"Not bad, truly not bad. Though this book is dangerous, and reading too much of it could cause one to lose control, several chapters can be extracted and compiled into entirely new books that may allow Ring Arcanists to obtain Spirit Runes. Look, here are stories of ancient merfolk, the ancient war between Mermaids and Fishmen, and the fusion and conflict of Coldwater Port's three major faiths."
The old man flipped through the pages casually, seemingly finding new gains on every page:
"This way, my Coldwater Port Three Secret Sects Examination can finally have its final section completed."
A smile appeared on his face, and then he looked up at Shade:
"I said before that all material gains would belong to you, while we would share knowledge-based gains. The one you brought..."
He patted the book.
"It is worth far more than the information I provided you. I want ownership of this book. Make some additional requests—the Guiding Light Hermitage will not take advantage of you."
Shade considered it.
"Mr. Edmund, I hope that whenever I need to consult this book, I can do so at any time."
The old man nodded.
"A very reasonable request. You may come whenever you wish."
He said:
"Furthermore, I need the knowledge in this book as well, so I hope to receive the valuable notes you organize. Of course, I will also help you translate its contents. I learned some languages of aquatic intelligent species from a friend."
When facing Desire, Shade had been forced to read through this book. Under normal circumstances, he would never read a book that recorded the secrets of an evil god. Besides, the book had neither a table of contents nor a summary. If he carefully read through it himself, who knew how long it would take.