CHAPTER 97: CHAPTER 97: EXCLUSIVE TALISMAN BUSINESS

"How many of these Talisman Scripts do you have?"

Having witnessed the efficacy of the Suppression Talisman, Fifth Uncle was very satisfied.

Nowadays, with Demons in chaos and the dark path rampant, the County Yamen issued the Subdue Demon and Exorcise Monster Order, urging the Sect Aristocracy to join the frontline battle to stabilize the current situation. This has also led to consumable items like Talisman Scripts, elixirs, and Array Plates suddenly becoming very popular, so much so that supply cannot meet demand, and they are almost sold out.

After all, no one knows what kind of Demons they might encounter. Having one more ace up one’s sleeve could increase one’s odds of victory in battle.

"You haven’t given an estimate yet," Qi Xiu said with a light chuckle, not taking the bait.

Uncle Wu, looking quite interested in Qi Xiu, slowly said, "Although these Talisman Scripts are authentic, their power is indeed a bit weak. They are only useful against ordinary Demons and completely useless for those at or above the Dao-Entering Realm. How about this: one hundred of these Talisman Scripts for one Dao coin. We can settle the account right away. What do you think, Mr. Bai?"

One hundred Suppressing Talismans for one Dao coin. Then wouldn’t ten thousand Suppressing Talismans be needed for one hundred Dao coins?

Not quite understanding the market, Qi Xiu didn’t hastily agree. The seller always knows more than the buyer. With my unfamiliar face and babyish looks, they might try to quote me an exorbitant price.

Seeing that Qi Xiu didn’t respond, Fifth Uncle chuckled softly and continued, "Rest assured, Mr. Bai, our Shen’s Myriad Goods Pavilion’s main principle is fairness and justice.

"Whether it’s a customer or a merchant, we absolutely do not engage in unfairly lowering or raising prices. You’re welcome to ask around.

"If you’re still not at ease, we can do it this way: you can leave the Talisman Scripts here on consignment. When they sell, Shen’s Myriad Goods Pavilion will only take a twenty percent commission.

"However, if we do it this way, the payment might be delayed a few days. What do you think?"

Fifth Uncle’s proposal seems much more reliable, Qi Xiu thought. Although I won’t get paid immediately, the chance of being lowballed is much smaller.

"That sounds good, but I don’t have many Talisman Scripts on me. I’ll need to go back to my residence to get them."

"Of course, Mr. Bai. You’re welcome any time. I, Wu, shall await your visit."

Clasping his hands in a salute, Qi Xiu left Shen’s Myriad Goods Pavilion under Yan Er’s clingy and expectant gaze.

「...」

Having found a way to accumulate Dao coins, Qi Xiu immediately began crafting Suppression Talismans, preparing to consign them to Shen’s Myriad Goods Pavilion for sale.

I shouldn’t provide too many for the first batch. Rare commodities are valuable; if the quantity is too large, they naturally won’t fetch a good price.

Judging from the "Great Azure Flame Handprint," common Dao-Entering Realm Dharma Gates should start at one hundred Dao coins, with higher-level ones being even more expensive.

Ten thousand Suppression Talismans from below the Dao-Entering Realm are needed to make one hundred Dao coins.

I haven’t formally created Talisman Scripts since my Dao Initiation. But it should be very easy to draw several thousand in a day.

However, if they are Dao-Entering Realm level Suppression Talismans, I’m afraid I could only make about a hundred or so.

In his private room at the inn, before a sandalwood desk, Qi Xiu dipped his brush in ink, and another Suppression Talisman was completed.

For this Suppression Talisman, he deliberately restrained the infusion of Divine Marvel, keeping its power around the True Intent Realm level.

It was slightly stronger than the Suppressing Talisman he’d given the baby-faced man.

Qi Xiu silently assessed the consumption of his mental energy and nodded slightly. The drain was almost negligible.

In theory, I could draw them day and night without rest, Qi Xiu thought. But I don’t plan to. For one, it would be too time-consuming.

Besides, if ten thousand Suppression Talismans flood the market, the price probably wouldn’t be very advantageous.

It’s still better to take the high-quality route...

「...」

「The next day.」

「Shen’s Myriad Goods Pavilion.」

Led by Yan Er, Qi Xiu arrived at an antique-looking reception hall—apparently a VIP room specially established for Dao-Entering Realm guests.

