Chapter Sixty-Six: Huangfu Qi’s Request

As soon as Huangfu Qi finished speaking, the cultivators present turned their gazes to Qin Ming, each one filled with confusion. The Foundation Establishment cultivator from Mirror Snow Pavilion who had spoken to Qin Ming earlier wore a complex, mixed expression.

“Huangfu Senior, my modest skills are not worthy of such praise. But if it’s within my abilities, I am willing to try,” Qin Ming replied, equally puzzled. What could a dignified mid-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator possibly need from him?

“Haha, there’s no rush!” Huangfu Qi smiled. “Today is Qingzhao’s joyous day. Let’s finish our drinks, and then we’ll talk privately.” With those words, he walked over and took a seat beside Qin Ming. Unlike other Foundation Establishment cultivators, Huangfu Qi seemed much more approachable—he didn’t put on airs even in front of someone of Qin Ming’s low cultivation.

Soon after, the maid behind him poured spirit wine for everyone. Huangfu Qi even raised his glass and drank with Qin Ming. Seeing the protector act so amiably, the Mirror Snow Pavilion members at the table also began to chat cordially with Qin Ming and his companion. For a while, the atmosphere at the banquet shifted completely from before.

Qin Ming drank and pondered Huangfu Qi’s words. Beside him, Huang Xishan was sweating nervously. If not for Qin Ming’s presence, this meal would have been unbearable. Huang Xishan was also secretly amazed—he never expected that Qin Ming, his fellow cultivator, had hidden himself so deeply that even a mid-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator would seek his help.

As the sun sank in the west, the banquet ended. The cultivators took their leave, bidding farewell to Gu Qingzhao. Qin Ming and Huang Xishan did likewise.

“Qin, I invite you to my cave for a brief talk. It won’t take much of your time,” Huangfu Qi said. Huang Xishan, a bit embarrassed, whispered to Qin Ming, “In that case, you speak with Huangfu Senior first—I’ll wait outside.”

Qin Ming nodded and followed Huangfu Qi to his cultivation cave. It was not far from Gu Qingzhao’s, both situated in the area where spiritual energy was most abundant. However, Huangfu Qi’s style was entirely different; the courtyard was filled with a scholarly atmosphere, reminiscent of a literary academy.

As they walked, Huangfu Qi asked, “Qingzhao told me that when you were promoted to High-grade Spiritual Herb Master, the test you passed was reviving the Golden Sun Tree?”

Qin Ming was taken aback, beginning to guess what the senior wanted from him. He nodded respectfully, “Yes, Senior Huangfu.”

Upon hearing this, Huangfu Qi’s face lit up with joy, his steps quickening. “That’s wonderful!” He led Qin Ming to the rear courtyard, where a small field of spiritual herbs flourished. The lush, vibrant scene revealed that these plants were of excellent quality, with even second-tier spiritual herbs present.

Just a glance told Qin Ming that ordinary cultivators could never grow such herbs; only a highly skilled Spiritual Herb Master could have cultivated them so meticulously. He was surprised—could this Foundation Establishment senior also be an advanced Spiritual Herb Master? Why had he sought out Qin Ming?

A string of questions swirled in Qin Ming’s mind.

Moments later, Huangfu Qi stopped in a corner of the herb field and pointed to a potted spiritual flower, his expression somewhat embarrassed. “I’d like you to take a look and see if there’s any way to save this spirit flower.”

Qin Ming moved closer and saw that it was a pot of spirit plant, red as flame, but now wilted and near death.

“Senior Huangfu… this…” Qin Ming hesitated. “Aren’t you a Spiritual Herb Master?” he voiced his doubt.

Huangfu Qi smiled, “No, I am not. But my partner is a second-tier Spiritual Herb Master.” He sighed and explained.

“It’s all my fault. Before leaving for business, my partner asked me to care for this Flame Heart Seven-leaf Flower. But recently, I forgot to change the spiritual soil and water it with spirit spring water, and now look at it. This flower means so much to both of us—it was a token when we first fell in love, carefully tended ever since. If she returns and finds the flower dead, she won’t forgive me easily, alas!”

“Qin, do you think… is there any way to save this spirit plant?” Huangfu Qi looked at Qin Ming with hopeful eyes.

Qin Ming was troubled. This Flame Heart Seven-leaf Flower was a true second-tier spirit plant, not in the same league as the Golden Sun Tree. He still had his final ‘Regeneration Spirit Seed’ skill, but he was reluctant to use it here.

But if he refused, Huangfu Qi—a dignified Foundation Establishment cultivator—had already lowered himself so much. If he offended him, he might face serious consequences.

Qin Ming sighed inwardly:

Ah, cursed love!

“Senior Huangfu, this Flame Heart Seven-leaf Flower is a second-tier spirit plant; my abilities are limited…” Qin Ming began, trying politely to decline.

Before he could finish, Huangfu Qi interrupted him, speaking earnestly, “If you can help me with this, I’ll owe you a favor. As long as it’s not an excessive request, you can ask me anytime.”

Upon hearing this, Qin Ming’s spirits lifted!

“Ahem—though my abilities are limited, I will do my utmost to try and revive this spirit plant!” he replied firmly.

Huangfu Qi smiled with delight. He dared entrust such an important matter to Qin Ming because, before coming, he had heard from Gu Qingzhao that Qin Ming had purchased spirit seeds and was already cultivating second-tier spirit plants. He must have confidence in his abilities.

After thinking for a moment, Qin Ming said, “Senior Huangfu, I’ll take this spirit plant with me. It may take some time, but once it’s revived, I’ll return it to you.”

“Why not stay in the guest room of my cave? Someone will take care of your needs; no need to take it away,” Huangfu Qi suggested, somewhat hesitant.

Qin Ming insisted, “Senior Huangfu, you know I have several acres of spirit herbs in my own field that need tending. I really can’t be away for too long.”

Huangfu Qi considered for a moment and agreed to Qin Ming’s request.

Soon after, Qin Ming left the cave, carrying the Flame Heart Seven-leaf Flower. He had weighed the pros and cons carefully. The skill could always be refreshed, but securing a favor from a mid-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator was worth it.

At the foot of Cloud Dream Mountain, Huang Xishan saw Qin Ming coming out, holding a flowerpot.

He asked, “Qin, how did your talk with Senior Huangfu go?”

“Not bad,” Qin Ming replied vaguely.

Huang Xishan’s heart tightened; he couldn’t help but envy, “I never thought Senior Huangfu would value you so much. You’re sure to soar to greater heights! Don’t forget to lend a hand to your old friend when the time comes!”

…

Soon after, the two activated their flying artifacts and returned to the Qingyang Market.