Chapter Sixty-Seven: A Treacherous Situation

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After Qin Ming returned to the market district, he immediately used the “Regenerative Spirit Seed” entry to revive the pot of Flameheart Seven-leaf Flower. More than ten days later, he returned the spirit flower to Huangfu Qi. Huangfu Qi was both delighted and astonished that Qin Ming had truly revived the flower, and his estimation of Qin Ming rose significantly. For this, Qin Ming gained the favor of a cultivator at the mid-Foundation Establishment stage—a favor that could very well save his life in a critical moment. As for how he might use this favor, he had yet to decide. Huangfu Qi also promised that he could request it at any time.

Meanwhile, Qin Ming’s dealings with Gu Qingzhao became increasingly frequent. The Spiritual Gathering Pills he refined became bestsellers at the Juxuan Pavilion, for his pills were of noticeably higher quality than those elsewhere. Several months later, inside his humble alchemy room in the shantytown, Qin Ming succeeded in producing a batch of top-grade Marrow-cleansing Pills. This marked his official entry into the ranks of top-grade alchemists. Having learned from his previous mistake, he did not share this news with anyone for the time being.

Relying on the alchemy notes left by Su Yuqing, Qin Ming also discovered a pill formula superior to the Spiritual Gathering Pill—the top-grade “Spirit-nurturing Pill,” which was the finest pill he had encountered so far for enhancing cultivation during the Qi Refinement stage.

Time slipped by in the blink of an eye, and another half-year passed.

One day, as usual, Qin Ming went to tend his spiritual field. “Second-rank spirit plants really do grow slowly!” This time, he was cultivating second-rank spirit plants without relying on the “Accelerated Growth” entry, depending solely on his own experience to nurture them. The record keeper from the Linyu Sect would also occasionally come by to document the growth progress. Qin Ming was confident he could succeed, yet the lengthy growth cycle of these plants left him waiting in anxious anticipation.

As usual, he prepared to cast Advanced Spirit Rain over the field. But his sharp eyes soon noticed a cluster of tender green seedlings breaking through the soil! Simultaneously, four golden entries appeared before his vision.

[Name]: Five-colored Rice [Entry]: Spell Replication X1 (Maturity 2%)
[Name]: Five-colored Rice [Entry]: Vitality Crystal X5 (Maturity 1%)
[Name]: Red-silver Hemp [Entry]: Quality Enhancement X5 (Maturity 1%)

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[Name]: Red-silver Hemp [Entry]: Minor Longevity X5 (Maturity 2%)

[Spell Replication]: After use, you may replicate and store any spell cast in front of you, but it may only be used once in its entirety.
[Vitality Crystal]: Contains an immense power of blood and vitality.
[Minor Longevity]: After use, extends lifespan by ten years.

Qin Ming gazed at these entries, his heart brimming with excitement! Even lifespan could now be increased! “If more longevity entries appear in the future, immortality might truly be within reach!”

Suppressing his inward delight, Qin Ming began to fertilize and water the spiritual field. He toiled for most of the day before everything was in order. Upon returning home from the field, he received a transmission talisman from Manager Liao.

“Fellow Daoist Qin, the situation has changed recently. The Pavilion Master wishes to meet you in person.”

Frowning, Qin Ming wondered, “What has happened now?”

Half an incense stick’s time later, Qin Ming hurried to the Juxuan Pavilion and went straight to the seventh-floor private room.

“Fellow Daoist Qin, please have some tea.” Gu Qingzhao’s usually cold features were graced for once with a gentle smile, making her quite striking.

Qin Ming accepted the cup, took a light sip, and, without wasting words, asked directly, “Fellow Daoist Gu, is there any new development?”

Gu Qingzhao raised a hand and cast a soundproofing barrier before speaking unhurriedly, “Indeed. With the combined efforts of the Linyu Sect and Golden Cloud Valley, the frontline camps of both sects breached the barbarian tribe’s stronghold just yesterday.”

“Does this mean that the third-rank spirit vein has fallen into the hands of the two sects?” Qin Ming was genuinely surprised by the news. He hadn’t expected that the two sects, with the help of many expendable rogue cultivators, would ultimately defeat the barbarian tribe. After all, a third-rank spirit vein was enough to nurture a Golden Core cultivator—an unimaginably great temptation.

Gu Qingzhao nodded gently, “Yesterday, as soon as the two sects secured the spirit vein, they gained immense benefits. It’s said that rare spiritual herbs and materials were as plentiful as ox hair, several high-quality spirit stone mines were discovered, and even a complete ancient ruin was found.”

“Just at the outskirts of the ruin, Foundation Establishment resources such as Celestial Fire Spirit Liquid were discovered.”

“Most likely, the two sects will now focus on dividing the spoils and recruiting more people to explore the ruin further.”

As Qin Ming digested this news, he couldn’t help but ask, “It’s rare for two sects to remain so composed in the face of such massive profit. Why hasn’t conflict erupted?”

“The current situation is far from simple. I summoned you here today to warn you not to be deceived by appearances,” Gu Qingzhao said. “According to reliable intelligence from our Mirror Snow Pavilion, it is likely that a far greater upheaval is soon to occur in the Wilds of Yunzhe. Even our Mirror Snow Pavilion has postponed the opening of our Yunzhe Immortal City branch and is preparing to withdraw.”

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Gu Qingzhao’s expression was solemn as she offered this warning to Qin Ming. He could sense her genuine concern and felt a warmth in his heart. He clasped his hands in gratitude, “Thank you for your warning, Fellow Daoist Gu.”

At the same time, he was deeply shocked. He had not expected that even a powerful force such as the Mirror Snow Pavilion would choose to abandon their enterprises and retreat, unwilling to be drawn into the troubles that lay ahead. Clearly, the situation was far more complicated than he had imagined. He pondered inwardly, already making his own plans.

Afterward, they conversed for a while longer. Qin Ming then took his leave, escorted by Gu Qingzhao. With a heavy heart, he replayed her warning in his mind as he walked, a sense of urgency rising within him.

Ten days later, Qin Ming was watering the two acres of medicinal fields in his courtyard.

Knock, knock, knock!

There was a rapping at the courtyard gate. Qin Ming put away his spell and peered through the crack—only to see that it was his neighbors, all of whom had come together.

He quickly opened the door and invited them in.

“My, Fellow Daoist Qin, your spirit plants are flourishing as never before!” As soon as Alchemist Yan entered, his gaze was drawn to the lush medicinal fields, where spirit bees flitted among the vibrant spiritual herbs—a scene brimming with vitality. His envy was barely concealed.

“Heh, Fellow Daoist Qin is truly a remarkable man,” Lin Zixiao said with a smile, greeting Qin Ming.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Qin Ming wondered why they had all come to see him so suddenly. Before he could ask, Huang Xishan stated their purpose.

“Fellow Daoist Qin, what I am about to tell you is of great importance. You must keep it to yourself and never speak of it lightly.”

“Ten days ago, the Linyu Sect and Golden Cloud Valley scored a decisive victory at the front, seized the third-rank spirit vein, and discovered an ancient ruin. Even at the outskirts, Foundation Establishment opportunities have been found!”

“At present, few in the market district are aware of this. We have come to invite you to join us in seeking fortune there. With our combined strength, we should stand a fair chance.”

Having spoken, Huang Xishan and the others turned to Qin Ming, awaiting his decision.