The devouring power was cut off in an instant, as though someone had seized it by the throat.
Ye Hui's eyes snapped open, his pupils contracting sharply.
He turned his head. At some point, Yun Qing had come to stand beside him and was looking down at him. Those deep eyes were as still as a pool of stagnant water, freezing every drop of blood in Ye Hui's body.
They were close enough for Ye Hui to smell the faint scent of soapberry and medicinal herbs on him.
Yun Qing studied him for a moment, then opened the wooden box. The Origin-Congealing Immortal Herb inside, originally in excellent condition, had visibly wilted. Its roots had dried out, its leaves had curled, and half its spiritual energy was gone.
He closed the lid and said evenly, "Meridian-congealing grass. Its condition has been preserved quite well."
"Three hundred high-grade spirit stones."
Yun Qing raised his eyes to Ye Hui. "Do you have them?"
Ye Hui clenched his hand inside his sleeve until his knuckles turned white. He had suspected that the owner of this shabby shop was no ordinary man, but he had never imagined that he could so easily see through his devouring power.
Twice in just six months, he had been exposed. His nails pierced his palm. Whatever came to mind made his gaze turn dark and venomous, before a trace of self-mockery flickered through it.
Ye Hui gritted his teeth without speaking.
Yun Qing waited a while. When no answer came, he nodded, as though he had expected it. He sighed, looked down at his old counter with its chipped corner, and tapped its surface twice.
"Blackwater Town's rule: steal something, break a finger."
He lowered his head and glanced at the boy's hands. They were bony, with dirt