Chapter 967: Frost Jade Toad

Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

Ye Leng’an’s barrage of questions left Zhongyu Lingshan speechless. She found herself at a loss for words, unsure of how to respond.

Her decision to impose the Five Days of Slumber on Ye Leng’an had originally been an attempt to kill her. Even if she claimed it was a joke, no one would believe her. After all, nobody was naive.

Beside her, Master Zhongyu’s expression darkened as he glanced at Ye Leng’an directly. “Miss Ye, if that’s the case, there’s no need for us to beat around the bush anymore. Despite consulting numerous physicians, we have yet to find a cure for Lingshan’s poison. I’m aware you possess the antidote. I wonder what price you would require, Miss Ye, to cure Lingshan?”

At this point, he had discerned that playing the emotional card or feigning misery would yield no change. In such a situation, it was better to engage in straightforward bartering!

Upon hearing Master Zhongyu’s words, Ye Leng’an glanced at Huangfu Ruiling and then blinked.

During this period, Zhongyu Lingshan endured significant torment. From the outset, she had no intention of ending Zhongyu Lingshan’s life. This wasn’t born from benevolence, but rather from a belief that allowing Zhongyu Lingshan to live and suffer was preferable to death. Only the searing agony, deeply ingrained in her bones, would serve as a lasting lesson for her.

However, if the Zhongyu family were willing to pay the price for the antidote, she wasn’t opposed to the exchange. Yet, she wasn’t aware of the Zhongyu family’s valuable possessions, hence her reliance on Huangfu Ruiling.

After a moment of contemplation, Huangfu Ruiling said to Master Zhongyu, “It’s said that the Zhongyu family possesses a rare treasure, the Frost Jade Toad. I wonder, Master Zhongyu, if you’re willing to part with it?”

At the mention of this, Master Zhongyu’s expression soured.

The Frost Jade Toad was no ordinary treasure; it was considered the Zhongyu family’s guardian treasure!

Extremely rare, the Frost Jade Toad was a once-in-a-millennium treasure. Its body was transparent like jade, filled with treasures, especially its saliva, which could be lethal or life-saving, depending on the alchemist’s use.

Since obtaining it, the Zhongyu family had nurtured it with premium herbs and spiritual plants. Even the Ye family had cast envious glances at the Frost Jade Toad.

Now, with just a few words, Huangfu Ruiling wanted to take it away. This was utterly unreasonable!

Seeing Master Zhongyu’s grim expression, Huangfu Ruiling didn’t press further. “Of course, if you’re unwilling, we won’t force it.”

Ye Leng’an, on the other hand, couldn’t hide her excitement upon hearing about the Frost Jade Toad. However, sensing Master Zhongyu’s reluctance, she didn’t pursue the matter.

She did desire the Frost Jade Toad, but not to the extent of necessity. Since Master Zhongyu valued it more than his daughter, Zhongyu Lingshan, she refrained from further insistence.

“Father!” Zhongyu Lingshan interjected anxiously.

She had endured unbearable suffering during this period. If this continued, she didn’t know how much longer she could endure or if she could continue at all!

Though displeased, Master Zhongyu turned to Huangfu Ruiling and Ye Leng’an, continuing, “Master Huangfu, Miss Ye, the Frost Jade Toad is our Zhongyu family’s treasure, making it almost impossible to trade. This isn’t solely my decision. So, is there another option? Our Zhongyu family also possesses a Frost Jade Bodhi, also a rare treasure. What do you think of this as an exchange?”

Even if he had to part with the Frost Jade Bodhi, it would be a painful decision. However, regardless of the treasure, Zhongyu Lingshan was his daughter. Furthermore, Lingshan possessed exceptional cultivation talent. To cripple her like this would be a waste.

Master Zhongyu believed his offer was generous enough. Huangfu Ruiling and Ye Leng’an likely wouldn’t refuse, even Zhongyu Lingshan looked at Ye Leng’an expectantly.

“Then, forget it.” Ye Leng’an shook her head, smiling. “I have no interest in the Frost Jade Bodhi. Please, return.”

Had it not been for the Frost Jade Toad, she might have shown interest in the Frost Jade Bodhi.

Nevertheless, she didn’t insist. If she could obtain it, that would be ideal. If not, she didn’t see it as a loss. After all, the world was replete with treasures. It wasn’t possible for all to land in her lap!

Hearing this, Zhongyu Lingshan grew anxious. “Ye Leng’an, the Frost Jade Bodhi is also an exceptional treasure! I’m merely exchanging it for an antidote. You won’t be at a loss.”

She couldn’t endure another day like this.

“If it’s an exchange, both parties must consent, right?” Ye Leng’an reclined, wearing a lazy smile. “And don’t trivialize it. You were the one who sought to harm me from the beginning, leading to this outcome. Therefore, with the initiative now in my hands, if I refuse, then there won’t be an exchange.”

Upon hearing this, Zhongyu Lingshan turned to Master Zhongyu with pleading eyes. She knew her fate lay solely in her father’s hands.

Without sparing Zhongyu Lingshan a glance, Master Zhongyu first looked at Huangfu Ruiling. Realizing Huangfu Ruiling had no intention of interjecting further, he turned to Ye Leng’an. “Miss Ye, the Frost Jade Toad is indeed impossible to trade. Although I am the family head, decisions within the Zhongyu family aren’t solely mine. Even if I agree, the other elders won’t. Is there another solution?”

He was determined to save Zhongyu Lingshan, but it had to be within reasonable limits. Surrendering the Frost Jade Toad to Ye Leng’an for Zhongyu Lingshan’s sake… would undoubtedly provoke opposition from the elders. It wasn’t worth it.

Ye Leng’an shook her head and remained firm. “I don’t want anything else except the Frost Jade Toad.”