Exchange (In Celebration of the Alliance Leader, Supreme Emperor Who Holds the Talisman of Heaven's Opening!)

One participant after another spoke, and soon the last person had his turn.

He was a man of average height, with a warm, mellow voice. He held up a stack of manuscripts. "I'm The Cleric, and I'd like to sell a manuscript by Aaron Sothoth! I'll only accept a trade: one copy of the Secret Lore of the Yao Path!"

"An Aaron Sothoth manuscript?"

One participant asked excitedly, "Is it about the occult?"

Although most people gained their occult knowledge by wandering the Spirit Realm in their dreams, no one could deny Count of Green Forest's foundational role in the occult world.

Besides, the Sothoth Family controlled several extraordinary paths, including Underworld, Dark, and Shadow. Each one was highly sought after.

Aaron listened, feeling awkward. It seemed he was about to see a copy of his own manuscript.

"But he wants Secret Lore of the Yao Path. Isn't he an extraordinary being? Or is it for a friend or relative?"

Clark Das lowered his voice. "I'm almost certain The Cleric is an ordinary person. For some reason, he has an unusual desire for the Yao Path. He's attended several gatherings, but hasn't gotten what he wants. Other Secret Lore has turned up, but he wasn't interested."

So I could try, but sorry... I have no interest in my own manuscript.

Aaron nodded, giving little response.

At that moment, he heard The Cleric reply, "No, it's not... It's a technology manuscript describing something called a wired telegraph. The prerequisites—generators and wires—have already been developed. In Plymouth, the wealthy have not only installed gas pipes in their homes but electric lights as well. If this communications technology really works as described in the manuscript, it'll make a fortune."

The Cleric did his best to promote the manuscript's value, but his listeners weren't