“All right, the arcane array around the general’s mansion has been broken. This type of arcane array offers no real defense. If anyone were to attack the mansion, the arcane array would shatter instantly,” Jared remarked, his tone casual and unbothered.
“Is it already broken?” Jaime asked in disbelief.
To confirm, he murmured a series of incantations under his breath. A ray of light emerged from his palm as he attempted to activate the arcane array. Yet, despite multiple attempts, there was no response at all.
It was undeniable-Jared had broken the arcane array with little effort.
“This…” Jaime’s eyes widened in shock, his face a portrait of astonishment. He couldn’t comprehend how the arcane array, crafted by a highly paid array master, had been undone with a mere flick of Jared’s hand.
But at this point, Jaime and the onlookers had no choice but to accept the truth.
“I never imagined, Mr. Chance, that you are an array master. My apologies for underestimating you.”
“Mr. Chance may not have reached a high cultivation level, but as an array master, he’s the most impressive I’ve ever encountered. Truly remarkable!”
“Indeed, Mr. Chance is a rare talent, full of limitless potential.”
The foreign officials began showering Jared with compliments. They all understood the immense benefits of earning the goodwill of an array master.
“Mr. Chance, remarkable-absolutely remarkable. It’s just that…” Jaime’s voice trailed off as he looked troubled.
He hadn’t intended for Jared to actually break the arcane array when he made the earlier comment.
“General Jaime,” Jared said calmly, “since I was able to break the arcane array, it’s only fair that I set up a better one for you. I’ll establish a defense formation for your residence. I assure you, even an Ultimate Realm Level Nine cultivator won’t be able to breach it.”
As he spoke, Jared’s fingers moved with precision, tracing intricate array runes in the air. Glowing lines of energy flickered to life, forming an elaborate design.
Moments later, the entire general’s mansion was enveloped in a radiant golden light. The brilliance was awe-inspiring, and in a short span, the defense formation was complete.
Once again, Jared had demonstrated his extraordinary abilities, leaving everyone in stunned silence.
“Mr. Chance,” Jaime said, his voice filled with both admiration and eagerness, “I would be honored to invite you to become a distinguished guest in my household. I promise you the highest level of hospitality, including financial resources for your needs.”
“As for your imprisonment,” Jaime continued, “I’ll have Claude deliver the special release order tomorrow. Although I don’t oversee the prison directly, my influence is more than sufficient to secure your release.”
Jaime looked at Jared with earnest anticipation.
To him, finding someone as talented as Jared was an extraordinary stroke of luck. Having an array master in his ranks was a rare opportunity, one he didn’t intend to let slip away.
“Since you hold me in such high regard, it would be disrespectful for me to refuse,” Jared replied with a respectful nod.
Jared understood that to gain access to the celestial crystal’s vein mine, he needed the backing of a powerful faction within Beast City. He was unfamiliar with the city’s inner workings and had no clear sense of the strength of its cultivators.
If the vein mine truly existed, there was no way he could secure it on his own. By aligning himself with Jaime, he was setting the groundwork for cooperation.
“Hahaha! This is excellent! It’s my greatest fortune that you, Mr. Chance, are willing to join me,” Jaime said with a hearty laugh. “Mr. Chance, you won’t be returning to the prison tonight. I’ve prepared the finest guest room for you.”
“There’s no need to trouble yourself, General Jaime. I won’t be going back to the jail, but I do have friends waiting for me at the inn. I need to see them,” Jared explained.
“Very well, Mr. Chance,” Jaime said. “You’re welcome here anytime. Now, since night has fallen, Beast City is under curfew. Cultivators aren’t permitted to roam the streets freely.”
“However,” Jaime added, handing Jared a token, “as a guest of my general’s mansion, you’re no longer bound by that rule. This token will grant you freedom to move about as you wish.”
Jared accepted the token, noting the character “Giles” engraved on it-an emblem identifying Jaime.
“Thank you, General Jaime,” Jared said, bowing respectfully.
With the token in hand, Jared left the general’s mansion and made his way back to the inn.
