[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-eternal-life-starting-with-farming-to-refresh-my":3,"chapter-eternal-life-starting-with-farming-to-refresh-my-eternal-life-starting-with-farming-to-refresh-my-chapter-228":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","Eternal Life: Starting with Farming to Refresh My Stats",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2332101,4560,"Chapter 228: High-Grade Puppet Art","eternal-life-starting-with-farming-to-refresh-my-chapter-228",228,"\u003Cp>Several hours passed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qin Ming had already completed seven refinements.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Several of them still ended in failure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Finally.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When he began the eighth refinement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A burst of five-colored aurora rose from within the Xuan Jade Furnace, swirling and lingering above the elixir cauldron.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qin Ming’s expression brightened; he raised his hand toward the furnace and summoned forth a transparent elixir bearing six talismanic patterns, resting in his palm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Premium Soul-Returning Pill!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After consuming all remaining materials, Qin Ming produced two ordinary-grade Soul-Returning Pills and two premium-grade Soul-Returning Pills.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a second-rank supreme elixir of such extreme difficulty, this success rate was already exceptionally high.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qin Ming studied the elixirs for a while, then stored them in a jade vial.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm, this unassuming elixir can restore a cultivator to their peak—briefly, like a fleeting bloom.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though he had already refined the elixir in less than a month, he had no rush to deliver it to Canghai Xiancheng.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He would need to personally visit the Dingding Pavilion in Canghai Xiancheng in three months to retrieve spirit materials anyway; he might as well combine the trips.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the time that followed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aside from cultivation, Qin Ming devoted himself to studying the Gao Jie Puppet Art he had obtained from Miao Renke’s storage bag.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After years of research, Qin Ming had nearly reached the second-rank level in Puppet Art and the application of spirit-splitting and thought-dividing techniques.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The several grass-man puppets in his spirit field had also been upgraded to first-rank supreme.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since returning from his last trip to Canghai Xiancheng, he had purchased additional materials and begun crafting second-rank puppets.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside his cave dwelling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qin Ming focused entirely on manipulating the object in his hands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After meticulous refinement of numerous materials, the form gradually took shape, culminating in the insertion of a jet-black copper block into its core.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He assembled a puppet shaped like a spirit turtle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qin Ming coated its exterior with a layer of earth-yellow pigment, making it appear lifelike at a glance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He then embedded a mid-grade spirit stone into the turtle puppet’s core recess.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instantly, the entire spirit puppet emitted a series of “crackling” sounds, its surface glowing with ink-green spiritual patterns.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The three-zhang-tall spirit turtle puppet stirred, then opened a pair of pale-green eyes, fixing them on Qin Ming, awaiting his command.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qin Ming activated his Puppet Control Art, sending a thread of spiritual sense into the puppet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next instant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The spirit turtle lifted its head, its massive shell glowing with earth-yellow light.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The spiritual pressure it emitted rivaled that of a Foundation Establishment cultivator at the early stage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Second-rank low-grade puppet! Finally crafted.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Though it’s only a low-grade second-rank puppet, there’s still room for improvement.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qin Ming gazed at his carefully crafted creation, satisfied.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This turtle puppet was a defensive type, capable of withstanding attacks below Foundation Establishment mid-stage, and it could also release a Water Arrow Spell—its power comparable to that of an ordinary Foundation Establishment cultivator’s spell.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Puppet Art proved highly useful to Qin Ming, beyond merely helping him till soil and weed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In future cultivation expeditions, should he encounter great opportunities—especially those tied to Core Formation, or even later Nascent Soul breakthroughs—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even with ample lifespan, he could hardly remain indifferent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once Puppet Art reached mastery, these puppets would naturally serve as his frontline expendables.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They could significantly reduce his own risks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Materials such as beast parts, spirit wood, and ores could all serve as components for puppet crafting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qin Ming had no shortage of such materials, so his learning and crafting proceeded smoothly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From this point onward, besides Spirit Planting and Alchemy, Qin Ming had now elevated a third of the Hundred Arts of Cultivation to the second-rank level.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two months later.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Through continuous improvements and material enhancements, Qin Ming produced two brand-new second-rank low-grade turtle spirit puppets.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though their offensive power was weak, they were extremely durable and could now serve as scouts and expendables.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He still had ample spirit materials on hand; even if they were destroyed, he could simply remake them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The three-month deadline has arrived. Time to head to Canghai Xiancheng.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qin Ming stored the two puppets in his storage bag, summoned his Silver-Winged Frost Bee, opened the Mist Illusion Array, and departed directly from Wangyue Island.