The walls of the hall were built with traditional green bricks, with a huge landscape painting hanging overhead, where mountains undulated and rivers meandered, all appearing vividly lifelike.

On the table, several exquisite tea sets and an incense burner were placed.

The tea sets, made of ceramic, were elegantly and classically shaped.

The incense burner, cast from red copper, looked ornate and substantial.

Just as Qi Xiu had settled down, the baby-faced Fifth Uncle gently knocked and entered the room. "Mr. Bai, I, Wu, have kept you waiting. My apologies."

"This is Spiritual Tea I, Wu, specially prepared for you, Mr. Bai. Please have a taste. If you like it, feel free to take a couple of catties with you when you leave."

He tossed a bag, from which a rich tea fragrance emanated along with a faint trace of Spiritual Light, to Yan Er.

Fifth Uncle sat opposite Qi Xiu, smiling genially.

After Qi Xiu left yesterday, I had someone inquire about him, Fifth Uncle mused. Indeed, the Yunpu Bai Family has two young masters traveling abroad, but their specific whereabouts are unknown. This Mr. Bai arrived in Qingliu County only yesterday.

He came to my Shen’s Myriad Goods Pavilion almost as soon as he entered the city; clearly, he had planned this.

A wealthy young master who’s run out of travel money, looking for a place to get some cash.

But doesn’t the Yunpu Bai Family specialize in array paths? How could they produce a young master whose cultivation in talismanic techniques is so profound? Could it be that the old Bai family is planning to revive the array paths and talismanic Tao? That’s a heritage lost for tens of thousands of years. Not even fragments remain; how could it possibly be revived?

"Mr. Bai, have you decided how many Talisman Scripts you’d like to sell?" Clearing the jumble of thoughts from his mind and returning to his role as a businessman, Fifth Uncle asked with a smile.

"I didn’t bring many Talisman Scripts with me on this trip. I’m planning to sell ten for now." Reaching for the Flood Dragon Pool Ring on his thumb, Qi Xiu took out the Suppression Talisman he had drawn the previous day.

"Ten? That’s a rather small number; I’m afraid it won’t be enough—"

EH?!

"Dao-Entering Realm Talisman Scripts!"

Before he could finish speaking, Fifth Uncle’s gaze fiercely locked onto the Suppressing Talisman Qi Xiu had presented.

That ceaselessly flowing, substance-like golden light.

That shimmering, unceasing, pure, and limpid Divine Marvel.

Spreading a piece of silk over his palm, Fifth Uncle picked up the Suppression Talismans one by one, unable to tear his eyes away, caressing them delicately and observing them with utmost care.

"Excellent, excellent, excellent! It’s rare to see Talisman Scripts of such quality. What’s even more remarkable is that the aura of all ten Talisman Scripts is almost identical—perfectly consistent. A fine item, truly a fine item!"

Seeing such quality merchandise, Fifth Uncle instantly revealed his nature as a businessman, lavishing praise continuously, a smile never leaving his face.

Having seen the quality of the Talisman Scripts, a gleam appeared in Fifth Uncle’s eyes, and he quickly said, "Mr. Bai’s Talisman Scripts are superb! Ever since the Lingguang Treasure Sect announced they would no longer sell Talisman Scripts externally, I, Wu, haven’t seen any of such quality for years.

"It’s just that the quantity is a bit small. If you had a hundred of them, I, Wu, could definitely sell them for a very high price on your behalf.

"Furthermore, Shen’s Myriad Goods Pavilion can offer you an advance payment of five hundred Dao coins for them."

Yan Er, who was preparing tea nearby, trembled slightly upon hearing this, nearly dropping the tea set.

Five hundred Dao coins! I couldn’t earn that much in ten lifetimes! This Mr. Bai is so capable! He’s only consigning goods, yet Fifth Uncle is willing to give him an advance payment. Are these Talisman Scripts really that good?

"Senior Wu, I appreciate your generous offer," Qi Xiu said, maintaining his composure, "but for now, I only have this many Talisman Scripts on hand. However, if Shen’s Myriad Goods Pavilion can indeed sell these Talisman Scripts for a good price, we will have many opportunities to collaborate in the future."

