Everyone Is A Lord: My Talent Is A Little Too Strong Chapter 2612: 1438: Unexpected and Can't Wait_2

“Is it truly a [God Stone]? That is certainly an unexpected turn of events.”

Leo Ray contemplated silently as he scanned the details in the attribute column.

He was well aware that the [God Stone] served as the vital instrument for uncovering the hidden truths of the Era of Blankness. Furthermore, it represented the solitary force currently capable of resisting “Corrosion.” Naturally, he had no intention of letting it slip through his fingers, even if it remained in a dormant state for the time being.

“Still, expecting me to hand over a complete set of sixth-tier equipment and a sixth-tier magic potion in exchange for a sleeping [God Stone] is a bit much.”

Leo Ray’s brow twitched slightly as his gaze shifted toward Xiao Jie, who stood at his side.

Despite her duties at the Mysterious Market, Xiao Jie remained a constant presence near him, utilizing her unique capability to deploy absolute defense barriers.

Leo Ray’s intent was clear: he needed Xiao Jie to estimate the timeline for the stone’s eventual awakening.

“Lord, based on the incredibly faint fluctuations of energy, it appears this [God Stone] endured devastating trauma in the distant past.”

Xiao Jie inclined her head in understanding and spoke to Leo Ray. “Because of that, I cannot predict the moment of its revival. It could happen in a year, or perhaps it will take a century.”

Of course, being perfectly in tune with Leo Ray’s thoughts, Xiao Jie left the rest unsaid; there was always the possibility it could wake within a day or a week.

Leo Ray gave a casual shrug and turned his attention back to Loris, who seemed fixated on the trade. “Your excellency, Desert Leader, you heard her assessment. This [God Stone] is currently inactive, meaning it offers me no immediate benefit. Trading such a useless item for a set of sixth-tier equipment—which is both rare and perfectly suited for your needs—seems rather unbalanced, wouldn’t you agree?”

“Quite right. Furthermore, the specific tier of a dormant [God Stone] remains a mystery. Looking at the last five centuries of trade data here at the Mysterious Market, a [God Stone] must be at least sixth-tier to match the worth of a sixth-tier equipment set.”

The administrator jumped in, seizing the chance to support Leo Ray’s stance.

“This…”

Loris, who had planned to use intimidation to sway Leo Ray, found himself stammering, his confident facade crumbling.

He was painfully aware of these market realities. In his original strategy, obtaining even a single sixth-tier divine weapon would have made the journey a success. However, since the Mysterious Market operated on the principle of mutual necessity, he had tried to overcharge Leo Ray by exploiting his interests.

It was now painfully obvious that this Emperor of the Human Race was not a man easily bullied.

If he left with only one divine weapon, Loris would feel cheated. As he wavered, Sina saw her opening and spoke up quickly. “Your Majesty, if some parties lack sincerity, perhaps you would care to examine my offerings instead.”

Sina pushed forward ten clusters of shimmering crystals. “As you can see, Your Majesty, these are no common magic crystals. These are ten extremely rare, high-grade containers. They are compatible with any powerhouse at Tier 5 or below and require no external refinement to function.”

“I assume I don’t need to explain the specific utility of such containers?”

Sina offered a graceful smile before adding, “For Your Majesty, trading a set of sixth-tier equipment for these would be a deal of immense value.”

Once Sina finished, the administrator stepped forward to inspect the items, eventually nodding toward Leo Ray. “Your Majesty, she speaks the truth. These are indeed ten high-quality containers designed for Tier 5 powerhouses and below.”

Having managed the Mysterious Market for so long, the administrator possessed the elite appraisal skills necessary to identify such treasures instantly.

“Containers that can hold essence?”

Leo Ray studied the glowing crystals, nodding as he processed the information.

He finally realized why the energy felt familiar; he had encountered similar objects in the ancient mines that housed the ancient dark elves. Their storage capacity was clearly substantial.

“The containers from the mines are spent and cannot be reused, and most natural versions require complex secret spells to refine. Without that processing, the sanity of the occupant is at risk, much like what happened to Jess and the other dark elves.”

“From that perspective, these ready-to-use containers are exactly what I need. After all, individuals like Fei’er and the Old Silver Fire King require vessels to move beyond their current locations.”

“However, since these are limited to Tier 5 and below, they won't work for Fei’er or the Fire King. But they would be perfect for Old Roy and the other three Apocalyptic Knights at the Loren King Capital Ruins. Their essences are fading; if I don't act soon, it might be too late.”

Leo Ray took a slow breath as he weighed his options.

Even though Old Roy and his companions were only at Tier 5 and couldn't provide massive combat support, he had given them his word. It was time to fulfill that commitment.

“Also, King West might find a use for one! That old man is at the peak of Tier 5, which fits the criteria perfectly!”

“But to reunite with him, I still need the Sacred Stone, which remains missing.”

As Leo Ray brainstormed, the Market Guard delivered the containers to him.

He looked at the brilliant crystals and summoned the attribute window.

[Name: Holy Crystal] [Resource Level: Level 5 (Rare)] [Specification: 15cm] [Purity: S-Level] [Note: A rare primal vessel typically found at the boundaries of displaced underground objects. Capable of containing essences of Tier 5 and below.]

“So it’s a Rare Resource rather than an item with an upgradeable tier? Still, getting ten at once is a major win.”

Leo Ray turned to the administrator with a look of inquiry.

Since he wasn't entirely sure of their market value, he sought professional clarification.

“Your Majesty, trade logs from the Mysterious Market suggest these vessels hold more value than the [God Stone] mentioned previously. In many cases, these containers are literal lifesavers.”

The administrator explained plainly, “Even so, these ten crystals do not quite reach the value of the sixth-tier equipment the Desert Leader is seeking.”

Sina’s expression soured slightly at the administrator's words.

She knew the value of her goods, but she had hoped Leo Ray’s lack of knowledge would allow her to turn a profit.

Unfortunately, the talkative administrator had ruined her leverage.

Normally, a market administrator stays neutral and avoids influencing trades, but the obvious bond between Leo Ray and the official had crushed her scheme.

“It seems the verdict is in, Your Excellency Desert Leader.”

Leo Ray smiled and shrugged. “It appears your current offer is a bit lacking. If you could provide higher-tier containers, we might have a deal.”

“Your Majesty, such vessels are incredibly scarce. This is my entire stock; if I had more, I would have presented them already.”

Sina lowered her eyes, letting out a soft, disappointed sigh. “Is there no way Your Majesty would reconsider?”

She then looked up at Leo Ray with a radiant, flirtatious smile. “I might be able to offer Your Majesty… other types of experiences to make up the difference.”

“Hmph, His Majesty isn't so easily swayed by such tricks.”

Loris cut in, sensing an opening. “Your Majesty, in addition to the [God Stone], the Desert Leader can provide further compensation!”