This was a hidden chamber deep within a bustling underground black market, dim and utterly silent.
An old brass pendulum clock ornament of unknown age hung on the mottled stone wall, still ticking with precise rhythm.
Several bizarre clay animal figurines, even emitting faint soul fluctuations, had been casually placed in the corner.
A faint glow from high-level defensive runes, like a veil of moonlight, softly covered every corner of the room, radiating the absolute security and mystery unique to a high-level wizard's secluded retreat.
A fist-sized, crystal-clear fish tank sat perfectly centered on the floor, which was engraved with a spirit-gathering array.
Two rare deep-sea scallops, white as snow, floated on the tank's clear surface.
At that moment, the shells were slightly open.
Inside sat two thumb-sized miniature Beauty Clam singers, naked and graceful.
With their eyes closed, they sang an ancient requiem in voices like celestial music.
The Dust Sprite, Otilia, resembled a tiny whirlwind.
She was excitedly running back and forth along the smooth rim of the crystal fish tank.
In her tiny hands, she comically waved several glowing hand flowers hastily woven from deep-sea seaweed.
She looked exactly like the proud Beauty Clams' most loyal and crazed fan.
She was so thrilled that even her translucent little sprite face had flushed bright red.
Meanwhile, Dago sat cross-legged beside this lively "crystal tank miniature concert," as still as an ice sculpture.
His beast-like, perfectly sculpted body wore only a thin, simple sweat-absorbing undershirt.
His long hair, tainted with the aura of storms, hung messily and without pattern over his broad shoulders.
His hands moved rapidly before his chest.
His ten slender fingers blurred like phantoms as they formed one complex and strange hand seal after another, each carrying an ancient, exotic air.
His lips moved rapidly, almost