Everyone Is A Lord: My Talent Is A Little Too Strong Chapter 2601: 1433: Inside and Outside the Market
Previously on Everyone Is A Lord: My Talent Is A Little Too Strong...
Under the glow of two half-moons in the night sky, a massive deep brown fortress stood firmly in the center of a sprawling valley, radiating an imposing and unshakable presence.
The gates of the city were currently thrown wide, offering glimpses into the lively and crowded streets within.
Despite the open gates, ripples of Magic Flow Light shimmered frequently around the entrance, indicating the presence of an invisible barrier. Rows of sturdy guards stood in perfect formation, making it clear that the city maintained rigorous defensive protocols.
This was undoubtedly the Shadow Market belonging to the Administrators, and the unbolted gates signaled the formal commencement of this high-level trade gathering.
The location of the market was Yingming Valley, a strategic point situated at the junction of the Desert Alliance, the Rainforest Fortress Alliance, and the Flower Demon Territory. This specific site had been chosen by Leo Ray after detailed consultations with the Administrators.
High above Yingming Valley, a group of figures radiating powerful auras appeared as a faint, cold wind swept through the area.
The leader of the group, possessing a powerful humanoid frame, pulled back his hood to reveal a lion-like face. His thick, dark golden hair and the scarf-like mane around his neck made his appearance exceptionally commanding.
This was Loris, the Clan Leader of the Lion-man Clan and the primary head of the Rainforest Fortress Alliance.
The soft sound of hooves followed as a robust elite from the Centaur Clan moved to Loris's side. He looked down at the magnificent Shadow Market in the valley below with sharp, intense eyes.
This individual was Thomas, the Centaur Clan Leader and Vice Leader of the Rainforest Fortress Alliance.
As these two leaders and their powerful entourage emerged, the surrounding air seemed to warp slightly, filled with a dangerous aura of hostility and wild strength.
“Leader, this high-level Shadow Market was organized so abruptly and with such haste. Why did you decide to honor the invitation?”
Thomas, his face partially hidden by a thick beard, voiced his confusion with a deep frown.
“I am well aware that there are complexities behind this, but the invitation specifically mentioned that the main attraction is the Tier 6 Divine Weapon I have long coveted! There is even Tier 6 Armor available. My territory’s Administrator personally verified this and gave a strong recommendation for me to attend.”
A look of intense desire crossed Loris’s leonine features as he licked his lips. “Regardless of who the original owner of that Tier 6 Divine Weapon and Tier 6 Armor might be, I am determined to claim them for myself!”
“Furthermore, I recently came into possession of an item of equal value. If the seller recognizes its worth, a direct trade for the set might be possible.”
“As for any underlying motives, I find them irrelevant. This is a Secret Realm Market with top-tier defenses. Even if the Administrator who issued the invite is rumored to be the least influential, surely no real trouble could occur here, right?”
Loris’s face twisted into a look of mockery as he added, “Besides, even if a trap has been set, do you think I would be intimidated?”
“Haha, our leader is truly courageous.”
A raspy, aged female voice drifted from the back of the group. A small figure floated forward, her wrinkled face illuminated by the silvery moonlight. Two pairs of translucent, withered wings flapped slowly behind her, giving her the appearance of a tiny, ancient witch.
This was Elder Susan, the Clan Leader of the Water Elf and a high-ranking elder of the Rainforest Fortress Alliance.
A glint of cunning shone in Susan’s eyes as she let out a strange, cackling laugh. “The leader has already positioned our thirty most elite Tier 4 Legions in the vicinity. Their strength is equivalent to three hundred Tier 3 Legions; we would have nothing to fear even against a massive invading force. Additionally, a vast number of Tier 3 Legions are on standby, and our secret weapon is prepared for deployment at a moment's notice.”
“Nevertheless, I feel uneasy. We are currently on the verge of conflict with the forces of the Human Emperor, and the timing of this advanced market is suspicious.”
Thomas’s brow remained furrowed, and his tail flicked irritably.
“Vice Leader, are you suggesting that the Human Emperor is the one behind this Shadow Market? Do you really think those Tier 6 equipments belong to him?”
Loris let out a dismissive snort. “That is preposterous. He is nothing more than a lucky brat who stumbled upon an ancient Secret Treasure. There is no reason to fear him.”
“The leader is absolutely correct. We haven't just moved our troops to the border for that insignificant Human Emperor; the Desert Alliance remains our primary foe.”
A trace of malice appeared on Susan’s aged face as she agreed. “It would be ideal if the Human Emperor and the Desert Alliance clashed with each other first.”
“Moreover, the choice of Yingming Valley for this market is quite clever. The Desert Alliance was undoubtedly invited as well.”
Thomas remained unconvinced, his expression tense as he spoke again. “None of them are easy to deal with, and they are surely massing their own heavy forces at the border in secret.”