True to its reputation as the finest inn in Beast City, the room was luxurious. It featured a spiritual energy collection array and a cloaking formation, ensuring guests could cultivate or rest in complete tranquility, undisturbed by outside interference.
“Get some rest. Tomorrow, you can show me around Beast City,” Jared said casually.
“All right,” Mia replied. Without another word, she began to undress.
“What are you doing?” Jared blurted out, startled by her actions.
“Undressing,” Mia said matter-of-factly. “Don’t you usually take off your clothes before bed?”
As she finished speaking, she slipped out of her outer garments and lay on the bed in her underwear.
Jared found himself momentarily speechless. Is this girl trying to manipulate me? Is that why she’s doing this? Attempting to seduce me?
As he watched Mia, lying so close that he could feel the faint warmth of her presence, he couldn’t deny the stir she caused within him. Mia had no deep connection to him, no bond that justified crossing any lines. To take advantage of her in this vulnerable state would be not only dishonorable but also reckless.
If he allowed himself to give in, Mia could easily turn the tables on him, using the situation to bind him to her cause-forcing him to commit to saving her brother, Ezio, under the guise of responsibility.
Ultimately, Jared decided to summon Zelda, spending the entire night in her company.
The lively sounds kept Mia wide awake.
By morning, Mia glared at Jared. She knew Jared had done it deliberately.
Leaving the inn, Jared set off toward the location Billy had mentioned, the site of the official celestial crystal trade.
The official location for purchasing celestial crystals was a charming two-story building adorned with a simple sign hanging at the entrance. Such official outlets could be found along several main streets throughout Beast City.
As Jared followed Mia inside, a clerk quickly approached and asked, “Sir, are you here to sell celestial crystals?”
“Yes,” Jared replied, “but before proceeding, I’d like to speak with the person in charge.”
The clerk responded curtly, “This is an official purchasing store. We conduct business fairly, and the prices are the same for everyone. There’s no need to trouble the storekeeper.”
His dismissive tone and lack of respect were evident, making it clear he didn’t think highly of Jared.
He’s just selling a celestial crystal, and he’s expecting to meet the person in charge? There’s no way I’d agree to that.
“I have a significant number of celestial crystals, so I must speak with the person in charge,” Jared stated firmly.
The clerk sneered, his tone dripping with sarcasm. “Significant, you say? What could you possibly have? Ten? Twenty at most?”
Without a word, Jared opened his storage bag. Inside, an astonishing collection of celestial crystals sparkled brilliantly, including several massive, exceptionally rare pieces.
The clerk froze, his jaw dropping in shock. His dismissive demeanor vanished instantly, replaced with nervous deference. “Sir, please follow me upstairs! I’ll inform the store owner right away!”
With that, he hastily led Jared and Mia up the stairs before rushing off to summon the store owner.
It didn’t take long for the owner to arrive. However, the moment Jared saw him, he was utterly taken aback.
To his astonishment, the owner was none other than the green-robed man he had once apprehended-a man who had begged for his life in sheer terror, fearing death.
The green-robed man froze upon spotting Jared, his expression shifting to one of utter disbelief.
“Sir, this gentleman has a significant quantity of celestial crystals to sell,” the clerk informed the owner.
Snapping out of his stupor, the green-robed man quickly composed himself, feigning ignorance of their past encounter. With a forced smile, he addressed Jared. “Ah, welcome, sir. Since you’re selling such a large quantity of celestial crystals, why don’t we continue this discussion in my office?”
The green-robed man had no choice but to bring Jared into the room. If their covert arrangement was exposed, the consequences would be dire for everyone involved.
“All right,” Jared agreed with a nod, following him inside.
The room was discreetly equipped with a cloaking formation, clearly intended for confidential discussions with high-profile clients.
Once the door closed, the green-robed man’s frustration bubbled to the surface. “How did you end up here? Didn’t we have an agreement? After bringing you to Beast City, we were supposed to part ways as strangers. You weren’t meant to seek us out again.”
His tone was tense, laced with a mixture of irritation and unease.
