"You wish me to continue your hunt for the ... Purple Blood Ginger? But ... Isn"t that a Restricted Medicinal Herb? How can I ..."The old man nodded gravely, as he waved a hand in Qin Feng"s face. "A simple herb-grower would not be able to get away with it. But I doubt that the ones guarding the Gate would pick on someone who is my personal a.s.sistant, sent out to gather some of the rarer herbs.
"Especially after the fuss that I have kicked up, just before this second Hunt of ours. As you can see, that particular move was ... effective."
Was that the reason why the ones guarding the Gate has taken pains to allow Ming Guanhe and his team of Hunters to pa.s.s through the same without any fuss earlier? That had been something that was nagging at Qin Feng for a while. Who knew that it had such a simple answer?
Or that it was something that Ming Guanhe had planned for, when he brought Qin Feng along for these last two Hunts?
But ...
"Your personal a.s.sistant?"
Ming Guanhe nodded. "I am, of course, talking about you. As you have probably guessed, I have been ... using Elder Xuan"s name, and your recent clash with the Rear Garden"s female disciples to establish ... your reputation as someone who has a bit of influence with Elder Xuan. Your relationship with his young daughter has also helped there.
"So naturally, no one would dare to pick on you, when you go out to hunt for herbs now and again. Especially when you are in possession of my inspection medallion. That should be enough to all you to get your hands on the herbs that I need."
And a lot more besides, Qin Feng reminded himself, as he fought to keep the excitement from showing on his face. So long as he had that medallion, he would be free of all checks by the guards at the Gate. Which meant that he would be able to bring back all of his gains, whatever they may be, without anyone realizing it! That was certainly something to look forward to!
Yet he fixed a frown on his brow at once, as he nodded gravely at the Elder. Something that seemed to surprise Ming Guanhe somewhat. No doubt he had been expecting Qin Feng to jump at the opportunity at once, and agree to his terms in a hurry.
"Elder Ming ... That is a little riskier for me, as you should know. I have no doubts that you will be able to handle all the details at the Gate, since you are an Elder and all. But ... my cultivation is very low, and I doubt that the wild creatures out in the wilderness would be overly bothered about offending an Elder like yourself, when they face me out there.
"I seriously doubt that I would be of much use to you, if I cannot get to the deeper, and more dangerous, zones. Most of the precious herbs are out there, after all."
"Ah! I was wondering what was holding you back. That is but a trivial matter. Here. Look at what I have here."
Ming Guanhe smiled as he held up a small vial. "Have you not heard of the River Mongoose Pungent Musk? A small dab of this on you should be enough of a deterrent that any creature that is of and below a Shadow Wolf"s grade would avoid you. That should be enough to keep you safe enough, I think?
"And we shall have a good excuse why I have chosen to hand this precious bottle to you. You are the most promising herb-grower in the medicine fields, and I have chosen you as my personal a.s.sistant. That is, if you agree to this ... arrangement of mine."
"But ... I"m a little too ... weak, aren"t I? And my knowledge of medicinal herbs is ..."
"Your knowledge in adequate for the stated purpose. And it will only be for about a season or so. Once Winter arrives, there will be little point in wandering in the Southern Woods, would there? You can take your time then, to put in more practice on your martial arts. And I should be able to get you another one or two manuals, due to our ... a.s.sociation then.
"Surely you can see the benefit in that."
The man with the grey hair and the scarred face nodded towards the buildings that could barely be seen from the window. And it took a moment for Qin Feng to realize that Ming Guanhe was directing his gaze to the Hidden Scripture Hall.
"There are many benefits, and the risks are ... rather insignificant. Given your ... lack of practical experience, I doubt that punishment would be very harsh if some ... inappropriate herbs are found in your possession if there happens to be a serious check on the Hunters" Group. And you can always ... alert me should that happen. There are tools that would allow you to do that."
Ming Guanhe looked intently at him as he finished that last sentence, and Qin Feng was not such a fool that he didn"t understand what the Elder was trying hard not to say out loud:
It seemed he was intent on getting his hands on the Purple Blood Ginger. And he seemed to think that the other Elders, or some enemy of his, would take steps to make trouble for him, if he was caught with the item in his hands.
That had to be the reason why he was taking such a step. To get Qin Feng to get hold of the item for him.
And that meant that the risk would end up on Qin Feng"s head instead!
Was he really willing to accept that? All for the chance to get himself a supporter in the Elders" Council? Was it really worth the trouble?
Qin Feng"s smile was wide as he nodded back at the Elder. Of course it was! He had been waiting for an opportunity like this for almost a year!
"In that case, Elder Ming, this one would be most pleased to be of service! I shall make sure that I shall do my best to ... help you with what you need to do!"
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