"Grandmother, if you're considering a trade, have you thought about us, the Seraphim clan?"
Likewise, after thoroughly reviewing the new Source Power secret art, Mikaela immediately spoke up. She also recognized its immense value. In her eyes, this secret art completely surpassed the ones held by the Seraphim clan.
The safety of this technique, of course, couldn't compare to their own, but Mikaela believed that in the vastness of the void, there was likely no safer way to obtain Source Power than what the Seraphim clan possessed.
However, the major flaw of the Seraphim clan's method was the excessive amount of time it consumed. To someone like Mikaela, who valued efficiency, it was intolerable. She had already planned to use the Titans' method to achieve epic status and acquire Source Power. But now, she had a second option.
"Hmm..." Hearing her granddaughter-in-law's request, Arista hesitated. To her, it didn't matter much which race she sold the Source Power secret art to. Still, in her heart, she leaned toward the Titans.
It was well known that the Titans were the most formidable race in Erathia. Given her current situation, trading with the Titans seemed the most fitting.
"Grandmother, I think you could sell this secret art to both the Titans and Mikaela's Seraphim clan," Muria suggested after a moment of thought.
"Is that possible?"
"The Titans and Seraphim have already exchanged their Source Power techniques. Their cooperation has reached a deeper level."
"Alright, then. I'll go to the Titans first with Muria, and then head to the Boundless Heavens to meet the Seraphim clan."
"Sounds good," Mikaela nodded. After all, when it came to personal relationships, the Titans were closer to Arista than the Seraphim.
...
"I've heard about the Titan Islands for so long, but it's only now, after my grandson was born, that I finally made it here!"
Looking at the vast archipelago spread before her, Arista's eyes reflected her deep emotions. To any being aware of this place, it was a forbidden zone. Ordinary creatures wouldn't dare to step foot here.
"Let's go in!" The Golden Dragon mother urged her.
"Grandson, I won't suddenly be struck by lightning, will I?" Arista asked Muria.
"Probably not," Muria responded uncertainly. He remembered that when his maternal grandfather, Deimos, first arrived at the Titan Islands, he had clashed with the Mecha Emperor.
But Muria felt that was more due to his grandfather's flamboyance. If he hadn't declared himself as Muria's grandfather, the outcome might have been worse.
"Probably?"
"Oh, come on! You're already a Dragon King. What are you afraid of? Besides, your grandson is right here with you. If anything happens, they'll include him too. So relax, it'll be fine."
Finally, after some encouragement and nudging, they entered the domain of the Titan Islands. As they crossed the boundary, space rippled like the surface of a lake, disturbed by a stone. Golden lightning surged forth, coalescing into a towering golden lightning giant.
"Arista, I remember you—Deimos' mate. Congratulations on becoming a Dragon King. But why are you here? This is Titan territory!"
"I'm here to negotiate a deal," Arista said as the towering lightning form appeared. The enormous shadow of her Dragon King form flashed briefly behind her. She had been ready to strike, but seeing that the Titan didn't attack as rumors suggested, she held back.
"What deal?" The Mecha Emperor's lightning avatar asked curiously.
"I want to trade the Source Power secret art I acquired from the void with your Titan clan."
At this, silence filled the space. After a brief pause, the Mecha Emperor finally spoke slowly, "Do you know what you're saying?"
"Of course I do. I demand to speak with the Ten Ruling Sovereigns or the Abyssal Sovereign. You're not qualified to negotiate this deal with me," Arista boldly declared, fully confident in front of the more powerful Mecha Emperor.
"Wait here." Despite the somewhat arrogant words, the Mecha Emperor didn't get angry. Indeed, for a matter as crucial as a race's survival and prosperity, he lacked the authority to decide.
Soon, the void split open again, but no grand spectacle followed. However, Muria could sense two overwhelming presences focusing on them.
"Newly crowned Dragon King, are you the one who wishes to trade your Source Power secret art with the Titan clan?"
"Yes!"
"Before we proceed, may I verify the authenticity of your secret art? Just the opening chapter will do."
"No problem!" Hearing the Sovereign's request, Arista sent over the prepared portion of the Source Power secret art.
"Indeed, it's a new Source Power technique. If you possess the complete secret art, then you are indeed qualified to negotiate with the Titans!" After only a brief pause, the voice of the Ten Ruling Sovereign spoke again.
"Before we continue, shouldn't you reveal your true form?"
"Do you want to talk face to face?"
"Of course!"
"As you wish. Don't resist."
Space-time shifted. In the blink of an eye, Muria, standing beside his grandmother, found himself transported from the skies above the Titan Islands to a vast hall within the void. No, this wasn't the void. Muria could still feel gravity. They were in a grand hall, yet the floor reflected the stars of the endless cosmos, creating the sensation of being above all things.
Muria looked around. Surrounding the hall were over a hundred thrones forged from legendary metals. Most were empty, without an occupant. Only fifteen were filled by Titans.
At this moment, all fifteen epic Titans, including Muria's grandfather Archimonde, focused their gaze on Arista, Muria, and the Golden Dragon mother.
"Muria!" Clearly, even though Muria hadn't yet achieved epic status, he had made a strong impression on the Titans.
"What are you doing here?" Archimonde frowned at his grandson.
"I came with my grandmother," Muria awkwardly explained.
"I had my grandson lead the way. Is there a problem with that?" Arista asked. "Did his actions violate any Titan laws or customs?"
"No, he did nothing wrong. In fact, he's done us a great service," one of the Ten Ruling Sovereigns spoke after observing Muria for a moment. "Bringing us a Source Power secret art is a major contribution!"
"Let's get down to business first. Regarding the Source Power secret art Arista wants to trade, would you mind showing us the opening chapter?"
"Not at all!" Arista agreed readily. The opening chapter of the secret art was just an overview, offering only a general understanding without revealing the full technique.
Soon, all fifteen Titans reviewed the opening chapter of Arista's Source Power secret art. Some epic Titans showed expressions of astonishment. After a brief exchange among themselves, the Ten Ruling Sovereign addressed Arista.
"The secret art you've brought back from the void is indeed top-tier. In some respects, it surpasses the Source Power techniques we Titans possess.
"The range for acquiring Source Power is broader, which could significantly improve the survival rate of our Titan descendants.
"Therefore, Dragon King Arista, what price do you wish for us to pay to obtain this secret art without reservation?"
"As your kin, there's something I need to clarify first." Arista paused slightly, observing the reactions of the epic Titans. Not one of them denied her claim of being kin, confirming their acknowledgment of her status.
"Go ahead," the Ten Ruling Sovereign said kindly, with the other Titans showing friendly expressions. Arista had demonstrated great trust in bringing them such a precious secret art, and they reciprocated with the same attitude.
"This secret art was taken from an epic race. If you trade with me, you'll have to bear the potential reprisal. You must consider that carefully."
"I appreciate your honesty. But if we trade with you, we're prepared to handle any consequences. Now, just name your price!" the Sovereign replied.
"Twenty drops of standard Source Power," Arista stated, having already calculated the price.
"Twenty drops?" The epic Titans exchanged glances, even the Ten Ruling Sovereign and Abyssal Sovereign were taken aback. They were not shocked because the price was too high but because it was far too low.
For an epic being, twenty drops of Source Power was substantial. But compared to the safe and effective method of obtaining Source Power that Arista had brought, the price was practically a gift.
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