Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren) novel Chapter 2383

Finally, someone spoke up hesitantly. "We don't know anything about this. We wouldn't dare speak carelessly about such matters. You should try asking elsewhere, though I can assure you with absolute certainty that you won't find anything. It's a shame, really. That ninth-grade supreme elixir would've been perfect, but this question you're asking is simply unsolvable."

Another voice chimed in with resignation. "I've had my eye on you since earlier. Not only did you come in here acting so boldly on your first visit, but now you're asking something this heavy. Listen, whoever you are, don't even think about stirring up trouble here."

Most people sighed in disappointment, and some even began to openly display hostility toward Andrew. It was as if inquiring about the Lloyd family's Dragon Prince was a violation of some forbidden law.

Behind his mask, Andrew's expression darkened noticeably. He had not anticipated that these people would resist the temptation of a ninth-grade supreme elixir so completely. They were clearly terrified, unwilling to say a single word even in an environment where no one knew each other's true identities.

Could the person who had acted back then really be that terrifying? So frightening that even a whisper of information was forbidden?

They all turned into a bunch of scared little mice. Even at this private trading event, where everyone was anonymous, nobody dared to make a sound.

Just when Andrew thought his effort had been wasted, the elderly man from before spoke up again, his voice raspy but deliberate. "Perhaps I can provide you with some clues. But not here. If you want to know the truth, come with me."

With that, he turned and disappeared into an adjacent corridor, leaving a trail of white mist in his wake that quickly filled the passage.

Andrew did not hesitate for a moment. He immediately followed the old man into the mist. The instant he left, the remaining people began to exchange knowing looks. Some were smirking coldly, others shaking their heads in disdain, while a few wore expressions of pity.

"Another fool who actually dared to follow that old bastard alone," someone muttered darkly.

"He's dead for sure, and probably won't even have a body left to bury. Serves him right!" another added with a bitter laugh.

"Well then, let's continue with our transactions. I suspect that the young man's remains will never see the light of day again!"

The old man extended his hand toward Andrew in what seemed like a relatively courteous gesture. "Show me that ninth-grade supreme elixir of yours. Let me take a look at it first. Once I've verified that you genuinely possess such a treasure, I'll share with you the secret from back then."

Behind his mask, Andrew's expression remained unmoved. He reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a white moonstone box. He was just about to open it, but stopped halfway.

The old man's eyes locked onto the box, and it was clear from his sudden displeasure that Andrew's hesitation had frustrated him. "Go on, open it. Once I've verified its authenticity, I'll tell you everything you want to know about what happened back then."

In his excitement, the old man's carefully maintained disguise slipped, and his true voice began to emerge. From this slip, Andrew could tell the man was indeed quite elderly.

He said calmly, "A ninth-grade supreme elixir is extremely valuable, and I don't think I need to explain that. Why don't you tell me the basics of what happened back then first? Then I'll hand over the elixir."

The old man let out a strange, cackling laugh. "Clever for someone on their first visit. You certainly know how to be cautious. So you want to know who placed that seal on the Lloyd family's Dragon Prince, right? It was none other than Mr. Guillermo Vazquez, the National Advisor himself."