Everyone Is A Lord: My Talent Is A Little Too Strong Chapter 2881: 1577: New Destination (Part 2)

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Previously on Everyone Is A Lord: My Talent Is A Little Too Strong...
Leo Ray and his party departed Fishman Castle quietly in the afternoon, having secured the Desert Fishmen's allegiance without a farewell banquet to avoid drawing attention. Reflecting on their alliances—now seven Second-tier powers plus the Half-Titan and Stone Giant, totaling nine—they targeted the tenth: the Moon Shadow Deer People in the vast Mysterious Forest. The group analyzed the Deer People's proud yet weakened state from defeats by the Broken Wing King, their severe famine, and recent isolation, speculating on hidden treasures or fears of further oppression as a path to alliance.

“These folks truly know how to choose spots; they’ve selected the central zones within the forest, where every settlement boasts plentiful water sources.”

Being a Forest Elf, Moli displayed clear expertise in the woodland surroundings, sighing, “In the past, passing by the Moon Shadow Deer People’s city gave me no special impression, yet now, observing it anew via this magic sandbox, it feels entirely distinct.”

Once Moli spoke, Hollis and Lila nodded vigorously in agreement, their faces beaming with strong approval.

One must recognize that a map holds vital importance for any faction; it forms the foundation for seizing and overcoming foes, and grasping the enemy’s terrain adds a crucial edge to the balance of triumph.

Thanks to the live magic sandbox from Ice Stone City, our group gains seamless oversight of the situation— a luxury that other powers can merely envy.

“Incidentally, the Moon Shadow Deer People positioned their cities deep in the forest’s core to leverage this natural shield against invaders, correct?”

Fei’er rested her chin on one hand, musing and nodding; as the Pelican Princess, her insights delved further than those of the more laid-back Moli.

“Precisely so. Following their devastating loss, the Broken Wing King planned to press the advantage and storm straight into their core lands, yet the Grand Army lost its way amid the immense Mysterious Forest, forcing them to retreat. Rumors claim the Moon Shadow Deer People deployed endless mist barriers and illusions across the Mysterious Forest, transforming it into a colossal labyrinth.”

With misty eyes, Lila reminisced about those days as she replied, “I’ve visited the Moon Shadow Deer People’s domain several times; even bypassing the Royal Capital, a simple outer village demands a local Moon Shadow Deer People guide, lest one easily wanders astray in the woods.”

“Then, heading to their capital city might waste too much time, wouldn’t it?”

Only now grasping Fei’er’s pointed concern, Moli exclaimed, “Indeed, I once arrived at their location as a visitor, guided by a Moon Shadow Deer People acquaintance from the Shadow Market.”

“That’s a real issue; typically, Moon Shadow Deer People patrols guard the Mysterious Forest’s edges, offering the quickest route inward.”

Lila nodded with resignation.

“No cause for such hassle—we can simply teleport right near their capital soon enough, yeah?”

Leo Ray indicated the grand city at the forest’s heart, questioning Elder Bing, “Elder, this shouldn’t pose any difficulty, right?”

Tracing Leo Ray’s gesture, the others spotted various clearings close to the city within the woods, including one vast enough for all of Ice Stone City—and that metropolis was the foe’s stronghold, Moon Shadow City!

“Your Majesty, my senses confirm that despite their potent disruption barriers capable of halting standard teleport spells, Ice Stone City faces no such obstacle.”

Elder Bing bowed deeply before answering, “The landing site is clear, devoid of life signs or structures, fulfilling every teleport requirement. A moment please, Your Majesty; teleportation commences now.”

At these words, exhilaration prompted cheers from the entire group.

Credit goes to Ice Stone City as a Land of Divine Favor, enabling His Majesty to guide them onward with soaring morale!

A burst of azure light flashed, and as the magic screen’s view sharpened once more, verdant foliage filled everyone’s sight.

“Let’s not delay—time to advance.”

Leo Ray signaled the powerhouses with a nod, then took the lead stride.

Soon enough, upon exiting Ice Stone City’s gates, the party found themselves enveloped in a vibrant natural vista alive with birdsong and blooming scents.

