Ultimate Cash System
Chapter 868 868: Is It Worth Only One Earth Rank Low Level Elixir?
"So that Three-legged Ice Crystal Toad was it?!"
As Liang Li's words were spoken, many Meridian Refining Masters in the hall rummaged through the depths of their memories, finding faint recollections about the Three-legged Ice Crystal Toad. Immediately, some of them gazed at the Three-legged Toad with a fiery gleam in their eyes.
Such a Meridian Spirit is truly a once-in-a-lifetime encounter. Everyone could understand Liang Li's actions, for if one could successfully refine a Meridian Spirit with such an overpowering Ice Cold Attribute, it would surely be twice as effective in future battles.
Moreover, some thoughtful individuals realized that even though Liang Li fell into a coma because of the Three-legged Ice Crystal Toad, now that the toad's Spiritual Wisdom had been removed by Yun Xing, it posed no threat at all to a cultivator at the Early Stage of the Origin Seeking Realm.
In fact, many maliciously thought that when the Three-legged Ice Crystal Toad emerged from the body just now, Liang Li probably had already woken up. Yet he waited until Yun Xing had erased the toad's Spiritual Wisdom before leisurely speaking up; such intentions cannot be said to be anything but sinister.
Strictly speaking, there was nothing wrong with Liang Li's earlier words; it's just that when someone has shown life-saving grace and plainly expressed interest in the Three-legged Ice Crystal Toad, to say such words afterward appears somewhat ungracious.
And Yun Xiao was alone, with no one he knew here, so naturally, no one would step forward to speak on his behalf. Some even harbored jealousy due to his display and sincerely wished to see him humiliate himself.
"Indeed, Mr. Yun Xing, Elder Liang Li's acquisition of the Three-legged Ice Crystal Toad was no easy feat. If you could return it to him, our Meridian Refining Master Guild in Lushan City would express profound gratitude and would surely not let you down!"
Just as Branch Chairman Lu Liancheng wanted to say something, a voice suddenly came from the upper seat, and everyone looked towards it to find it was from the Second Elder of the Meridian Refining Master Guild in Lushan City.
This Branch's Second Elder, Wu Jia, had already reached the Middle Stage of the Origin Seeking Realm in Meridian Qi Cultivation and was a genuine Earth Rank Low-Level Peak Poison Vein Master, just a step away from becoming an Earth Rank Middle-Level Poison Vein Master, a notch higher than Liang Li.
Although they were within the Meridian Refining Master Guild, the medical and poison factions were not entirely harmonious, much like the Jade Pot Sect. For example, Wu Jia and Liang Li were of one mind, so, of course, he had to voice his support now.
It seems that this Second Elder Wu Jia had also sensed that Chairman Lu Liancheng might speak on behalf of Yun Xing, thus he rushed to speak first, to firmly assert the fact that the Three-legged Ice Crystal Toad belonged to Liang Li. From the moral high ground, no one could accuse them of ingratitude.
Moreover, Wu Jia had never heard of this so-called Yun Xing, knowing it wasn't someone with a significant background. By then, offering something trivial to dismiss him wouldn't matter at all. Would this fellow even dare to trouble the Meridian Refining Master Guild?
This was the lofty mindset of these Poison Vein Masters. A rare item like the Three-legged Ice Crystal Toad, how could a mere unknown rookie have the right to possess it? It is wise to know one's limits, for forcefully possessing certain things might invite fatal disaster.
"Mr. Yun Xing, if you can return the Three-legged Ice Crystal Toad to me, I can offer an Earth Rank Low-Level Elixir in exchange!"
With the Second Elder's support, the slight guilt Liang Li once felt instantly vanished. These words were spoken as if it were only natural, yet many people had their mouths twisted in disdain, clearly unimpressed.
Everyone present could sense it was an Eighth Rank Low-Level Vein Demon, and a rare creature like the Three-legged Ice Crystal Toad at that. Its value compared to an Earth Rank Low-Level Elixir was worlds apart.
However, in Liang Li's view, dismissing such an insignificant character with an Earth Rank Elixir was already elevating him. If the other party knew what's best, they should quietly take the elixir and leave, thus avoiding igniting his anger.
For a moment, all eyes were on Yun Xiao, watching to see whether this guy who had performed well several times before would now back down knowing the challenge or meet the difficulty head-on?
Most people thought Yun Xing would certainly take the opportunity to step down, as offending the Meridian Refining Master Guild was unwise, let alone a Fifth Elder who had already reached the Early Stage of the Origin Seeking Realm.
Even Branch Chairman Lu Liancheng did not speak at that moment, perhaps wanting to see Yun Xing's decision. If Yun Xing himself retreated knowing the obstacle, then Lu Liancheng wouldn't need to be the villain, drawing displeasure from Liang Li and Wu Jia, two branch elders.
