“Lin Yun, I’ve got news about the Xuanyan Stone you wanted Hawkins. The Empress of Kunyuan has one. It’s an excellent material for forging weapons, but getting it from her will be up to you. I can only help with this information,” the Lord of Xiaoyao Tower transmitted.
“Alright, thanks for that,” Lin Yun replied gratefully.
“If you need anything else, just contact me,” the Lord of Xiaoyao Tower added.
After the conversation ended, Lin Yun thought, “The Empress of Kunyuan has one? I’ve never had any dealings with her.” He gave a wry smile.
After some consideration, Lin Yun decided he’d have to spend resources to buy it from her.
He first contacted Emperor Huoyun, explaining the situation and arranging to acquire another five thousand Haoyue Crystals from him.
With the Qiankun Supreme Cauldron, Lin Yun could produce vast amounts of Qiankun Crystals, but he couldn’t use them openly without raising suspicion.
So, for external transactions, he’d use Haoyue Crystals.
Qiankun Crystals were kept for himself and Emperor Huoyun, while Haoyue Crystals were for public use.
After securing the Haoyue Crystals, Lin Yun headed to the Kunyuan Empire via a teleportation array.
It was his first time visiting the Kunyuan Empire.
…
In the capital of the Kunyuan Empire, inside the imperial palace.
Empress Kunyuan sat on her throne, meditating in cultivation.
A commander entered the hall.
“Your Majesty, an immortal named Lin Yun requests an audience outside,” the commander reported.
“Lin Yun?”
Empress Kunyuan’s delicate brow twitched, surprised. “Why would he come to see me?”
“Shall I refuse him?” the commander asked.
“Since he’s here, let him in,” she instructed.
Though she had no prior dealings with Lin Yun, his impressive performance during the entry test had left a decent impression.
“As you command,” the commander replied.
Soon, Lin Yun was escorted into the hall.
“I, Lin Yun, greet Your Majesty,” he said, bowing to Empress Kunyuan.
She was undeniably stunning, with an ethereal grace that made Lin Yun steal a few glances.
“Bold!”
Noticing his looks, Empress Kunyuan frowned and gave a sharp rebuke.
Who would dare be so disrespectful?
“I meant no offence,” Lin Yun said, visibly embarrassed.
“If not for your master’s sake, I’d have your eyes for such insolence,” she said coldly.
“Uh…” Lin Yun’s embarrassment deepened.
“Lin Yun, let’s be direct. We’ve had no prior dealings. Why this sudden visit?” she asked coolly.
“I’m seeking an item called the Xuanyan Stone. I heard you possess one, so I’d like to purchase it,” Lin Yun explained.
“So, you’re here for the Xuanyan Stone,” she said, her gaze narrowing.
“Your Majesty, here are five thousand Haoyue Crystals. I’m willing to buy it with this,” Lin Yun offered, presenting the crystals.
Five thousand Haoyue Crystals was no small sum.
“Sorry, the Xuanyan Stone is useful to me. I won’t sell. Please leave,” she refused outright.
“Too little? I’ll add two thousand, making it eight thousand!” Lin Yun declared loudly.
“Not for sale,” she replied curtly.
Her response left Lin Yun a bit helpless.
But it made sense. As a Dominator Realm expert, advancing further required immense resources. Eight thousand Haoyue Crystals offered limited benefit.
“Then name your price,” Lin Yun pressed.
“I’ve said it’s useful to me. No amount will do. Even if I named a price, you couldn’t afford it,” she stated.
Lin Yun looked up, smiling. “You haven’t named a price. How do you know I can’t afford it? Go ahead and name one.”
“Fine, if you insist. If you can produce thirty thousand Haoyue Crystals, it’s yours,” she said casually.
“Thirty thousand?” Lin Yun froze.
That was an astronomical figure, not just for him but for any Eternal or Myriad Realm cultivator in the Mahayana realm. Even for a Dominator Realm expert, it was substantial.
For someone like Lin Yun, new to the Mahayana realm, or even those with millennia of experience, it was unthinkable.
“Fine, thirty thousand Haoyue Crystals. I’ll take it!” Lin Yun agreed after a moment’s thought.
Though the amount was massive, he had no choice.
A source-grade weapon was too crucial. Without one, he’d be at a disadvantage against opponents with such weapons, and his ability to fight above his level would be severely diminished.
Even in battles against demonic beasts, a source-grade weapon would significantly boost his combat prowess.
Fortunately, with the Qiankun Supreme Cauldron, he could trade Qiankun Crystals with Emperor Huoyun for Haoyue Crystals to make the purchase.
“You’ll take it? Hmph, ridiculous. You’ve barely joined the Mahayana realm. How could you possibly have thirty thousand Haoyue Crystals?” Empress Kunyuan scoffed, thinking it a joke.
She had no intention of selling and had named that price to deter him, certain he couldn’t afford it.
“I’ve agreed, so I can manage it. As the ruler of the Kunyuan Empire, I trust Your Majesty keeps her word and won’t back out, right?” Lin Yun said with a smile.
“If you can produce thirty thousand Haoyue Crystals, I’ll sell you the Xuanyan Stone,” she declared.
She agreed because she was certain Lin Yun couldn’t possibly gather that many.
“Then I’ll take my leave and return once I’ve prepared the Haoyue Crystals.”
With that, Lin Yun departed.
“Didn’t expect him to be a braggart. Thirty thousand Haoyue Crystals? As if you could manage that!” Empress Kunyuan shook her head dismissively.
She’d initially had a decent impression of Lin Yun, but now she saw him as unreliable.
