Chapter 2487

"No payment necessary," Dalton said calmly. "But the millennium-old corpse soil is a rare treasure, cultivated and guarded by our clan for generations. We can't just hand it over to anyone." Mike opened his mouth, ready to ask what he needed to do to earn it, but Dalton waved dismissively. "It's getting late. You've both had a long day, so go rest for now. We'll talk about the corpse soil tomorrow." There was something odd in the way he said it, but Mike couldn't quite put his finger on it. He turned to Lexie, who looked conflicted. Her face was pinched in hesitation. Just as she was about to speak, several of the elders, including Dalton and Xenon, shot her warning looks. With no choice, Lexie and Mike could only give a stiff nod. They left the wooden lodge in silence, and she led him toward her own place, intent on settling him in first before discussing more. Mike, who had been trafficked before, followed Lexie through the quiet village. Suspicious, he couldn't help but ask,