Chapter 287

Kaso tapped his knuckles on the tabletop, making a special metallic clashing sound.

His right arm, composed of metal and crystal, radiated luster under the light, every joint so precise it was astonishing.

"If you need truly high-purity energy crystals, the goods brought back by ordinary explorers are probably hard to meet the requirements."

Kaso said in a low voice, his gaze scanning around the tent unconsciously:

"I know a special collector who specializes in collecting high-energy substances from the fourth layer and below; perhaps he can meet your needs."

"Oh? Who is it?" Lei Nuozi asked curiously, clearly knowing very little about this "special collector" as well.

A subtle look appeared in Kaso's mutated blue-white eye:

"Aze, an elemental life form that has been so transformed by the Abyss that it's almost unrecognizable."

Lei Nuozi's expression immediately became complicated:

"That half-crazy 'Flash Vortex'? I thought he had long since exited the trading circle."

"On the surface, that's the case." Kaso said in a low voice:

"But for specific clients, he still opens his collection. Of course, the premise is that he thinks you are 'interesting' enough."

Luo En noticed the subtle tension revealed in the conversation between the two.

Clearly, this collector named Aze was not a character easy to deal with.

"Elemental life form?" Luo En raised an eyebrow: "I thought they rarely involved themselves in Abyss exploration."

Kaso let out a short laugh:

"Indeed, but Aze is an exception; he was not born an elemental life form.

Before becoming an elemental life form, he was already a crazy Abyss explorer.

Later, in an accident in the fifth layer, his physical body was completely annihilated, but his soul fused with one of his Abyss secret treasures, eventually forming the current eerie form of existence."

"If you want to go see him, I can lead the way." Kaso continued:

"But I must warn you, communication with Aze... might not be pleasant.

He almost never uses conventional language, but relies on a direct energy fluctuation to transmit thoughts.

For most creatures, this way of communication is extremely uncomfortable and may even trigger temporary mental confusion."

Luo En pondered for a moment, weighing the value of obtaining high-purity energy crystals against the possible risks, and then nodded:

"Lead the way."

Kaso handed the remaining ordinary transactions to an assistant to handle, then led Luo En and Lei Nuozi away from the main trading area.

They passed through a narrow passage and came to a more remote area of the outpost.

Luo En took this opportunity to carefully observe the Abyss explorers around him.

These adventurers almost all carried varying degrees of aberration traces, forming a peculiar character atlas.

A tall woman passed by them.

Her arms were unusually long, and patterns similar to scales appeared on her skin, presenting different metallic lusters with the change of light angle.

Her gaze lingered slightly when sweeping over Luo En, revealing a scrutiny of a strange face.

"Zania, from the Mercury School." Lei Nuozi introduced in a low voice:

"Once abandoned by her mentor due to aptitude problems, she joined an Abyss exploration group a few years ago, and now has become a well-known material hunter, and because of the huge gains from Abyss exploration, successfully exchanged for the 'Key Potion' to advance to a formal wizard.

Her aberration is called 'Twisted Skin', capable of absorbing and redirecting physical impacts to a certain extent; it is a mutation type unique to the Abyss."

A pair of brothers were bargaining in front of a stall not far away.

They had similar faces, but the right half of one person's face was completely covered by some kind of black crystal, and eerie purple light flickered in the eye socket;

The other person looked normal, but revealed overly sharp teeth when speaking, and his voice carried an unnatural echo effect.

"The Nicol brothers, a well-known combination in the Abyss exploration circle." Lei Nuozi continued to introduce:

"The elder brother's 'Crystallization' has lasted for five years, always staying on half the face; this kind of inhibitory power is extremely rare among explorers;

The mutation of the younger brother's vocal organs and corresponding nerves allows him to communicate with certain creatures in the second layer of the Abyss, which provides them with many intelligence reports that ordinary people cannot obtain."

"Interesting." Luo En commented in a low voice, his gaze sweeping over the various aberration characteristics among the crowd:

"According to my previous understanding, these mutations are not completely random, but are associated with the explorer's personality, talent, and even subconscious preferences."

