Before Han Xue could respond, both Han Xiao and Ji Ying shouted simultaneously, stopping her in her tracks.

“Wait! Don’t speak a word,” Han Xiao commanded, his voice laced with urgency.

“Listen to your brother, little sister. This old man is nefarious. And greedy!” Ji Ying added, her eyes narrowing with suspicion.

The old man, still locked in a fierce battle with the frigid law within him, growled in frustration. “Shut up, you two! Not even contributing, yet you dare to open your mouths in front of me!” His voice was strained, and though he didn't attack them directly, the mere glare he shot their way sent a wave of tremendous aura pressure crashing down on them.

Han Xiao and Ji Ying instinctively weaved hand signs, releasing essence qi to counter the overwhelming force. Unfortunately, Ji Ying was the first to falter. The pressure was too much, and with a scream of pain, she was pressed to the ground. Han Xiao, however, managed to withstand the assault. As a body cultivator in addition to his martial qi cultivation, he was more resilient, though his legs trembled under the weight of the old man’s oppressive aura.

As short-tempered as she was, Han Xue’s eyes narrowed with fury as she saw the old man bullying her brother. Her hand instinctively reached for the handle of her sealed sword, her intent clear.

The old man, sensing the sudden surge of murderous intent, quickly released the pressure on both Han Xiao and Ji Ying. A strained smile spread across his face as he tried to placate her. “Little Doll, I was wrong. Just say yes, and I’ll let you three leave in one piece.”

Despite his words, Han Xue’s hand remained on the sword, her resolve unwavering. She was ready to unsheathe the weapon, but before she could, Han Xiao flickered and appeared behind her, his voice calm yet firm as he spoke telepathically. Don’t. He’s just an old fart. There’s no need to undo your seal. I’ll handle this. Just follow my lead, okay?

Okay. I believe in you, she responded, her anger subsiding as she took a deep breath and relaxed her grip on the sword.

The old man’s smile wavered, and he pressed on with a hint of impatience, “Aren’t you going to answer me, little doll?”

Han Xue sighed, her tone indifferent as she replied, “I don’t know what you’re even talking about. You can talk to my brother.”

The old man’s expression darkened, his eyes narrowing as his plan began to unravel.

Han Xiao stepped forward, his voice steady as he spoke, “Hey, I can take it back for her. But I’ve got some conditions.”

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The old man’s gaze snapped to Han Xiao, his eyes darting as he quickly calculated his next move. He was already devising new strategies, but Han Xiao was ready for him.

System! Can I absorb the Frigid Law root? If so, I’ll accept all the conditions. Also, get rid of the teleportation marks he placed on us, Han Xiao asked, his thoughts sharp and focused.

Ding!

[Of course! Absorbing the Frigid Root Law will cost 3000 Curse Points. Erasing the seals will cost 100 Curse Points each. Would you like to spend 3300 Curse Points for these tasks? Yes/No.]

Yes, do it! Han Xiao mentally agreed, feeling a surge of power as the system worked its magic, erasing the old man’s teleportation marks and preparing him to absorb the Frigid Law root.

After a long pause, the old man finally spoke, his voice laced with contempt. “Conditions? You must be out of your mind. Boy, do you have any idea why I brought all of you here instead of just her?”

Han Xiao didn’t flinch, his calm smirk unwavering as he met the old man’s glare. “Oh, I get it. You planned to hold us hostage, force her to give in, and then wipe us all out. But unfortunately for you,” Han Xiao’s smirk grew, “the City Lord and his group of bad-asses are already closing in. So how about you take my offer? That way, we both walk away with a win, don’t you think?”

The old man’s eyes narrowed further as he weighed Han Xiao’s words. This boy’s confidence isn’t born of desperation; he’s making a calculated offer, knowing he holds the upper hand. The old man glanced in the direction Han Xiao had hinted at and sensed the approaching auras. Damn, this brat must’ve already tipped off the authorities. Time’s running out. Fine, I’ll play along. I still have my reverse summoning seals on them.

Resigned, the old man said, “Alright, let’s hear your conditions.”

Han Xiao’s voice was calm but laced with pride as he replied, “It’s simple. My sister doesn’t need that tiny fragment of the Frigid Law Root you stole from her. It’s very insignificant!”

“Hmph!” The old man snorted, his voice trembling with anger and disbelief. “Insignificant?! I’m in this state because of that ‘tiny fragment,’ and you have the nerve to look down on me?”

“Yeah, I do,” Han Xiao responded, unruffled. “The amount of Frigid Law Root you managed to steal is so insignificant that she hasn’t even noticed it’s gone. Just look at her—she’s still confused.” He gestured toward Han Xue, who blinked innocently, clearly bewildered. “Honestly, my sister doesn’t need it. Just give it to me, and I’ll take care of it—but only if…”

The old man’s patience was wearing thin as he snapped, “Only if what?”

Han Xiao met his gaze, his confidence unwavering. “I’ll take the Frigid Law Root off your hands,” he stated, “but in exchange, you’ll give me the top hundred law roots from your arsenal. That’s my only condition. And you must agree to let us go safely once I accept the Frigid Law Root. Don’t even think about any loopholes—I know you possess the Unique Talent: Grappling Bloodline. It’s a powerful skill, but it still has rules in transactions like this, right?”

The old man’s expression shifted, his thoughts racing as he processed Han Xiao’s demands.

“Anyway, do you dare?” Han Xiao pressed.

The old man’s face twisted in rage as he shouted, “Hell no! I’d rather die here along with you three!”

“Hey, calm down,” Han Xiao replied smoothly. “We’re still negotiating. I’m not as greedy as you—I won’t bite off more than I can chew. But time is pressing, so just say what’s on your mind.” He knew the old man, despite his current state, could easily kill them all—except for Han Xue. But if Han Xue unleashed her sealed power, she might go berserk and kill everyone around her, which made negotiation the safest option.

Ji Ying, who had been quietly observing, glanced at Han Xiao with a thoughtful smile. Awh, extortion—excellent! That’s my move. Did this boy unknowingly pick it up from me? Extorting in a situation like this requires guts and a cool head. I wouldn’t have thought of it myself. Go for it, little brother. I’ll silently cheer for you.

“Only two from the top hundred?” the old man pressed, trying to gain an edge.

“Top two Law Roots,” Han Xiao insisted, standing firm.

“Hmph! This is getting us nowhere. Forget it.”

“Wait!” Han Xiao quickly responded. “Two from the top five will work.”

“And you’re saying this isn’t greed?” the old man scoffed. “Take it or we all die here. Last chance—I’ll give you two from the top ten, but I'll choose which ones.”

Han Xiao paused, then nodded. “Alright, but you have to agree to…”

“…let us go,” they both finished. The old man added, “And I’ll leave you all in one piece, alive. Satisfied?”

“Deal,” Han Xiao agreed, finalizing the strange pact with the old man.