Longevity: Start Farming with Entries-Chapter 354 - 333: Black Talisman

Inside the room.

Qin Ming proceeded to examine several other jade scrolls of different intelligence levels.

It must be said, the intelligence-gathering capability of the Thousand Mechanism Pavilion is indeed quite sophisticated.

"I’ll take just these few."

Qin Ming selected a few pieces of intelligence he was interested in, without overdoing it, completely fitting his current identity of a Late-Stage Foundation Establishment cultivator.

So as to not reveal too much wealth and arouse unnecessary suspicion.

Initially, Shopkeeper Weii thought that this visiting cultivator might not have a high spending level.

After all, very few cultivators are willing to spend a fortune on high-grade intelligence.

To his surprise, the other party purchased several at once, making him regard Qin Ming with more respect.

Shopkeeper Weii’s calm face finally broke into a smile as he said, "Three pieces of First-Class Intelligence, and one piece each of Second, Third, and Fourth-Class Intelligence, totaling two thousand six hundred Middle-Grade Spirit Stones."

"Considering the number of pieces purchased at once, I can add an additional piece of Third-Class and Fourth-Class Intelligence for free."

"If you ever require anything else, please feel free to visit our store. We’ll ensure your satisfaction."

As a seasoned operator with many years of experience here, Shopkeeper Weii knew how to handle such matters.

Qin Ming took out the required amount of Spirit Stones and handed them to Shopkeeper Weii, then put away the jade scrolls.

The transaction concluded.

Qin Ming left the shop.

...

Next, following the map’s guidance, he arrived at the Mirror Snow Pavilion in the Spirit Ruins Market.

The iconic nine-floor building stood there, ancient and elegant.

This shop, being a branch of Mirror Snow Pavilion in the Great Jin, also stationed some resident cultivators to manage its operations.

Guu Qingzhao had arranged for Qin Ming to take on the identity of the new shopkeeper.

Qin Ming stepped into the shop, and was immediately greeted by an attendant.

"Welcome, senior, to our shop. We have a wide variety of cultivation resources available. What might you be looking for?"

"Summon the person in charge," Qin Ming demanded without any room for objection.

The attendant hesitated for a moment, but dared not disobey the Foundation Establishment senior before him.

A moment later.

An old man in a brown robe, with Early-Stage Foundation Establishment cultivation, descended from upstairs, looking sharp with a short beard.

"I am Jia Heyi. How may I assist you, fellow Daoist?"

"I would like to speak upstairs, please," Qin Ming replied straightforwardly, handing over his identity token and letter.

After verifying the items, Jia Heyi hurriedly bowed and said, "Greetings, Shopkeeper Lu!"

He then gathered all subordinates within Mirror Snow Pavilion.

"This is the new shopkeeper sent by the Pavilion Master. Quickly come and pay your respects."

"From now on, all pavilion matters will be at Shopkeeper Lu’s discretion."

Gathered in the courtyard, about twenty to thirty people stood in respect, bowing deeply to Qin Ming.

"Greetings, Shopkeeper Lu!"

Qin Ming, expressionless, casually waved his hand and said indifferently, "At ease."

"You may all return to your duties."

Afterward, he told Jia Heyi, "Old Jia, bring the account book and come with me."

Jia Heyi quickly complied.

...

Half an incense stick’s time later.

In a private room on the fourth floor of Mirror Snow Pavilion, Qin Ming sipped Spirit Tea, pretending to peruse the account book.

Through a brief conversation with Jia Heyi, he gained a general understanding of Mirror Snow Pavilion’s current state.

Not to mention the scope of the Great Jin, even within the Spirit Ruins Market, it ranks among the lowest businesses, not making much of an impression.

When compared to larger businesses like Thousand Mechanism Pavilion, which have the backing of Lihuo Palace, the gap is significantly obvious.

As of now, Mirror Snow Pavilion’s development in the Spirit Ruins Market is fairly average.

Apart from the restaurant business, they continue trading in cultivation resources, although being an external force, their advantage in resource procurement is not as strong as the local businesses.

Of course, Qin Ming’s main intention in coming here wasn’t to manage the shop, so he lightly coughed and said meaningfully to Jia Heyi, "Old Jia! I’m here merely as an interim shopkeeper."

"I’m unfamiliar with this place, so the store’s affairs should continue to be managed as usual by you."

???

"I’ve reviewed the recent profits, and you seem quite capable, handling matters quite well!"

This statement surprised even the cautious Jia Heyi.

His astute mind quickly generated a thought: ’Could this new Shopkeeper Lu be planning a sting operation?’

’Who becomes a hands-off manager upon arrival?’

Jia Heyi forced a smile, respectfully poured tea for Qin Ming, and said, "Shopkeeper Lu, please rest assured, with the old man keeping watch for you, I will report any issues accordingly!"

"Good," Qin Ming nodded, showing satisfaction.

He then conversed further, gaining insight into the particular situation of the Spirit Ruins Market.

