Very quickly, the transaction succeeded, and Ye Hen's wallet gained 28 shiny silver coins. With the equipment sold, Ye Hen didn't linger any longer and turned to leave.
Just a few steps away, Ye Hen received a system notification.
System: Player Chun Qing Nan Zi requests to add you as a friend. Please choose to accept or decline.
Ye Hen turned his head to glance at Chun Qing Nan Zi in the distance. While he was also looking in his direction. After a moment's thought, Ye Hen accepted the friend request.
"Are you a professional player?" Chun Qing Nan Zi asked through private message.
"Need something?" Ye Hen's tone was cold.
"Well, if you're planning to sell more high-tier equipment in the future, could you give me priority? I buy all kinds of high-tier gear, and my friends cover every class. I can guarantee the price won't be lower than others. RMB transactions are fine too—I can transfer the money to you first and pick up the gear later. How does that sound?" Hearing Ye Hen's distant tone, Chun Qing Nan Zi instinctively softened his voice.
Ye Hen paused, a bit surprised—seemed like this was a rich kid. He had been wondering how Chun Qing Nan Zi, only at level 3, had so many silver coins. Now it became clear; he'd probably bought them on the black market. As for offering RMB transactions, that was likely because game currency on the black market was scarce and costly, so RMB transactions were more convenient for him. With the game just launched, few would sell high-tier gear. The few who obtained it were either gaming studios or powerful small groups, and even they struggled to meet their own demands, much less sell to others.
"Alright, I'll find you if I have extra gear." Ye Hen responded lightly. Although this was also in line with his interests, he wasn't eager to establish deep connections with strangers. His gaming philosophy was always independence and prioritizing benefits. He got along with Windfire because he'd known in his previous life that Windfire's leader, Windless, was trustworthy, and they shared a common enemy.
"Okay, then, take care." Chun Qing Nan Zi sounded excited. He had offered high prices to many studios but managed to buy only a few decent pieces of equipment, so he was delighted to finally have a lead.
"Mhm."
Ye Hen ended the conversation and headed straight to the town's weapon shop.
The weapon shop owner was a short man in his fifties with a goatee and a white headscarf. Upon seeing a customer, he greeted them eagerly.
"Honorable warrior, are you here to purchase weapons? My wares are the sharpest and most durable in the entire Loulan Kingdom."
"The sharpest and most durable?" Ye Hen glanced over the weapons on the counter with disinterest, sneering, "Show me your best crossbow. Top-quality only; don't bother with anything subpar."
In his previous life, Ye Hen had come here to buy a crossbow in the early game, but due to limited funds, he'd only managed to get the cheapest, low-quality one. Now, with silver in hand, he naturally wanted something better.
Hearing Ye Hen's impatient tone, the old man scowled, tugging at his goatee with displeasure. "All my weapons are top quality. How dare you suggest otherwise! Hmph, you outsiders have no idea—twenty years ago, the weapons I made were carried into battle by warriors. Even the great Marshal Rob used one of my creations."
He said this with his head held high, looking quite pleased with himself.
Ye Hen gave him a cold glance, retorting, "Marshal Rob used your weapon? Did Azam give his weapons to beggars then?"
The Rob they mentioned was the current marshal of the Loulan Kingdom's army, and Azam was the kingdom's most skilled blacksmith. Ye Hen had heard their names in his previous life, so he couldn't resist a sarcastic comment when the boastful old man started bragging.
"You… you actually know Marshal Rob, and even Master Azam? How do you know about them…" The old man looked at him, astonished.
Ye Hen smiled mockingly and said, "Anyone who's been to Loulan's capital would know Marshal Rob and Master Azam. Do you really think otherwise?"
The old man finally understood, exclaiming, "I didn't expect you've been to Loulan's capital. I visited it once in my youth—it's truly a wonderful place. The girls there are fresh as water, the lakes bluer than the sky, and the water plants…"
Seeing the old man lost in nostalgia, Ye Hen quickly interrupted, "Shopkeeper! I'm here to buy a crossbow. If you don't have one, I'll go elsewhere."
The old man snapped out of it, hastily apologizing, "Sorry, I tend to reminisce a lot in my old age. Please wait a moment; I'll fetch you my finest crossbow."
He disappeared into the back room, and soon returned with an exquisite hand crossbow. "Young warrior, this is the best crossbow I've crafted. It can fire two bolts at once. Take a look."
Bull Horn Crossbow: (Bronze-grade equipment)
Attack: 10–15, Strength +4
Range: 30 meters
Requirements: Level 1, Dexterity 15, Assassin/Archer only.
"A bronze-grade crossbow? Since when did system shops offer high-grade gear?" Ye Hen was taken aback by the crossbow's stats. System shops usually sold only standard items.
The old man was pleased by Ye Hen's surprised expression, tugging his goatee with pride. "This crossbow isn't for sale originally, but I enjoyed chatting with you, so I'll let you buy it. Of course, the price will be a bit steep."
Once money was involved, the old man quickly set aside his camaraderie, his eyes gleaming with excitement.
"How much?" Ye Hen asked.
"Heh, 20 silver coins, and no haggling—that's the rule of the Supreme God, which none can alter." The old man looked triumphant, mentioning the Supreme God, the game's main AI and the world's only deity.
The Bull Horn Crossbow was indeed pricey. A basic crossbow cost less than 20 copper coins, making this one over a hundred times more expensive.
After considering it, Ye Hen reluctantly bought the Bull Horn Crossbow. Though expensive, it would make his next plans much easier to execute.
After buying the crossbow, Ye Hen spent another silver coin on ten quivers of low-grade bolts and left the shop, heading swiftly toward the town's western outskirts.
TL Note:
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