This spot appeared to serve as a drill field for the Moon Shadow Deer People, or something akin; faint cavalry hoof marks lingered on the earth.

Yet now, it stood deserted, without a lone guard in sight.

Wasting no time on scrutiny, the team hastened along a pristine wide trail leading into the woods beyond; the magic sandbox indicated Moon Shadow City lay just past that path.

Entering the forest plunged the ambient light into shadow; though the way remained even, towering trees overhead obstructed nearly all sunrays, leaving mere flecks of brightness speckling the ground akin to a prolonged passageway.

Not merely pristine and level, the path lacked even scattered leaves; ornate flower arrangements and precisely clipped hedges adorned it, evidently carefully tended, evoking entry into a flawlessly curated garden realm.

Leo Ray and his companions ignored the surrounding scenery entirely, charging directly towards Moon Shadow City.

“Your Majesty, something’s not right!”

After traveling for some distance, Fei’er abruptly addressed Leo Ray with a serious tone, “It seems like someone is tracking us!”

“Your Majesty, I’ve faintly felt the same!”

Lila nodded as well in confirmation, “It seems like someone is around us!”

“Has someone seen through our disguise?”

A slight frown creased Leo Ray’s brow, as he too sensed eyes upon them.

Remember, the entire group was cloaked by Little Illusion’s illusion technique, rendering them unseen, and Little Illusion, the one casting it, had been boosted by Sheila to half-step Seventh Stage power, so even half-step Seventh-order powerhouses would struggle to spot them.

“There’s a shadow there!”

Moli spotted it clearly, her finger jabbing towards the trunk of a towering sky-reaching tree.

In the direction she indicated, Leo Ray caught sight of a shadow darting past and vanishing instantly from view.

“Who goes there?!”

Lila, Hollis, and the rest had noticed it as well; their figures blurred as they rushed to investigate the shadow’s spot.

Yet the area stood empty, devoid of any signs of life.

“Sorry, Your Majesty, we couldn’t find the opponent’s traces.”

Lila came back to Leo Ray, shaking her head helplessly.

“It’s not your fault; the opponent was truly slippery.”

Leo Ray dismissed it with a wave, though his heart brimmed with gravity.

Keep in mind, his team included numerous half-step Seventh-order powerhouses such as Fei’er, Moli, Hollis, Bruce, Rax, Lila, and Kira, but this enigmatic shadow had tailed them without leaving a single clue—truly astonishing.

“Could there be a Demigod Strong nearby? Normally, only someone with such supreme power could pull this off.”

Leo Ray’s expression darkened further, his brows knitting tightly.

Still, this was just the Moon Shadow Deer People’s domain; half-step Seventh Stage marked the ceiling, so how could a Demigod Seventh Stage powerhouse just show up casually?

Don’t forget, half-step Seventh Stage and full Seventh Stage might seem near, but the divide is immense; ascending feels like scaling the heavens, or else countless experts from second-tier forces wouldn’t remain trapped at half-step Seventh Stage.

Before Leo Ray could grasp what was happening, yet another twist unfolded.

All at once, a buzz filled Leo Ray’s ears, trailed by faint, hurried murmurs drifting in.

These noises were muffled and pressing, as if trying to relay a message or resembling mad incantations, but no matter how hard Leo Ray strained to listen, it felt like a heavy barrier stood between, blocking the exact words.

Even after the sounds faded away completely, Leo Ray remained stunned.

“Your Majesty, what’s wrong?”

Noticing Leo Ray frozen in place, Fei’er approached, her face etched with worry.

“Did that shadow make any sound just now, or did any of you hear anything?”

Leo Ray gathered his thoughts and questioned Fei’er along with the powerhouses.

“Your Majesty, that figure was silent, and I didn’t hear any suspicious sounds.”

Puzzled by Leo Ray’s query though she was, Fei’er replied honestly.

Once Fei’er spoke, the others nodded too, with Sheila conveying the identical answer via mental link.

“Is that so?”

Leo Ray’s eyes narrowed a bit, as he mused, “Things are getting more and more interesting.”