Chapter 146: Killing Two Birds with One Stone

This spirit-infused demon herb is truly a rare treasure.

His two beast companions could certainly make good use of it.

Naturally, Qin Ming would not let such an opportunity slip by, but he dared not accept too readily.

Otherwise, it would come across as overly boastful.

So, wearing a hesitant expression, he said, “I must report, elder, though I have some familiarity with this spiritual plant, this is my first time encountering it.”

“I'm afraid…”

“If even young friend Qin cannot cultivate it within Canghai Immortal City, then others would be even less capable,” Nalan Xi stated without hesitation. “I have faith in your skills in spirit planting, young friend Qin. You should give it your all.”

“Even if the cultivation fails, I will not blame you; it would be the will of heaven.”

“And if you succeed, young friend Qin, you could advance to a Third-Rank Spirit Planter, achieving two goals at once.”

With the Canghai True Immortal speaking so plainly, Qin Ming found it difficult to refuse.

He cupped his fists and replied, “If that is the case, then I shall do my utmost to try.”

Upon hearing this, Nalan Xi smiled faintly, closed the long jade box in his hand, and sent it flying toward Qin Ming.

Qin Ming gently took the jade box and stored it in his storage pouch.

Just as he was about to speak, someone hurriedly entered the hall.

Qin Ming glanced over and recognized the mid-stage Foundation Establishment steward who had led him in earlier.

The steward seemed to have urgent matters to report to the Canghai True Immortal, but upon seeing Qin Ming still present, he glanced toward the elder.

“No matter, just speak directly,” the True Immortal said calmly.

“Yes!” The middle-aged steward nodded and continued, “Reporting to the city lord: in the western region of the Beast Howl Mountains near the immortal city, small groups of demon beasts have been appearing. There seems to be some unusual activity.”

Qin Ming’s brow twitched imperceptibly at this news.

But Nalan Xi seemed to have anticipated it and instructed calmly, “Order the scout camp to maintain close surveillance. Report any news to me immediately.”

“Any demon beasts crossing the boundary shall be slain on the spot.”

“Yes!”

Seeing that Nalan Xi and the steward still had matters to discuss, Qin Ming spoke, “Elder, if you still have affairs to attend to, I shall take my leave.”

“Yes, today indeed has been eventful. I have been somewhat neglectful. Young friend Qin, do come visit Canghai Peak often; I will take my leave now.”

“If there is any progress on your side, send someone to notify me.”

“Rest assured, elder!”

A flicker of surprise crossed the steward’s eyes — it seemed Qin Ming and the city lord had reached some form of agreement.

To be so highly regarded by a Golden Core True Immortal, it appeared he should grow closer to Dao Friend Qin in the future.

Qin Ming then saluted Nalan Xi and withdrew from the hall.

Breathing in the fresh air outside, he felt an immense relief.

Facing a Golden Core True Immortal, he had to tread carefully in every word, as if walking on thin ice.

***

Qin Ming once again took in the environment of the high-quality Third-Rank Spirit Vein at Canghai Peak before departing.

Half an hour later…

Qin Ming returned to the inner city and headed toward the Mirror Snow Pavilion.

Along the way, he overheard all sorts of rumors about himself.

Especially the news from the Spirit Planters’ Guild had spread swiftly.

Upon learning that the extraordinary phenomenon in Canghai Immortal City today was caused by Qin Ming, the topic of him surged to its peak throughout the streets and alleys.

Listening to these discussions, Qin Ming shook his head and quickened his pace to reach the Mirror Snow Pavilion.

Upon arrival, he found not only Gu Qingzhao and Steward Liao awaiting him, but also Huangfu Qi and his Dao partner Chen Qiaoling, along with several young Foundation Establishment cultivators from the pavilion.

Qin Ming had met them before at the small celebration for Foundation Establishment.

Seeing such a grand reception, he felt slightly embarrassed.

“Congratulations, Dao Friend Qin, on advancing to Second-Rank High-Quality Spirit Planter. Your name resounds throughout Canghai Immortal City, advancing further on the path of immortality,” Gu Qingzhao offered a rare smile as she congratulated him.

“Congratulations, Dao Friend Qin!”

“Guest Qin, congratulations on your promotion to Second-Rank High-Quality Spirit Planter.”

…

“Hahaha! Long time no see, Dao Friend Qin, and now you have become a Foundation Establishment cultivator like us.”

