About the time it took to drink a cup of tea later, Su Qian, the Inner Court's First Elder, arrived in person.
Upon entering, he first swept his gaze over Li Chen's group, then glanced at the pills and immortal herbs on the table. Rather than speaking immediately, he picked up all the pills and examined them. Every one was genuine.
"Young friend, you're very generous, but I must ask first: what do you intend to do with the Fallen Heart Flame you wish to borrow?"
"I can't tell you."
Su Qian's brows knitted tightly. "If you won't explain what you need it for, I'll find it hard to believe you only intend to borrow it."
"Elder Su, correct? If you don't trust me, you can accompany me the entire time and station people outside. They can also remain outside as hostages. We're both dou zongs, so surely you needn't worry about me trying anything."
Su Qian glanced at Little Doctor Fairy and Qing Lin, then looked back at Li Chen.
The young man would leave his two companions outside and enter the tower alone, with Su Qian watching beside him and more people stationed outside.
His proposal was watertight, but the real issue was that the Fallen Heart Flame kept battering its seal. Su Qian had only just reinforced it that morning.
No matter how sincere the young man was or how many resources he offered, Su Qian had only one choice. "No."
Li Chen slapped the table and rose. "I'll ask one last time: will you make a deal, or must I take it myself?"
Seeing his anger, Su Qian explained, "To tell you the truth, we haven't fully brought the Fallen Heart Flame under our control. We've merely sealed it away. Over the past few years, it