Longevity: Start Farming with Entries-Chapter 385 - 362: Secret Investigation

’Who could have committed a crime right under the nose of one of the three major powers in Great Jin, the Ten Thousand Dao Business Alliance?’

’Aren’t they afraid of the Alliance’s retaliation? This is no joke.’

’There seems to be an air of mystery surrounding this incident.’

’And why... why didn’t Hua Tianxiong report such a big event to me?’

Qin Ming took heed of the reminders from Han Yuan and the other two, not daring to be careless.

He raised his wine glass and thanked the three:

"Thank you, Fellow Daoists, for the warning. Otherwise, I, Lu, would be completely in the dark."

"I toast to the three of you."

Han Yuan and the other two lifted their glasses as well. "Fellow Daoist Lu, no need for such courtesy, it’s just a small matter. However, you should keep this to yourself; if it spreads, we can’t afford the blame from above."

"I understand, naturally."

After three rounds of drinks.

Qin Ming took out three Spirit Pills from his pocket, placing them in front of the three, smiling as he said, "This is a token of my appreciation. Please accept it, Fellow Daoists."

Liuu Ye picked up the pill, her pretty face immediately revealing her amazement: "Tier Two High-Grade Jade Profound Pill!"

Han Yuan and Gao Feng were equally stunned.

"Fellow Daoist Lu, such expensive pills, how could we possibly accept?"

Qin Ming waved it off and said, "Please, don’t refuse. Since coming from the Southern Wilderness to Great Jin, I have often received guidance and care from the three of you. Now, you are telling me such important news, risking punishment from the Alliance’s higher-ups, this is just a small token of gratitude."

The three of them exchanged glances.

"Then thank you, Fellow Daoist Lu."

Han Yuan and the other two were inwardly excited, not expecting Shopkeeper Lu to be so generous.

It’s well known that the Jade Profound Pill is one of the rarest Spirit Pills among Tier Two pills.

Only a very few Great Alchemists can refine it, and it is a dream pill for Foundation Establishment Cultivators.

Qin Ming didn’t mind much, these pills were leftovers from his past and just collected dust in his storage pouch.

He might as well curry favor with Han Yuan and the other two.

In the future, who knows, these three might be of use.

"The situation is urgent, so I won’t stay any longer."

"I must return to the store and instruct the caravans to be more cautious." Qin Ming said as he got up to leave.

"Indeed, Fellow Daoist Lu, if there are no particularly important goods to transport lately, it would be best not to send anything out."

"Lest you lose both merchandise and people, which wouldn’t be worth it."

After Qin Ming left.

The three in the tavern, Han Yuan and the others, shared a look and couldn’t help but sigh:

"Fellow Daoist Lu’s kindness, we must be sure to remember it in our hearts..."

...

After Qin Ming left the Wind-Riding Tower, he purchased some necessary spiritual materials at the market but did not return to the Spirit Field.

Instead, he made his way quickly to the Spirit Ruins Market.

Upon entering the Mirror Snow Pavilion, he immediately summoned Jia Heyi.

Jia Heyi was quite surprised, as this hands-off Shopkeeper Lu usually never came to the store.

What brought him here today?

Though curious, Jia Heyi still respectfully greeted him: "Oh! Shopkeeper Lu, you’ve come to inspect the store."

"The store just received a new batch of Snow Soul Tea from Southern Wilderness Moon Island. Let me brew it for you, it’s said to be top-grade Spirit Tea personally grown by Master Wangyue, truly rare and precious."

Having said this, Jia Heyi took out a packet of tea leaves and skillfully brewed Spirit Tea for Qin Ming.

Ever since Shopkeeper Lu took over the Mirror Snow Pavilion branch in Great Jin, not only did he acquire two hundred acres of Tier Four Branch Spirit Field, with Spirit Plant harvests booming and profits doubling, but he was also invited to join the Ten Thousand Dao Business Alliance.

In the past, Jia Heyi would have never dared to dream of such things.

