A Man Like None Other (Jared Chance) novel Chapter 6767

At the island lord's residence on Azurewave Island,

Damian Shore sat in his study, turning a jade thumb ring with a pale golden sheen between his fingers.

The warm, smooth stone had been carved with fine patterns of flowing water.

Made from 1,000-year-old sea-sunken jade, it was a trophy Damian had taken from a Water Clan elder long ago.

Through a carved window, he watched the sea darken beneath the setting sun.

Molten-gold light spilled across the rippling surface, staining every wave a brilliant red and gold. None of it reached the calculation and malice buried in Damian's eyes.

A faint smile hung at the corner of his mouth. He looked like an old cat after a satisfying meal, indolent and content, with quiet confidence that its next quarry would soon enter the trap.

His fingertip traced the pattern on the ring. Every stroke was like a caress across the bargaining chip he expected to claim.

Mira Maris, one of the Water Clan's finest young cultivators and Calder Stillwater's cherished niece, was bound to the pillar in the central plaza. She had become the perfect piece with which Damian could control the clan.

As long as he held her, he intended to take more than a single Sea Soul Pearl. He wanted the entire vein that produced them.

Three soft knocks sounded against the study door in an even rhythm, the private signal used by Mr. Linden.

Damian did not turn. "Enter."

The hinges gave a quiet creak as an old man in gray robes walked inside.

His gaunt face had high cheekbones and hollow cheeks, but his eyes were as keen as a hawk's and seemed able to pierce a man's thoughts. His aura was calm and restrained, his cultivation at the peak of Grand Zenith Immortal Level One as unfathomable as a deep abyss. He was Mr. Linden, Damian's most trusted adviser.

After serving the island lord for 7,300 years, Mr. Linden understood Damian's mind and the ruthlessness behind every scheme.

He stopped before the desk and bowed slightly. His tone was respectful but steady. "My Lord, the Water Clan has withdrawn, and we have heard nothing about an exchange for the Sea Soul Pearl. Since they had no intention of making the trade, why didn't they attack on the spot?"

Damian placed the thumb ring on the desk with a crisp tap. Then he lifted his cup and removed the lid. Steam rose with the scent of fresh green tea.

He took a sip of the hot green tea, his voice composed and faintly mocking. "Of course they would never attack.

"Calder Stillwater is an old turtle who has lived for more than 10,000 years. He is cautious to the point of indecision.

"He arrived with five guards and made an impressive display, but it was all a bluff.

"He did not dare start a battle on Azurewave Island. First, he feared harming the Water Clan members on the island and earning a reputation for disregarding his own people's lives.

"Second, he feared losing control of the conflict and drawing the attention of other powers in the Void Sea, only to lose everything he hoped to gain.

"A man burdened by responsibility for his clan is easy to manipulate."

Mr. Linden nodded, but his brow remained furrowed. His fingers unconsciously rubbed a fold in his sleeve. "Your foresight is remarkable, My Lord. Even so, one concern has been lodged in my mind, and I must speak of it."

"Go on."

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify