Just then, Zhang Peng rubbed his hands together and said to Li Qingshan with some embarrassment, "Fellow Daoist Zhou, well... forgive me for asking, but could we trouble you to refine a batch of Purple Cloud Pills for us? They're second-tier, middle-grade pills that can advance our foundation establishment late-stage cultivation. We've prepared three sets of ingredients, and we understand the rules. However many pills you produce, we'll only take one batch, and we'll pay you separately for your trouble."
Li Qingshan looked troubled at this request. After a moment's deliberation, he said, "Fellow Daoist Zhang, Fellow Daoist Wan, it's not that I'm unwilling. I've only just broken through, and my cultivation hasn't fully stabilized. Besides, my alchemy skills are modest, and my success rate is low. I'm afraid I'd simply waste the spirit herbs you worked so hard to gather. Why don't we wait until my cultivation has stabilized? If you still trust me then, I can refine them for you."
His words were perfectly reasonable. He politely declined their immediate request while leaving the door open for the future, avoiding any offense.
After all, his current "persona" was that of a rogue cultivator alchemist who had just broken through and possessed only average skills.
Though Zhang Peng and his wife were somewhat disappointed, they understood and quickly replied, "That's quite all right. We were too presumptuous. We'll discuss it again when it's convenient for you, Fellow Daoist Zhou."
After a little more idle conversation, the three visitors took their leave.
Once he had seen his neighbors off, Li Qingshan returned to his cave abode, his thoughts stirring.
*The Golden Core Formation Pill... it looks like I'll have to find a way to get my hands on it! Even if I can't win it at auction, I need to