"Of course, this is also the charm of Abyss exploration." Lei Nuozi nodded in agreement, clearly he himself was one of the beneficiaries:

"The influence of the Abyss does indeed have a certain 'selectivity'; it is not just simply destroying or distorting, but to a certain extent, it amplifies the traits deep in the heart of the affected person, just expressed in a distorted way."

He pointed to a corner, where an old man with a peculiar face stood.

His skin was like shriveled tree bark, and his eyes were deeply sunken in the eye sockets, emitting a faint green light.

The old man was surrounded by several peculiar plants, which seemed to have a sense of his existence, their vines swaying gently, as if expressing closeness.

"Montero, the 'Plant Speaker'." Lei Nuozi explained:

"Once an ordinary gardener in a town on the edge of the Abyss, he had no extraordinary talent for botany.

But in an accident, he was captured by a certain mutant plant and stayed inside its body for a full three days.

When he was discovered by explorers, he had already undergone deep aberration.

Now, he can establish a certain degree of communication with plant-type creatures in the Abyss, becoming an indispensable guide in exploration teams."

Luo En's gaze lingered on these explorers, and a complex feeling surged in his heart.

These people are both victims of the Abyss and, to a certain extent, beneficiaries.

They paid an unimaginable price, but exchanged it for special abilities that cannot be obtained on conventional paths.

"Despite being full of distortion and chaos, this group shows amazing vitality and creativity." Luo En sighed in a low voice:

"They not only adapted to the mutation but also turned it into an advantage, creating a set of unique survival rules."

"This is the contradictory charm of the Abyss." Lei Nuozi nodded in agreement:

"It is both a source of destruction and a place of creation;

It brings aberration and also provides the possibility of metamorphosis.

The extraordinary system of the Ring Abyss Continent Group is, in the final analysis, inextricably linked to the Abyss.

We fear it, yet we also rely on it; we study it, while being changed by it."

Kaso, who had been silent, also joined the conversation at this time:

"The Abyss gives, and also takes.

This is the eternal equivalent exchange.

Some people gain power, paying with their appearance;

Some people gain knowledge, paying with their health;

Still others... gain incredible abilities, paying with their humanity."

Passing through several narrow alleys, the three came to a hemispherical building that was out of place with the surroundings.

The entire building had no windows, the outer wall presented a nearly transparent bright blue, and countless tiny energy lines flowed on the surface, like the blood vessels of a living thing.

"We're here." Kaso stopped: "Aze's 'Ripple Dome'."

Luo En stared at this peculiar building, activating the "Extraordinary Identification" skill to analyze its structure.

In his special vision, the entire building presented a complex energy network.

Every line carried a specific function, being both protection and a medium for communication.

"No door?" Luo En asked, finding no obvious entrance on the building surface.

"For an elemental life form, a physical 'door' is meaningless."

Kaso stepped forward and pressed his metal right arm against a specific position on the building surface:

"The way to enter is to communicate directly with his consciousness."

With Kaso's action, ripples appeared on the building surface, and an oval opening slowly formed on the wall.

The light emitted from inside was soft and mysterious, as if it were the refraction of moonlight through water.

"He agreed to see us; this is truly rare good luck."

Kaso breathed a sigh of relief, signaling Luo En and Lei Nuozi to follow:

"After entering, try to keep your mind calm and do not show excessive surprise or fear at anything you see. Aze... is very sensitive."

The moment he stepped into the opening, Luo En felt a wave of fluctuation spread through his body from the soles of his feet, as if passing through some invisible barrier.

The world in his vision also changed completely.

The interior space was much more spacious than it looked from the outside; there was no furniture or decoration in the traditional sense inside the entire dome, only countless crystals floating in mid-air.

These crystals varied in size and shape, some like standard geometric bodies, others twisted into indescribable shapes.

Every crystal emitted a faint light, illuminating the entire space.

The most eye-catching thing was a huge energy vortex in the center of the room.

