As soon as Huangfu Qii finished speaking,
the cultivators present shifted their gaze to Qin Ming, all filled with curiosity and confusion.
The Foundation Establishment cultivator from Mirror Snow Pavilion who had spoken to Qin Ming earlier showed a complex expression.
"Elder Huangfu, this junior dares not claim any skill, but if it’s within my ability, I’m willing to try to help." Qin Ming was also puzzled.
What could a mid-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator possibly need from him?
"Haha, no rush!"
"Today is Qingzhao’s joyous day, we’ll talk in private after we finish our drinks." Having said this, Huangfu Qii sat down in the chair next to Qin Ming.
Unlike other Foundation Establishment cultivators, Huangfu Qii gave off a more approachable vibe, not putting on the airs of a Great Cultivator even with low-tier cultivators like Qin Ming.
Subsequently, the maid behind him poured spirit wine for everyone.
Huangfu Qii even initiated a toast with Qin Ming.
Seeing the Guardian behave in such a manner, the people from Mirror Snow Pavilion at the table also started chatting with Qin Ming.
For a moment, the atmosphere at the table changed completely from before.
Qin Ming drank while pondering over Huangfu Qii’s earlier words.
Huang Xishan, sitting nearby, was also feeling awkward.
If it weren’t for his presence, today’s meal would have been hard to endure.
At the same time, Huang Xishan was secretly amazed; he didn’t expect Fellow Daoist Qin to be so well-concealed that even a mid-stage Foundation Establishment high-level cultivator would have a request for him.
The sunset slanted to the west as the banquet concluded.
The cultivators left, bidding farewell to Guu Qingzhao.
Qin Ming and Huang Xishan also said their goodbyes to her.
"Friend Qin, please accompany me to my cave mansion for a discussion; it won’t take much of your time," Huangfu Qii invited.
Huang Xishan, feeling slightly awkward, said to Qin Ming, "In that case, Fellow Daoist Qin, discuss with Elder Huangfu first; I’ll wait outside."
Qin Ming nodded and then followed Huangfu Qii to his cultivation cave mansion.
It wasn’t far from Guu Qingzhao’s cave mansion, both located in the most spiritually rich areas.
However, Huangfu Qii’s style was completely different from Guu Qingzhao’s, with courtyard landscaping filled with a scholarly atmosphere.
If one didn’t know better, they might think they had walked into an academy.
"I heard from Qingzhao that when Friend Qin was promoted to a High-Grade Spirit Plant Master, you passed the assessment by reviving the Golden Sun Tree?" Huangfu Qii asked as they walked.
Qin Ming was taken aback, vaguely guessing what the other party wanted him to do, and then nodded respectfully, saying, "To report to Elder Huangfu, that is correct."
Upon hearing this answer, a hint of joy flashed across Huangfu Qii’s face, and his steps quickened slightly.
"That’s wonderful!"
He led Qin Ming to a backyard, where there was a small spirit medicine field filled with many spirit herbs and medicines.
The lush greenery was evidently well-cultivated, with impressive-grade spirit plants.
Even Tier Two Spirit Plants were abundant.
A glance was enough for Qin Ming to know that such cultivation was not typical but rather the work of a highly accomplished Spirit Plant Master.
He couldn’t help but be surprised, wondering if this Foundation Establishment elder was also a high-tier Spirit Plant Master.
What, then, was the purpose of asking him for assistance?
A series of questions swirled in Qin Ming’s mind.
After a moment.
Huangfu Qii stopped in a corner of the medicine field and pointed to a pot of spirit plant, asking a little awkwardly, "I would like to ask Friend Qin to help me see if this spirit flower can be revived."
Qin Ming leaned in to see that it was a spirit plant as red as flames but currently wilting, on the verge of death.
"Elder Huangfu...this..."
"Aren’t you a Spirit Plant Master?" Qin Ming inquired about his doubts.
Huangfu Qii smiled slightly, "Haha, I’m not, but my partner is a Tier Two Spirit Plant Master."
He sighed and explained the situation.
"It’s all my carelessness. Recently, before my partner left on business, they asked me to take care of this Flame Heart Seven-leaf Flower."
"As it happened, I forgot to replace the spiritual soil and water the flower with spiritual spring water in recent days, resulting in this state."
"This flower holds special significance for both of us as it was a token of our love when we first fell for each other, carefully nurtured till now."
"If she returns and sees I let the flower die, she wouldn’t spare me easily, alas!"
"Friend Qin, do you think... there’s a way to save this spirit plant?" Huangfu Qii looked at Qin Ming with hopeful eyes.
Qin Ming was equally troubled, knowing that the Flame Heart Seven-leaf Flower is a genuine Tier Two Spirit Plant, incomparable to the Golden Sun Tree.
Although he had one last [Regenerative Spirit Seed] entry left, he didn’t want to waste it here.
But if he refused, after all, Huangfu Qii, a mid-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator, humbly requested his help.
If he offended him and forfeited any opportunity for future favors, what would he do?
With no other choice, Qin Ming sighed inwardly:
Ah, this damn love!
"Elder Huangfu, this Flame Heart Seven-leaf Flower being a Tier Two Spirit Plant is somewhat beyond my current capability..." Qin Ming hesitantly tried to refuse.
But before Qin Ming could finish, Huangfu Qii interrupted him, speaking earnestly.
"If Fellow Daoist Qin can help me with this, I will owe you a favor as the Guardian, and as long as it’s not an excessive request, feel free to ask."
Upon hearing this, Qin Ming’s spirit lifted instantly!
"Ahem~ Though my skills are limited, I will certainly do my utmost to try and revive this spirit plant," he answered with firm determination.
Upon hearing this, Huangfu Qii showed a pleased smile.
He dared to entrust such an important matter to Qin Ming because, before coming, he had already heard from Guu Qingzhao that Qin Ming had purchased spirit seeds from her and had begun cultivating Tier Two Spirit Plants.
Presumably, he had some confidence in his skills to undertake such a task.
After pondering for a moment, Qin Ming spoke, "Elder Huangfu, I will take this spirit plant with me; it may take some time, but I’ll return it once it’s revived."
"Friend Qin, why not stay in the guest room at my cave mansion? Someone here can attend to your needs; there’s no need to take it away," Huangfu Qii suggested, slightly hesitant.
Qin Ming, however, was not inclined to stay and persisted, "Elder Huangfu, you also know that I have several acres of spirit plants at my spirit field that require attention, and I truly can’t be away for too long."
Upon hearing this, Huangfu Qii thought for a moment, nodded, and agreed to Qin Ming’s request.
After a while.
Qin Ming left the cave mansion, carrying the pot with the Flame Heart Seven-leaf Flower.
After carefully considering the pros and cons.
The entries can always be reused.
In exchange for a favor from a mid-stage Foundation Establishment great cultivator, it was quite an advantageous deal.
At the foot of Yunmeng Mountain, seeing Qin Ming emerge with a pot in hand, Huang Xishan couldn’t help but ask, "Fellow Daoist Qin, how did your discussion with Elder Huangfu go?"
"Not too bad." Qin Ming answered slightly evasively.
Upon hearing this, Huang Xishan felt a twinge of envy, remarking, "I didn’t expect Fellow Daoist Qin would be held in such regard by Elder Huangfu; seems like your future is on the rise, hehe!"
"When the time comes, don’t forget to lend your old brother a hand!"
...
Afterward, the two of them summoned their flying magical artifacts to return to Qingyang Market.