The next day.

Qin Ming continued to cultivate for half a day, consolidating his cultivation.

At 5 p.m.

Qin Ming came to Juxuan Pavilion once again.

"Fellow Daoist Qin! You... have you broken through to the Qi Cultivation Fifth Layer?"

"Congratulations! Congratulations, Fellow Daoist Qin, for advancing in cultivation, taking another step on the path of the Immortal Dao!"

Shopkeeper Liao had been eagerly awaiting, never expecting Fellow Daoist Qin to come again so soon.

About to be promoted by the Pavilion Master, he had been showing off in front of his colleagues in the pavilion these past two days, truly feeling triumphant, always thinking of this nobleman, Qin Ming.

But unexpectedly, upon seeing Fellow Daoist Qin again, the other party's cultivation had broken through once more...

Wait!

A thought flashed through Shopkeeper Liao's mind, and he suddenly realized something.

Fellow Daoist Qin was previously at the Qi Cultivation Fourth Layer, and in such a short time, he broke through to the Fifth Layer. Could it be... he successfully refined a Middle-Grade Spirit Pill?

'Does that not mean, Fellow Daoist Qin is not only a Middle-Grade Spirit Plant Master, but also a Middle-Grade Alchemist now?!'

"Shopkeeper, as agreed before, I've refined some pills to sell part to you." Qin Ming stated his intentions straightforwardly.

Upon hearing this, Shopkeeper Liao was overjoyed, "Oh, that's wonderful."

"I wonder if Fellow Daoist Qin successfully refined a Middle-Grade Pill yesterday?"

Though hopeful, Shopkeeper Liao couldn't help but ask, as breaking through to a Middle-Grade Alchemist is not so easy.

Many alchemists get stuck at this hurdle, sometimes for years, if not decades.

"Indeed, I've just succeeded." Qin Ming said nonchalantly.

"What?!"

Shopkeeper Liao was utterly stunned, even if he confirmed his suspicions, hearing Qin Ming personally admit it was still somewhat shocking.

'Fellow Daoist Qin, being so young and breaking through to a Middle-Grade Alchemist, his alchemy talent probably rivals Master Su's, right?'

Thinking of this, Shopkeeper Liao couldn't help but shudder, immediately saying, "Fellow Daoist Qin, our Pavilion Master instructed that whenever you come, we must invite you to meet the Pavilion Master."

"Oh?" This time, it was Qin Ming's turn to be slightly surprised.

In his impression, Gu Qingzhao had always been aloof and detached from worldly affairs. Why would she suddenly wish to see him?

Subsequently.

Shopkeeper Liao led him upstairs, announced his arrival, and then left Qin Ming there alone.

Juxuan Pavilion, seventh floor private room.

Fragrant incense wafting subtly, the air was laced with a gentle fragrance.

Gu Qingzhao was still dressed in plain clothes, but this time, she was not engrossed in reading scripture, a rare occurrence.

She gracefully walked to the door to welcome Qin Ming into the elegant room.

"Fellow Daoist Qin, I apologize if I was neglectful before, I hope you don't mind."

Qin Ming raised his head to meet Gu Qingzhao's cool gaze, and noticed a trace of a smile upon her red lips.

The air was serene within the enclosed room, with bead curtains hanging by the window.

A man and woman sat facing each other across the table.

The lantern lights were faint.

Possibly just bathed, Gu Qingzhao exuded a scent of orchids and osmanthus, subtle yet lingering.

Her breath was fresh, her skin as smooth as jade, her graceful figure faintly revealed beneath the simple attire, exuding an enchanting allure.

Faced with such a captivating beauty, Qin Ming couldn't help but be impressed.

He couldn't help but think to himself, "What's this lady up to now?"

"I heard Fellow Daoist Qin has broken through to a Middle-Grade Alchemist?" Gu Qingzhao personally poured Qin Ming a cup of Spirit Tea, asking softly with a smile.

Qin Ming nodded, "Indeed, I've come to sell some pills and also to purchase spiritual materials."