It was not a physical entity, but a spiral structure composed of pure energy.

The color gradually transitioned from deep blue at the bottom to bright white at the top.

The vortex rotated continuously, emitting a humming sound that made people feel inexplicably peaceful.

"Aze." Kaso bowed slightly toward the vortex, his voice carrying obvious respect:

"I have brought two guests; as mentioned before, they have special needs for high-purity energy crystals."

The rotation speed of the vortex accelerated slightly, and the light in the entire space flickered a few times.

There was no sound, but Luo En suddenly felt a message establish a link directly with him:

New visitors... rare... perceive your fluctuations... complex and interesting...

These thought fragments had no language structure, more like a direct impression of consciousness, yet they could make people understand their meaning.

At the same time, Luo En also felt a slight discomfort, as if something was gently scraping the surface layer of his brain.

"This is his way of communication."

Lei Nuozi explained in a low voice, his expression looking slightly painful; clearly, he was also enduring similar discomfort:

"Elemental life forms rarely use language for communication, and Aze's Abyss alienation has exacerbated this feature." The center of the vortex suddenly split into an energy tentacle, slowly extending toward Luo En.

There was no physical entity, just a wisp of energy flow more condensed than the surroundings, with a blurry eye shape at the tip.

You... very interesting... soul abnormal... wizard... unconventional... growth...

The energy tentacle circled around Luo En, seemingly observing or analyzing something.

With his keen perception, he could detect that this observation was not aimed at his surface consciousness, but a deeper-level scan.

However, being able to detect the abnormality in his soul... this is something that usually only a Great Wizard like Yuteer could do.

It is no wonder that Kaso and Lei Nuozi were somewhat in awe when mentioning the other party; this mutated elemental life form indeed had its terrifying aspects.

"I need high-purity energy crystals, especially products from the fourth layer or deeper."

Luo En narrowed his eyes, not responding to this, stating his purpose directly, while stabilizing his spiritual barrier to prevent the other party from over-intruding:

"Kaso said you might have some."

Direct... honest... not bad... energy crystals... have many... but exchange... need equivalents...

The vortex split again, this time splitting into dozens of energy tentacles, each holding a crystal at the tip.

These crystals were sent in front of the three, floating in mid-air for them to view.

Luo En was immediately shocked by the quality of these crystals.

Each one emitted intense and pure energy fluctuations, far exceeding any energy crystals he had seen in the past.

They varied in shape and color, but the common point was that there was a flowing, as if living, energy pulse inside.

"These are indeed products of the fourth layer."

Lei Nuozi said in a low voice, his eyes flashing with the brilliance of a professional appraiser:

"Judging from the energy density and purity, they are probably the top-tier batch."

Luo En carefully examined each crystal, using "Extraordinary Identification" to evaluate its quality and potential uses.

One of them caught his special attention—a pale purple crystal shaped like an olive.

The energy flow inside it formed a peculiar spiral pattern, like a miniature galaxy.

"This one is interesting." Luo En pointed to that crystal: "The energy density is unusually high, and it has the characteristic of self-circulation."

Aze's vortex emitted a fluctuation, and Luo En could feel an emotion similar to surprise from it:

Keen eye... rare... that is "Breath of Chaos"... fourth layer... special cave... energy self-circulation... extremely rare...

"Price?" Luo En asked straight to the point.

No need for magic stones... need exchange... equivalents... one of your bones...

Luo En frowned: "Bone?"

Lei Nuozi and Kaso exchanged a nervous look.

Kaso explained in a low voice:

"Aze sometimes puts forward some... unconventional exchange conditions. Usually, it's not the literal meaning, but some kind of symbol or metaphor."

Memory... bone... the frame that supports the soul... I can feel you have established a link with a Higher-Dimensional Being... I want that bone

Luo En pondered this peculiar request, trying to interpret its true meaning.

In the vortex, the intermittent thoughts continued to be transmitted to him:

Just sharing with me... not plundering... you won't lose anything...

"You want to share this memory of mine as an exchange?" Luo En finally understood the other party's intention.

