Chapter 97: Exclusive Talisman Trade

“How many of these talismans do you have?”

Having witnessed the power of the “Seal Talisman,” Fifth Uncle was quite satisfied.

In these chaotic times of demons and monsters, with the leftist cults running rampant, the provincial garrison offices had issued orders to exorcise demons and suppress evil. They urged sects and noble families to join the frontline battles to stabilize the current situation.

This demand caused consumables like talismans, elixirs, and formation arrays to suddenly become highly sought after—supply struggled to meet demand and products were nearly sold out.

After all, no one could predict what kind of demons they might encounter. Having an extra trump card in hand could mean the difference between victory and defeat.

“You haven’t given me a price yet,” Qi Xiu said with a light laugh but didn’t take the lead in conversation.

Fifth Uncle glanced at Qi Xiu with interest and slowly said, “These talismans are authentic but their power is somewhat lacking, only effective against ordinary demons, useless against those above the Dao Realm. How about this—one hundred talismans for one Dao coin, payable immediately. What do you think, Young Master Bai?”

One hundred Seal Talismans for one Dao coin. That meant ten thousand talismans would equal a hundred Dao coins.

Not fully understanding the market, Qi Xiu didn’t hastily agree. Buyers are never as shrewd as sellers. With his unfamiliar face and youthful appearance, he couldn’t be sure he wasn’t being quoted a high price.

Seeing Qi Xiu remain silent, Fifth Uncle chuckled lightly before continuing, “Rest assured, Young Master Bai, Shen’s General Store prides itself on fairness. Whether dealing with customers or merchants, we never engage in price gouging or undercutting. You may inquire around if you wish. If you still feel uncertain, here’s an alternative: you can consign your talismans with us, and we’ll take a twenty percent commission on whatever sells. However, the settlement might take a little longer. How does that sound?”

Fifth Uncle’s proposal seemed much more reliable to Qi Xiu. Though payment wouldn’t be immediate, the risk of being underpriced was greatly reduced.

“That sounds good, but I don’t have many talismans on me right now. I’ll need to go back and fetch more.”

“Of course, Young Master Bai is welcome anytime,” Fifth Uncle said with a respectful bow.

Under Yan’er’s intense gaze, Qi Xiu left Shen’s General Store.

…

With a path to accumulating Dao coins secured, Qi Xiu immediately began producing more Seal Talismans, planning to consign them to Shen’s General Store.

“I can’t flood the market at first; rare goods must be treated carefully. Too many and the price drops. From the ‘Great Green Flame Hand Seal’ manual, ordinary Dao Realm techniques start at a hundred Dao coins, and prices rise with higher levels. Talismans below Dao Realm require ten thousand pieces to equal a hundred Dao coins. I haven’t formally written talismans since reaching Dao Realm. But producing several thousand a day should be easy. However, Dao Realm-level talismans probably only number in the hundreds,” Qi Xiu mused.

Seated before a sandalwood desk in an upper room of the tavern, Qi Xiu dipped his brush in ink and completed a Seal Talisman. This talisman was infused with restrained spiritual power, hovering around the True Intent level, slightly stronger than the one given to the youthful-faced man.

Reflecting quietly on the mental and spiritual energy consumed, Qi Xiu nodded lightly. The consumption was nearly negligible.

Theoretically, he could write talismans nonstop for a full day and night. But he chose not to—for one, it would waste too much time. Also, flooding the market with ten thousand talismans might hurt prices.

“Better to focus on quality over quantity…”

…

The next day.

At Shen’s General Store.

Led by Yan’er, Qi Xiu entered an antiquated and elegant reception hall, clearly a VIP room specially reserved for Dao Realm guests.

The walls were built from traditional blue bricks, and a massive landscape painting adorned the upper section, depicting rolling mountains and winding rivers with vivid realism.

On the table lay exquisite tea sets and an incense burner. The tea ware, made of ceramic, was elegant and refined, while the incense burner, cast from red copper, was ornate and substantial.

“Young Master Bai, thank you for waiting. I, Wu, beg your pardon for the delay,” said Fifth Uncle as he gently knocked and entered shortly after Qi Xiu was seated.

“This is a special spiritual tea I prepared. Please taste it, and if you like it, feel free to take two jin with you when you leave,” he said, handing a packet of tea leaves that shimmered faintly with spiritual light to Yan’er.

Fifth Uncle smiled widely as he sat opposite Qi Xiu.

After Qi Xiu left yesterday, he had quietly inquired about the Bai family of Yunpu. Indeed, two young masters were traveling abroad, but their exact whereabouts were unknown.

This Young Master Bai had arrived in Qingliu County just yesterday and almost immediately come to Shen’s General Store, clearly well-prepared.

A wealthy young master without spending money sought a place to exchange some change.

But the Bai family was known for their expertise in formation arts—how did one of their scions master talisman arts so profoundly?

Could it be the Bai family was planning to revive the long-lost art of formation talisman crafting, a heritage lost for tens of thousands of years, with barely any clues remaining?

