78 Arrangements 2

Much to Qin Feng's surprise, Chen Xing didn't remain after he brought him to the Elder's officeat the Medicine Hall. Instead, the Senior Supervising Disciple retreated almost at once, leaving the younger to speak to the Elder alone.

Which was certainly not something that Qin Feng had expected. Or was ready for.

Still, he managed not to make too many mistakes, in his greeting of the Elder. And he managed to display a facade of calm, as the older man waved for him to sit down.

What was this about? He could not help but wonder, as he lowered himself onto the worn round cushion before the Elder's low table. Had the Left Guardian said something?

Elder Ming Guanhe, as it turned out, was more responsible towards him than Qin Feng had thought he would be. Apparently, he was taking the Left Guardian's, and Elder Xuan's, instructions very seriously. Especially the parts that involved making Qin Feng comfortable for the coming Winter.

"Unfortunately, while we can write off the missions that you were working on for the Medicine Hall, and claim damages from the Rear Gardens, you will still end up with fewer missions on your account. And that is going to make matters a little more difficult for you, during next year's Spring Trials. As you know, you are required to complete a set number of missions, growing herbs or otherwise, within a year.

"And without your harvest from ... your now-ruined crops, you might not make good on that. Which is the reason why I have called you here."

He had a good point there, and Qin Feng managed to put on a worried look. To tell the truth, he wasn't all that bothered with the situation, since he was planning to leave once he had achieved his Foundation Realm.

But since Elder Ming was considering it seriously, it would only be polite for him to listen. And see what sort of plan the old man had in mind.

"Of course, the rules do not restrict you to only crop-raising missions. So that is the loophole that we are going to exploit, so as to ... allow us to squeeze you through the year's quota."

Ming Guanhe glanced at him then, and Qin Feng nodded politely at the man, although he had no idea whatsoever as to what the Supervising Elder of the Medicine Fields was suggesting.

"There is still a good bit of time before the weather gets far too cold for proper hunting. So I think you should join the other disciples more frequently hereonafter, when they head into the Southern Woods. Three such Hunts should clear your obligation for the year. And if you can get your hands on a few rare medicinal plants and useful animals, you should be able to make good your losses here."

"You wish me to join the Hunters? But I ... my cultivation ..."

Elder Ming shook his head at him, the moment that he brought that up. "No, no. Not officially, no. But as a prospective hunter candidate. I have some authority in that regard, and the other Elders on the Council are already aware of what happened. They would not make things difficult, if we kept matters ... more or less quiet."

"I ... see."

Qin Feng managed a rather neutral reply, despite his surprise. This was an opportunity that he had not expected, when this whole matter blew up. From what he knew of the rules, someone who has not managed to achieve the Foundation Realm yet would not be allowed to join the Hunters.

"Like I said before, I am not expecting you to be actively seeking out the various Spirit Beasts that are being targeted. With your knowledge of the sort of plants that is needed by the Medicinal Hall, you would stand a good chance of coming across, and gathering the same when you are out there. That should be sufficient to make good your losses. At least, that is what I believe."

"Ah! Yes, Elder Ming."

Qin Feng dipped his head in a bow quickly, to indicate that he understood. The Elder was giving him a chance then, to show off what he had learned. And, perhaps, to pick up some of the rarer herbs that the Medicine Hall is short of. That would certainly allow Elder Ming Guanhe to gain face among the Council members.

And with the Left Guardian's recent visit to his herb garden, and his obvious support, there aren't many among the same who would bother to make trouble for him either. At least, not in the near future.

That also meant that by selecting him, Elder Ming was showing a distinct support for the Left Guardian himself! That was certainly clever! Not only was the Elder picking a side, he was showing the rest of the Council that he was doing it!

Of course, Qin Feng was going to end up right in the middle of the whole thing! Not exactly the sort of low profile that he was hoping for.

Still, there were certain benefits. Like this particular arrangement for him to join the Hunters. While he wasn't likely to be of much help to the Hunters directly, it would allow him to step into the woods himself. And give him an opportunity to pick up some useful herbs, which could sell for quite a bit of coin!

Not to mention the fact that Qin Feng was looking for some rarer ones, to help him with his cultivation. He certainly wasn't going to refuse Elder Ming's 'good' intentions!

So he dipped his head again, in a low bow that was customary when giving thanks to someone much more senior in rank. And managed to come up with the words that he was certain would make his stance clear to the Elder:

"This disciple thanks Elder Ming for his kindness. And shall do all that is possible to repay Elder's kindness in the future!"

"No need to be so polite! It is good that you understand," Ming Guanhe replied with a slightly wider smile, which seemed to indicate that he was pleased that Qin Feng understood.

"The next scheduled Hunt will be in three days. So I shall expect you to clear up your garden and your hut there by then, and be present at the Gathering Field before the Medicine Hall early, three days from now.

"I shall arrange for someone to meet you there, and guide you on your first Hunt!"

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