Throughout the entire process, Elder Qin kept his expression relaxed, as if they were merely chatting about some trivial matter. He had distanced the Association from the situation, subtly hinted at Liu Mingxuan's background, and even slipped in a bit of flattery for Chen Lin (his subordinate, no doubt). He had lowered himself as far as he could while maintaining the highest possible poise.
It was all perfectly airtight.
Chen Lin, meanwhile, had sat quietly from beginning to end, his gaze calm, as if he hadn't heard the barbed words. That silence only made Elder Qin's heart sink a little.
Chen Lin let out a scornful laugh, his voice filled with undisguised contempt. "Elder Qin? He's nothing but an ant at the Dharma Aspect Third Layer. I'm not blind."
At those words, the ease on Elder Qin's face froze instantly. His pupils contracted sharply, like a frog stared down by a venomous snake. He was utterly horrified. "Fuck!"
His heart pounded as he cursed himself for miscalculating.
He saw through me just like that? That means he knew my cultivation from the very beginning! From the way he called me an 'ant,' it's clear he doesn't take me seriously at all!
Before his shock could turn into anything else, Elder Qin hadn't even seen how the other man moved. He only felt a chill at his throat, then an irresistible force clamped around it and lifted him into the air.
Chen Lin's hand rested casually on his neck, as if it were nothing at all.
By the time Elder Qin struggled to react, cold sweat had soaked through his back.
He stared at the hand beneath him, a chill shooting from the soles of his feet straight to his crown. If the other man had truly wanted his life, he would only have needed to squeeze lightly. With his Dharma Aspect Third Layer cultivation, he would have been utterly helpless against such overwhelming strength!
"Fellow Daoist—no!" Elder Qin's voice trembled with fear, almost too broken to make out. "Senior! Please, let's talk this out! Let's talk this out! I was blind just now, and I offended you. Please be magnanimous and spare me!"
He frantically tried to pry Chen Lin's fingers apart with both hands, but the grip was like iron pincers, utterly immovable.
Elder Qin's heart sank to the bottom. One thought spun madly through his mind: Who exactly was this man?
How could he possess such strength and act with such utter impunity?
Seeing him give in, Chen Lin relaxed his wrist. Elder Qin dropped like a kite with its string cut.
But relying on his Dharma Aspect cultivation, he steadied himself and landed on his feet. His face was plastered with a fawning smile as he respectfully offered up a cup of hot tea, carefully setting it before Chen Lin.
"Senior, I was blind to your greatness and offended you. I hope you'll be magnanimous and not hold it against this junior." He smiled ingratiatingly. "I know you must have come here on important business. I'll do everything in my power to give you a satisfactory answer!"
Elder Qin secretly speculated that this senior's cultivation was unfathomable, and his background must be extraordinary. The item he'd come to trade was probably a remarkable treasure, too.
If he could just get a little benefit out of it, he'd be rolling in wealth.
Besides, judging by the situation, he would probably have to make some concessions to avoid displeasing this senior.
"I wonder," Chen Lin said, picking up his teacup and blowing gently across it, his tone casual, "how many Heaven-tier cultivation techniques does the Four Directions Merchant Association in Tianyan City have?"
Even in a black robe, with his face obscured, he could still drink tea.
Elder Qin's heart gave a thump. So he came for cultivation techniques. But he didn't dare ask more and hurriedly replied, "Senior, Tianyan City is one of the most prosperous branches of our Association. It's blessed with outstanding people and a thriving demand. We have six Heaven-tier cultivation techniques or martial skills in stock."
"Six. Not bad." Chen Lin's lips curved in a barely perceptible smile, as if he were quite pleased with that number.
He set down the teacup and spoke calmly, yet with an undeniable force. "I'd like to trade five Earth-tier cultivation techniques or martial skills, each with annotations that provide a direct path to Great Perfection, for one of your Heaven Tier Martial Skills. What do you say?"
He had deliberately chosen a martial skill rather than a cultivation technique. After all, he already had the Great Sun Heavenly Merit. A top-grade Heaven Tier Martial Skill would raise his strength another level.
He reckoned he could now firmly suppress a Sixth Level Dharma Aspect cultivator. After all, someone like Black Tortoise, at the Dharma Aspect Fifth Layer, had lasted no more than three moves against him.
Elder Qin's heart skipped a beat. Five Earth-tier cultivation techniques or martial skills were certainly valuable, but the words "a direct path to Great Perfection" made his eyes light up.
That alone was probably worth far more than five Earth-tier techniques!
Countless cultivators spent their entire lives unable to cultivate even one Earth-tier technique to Great Perfection. To have a ready-made path would be a heaven-sent opportunity!
As for the other man's identity, he didn't even dare to speculate. He could only think that this senior was unfathomable.
"Senior!" Elder Qin pondered briefly, then immediately put on an even warmer smile. "Please don't be angry! Since you've made your request, this junior will naturally comply!"
"However, I offended you earlier, so please accept this as a small gesture of goodwill. Since I hope to do more business with you in the future, I'll take the liberty of offering you a Heaven Tier Martial Skill for just four Earth-tier cultivation techniques or martial skills, complete with annotations!"
"Furthermore," he hurriedly added, "I'll give you a token as well. With it, you'll receive a twenty percent discount on purchases at any Four Directions Merchant Association branch, and you'll be eligible to participate in our private auctions! This is a small gift from me, Qin. I hope you'll accept it!"
As soon as he finished speaking, a token shimmering with a faint purple glow appeared in Elder Qin's palm. He held it out to Chen Lin.
Chen Lin barely glanced at it. He simply reached out and took it, his movement so smooth it was as if the token already belonged to him.
No reason to turn down a free gift. It was no trouble at all.
The trade was completed swiftly.
Chen Lin handed Elder Qin copies of two Earth-tier cultivation techniques and two Earth-tier martial skills.
Looking at the densely packed, meticulous annotations, Elder Qin smiled to himself. These are the real deal!
The other party hadn't tried to fob him off with worthless junk.
A short while later, Elder Qin went out.
Then he appeared again and handed over a copy of a Heaven-tier cultivation technique.
Elder Qin wasn't foolish enough to hand over the only copy. This was clearly a carefully reproduced version made by the Association.
That made sense. Why would they do business only once?
The cultivation technique was called Myriad Laws Sword Heaven.
Chen Lin casually flipped through a few pages. The sword art was fierce and sharp, its sword intent sweeping in every direction. It was indeed extraordinary.
The sword was a powerful path to the Dao. This technique had a solid foundation and tremendous power, worthy of its Heaven-tier title.
He closed the book and spoke calmly. "Elder Qin, you've certainly shown your sincerity."
His tone was even, though a trace of satisfaction was barely perceptible.
Elder Qin's smile deepened, his expression fawning. "Naturally. You're the most honored guest of our Four Directions Merchant Association, Senior!"
Hearing this, Chen Lin's lips curled into a cold smile. His tone was calm, yet carried an undeniable pressure. "Oh? But Elder Qin, the young lady of your Association has come here. Why not introduce her to me?"
Before you continue