Redeeming Heaven Tier

Throughout the entire process, Elder Qin's expression was relaxed, as if he were merely chatting about some trivial matter. He simultaneously clarified the Merchant Association's stance, subtly hinted at Liu Mingxuan's background, and even gave Chen Lin a nod of approval (for handling things correctly). His posture was both extremely humble and incredibly lofty.

Flawless, that's what it was.

Chen Lin, however, sat quietly the entire time, his gaze calm, as if he hadn't heard the veiled barbs in their words. This silence caused Elder Qin's heart to sink slightly.

Chen Lin let out a scoff, his voice laced with undisguised contempt: "Elder Qin? You're nothing but an ant at Dharma Idol triple-layer. I'm not blind, you know."

As soon as he spoke, the relaxed expression on Elder Qin's face froze. His pupils contracted sharply, like a frog caught in the gaze of a venomous snake, utterly terrified. "Holy crap!"

His heart pounded wildly as he cursed himself for miscalculating.

So I've been seen through? That means he knew my cultivation level from the very beginning! And judging by the word 'ant' in his tone, he clearly doesn't think much of me at all!

However, before his terror could morph into anything else, Elder Qin didn't even see how the other party moved. He only felt a chill around his neck as an irresistible force gripped his throat, lifting his body into the air.

Chen Lin's hand rested casually on his neck, seemingly effortless.

When Elder Qin struggled to react, cold sweat instantly soaked his back.

He stared intently at the hand below him, a chill shooting from the soles of his feet to the crown of his head—if the other party had truly intended to take his life, a slight squeeze would have been enough. His triple-layer Dharma Idol cultivation was utterly vulnerable to such absolute power!

"Fellow Daoist, oh no!" Elder Qin's voice trembled with fear, barely coherent. "Senior! Let's talk, let's talk! It was my oversight just now, I've offended you greatly. Please, Senior, be magnanimous and show mercy!"

He frantically tried to pry Chen Lin's fingers off, but the grip was like an iron clamp, unyielding.

Elder Qin's heart sank to the bottom of the abyss, a single thought spinning wildly in his mind: Who exactly is this person?

Why do they possess such strength, and act so recklessly?

Chen Lin, hearing his plea, loosened his grip, and Elder Qin fell like a kite with a broken string.

However, relying on his Dharma Idol cultivation, he stabilized himself on the ground, his face plastered with a fawning smile. He respectfully placed a cup of hot tea in front of Chen Lin.

"Senior, it was my fault for not recognizing your greatness just now. I hope you'll be generous and not hold a grudge against this junior," he said with a forced smile. "I know you must have important matters to attend to, Senior. I will do my utmost to provide you with a satisfactory answer!"

Elder Qin secretly speculated that this senior's cultivation was unfathomable, and his background must be significant. The item he was here to trade was likely a treasure of immense value.

If he could somehow benefit from this, he'd be rolling in riches.

Moreover, judging by the situation, he might have to make some concessions to avoid displeasing this senior.

"I wonder," Chen Lin picked up the teacup, blew on it gently, and asked with a casual tone, "how many Heaven Tier cultivation techniques does the Four Directions Merchant Association in Tianyan City have?"

Even though he wore a black robe and his face was hidden, it didn't stop him from holding the teacup.

Elder Qin's heart skipped a beat upon hearing this. He inwardly noted that the other party was here for cultivation techniques, but he didn't dare to ask further. He quickly replied, "Replying to Senior, Tianyan City is one of our most prosperous branches. It's a place of outstanding people and fertile land, with high demand. We currently have six Heaven Tier cultivation techniques or martial skills in stock."

"Six, not bad," Chen Lin's lips curved into a barely perceptible arc, seemingly satisfied with the number.

He put down the teacup and said in a calm but undeniably powerful tone: "I wish to trade five Earth-tier cultivation techniques or martial skills, plus five cultivation paths that directly lead to Great Perfection with annotations, for one of your Heaven Tier martial skills. How about it?"

He deliberately chose martial skills over cultivation techniques, as he already possessed the Great Sun Heavenly Merit. A top-tier Heaven Tier martial skill could elevate his strength to the next level.

He now felt confident he could suppress any cultivator at Dharma Idol sixth-layer. After all, someone like Xuanwu, at Dharma Idol fifth-layer, was no match for him, lasting only three moves.

Elder Qin's heart leaped. While five Earth-tier cultivation techniques or martial skills were valuable, the phrase "cultivation paths that directly lead to Great Perfection" made his eyes light up.

The value of such a thing was likely far greater than five Earth-tier cultivation techniques!

Countless cultivators spent their entire lives struggling to cultivate a single Earth-tier technique to Great Perfection. Having ready-made paths would be an immense fortune!

As for the other party's identity, he didn't even dare to speculate, only feeling that the person before him was unfathomably profound.

"Senior!" Elder Qin pondered for a moment, then immediately put on an even more enthusiastic smile. "Senior, please calm your anger! Since you command it, this junior will naturally obey!"

"However, given my earlier transgressions, this can be considered a token of my sincerity. How about this, considering our future interactions, I will boldly offer four Earth-tier cultivation techniques or martial skills, along with annotations, in exchange for one Heaven Tier martial skill!"

"Additionally," he quickly added, "I will also present Senior with a token. With this token, Senior will receive a 20% discount on all purchases at any Four Directions Merchant Association branch, and will even be eligible to participate in internal auctions! This is a small gift from me, Qin, I hope Senior will accept it!"

As soon as he finished speaking, a token emitting a faint purple glow appeared in Elder Qin's palm, which he offered to Chen Lin.

Chen Lin didn't even glance at it, simply extending his hand to take it, his movement so fluid it was as if he deserved it.

It's free, so why not take it? A simple gesture.

The transaction was then swiftly completed.

Chen Lin handed Elder Qin copies of two Earth-tier cultivation techniques and two Earth-tier martial skills.

Elder Qin looked at the dense, meticulous annotations and secretly smiled, Genuine goods!

He really didn't give me anything shoddy.

A short while later, Elder Qin went out.

He reappeared shortly after, handing over a copy of a Heaven Tier cultivation technique.

Elder Qin, of course, wasn't foolish enough to present a unique copy. This one was clearly a meticulously replicated version from the Merchant Association.

This makes sense. Why would they only do one deal...

The cultivation technique was named Myriad Laws Sword Heaven.

Chen Lin casually flipped through a few pages. The sword techniques were fierce and sharp, with sword intent crisscrossing the pages. It was indeed extraordinary.

Entering the Dao through the sword had always been a powerful path. This cultivation technique had a solid foundation and immense power, truly deserving of its Heaven Tier designation.

He closed the scroll and said calmly, "Elder Qin truly has sincerity."

His tone was placid, yet carried a hint of undetectable satisfaction.

Elder Qin's smile deepened, fawningly saying, "Naturally, Senior. You are the most honored guest of our Four Directions Merchant Association!"

Chen Lin's lips curled into a cold smile upon hearing this. His tone was calm, yet carried an undeniable oppressive force: "Oh? But Elder Qin, your daughter has come to this place. Why aren't you introducing her to me?"