Chapter 445: Young Master of the Qiu Family

"Indeed. Shen estimates that with Elder Zheng’s alchemical prowess, the later True Essence Pill and Essence Stabilizing Pill will pose no difficulty for him."

In Shen Xuan’s view, these ordinary Tier Two Spirit Pills are nothing special.

In Song Country, a standard Spirit Gathering Pill costs one hundred Spirit Stones.

Yan Country’s price is unknown, but presumably similar.

Even the most expensive Essence Stabilizing Pill is likely only three hundred Spirit Stones.

With Shen Xuan’s current alchemical expertise, he completely disregards them.

He is a bit puzzled.

Mu Ling’Er is particularly obsessed with Spirit Stones.

Given her background and status, it shouldn’t be this way.

But it’s normal for women to like Spirit Stones.

"Mu Immortal is a talented Array Master; surely she earns more than Elder Zheng!"

Shen Xuan said casually.

"How is that possible?"

Mu Ling’Er said indignantly, "Array formation jobs are inherently difficult to come by. Plus, I have to bear the material costs myself."

"Ling’Er can only take on array formation jobs for Loose Cultivators. She can’t even get jobs from Sects and Clans."

"They would rather hire Sect Array Masters at a high price!"

Shen Xuan glanced at Mu Ling’Er.

He thought secretly: If I were them, I wouldn’t hire you either.

With Mu Ling’Er’s habit of leaving back doors in formations and trespassing alone, any Cultivation Influence with a bit of power would steer clear.

Cultivation Influences value security and privacy more.

As for advising Pill Master Zheng, to Shen Xuan, it was just a casual favor, barely worth mentioning.

However, in Mu Ling’Er’s opinion, this was a True Inheritance of the alchemical dao.

She strongly urged Shen Xuan to go with her to shake down Pill Master Zheng.

"That’s improper!"

Shen Xuan hesitated.

At this moment, his status was that of an Early Stage Foundation Establishment Loose Cultivator.

Compared to Pill Master Zheng, who is Mid-stage Foundation Establishment, notably potent in combat, and accomplished in alchemy, Shen Xuan’s status is obviously inferior.

He should show respect and reverence for Pill Master Zheng.

"There’s nothing improper about it!"

"Shen Talisman Master, rest assured, this time, Ling’Er will stand up for you!"

After speaking, she even puffed out her already prominent chest.

...

Half a month later.

A flying ship carrying two men and one woman flew over King Lion Isle.

After Shen Xuan and Mu Ling’Er disembarked from the flying ship, Pill Master Zheng withdrew it.

Outside the Island Protection Array of King Lion Isle, there was a bustling scene.

Many Foundation Establishment Cultivators piloted flying ships, Spiritual Birds, or Magical Treasures, parked on the island’s beach.

Along the way, many people greeted Pill Master Zheng.

Pill Master Zheng politely returned the greetings.

Trailing behind, Mu Ling’Er said proudly, "I didn’t lie to you, Shen Talisman Master. Elder Zheng is still very respectable in this Starry Sea."

"Indeed!"

Shen Xuan agreed.

"Friends are just giving face!"

Pill Master Zheng said modestly.

"Back then, during the Starry Sea competition, I luckily entered the top ten."

"Top ten!"

Shen Xuan was shocked.

"Elder Zheng, in other words, you’re among the top ten in strength among the thousand Foundation Establishment Cultivators across more than a hundred islands in the Starry Sea?"

"Yes. However, many clan elders and patriarchs did not participate. It’s just a hollow title."

Seeing Shen Talisman Master extremely shocked, Pill Master Zheng felt quite pleased.

This person is straightforward and can be associated with.

The valve-controlled multi-nozzle pill refining method he acquired is indeed effective.

After Pill Master Zheng improved it, the pill success rate soared.

The difference from the previous one or two pills per furnace, often causing explosions, is like heaven and earth.

The pill refining stabilized at three pills.

No more explosions occurred.

This time, he came to King Lion’s Trade Fair.

He planned to purchase a batch of True Essence Pill and Essence Stabilizing Pill materials.

With his years of pill refining experience, having the valve-controlled multi-nozzle method, even the Essence Stabilizing Pill can be attempted.

Days ago, Mu Ling’Er brought Shen Talisman Master to knock on his door, openly demanding payment.

He immediately agreed, stating Shen Talisman Master wouldn’t need a single Spirit Stone, and promised to trade for three High-quality Creation Pills and gift them to him.

Shen Talisman Master refused multiple times.

To no avail, Pill Master Zheng was resolute.

"Does Shen Talisman Master look down on me! Just three High-quality Creation Pills, I can still afford them."

