Guu Qingzhao hesitated for a moment after seeing Qin Ming, and then said.

"Rather than that, Fellow Daoist Qin, why not join them in co-funding the alchemy instead? The materials you have qualify for it."

"I can help with introductions."

Upon hearing this, Qin Ming furrowed his brow slightly, contemplated for a long time, and asked, "I wonder what Master Sunx Jinnian's success rate and quality are for refining the Foundation Establishment Pill?"

"It's roughly around thirty percent, and if luck is on our side, up to forty percent. Master Sunx, being a Tier Two High-Grade Alchemist, already has a relatively high success rate," Guu Qingzhao explained.

"As for the quality of the pills, there may be rare occasions when one or two High-Grade Foundation Establishment Pills are produced, but the odds are very low."

Upon hearing this, Qin Ming felt the risk was too high and not very stable.

If it fails, all the materials accumulated over the years would go to waste.

Besides, his original goal wasn't the ordinary quality Foundation Establishment Pill; at the very least, it should be at the High-Grade Level. Of course, a Top-Grade Foundation Establishment Pill would be even better.

Even if the pill is successfully refined through co-funding, distribution is still a problem, as he wouldn't have control.

At that time, Master Sunx would undoubtedly take a share as commission.

In the best-case scenario, he could only receive one pill.

Considering his aptitude, a single Foundation Establishment Pill wouldn't be very reassuring.

Weighing the pros and cons, Qin Ming decided to retain control himself.

"Fellow Daoist Guu, I've thought about it and decided to refine the Foundation Establishment Pill on my own."

"Have you heard who holds the primary material, Jade Marrow Mushroom?" Qin Ming expressed his decision and then asked.

Guu Qingzhao smiled faintly upon hearing this, as if he expected Qin Ming's decision.

"I've already investigated the situation. The primary material for refining the Foundation Establishment Pill, Jade Marrow Mushroom, is in the hands of Shen Family's Clan Leader Shen Yuanxiong in the west of the city."

"Shen Yuanxiong is an Early-stage Foundation Establishment Cultivator, likely initiating the material co-funding for alchemy to acquire Foundation Establishment Pill for his family's descendants."

Qin Ming felt quite puzzled: "I wonder how Shen Yuanxiong came into possession of the Jade Marrow Mushroom?"

"It's said his ancestor was once an Elder in the Divine Herbal Sect, who made remarkable contributions during his tenure and was bestowed several treasures by the sect, among which was the Jade Marrow Mushroom."

"After suffering severe injuries and breaking the foundation of his Immortal Path, he settled in Vast Sea Immortal City and established his family lineage."

"When Shen Yuanxiong established his foundation, the Foundation Establishment Pill used was also acquired through co-funding and refining materials, including the Jade Marrow Mushroom, over a decade ago."

"I truly didn't expect he still has more than one piece of Jade Marrow Mushroom," Guu Qingzhao said slowly.

Upon hearing this, hope arose in Qin Ming's heart.

So he asked her, "Fellow Daoist Guu, are you familiar with the Shen Family? If possible, could you introduce me?"

Guu Qingzhao contemplated briefly and replied:

"The Shen Family is a Talisman-Making Family that collaborates with our Mirror Snow Pavilion, so naturally I can make introductions for Fellow Daoist Qin."

"However, whether you can acquire the Jade Marrow Mushroom next will be up to fate."

"After all, Shen Yuanxiong is co-funding materials for alchemy and is unlikely to easily sell the Jade Marrow Mushroom he possesses."

Qin Ming nodded, and then he followed Guu Qingzhao out of Mirror Snow Pavilion, heading towards the Shen Family in the inner city's west.

A stick of incense later.

Guu Qingzhao led Qin Ming to the entrance of the Shen Family's mansion.

After the doorman went in to announce their arrival,

The main gate opened, and out came an elderly man, stocky and richly dressed, with Early-stage Foundation Establishment cultivation.

He greeted them warmly and bowed to Guu Qingzhao, "So it's Pavilion Master Guu, an honored guest! Please come inside."

It seems this man is Shen Yuanxiong.

Shen Yuanxiong also glanced at Qin Ming. He had never seen a young male cultivator accompanying the Pavilion Master of Mirror Snow Pavilion before, which surprised him.

"Who might this be?" he smiled at Qin Ming and directed his question to Guu Qingzhao.