"Heh heh, does Elder Liang Li really believe that his life is only worth an Earth Rank Low-Level Elixir?"
Yet as everyone's gaze stayed fixed on Yun Xing, a faint and peculiar smile appeared on his face, followed by words that carried undisguised mockery.
Indeed, Yun Xiao had genuinely saved Liang Li's life when he forced the Three-legged Ice Crystal Toad out earlier. Now, not only did this guy fail to be grateful, but he also coveted the Three-legged Ice Crystal Toad. How could Yun Xiao swallow such an insult?
One could even say that the Three-legged Ice Crystal Toad is Yun Xiao's trophy this time; returning it would be a favor, but not returning it, no one can say anything against it. It's just that Liang Li spent a huge price to obtain the Three-legged Ice Crystal Toad, and feels unwilling in his heart.
When a person's inner unwillingness and greed reach a certain level, perhaps even his humanity will be distorted. For example, at this moment Liang Li has long discarded Yun Xiao's act of saving his life.
"Mr. Yun Xing, I will say it one last time, that Three-legged Ice Crystal Toad belongs to me, Liang Li. It's best for you to return it to me!"
Liang Li spoke again, and though he still used polite terms, the threat hidden in his words was heard by everyone present, and their faces showed an expression of enjoying the spectacle.
Many Meridian Refining Masters present are from Lushan City, so they have some understanding of the Fifth Elder of the Meridian Refining Master Guild. Although he is somewhat restrained by the guild's rules, he is ultimately a genuine Poison Vein Master with a reputation for a sinister nature that makes many shudder.
If it were an ordinary cultivator, after Liang Li said such things, they would likely agree to his demands submissively, especially since the Second Elder Wu Jia was backing him.
"I'm sorry, I believe in helping people thoroughly. This thing has caused Elder Liang Li so much suffering, how could I return it and risk your life again?"
This time, Yun Xiao's words had significantly changed. Although he still refused to return the Three-legged Ice Crystal Toad, his words were spoken with a sense of righteousness.
Of course, few believed such words. If the previously intelligent Three-legged Ice Crystal Toad posed a threat to Liang Li, now having its Spiritual Wisdom wiped out, even a Qi Seeking Realm cultivator refining it might face far less danger?
Perhaps it was for this reason that Liang Li became desperate enough to flip and disregard the life-saving grace, because he knew that once he retrieves the Three-legged Ice Crystal Toad, his Poison Meridian Skill would greatly advance. Surpassing the Second Elder Wu Jia would then be within his grasp.
Laughably, Wu Jia backed Liang Li because they were both Poison Vein Masters, without realizing the latter intended to replace him. If he knew, would he immediately switch sides to assist Yun Xiao?
No one believed Yun Xiao's words, and naturally, neither did Liang Li. He turned his eyes a few times and said coldly, "This doesn't need Mr. Yun Xing to worry about; you just need to return the Three-legged Ice Crystal Toad to me!"
Even though he once lost half his life because of the Three-legged Ice Crystal Toad, Liang Li's determination to obtain the toad was exceptionally strong at this moment. Only the Vein Spirit that could greatly boost his strength mattered in his eyes.
"Elder Liang Li, Mr. Yun Xing is your savior, you mustn't be too rude!"
At this moment, Lu Liancheng couldn't help but speak up. Although his words seemed to support Yun Xiao, he did not specify whether the Three-legged Ice Crystal Toad should be returned, suggesting he had his own thoughts.
Now, Lu Liancheng regarded Yun Xiao with new eyes, merely adhering to his earlier promise, preventing Liang Li from flying into a rage and acting out. As for how to resolve this matter, he genuinely wanted to see what magical means Yun Xing had.
Upon hearing this, Yun Xiao glanced at Lu Liancheng and didn't say much. Liang Li's eyes, however, flashed with a hint of malevolence, seemingly provoked by Lu Liancheng's words.
"Chairman, I, Liang Li, abide by the rules, but that Three-legged Ice Crystal Toad indeed belongs to me, doesn't it? Me reclaiming it cannot be said to break the rules of the Meridian Refining Master Guild!"
Despite his overwhelming greed, Liang Li had not lost his mind. Once he spoke those words, many people nodded their heads. But they all overlooked one fact: without Yun Xiao, Liang Li's little life might have been forfeit.
Yun Xiao was both amused and annoyed; he had seen shameless people, but never one so brazen. Clearly, he saved someone's life, yet the person turned it around accusing him of snatching things.
"Elder Liang Li, as I said before, your life was saved by me. If you insist on refining the Three-legged Ice Crystal Toad again, it could cost you your life!"
Yun Xiao, possessing a deeply profound city mansion, despite intensely despising Liang Li's behavior, repeated his previous warning. The implication carried a distinct warning, but how many believed it was uncertain.
"I have also stated before, Mister Yun Xing need not worry about Liang's matters further, just return the Three-legged Ice Crystal Toad to me!"