Seeing his sincerity, Shen Xuan reluctantly agreed.

Mu Ling’Er secured three High-quality Creation Pills for Shen Xuan and felt accomplished, immediately requesting three Ice Talismans.

After this matter, Pill Master Zheng’s attitude towards Shen Xuan noticeably improved.

Though that didn’t match the close bond with Mu Ling’Er,

He began to see Shen Xuan as a promising young peer.

Occasionally offering him some pointers.

...

After registering their identities, the three entered King Lion Isle.

Wei Family cultivators led the three to the venue of the trade fair.

This is the core area of King Lion Isle’s Wei Family.

It’s heavily guarded, with Foundation Establishment Cultivators from the Wei Family patrolling with clan enforcers.

Coupled with the Wei Family’s large array, security is very high.

Ordinary Foundation Establishment Cultivators dare not act recklessly here.

"Still, the Wei Family is formidable. They must earn a tremendous amount of Spirit Stones from this Foundation Establishment Cultivator’s trade fair held every three years!"

Mu Ling’Er said with envy.

All traders, whether buyers or sellers, need to pay a half-percent commission of Spirit Stones to the Wei Family.

The Wei Family has specialized appraisers to assess the value of traded Spiritual Objects.

The reason both buyers and sellers need to pay is that many cultivator trades are conducted through barter.

It’s still early.

The three greeted the Wei Family cultivators leading them.

Then they went to explore King Lion Isle’s market.

From the outside to the inside, from the shallow to the deep.

Along the way, the shops and vendors alongside the road sold increasingly valuable goods.

Mu Ling’Er enjoyed wandering around.

Occasionally, she haggled and purchased some pretty but useless trinkets.

Shen Xuan followed patiently behind.

There’s no chance of snapping up treasures in the shops.

He activated the Illusion-Breaking Spirit Eye Technique, scanning the Loose Cultivator vendors.

Undoubtedly, they were all rubbish.

A few slightly better Spiritual Objects were only Tier One Upper Grade.

To the current him, they were of no value.

After wandering around.

Mu Ling’Er was full of energy, while Shen Xuan was utterly bored.

"Now, even Tier Two Upper Grade Spiritual Objects have little effect on me!"

Shen Xuan thought to himself.

On the Loose Cultivator vendors, even Tier Two Spiritual Objects were hard to spot.

Occasionally seeing a few were all incomplete.

Even then, the prices were outrageously high.

"The Wei Family’s strength is no joke on King Lion Isle."

"If there’s anything good, the Wei Family cultivators would have taken it already."

Strolling along, stopping intermittently.

Upon arriving at the central business district, someone greeted Pill Master Zheng.

"Old Man Zheng, it’s been a while! How have you been?"

On the other side was a gaunt old cultivator with eyes sharp as an eagle’s.

Likewise around two hundred years old, middle stage of Foundation Establishment, Earth Cultivator.

"Old Man Li, you’re not dead yet?"

"Old Man Zheng, what nonsense are you talking about! Come, let me introduce you to Young Master Qiu Haoran from Qiuyue Island."

Behind him, a young gentleman in a brocade robe stepped forward and bowed.

"Qiu Haoran from Qiuyue Island greets Old Master Zheng."

"No need for formalities."

Pill Master Zheng returned the courtesy without offering much face to Qiu Haoran.

After all, he was the young master of the Qiu Family.

Generally, loose cultivators would prefer not to clash with cultivation clans.

"Who are these two?"

Qiu Haoran asked with a smile.

"Immortal Mu, Tier Two Array Master."

Upon hearing she was a Tier Two Array Master, Qiu Haoran’s smile became even more sincere.

"Immortal Mu’s beauty is peerless, her talent outstanding, Haoran is in awe!"

"Shen Fei, Tier Two Talisman Master."

Compared to Mu Ling’Er, Qiu Haoran’s attitude towards Shen Xuan was noticeably perfunctory.

"Master Shen, do stop by Qiuyue Island when you have time."

"Thank you, Young Master Qiu."

Qiu Haoran glanced at Mu Ling’Er, who wore a thin veil, and said to Pill Master Zheng with a smile: "There’s no need for formal invitations. How about I host the three of you for a few drinks at the tavern?"

Pill Master Zheng did not immediately answer but turned to ask Shen Xuan, "Master Shen, what do you think?"

Seeing Pill Master Zheng consult Shen Xuan, Qiu Haoran’s expression subtly changed.

Only then did he pay closer attention to Shen Xuan.

Early Stage of Foundation Establishment, Water Cultivator, Tier Two Talisman Master...

