“A few words can’t explain it all. And in my current state—tied up like this—how could I possibly present the item for you to see, Lord Leng?”
Lin Xiao lowered his gaze to his bound wrists as he spoke. Leng Hantian clearly wanted the treasure, but his posture left Lin Xiao certain of one thing: even though he stood here alone, he would never let himself be treated as prey.
“Untie him,” Leng Hantian ordered with a wave of his hand.
At once, his attendants loosened the ropes. Lin Xiao stretched his arms, straightened his clothes, and without waiting for an invitation, took a seat for himself, turning from guest to equal.
“Lord Leng asked only what this treasure is. But just now, I also mentioned a condition. Aren’t you the least bit curious what that condition is? Or do you mean to say—so long as it’s my spirit stone, no matter the terms I set, you’ll agree?”
Since Leng Hantian had shown interest, Lin Xiao made no effort to be polite. Time was short; it was better to state his position openly.
Leng Hantian’s gaze darkened, hearing the steel in his tone.
“If you know who I am, then you should know: in my city, there is nothing beyond my reach. A mere spirit stone? If I don’t take yours, countless others will fall into my hands in time. What makes you think I have to deal with you today? Since Imperial City was founded, no one has ever dared set terms before me. You are the first!”
He set his teacup down hard, the splash of tea was instantly wiped away by the attendants.
Lin Xiao only smiled faintly. “Since you’re interested in my spirit stone, why not consider my request? Surely, within this city, there must be a Fragrant Snowbloom.”
Fragrant Snowbloom—the herb said to cure all ills, even bring back the dead. It was one of the rarest treasures in the world. How could Leng Hantian not possess it?
“Consider?” Leng Hantian sneered. “What I consider is whether I feel like giving you anything at all. As for your spirit stone…do you really think I’d let you walk out of here with it?”
His voice carried absolute confidence. This was his city, his power, his men. How could he not?
But Lin Xiao showed no fear. Meeting his gaze with a thin smile, he said, “Whether I walk away or not, that’s your decision. But whether I can make it out with what I came for, that depends on my ability.”
Leng Hantian’s face darkened. He was about to give the order when Lin Xiao spoke softly, “Wait.”
And strangely, the attendants truly froze, staring blankly at Lin Xiao, hesitating to move.
Lin Xiao’s lips curled upward. “Lord Leng, it seems you’ve grown too agitated. I wasn’t finished speaking.”
At that, Leng Hantian barked a command. At once, the attendants surged forward, surrounding Lin Xiao tightly, intent on seizing his spirit stone.
But how could Lin Xiao let them succeed? With a sudden leap, he burst through their encirclement with ease.
“Then let’s see,” Leng Hantian’s voice was cold and sharp, “Whether my authority rules this city—or your skill does!”
His men closed in once more, locking Lin Xiao in their midst. Yet far from panicking, Lin Xiao raised his head and smiled directly at Leng Hantian.
“What’s this? Have you reconsidered?” Leng Hantian’s lips curled as well, though his tone was sharp as ice. “I am a reasonable man. Admit your mistake, and I can order them to stand down at once.”
But Lin Xiao’s eyes hardened. His voice was low and forceful, “I want only the Fragrant Snowbloom.”
With that, he slowly drew forth a crystal unlike the violet stone he had given the old man earlier. This one gleamed with a faint green glow. And even that faint light was enough to captivate the surrounding attendants, their eyes wide with hunger—proof of its unimaginable worth.