C86 Are You Crazy?

"Do you desire my Flame Warm Herb?"

Yang Ming's eyebrows shot up, ready to decline.

But catching Kawabata Nozomu's imploring look gave him pause.

He owed much to the Grass Country, where he now resided. It had nurtured him, and in return, Kawabata Nozomu had shown him nothing but respect. The local magnate had been exceedingly gracious, and the Grass Kage had been consistently deferential. Yang Ming had developed a fondness for the Grass Ninja.

Given his debt to the Grass Country, he felt compelled to contribute.

With that in mind, Yang Ming nodded.

"Fine, I'll part with my Flame Warm Herb—for one hundred million taels per stalk!"

He stated his price outright.

"One hundred million taels?"

Yet, as soon as he named his price, everyone was visibly stunned. Even Kawabata Nozomu was taken aback, glancing at Yang Ming and blinking rapidly in disbelief.

Yang Ming, however, remained unfazed. The Flame Warm Herb was invaluable to him, and he wouldn't part with it easily.

"One hundred million taels each, and I'm only selling ten stalks," Yang Ming declared, setting a strict limit.

Only ten stalks were on offer.

"One hundred million taels per stalk, and you're only selling ten? Mr. Gekka, I acknowledge your expertise, but please, no jokes. How could any herb, no matter how miraculous, be worth one hundred million taels?"

Hei Tu couldn't help but chuckle, giving Yang Ming a look that suggested he thought him mad.

One hundred million taels was more than some small nations, like the Grass Country, could muster in a year's worth of taxes. The Earth Country, a vast nation, could certainly afford it; ten billion taels for ten stalks wouldn't be an issue.

But the real question was whether the herb justified such a price.

What in the world could possibly be worth one hundred million taels?

"It's worth what I say it's worth. If that's too steep for you, feel free to walk away," Yang Ming retorted, unwavering.

At Yang Ming's assertive stance, Kawabata Nozomu found himself slumping to the ground, utterly devoid of his usual master swordsman's poise.

His heart felt a jolt, struggling to grasp the reality unfolding before him.

"Mr. Gekka, it's not that I find it too expensive, but I'm clueless about the effects and uses of the Flame Warm Herb. How can I just accept a price tag of a hundred million without any knowledge? It's like being asked to pay for an item before even laying eyes on it. Where's the sense in that?"

Despite his shock and the flicker of displeasure on his face, Black Earth managed to keep his composure.

The others, in contrast, could only muster a wry smile. With an expert like Yang Ming before them, they lacked the courage to put up a fight.

"I assure you that the Flame Warm Herb will prove immensely beneficial to your Earth Country. Present it to Lord Tsuchikage, and he'll surely recognize its worth. Plus, it will lend you significant support. Believe it or not, that's all I have to say," Yang Ming stated coolly.

"It will be useful to me?"

Black Earth gazed at Yang Ming, astonishment etched on his face. After realizing Yang Ming wasn't jesting and hesitating for a brief ten seconds, he nodded in agreement.

"Fine, I trust Mr. Gekka's discernment. A billion it is. However, I'd like to verify its value with Lord Tsuchikage first. If he isn't convinced, I personally can't come up with the billion," Black Earth conceded.

"Agreed."

Yang Ming nodded, giving his consent.

In an instant, ten Flame Warm Herbs were in Black Earth's possession.

Having secured the Flame Warm Herbs, the group, still nursing their wounds, took their leave, heading back to the Earth Country.

Yang Ming then shifted his gaze northward, in the direction of the Frost Country.

With the Flame Warm Herbs and Crystal Phoenix Fruit in hand, the Frosty Madness Ginseng was next on his list. Securing that would mean the completion of his system mission!