Qi Xiu remained unswayed by Fifth Uncle’s generous terms, his composure intact as he subtly hinted at future cooperation.

He knew very well that professional businessmen like Fifth Uncle didn’t care about small, immediate profits. They valued a steady, long-term stream of benefits, and the positive publicity that high-quality goods could bring to their establishment.

Indeed, when Qi Xiu expressed the possibility of continued cooperation, Fifth Uncle’s eyes instantly lit up with a keen glint.

Since the Lingguang Treasure Sect closed its Mountain Gates, he thought, the Talisman Script market in Dianchuan Province has practically collapsed by two-thirds.

The Talisman Scripts produced by other Sect Aristocracies, skilled as they might be, are far inferior in both power and quality to those of the Lingguang Treasure Sect.

These Talisman Scripts from Mr. Bai, though their effect is singular, are of exceptionally high quality.

They are goods that can rarely match, let alone surpass, the Talisman Scripts of the Lingguang Treasure Sect.

If my Shen’s Myriad Goods Pavilion can secure exclusive sales rights, it would be excellent publicity!

It would mean that my Shen’s Myriad Goods Pavilion has found a new channel for Talisman Scripts, apart from the Lingguang Treasure Sect!

Moreover, this Mr. Bai probably has more than just this type of Talisman Script.

Once our cooperation deepens in the future, it won’t be too late to expand into other types of Talisman Scripts!

"Good! Mr. Bai is straightforward, and I, Wu, like that.

"How about this: Shen’s Myriad Goods Pavilion will help you sell these Talisman Scripts as quickly as possible.

"As for the Dharma Gates you’re looking for, I’ll personally take you to choose them shortly. We’ll put all expenses on a tab for now and discuss them later."

Standing up, Fifth Uncle waved his hand magnanimously, directly waiving all expenses for the Initiate Realm Dharma Gates Qi Xiu intended to purchase.

As for his comment about discussing it later, that was truly just talk.

"In that case, thank you for your trouble, Senior Wu."

Having achieved his goal, Qi Xiu also rose with a cheerful smile and clasped his hands in salute.

As the saying goes, the four essentials of the Cultivation Realm are: Dharma, Wealth, Companions, and Location.

Only with money in hand can one secure abundant cultivation resources.

This cooperation with Shen’s Myriad Goods Pavilion is an experiment for me.

After reaching the Initiate Realm, the need for cultivation resources is far greater than it was in the mortal realm.

These are still chaotic times. The current priority is to do everything possible to increase my strength and ensure my own safety. And for that, money is naturally indispensable.ŸŸŸ

After the two parties reached an amicable agreement, Fifth Uncle personally led Qi Xiu out of the reception area, crossing a brightly lit and translucent corridor. Lined on both sides were individual rooms with doors tightly closed.

The doors faintly shimmered with runic light, serving to prevent prying by Spells and to muffle sound.

Behind these doors were Shen’s Myriad Goods Pavilion’s esteemed guests, or Dao-Entering Realm cultivators like Qi Xiu.

Such distinguished guests naturally couldn’t be expected to jostle among ordinary folks in a noisy marketplace.

A customer-centric approach was the business philosophy of Shen’s Myriad Goods Pavilion.

So, even at the expense of much operational space, a sufficient number of private rooms were constructed to accommodate esteemed patrons.

Continuing onward, Fifth Uncle led Qi Xiu to a vast exhibition hall made of azure-glazed glass.

The exquisite, unique, and neatly arranged décor momentarily made Qi Xiu feel as if he had entered a grand museum from his past life.

"Mr. Bai, this is Shen’s Myriad Goods Pavilion’s Scripture Storage Hall.

"It contains all the Dharma Gates that Shen’s Myriad Goods Pavilion has for sale, as well as our private collection.

"You are free to choose any two, but they must be at the Initiate Realm level."

In the vast Scripture Storage Hall, over a thousand jade slips containing Initiate Realm Dharma Gates were arranged by category, each protected under a strong yet delicate glazed barrier.

The Initiate Realm level Dharma Gates were at the very front, while those of higher realms were obscured by a dazzling radiance, making them impossible to see clearly, let alone approach.

Even though nearly half of the Dharma Gates were thus excluded, Qi Xiu casually glanced around and estimated that there were still over a thousand Initiate Realm level Dharma Gates!