Chapter 66

Hu Fuqi's words had barely finished.

The eyes of all cultivators present shifted again to Qin Ming, filled with confusion.

The Jianxue Pavilion Foundation Establishment cultivator who had spoken to Qin Ming earlier wore a complex expression.

"Master Huangfu, this humble disciple's meager skills are unworthy of such praise—but if it falls within my ability, I am willing to try." Qin Ming was equally puzzled.

How could a full Foundation Establishment mid-stage cultivator possibly need help from someone like him?

"Hehe, no rush!"

"Today is Gu Qingzhao's joyous day—we'll speak privately after we've finished drinking." Hu Fuqi finished speaking and sat down on the chair beside Qin Ming.

Hu Fuqi gave off a far more approachable aura than other Foundation Establishment cultivators, showing no trace of arrogance even toward a lowly cultivator like Qin Ming.

Soon after, the serving maids behind them poured spirit wine for everyone.

Hu Fuqi even raised a cup and drank with Qin Ming himself.

Seeing the Guardian behaved this way, the Jianxue Pavilion members at the table began exchanging pleasantries with Qin Ming.

In an instant, the atmosphere at the banquet table became entirely different from before.

Qin Ming drank slowly, pondering Hu Fuqi's earlier words.

Huang Xishan stood beside him, sweating in embarrassment.

If not for his arrival, this meal would have been unbearable.

At the same time, Huang Xishan was inwardly astonished—never had he imagined Qin Xiaoyou hid such depth, even drawing requests from a mid-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator.

The sun dipped low, and the banquet ended.

The cultivators rose one by one, bidding farewell to Gu Qingzhao and leaving.

Qin Ming and Huang Xishan also took their leave of her.

"Qin Xiaoyou, please come with me to my cave dwelling for a brief talk—it won't take much of your time," Hu Fuqi invited.

Huang Xishan, looking slightly awkward, said to Qin Ming: "Then in that case, Fellow Daoist Qin, go speak with Master Huangfu first—I'll wait outside."

Qin Ming nodded and followed Hu Fuqi to his cultivation cave.

It was not far from Gu Qingzhao's cave, both located in the most spiritually rich areas.

Yet Hu Fuqi's style differed sharply from Gu Qingzhao's—his courtyard was filled with scholarly charm and the scent of ancient scrolls.

One might mistake it for stepping into a scholarly academy.

"Gu Qingzhao told me that when you advanced to Senior Spirit Planter, your trial was reviving the Golden Sun Tree?" Hu Fuqi asked as they walked.

Qin Ming paused, sensing what the other might be asking of him, then bowed respectfully: "Yes, Master Huangfu."

Hearing this, Hu Fuqi's face lit up with delight, his steps quickening slightly.

"That's excellent!"

He led Qin Ming to a back courtyard where a small plot of spirit herb field lay, filled with numerous spirit herbs and plants.

Lush and vibrant, clearly tended with exceptional care—all were high-grade spirit plants.

Even several second-rank spirit plants were present.

Qin Ming needed only one glance to know this was no ordinary cultivator's work—it was the painstaking cultivation of a master Spirit Planter.

He was startled—could this Foundation Establishment elder be a high-level Spirit Planter himself?

If so, why had he summoned Qin Ming? A cascade of questions swirled in Qin Ming's mind.

Moments later.

Hu Fuqi stopped at a corner of the herb field, pointing to a potted plant with a slightly embarrassed expression: "I'd like you to take a look—can you revive this spirit flower?"

Qin Ming stepped closer and saw a potted plant glowing crimson like flame, now wilted and barely clinging to life.

"Master Huangfu… this… aren't you a Spirit Planter yourself?" Qin Ming voiced his confusion.

Hu Fuqi smiled faintly. "Hehe, I am not—but my partner is a second-rank Spirit Planter."

He sighed, then explained the full story.

"It was my own negligence—before my partner left on an errand recently, she asked me to care for this pot of Flame Heart Seven-Leaf Flower."

"But a few days ago, I forgot to replace the spirit soil and water it with spirit spring water—and now it's like this."

"This flower holds immense meaning for both of us—it was our token of love when we first fell for each other, and we've nurtured it carefully ever since."

"If she returns and finds I've let it die, she'll never forgive me—alas!"

"Qin Xiaoyou, do you… have any way to save this spirit plant?" Hu Fuqi gazed at Qin Ming with hopeful eyes.

Qin Ming was equally frustrated—this Flame Heart Seven-Leaf Flower was a true second-rank spirit plant, far beyond the Golden Sun Tree in rank.

Though he still had one remaining 【Regenerative Spirit Seed】 term, he didn't want to waste it here.

But if he refused, Hu Fuqi—a full Foundation Establishment cultivator—had pleaded with him in such a humble manner.

What if he offended the man and suffered consequences?

Qin Ming could only sigh inwardly: Ah—this damned love!

"Master Huangfu, this Flame Heart Seven-Leaf Flower is a second-rank spirit plant—I currently have limited…" Qin Ming hesitated, trying to decline gently.

But before he could finish, Hu Fuqi interrupted him, speaking earnestly.

"If you can help me accomplish this, I, as Guardian, owe you a favor—any reasonable request, anytime, you may make it."

Qin Ming's spirits lifted instantly. "Cough—though this young man's abilities are limited, I will spare no effort to try and revive this spirit plant!" he replied with firm resolve.

Hu Fuqi broke into a delighted smile.

He dared entrust such a vital matter to Qin Ming because, before coming, he had already heard from Gu Qingzhao that Qin Ming had purchased spirit seeds and begun cultivating second-rank spirit plants.

That was why he had the confidence to act this way.

Qin Ming thought for a moment, then said: "Master Huangfu, I'll take this spirit plant with me for now—it may take some time. I'll return it once revived."

"Wouldn't it be better for you to stay in one of my guest chambers? Someone will attend to your meals and needs—you needn't carry it away," Hu Fuqi said hesitantly.

Qin Ming couldn't possibly stay here, and insisted, "Master Huangfu, as you know, I still have several mu of spirit plants in my spirit field that need tending — I really can't be away for too long."

Huangfu Qi considered briefly upon hearing this, then nodded and agreed to Qin Ming's request.

A moment later.

Qin Ming stepped out of the cave dwelling cradling that pot of Flame-Heart Seven-Leaf Flower.

He had weighed the pros and cons over and over again.

If the entry was gone, he could always farm it again.

Trading it for the favor of a great cultivator at mid Foundation Establishment — that was still quite the bargain.

At the foot of Yunmeng Mountain, Huang Xishan saw Qin Ming come out, still cradling a potted flower in his hands.

He couldn't help but ask, "Fellow Daoist Qin, how did your talk with Master Huangfu go?"

"It went alright, I suppose." Qin Ming answered vaguely.

Huang Xishan's heart gave a start at those words, and he couldn't help saying enviously, "I never expected Fellow Daoist Qin to catch Master Huangfu's eye — from now on you'll be soaring straight up, hehehe!"

"When the time comes, don't forget to give old me here a lift or two!"

……

Afterwards, the two of them activated their flight artifacts and headed back to Qingyang Market.

(End of chapter)