A Man Like None Other (Jared Chance) novel Chapter 6480

He did not answer Master Wellspring's question right away. Instead, he made a gesture of invitation and said with that same gentle smile, "This is not the place to talk. Too many people, too many eyes. If someone overhears us and brings unnecessary trouble down, that would not be good."

"Sect Master of Wellspring Order, please come with me. Once we reach the proper place, I will naturally tell you what the promised substitute is."

"Master Wellspring's brow tightened again.

The guard he had just lowered rose back into place."

"He knew there was no such thing as a free meal in this world.

Osric could not be pointing him toward a promised substitute out of simple kindness."

"The people of the Abyssal Exchange had always put profit before loyalty.

If Osric was willing to help him, then Osric had a purpose. He had to be after something from him."

"Master Wellspring paused for a moment.

Almost without meaning to, he lowered his eyes toward the jade vial in his hand, wanting to ask for the Aureate Heir's opinion."

"The Aureate Heir might only have a wisp of soul left, but his mind was meticulous, and his judgment had always been unusual.

He would be able to weigh the gains and risks in this matter."

Almost the very instant Master Wellspring lowered his head, Jared's voice drifted slowly out from the jade vial. It was very soft, yet strangely clear, carrying a steadiness that left no room to wobble. "Follow him and take a look. No matter what his purpose is, as long as the promised substitute is real, it is worth the trip. Even if there is a trap, we may not be without a chance to get away."

At the Aureate Heir's words, Master Wellspring's hesitation scattered in an instant, leaving nothing behind.

"He nodded once, then lifted his head and met Osric’s gaze. His eyes had gone steady, and when he spoke, there was no room left in the words.

""Fine. I’ll go with Master Blackwell and see for myself. But I’ll say the ugly part first—if Master Blackwell tries anything, do not blame me for what happens next."""

Osric smiled and gave a light wave of his hand. "Sect Master of Wellspring Order, set your mind at ease. This old man only wants to make a deal with you, one that benefits both sides. Why would I play tricks? This way."

With that, Osric turned and started down into the depths of the street.

He did not walk fast. Every step landed steady and unhurried, his back straight, his whole figure carrying the calm of a man used to standing above others.

"Master Wellspring followed close behind him, the jade vial pressed against his chest.

His attention stayed on every shift around them. The longsword at his waist was never truly at rest, and he kept himself ready to draw and fight at any moment."

The two of them crossed the prosperous street, slipped around the packed crowds, and headed toward the headquarters of the Abyssal Exchange.

The headquarters of the Abyssal Exchange was a cloud-piercing stone tower, standing in the heart of Everspire.

"The entire Blackstone Tower had been built from massive black stones and rose several dozen yards high.

Complicated sigils covered the tower’s body. Faint spiritual light moved through them, giving off a powerful force of defense."

From a distance, it looked solemn and heavy, the kind of place people did not approach lightly.

Master Wellspring followed Osric into that Blackstone Tower.

From the moment he stepped inside, an unknown struggle of moves and countermoves had already begun.

"But there was no road back.

For the Aureate Heir, and for the Wellspring Order, even if a ten-thousand-yard abyss waited ahead, he still had to break his way through."

"Within the Blackstone Tower, the space was far more grand and imposing than it appeared from the outside.

It was nothing like the ancient, weighty exterior. The interior had been arranged with exquisite luxury, and every corner showed the wealth and foundation of the Abyssal Exchange."

"The First Depth was the great hall, rising more than ten yards high.

Set into the domed ceiling were countless glowing emberstone crystals, each one the size of a fist."

"The emberstone crystals gave off a soft but brilliant glow, lighting the whole great hall as bright as day.

Not a single shadowed corner remained."

"Those emberstone crystals were not ordinary spiritual crystals.

They were high-grade spiritual crystals packed with dense spiritual power, and every single one was worth a heavy price."

"And in that dome, there were more than a hundred such crystals.

That alone was enough to show how rich the Abyssal Exchange truly was."

"On both sides of the great hall stood dozens of thick stone pillars.

Each pillar was black from top to bottom, and every surface had been carved full of sigils from the elder age."

"The sigils shimmered with faint spiritual light and gave off a powerful defensive force.

That force covered the entire great hall, forming a solid defensive barrier around it."

Whether the threat came from an attack outside or disorder breaking out within, breaking through that barrier would be extremely difficult.

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