"By the way, is there any large trade fair happening anytime soon?" Qin Ming asked abruptly.

Upon hearing this, Jia Heyi pondered for a moment and replied, "Now that you mention it, I recall something."

"The Ten Thousand Dao Business Alliance’s Five Blessings Auction House, located on the Five Elements Mountain, is scheduled to hold a large auction after March. However, only major businesses under its wing are granted entry tickets."

"Otherwise, only those with Golden Core Stage cultivation can participate in the auction."

Qin Ming’s inquiry was to take the opportunity to dispose of items from demonic cultivations, as they were of no use to him.

Moreover, he could acquire some spiritual materials or pill formulas, such as high-tier pill formulas made with Cyan-faced Poison Flood Dragon Demon Pill.

After further discussion, Qin Ming dismissed Jia Heyi.

’Shopkeeper Lu,’ being appointed as the new shopkeeper by Mirror Snow Pavilion, was provided with an independent courtyard in the Spirit Ruins Market.

It greatly facilitated Qin Ming’s cultivation.

Since he always entered Little Spirit Realm for cultivation, his daily farming and training remained unaffected.

After arriving in Great Jin, the Heaven-Devouring Rat constantly clamored to go out and see the world, breathe the air here. 𝒻𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝘯𝘰𝑣ℯ𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝘮

Qin Ming told it to be patient and wait a little longer.

"What’s the rush! The spiritual vein environment outside isn’t better than here, you should be content."

"I think you’re itching for trouble."

...

On this day.

Qin Ming was intensely focused on creating an item inside a room in Little Spirit Realm.

A wooden black seal, emanating swirling demonic qi, constantly rising from the ground, exuding a strange aura as Qin Ming worked on it.

As Qin Ming continued, he finally manifested a wisp of emerald Four Seasons Divine Light in his hand and imbued it into the black seal.

Instantly.

The black seal burst open, exuding a powerfully eerie aura!

Finally, a thread of azure-green Four Seasons Divine Light surfaced in Qin Ming’s hand, which he directed into the black seal.

In an instant.

The black seal shattered, and a black symbol emerged, radiating a sinister energy, reappearing before him.

This black talisman was crafted by Qin Ming based on the production techniques of the ’Life and Death Talisman’ from the Treasure Refining Technique, combined with a Secret Technique from the "Primordial Evil Seed Demon Scripture" called ’Human Puppet Technique.’

The longevity and destiny of the Puppet under his control were solely at his mercy, with Qin Ming able to influence its thoughts and will at any moment.

After assessing the situation extensively in the Great Jin, Qin Ming deeply felt the ever-present dangers that prevailed here, leading him to the decision to cultivate a puppet to handle risky matters on his behalf.

On a daily basis, he entered his Little Spirit Realm to cultivate, without hindering his routine farming and cultivation activities.

Therefore, he lightly coughed and said to Jia Heyi with a meaningful tone, "Old Jia! My appointment here is only temporary."

"Not being familiar with the area, I will leave the store’s daily operations to you."

’???’

’This must be a trick. This new Shopkeeper Lu couldn’t possibly want to be a carefree boss right off the bat, could he?’ thought the shrewd Jia Heyi.

Jia Heyi chuckled awkwardly, respectfully pouring tea for Qin Ming, "Rest assured, Shopkeeper Lu, I will keep an eye on things for you. I will surely report any issues to you!"

"Good," Qin Ming nodded approvingly.

The conversation continued until it seemed complete, and Qin Ming allowed Jia Heyi to leave.

Afterwards, looking to further secure a puppet to act on his behalf in dangerous situations, Qin Ming, using the Treasure Refining Technique, combined with a Secret Technique called ’Human Puppet Technique’ from the "Primordial Evil Seed Demon Scripture," crafted an item with a wooden black seal, its surface boiling with demonic qi, exuding an uncanny aura.

He understood that after he got a feel for the situation in the Great Jin, the realm still appeared fraught with dangers, and he decided it was best to have a puppet in his stead to face them.

Once a glint of light—the Four Seasons Divine Light—was infused into the black seal.

The black insignia shattered, releasing an eerie aura.

Qin Ming’s hand was enveloped by the overwhelming aura emitted by the black symbol, which then reappeared radiating an ominous energy.

The Life and Death Talisman, capable of fully controlling life and death with a single thought, had been crafted by Qin Ming based on ’Treasure Refining Technique’ and integrated with a secret technique known as the ’Human Puppet Technique’ from the "Primordial Evil Seed Demon Scripture."

Suddenly, a commotion filled with clatters and yells erupted outside.

The pedestrians on the street hurriedly moved aside, even nearby stalls were damaged.

A lavish procession approached, with people clearing the street, causing considerable commotion.

Ahead of the procession, a splendid Golden Imperial Carriage carried a high tier cultivator, who was dressed in striking attire, displaying an air of arrogance and making no attempt to conceal himself.

Gazing intently, Qin Ming recognized this individual at once.