Chapter 104, Qi Feng

Murong Ba examined the Qi Condensation Pill recipe and found nothing particularly extraordinary about it. Their Murong clan already possessed a very similar prescription, so he showed little interest in the formula.

“Fellow cultivators from the Tianjian Sect, I am indeed intrigued by the materials you presented. However, unfortunately, the spiritual herbs recorded in your recipe do not exist within the Murong clan’s territory, so I am unable to assist you. I sincerely apologize,” Murong Ba said, stroking his beard. He then returned the Qi Condensation Pill recipe to Yang Xiao.

“These words from Murong Ba are deceitful. I have already investigated thoroughly; the Murong clan definitely has the spiritual herbs listed in the recipe,” Cang Yuan conveyed to Yang Xiao through spiritual communication.

“In that case, it seems Murong Ba simply doesn’t want to trade with us,” Yang Xiao replied mentally.

“If the Murong clan lacks these spiritual herbs, then my senior brother and I have come here in vain. We will have to seek them elsewhere,” Yang Xiao said, disappointment evident in his voice.

“Haha, very well then, I won’t detain you any longer. If you pass through the Murong clan in the future, you are still welcome to visit my residence,” Murong Ba said politely.

After bidding farewell to Murong Ba, Yang Xiao and Cang Yuan left. They had failed to exchange with Murong Ba this time and would have to attempt to stealthily acquire the herbs under cover of night.

“Clan leader, you seemed quite interested in the items those two cultivators presented. Why didn’t you trade with them?” After Yang Xiao and Cang Yuan departed, a trusted servant named Murong Xin asked Murong Ba.

“The items they have are indeed intriguing. However, what is most important to the Murong clan right now is enhancing the overall strength of our disciples. Therefore, medicinal pills hold more weight than magical artifacts. Besides, I harbor some suspicion about these two and prefer not to reveal all our spiritual herbs to outsiders. It’s better not to trade with them,” Murong Ba explained.

“Then why not just eliminate them and take their possessions?” Murong Xin suggested again.

“These two are extraordinary cultivators and senior disciples of a great sect. It’s best not to provoke trouble by harming them,” Murong Ba shook his head.

Yang Xiao and Cang Yuan headed back to the inn. Yet, on their way, a young man stopped them. He was handsome and distinguished, but his expression was cold and indifferent. His cultivation was formidable to the point that Yang Xiao felt unable to fully discern him, indicating his youth but exceptional prowess.

“Are you two cultivators from the Tianjian Sect? I saw you leave the Murong clan and wonder what you were doing there?” the young cultivator asked.

“And who might you be?” Yang Xiao and Cang Yuan exchanged glances, surprised by this mysterious and powerful youth. They instinctively felt on guard.

“My name is Qi Feng. You don’t need to know my background. I just want to warn you that Mu Town has become quite unstable recently. Many cultivators have mysteriously vanished. It would be best for you two to leave as soon as possible,” Qi Feng said coldly.

“So, Brother Qi Feng, you’re here specifically to warn us to leave? Are you here to investigate the mastermind behind this? Which of the Five Sects do you belong to?” Yang Xiao inquired. Qi Feng’s lack of hostility suggested he was sincere.

“I am not a cultivator of the Five Sects. As for who I am, that is not your concern. But yes, I came to Mu Town to find the murderer. If you heed my advice and leave quickly, you should avoid becoming involved. However, if you delay and run into trouble, don’t say I didn’t warn you. Especially during your time in Mu Town, avoid contact with the Murong clan,” Qi Feng warned.

“Very well. Thanks for the warning. We will leave soon,” Yang Xiao replied.

“Good,” Qi Feng said, then suddenly enveloped himself in a surge of true energy and vanished before their eyes.

“That Qi Feng is truly strange. I can’t figure out his origins, but his cultivation is remarkable,” Yang Xiao said, astonished by Qi Feng’s departure. Qi Feng appeared to be in his twenties yet possessed a cultivation depth akin to late Qi Condensation stage, a rarity among the youth. Only great powers like the Five Sects could nurture such talent, yet Qi Feng denied affiliation with them, which puzzled Yang Xiao greatly.

“I also can’t discern Qi Feng’s background, but it seems he’s not hostile toward us. Mu Town is becoming more complicated. We should finish our business quickly and leave without lingering, or we might encounter real danger,” Cang Yuan said with concern.

“Agreed. Let’s return to the inn and prepare to act swiftly,” Yang Xiao concurred.

The two returned to the inn and regrouped with their companions. They rested during the day and planned to infiltrate the Murong clan at night to steal the spiritual herbs.

Cang Yuan, an expert in formations, quickly dismantled the protective clan array, allowing the group smooth entry into the Murong clan grounds. Having previously conducted detailed investigations of the Murong clan, Cang Yuan led them directly to the clan’s spiritual herb garden.

Soon, the five reached the garden. Just as they prepared to act, it seemed the Murong clan was already aware of their intentions. They had made ready and surrounded the five intruders.

Even Murong Ba himself appeared.

“It seems we’re in danger,” Yang Xiao thought grimly. They hadn’t even begun, yet they were already surrounded.