Chapter 103: Murong Ba

“Brother Cangyuan, do you think Murong Ba might be willing to exchange spirit herbs with us?” Yang Xiao asked Cangyuan.

“Brother Yang, do you mean to use something to trade with Murong Ba for the spirit herbs? It’s not impossible, but as far as I know, Murong Ba has always treasured those spirit herbs greatly. So if we want to trade with him, whatever we offer must be exceedingly precious,” Cangyuan pondered aloud.

“I happen to have some rare Thunder Crystals on hand. These are very useful for forging, so I believe Murong Ba would be interested. Why don’t we first test the waters and see if he’s willing to trade spirit herbs? If he agrees, that would be a great success for all of us. If he refuses, then we can consider stealing the herbs later,” Yang Xiao suggested.

“Brother Yang, it’s easy for you to say. If we meet Murong Ba and he agrees to trade, that’s one thing. But if he refuses, wouldn’t that alert him to our desire for his family’s spirit herbs? He could then prepare for us, and stealing them wouldn’t be so simple. For that reason, I can’t agree with your plan. In my opinion, it’s better to head straight to the Murong family’s spirit herb garden and steal the herbs outright. That’s the safest bet,” Jiao Fei said firmly, not waiting for Cangyuan’s response.

“Brother Yang’s idea isn’t without merit, but Brother Jiao Fei’s concerns are also valid,” Yu Yong interjected.

“Brother Jiao Fei’s worries are understandable, but I have a plan to disguise myself as a cultivator from the Heavenly Sword Sect. I will appear at the Murong family as a sect disciple. This way, even if I propose a trade with Murong Ba, he likely won’t suspect anything. If Murong Ba refuses, then we can act covertly to steal the herbs. What do you all think?” Yang Xiao proposed.

“That approach is indeed a viable option and relatively safer. Coincidentally, I also have some rare materials. When we arrive at the Murong family, I will accompany you to meet Murong Ba and discuss the trade. If negotiations fail, then we can resort to covert action,” Cangyuan agreed with Yang Xiao’s plan.

“Since Brother Cangyuan agrees, then very well, let’s proceed with this method,” Jiao Fei nodded reluctantly upon seeing Cangyuan’s approval.

Naturally, Yu Yong also consented to the plan.

With all matters settled, the group set out and arrived at Murong Town two days later. They found a relatively large inn and took up residence there.

“Innkeeper, why is your inn so quiet? There don’t seem to be many guests,” Cangyuan asked the innkeeper with some curiosity.

“Sir, you may not be aware, but recently many visiting cultivators around Murong Town have gone missing. Since word got out, few cultivators from nearby areas come to stay here. You all must be from afar—what brings you to Murong Town? I advise you not to linger here too long, as there might indeed be danger,” the innkeeper said, clutching his chest anxiously.

“Oh? Is that so? Hasn’t the Murong family investigated these disappearances?” Yang Xiao asked with some puzzlement.

“Yes, our clan leader Murong Ba even personally took part in the investigation. It is said that a dark cultivator has been causing trouble nearby. This has unsettled everyone. The dark cultivator is very powerful and has not yet been caught. That’s why I urge you to be careful—either stay safely inside the inn or leave Murong Town soon, lest disaster befall you,” the innkeeper warned kindly.

“I see. It seems this dark cultivator has been quite rampant lately. We are merely passing through and plan to rest here for two days before leaving. With caution, we should be able to avoid harm,” Cangyuan nodded in understanding.

“In that case, I will prepare your rooms. Please rest early,” the innkeeper said as he arranged a fine room for Yang Xiao and the others before leaving.

“It’s unsettling that cultivators are disappearing here. Murong Town is far from peaceful,” Jiao Fei sighed.

“Indeed, but some disorder works to our advantage. We can take advantage of the chaos to carry out our plans,” Yu Yong agreed.

“We must all be vigilant to avoid unexpected trouble. Also, we need to act quickly. Here’s what we’ll do: Brother Yang and I will go to the Murong family to meet Murong Ba and try to trade for the spirit herbs. If he agrees, we’ll exchange and leave promptly. If not, we will act swiftly to steal the herbs—preferably tonight, before anything else happens,” Cangyuan instructed.

“Agreed,” the others readily consented.

Thus, Cangyuan and Yang Xiao soon arrived at the Murong family estate. Presenting the Heavenly Sword Sect token, they aroused no suspicion. This time, they successfully met with Murong Ba.

As the head of the family, Murong Ba bore an imposing presence. Yet upon greeting Yang Xiao and Cangyuan, he remained courteous. “May I ask what brings you two Heavenly Sword Sect disciples to the Murong family?”

“To be frank, Clan Leader Murong, we have a request. Recently, I obtained a formula for the Condensed Qi Pill, which requires several ancient spirit herbs. I heard your family possesses such rare herbs, so we came to propose an exchange: all the materials we have for crafting, in return for some of your ancient spirit herbs. Might you consider our proposal?” Yang Xiao asked.

“Our family does indeed have some ancient spirit herbs passed down by our ancestors. However, these herbs are extremely difficult to cultivate, so only a few remain. Which herbs do you require? And what exactly do you intend to offer in exchange?” Murong Ba scrutinized Yang Xiao and Cangyuan carefully.

“This is the formula for the Condensed Qi Pill; please take a look,” Yang Xiao said, tossing the scroll to Murong Ba. “As for the materials, I have some top-quality Thunder Crystals, and my senior brother possesses some elemental magnet stones and other rare items. Would Clan Leader Murong be willing to part with some herbs for these?”

Murong Ba took the formula, surprised at how easily Yang Xiao had handed it over. He examined the scroll thoughtfully.