Having discovered nothing and only made a fool of himself, Si Qi sat back down and gave Chen Lin a rather hostile look.
Chen Lin immediately waved his hand.
"Brother Si Qi, don't blame me. Young Master Xue really did say that. You can ask him if you don't believe me. He also said that the Blue Phantom had already been parasitized, and that you were contaminated because you plucked that yaoguai's leaf."
After a moment's thought, he added, "Actually, I have a few methods of checking for parasitism myself. If you trust me, I can give it a try."
"You can detect parasitic seeds?"
The Emerald Man sounded skeptical.
He did not doubt Bai Ruxue, however. Bai Ruxue's powerful perception was widely acknowledged, so he hesitated.
Chen Lin smiled.
"We'll know whether I can once we try. Of course, if you don't trust me, go find Young Master Xue. He's stronger than I am, so his methods must be more sophisticated, too."
"No need. I'll let you try, but we have to sign a contract agreeing not to harm each other!"
The Emerald Creature made his decision without the slightest hesitation.
Given his relationship with Bai Ruxue, going to him would only invite humiliation. Otherwise, he would not have failed to trade for the Wood Spirit Axe. Besides, with a contract signed, he would not have to fear any tricks from Chen Lin.
"It seems you still don't trust me, Brother Si Qi!"
Chen Lin raised an eyebrow, looking somewhat displeased.
Then he said, "Signing a contract is fine, but that makes this a transaction. What are you prepared to offer as payment?"
"Payment is easy!"
Si Qi seemed unconcerned. He casually took out a small vial and tossed it onto the table.
"Don't you want true spirit essence