With a calm expression, Guu Qingzhao said, "This is Fellow Daoist Qin, an Honorary Guest Elder of our pavilion."

Upon hearing this, Shen Yuanxiong immediately understood. However, such a young honorary elder mustn't be simple.

He greeted Qin Ming politely, "Fellow Daoist Qin, please come inside for a cup of Spirit Tea."

Then the two entered the Shen Family mansion.

But as soon as he entered, Qin Ming was taken aback.

Because at this moment, the Shen Family mansion was filled with more than twenty cultivators, most of whom were loose cultivators.

It appears these cultivators are gathered here for the co-funding alchemy effort.

Presumably, after the Shen Family's selection, only four or five would be left.

Shen Yuanxiong led them to a room, closed the door, and implemented a soundproof restriction, asking, "Pavilion Master Guu and Fellow Daoist Qin, I wonder if your visit today is related to the co-funding alchemy?"

Upon hearing this, Qin Ming candidly expressed his purpose to him and offered generous terms.

Upon hearing this, Shen Yuanxiong showed a difficult expression and only slowly spoke after a long pause: "Pavilion Master Guu isn't an outsider, I can speak frankly with both of you."

"Indeed, I have two pieces of Jade Marrow Mushroom left, but they are my last remaining stock."

"Let's just say if it weren't for my incompetent son, who finally attained Qi Cultivation Perfection, I wouldn't even consider selling them."

"All my hopes are pinned on it, so I can't allow any margin for error."

"Hence, I fear Fellow Daoist Qin may be disappointed."

Upon hearing this, Qin Ming furrowed his brow, contemplated briefly, and then resolutely said, "In that case, I'll make it clear, could Elder Shen part with one piece of Jade Marrow Mushroom for my alchemy?"

"After the pill is successfully refined, I can likewise share a Foundation Establishment Pill with Elder Shen."

Upon hearing this, Shen Yuanxiong's eyes widened in disbelief as he looked at Qin Ming and then at Guu Qingzhao beside him, "This... Pavilion Master Guu, could it be that Fellow Daoist Qin..."

"Indeed, Fellow Daoist Qin is also a Tier Two Alchemy Master," Guu Qingzhao nodded gently and replied with great assurance.

Only then did Shen Yuanxiong realize that he had underestimated the seemingly unremarkable Qin Ming.

So it isn't surprising.

"So, Fellow Daoist Qin is a Tier Two Alchemy Master, my apologies!" Shen Yuanxiong recovered from his shock and further asked, "I wonder if Fellow Daoist Qin has previously refined a Foundation Establishment Pill?"

Upon hearing this, Qin Ming calmly replied, "Not yet, primarily due to a lack of spiritual materials."

"However, Elder Shen, rest assured, I am very confident in refining the Foundation Establishment Pill."

Guu Qingzhao also vouched, "I can assure you of this point; Fellow Daoist Qin has successfully refined even the challenging Youthful Appearance Pill among Tier Two pills."

Upon hearing this, Shen Yuanxiong was stunned. Since he's never refined it, how could he be so confident?

Furthermore, seeing that Qin Ming was only at Late-stage Qi Cultivation, young in age, this was the first he'd heard of him, causing him some doubt about his alchemical skills.

It seems he's a newly risen Tier Two Alchemist, somewhat overconfident.

With this thought, Shen Yuanxiong had already made up his mind.

Even with Pavilion Master Guu's assurance, he couldn't take risks with his family's Immortal Path.

After contemplating for a while, he still replied apologetically, "I'm really sorry, I have already made an agreement with Master Sunx Jinnian, all of the Jade Marrow Mushroom must be entrusted to him for refinement."

Upon hearing this, Qin Ming was greatly disappointed.

It seemed the other party still didn't trust him, but this was quite normal.

"Hmm... But, I still have one more piece of Jade Marrow Mushroom, though its spirituality is severely damaged and its medicinal power insufficient..."

"I wonder if Fellow Daoist Qin can make use of it; if needed, I could sell it to you."

Originally ready to leave in disappointment, Qin Ming was surprised by this turn of events.

His eyes lit up immediately, and he eagerly said:

"Indeed!"

Shen Yuanxiong nodded and then took out a long jade box from his storage pouch, lifting its seal.

A Lingzhi, like emerald, crystal clear and translucent, appeared before Qin Ming's and Guu Qingzhao's eyes.

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