Chapter 122: No Touching The Priceless Death Traps

Kane’s eyes widened as they moved toward the waiting area, his attention immediately captured by the artifacts surrounding them.

"Oh wow," Kane breathed, approaching a case displaying what appeared to be a crystalline dagger with runes etched along its blade. "Is that—"

"A ceremonial athame from the Third Century," Cyrus finished, settling into one of the leather chairs.

"Worth approximately two million dollars."

Kane’s nose practically pressed against the glass as he moved to the next display.

A jade figurine of a coiled dragon caught his attention, its emerald surface seeming to shift and flow like liquid stone.

"And this one?"

"Probably priceless," Cyrus replied, watching Kane with amusement.

Kane continued his exploration, marveling at each piece. A silk scroll gleamed with golden script, a mirror reflected only shadows, and a small wooden box hummed with restrained energy.

His hand drifted toward the case containing the humming box, fingers itching to touch the glass.

"Kane." Cyrus’s voice carried a warning note.

Kane’s hand froze inches from the display case.

"Don’t even think about it," Cyrus continued, his tone deceptively casual.

Kane reluctantly pulled his hand back, shooting Cyrus a sheepish look.

"I was just looking."

"With your hands."

Kane backed away from the display cases, hands raised in mock surrender.

"Fine, fine. No touching the priceless death traps."

He settled into the chair beside Cyrus, sinking into leather that probably cost more than his old apartment’s rent.

The waiting area’s silence felt heavy, broken only by the soft hum of magical energy emanating from the surrounding artifacts.

A few minutes later, the receptionist approached with a silver tray bearing delicate porcelain cups.

"Compliments of Madam Xiu," she said, setting the tea service on the low table between them.

"Dragon Well green tea, imported directly from the mountains of Hangzhou"

Kane picked up his cup, inhaling the fragrant steam.

"Even her waiting room tea is fancy."

Cyrus lifted his cup, inhaling the delicate aroma before taking a measured sip.

"Dragon Well tea isn’t just fancy," he said quietly, his red eyes studying the pale green liquid.

"It’s symbolic. The legend says it was first grown near a well where a dragon once lived, protecting the local village from drought."

Kane paused with the cup halfway to his lips.

"So she’s making a statement?"

"Madam Xiu doesn’t do anything without purpose," Cyrus replied, setting his cup down with deliberate care.

"Dragon Well tea represents protection, wisdom, and... hospitality toward powerful guests."

Kane took a tentative sip, the tea’s clean, grassy flavor spreading across his tongue.

"And the fact that she’s serving it to us specifically?"

Before Cyrus could answer, the soft chime of an elevator announced someone’s arrival.

The receptionist immediately straightened, her professional demeanor shifting into something more reverent.

"Madam Xiu is ready to see you now."

Madam Xiu emerged from the elevator in a flowing jade green qipao, the silk fabric catching the light with subtle dragon-scale patterns.

Two well-dressed men emerged first, bowing respectfully as they passed her.

"Gentlemen, I trust our arrangement will prove mutually beneficial," Madam Xiu said, her voice carrying the weight of centuries.

"The Ming Dynasty vase will be delivered within the week."

The men nodded, exchanging final pleasantries before heading toward the lobby exit.

Madam Xiu’s golden eyes turned to Kane and Cyrus, a genuine smile gracing her features.

"Mr. Drakhal, always a pleasure." Her gaze shifted to Kane, and her smile widened.

"And Mr. Ashwood, how delightful to meet you again. You were unfortunately absent during our last encounter."

Kane stood, offering a respectful bow. "Thank you for seeing us, Madam Xiu."

"Please, follow me," she gestured gracefully toward the elevator.

"My office will provide the privacy our discussion requires. I suspect today’s conversation will prove far more intriguing than typical artifact negotiations."

The elevator ascended smoothly to Madam Xiu’s private office, where floor-to-ceiling windows offered a breathtaking view of Feilun’s skyline.

Madam Xiu settled behind her desk, gesturing for Kane and Cyrus to take the chairs opposite her.

"More tea?" she offered, indicating a delicate porcelain set.

"Thank you, but we’re pressed for time," Cyrus said, his tone respectfully direct.

Madam Xiu’s golden eyes sharpened. "Straight to business. How refreshing."

"The Screaming Shard you brought me—are there other shards like it?" Cyrus continued.

"Fragments with similar properties, perhaps complementary abilities?"

Kane watched the exchange, noting how Madam Xiu’s expression shifted from polite curiosity to genuine intrigue.

Madam Xiu’s fingers were steepled before her, jade rings catching the morning light streaming through the windows.

"Legends speak of four primary fragments," she said carefully, neither confirming nor denying their existence.

"Each supposedly embodying a different aspect of the original crystal’s power."

Kane leaned forward slightly, his amber eyes fixed on her face.

"What exactly are you seeking?" Madam Xiu continued, her golden gaze shifting between them with interest.

Cyrus’s jaw tightened before he spoke.

"We’re aware of rumors of a shard with healing properties. Someone very important to us is dying, and conventional medicine has failed."

Madam Xiu’s expression softened, though her business acumen remained sharp.

"I see." She traced a pattern on her desk’s surface with one finger. "If such a fragment existed, it would be incredibly valuable. Priceless, even."

"So, does it exist?" Cyrus pressed, his voice carrying the weight of desperation he rarely allowed others to see.

"Do you have it, or know where we might find it?"

Madam Xiu smiled enigmatically, her silence stretching just long enough to make Kane’s heart race with anticipation.

"There is an old saying among my people," she began.

"Where the last song echoes in halls of stone,

Where mercy sleeps beneath the weight of bone,

A gentle voice that eases pain,

Waits for those who’d break death’s chain."

Kane frowned, trying to parse the cryptic words. "That’s... not exactly helpful."

"On the contrary," Madam Xiu replied, rising gracefully from her seat. "It tells you everything you need to know, if you listen properly."

Cyrus stood as well, his red eyes narrowing. "And that’s all you’re willing to share?"

"That’s all I know," Madam Xiu said with finality, moving toward her office door.

"The rest, gentlemen, is up to your own resourcefulness."

She paused at the threshold, glancing back with something that might have been sympathy.

"Time is precious, Mr. Drakhal. And yours, I suspect, is already running out."