Chapter 968: The Negotiation Fell Through

Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

After some consideration, Ye Leng’an continued, “However, Master Zhongyu, if you feel that it’s not suitable, then I can sweeten the deal. What do you think?”

She was genuinely interested in the Frost Jade Toad. Acquiring it today would be advantageous.

“Sweeten the deal?” Master Zhongyu furrowed his brow, then asked, “Miss Ye, what exactly do you mean by that?”

Taking a moment to ponder, Ye Leng’an replied, “Since Master Zhongyu deems the Frost Jade Toad so crucial, even surpassing Zhongyu Lingshan. What if I offer five more Nine-Cycle Soul-Returning Pills? Five Nine-Cycle Soul-Returning Pills, along with the antidote for Zhongyu Lingshan’s poison. Would that be sufficient to acquire the Frost Jade Toad?”

The Nine-Cycle Soul-Returning Pill was the ultimate life-saving elixir. As long as one still breathed, it could snatch them back from the clutches of death.

Also, this pill was a high-grade one, requiring a high-level alchemist to concoct it. Even among high-level alchemists, success was not guaranteed. It was among the most challenging of high-grade elixirs. Even achieving a one-in-ten success rate was remarkable.

Moreover, even if these alchemists managed to create the pill, they might be hesitant to part with it. Thus, in the Hidden World, the Nine-Cycle Soul-Returning Pill was a precious commodity.

She dared to assert that even within the Zhongyu family, such pills were likely scarce.

As expected, upon hearing Ye Leng’an’s proposal of five more Nine-Cycle Soul-Returning Pills, Master Zhongyu couldn’t help but be tempted. However, his expression darkened as he responded, “Miss Ye, while the Nine-Cycle Soul-Returning Pills are precious, our Zhongyu family possesses them. Thus, exchanging five pills for the Frost Jade Toad is out of the question.”

Hearing this, Zhongyu Lingshan, beside him, grew anxious. She believed the offer was already generous. Why was her father refusing? Did he truly intend to abandon her?

Despite her inner turmoil, she dared not speak further upon seeing her father’s warning glance.

“Oh, is that so?” Ye Leng’an adopted a casual demeanor. “Then, do you have any other ideas, Master Zhongyu?”

Master Zhongyu gazed at Ye Leng’an, contemplating for a moment before continuing, “If the Huangfu family is willing to provide ten Nine-Cycle Soul-Returning Pills, along with the antidote for Zhongyu Lingshan, our Zhongyu family will gladly offer the Frost Jade Toad. After all, I need to give our family a proper explanation.”

He hadn’t expected the Huangfu family to possess such wealth, enough to offer five Nine-Cycle Soul-Returning Pills. However, the Frost Jade Toad was too valuable for just five pills.

Zhongyu Lingshan grasped her father’s intentions immediately, feeling reassured. She understood that Ye Leng’an coveted the Frost Jade Toad as well. Thus, they must strive for the family’s greater benefit.

Ye Leng’an’s lips curled into a mocking smile. “In that case, Master Zhongyu, please take your leave!”

Upon hearing Ye Leng’an’s words, Master Zhongyu’s eyes flashed with disbelief. Then, he turned to look at Huangfu Ruiling. “Does Master Huangfu share the same opinion? Given the strength of the Huangfu family, producing ten Nine-Cycle Soul-Returning Pills shouldn’t be difficult, right?”

He believed that if the Huangfu family could offer five pills, they could surely provide five more. Moreover, the value of ten pills still paled in comparison to the Frost Jade Toad.

After all, the Frost Jade Toad was a treasure that appeared only once in a millennium. Were it not for Zhongyu Lingshan’s affliction, even ten pills wouldn’t suffice to acquire it.

Yet, Huangfu Ruiling didn’t spare Master Zhongyu a glance, let alone a response.

“Master Zhongyu, perhaps you misheard me earlier,” Ye Leng’an said coldly. “It is I who am willing to offer five Nine-Cycle Soul-Returning Pills, not the Huangfu family. However, ten pills are out of the question. Hence, our deal has fallen through.”

She wasn’t foolish. She could see through Master Zhongyu’s intentions!

Master Zhongyu regarded Ye Leng’an with suspicion. He couldn’t entirely trust her.

The families in the Hidden World had investigated Ye Leng’an. They knew she was merely an ordinary person from the mortal world. Despite her current cultivation, she lacked substantial backing.

Therefore, he assumed that the five pills Ye Leng’an mentioned were from the Huangfu family.

Ye Leng’an didn’t mind Zhongyu’s doubt. She continued, “There’s no need for you to hesitate, Master Zhongyu. Regardless of who offers the pills, does it matter? I’m in charge now. If I refuse, then that’s the end of it.”

“Miss Ye, why take such a rigid stance?” Master Zhongyu’s displeasure flickered in his eyes. “The value of the Frost Jade Toad is widely known. My request for ten Nine-Cycle Soul-Returning Pills is not unreasonable.”

“I didn’t say you were unreasonable! I’m simply unwilling.” Ye Leng’an’s smile didn’t reach her eyes. “Ten Nine-Cycle Soul-Returning Pills are far from matching the value of the Frost Jade Toad. However, Master Zhongyu, don’t forget why you’re here today. Zhongyu Lingshan harmed me first. Now, I’m willing to provide the antidote and five Nine-Cycle Soul-Returning Pills, which is already the greatest concession. To be frank, I haven’t even begun to settle the score for what Zhongyu Lingshan did to me.”

Master Zhongyu’s expression darkened visibly. When he looked at Ye Leng’an, his gaze sharpened. “Miss Ye, are you implying that there’s no room for negotiation today?”

“Master Zhongyu, you lack sincerity yourself. Is there anything left for us to discuss?” Ye Leng’an shrugged indifferently. “Yes, I’m interested in the Frost Jade Toad, but it’s not a necessity. I’ll strive for it, but I won’t insist if I can’t acquire it.”