Mundane Saint

Chapter 78 – Is it really free?

Gu Heng carefully observed the two individuals.

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He was skilled at observation.

First, the young man led the way, with the middle-aged man following behind. Both were dressed simply yet elegantly. The moon-white robes they wore were made from fine fabric, not the coarse cloth typical of commoners, indicating their unusual status.

Moreover, the young man exuded a dignified aura and carried himself with grace.

The middle-aged man, despite his humble demeanor, did not appear servile, suggesting he was more likely the young noble's bodyguard.

From these observations, Gu Heng was certain.

These were people from the Wu Rong family!

The young noble must be the key figure Wu Rong referred to as the decision-maker.

But so young... Gu Heng thought this merchant family was quite progressive, allowing a young person to take the helm. Perhaps this individual was exceptionally capable.

"Since you already know our identity, please forgive our intrusion," Xiao Ling said respectfully, bowing.

Unexpectedly, before they even entered the city, they had overthought things. As soon as they stepped into the Medicine Hall, their identities and purpose were already understood.

In the presence of such a powerful figure, nothing could be hidden.

Xiao Ling maintained a humble stance. For the sake of the Nianling Sect, they were here to request elixirs and couldn't afford to be arrogant. Even if they couldn't make the other party feel they were equals, otherwise, it would be difficult to proceed.

"Oh?" Gu Heng raised an eyebrow.

This person was quite polite.

Gu Heng thought of Feng Wuxin, the president of the Golden Phoenix Treasure Hall, who was similarly courteous and polite. This immediately put him in a good mood, and he smiled warmly, "No need to say 'intrusion,' please, have a seat."

The two exchanged glances, and Xiao Ling spoke, "Thank you for your hospitality."

"How should I address you?" Gu Heng asked.

He only inquired about the young noble's name, as the bodyguard was likely just there for protection, not decision-making.

"You may call me Xiao Ling."

Gu Heng found it odd that Wu Rong's relative didn't share the Wu surname but was named Xiao. Then he realized Wu Rong might be a distant relative, while the Xiao surname was the true head of the family, explaining why Wu Rong couldn't make decisions.

The decision-maker was someone with the Xiao surname!

Xiao Ling sat down with Zhu Ling on a nearby bench, and Gu Heng got straight to the point, "You both know who I am. Wu Rong visited me a few days ago, and as for the reason..."

"My disciple cut off Wu Rong's grandson's hand. Since you're the decision-maker, I want to know if you think this matter should be put to rest?"

Gu Heng didn't beat around the bush.

The reason was simple: the other party was from a large, wealthy family that valued reputation. Although Wu Rong said the matter of his grandson's hand was settled, it didn't mean others in the family felt the same.

"Of course, Wu Rong's grandson has a notorious reputation. I've wanted to deal with him several times, but out of respect for Wu Rong, I held back."

"This time, your disciple's lesson serves as a warning."

Xiao Ling responded immediately.

A joke, what if they didn't let it go? The Nianling Sect couldn't even handle someone like Huang Li, who was new to the Tribulation Crossing stage, let alone Mr. Gu, whom even Xiao Ling couldn't fathom.

The plaque they saw upon entering already made Xiao Ling understand that the owner of this Medicine Hall was far more powerful than him!

And far beyond Huang Li!

He even dared to probe Mr. Gu's aura but couldn't discern anything.

That was enough to show that Gu Heng's strength was beyond his comprehension!

So, there was no point in discussing whether to let it go. If necessary, Xiao Ling would personally take the lives of Wu Rong and Wu Jie to earn Gu Heng's favor.

Gu Heng nodded with a smile, "That's good."

Ah, Young Master Xiao was quite sensible.

No wonder such a large, wealthy family would let him be the decision-maker. He clearly understood right from wrong and the importance of reputation and prestige for the family.

In comparison, Wu Rong, despite his wealth, was outshone by the more modestly dressed Young Master Xiao.

"Now, onto business."

He straightened up.

"My disciple wants to enter your 'Thousand Sword Hunting Grounds.' Wu Rong said he couldn't decide, but I asked him to convey my idea: to offer you an 'entry fee' in exchange for my disciple's entry."

"What do you think?"

"Agreed."

Xiao Ling was straightforward.

After all, Gu Heng seemed easygoing, but he likely didn't appreciate beating around the bush. Xiao Ling aimed to win his favor.

"Then, name your price."

Gu Heng waved his hand grandly.

He had plenty of money now! President Feng Wuxin had just given him a full hundred thousand taels of gold. With his previous spending habits, this amount could last him a lifetime. Buying an entry ticket for Qin Yiyao to the hunting grounds was a piece of cake.

Even if Young Master Xiao demanded an exorbitant price, it wouldn't exceed a thousand taels, and given his understanding nature, he wouldn't ask for that much.

After all, Wu Rong's grandson had provoked his disciple first, so they were in the wrong.

"Well..."

Xiao Ling grew nervous.

It had come to this point.

He had to ask Mr. Gu for an eighth-grade elixir! Otherwise, he had no chance of reaching the Tribulation Crossing stage in four days, and the future of the Nianling Sect was at stake.

However, Xiao Ling couldn't quite grasp the elder's thoughts.

Despite his amiable demeanor, the true meaning behind the plaque revealed a mad, murderous powerhouse!

Even if he was now living in seclusion, cultivating his mind, it didn't mean his nature had changed.

"Mr. Gu, you're skilled in alchemy, aren't you?"

After much deliberation, Xiao Ling cautiously asked.

"Yes."

Though unsure why the topic had shifted so far, Gu Heng nodded.

"Then, how about giving me an elixir you consider precious, one you've crafted yourself, in exchange for your disciple's entry into the Thousand Sword Hunting Grounds?"

Xiao Ling's heart pounded as he spoke, his anxiety growing, and he couldn't help but swallow.

He was genuinely nervous now, but if he didn't voice his request, it would be a slow death anyway!

"Oh?"

Gu Heng was slightly taken aback.

Not money?

But an elixir he crafted?

Gu Heng had been prepared to spend a few hundred taels of gold, but Xiao Ling's request left him puzzled.

An elixir he considered precious, crafted by himself... he didn't have anything like that!

Anything he could casually concoct couldn't be called precious, could it?