Star-Fall Profound Steel

"Star-Fall Profound Steel."

It had fallen from beyond the heavens, tempered by fierce winds, lightning, and flames, before finally striking the earth. It was a rare sight, appearing only once in several hundred years.

It was tough and dense, a truly scarce spiritual ore.

Most importantly, this Mysterious Steel had an exceptionally strong ability to channel vital energy. When ordinary weapons were infused with vital energy, some of it was often wasted. Spiritual ores, on the other hand, could bear vital energy thanks to their unique properties, so they were often used to forge cultivators' weapons.

Some top-grade spiritual ores were even materials for crafting spiritual treasures, making them exceedingly rare.

After leaving Master Yan's residence, Lin Yiqing spent the whole journey turning over what he knew about Star-Fall Profound Steel. Master Yan had made inquiries and learned that, as it happened, the Wanjin Chamber of Commerce had some of this scarce spiritual ore stored in its vaults.

But when Lin Yiqing thought of his current assets, he couldn't help letting out a heavy sigh. His handsome, sword-like brows drew together.

He was weighing his options. If he struck a deal, what approach would bring him the greatest benefit? And if a deal proved impossible, could he simply seize the ore by force?

After all, they had schemed against him first. If they couldn't reach an agreement, they couldn't blame him for being ruthless in return.

"I should sound them out first. Rather than worry myself in private, I may as well ask the Wanjin Chamber of Commerce what they think and see what price they offer."

With that, Lin Yiqing changed course and headed straight for the Wanjin Chamber of Commerce.

The last time they parted, Steward Xia He had given Lin Yiqing a chamber-of-commerce token. So after presenting it to the gatekeeper and asking him to announce his arrival, Lin Yiqing was soon ushered in to see Steward Xia He.

"Ah, Young Friend Lin! It's been days, and your fame has only grown!"

When Lin Yiqing arrived, Steward Xia He wore an expression of great excitement. The moment they met, he grabbed Lin Yiqing's hand and led him straight toward the inner hall without giving him a chance to refuse.

As they walked, he kept chattering, praising Lin Yiqing for his recent leap in strength and far-reaching renown.

"I didn't expect there to be other people here!"

As soon as he entered the inner hall, Lin Yiqing was startled to find two breathtakingly beautiful women sitting inside, apparently chatting and playing around.

One wore a snow-white gown. She had a full, graceful figure, alluring phoenix eyes, and a lovely face adorned with a dignified smile.

The other looked about his age, perhaps thirteen or fourteen. Dressed in green, she was charming and lively, and though her face was still youthful, it was easy to see she would grow into a peerless beauty.

The two women were talking about something, and their occasional laughter and playful antics drew frequent glances from the guards nearby.

When the two women saw Lin Yiqing, their eyes lit up. What a refined young man—truly handsome and extraordinary, as if he were a god.

Then, seeming to realize their behavior was improper, they both straightened up at once.

"Young Friend Lin, allow me to introduce them. These two are Manager Su and our young miss of the Wanjin Chamber of Commerce. The three of us happened to be discussing some matters when you arrived.

"They've admired you from afar for quite some time, so I took the liberty of bringing you here. I hope you won't take offense."

Steward Xia He had noticed the women's little reactions. He understood perfectly, but still introduced them without letting it show.

Manager Su was stunned for a moment before recovering. She seemed shocked that the legendary genius powerhouse was so stunningly handsome.

Meanwhile, the green-clad girl was rooted to the spot. Her cheeks flushed scarlet, and she stared intently at Lin Yiqing.

Lin Yiqing's brows furrowed at the sight, but he had encountered similar scenes often enough lately.

So he chose to ignore it and cupped his fists toward the two women. "I am Lin Dong. It's a pleasure to meet you, Manager Su and Miss Xia!"

"Zhi Lan—Zhi Lan greets Young Master Lin!"

The green-clad girl snapped out of her daze. Blushing, she curtsied to Lin Yiqing and spoke in a sweet voice.