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Conditions outside remained largely unchanged, though beast activity had noticeably diminished since before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Riding his Silver-Winged Frost Bee at full speed, Qin Ming raced across the sky; after over an hour, he arrived at Canghai Xiancheng.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The soil outside the immortal city remained a vivid crimson—clearly, several waves of beast assaults had struck during this period.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hehehe!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Here’s a fat sheep!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Brother, please stop!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Robbery! Robbery!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Qin Ming paused just outside Canghai Xiancheng, having just stored his Silver-Winged Frost Bee in his spirit beast bag and prepared to send a message to Lü Liang to open the formation for entry—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two flashes of light darted past; a fat and a thin cultivator blocked his path.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their gazes were sinister, radiating the spiritual power fluctuations of early Foundation Establishment, smirking at Qin Ming.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clearly, they were bandits who had taken advantage of the beast flood chaos to lie in wait near the immortal city.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Brother, you’ve got real guts—venturing out alone in such turbulent times.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Since you’re alone, don’t blame us, the She Mountain Twin Demons.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If you surrender peacefully, we’ll spare you some trouble.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Perhaps I’ll let you suffer less—ahahaha!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qin Ming was annoyed—he hadn’t encountered a single beast attack on his journey.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet just as he neared Canghai Xiancheng, he ran into two bandits.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But these two were nowhere near the caliber of Lin Zi’s bandit gang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qin Ming’s lips curled into a smile. “Two fellow cultivators, I happen to have a treasure I feel a strong affinity with you two—care to take a look?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What treasure?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hurry up and show it! If you try any tricks, we’ll make you understand why flowers are so red!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qin Ming chuckled, then patted his storage bag; two turtle puppets shot out as streaks of light, appearing instantly before him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Second-rank puppets!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment the turtle puppets appeared, the She Mountain Twin Demons gasped in shock.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What had been a two-on-one situation instantly reversed into a three-on-two.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In truth, Qin Ming had patiently endured their banter simply to test the strength of his two newly crafted second-rank spirit puppets.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He’d been looking for a test subject—and here they came, perfectly matched: two early Foundation Establishment cultivators.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh! Brother, you’ve misunderstood!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We mistook you for someone else—our apologies!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We’re leaving now.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But as they turned to flee backward—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zzzz! A silver streak flashed into existence directly before the She Mountain Twin Demons.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The fat and thin cultivators abruptly halted mid-retreat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They turned to see what blocked their escape—and when they recognized it, their pupils shrank violently; they nearly wet themselves. Behind them loomed a silver-winged frost bee the size of a calf, radiating the overwhelming spiritual pressure of a second-rank mid-stage beast.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And it appeared to be the pet of that unassuming cultivator just moments ago.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh my god! Is this the ‘fat sheep’ you meant?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I think we’re the ones who look like fat sheep.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were drenched in sweat—hadn’t even begun their first robbery, and they’d already stepped on an iron plate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Esteemed cultivator, we were blind to your greatness—please spare us!” They turned back and bowed deeply to Qin Ming.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly! Over a dozen green-tipped poison-dart spirit instruments shot straight toward Qin Ming’s face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The She Mountain Twin Demons clearly didn’t expect Qin Ming to spare them—they chose to strike at his own body, the “weakest” link.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If they subdued Qin Ming, the puppets and spirit beast would surely obey them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But reality always differs from fantasy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In an instant, one turtle puppet lunged sideways, its shell expanding violently, glowing with earth-yellow spiritual light.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ding! Ding! Ding! Ding!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A series of clashing sounds rang out—their desperate, lethal ambush was entirely blocked by the turtle puppet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two brothers stared, dumbfounded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then the two turtle puppets advanced from front and back, charging toward the cultivators.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instantly, the two puppets clashed with the two bandits in fierce combat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meanwhile, Qin Ming and his Silver-Winged Frost Bee watched calmly from the sidelines.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Various spells exploded and danced through the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Despite the Two Sha of She Mountain exerting every ounce of strength, they could not break through the turtle golem’s defense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But whenever they tried to use their speed advantage to flee, the terrifying silver-winged frost bee would appear before them in a bizarre manner, gradually.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two tribulation cultivators had been drained of all their magic power by the two turtle golems.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were already at their last breath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qin Ming had tested the spirit golems enough; he immediately split off a strand of spiritual sense and infused it into one of the golems.