All the alchemists showed very serious expressions after hearing Master Long Ming's words.
"Master Long Ming is right," one said, "if the address given by Master Qing'an is indeed Young Master Fang's room, then Young Master Fang must be Master Qing'an's direct disciple!"
"Yes, at only twenty-two years of age, although talent is a key to genius, without the guidance of a distinguished teacher, even the finest jade cannot be carved into a fine vessel."
Just as everyone was discussing, Long Ming suddenly spoke again, "Since everyone has co here, I assu you all have brought the items Master Qing'an requested."
"Of course," an alchemist replied. "This is the first ti Master Qing'an has ntioned needing sothing online. We have all received guidance from him on the forums, to so extent. How could we neglect his request when he speaks up?"
Long Ming sighed and said, "Considering Master Qing'an has gone so far as to ask for dicinal herbs online, these must be urgently needed. And now with Young Master Fang severely injured, he certainly needs a quiet place to recuperate. If so many of us go to deliver the herbs together, it would be embarrassing for him.
Why don't we do this: let's consolidate all the herbs and have one person deliver them to Young Master Fang's hands, so as not to disturb him and also to ensure Master Qing'an receives the herbs as quickly as possible."
Upon hearing this, they all looked at one another with sidelong glances. Indeed, the situation was exactly as Long Ming described. It wouldn't do to have so many of them visit Fang Ren together, but delivering the dicine was an excellent opportunity.
Having a chat with Young Master Fang could possibly help them establish a connection with Master Qing'an—a dream for any alchemist.
"Let's do this," an elderly man spoke up without any hesitation. "Everyone has co from far and must be tired. Leave this task to . I've just co from the Central Area and am full of energy."
"Ah, Elder Sun is being too modest," a middle-aged alchemist retorted, shalessly adopting the title of 'youngster' for himself. "Older seniors should rest instead, and let a young person like handle the task."
"I think neither of you should do it. Let take care of it. I'm a local from Tianjiang, so I know my way around and can find Young Master Fang faster."
...
The argunt quickly escalated among the group of old n and middle-aged people.
"Ahem."
Long Ming coughed twice, stroked his white beard, and said, "Everyone, stop arguing. I will take care of this. I was just discussing an issue with Master Qing'an over the past few days, and we haven't yet co to a conclusion. This visit will also give a chance to discuss it with Young Master Fang."
Shaless!
Everyone cursed inwardly, scoffing at the idea that he had a long-standing issue to discuss with Young Master Fang. It was clearly just an excuse to take on the task himself.
But, the excuse Long Ming had found was sothing none of them could refute. After all, it was well-known among alchemists that he often discussed alchemical problems with Master Qing'an on the forums.
Moreover, of all those present, Long Ming was the most qualified alchemist. None from the first area had a higher status in the Elixir Field than him. With such a fitting reason, who would dare refute him?
Seeing the silent crowd, Long Ming unabashedly proceeded, "Since everyone seems to agree, I'll take care of this. Please hand over the herbs you've brought to , and then get so good rest. I believe the long journey must have tired you all out."
What the hell!
In just a mont of silence, this old guy claid they had collectively agreed! He didn't even care about saving face!
And what about claiming they were tired from a long journey? That was complete nonsense! All present were cultivators, with the lowest among them at the Chongshan Realm. Were they supposed to be tired from such a distance?
It was like telling soone comfortably sitting or lying down, "You must be so tired from sitting. You should lie down and sleep right now or you'll wear yourself out."
Seeing no response from the crowd, Long Ming coughed again and added, "This favor... consider it as owing you one. Just ask for my help whenever you need it in the future."
With that, the alchemists, especially those without much fa, didn't hesitate to step forward and give their red grass dicine to Long Ming.
After all, compared to eting Fang Ren or trying to connect with Master Qing'an, the favor from Long Ming seed far more valuable. A connection with Master Qing'an was uncertain, but a favor from Long Ming was a sure thing.
And even if Long Ming could build a relationship with Master Qing'an eventually, having this favor implied they could potentially benefit from Long Ming's influence as well.
With that thought, they imdiately started concocting excuses.
"Ah, my old back has been sore these past few days, and this long journey doesn't help. Could you take this trip for , Brother Long?" An old man said as he clutched his back in feigned pain and handed the red grass dicine to Long Ming.
Last night, after naming himself, this old man flew off toward the horizon. His speed showed no signs of a person with a back problem.
And besides, an alchemist with back pain... that didn't quite add up.
"Ah! I can't go on! I just rembered I ate an herb in the past few days that limits to flying only eighty kiloters, and I've already flown forty. If I fly a ter more, I won't be able to return! Brother Long, I'll leave the delivery to you. I must go now!" Another elder declared his na and quickly flew away.
Seeing this, the crowd thought the excuses were getting rather la, but acting was sothing anyone could do.
"Elder Long! I just calculated, and today is the day the daughter of my second uncle's aunt's granddaughter is being born! I have to leave now. I'll leave the herbs with you."
"I just rembered, there are two patients in my guild who'll pass away in half an hour if not treated! I have to hurry back to treat them. Elder Long, I must depart first!"
"Damn! You've all taken the good excuses! I... Brother Long, I've got a sow at ho that needs breeding today, and she's temperantal. If I don't tend to her tonight, she'll kill herself. I'm leaving as well!"
...
Whoosh whoosh whoosh—
A series of figures vanished before Long Ming's eyes as he stood amidst the cold winds, his True Qi holding up a mountain of red grass dicine, his face a picture of disarray.
He couldn't shake the feeling that he had been a bit impulsive tonight...
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