“Young Master Bai, have you decided how many talismans you want to sell?” Fifth Uncle asked, returning to business.

“I didn’t bring many this time. I plan to sell ten first,” Qi Xiu said, touching the dragon pond ring on his thumb and producing one of the Seal Talismans he crafted yesterday.

“Ten? That’s a rather small quantity. I’m afraid it won’t be enough… Wait—Dao Realm talismans!” Fifth Uncle’s eyes suddenly locked onto the talisman Qi Xiu displayed.

Its golden radiance shimmered like a tangible substance, pure and ethereal, imbued with spiritual power.

Spreading one talisman over a silk cloth, Fifth Uncle fondled each piece, scrutinizing them carefully.

“Excellent, excellent. Talismans of this quality are rare. Even more remarkable is that all ten share nearly identical auras—no more, no less. Truly fine goods.”

Seeing such quality, Fifth Uncle’s business instincts surfaced, and he praised them endlessly, his smile never fading.

Recognizing the talisman’s quality, Fifth Uncle’s eyes brightened as he said, “Young Master Bai’s talismans are exceptional. Since the Lingguang Treasure Sect ceased selling talismans externally, I haven’t seen such quality in years. But the quantity is a bit small. If you had a hundred, I could get you a very high price, and Shen’s General Store would advance you five hundred Dao coins as payment.”

Yan’er, who was brewing tea nearby, trembled slightly, nearly dropping her utensils upon hearing this.

Five hundred Dao coins—an amount one could not earn in a lifetime.

This Young Master Bai possessed such strength that Fifth Uncle was willing to advance payment for consigned goods. Were the talismans truly that valuable?

“Senior Wu, I appreciate your offer, but I only have this many talismans for now. However, if Shen’s General Store can sell them well, I look forward to many future collaborations,” Qi Xiu said calmly, hinting at further cooperation.

He knew well that a professional businessman like Fifth Uncle cared little for immediate small gains.

What he sought was steady, long-term profit and the good reputation that quality goods could bring his establishment.

Sure enough, upon hearing Qi Xiu’s willingness to collaborate further, a bright gleam sparkled in Fifth Uncle’s eyes.

Since the Lingguang Treasure Sect closed its doors, the talisman market in Dianchuan Province had collapsed by more than two-thirds.

Other sects and noble families skilled in talisman crafting produced items far inferior in power and quality.

Though this talisman’s effect was simple, its quality was outstanding—rarely matched or surpassed even by those of the Lingguang Treasure Sect.

If Shen’s General Store could secure exclusive sales rights, it would be excellent publicity.

It would mean Shen’s General Store had a new talisman source beyond the Lingguang Treasure Sect.

Moreover, this Young Master Bai likely possessed more than just this type of talisman.

As cooperation deepened, expanding to other talisman varieties would be possible.

“Good! Young Master Bai speaks plainly—I like that. Here’s the plan: Shen’s General Store will quickly help you sell these talismans. As for the techniques you want, I’ll personally take you to select them shortly. All costs will be recorded and settled later,” Fifth Uncle said, standing and waving his hand to waive all fees for Qi Xiu’s purchase of Dao Realm techniques.

His promise to settle later was likely just lip service.

“Much obliged,” Qi Xiu said with a smile, rising and bowing slightly.

As the saying goes, the four essential elements for cultivation are technique, wealth, partner, and land.

With money in hand, one could access abundant cultivation resources.

This collaboration with Shen’s General Store was his trial.

After entering the Dao Realm, his need for cultivation materials far exceeded that of mortal realms.

The chaotic world was still unsettled.

His priority was to do everything possible to increase his strength and ensure his survival.

Money was indispensable.

After friendly negotiations, Fifth Uncle personally led Qi Xiu out of the reception room, passing through a bright, transparent corridor lined with closed-door private rooms.

The doors shimmered faintly with runic light, blocking magical surveillance and muffling sound.

These rooms were reserved for Shen’s General Store’s VIPs or Dao Realm cultivators like Qi Xiu.

Such guests could never be seen jostling in the noisy markets with commoners.

Putting people first was Shen’s General Store’s business philosophy.

Thus, despite sacrificing much retail space, they built ample VIP rooms to host honored guests.

Continuing onward, Fifth Uncle brought Qi Xiu to a vast glazed exhibition hall.

Its exquisite and distinctive decor made Qi Xiu momentarily feel as if he had stepped into a grand museum of a past life.

“Young Master Bai, this is the Shen General Store’s Sutra Repository. Here are all our Dao Realm techniques for sale and private collection. You may select any two, but only at Dao Realm level,” Fifth Uncle explained.

Thousands of jade stones containing Dao Realm techniques were neatly arranged under powerful, delicate glazed shields.

Techniques at the Dao Realm were at the forefront, while higher-level ones were obscured by a dazzling veil, impossible to see or approach.

Even after excluding nearly half of the techniques, Qi Xiu glanced roughly and saw there were still over a thousand Dao Realm techniques available.

…

(End of chapter)