Other people were one thing, but Tong Yu Lin would never take a mere Black-grade Star Refining Master seriously. His grandfather, Elder Tong, was a Chief Refiner, and his father and uncles were all high-ranking Star Refining Masters.
Besides, Xu Yi was only a Star Refining Master under Spring City's jurisdiction, one of the underlings. There was even less reason to show him any awe or respect.
In Tong Yu Lin's eyes, since Xu Yi had risen to Black-grade Star Refining Master, he must have been in the profession for quite some time. Star Refining Masters were high-end professionals, and the one thing they were least likely to lack was wealth.
Tong Yu Lin assumed Xu Yi's purse was bound to be bulging with riches. Yet he was willing to offer only a thousand or so blue Star Spirit Essences. That was plainly a grave insult to him.
Tong Yu Lin's greed left Xu Yi stunned. He'd thought he was showing the man respect and paying a hefty price. Since this Tong fellow was insatiable, Xu Yi had no intention of indulging his foul habit. He refused to believe that Elder Tong, a man of such stature, would make trouble for him over something so trivial. If he really did, he probably wouldn't have risen to his current position.
Xu Yi smoothly drew the square box back and said with a smile, "Brother Tong is absolutely right. Before I came, Deputy Director Zhong never told me about the rules here. Once I've asked around and learned them, I'll come back another day and offer you a token of my regard."
Tong Yu Lin froze, staring blankly at Xu Yi. He'd imagined all sorts of replies Xu Yi might give, but never expected him to answer like this—to dare answer like