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Just as Aaron was thinking this, the picture transmitted by the prayer light point rippled, seemingly disturbed by some force, but returned to calm after a moment.
Aaron's thoughts were also interrupted by this sudden change, and he looked through the prayer light point at the tightly closed stone door.
Even though Aaron used all his power, Louise Sears, the true owner of the prayer light point, was not in the underground hall. Through layers of obstruction, Aaron could only see a translucent, ethereal gate inscribed with numerous mysterious symbols.
And this was also because the aura emanating from that illusory gate was too powerful, like a dazzling torch in the dark, which allowed Aaron to notice it through the barrier.
That illusory gate was the "Summoning Gate"!
Aaron, who had already experienced a battle with the Rose School of Thought, quickly identified it, but then a question arose in Aaron's mind:
"Why did Nibbs open the 'Summoning Gate'?"
"Could it be at the behest of a Sanguine Duke?"
.....
Beyond the stone door, in the spacious grey hall.
In the center of the hall, suspended above a heavy coffin inscribed with numerous symbolic signs and magical markings, was a translucent, ethereal gate adorned with numerous mysterious symbols.
From within the gate came a rich, ageless voice:
"Nibbs, what matter requires you to recite my honorific name? Has something happened in Backlund?"
As this voice echoed, the ground and walls rapidly became covered with green grass, flowers, and even grains.
Numerous insects crawled amidst the dense vegetation, and even though he was still within the coffin, Nibbs Odora felt the vibrant surge of life.
From within the heavy coffin came Nibbs's respectful reply:
"Esteemed Duke Olmer, I apologize for disturbing your slumber."
"I have encountered some questions, and I am even unsure how to make a decision. I wish to request your approval, Duke."
Duke Olmer! One of the three great Dukes currently in charge of the Sanguine, an ancient powerhouse who existed before the great catastrophe, titled "Full Moon," over three thousand years old, and once followed the progenitor Lilith!
Olmer's rich voice came from within the gate, accompanied by clear curiosity:
"Tell me, what exactly is going on?"
....
After listening to Nibbs's report and a long silence, Duke Olmer's voice came from behind the door again:
"The sudden appearance of the Blood Moon last time, I did indeed receive some vague revelations..."
Duke Olmer did not continue speaking, nor did he comment on what Nibbs had reported. After saying something out of context, he added:
"That young Sanguine is called Louise Sears, right?"
"Agree to her trade. I will be watching from the side..."
The rich voice echoed in the vibrant underground hall, accompanied by Nibbs's respectful assent.
Outside the stone door, Louise Sears was chatting with Baron Cosmi-Audra, who stood beside her.
From his appearance alone, Cosmi-Audra was a very elegant middle-aged Gentleman, but Louise knew that he was over two hundred years old.
He had witnessed Emperor Roselle's rule in Intis and later moved to Loen because he had lived too long and feared his neighbors would notice something amiss.
As Marquis Nibbs's grandson, Cosmi had naturally not only traveled through Intis but had also ventured as far as the Rorsted Archipelago, even establishing an underground intelligence organization in the City of Generosity of Bayam. Only the Southern Continent remained unexplored due to factors like the Rose School of Thought.
It was also thanks to such rich experience and competence that he became Nibbs Odora's spokesperson.
Louise ignored the baron's flattery, instead diligently recording his travel experiences and insights, which would be very helpful for her goal of traveling the Northern and Southern continents.
Just then, the closed stone door slowly opened, and Marquis Nibbs's voice came from within:
"Louise Sears, you may come in."
Louise's heart tightened instantly. After nodding apologetically to Baron Cosmi beside her, she walked into the hall, simultaneously recalling her previous transaction with Mr. Blessed and the images that had just been transmitted.
As soon as Louise entered the hall, the stone door closed heavily. Louise was about to speak when she was stunned by the strange scene before her.
The originally spacious and desolate grey hall was now full of life. On the green grass were mouth-like slits from which fibers flew out, capturing insects.
Flowers, using their branches and leaves as hands, collected nectar on their own. Grains like wheat were heavy, yet occasionally a crying sound emanated from within them. The insects were all unusual; some had snake heads, others bird faces…
Just as Louise's gaze was drawn by this peculiar sight, Aaron, seated on the throne, turned his attention to the center of the hall.
The coffin that had been placed there was now covered by those strange plants, which had entwined to form a vibrant tomb.
