Chapter 363: Qingxuan

Qin Ming welcomed the two Ancestors into the room and brewed them spiritual tea.

Ancestor Qingxuan sipped the spiritual tea, then spoke slowly: "This matter ties back to the Ghost Disaster that occurred within our nation's borders, at Taihu."

"I assume you, Brother Qin, are already aware of it."

"At first, we thought it was merely a hidden ruin buried beneath the lake."

"But as excavation progressed, we discovered the lakebed was actually a sealed prison for countless ghostly entities."

"The ruin's seal had always been flawed, and after treasure-seekers breached it, all the sealed ghosts were released."

"The scale of the Ghost Disaster was so vast that even our sect struggled to contain it."

"So I reached out to our parent sect—Li Huo Palace—hoping for their aid."

"But who could have foreseen that in the past few decades, Li Huo Palace has been mired in war, reportedly even to the point where Nascent Soul Ancestors have taken the field themselves."

"They have no capacity to concern themselves with affairs in the Southern Wastelands."

Ancestor Qingxuan observed Qin Ming's reaction, then continued: "The Ghost Disaster is so severe that if not halted, not only Liang State, but the entire Southern Wastelands cultivation realm will be utterly destroyed."

"Lately, ghostly entities of Core Formation level have begun emerging."

"Alas, our Valley's Yuheng Elder encountered a late-stage Stage Three Golden Toad King just as it broke free during a purge."

At that moment.

The nearby Yuheng Ancestor also let out a long sigh and said:

"In that battle, had I not used a life-draining secret technique to escape, I would already be a pile of bones."

"Because of this, my remaining lifespan is less than five years."

Upon hearing this, Qin Ming deliberately feigned surprise.

Even though he knew some of the hidden truths, he could not alter the occurrence of the Ghost Disaster.

The Golden Toad King was merely Bai Gu's spiritual pet—and already so terrifying.

If Bai Gu himself were to awaken and appear, no one in the Southern Wastelands cultivation realm could stand against him.

Qin Ming was also pondering how to inform these two of this news, to prepare in advance.

The conversation reached this point.

Ancestor Qingxuan finally revealed the true purpose of their private visit: "We came not only to congratulate you, Brother Qin, but also to make a request."

"That is—could you assist Elder Yuheng in refining a longevity-enhancing elixir?"

Qin Ming was genuinely surprised. "If so, why not ask your Valley's Gong Sun Master to refine it?"

"Brother Qin, take a look and you'll understand."

Qingxuan handed Qin Ming an ancient, weathered elixir formula.

Qin Ming took it and immediately frowned.

"Shouguo Dan."

Qin Ming skimmed the formula and found its refinement difficulty truly substantial.

Yet as a Stage Three Mid-grade elixir, it grants the user a direct lifespan increase of eighty years.

Moreover, a cultivator may consume this elixir only once in their lifetime—a second dose yields no effect.

Eighty years of life is a lifeline for a Core Formation Ancestor nearing death.

"We showed this formula to Gong Sun Master as well. He has no confidence in refining a Stage Three Mid-grade elixir."

"Even attempting it would require at least a decade of meticulous research."

"But Elder Yuheng has only five years left—he cannot wait."

"Thus, Master Gong Sun Yang strongly recommended you, Brother Qin."

Qin Ming now understood. He held the formula, pondering for a moment.

In truth, his smooth Core Formation was partly due to Xuanxi Valley.

After all, the Core Formation elixir formula he used for his breakthrough was stolen from their scripture hall.

He had also taken many other Stage Three formulas.

This must be karmic retribution. He examined the formula and found its primary ingredient was precisely the "Sanjiang Huanhun Grass" he himself cultivated.

Qin Ming then tucked away the formula and said to the two:

"Since it is your request, Ancestors, Qin Mou will do his best to attempt it."

Upon hearing this, Qingxuan and Yuheng were overjoyed and thanked him: "Whether or not you succeed in refining this elixir, we two old men and Xuanxi Valley owe you a great debt."

"However,"

"Other spirit materials are manageable, but the primary ingredient for Shouguo Dan—the Sanjiang Huanhun Grass—has been extinct since ancient times. Our Valley is still gathering what little remains."

Qin Ming smiled slightly. "I won't hide it from you, Ancestor Qingxuan—I once acquired a single stalk of Sanjiang Huanhun Grass while traveling, at a black market."

"Truly? Hahaha!"

"That's wonderful!" Ancestor Qingxuan laughed heartily.

"It must be fate! Elder Yuheng, we made the right trip."

Next,

Qingxuan and Yuheng handed Qin Ming the spirit materials needed for the elixir, conversed briefly with him, then rose to take their leave.

Since they needed to return immediately to deal with the Ghost Disaster, Qin Ming did not try to detain them.

Wei Wuya and Nalan Xi, the two Core Formation cultivators, also bid Qin Ming farewell and departed in turn.

…

With this, all guests had left the island; every Core Formation elder had departed.

Wangyue Island returned to its former tranquility.

At that moment,

Gu Qingzhao appeared before Qin Ming and handed him a red booklet.

She smiled faintly. "Ancestor Qin, here is the complete list of congratulatory gifts from this grand ceremony."

Qin Ming took the gift registry from her and smiled. "Brother Gu, you've worked hard."

"Ancestor Qin, no need for formalities. Hosting this Core Formation ceremony has greatly benefited our Mirror Snow Pavilion," said Gu Qingzhao.

Qin Ming observed Gu Qingzhao's cultivation base—she had reached Foundation Establishment's late stage.

Yet she was still far from attempting Core Formation.

He took out a vial of Yuxuan Pills from his storage pouch and handed it to her. "This is a small token from me—please don't refuse."

Gu Qingzhao paused in surprise, then gently reached out and accepted the Yuxuan Pills. "Then I shall not be so rude—thank you, Ancestor Qin."

"We've cooperated for so many years—no need to be formal, hehe."

Afterwards, Gu Qingzhao bid Qin Ming farewell, preparing to return to Canghai Xiancheng.

As she turned to leave, she suddenly faced him again and said:

"Ancestor Qin, after this, I plan to leave for external trials, seeking a chance to achieve Core Formation."

"Once I depart, I do not know when we might meet again. I hope you take care."

Qin Ming had not expected Gu Qingzhao to make such a decision.

He still had one Core Formation Pill left—but he could never dare sell it now.

If this mysterious Core Formation Pill appeared in the outside world, no one needed to guess—Li Huo Palace would dig into it relentlessly.

'Alas, this woman must have been spurred by my Core Formation to make such a reckless choice.'

'After all, back at Qingyang Market, I was merely a Qi Refining cultivator, while she had already reached Foundation Establishment.'

'Now, decades later, I am a Core Formation True Person, and she remains stuck in Foundation Establishment—our positions have reversed.'

Qin Ming could only say: "Since your resolve is firm, Qin Mou wishes you long-lasting cultivation. If you need anything, do not hesitate to ask."

Afterwards,

Qin Ming also escorted Gu Qingzhao out of Wangyue Island.

(End of Chapter)