Still quite ordinary, no special traits noticeable.

The status of a Talisman Master is far inferior to that of a Pill Master and Array Master.

It’s no exaggeration to say that in the Cultivation Realm, even a cultivator at the Early Stage of Qi Cultivation can create a few talismans.

Shen Xuan respectfully said, "I follow Old Master Zheng’s lead."

He was mindful of positioning himself correctly.

Just a Foundation Establishment loose cultivator.

Following Pill Master Zheng to broaden his horizons.

"Since Young Master Qiu so warmly invites, let’s go and have a drink."

Pill Master Zheng said.

He didn’t consult Mu Ling’Er’s opinion at all.

...

Market Tavern, the best VIP private room.

Six people sat at the table.

Mu Ling’Er sat close to Shen Xuan.

Her breath smelled like orchids, a refreshing fragrance.

Across from them, next to Qiu Haoran was another middle-aged cultivator at the early stage of Foundation Establishment.

Mu Ling’Er communicated telepathically to Shen Xuan.

Li Old Man is named Li Chengjiang, similar to Pill Master Zheng, both were loose cultivators in the grand competition years ago at Starry Sea.

Ranked slightly lower than Zheng Ziyi, around thirty-something position.

Also considered skillful.

The newly arrived Foundation Establishment Cultivator is Qiu Haoran’s clan uncle Qiu Yushu.

Yet he looks like an old tree.

At the banquet, Qiu Haoran and Li Chengjiang both held great respect for Pill Master Zheng.

Even towards Mu Ling’Er.

They were rather polite.

No vulgar behavior such as getting lecherous after drinking.

Qiu Haoran remained very restrained.

Young Master of Qiuyue Island, closely nurtured by the clan, and surely surrounded by beauties.

Sons of noble families in the mortal world already have maids serving them.

To Qiu Haoran, a young and beautiful female cultivator is merely a cheap commodity.

Once they take off their clothes, there’s not much of a difference.

With just a wave of his hand, he could summon a dozen celestial beauties, all waiting in line for his favor.

Power is what people like him truly crave.

As long as one has power, what kind of female cultivator can’t be had!

His goal is to collaborate with Pill Master Zheng to refine pills.

Pill Master Zheng shared the same intention.

The two hit it off instantly.

Qiu Haoran facilitated the procurement of Spirit Gathering Pill, True Essence Pill, and Essence Stabilizing Pill materials and transported them to Chunfeng Island.

Once Pill Master Zheng refines the spirit pills, he’ll pay back the cost of materials with them.

The two reached an agreement to collaborate.

Mu Ling’Er explained to Shen Xuan.

Qiuyue Island is close to the mainland.

Trading with the merchant guilds in the Immortal City on land is much more convenient than for loose cultivators.

Large quantities and ample goods, with lower prices.

The loose cultivators of Starry Sea usually don’t wish to settle in the Immortal City on land.

Unfamiliar with the locale, they are easily preyed upon like fat sheep.

"Old Man Zheng, to what level has your alchemy Dao reached now? Spirit Pill materials aren’t cheap, don’t let it all go down the drain!"

Li Chengjiang laughed and reminded.

He’s well aware of Pill Master Zheng’s background.

Golden Cultivator, forcefully delving into the study of alchemy.

For over ten years, the pill success rate had been dismal.

No idea how many spirit stones were poured into it.

He’s suggesting Qiu Haoran to associate with Pill Master Zheng, primarily valuing his combat capabilities.

In the future, if the opportunity arises, recruit him to Qiuyue Island.

Though Qiu Haoran is the Young Master.

There are quite a few born of different mothers.

The position of Island Master won’t be secure until it is directly passed down.

Not to mention, the old Island Master has extramarital children outside!

"I can refine three pills from one batch of materials!"

Pill Master Zheng stated with pride.

Li Chengjiang was sipping spirit wine, but nearly spat it out on the spot.

"Poof!"

The spirit wine almost sprayed onto Pill Master Zheng’s face.

"What did you say! Three pills from one batch of materials?"

"That must be a rare occurrence!"

Li Chengjiang had an expression full of disbelief.

"Every batch yields the same!"

Pill Master Zheng glanced sharply and spoke coldly.

"No, Old Man Zheng, I was referring to Tier Two Spirit Pills, like Spirit Gathering Pills."

Li Chengjiang quickly clarified.

"Li Old Man, I was indeed referring to Spirit Gathering Pills."

Pill Master Zheng filled his cup with spirit wine and took a light sip.

The VIP private room suddenly became quiet.

Only the sound of Pill Master Zheng pouring and drinking echoed.