Then she quickly lowered her head and edged a few steps to the side, stealing occasional glances up at him like a startled fawn.

"That girl..."

Manager Su chuckled to herself. But she understood that the young man's charm was beyond what ordinary women could resist. Even she couldn't help being drawn to him.

"This humble woman is Xuan Su. I heard some time ago that Young Friend Lin had unparalleled talent. Now that I've met you, I see the rumors were true!"

More than Lin Yiqing's looks, his strength astonished Xuan Su.

His peers were still struggling in the Body Tempering Realm, yet he had already reached the late stage of the Heaven Origin Realm.

More astonishing still, the scouts had just reported that he had represented the Yan City Talisman Master Association and won this year's Tower Duel. His spiritual power had already reached the level of a Three-Seal Spirit Rune Master!

What heaven-defying talent!

Then she suddenly recalled some of the Wanjin Chamber of Commerce's earlier decisions, and a shadow fell over her heart.

Would he hold a grudge against them?

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Steward Xia He turned serious. "May I ask what brings you here today, Young Friend Lin? Is there anything we can help you with?"

Although he felt somewhat guilty about certain decisions the chamber of commerce had made, he was still a member of the organization and had to put its interests first.

Fortunately, Lin Yiqing had come to no harm. Now he wanted to mend their relationship and do what he could to make things right.

"That's right. If you need anything, Young Friend Lin, just say the word. The Wanjin Chamber of Commerce will do everything in its power to support you!"

Steward Xia He had barely finished speaking when a middle-aged man who looked like a wealthy merchant strode in through a side entrance, smiling.

"President!" "Father!"

From their exclamations, Lin Yiqing immediately realized that this man was Xia Wanjin, president of the Wanjin Chamber of Commerce.

"I heard you were visiting today, Young Friend Lin. I was afraid they might not treat you well, so I came in person. If we've done anything wrong before, I hope you'll forgive us."

At those words, Lin Yiqing understood that Xia Wanjin's words carried a double meaning.

It seemed the Wanjin Chamber of Commerce really had taken measures to fan the flames before. But after Lin Yiqing had crushed the Sky Wolf Gang and won the Tower Duel, his strength had clearly forced them to take him seriously.

And now that he had come to see them, they had the perfect opportunity to smooth things over. That was why Xia Wanjin and the others had appeared one after another, all of them speaking in a way that clearly showed goodwill.

Perhaps I can settle the matter of the spiritual ore today.

Lin Yiqing calculated quietly, but his expression remained calm. He smiled and cupped his fists. "Greetings, President Xia. I'm looking for a spiritual ore. I heard the chamber of commerce has one in its collection, so I came to ask about it."

"Oh? Which spiritual ore would that be? Please tell me, Young Friend Lin."

Seeing that Lin Yiqing had made no clear response, Xia Wanjin understood that he was the sort who wouldn't act until he saw the rabbit before him. He asked curiously.

"It's the Star-Fall Profound Steel!"

Lin Yiqing considered for a moment, then answered.

At his words, Steward Xia He and Xuan Su's expressions shifted. They naturally understood the meaning behind Xia Wanjin and Lin Yiqing's words.

But they hadn't expected Lin Yiqing to ask for something so valuable.

"President..."

Xuan Su began to speak, but seemed to think better of it and swallowed the words.

Lin Yiqing raised an eyebrow. It seemed the Star-Fall Profound Steel was worth more than he had expected.

Xia Wanjin pondered for a moment, then looked at Lin Yiqing with a solemn expression. "You're right, Young Friend Lin. Our chamber of commerce does have this spiritual ore in its vault. It's extremely valuable, and countless people have sought it without success. But I have no intention of trading it away."

He paused, then continued, "I have no intention of selling it, but I'm willing to give it to you as a gift!"

At those words, Lin Yiqing's pupils contracted. He hadn't expected Xia Wanjin to be so bold.