Chapter 973 - Chapter 973: Jealousy

Chapter 973: Jealousy

Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

Upon hearing Ye Leng’an’s teasing remarks, Huangfu Ruiling maintained a composed expression. “Since it’s just a small creature, it should exhibit the self-awareness typical of such creatures.”

During the conversation, he reached out and promptly closed the box containing the Frost Jade Toad.

“Ling, what are you doing?” Ye Leng’an exclaimed in surprise. “Why did you close the box? I haven’t finished looking at it!”

As she spoke, she reached out to open the box, wanting to take another look.

Before her hand could reach the box, Huangfu Ruiling grasped it firmly. “As I mentioned earlier, you’ve spent enough time observing this thing. Besides, it’s now yours. There will be plenty of opportunities in the future; there’s no need to fixate on it now.”

Without waiting for her reaction, he immediately summoned a disciple to return the box to her room.

Of course, before returning it, he applied an additional sealing spell to prevent any mishaps if the box were to be opened midway. After all, the Frost Jade Toad was no ordinary item. Despite being a supreme treasure, it was also a supreme poison. Allowing it to roam freely within the Huangfu family would surely lead to disaster.

As Ye Leng’an watched the Frost Jade Toad being returned, a hint of regret flashed in her eyes. However, she chose not to persist. After all, the Frost Jade Toad was now back in her room, safe and sound. She could still examine it later that night.

If she had insisted further, Huangfu Ruiling might have actually thrown away the Frost Jade Toad in anger, which would have been a significant loss for her.

Given Huangfu Ruiling’s jealousy, she believed that such an outcome was entirely possible.

Observing her reluctant gaze, Huangfu Ruiling felt somewhat displeased, not with Ye Leng’an but with the Frost Jade Toad in the box. “Now that it’s yours, there’s no need to rush.”

Ye Leng’an slowly withdrew her gaze, rolling her eyes at Huangfu Ruiling. Then, she spoke irritably, “I only wanted to take a few more glances. What’s the big deal?”

A hint of gloominess flickered in Huangfu Ruiling’s eyes. Leaning closer to Ye Leng’an’s ear, he whispered, “Were you really just taking a few more glances? I’ve been by your side for so long, yet your attention has always been on this thing!”

Blushing at the warm breath near her ear, Ye Leng’an’s cheeks flushed. Even her tone took on a subtle coquettishness as she replied, “What nonsense are you spouting? When have I ever ignored you? I’m just a little curious about this Frost Jade Toad and thinking about how to use its venom.”

Upon hearing her response, Huangfu Ruiling’s expression darkened. “So you intend to continue researching this Frost Jade Toad in the coming days?”

His tone hinted that if Ye Leng’an indeed made that decision, the Frost Jade Toad might be sent away.

Understanding his implication, Ye Leng’an immediately adopted a righteous demeanor. “What are you talking about? How could I have such thoughts? Didn’t we agree on this earlier? I’ll spend time with you before the Elite Competition! How could I go back on my word?”

The Frost Jade Toad was a valuable item, and if it were sent away, she would truly be upset. Anyway, now that it was in her possession, there was plenty of time for further study, so there was no need to rush.

Satisfied with her response, Huangfu Ruiling stepped back. “Alright, let’s go out and have a good time in the next few days.”

Ye Leng’an nodded eagerly. “Sure!”

Suddenly recalling something, she asked, “By the way, Ling, I remember a rule in this Elite Competition. Even if one hasn’t registered, can’t the person still be challenged?”

Huangfu Ruiling nodded. “That’s indeed a rule. However, typically, one must have sufficient stakes to persuade the challenged party. Otherwise, who would willingly wade into such murky waters?”

Ye Leng’an nodded in agreement. Leaning on the stone table with one elbow, she propped her chin on her hand, blinking lazily. With a smile, she said, “I have a feeling I’ll be dragged into trouble in this Elite Competition! After all, I’ve made enemies in the Hidden World!”

At this point, she turned her head and looked at Huangfu Ruiling, teasingly adding, “Zhongyu Lingshan is a prime example this time. To be honest, it’s all thanks to you!”

Hearing that, Huangfu Ruiling couldn’t help but laugh. He reached out and ruffled her hair, speaking gruffly, “What nonsense are you talking about? This has nothing to do with me!”

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He didn’t even remember what Zhongyu Lingshan looked like, so how could he be held responsible?

“To be honest, this seems like something your mother would want to meddle in!” Ye Leng’an smiled faintly, then continued, “But, I think after this incident, the relationship between the Hidden World’s Zhongyu family and the one in the mortal world may not just be strained, it might even deteriorate significantly.”

Just by seeing how hard Zhongyu Liuying was trying to play matchmaker, constantly creating opportunities, one could tell how significant the benefits Zhongyu Lingshan had offered. But it still remained unknown how they would deal with the consequences now.

Hearing Ye Leng’an mention Zhongyu Liuying, Huangfu Ruiling’s expression remained unchanged, and it didn’t even seem like he was referring to his own mother. “That’s her own business. Besides, I’m not her pawn. If she wants to use me as one, she should be prepared for potential backlash.”

Ye Leng’an chuckled and shook her head. “This doesn’t concern us. Besides, even if there were to be some kind of rift, I doubt your mother would come looking for you. After all, Huangfu Ruixiang’s future still rests in your hands. She wouldn’t risk alienating you for the sake of the Zhongyu family, would she? Oh, speaking of which, Huangfu Ruixiang still hasn’t returned to the Hidden World yet! The annual family assessment should be starting soon! Can he really pass the test? I highly doubt it!”