Chapter 1733: The Arm-Severing Medicine Snatcher
The person who initially used the Eye of Appraisal to see the condition of the pills didn't intend to speak up, but they subconsciously shouted out. It was too late to take back their words.
Moreover, there were several people in the crowd with the Eye of Appraisal, not just one or two.
If they didn't speak, others would know too.
"That lad's cultivation level is only at the Yin-Yang Realm Fourth Layer. He must be a disciple of some famous master."
After discovering Ling Xiao's cultivation level, many people became cautious.
Pills of such quality, yet with such poor cultivation level—would someone dare to place such precious pills here without support from behind?
Look at that lad, putting pills on the stall, yet still cultivating there.
This clearly shows he's not afraid of someone coming to snatch them. Saying he doesn't have backing wouldn't make sense.
People aren't fools, and the stronger the martial artists, the more cautious they are in many matters.
In their view, killing the lad before them and seizing those Yin-Yang Yuanli Pills wouldn't be a problem.
But the issue is, if the expert backing this lad takes action, can they really escape?
Moreover, so many people are eyeing those pills; whoever grabs them directly will become a public target.
Unless they're mad or foolish, no one would make such a stupid mistake.
Though they don't dare to snatch, it doesn't stop someone from stepping forward to inquire about the price.
From the crowd, a man with a slightly cold demeanor emerged, most noticeably with his pair of triangle eyes, like those of a snake, exuding poison and coldness.
"Young man, I have a Secret Realm Map here. How about exchanging it for ten of your Yin-Yang Yuanli Pills?"
He smiled as he approached.
The smile seemed somewhat fake.
Ling Xiao slowly opened his eyes, glanced at the newcomer, and said, "The quantity of Yin-Yang Yuanli Pills exchanged depends on the quality of the Secret Realm Map. Let me take a look at the map."
"Why, don't you believe me?"
Triangle Eyes paused and said.
"Why should I trust you? We don't know each other, and I don't know if your Secret Realm Map is genuine, so naturally, I need an appraisal."
Triangle Eyes chuckled, "True enough."
He casually placed the Secret Realm Map on the stone platform in front of him.
Each stall had such a stone platform, used for placing items or blocking the customer from the stall.
Contemplating secretly, he smiled; although the map was fake, even with the Eye of Appraisal, one couldn't tell—its forgery was of expert level.
He never believed this stall owner's lad would see through it.
However, after a moment, Ling Xiao shook his head, "I'm willing to exchange for a real Secret Realm Map, not fake items. Please present the genuine one."
"Nonsense, how dare you say my Secret Realm Map is fake? I purchased it at a great cost. How could it be fake?"
Triangle Eyes immediately got angry.
Many others evaluated it with their Eye of Appraisal and couldn't see it as fake, prompting lively discussions.
"Lad, your vision isn't good; this Secret Realm Map is indeed real. We have the Eye of Appraisal, which you don't."
Someone directly addressed Ling Xiao.
"Is the Eye of Appraisal that great?"
Ling Xiao gave that person a disdainful look and said, "He knows best whether it's real or fake, so stop talking nonsense here."
He's heard of the secret technique of the Eye of Appraisal; if not for his Tai Chi Eye, he might have pursued acquiring one to learn.
But his Tai Chi Eye is far superior to the Eye of Appraisal, so there's no need.
This Triangle Eyes knows well that the Secret Realm Map is fake but still tangles with him, simply bullying his weaker cultivation to force a trade.
"I intended to conduct a fair exchange, yet didn't expect you, lad, to be so rude. Keep the Secret Realm Map; I want all ten of the Yin-Yang Yuanli Pills."
Triangle Eyes' gaze showed traces of killing intent.
Of course, it carried more greed.
Seeing no one stood up for this lad, his backing, if any, shouldn't be present.
Grabbing the items and leaving immediately, he didn't believe they could find him.
"Are you intending to openly snatch it?"
Ling Xiao teasingly looked at Triangle Eyes, cold gaze showing contempt.
"This is called exchanging, not snatching. You, with mere Yin-Yang Realm Fourth Level cultivation, dare possess so many Yin-Yang Yuanli Pills—likely stolen.
It's kind of me not to notify the Imperial Guard. Accept this trade or bear the consequences."
Triangle Eyes' stance suddenly turned adamant, with signs of escalating to violence at any disagreement.
People witnessing the scene naturally felt sympathy for Ling Xiao, yet more were gloating.
In this world, without strength, don't flaunt such precious items.
If you show off, don't blame others for catering to greed.
Though irrational, reality is just so.
In the Mysterious World, losing items or being killed, most won't blame the killer but rather the slain.
Knowing their weakness, why keep treasures?
It's not a world of logic but one of fists.
Newcomers to Jianghu might find it hard to adjust.
Yet Ling Xiao, having experienced so much despite his young age, understood this world thoroughly.
"A fine case of the villain denouncing first! Today, I refuse to sell; what will you do?"
He saw through Triangle Eyes' attempt to bully him due to his weaker cultivation and tried to snatch Yin-Yang Yuanli Pills.
Thus, against such people, only by potent measures could the problem be resolved.
Triangle Eyes' cultivation, at most Yin-Yang Realm Fifth Layer, was merely a jumping locust to him.
"Fine lad, refusing kindness. Let's see what you're relying on!"
Triangle Eyes sneered, reaching directly for the ten Yin-Yang Yuanli Pills on the stall.
Unable to trade, he resorted to open snatching, believing his strength superior to Ling Xiao's.
Triangle Eyes had thought-out a retreat.
He possessed a secret technique for temporary stealth.
After obtaining the Yin-Yang Yuanli Pills, he'd discard a few to draw attention, then escape using the secret technique.
Once mingled with the crowd, he'd be safe.
A seemingly perfect plan.
Yet, the plan overlooked a crucial factor.
That being Ling Xiao's strength.
"You'd best withdraw your hand, or leave it behind."
Ling Xiao issued a final warning.
It was a preface to forthcoming action.
However, Triangle Eyes clearly failed to grasp Ling Xiao's intent, as his hand continued forth without the slightest thought of withdrawal.
"Thud!"
A bizarre shadow flashed past, severing Triangle Eyes' extended right hand from the shoulder, rotating mid-air before landing on the ground amidst the crowd's gaze.