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The turtle golem immediately spat out a blue water arrow that sliced through the air and pierced both cultivators’ chests at an impossible angle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Aaah!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two screamed and tumbled helplessly from the sky.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qin Ming didn’t even lift his eyelids; he simply tossed out two black spirit seeds and activated the Thorns Spell upon them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He then collected two blood pearls and two storage bags; as for the corpses, they would soon become food for passing beasts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qin Ming opened one of the storage bags and glanced inside—it seemed the Two Sha of She Mountain were bottom-tier tribulation cultivators, with only several ten thousand low-grade spirit stones and mostly ordinary items.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He waved one hand, and the two turtle golems shrank in size, flying to his side.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qin Ming examined them closely; after the fierce battle, the golems bore only a few faint scratches, nothing else amiss.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm, good!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He then stored the golems and flew toward the Immortal City.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the way, Qin Ming sent a message to Lü Liang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Half a stick of incense later.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lü Liang rushed out from the city to personally grant Qin Ming entry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh my! Qin Daoist, I didn’t expect you back in the Immortal City so soon!” Lü Liang greeted warmly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qin Daoist smiled: “Trouble you again, Lü Daoist—every time I come, you have to come open the gate yourself.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Nonsense, Qin Daoist, you’re being too formal!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What business brings you to the Immortal City this time? Can I assist you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Nothing urgent—just a small matter. No need to trouble you, Lü Daoist.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh? Then after you’re done, please come to my residence for a visit—I’ll have Wanjun prepare a fine feast tonight.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Certainly, certainly.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As they spoke, they had already reached the inner city.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lü Liang had official duties and departed first.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qin Ming proceeded straight along the main road to the core district of Canghai Immortal City.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Following Wei Wuyang’s instructions, he wound through several alleys until he arrived before an elegant pavilion, its plaque inscribed with the three large characters: “Linglong Pavilion.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a property operated by Lei Yuanzong in Canghai Immortal City.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qin Ming stepped inside immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon entering, an elderly blue-robed man with white hair stepped forward to greet him warmly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh! It’s Qin Daoist!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m Mei, the shopkeeper of this Linglong Pavilion. Young Master Wei just informed me of your coming.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qin Daoist briefly assessed Mei the shopkeeper and realized he was at Foundation Establishment late stage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He returned the bow: “Mei Shopkeeper.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This isn’t a place to speak. Please come upstairs,” Mei smiled slightly, gesturing upward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moments later.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After ascending the stairs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mei set up a soundproofing barrier and asked curiously: “Qin Daoist, you came so early—is there a problem with the Soul-Returning Pill refinement?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Can I assist you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Is the spirit material insufficient?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If so, I’m afraid I can’t help—spirit materials for Soul-Returning Pills are exceedingly hard to find.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mei had not even considered the possibility that Qin Daoist had succeeded in refining the pill.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only three months had passed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In his view, even the most skilled second-rank Grand Alchemist would struggle to even understand the formula, let alone begin refining.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yan Elder of Lei Yuanzong had studied for over half a year before attempting refinement—and the result was disastrous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qin Daoist shook his head. He had no intention of lingering; he wanted to settle the transaction, receive the spirit materials Wei Wuyang had promised, and leave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He immediately produced two delicate porcelain vials and placed them on the table: “Mei Shopkeeper, thanks to Daoist Wei’s favor, I’ve succeeded—two pills refined.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No sooner had he spoken.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wum—Mei’s gaze locked onto the vials Qin Ming offered, his mind going blank.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Qin… Qin Daoist!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Already… refined?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qin Ming nodded noncommittally.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Correct. One standard-grade, one premium-grade Soul-Returning Pill. Mei Shopkeeper may inspect them.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Premium Soul-Returning Pill!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mei immediately opened both vials and upended them, revealing two pills.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As a late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator of Lei Yuanzong, Mei had seen much in his long life.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When he saw the six pill patterns on one of the elixirs, his expression finally turned to shock.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",2166,"2026-06-20T20:44:53.217Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","71f38fdfc89e0b569d22044d032f618e0e12d59fe6d606f46d56a63302bb276d","eternal-life-starting-with-farming-to-refresh-my-chapter-229","eternal-life-starting-with-farming-to-refresh-my-chapter-227",755,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Feternal-life-starting-with-farming-to-refresh-my-cover.jpg"]