“I’ve heard your achievements in spirit planting have left almost no rivals in the Wei cultivation world.”

“From the start, I knew you were extraordinary, Dao Friend Qin.”

Huangfu Qi, still dressed with the gentle demeanor of a scholar, greeted Qin Ming with a warm smile.

“Dao Friend Qin, no matter what, you must stay a few more days in the pavilion. I want to learn more about the way of spirit planting from you,” Chen Qiaoling said with a smile.

When Qin Ming left the Lingyu Sect, it was with much help from Chen Qiaoling.

“Next time, definitely next time,” Qin Ming promised.

He secretly observed Huangfu Qi and noticed that his aura had advanced to the late Foundation Establishment stage.

Back when Huangfu Qi was mid-stage Foundation Establishment, his strength was already rare in the Wei cultivation world.

Now with the breakthrough to late Foundation Establishment, he must be truly unmatched.

His Divine Sword Summoning Thunder Technique was still vivid in Qin Ming’s mind.

Its terrifying power was something even Lin Zixiao could not withstand; if not for a life-saving technique, he might never have become the demonic overlord he is today.

Qin Ming also learned from Gu Qingzhao that Huangfu Qi specialized in Thunder Magic, supported by an ancient sword formation, a secret passed down through the Huangfu family bloodline and not teachable to outsiders.

…

Afterward, surrounded by the crowd, Qin Ming entered the pavilion.

Gu Qingzhao had already arranged a large table of food and wine to welcome him.

At the banquet, they shared their experiences over this period.

The other young Foundation Establishment cultivators from the Mirror Snow Pavilion showed great respect to Qin Ming, taking turns to toast him.

Now, although his status was only that of an honorary guest, his actual influence far exceeded that title.

“Hehe! Dao Friend Qin, I’ve heard you have Spirit Rest Rice here. I have long admired it. Would you be willing to sell some to me?” Huangfu Qi toasted Qin Ming, rubbing his hands expectantly.

Qin Ming smiled slightly. “Of course. Even if I refuse others, I must sell to Dao Friend Huangfu.”

After the feast, the others left first.

Only Gu Qingzhao, Steward Liao, and the couple Huangfu Qi and Chen Qiaoling remained in the private room.

“Dao Friend Qin, I heard the Canghai True Immortal personally summoned you?” Gu Qingzhao hesitated but asked.

She naturally worried that such a closely collaborating master of spirit planting and alchemy might be poached by others.

Qin Ming nodded without concealment: “Yes, Elder Nalan did express a wish for me to join the Immortal City, but I declined.”

“Dao Friend Gu knows well I prefer a quiet and free life, disliking constraints.”

Hearing this, everyone present breathed a sigh of relief.

“By the way, how is the current situation?” Qin Ming asked again.

“Ah, this time it may escalate,” Huangfu Qi spoke before Gu Qingzhao.

“With the fall of the Zhao family in the Spirit Rest Archipelago, the conflict between Lingyu Sect and Leyuan Sect will surely intensify. The final moment to distinguish friend from foe is approaching.”

“Just not sure where the main battlefield will be.”

“But one thing is certain: the duel between the two Golden Core Patriarchs will decide the outcome of this war.”

“Other skirmishes, no matter who wins or loses, will be mere trifles and insignificant.”

Qin Ming pondered deeply upon hearing this.

“What about the Spirit Rest Archipelago side?”

He was particularly concerned about the safety near his old base.

“The results on Qianye Spirit Island are out. Leyuan Sect has newly established a Foundation Establishment family to rise in power.”

“The alliance of the seventy-two scattered islands has given up sovereignty over Spirit Island in exchange for some resources and other terms.”

“In the short term, the Spirit Rest Archipelago will return to peace. Your Moon Watching Island should have no major issues,” Gu Qingzhao said.

Hearing this, Qin Ming felt much relieved.

“By the way, I just came from Canghai Peak and heard there were unusual movements from demon beasts in nearby mountains.”

“You have lived in Canghai Immortal City for years; though it’s unlikely to be dangerous, you must stay vigilant.”

“If another demon beast like the heavy-eyed demon ape appears, it will be extremely dangerous.”

Qin Ming suddenly recalled this and warned Gu Qingzhao and Huangfu Qi.

Grateful thanks to Dao Friend “Drunken Rain Lilac” for the 100 coin reward.