As the setting sun stretched the shadows of the wild grass beneath the city wall, Deng Qing reached the main camp. He entered through the usual East Fourth Gate, tossing Old Jiang, the gate officer, ten coins as he passed.
With Old Jiang calling after him, "Brother Deng, you're something else!" he went inside the walls.
Then he headed straight west, toward a tent that stayed open through the night: the Medicine Hall.
It was where herb gatherers like him handed in Blazing Sun Grass, earned Merit Points, and received Martial Origin Pills.
As Deng Qing passed the western market, several tents still had their lamps lit. At this hour, those were mostly places doing business.
Deng Qing entered a tent bearing the sign "Hundred Treasures." After a short while, he slipped back out.
Half a cup of tea later, he entered the Medicine Hall. Several Martial Artists who had just returned from the mountains were crowding around a long table, taking Blazing Sun Grass from their bundles and spreading it out.
A medicine attendant came over yawning, a wooden tray in his hands. After counting the herbs, he collected them and carried them to the back for inspection.
Before long, another attendant emerged and asked them to hand over their wooden tokens.
The men knew the routine. Each pricked a finger and dripped blood onto his token, then placed it in a black box on the table. A green gleam immediately lit up inside.
Deng Qing thought nothing of it. He had gone through the same procedure when handing in Blazing Sun Grass before.
Soon, the group had settled their accounts.
Deng Qing strode forward, removed his bundle, and opened it. The yawning attendant's eyes flew wide. "Brother, did you raid the Blazing Sun Grass's own home? You've struck