Saying this, Qin Ming took out two bottles of Qi Condensing Pills and a bottle of Spirit Gathering Pills from his storage pouch, placing them on the table, each bottle contained five pills.

He originally wasn't in a hurry to sell the Spirit Gathering Pills but didn't expect to be greeted by Pavilion Master Gu Qingzhao herself.

So he decided to temporarily change his plan and showcase some of his strength.

After all, if Qin Ming wanted to access higher-level cultivation information and circles.

He had to demonstrate his value.

Gu Qingzhao opened the three pill bottles in front of her, carefully inspecting each one.

Her starry eyes grew increasingly bright, and she sincerely praised Qin Ming, "I didn't expect Fellow Daoist Qin to have such exceptional alchemy talent. Being both a Middle-Grade Spirit Plant Master and Middle-Grade Alchemist, dual skills at the Middle-Grade level, is quite rare within Qingyang Market."

"This Qi Condensing Pill, I can purchase for two hundred twenty-five Spirit Stones per bottle."

"As for the Spirit Gathering Pill, I can offer three hundred fifty Spirit Stones per bottle."

"What does Fellow Daoist Qin think?"

Gu Qingzhao's voice was as clear as a spring, and her every smile was dazzling.

The prices she offered were ten percent higher than the current market prices.

Qin Ming could feel that she was clearly showing goodwill.

"Deal."

"However, I would like to exchange all the Spirit Stones this time for several types of spiritual materials for refining Spirit Gathering Pills." Qin Ming agreed happily but quickly added.

Upon hearing this, Gu Qingzhao smiled revealing her pearly teeth, "Looks like Fellow Daoist Qin can already stably refine Spirit Gathering Pills."

"Spirit Gathering Pills are among the most challenging Middle-Grade Pills to refine, I suppose... did a master guide you, Fellow Daoist Qin?" She picked up the teapot again and gracefully poured Qin Ming another cup of Spirit Tea, subtly inquiring.

Qin Ming hesitated for a moment, then candidly said, "Indeed, this breakthrough to Middle-Grade Alchemist was thanks to the guidance of Brother Su."

As soon as he finished speaking.

Gu Qingzhao sank into brief contemplation, not even noticing as the teapot overflowed.

"Fellow Daoist Gu, the tea is overflowing." Qin Ming reminded.

Gu Qingzhao snapped out of her reverie, quickly setting the teapot down.

She took a silk handkerchief to wipe the spilled tea, looking slightly apologetic, she said: "I apologize, Fellow Daoist Qin."

She had just realized something and then inwardly chuckled, 'Fellow Daoist Qin must have withheld some truths previously, he hadn't told me the truth, if his relationship with Master Su was just ordinary, how could he have been taught alchemy skills, I'd underestimated Fellow Daoist Qin.'

After clarifying the crucial point, Gu Qingzhao decisively stood up, her attitude sincerely inviting, "I want to formally invite Fellow Daoist Qin to become an Honored Guest Elder of our pavilion, all the terms will be preferential."

"Of course, if Fellow Daoist Qin has any conditions, feel free to bring them up."

Qin Ming was taken aback by her words.

He hadn't expected Gu Qingzhao would directly extend an olive branch to him.

Qin Ming, after a brief thought, politely declined her offer, "Thank you for your kind offer, Fellow Daoist Gu, but I'm used to being free and unrestrained, not fond of ties, so I must decline the Honored Guest Elder position."

He harbored many secrets that required utmost caution, though now he had some self-preservation skills.

But if he were to encounter high-tier cultivators like those at the Foundation Establishment Stage, they could easily overpower him.

He also didn't want to be embroiled in the power struggles of these factions, wishing only to cultivate quietly for now.

"I hope to maintain our current cooperative relationship, I'll continue to sell pills and Spirit Rice at Juxuan Pavilion as usual." Qin Ming contemplated and stated earnestly.

Gu Qingzhao was somewhat at a loss, she hadn't expected Qin Ming to outright reject her without much consideration.

It was almost the same response as Master Su's back then...

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