And some time ago, when Jia Heyi returned to the Southern Wilderness to report, Pavilion Master Guu was full of praise for him.

Still, Old Jia knew that he mainly had Shopkeeper Lu to thank.

His view of Shopkeeper Lu had changed dramatically.

Qin Ming took a sip of the Spirit Tea.

"Shopkeeper Lu, how does it taste?" Jia Heyi asked expectantly, his face seasoned yet hopeful.

"Hmm, it’s alright." Qin Ming replied blandly.

"Haha, well... huh?" Jia Heyi was puzzled, what did ’alright’ mean? Could it be that Shopkeeper Lu’s palate had become so picky?

To him this top-grade Spirit Tea, the appraisal of ’alright’ seemed so understated...

But little did Old Jia know, the Snow Soul Tea he regarded as a treasure was actually grown by Qin Ming himself, something he drank daily to the point of familiarity.

In Qin Ming’s eyes, it was hardly different from ordinary Spirit Tea.

Qin Ming didn’t wish to dwell on the topic with Jia Heyi, and instead set down his teacup, asking gravely:

"Old Jia, has our company had any caravans transporting goods lately?"

Seeing his serious demeanor, Jia Heyi was momentarily stunned, then cautiously replied: "Ah? Reporting to Shopkeeper Lu, yes, we have. Why?"

"Our pavilion’s caravan just departed this morning, led by Elder Yu."

"Oh~ that’s still in time, quickly notify the caravan to return, order all caravans not to go out for now." Qin Ming sighed.

"Yes! I’ll attend to it immediately!"

Jia Heyi sensed something amiss from his words but did not question further and promptly went to execute Qin Ming’s orders.

Then.

Qin Ming contacted Hua Tianxiong through the Black Talisman.

"Hua Tianxiong, what’s going on with you?"

"Why didn’t you report such a major issue with the Alliance to me?"

"Ah? Master, you already know?" Hua Tianxiong said, astonished upon hearing his voice in his mind.

"You truly are all-seeing and all-knowing; I was just about to inform you."

"Oh! Don’t mention it, I’ve been called to do tasks by Elder Qian lately and just got out of the Lihuo Palace."

"Additionally, there’s something important I need to tell you. The Yin Demon Sect has targeted me, and I’m a bit worried."

Hua Tianxiong admitted with some fear and guilt.

Remembering the day he brazenly confronted the Yin Demon Sect at the Five Blessings Auction made his stomach twist.

Qin Ming didn’t bat an eye and replied: "Don’t worry, you’ll be fine. Those three Golden Core members of the Yin Demon Sect were killed by me."

"What?!" Hua Tianxiong exclaimed, shocked. 𝓯𝓻𝓮𝙚𝙬𝓮𝙗𝒏𝙤𝒗𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝒐𝓶

"You can secretly investigate who has been causing trouble for our caravans recently, and report back to me."

"Absolutely, Master. I’ll have someone look into it and find out who is bold enough to cross the Ten Thousand Dao Business Alliance, with no concern at all..."

Realizing who he was really talking to, Hua Tianxiong felt both fearful and impressed.

"And did you hear?"

"It’s said that over the past few years, four Golden Core Elders of the Yin Demon Sect have died, which has caused quite a stir. They’re not going to give up on investigating this easily."

"I’ve also heard that Master Wangyue has vanished, and since they can’t find him, I worry they might try to pin these murders on me and you, Master..."

"You dig into it quietly and find out who’s been raiding the caravans recently, and report back to me," Qin Ming instructed.

Hua Tianxiong, realizing the gravity of the matter, replied without hesitation: "Yes, I’ll get to the bottom of this for you quickly, Master."

"And remember that the Yin Demon Sect won’t act recklessly against you. If they do, they must consider your connection with the Lihuo Palace, or they might provoke a conflict between the two sects."

Now knowing the formidable background of his master, Hua Tianxiong nodded solemnly.

...