Chapter 38: Ye Pinghai

Returning to the small courtyard, half an hour remained before the scheduled time. Lin Tianming and Lin Shilu sat in the courtyard, sipping tea to pass the time.

"Kid, did you gain anything from your stroll around the market?"

"Yes, Fifteenth Uncle. I bought some spiritual herbs that the family supply doesn't have. They are for alchemy. Today, I got to see many treasures in the market, which are far beyond what we have in Luoyun Market. It's truly a paradise for cultivators. Once the family grows stronger, we should expand our business here. With proper management, the gains will be significant."

"Indeed. Our family's foundation is too shallow. For nearly a century, our situation has worsened, barely surviving in Luoyun Mountain Range. How we long to strengthen our family business. Ye Pinghai is a second-tier alchemist, and he's young, about the same age as me. He's already at the late Foundation Establishment stage and a mid-tier second-rank alchemist. His talent is not low, and he has a good chance of reaching the Core Formation stage. When you meet him, be respectful and don't offend him. You are the hope of our family's rise, so remember to cultivate diligently and reach Foundation Establishment soon to help alleviate the family's pressure."

Lin Tianming agreed earnestly, and they continued chatting idly.

"It's about time. Let's head out now."

"Yes!"

Lin Shilu stood up and left the courtyard, with Lin Tianming following behind, heading towards the western district of the market.

In less than a quarter of an hour, they passed through numerous cultivators' residences and arrived at a wide street in the western district.

In their line of sight, a magnificent building stood out prominently, with a grand signboard bearing the three characters "Yingbin Pavilion" in an imposing script.

The two of them walked into Yingbin Pavilion, where the first floor was bustling with cultivators, mostly at the Qi Refining stage, chatting loudly in small groups.

Upon seeing them enter the hall, a Qi Refining fourth-layer servant hurriedly approached them, respectfully asking,

"Senior, are you here for a reservation or an invitation?"

"We're here by invitation from Ye Pinghai. Is Senior Ye here yet?"

The servant, hearing this, became even more respectful, inwardly filled with envy.

Ye Pinghai was well-known in Qianchuan Market, not only for his late Foundation Establishment stage cultivation but also for being a mid-tier second-rank alchemist. Apart from Core Formation experts, Ye Pinghai was one of the few second-rank alchemists, highly respected. Many sought his help, and these two being invited by him were certainly not ordinary.

"Please follow me. Senior Ye has already arrived and is waiting in a private room on the second floor."

Following the servant, Lin Tianming and Lin Shilu ascended to the second floor. Unlike the bustling first floor, the second floor was much quieter, with each room being a private chamber. The luxurious decorations in the corridor made Lin Tianming think that a meal here must be quite expensive.

After passing through several corridors, the three of them stopped at the entrance of a private room in the depths of the second floor.

The servant respectfully said,

"Senior Ye is waiting inside. Please go in. I will be outside if you need anything."

Lin Shilu, satisfied, tossed three spirit stones to the servant. The servant, delighted, accepted the spirit stones and bowed in gratitude. Three spirit stones were a considerable amount for a low-level cultivator like him, relying heavily on tips to supplement his meager earnings.

Lin Shilu then led Lin Tianming into the private room, leaving the excited servant outside.

Inside the room, a blue-robed middle-aged cultivator with sharp eyebrows and a heroic aura sat at a round table. This was Ye Pinghai. The table was laden with over ten jade containers filled with delicious-looking food, and the room was filled with a tantalizing aroma.

Seeing them enter, Ye Pinghai stood up to greet them warmly, showing no airs of superiority.

"Friends from afar, I'm delighted by your visit. Please, have a seat. The food here is exquisite. Let's enjoy it while we talk."

Lin Shilu smiled and replied sincerely,

"I'm sorry for imposing, Ye Daoyou. It's a rare opportunity to meet. Later, I must toast to express my gratitude."

"This is Lin Tianming, grandson of my clan brother Lin Shigong. He is also a mid-tier first-rank alchemist. I brought him to the market specifically to meet you."

"Tianming, greet Senior Ye."

Lin Tianming bowed and said, "I've often heard my grandfather speak highly of Senior Ye. It's an honor to meet you today. Junior Tianming greets Senior Ye." Throughout the process, he remained neither humble nor arrogant, displaying calm composure.

"Well, it's been many years since I've seen Brother Shigong. I regret not having had the chance to meet him again. His grandson is indeed impressive. Please, have a seat."

Pleased with Lin Tianming's demeanor, Ye Pinghai took out two bottles of first-rank Spirit Yuan Pills from his storage bag and handed them to Lin Tianming as a greeting gift before happily inviting them to sit and pouring them drinks. He then cast a barrier spell to prevent eavesdropping.

"Brother Lin, it's been many years since we last met. Today, we must have a good exchange of ideas. Tianming, help yourself to the food. The spirit beast meat here is excellent and can enhance a cultivator's vitality, which will benefit your cultivation."

Lin Tianming nodded eagerly and, without hesitation, began to taste the delicious food. The tender spirit beast meat melted in his mouth, infusing his body with spiritual energy. It must have been high-grade first-rank spirit beast meat, and after a few bites, he felt his strength increase slightly. Though the effect was minor, regular consumption would undoubtedly be beneficial.

Raising his glass, Lin Tianming toasted Ye Pinghai, and the three of them drank together.

The spirit wine was potent, sending a fiery sensation straight to his mind. It was clearly not ordinary wine but likely brewed with high-grade spiritual herbs. Just one sip increased Lin Tianming's spiritual energy slightly. He considered that Ye Pinghai, being an alchemist, must have crafted this wine himself, and it was likely a treasured batch.

Lin Tianming's eating habits amused Lin Shilu, who couldn't help but feel a bit embarrassed, thinking the boy was somewhat disgraceful.

As Lin Shilu and Ye Pinghai drank and chatted, they exchanged insights on cultivation and discussed alchemy and crafting. Though they specialized in different fields, their discussions were highly enriching.

After enjoying several dishes and drinks, their faces flushed with the effects of the excellent spirit wine, they began to discuss the important matters at hand.