The center of the vortex flickered, as if nodding in confirmation.

It seems that his link with those living stars and even the "Devourer" during the meditation process of "Whispers of the Star Eater" had attracted the other party.

This actually made him feel slightly relieved.

"How can I ensure that you only take the part of the memory I allow?" He asked cautiously.

The energy vortex fluctuated again, this time forming a complex symbol, floating in front of Luo En:

Contract... ancient rules... fair trade... breach of contract means both lose...

Lei Nuozi reminded softly:

"This seems to be a symbol of an elemental contract; once signed, neither party can violate it, otherwise they will face serious consequences."

Luo En weighed the risks and benefits.

If he could obtain this crystal, it would be a huge leap for the charging of the substitute puppet.

And the price of the exchange—a non-core memory, from a long-term perspective, seemed acceptable, and it was also within his control.

"I agree, but I have the right to fully control the content of the shared memory." Luo En finally decided.

The vortex emitted a pleasant fluctuation:

Wise... fair... both sides choose... reach equilibrium...

Aze's energy body began to reorganize, the central part condensing into a more complex form.

In Luo En's special vision, the form vaguely presented a blurry human face.

It was both like a human and carried some characteristics of an elemental life form, but twisted to the point of being almost unrecognizable.

Extend your hand... touch the contract...

After confirming through Extraordinary Identification that the contract was harmless, Luo En took a deep breath and slowly extended his right hand, his fingertip touching the floating symbol.

Instantly, a strong energy flow rushed through his body, forming a flickering golden pattern on the surface of his skin.

It then quickly disappeared, as if merging into his blood.

At the same time, his thinking was gently pulled, and memories surged like a tide.

That memory was the process of his recent link with the "Hermit Star", which contained complex information about this ancient fragment.

It seems that the other party also didn't dare to provoke the "Devourer" big daddy, which was in line with his thoughts.

Selection complete... exchange begins...

In an instant, Luo En felt a slight tingling in his brain, followed by a brief blankness.

At the same time, the "Breath of Chaos" crystal floated toward him, landing steadily in his palm.

The moment the crystal touched his skin, Luo En felt a stimulating energy flow through his body.

Like a shot of adrenaline, it made his spirit soar.

Trade complete... fair... satisfied...

Aze's vortex gradually returned to calm, and those floating crystals also slowly returned to their original positions.

Luo En carefully put the obtained crystal into his space bag, while quickly checking his mental state to ensure there was no other damage to his consciousness.

"This is truly... a very rare successful trade."

Kaso said in a low voice, his tone carrying a hint of amazement:

"Aze is rarely this 'generous' to people he meets for the first time."

Lei Nuozi's expression also carried disbelief:

"I have seen many wizards who came to seek trade; most returned empty-handed, and the few who succeeded often paid a heavier price. It seems Aze is really interested in you."

You... can leave now... but welcome to come again... especially you... holder of ancient fragments...

Aze's last thought echoed in Luo En's mind.

It seemed impatient for the three to leave quickly.

The oval opening appeared again on the building surface, signaling the three to leave.

Walking out of the "Ripple Dome", Luo En felt a subtle sense of relief.

Although Aze did not show obvious malice, that direct way of spiritual communication was indeed exhausting and uncomfortable.

And after the three left, the special building immediately activated the isolation barrier.

The active fluid inside flowed and twitched repeatedly, as if in extreme pleasure.

"Thank you for your introduction." On the other side, Luo En nodded to Kaso in thanks.

"You're welcome," Kaso smiled, his metal right arm flashing in the sun:

"If you have follow-up trading needs, you can contact me at any time. The outpost holds similar material exchange meetings every quarter; if you are interested next time, let me know in advance, and I can reserve some good things for you."

After saying goodbye to Kaso, Lei Nuozi took Luo En toward another more important area.

"Since you have already obtained the necessary basic materials, you might as well take a look inside our observation station."

Lei Nuozi said mysteriously:

"Some things might be of unexpected help to your research."

(End of chapter)