at him, his fierce aura erupting. "Are you seeking death?"

Meng Chong's hand tightened around the knife handle.

Meng Shushu's heart skipped a beat as he swallowed hard. This man's strength was truly terrifying. At this moment, he felt that the driver of the carriage was not a man but a ferocious beast!

The Grand Master blocking their path also looked shocked, his figure retreating several feet. He took a deep breath and said, "I am seeking a grudge-bearing enemy, and my haste has caused me to disturb you. Please accept my apologies!"

Meng Chong, still holding the horsewhip, said, "A mere apology won't do. Compensation is in order!"

The Grand Master was taken aback. "Compensation?"

"Well?" Meng Chong stared at him.

The Grand Master immediately cowered. He took out a spirit ticket and, with a wave of his hand, sent it flying into Meng Chong's hand. "A hundred spirit crystals. Please accept my apology."

"Good, you know what's good for you," Meng Chong said with a nod, pocketing the spirit ticket. He retracted his aura and drove the carriage away.

The elderly Grand Master watched the carriage depart, his face expressionless. What was this all about? he wondered. A Grand Master stooping to such behavior... how desperate for money was he?

"Who's in that carriage, that a Grand Master is reduced to being a coachman? Could it be a Grand Master of the highest level?" the old man wondered, his heart pounding.

The coachman's strength was incredible, and when his aura erupted, it made the old man feel suffocated.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end