Chapter 124: Strategizing for Foundation Establishment

Qin Ming paused in surprise.

He hadn’t expected that the spiritual seed of spiritual energy Rice was something even the Mirror Snow Pavilion couldn’t obtain.

“No matter, then please help me gather the other items—I’ll find another way for the spiritual energy Rice.”

The middle-aged woman smiled slightly, nodded, then asked, “What requirements does Qin Keqing have for a second-rank defensive formation?”

“Our pavilion’s lowest-tier second-rank defensive formation costs no less than five thousand spirit stones per set.”

“A mid-tier second-rank defensive formation can withstand attacks from a Foundation Establishment mid-stage cultivator, starting at eight thousand spirit stones.”

“A high-tier second-rank defensive formation can resist a full-force assault from a Foundation Establishment late-stage cultivator, starting at ten thousand spirit stones.”

“Of course, as a customer of our pavilion, you receive an automatic twenty percent discount.”

Qin Ming thought briefly, then said, “I’ll take one high-tier second-rank defensive formation—the best you have.”

Safety is paramount; one must spare no expense.

On this point, Qin Ming would never hesitate to spend spirit stones.

The middle-aged woman’s face lit up, and she immediately agreed.

This month’s sales performance will rise significantly.

“Rest assured, Qin Keqing, I’ll arrange everything for you.”

“However, mobilizing these resources requires shipment from the upper-level warehouse. As a Keqing, you don’t need to go through formalities.”

“But it will take some time for the goods to arrive—about three days,” she explained patiently.

Qin Ming nodded. “No problem. I’ll stay in the marketplace these days. When the items arrive, just send me a message.”

Then,

he immediately asked, “Do you have any secret techniques for refining heavenly spiritual fire?”

“That’s unlikely—such techniques are usually kept as family secrets and rarely leave the inner circles. Our pavilion doesn’t carry them,” the middle-aged woman replied, surprised.

The conversation ended.

Under the shopkeeper’s respectful farewell, Qin Ming left the store.

He visited other parts of the marketplace, continuing to inquire about spiritual energy Rice seeds and secret techniques for refining spiritual fire.

But three days passed.

He still found nothing.

“If all else fails, I’ll have to choose another spiritual plant,” Qin Ming said with regret.

Since learning of this rice from Gu Qingzhao, he had hoped to cultivate it himself.

He also received a message token from the shopkeeper.

It must mean his purchased items had arrived.

Qin Ming returned to the Mirror Snow Pavilion, paid the spirit stones, and took possession of the high-tier second-rank defensive formation, the Shen Shen Tea, and the young Zijin Bamboo shoots.

His bag of spirit stones was now half-empty.

But,

Qin Ming believed he would earn them back soon.

The mid-tier second-rank spiritual plant Shen Shen Tea was an extremely rare variety of spiritual tea, capable of increasing magic power while slightly strengthening a cultivator’s spiritual sense—each liang of its leaves was priceless.

The mid-tier second-rank spiritual plant Zijin Bamboo was a primary material for forging top-grade magic treasures; its value was self-evident.

…

When Qin Ming returned to Wangyue Island,

he saw Wu Jiang directing a large group of skilled craftsmen constructing caves, pavilions, and towers atop the main peak.

He himself had taken on the role of overseer, with remarkable efficiency.

As the new master of the island, Qin Ming lacked someone to run errands for him.

Wu Jiang seemed quite capable for now.

Still, he planned to observe him longer before making a decision.

“Qin Dao You , you’re back!”

“I’ve followed your instructions and ordered the cave to be built in a minimalist style.”

“Once everything’s finished, it should take less than half a month,” Wu Jiang rushed over eagerly.

Qin Ming nodded with a smile—he was very satisfied with this efficiency.

Then he remembered something.

“Wu Dao You , I have a question—do you know where I might obtain the spiritual seed of spiritual energy Rice?”

Wu Jiang’s face showed surprise, then he replied, “Qin Dao You , you’re thinking of cultivating spiritual energy Rice, aren’t you?”

Qin Ming nodded. He hadn’t expected much.

“Hehe! To be honest, if you asked anyone else, you’d get nothing. But you asked me—you’re in luck.” Wu Jiang smiled mysteriously, then continued, “Do you remember Mo Lingwei, the Green Cloud Immortal?”

“Her ancestor was a second-rank spiritual cultivator who was the only one in the spiritual energy Archipelago to successfully cultivate spiritual energy Rice.”

“Though since that cultivator’s passing, no one has been able to grow spiritual energy Rice again.”

“But I’m certain the Mo family still holds onto its spiritual seeds—though you’ll need to speak with her directly about the details.”

Qin Ming’s spirits lifted upon hearing this.

He hadn’t expected this boy knew everything.

He praised Wu Jiang a few more times.

But,

he planned to visit Mo Lingwei only after the cave construction was complete.

…

Half a month later,

all the caves on Wangyue Island were completed.

With pavilions, towers, and terraces added, the island now had the proper appearance of a spiritual isle.

Qin Ming stood atop the highest pavilion on the main peak, gazing into the distance.

Snow-capped peaks loomed, green slopes and dark forests stretched below.

One side was a lush, verdant mountain; the other, a lake shimmering with rippling waters.

Looking down, the lake was broad, deep, and still, glowing like a sapphire. A few waterfowl glided across, leaving long white trails behind them.

The breathtaking scenery intoxicated the soul, as if one had stepped into a celestial realm.

Qin Ming had Wu Jiang settle the workers’ spirit stone payments, then handed him a hundred spirit stones as a bonus.

These past days had been exhausting for him.

He’d also provided many useful pieces of information.

Wu Jiang accepted the spirit stones, deeply moved.

After the cave was built, Qin Ming immediately installed the high-tier second-rank defensive formation across the main peak.

Now, unless a Jin Dan elder came to kill him,

no one could threaten him.

His sense of security was complete.

With everything ready, he could now cultivate his fields in peace.

Qin Ming chose a day and sent Wu Jiang to Canghai Xiancheng to deliver an invitation to Gu Qingzhao of the Mirror Snow Pavilion.

He invited her and Liao the Shopkeeper to visit the island, just to rest and get familiar with the place.

It was also a housewarming gesture.

Message tokens had limited range, and Qin Ming was busy reclaiming dozens of mu of mid-tier second-rank spirit fields beneath the main peak.

He could only send Wu Jiang as his messenger.

When Wu Jiang heard he was delivering an invitation to a major figure of the Mirror Snow Pavilion, he immediately took off without even asking for travel expenses.

Two days later,

Gu Qingzhao and Liao the Shopkeeper arrived on Wangyue Island.

Their first reaction upon entering the island was to be captivated by its breathtaking scenery.

Qin Ming opened the formation’s seals and welcomed them into the cave.

“Qin Dao You , you’ve truly made others envious—quietly becoming the master of an entire island!”

“With this environment, I wouldn’t even want to go back home, hehe!”

“Congratulations, congratulations!”

After speaking, Liao the Shopkeeper presented the gifts they had prepared.

Qin Ming gladly accepted and thanked them.

His reason for inviting Gu Qingzhao to the island was not merely for food and drink.

After three rounds of wine,

Qin Ming asked, “Gu Dao You , could you help me keep an eye out for the materials needed to brew a Foundation Establishment Pill?”

“Even auxiliary ingredients or spiritual plant seeds would help.”

Thank you to “20210301106610066548” for the 100 coins! Also thank you to all the Daoists who voted.

Also, after discussing with the editor, the novel will be officially released on June 1st.

(End of Chapter)