With the "True Vision" provided by the Nation of Disorder, Aaron clearly saw an ethereal gate, normally invisible, floating above the plant-entwined tomb.
A phantom, as if merely a projection, appeared behind the gate. Blood-red threads surged from the projection, spreading throughout the entire underground hall. All the strange plants and the immense life force were caused by these red threads.
Sequence 2 "Life-Giver." This term instantly surfaced in Aaron's mind, corresponding to an Angel, and also one of the Sanguine Dukes.
However, Aaron was not flustered. This Angel was not of the Fate Pathway, nor the Justiciar Pathway, nor the Black Emperor Pathway. As long as he did not use his power to respond, merely observing the prayer light point would not attract His attention.
"I agree to your trade. The Mystical Item I intend to exchange is called 'Crimson Eye,' and it is shaped like a pendant."
As he spoke, streaks of red light condensed into a pendant that seemed to be formed from rich blood, like a miniature red Moon.
Nibbs's sudden voice startled Louise. She instantly detached from the strange atmosphere created by a certain power contained within the surrounding peculiar plants.
"This must be an overflow of power from a very high Sequence of the Sanguine…" Louise's mind drifted with this thought. Her eyes had just scanned the pendant when she heard Marquis Nibbs's subsequent words:
"The 'Crimson Eye' can cause an area to be in a full Moon state, which can greatly enhance the wearer's spirituality and inspiration, and also accelerate the recovery of spirituality."
"At the same time, it can create an environment favorable to oneself, producing a 'full Moon' effect or concealing the Moon in that area. Within a certain range illuminated by moonlight, it grants abilities like instantaneous teleportation."
"Moreover, it can also cast the Moon Paper Figurine Substitution Technique, using a paper figurine seemingly condensed from crimson moonlight as a substitute to evade one fatal attack. It can be passively triggered or actively used."
Louise instantly broke free from her previous thoughts, her eyes shining as she listened to these abilities she had never encountered before, secretly guessing what Sequence 1 would need to reach to possess such powers.
Nibbs paused at this point, then added:
"However, it is important to note that all abilities can only be used under the created full Moon state, and the negative effects of the 'Crimson Eye' arise from this."
"Using the 'Crimson Eye' for more than 10 minutes will cause one to hear illusory whispers from within the full Moon, making the user irritable and bloodthirsty."
"Each use can last a maximum of 12 minutes. Once it exceeds 12 minutes, one will be unable to escape the illusory whispers and will gradually go mad until their spirituality is exhausted and they die."
"If each use does not exceed ten minutes, there only needs to be a six-hour interval. If it exceeds ten minutes, there must be a twelve-hour interval before it can be used again."
"By simply paying attention to the time during use, the negative effects of the 'Crimson Eye' can be effectively avoided."
"When not in use, merely wearing it will only cause varying degrees of blood thirst, which can be alleviated by drinking blood or suppressed by willpower, thus allowing for long-term wear."
After listening to Marquis Nibbs's explanation, Louise's eyes slightly brightened. She increasingly felt that Mr. Blessed would surely be satisfied, and she began to secretly ponder how much commission she could earn, her eyes almost turning into the shape of gold pounds.
Aaron, seated on the throne, nodded slightly, very satisfied with this Mystical Item. As expected of an ancient race that has been passed down since the second epoch, there are indeed many good things. Aaron looked forward to the upcoming transaction even more.
After a few seconds of brainstorming, Louise quickly came back to her senses and respectfully replied:
"Alright, Lord Nibbs. I will contact that transactor as soon as possible and will give you a response by this Saturday."
From the coffin, now submerged by strange plants, came Nibbs's muffled reply. Just as Nibbs intended to let this young Sanguine leave, Louise's subsequent words plunged him into a long silence.
"To exchange an item that can locate a corresponding Sequence 3 'High Summoner' Sealed Artifact and a Sanguine Viscount Beyonder characteristic for a Sequence 4 Beyonder characteristic or Sealed Artifact from the God of Combat Pathway, Death pathway, or Darkness Pathway?"
Not only Nibbs, but even Duke Olmer, who had projected himself through the "Summoning Gate," fell silent for a moment. However, just as Nibbs hesitated on how to reply, Duke Olmer's voice echoed in the underground hall.
