Elder Hao began, "You want to borrow—" but his words faltered midway.
Something felt wrong and he shut his eyes for a brief moment, channeling his spiritual qi through his meridians and slowly steady his breathing.
When he opened them again, the trembling in his hands had disappeared and his expression returned to its usual stern severity.
"Zhao Lusi," he said coldly, "why should I lend you anything? Especially after you just tried to charm me."
"Oh please," Zhao Lusi replied, waving her hand lazily.
"If I wanted to charm you, you would already be dancing on one foot while calling me Heavenly Empress. I only want money to place a bet on this child I brought."
Elder Hao's eyes narrowed. Her words rolled off her tongue too smoothly, too naturally. But something was definitely off.
He couldn't remember why he had come here... to make a fool of Zhao Lusi, yes but the moment she asked to borrow spirit stones, his conviction had wavered.
