Everyone Is A Lord: My Talent Is A Little Too Strong Chapter 2989 1634: The Lord's Considerations and an Unexpected Message

"Your Excellency, Administrator, please feel free to speak your mind."

Leo Ray offered a gentle smile as he faced the administrator, who appeared somewhat hesitant.

"Haha, it's truly nothing major."

The administrator, clearly choosing his words with care, then nodded to Leo Ray. "Your Majesty, among the powerful contenders from those first-class forces attending this banquet, there are without doubt some rather arrogant individuals. I urge you not to let such people diminish your spirits."

"Rest assured, I grasp the essence of Your Excellency's counsel. I shall exercise due discretion."

A solemn expression dawned in Leo Ray's eyes as he gave a slight nod.

While the words were phrased delicately, their underlying message was unmistakable.

The formidable delegates dispatched by those top-tier powers often possess significant standing and influence within their own lineages, wielding considerable authority in their respective factions. Should any discord arise between us and them, potentially festering into a lingering resentment, it could very well escalate into an inter-factional conflict.

Considering our current standing, it would be exceedingly challenging to contend with any of the behemoths that dominate the Ten Thousand Clans, not even the comparatively diminished Dark Elves.

Even a more conservative assessment of the overall strength present would suggest we hold no inherent advantage, a fact Leo Ray fully appreciates.

Despite his own considerable enhancement in power, Leo Ray remains entirely free of any haughtiness or ostentation, a characteristic that has been instrumental in our progress thus far.

"Then my heart is at ease. Should Your Majesty falter in any way, it would be exceedingly difficult for us to absolve ourselves of responsibility."

The administrator's tone reverted to its usual steadiness. "Incidentally, Your Majesty, we've just received word from the Bazaar Brotherhood. Prior to the banquet's commencement, a special Shadow Market will be convened, and all attendees are welcome."

"Oh?"

Leo Ray's eyes widened involuntarily upon hearing this news, a spark of interest igniting within him.

It is widely understood that while major Shadow Markets are frequently established across the globe, they maintain exceptionally rigorous entry prerequisites. Participation is strictly limited to entities and individuals who have extended invitations, a condition particularly stringent for the more prestigious Shadow Markets.

Especially for those Shadow Markets hosted within the domains of first-class powers, individuals from second-tier factions are expressly excluded, severely limiting their access to paramount equipment and other high-tier resources. This scarcity explains the dearth of Sixth-order Equipment among second-tier powers.

Given that the first-class powers jealously guard their monopoly over Sixth-order Alchemy Technology, Forging Techniques, and Magic Craft Technology, the powerful figures from second-tier factions primarily procure these items from delegates of first-class powers who gain entry into second-tier Shadow Markets.

However, these delegates typically represent themselves, resulting in a naturally restricted supply of equipment.

Furthermore, with the production of Sixth-order Equipment and various resources predominantly concentrated within the territories of first-class powers, this inherently curtails the access available to second-tier factions.

"Thus far, although I have acquired numerous Sixth-order Equipment Blueprints and Magical Potion Formulas through comprehensive system upgrades, and have discreetly cultivated a cadre of elite Sixth-order Blacksmiths and Alchemists capable of mastering and replicating these manufacturing processes, thereby circumventing the technical barriers erected by the first-class forces."

"Due to a persistent shortage of essential high-grade forging materials and rare celestial treasures, many initiatives have been languishing until this point. Despite the substantial quantity of decomposed equipment available, a crucial element is invariably missing. The sheer diversity of equipment is vast, and the Sixth-order Forging Blueprints currently in my possession are regrettably few in number."

Beyond this, while I have successfully managed to produce Tier 5 Magic Pills that offer permanent strength enhancements, and with the growing expertise of our Alchemists, our efficiency and output continue to steadily increase, the absence of a new, upgradeable Tier 5 Magic Potion Recipe prevents the creation of Sixth-order Magic Potions capable of permanently boosting strength."

"Should this exclusive Shadow Market provide an opportunity to acquire a new Tier 5 Magic Potion Recipe or those elusive, invaluable resources, it would undoubtedly represent a significant boon!"

Contemplating this prospect, a look of eager anticipation flickered across Leo Ray's countenance.

Among all these potential acquisitions, the most paramount is undoubtedly the new Tier 5 Magic Potion Recipe for permanent strength augmentation. Upon securing it, progressing to its Sixth-order iteration will naturally pave the way for the production of Sixth-order Magic Potions that permanently enhance strength."

At that juncture, the mere enhancement provided by these Sixth-order Magic Potions will suffice to steadily forge strong figures capable of reaching the Demigod Level!"

Indeed, a primary objective for attending this banquet is to forge connections with powerhouses from first-class forces, aiming to secure rare resources and acquire Sixth-order Equipment for advancement.

However, approaching them directly for such matters would undoubtedly appear rather impolite. This unforeseen special market, therefore, presents a convenient opportunity.

"Not bad, it seems we will certainly gain something from this trip," Leo Ray commented, nodding slightly. A flicker of curiosity crossed his face as he turned to the administrator, inquiring, "This particular event wasn't initially on the banquet's schedule, was it? Why did the Bazaar Brotherhood suddenly introduce this special Shadow Market?"

"Your Majesty has hit the mark; this is precisely what we've been discussing. It's a rather unusual, last-minute addition that has significantly delayed the banquet's commencement, something that has never happened before," the administrator replied, not holding back any information from Leo Ray.

"We're speculating that perhaps the banquet isn't fully prepared, or maybe the elders of the Bazaar Brotherhood were delayed by some unforeseen circumstances, leading to this sudden arrangement."

"That aligns with reason. Regardless, this is an unexpected boon for us," Leo Ray mused, giving a thoughtful nod.

Before long, the administrator received a notification for departure. Instantly, the Shadow Market was transported to the predetermined location for the banquet: the banks of the Elf River.

Leo Ray was familiar with this locale.

Situated at the confluence of three major elven factions—the Light Elves, Dark Elves, and Forest Elves—it was named for the route it traced through their territories. The area boasted dense forests, crystal-clear waters, and majestic mountains, creating an exceptionally picturesque landscape.

Yet, Leo Ray had never personally set foot there. Ice Stone City had not yet achieved full recovery, and its teleportation range was limited to territories of second-tier powers.

"It appears I must find a way to expedite the repairs for Ice Stone City. If the teleportation range remains restricted, it will significantly impede my future endeavors," Leo Ray reflected.

With these thoughts, he followed the administrator's lead toward the City Wall of the Shadow Market, surveying his surroundings.