Gu Qingzhou chuckled lightly and explained, "It was my oversight; I forgot to introduce myself. I am Gu Qingzhou of the Luo Yi sect. I've come today to ask Sect Master Lin to draw some talismans for my sect."
Although Lin Qing's actions were often unreliable, as a cultivator at the Soul Transformation stage, his talismans were unmatched among the Five Immortal Mountains. Talismans were indispensable for improving pill-refining success rates.
Su Xi shook her head and gestured towards the entrance. "Master is out and doesn't know when he'll be back."
Gu Qingzhou nodded, took out a pill from his person, and handed it to Su Xi. "This is a second-grade pill. I hope when Master Lin returns, Junior Sister can pass on my regards."
Pills were divided into nine grades, from first to ninth, with higher grades being more difficult to refine. Ninth-grade pills could instantly lead to immortality. While second-grade pills might not sound high-ranking, each one was priceless and impossible to find on the market.
"Senior Brother Gu, you are too kind." Su Xi accepted the pill with a smile and turned back into the mountain gate.
The interstellar laboratory could not only synthesize pills but also decompose the components of any substance. She knew that Gu Qingzhou's immediate offering of such a precious pill was likely for ulterior motives. However, as she needed to improve her strength, she could only peel off the sugar coating of his candied pill and send the bullet back.
Gu Qingzhou watched Su Xi's retreating figure and couldn't help but lick his lips, his eyes filled with amusement.
Having encountered countless women, he could tell at a glance that Su Xi was different from the other women of the Five Immortal Mountains. Her pure and alluring aura was exactly what could ignite his deepest desires.
It was precisely because he had developed different thoughts that he had so generously offered the second-grade pill. To hook a fish, one must first cast bait.
While the pills he offered were genuine second-grade pills, they contained significant side effects. As long as Su Xi consumed them, she would undoubtedly have to seek his help in the future. Then, he could do as he pleased.
In the evening, Lin Qing returned from outside. Su Xi recounted Gu Qingzhou's visit and his request for talismans. She knew her master would not pass up any opportunity to make money.
As expected, upon hearing this, Lin Qing went into his room, took out some talismans, and handed them to Su Xi. "You can deliver these to them tomorrow. I have some matters to attend to and will be away for a few days."
Without any extra disciples, he had to handle many things himself.
Su Xi accepted the talismans, nodded, and returned to her room. Late at night, when the world was quiet, the fire poker that Su Xi had tossed aside on the ground began to emit a faint blue glow under the moonlight.
However, because Penglai Mountain was sparsely populated, no one noticed the fire poker's strangeness.
The next day, Su Xi, carrying the talismans, headed towards the Luo Yi sect.
The Luo Yi sect excelled in pill refinement. As soon as she reached the foot of the mountain, Su Xi caught a whiff of medicinal fragrance, and her heart stirred. With such abundant medicinal resources, she could use the laboratory to concoct some pills, and her cultivation would surely soar.
The thought of the astonished expressions on people's faces in the future made her smile involuntarily. She knew very well that if she wanted to steal, she first needed to understand the Luo Yi sect's situation.
So, she lit a communication talisman and waited for someone to come.
Soon, Gu Qingzhou emerged.
"I truly didn't expect Junior Sister Su Xi to be so efficient and deliver the talismans so quickly. Please come in." Gu Qingzhou smiled and led Su Xi inside.
Noticing Su Xi's appraising gaze, Gu Qingzhou enthusiastically introduced the basic situation.
With a guide to explain things, Su Xi was even less likely to refuse. Familiarity would facilitate matters.
Following Gu Qingzhou to the place where the talismans were to be exchanged, everything proceeded smoothly under Gu Qingzhou's arrangements.
Seeing Su Xi finish, Gu Qingzhou suddenly invited her, "Junior Sister Su Xi, are you free recently? I have something that requires your assistance."
"Assistance?" Su Xi blinked in confusion and asked, "What can I do?"
Her cultivation was only at the Qi Refining stage, practically useless. Why would Gu Qingzhou, a disciple at the Foundation Establishment stage, need her help?
Was this all a scheme, or was he genuinely seeking her aid?
Noticing Su Xi's scrutinizing gaze, Gu Qingzhou's smile became even more sincere. "Please don't worry, Junior Sister Su Xi. This matter is perfect for you..."
In a few words, Gu Qingzhou revealed his needs.
Upon hearing Gu Qingzhou's words, Su Xi felt a flicker of interest.
According to Gu Qingzhou, they had discovered a tomb secret realm. However, there were many spirits within the tomb that required a large number of talismans to suppress. And talismans were not cheap. With Su Xi's involvement, significant costs could be saved.
Gu Qingzhou saw the hint of interest on Su Xi's face and reached into his embrace, producing another pill, which he handed over. "Junior Sister Su Xi, as a show of sincerity, this pill will be a deposit. After the task is completed, I will ensure you receive your promised share."
Su Xi looked at another second-grade pill before her and took it, a smile gracing her lips. "Since Senior Brother Gu needs help, I naturally should do my best."
After she purified these pills, their effects would be even better.
She paid no mind to the talismans Gu Qingzhou requested. After all, Penglai Mountain had no shortage of talismans. There were still plenty in Lin Qing's room.
Gu Qingzhou heard Su Xi's reply and continued to flatter her, "I believe with the help of Junior Sister Su Xi, we will surely complete the mission."
"Then let's meet at the foot of the mountain in three days, and we'll head to the secret realm together."
"Alright." Su Xi agreed and turned to prepare.
Gu Qingzhou watched Su Xi's retreating figure, a hint of excitement on his face. His plan to kill two birds with one stone was nearing completion.
The more pills Su Xi consumed, the deeper her poisoning would become. Moreover, this poison was colorless and tasteless, and it would increase over time.
He had just noticed that Su Xi's cultivation had improved. There was no other reason for such rapid progress in such a short period besides his pills.
Furthermore, by eliminating Su Xi, he could gain the favor of Liu Piaopiao. It seemed quite worthwhile.
Time passed quickly, and on the third day, Su Xi arrived at the agreed-upon location as scheduled.
Gu Qingzhou and two other men were already there, engaged in pleasant conversation. They stopped talking as they saw Su Xi approaching.
"Junior Sister Su Xi has arrived." Gu Qingzhou walked over with a smile and introduced everyone.
Through Gu Qingzhou's introductions, Su Xi learned that these two were disciples of the Luosheng Gate and were brothers named Zhang Yuan and Zhang Liao. They were also preparing to venture into the secret realm for treasure hunting.
After hearing Gu Qingzhou's introductions, Zhang Yuan and Zhang Liao nodded at Su Xi, acknowledging her presence.
Being overlooked, Su Xi didn't pay it much mind. They weren't familiar with each other, so this was normal.
Gu Qingzhou took out several jade slips from his person and distributed them to everyone. "This contains basic information about the secret realm. Please familiarize yourselves with it first."