"I can agree to this trade. I have a Sequence 4 'Undying' Beyonder characteristic that can be used for exchange."
"But I need to see the item that can locate the corresponding Sequence 3 'High Summoner' Sealed Artifact first, and the transaction will proceed after its authenticity is confirmed."
Louise looked around in surprise, trying to find the source of the voice but found nothing. Seeing that Lord Nibbs had no intention of explaining and did not object, she suppressed her doubts and silently noted down the words.
"Sequence 4 'Undying.' That sounds like the name of the Death pathway. I've learned another high-Sequence potion name."
Louise thought with a hint of excitement, almost impatient to return to her residence and pray to the Lord of Order, to convey tonight's results to Mr. Blessed.
The stone doors opened, and Nibbs's deep voice, tinged with surprise, came out: "Louise, you may go back."
After the underground hall returned to silence, Nibbs's voice sounded again, but with a hint of doubt: "Duke?"
Duke Olmer's rich voice came from within the gate, slowly fading as the gate disintegrated and dispersed:
"I feel a gaze, but I cannot find its source. The trade will proceed as usual. I will visit Backlund soon…"
-----------------
The capital of the Rorsted Archipelago, the "City of Generosity" Bayam.
This place is also known as the Spice Archipelago, possessing a variety of peculiar spices, with plantations in this area serving as the backbone of its economy.
Among them, Blue Mountain Island, where Bayam is located, occupies more than half of the archipelago's land area. It has mineral deposits like gold, silver, copper, coal, and iron, a high forest coverage rate, many fruit varieties, and exceptionally fertile land.
Because of this, the first colonists named their city built by the sea the "City of Generosity," believing it to be a land of treasure promised by the gods, flowing with milk and mead.
Danitz scratched his nose, inhaling deeply the refreshing sea breeze before the rain fell. Ferran Eddas, standing beside him, glanced at the Hunter and spoke in a low voice:
"Your wig is about to fall off. If you're recognized here, even if you get killed, I won't avenge you."
Bayam is the fulcrum of the Loen Kingdom's colonial rule in the Central Sonia Sea, one of the largest cities in this region, with a considerable number of powerful official Beyonders.
No matter how arrogant a Pirate Admiral was, they dared not openly show themselves here. Most of the time, they had to rely on local gangs or people with deep backgrounds to handle stolen goods and purchase necessities. Even when going out, they would be disguised to avoid being recognized.
Danitz was choked up, grumbling unhappily. He adjusted his wig, glared at Ferran Eddas, who had just become a Sequence 7 Seafarer, and extended his right hand, saying, "Give me back the money."
Danitz was also quite frustrated. Because of his merits in searching for that giant key last time, the Captain had only approved his vacation. He had just wanted to head straight to Bayam, planning to relive the warmth of the "Red Theater" here.
Who knew that as soon as the Captain heard he was coming to Bayam, he sent Ferran along, ostensibly to understand the Golden Dream's contact points in Bayam.
Ferran's expression remained unchanged. He slapped away Danitz's hand, which was already extended towards him, glanced at the fuming Danitz, and calmly replied:
"Isn't the repayment deadline not due yet? I will definitely pay you back before the deadline. First, complete the task assigned by the Captain, and then you can truly enjoy your vacation."
His mission in Bayam was not merely to understand the Golden Dream's contact points in Bayam. More importantly, it was to spread rumors and create a false impression that the treasure had not been found and was still being sought.
This was to buy time for the Captain to research that giant black iron key and to mislead other interested Pirate admirals, thereby alleviating pressure on the Captain.
Originally, this mission was quite difficult to accomplish. "Admiral of Blood" Senior, who was extremely interested in this treasure, had been leading his flagship, the "Tree of Flesh and Blood," to search for the Golden Dream near the Berserk Sea Safe Passage.
But in the past week, "Admiral of Blood" Senior and his flagship, the "Tree of Flesh and Blood," suddenly sailed away from the Berserk Sea area, heading to the waters near Toscate Island, which borders the Sonia Sea. Rumor has it that it is related to the Rose School of Thought behind Senior.
After this news was confirmed by Edwina Edwards, several of the stronger and more trusted Beyonders on the Golden Dream paired up and went to the vast sea area from Desi Bay to the Rorsted Archipelago, avoiding Senior and his fleet, to execute the Captain's plan, and would rendezvous at a designated location a week later.
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