Chapter 554 - 377: Deterrence and Exchange

"However, I do know a place that might have a clue about a Void Energy Core."

"In the Northern Central Continent, there’s a ’Void Rift’ that occasionally spews out Hearts of Emptiness. They are the best medium for converting Void Energy."

"But that place is controlled by several major families. Getting in requires paying a steep price."

Ian committed every detail to memory. This information was very valuable to him.

"In return, I also have a few items I can trade with the three of you."

He raised his hand and retrieved three items from his personal storage space. The first were three fist-sized Gemstones that emanated pure Soul fluctuations.

The second was a palm-sized piece of Metal, silvery-blue all over.

The moment these two types of items appeared, the three Morning Star Wizards’ breathing hitched in unison!

The stars in the depths of Endos’s pupils annihilated themselves faster. Louis stared intently at the three Soul Gemstones, while Tessa’s eyes were fixed on the piece of Star Realm Refined Gold.

The three Morning Star Wizards’ composure wavered, causing the air around them to completely freeze.

"This is..." Louis’s eyes burned with fervor. "Level Four Soul Gems?!"

Every single Level Four Soul Gem represented the complete demise of a Morning Star Level being.

In his several thousand years of life, he had seen no more than five Level Four Soul Gems, and the appearance of each one had triggered a war in the Void.

But now, Ian had casually produced three of them. The mere thought sent a shiver down his spine.

Endos took a deep breath. "And... Star Realm Refined Gold of such purity. Your Excellency truly has impressive means."

"I once spent a full five hundred years collecting Star Realm Refined Gold, and this piece of yours is well over a hundred pounds!"

Tessa, on the other hand, stared at one of the pale green Soul Gemstones. "A plant-aspected Soul Gemstone."

She looked up at Ian, her eyes filled with excitement. "Your Excellency Marcus, where did you get these?"

Perhaps in her excitement, she had unintentionally broached a taboo subject.

Ian smiled faintly and offered no explanation. "A fortunate opportunity. Are the three of you interested?"

Trades between Morning Stars were far more pragmatic, based purely on strength and bargaining chips.

Louis was the most impatient, speaking first. "I want one Soul Gemstone. Name your price!"

Soul Gemstones could not only directly strengthen the Soul and mend the damage sustained when resisting the world’s Rules, but they could also increase the speed of one’s Rule Perception.

For a battle maniac like him, their value was immeasurable.

Endos pondered for a moment. "I am interested in both the Star Realm Refined Gold and the Soul Gemstones."

"However, I do not have anything of equal value to offer."

He looked at Ian. "I can trade some Tier Four Witchcraft Models and the treasured knowledge of the Silver Ring."

Tessa also spoke up. "I, of Embrace of Nature, possess some Rule Perception of the Life Rule, as well as cultivation methods for several rare plants. If Your Excellency is interested, we can trade."

Ian felt a little disappointed. He pondered for a moment before saying, ’I’ll need to see them first before I decide.’

The initiative was now in his hands, so he could naturally pick and choose as he pleased.

"Your Excellency Kro, you can trade for a Soul Gemstone, but I’m not looking for Magic Stones or common resources."

"I want intelligence from your ’Immortal Heart’ on the Abyss front, as well as samples of the World Abyssal Creatures you’ve killed on the front lines."

Louis was taken aback. "What do you want those for?"

"A personal hobby. For some research," Ian said succinctly.

Louis thought for a moment, then nodded in agreement.

"No problem. I can give you some of the intelligence on the Abyss front. As for the Abyssal samples, I have quite a few on hand. I’ll have them sent to you after I get back."

Ian nodded in satisfaction. ’This way, collecting and refining Abyssal Demonic Qi will be much faster.’

He looked at Endos and Tessa. "I also need the knowledge and insights you two have offered, but I have one more condition."

Endos’s eyes narrowed slightly. "Please, go on."

"I will be leaving here soon. I hope the three of you can look after my clan and the Shadow Moon Tower."

"You don’t need to personally intervene. Just making your stance clear will be enough."

’Don’t let anyone cause trouble in my territory while I’m gone.’

Endos and the other two exchanged a glance. This condition was practically nothing.

"Agreed," Endos nodded. "The Silver Ring will establish friendly relations with the Marcus Clan."

Tessa also smiled. "Embrace of Nature will do the same."

Louis grinned. "If anyone dares to touch your family, I’ll personally pay them a ’visit’."

And with that, the three-way trade was settled.

Half an hour later, the meeting on the isolated island concluded. Endos, Louis, and Tessa each departed to prepare their items for the trade.

Ian, meanwhile, stood on the Black Rock, gazing at the azure sea.

Gaga emerged from the shadows and landed beside his hand, tilting its head in confusion.

"Ian, they don’t have anything good. They seem really poor?"

"They are indeed poor," Ian chuckled softly.

"This is just an overseas island, after all. Resources are scarce. It’s already a miracle that it produced three Morning Stars. Taking another step forward... is difficult."

He put away the Information Crystal he had acquired from the trade, a thoughtful look flashing in his eyes.

’Still, the gains this time were decent. Although I couldn’t trade for the materials directly, I did get a lot of intelligence on the Central Continent.’

’And the safety of the clan and the Shadow Moon Tower is now guaranteed.’

Gaga looked at the desolate little island, a bit bored. "Where are we going next?"

"First, back to the Shadow Moon Tower. It’s time to improve your strength, too. We’ll head into the Shadow World later and see if there are any resources you need."

Ian gazed toward the Central Continent, his eyes filled with anticipation.

"Once Louis and the others deliver their items, it’ll be time to set off."

He took a deep breath. The sea breeze, carrying a salty, briny scent, billowed his Long Robe.

’The true stage for a Morning Star is, after all, the Central Continent.’

He took a step forward and vanished from the sky above the isolated island.

All that remained was the residual, scorching heat on the Black Rock and four fading auras of Morning Star power.