Chapter 203: Five Elements Spiritual Peach

In the private room on the seventh floor of Jingxue Pavilion.

Aside from Gu Qingzhao, Gu Tongshan, Huangfu Qi, and Qin Ming, everyone else had withdrawn.

During the banquet, cups clinked constantly; Gu Tongshan made no move to discuss serious matters, merely smiling and endlessly toasting Qin Ming.

Earlier, when they arrived, Huangfu Qi had secretly told Qin Ming that Gu Tongshan's strength was formidable—he ranked among the top three Foundation Establishment cultivators in the Wei Kingdom's cultivation world, even surpassing Wei Wuya by one position.

Qin Ming originally assumed that Gu Tongshan had traveled such a great distance to Canghai Xiancheng merely to invite him to join Jingxue Pavilion again.

But Huangfu Qi had privately informed him that Gu Tongshan had come specifically for Qin Ming.

Yet Gu Tongshan was well aware of Qin Ming's temperament—he had refused even Canghai True Person's invitation.

This first meeting was likely just an initial introduction, to become familiar with each other's faces.

Of course, it might also involve discussing potential cooperation.

After all, over the years, as an honorary guest minister of Jingxue Pavilion, their cooperation had been exceptionally harmonious.

Simply by bearing the titles of Second-Rank Superior Plant Master and Second-Rank Mid-Grade Alchemy Master, Qin Ming brought considerable profits to Jingxue Pavilion.

It was only natural that such a major figure of Jingxue Pavilion, even with a packed schedule, would come in person to meet him.

"Hehe! Since Brother Gu also enjoys fine liquor, I brewed some spirit wines during my idle time on Wangyue Island."

"Let's try some together."

Upon saying this, Qin Ming took out the two jars of Linghuo Wine and placed them on the table—they were originally intended as gifts for Gu Qingzhao.

Because he planned to ask Gu Qingzhao to help him with some matters soon.

"Oh? I didn't know Brother Qin was also skilled in winemaking, besides plant cultivation and alchemy—I must taste this." Gu Tongshan's sharp face showed a hint of surprise.

Without hesitation, he immediately lifted the seal off one of the jars of Linghuo Wine.

Instantly, a fragrant aroma, penetrating and intoxicating, struck deep into the souls of all present.

A white, misty vapor spread from the jar.

Merely smelling it created an irresistible urge to drink more.

"Excellent wine!" Huangfu Qi's spirit surged—he knew anything Qin Ming offered must be exceptional.

Qin Ming immediately poured one cup for each person at the table.

"Ah! Truly excellent wine—it actually enhances Foundation Establishment cultivation! Surely it's exceedingly rare?" Gu Tongshan sipped the Linghuo Wine and asked, "If it could be produced in large quantities, just this wine alone could earn a fortune in spirit stones."

Qin Ming naturally understood the implication—he had repeatedly refused invitations from all factions precisely to avoid becoming a tool, even for Jingxue Pavilion.

Wasn't it better being the chief of Wangyue Island?

"Hehe! Indeed, these jars were brewed accidentally out of sudden inspiration—I have no more left." Qin Ming replied.

Gu Tongshan nodded, as if expecting this answer, then turned to Qin Ming with eager eyes: "I see. Would Brother Qin be willing to part with these two jars? I am willing to pay a high price."

"These were meant as gifts for Sister Gu Qingzhao—I've come here seeking her help with some matters." Qin Ming smiled.

Hearing this, Gu Qingzhao's eyes brightened, her lovely face breaking into a smile as she teased Gu Tongshan: "Did you hear that, Second Uncle?"

"These Linghuo Wines are gifts from Brother Qin to me."

Gu Tongshan froze, then cleared his throat: "Cough! Give your second uncle one jar—you know I love this stuff."

…

After three rounds of toasts, Gu Tongshan finally said contentedly to Qin Ming: "Actually, I have another matter I'd like to discuss with you, Brother Qin."

Hearing this, Qin Ming set down his cup and listened attentively.

"It's like this: a plant cultivation family in the capital owes Jingxue Pavilion a large debt they cannot repay, so they offered several precious Second-Rank Superior plants as collateral."

"These plants are called the Five Elements Spiritual Peach Trees—they bear several Spiritual Peach fruits every eight years, enhancing the magic power of mid- to late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators and even extending lifespan. They are exceedingly rare, impossible to find on demand."

"But these plants require a highly skilled Plant Master to nurture them carefully; otherwise, not only will they fail to bear fruit."

"Even whether they survive at all becomes a major issue."

"I originally hired a Second-Rank Mid-Grade Plant Master from Shennong Sect to care for them."

"But after eight years passed, not only did the Spiritual Peaches fail to fruit, one tree died."

"I was furious!"

"That's why I've come here—to ask Brother Qin to come out of seclusion and help cultivate a batch of Five Elements Spiritual Peaches in the capital."

"As for terms—Brother Qin, name your price."

After speaking, Gu Tongshan looked at Qin Ming with hopeful expectation.

Qin Ming listened, then fell into deep thought.

To be honest, he was quite interested in the Second-Rank Superior plant—the Five Elements Spiritual Peach.

But to travel all the way to the Wei capital and stay there for eight or nine years? That exceeded his comfort zone. After long consideration, he replied: "Brother Gu, to be frank, I am interested in the Five Elements Spiritual Peach, but I still have many plants on Wangyue Island needing care—I can't leave right now."

Gu Tongshan showed a flicker of disappointment, but he could understand this outcome.

Yet Qin Ming's next words reignited his hope.

"If Brother Gu trusts me, you could transplant those few Five Elements Spiritual Peach Trees to my Wangyue Island."

"As for terms!"

"Once the first batch of Spiritual Peaches matures, I'll hand them all over to your Pavilion—but the trees themselves will belong entirely to me."

Gu Tongshan's face lit up at first, then he frowned uncertainly: "Brother Qin, but these trees have endured a long journey—can they even survive transplantation?"

"I've heard these plants are extremely delicate; slightest mishandling and they wither and die."

"And now you're asking to completely change their growing environment."

Qin Ming replied confidently: "Concerning the cultivation of these peach trees, Brother Gu need not worry—just send them to my Wangyue Island."

"That's right—I forgot that Brother Qin's plant cultivation skill is unmatched in the Wei Kingdom!" Gu Tongshan clapped his hands and laughed.

"But… these Five Elements Spiritual Peaches are extremely precious—could we negotiate your terms slightly?"

Qin Ming smiled faintly: "The Five Elements Spiritual Peaches do enhance cultivation and extend lifespan."

"But starting from the second fruit, their effects diminish—each cultivator can consume at most three."

"Though rare, their benefits are not limitless."

"How about this: I'll add another condition—every time the peaches mature, your Pavilion gets first refusal on five fruits."

Gu Tongshan pondered long—he knew that if these rare peach trees found no suitable Plant Master, they'd eventually rot in his hands.

"Hehe! Brother Qin truly deserves the title of Plant Master—you understand the Five Elements Spiritual Peaches inside and out."

He then looked at Qin Ming decisively: "Agreed!"

"I'll have my people deliver the peach trees to you as soon as possible."

Qin Ming immediately felt joy, raising his cup to toast Gu Tongshan.

He hadn't expected such a gain from this rare outing.

…

(End of Chapter)