Peach Blossom Divine Medical God Chapter 1993 - 1969: Flesh Lingzhi

Immediately behind her, a formidable tiger appeared, entirely golden in hue, its two tusks resembling gleaming scimitars!

The tiger radiated an imposing aura, clearly indicating it was a creature of considerable power.

After emerging from the cave, Liu Ruyan didn't flee. Instead, she resumed her previous position atop the rock. Turning with an air of indifference, she fixed her gaze upon the approaching tiger.

"Detestable human! How dare you pilfer my Meat Lingzhi, you shall pay dearly for this transgression." The tiger spoke in fluent human tongue, its cultivation evidently advanced.

Meat Lingzhi?

Chen Yang paused, recognizing the description from the Herbal King’s Manual.

It was a celestial treasure, a powerful aid for cultivation, far beyond ordinary herbs and imbued with profound mystique – a true celestial treasure!

He had already perceived from the herbal fragrance that the item within could not be of a low grade.

Ah, so it is a celestial treasure. It's no wonder Liu Ruyan ventured so deep into the mountains on several occasions.

It turns out her persistent efforts were for such a precious artifact.

"Little brother, it's your turn to perform now. Three hundred Spirit Stones aren't exactly pocket change." Liu Ruyan suddenly flashed a devilish smile, her tone laced with playful intent.

"You mean you wish for me to assist you in dealing with it?" Chen Yang inquired.

"Naturally."

Liu Ruyan replied with unwavering confidence.

She presumed that having already paid three hundred Spirit Stones, Chen Yang would undoubtedly aid her in the ensuing battle; after all, Spirit Stones are not easily acquired, are they?

"Apologies, but I cannot lend my assistance." Chen Yang calmly declined.

Upon hearing his refusal, Liu Ruyan's smile faltered. She turned back, looking at Chen Yang in bewilderment. "Little brother, what do you mean by this? You accepted my Spirit Stones; are you going back on your word?"

"No, you've misunderstood. I have always been a person of integrity, adhering to agreements and never breaking a promise! You compensated me to guide you into the mountains, not to resolve your personal conflicts." Chen Yang stated his case with clear justification.

Liu Ruyan was momentarily taken aback.

She had been willing to pay a substantial price precisely because she desired Chen Yang's intervention.

She recognized Chen Yang's formidable strength and saw him as an exceptional potential ally.

Otherwise, who would offer such a high price merely for a guide?

"Little brother, are you playing word games with me? It goes without saying that hiring you implied you would also offer your support in combat." Liu Ruyan retorted.

"I have no time for games. I am merely stating the facts; you never explicitly stipulated that my assistance in combat was required." Chen Yang spread his hands, explaining with a sense of helplessness.

"You…" Liu Ruyan found herself at a loss for words. From a strictly technical standpoint, Chen Yang had indeed never agreed, nor had she clearly articulated the necessity of his combat support.

"What would it take for you to offer your assistance?" Knowing that further argument was futile, Liu Ruyan decided to seek a compromise.

"My demand is not excessive, merely three hundred Spirit Stones," Chen Yang stated his price plainly.

Hearing the figure of three hundred Spirit Stones, Liu Ruyan's brow furrowed.

It wasn't that she was unable to afford it, but rather she felt exploited.

And indeed, that was precisely the situation.

Chen Yang fully intended to capitalize on the circumstances.

However, his exploitation was not entirely unreasonable; it remained within what could be considered "acceptable" limits.

Liu Ruyan had successfully acquired the Meat Lingzhi, a celestial treasure that profoundly enhances cultivation, making it far from an ordinary find.

To demand three hundred Spirit Stones for such an achievement was not entirely outrageous.

If it were a truly avaricious individual, they might have demanded at least a thousand Spirit Stones or even half of the Meat Lingzhi.

In comparison, Chen Yang's demands could be considered relatively "moderate."

"You…"

Liu Ruyan pointed a finger at Chen Yang, her emotions in a state of turmoil.

Roar!!

Just as she was about to engage with Chen Yang further, a thunderous roar from the tiger echoed once more from the vicinity of the rock.

Liu Ruyan glanced in that direction, observing the fierce tiger with its scimitar-like tusks advancing inexorably towards them.

"You're raising the price! Even without your help, I can handle this beast myself." Liu Ruyan, though incensed, understood that this was not the opportune moment to argue with Chen Yang. She immediately turned to face the tiger.

The tiger, ferociously aggressive, possessed immense power, exhibiting combat capabilities at the peak of the Gathering Spirit stage.

Its formidable tusks presented a significant threat to Liu Ruyan.

Nevertheless, Liu Ruyan's combat prowess was undeniable. From his vantage point, Chen Yang estimated her strength to be at least at the late Gathering Spirit stage.

Otherwise, she would not possess the capacity to contend with such a ferocious tiger.

Roar!!!

Whish! Whish! Whish!!

The tiger continued its roars, its claws slashing furiously as it sought to tear Liu Ruyan asunder.

Liu Ruyan utilized her agile physique and exceptional speed to evade the onslaught, retaliating with a barrage of silver needles.

The two engaged in a prolonged battle at the cave's entrance.

While Liu Ruyan did not gain a decisive advantage, she also did not appear to be at a significant disadvantage. Her Spiritual Energy reserves seemed boundless, hinting at the cultivation of an advanced technique.

Dark Spiritual Energy manifested around her, and each of her attacks carried substantial power.

"Damn human, today I shall end your life."

After a fierce exchange, the enraged tiger let out a furious roar and aggressively lunged towards Liu Ruyan.

Meanwhile, Chen Yang watched vigilantly from the periphery.

"Could it be that she has no connection to the Five Poisons Cult?"

Chen Yang narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing Liu Ruyan's every move.

He had initially suspected a link between Liu Ruyan and the Five Poisons Cult due to the striking resemblance between her and the Cult Leader he had confronted the previous night.

However, observing her battle against the tiger revealed that her Spiritual Qi lacked the sinister nature of the Five Poisons Cult Leader.

Furthermore, she employed no cultivation techniques or poison arts characteristic of the Five Poisons Cult.

Based on these deductions, it appeared Liu Ruyan was indeed unconnected to the Five Poisons Cult Leader; the shared use of silver needles as weaponry was merely a bizarre coincidence.