Previously on Everyone Is A Lord: My Talent Is A Little Too Strong...
Leo Ray arrives at a prosperous Shadow Market along the Elf River, a gathering place for powerful forces during a special market event. He finds himself surrounded by the imposing auras of many demigods, though he remains confident in his own strength and allies. The market's pristine condition, a stark contrast to his own administrator's dilapidated market, highlights its status as a first-class force.
"Yo, isn't this Administrator N?"
The lead Administrator from the opposing side looked down at our Administrator with a provocative tone. "I heard Administrator N recently managed to secure a powerful backer, so you won't be ousted by the Elders Council anymore. Congratulations, truly."
The imposing aura emanating from this Administrator clearly indicated he was also at the Demigod Level, a level shared by the two Market Guard Captains accompanying him. The remaining Market Guards were all at the Half-step Tier 7, formidable in their own right.
In sharp contrast, our Administrator's cultivation was only at the Peak of Tier 6, falling short even of the common Market Guards present.
"Heh, Administrator A, it's been a while."
Our Administrator, clearly accustomed to the other party's arrogant demeanor, offered a simple greeting.
Having gained Leo Ray's support, his posture was noticeably more confident. Previously, he would have been bowing and offering subservient pleasantries.
It was understandable. Administrator A held the prestigious position of Chief Administrator of the Shadow Market, while N was a mere subordinate, ranked at the very bottom. The disparity in their standing was obvious.
"And you must be the Human Majesty who's been making waves lately, correct?"
Administrator A shifted his gaze to Leo Ray, giving a slight nod. "I've heard tales of how the Human Majesty led your forces to vanquish the Broken Wing King. Truly commendable."
When Administrator A spoke these words, the condescending tone he used with N had vanished, replaced by genuine admiration.
In truth, he hadn't just heard about it; he had been concealed near the Broken Wing Kingdom's Royal Capital, witnessing the complete annihilation of the enemy forces by our Grand Army from beginning to end.
While he wasn't a commander orchestrating the battle, he could readily discern that our side had executed the engagement with masterful precision, deserving of the title 'epic war'.
However, that was the extent of his consideration. As an Administrator accustomed to interacting with Nobles and powerful figures from First-class factions, even Leo Ray's current status as the preeminent figure below the First-class tier wasn't enough to earn his absolute reverence.
"Administrator A, Your Excellency is too kind."
Leo Ray replied with a subtle smile, offering no further words.
He understood implicitly that in a realm where strength and established power reigned supreme, mere words held little weight. Demonstrating equivalent strength was the only path to commanding genuine respect.
"Then, Human Majesty, please enjoy this Special Market to your heart's content. Such opportunities are rare and fleeting."
Administrator A gave a slight nod, gesturing towards the most vibrant section of the Square, where numerous powerhouses had already established their stalls.
With his pronouncement, he departed to attend to other distinguished guests from the First-class factions.
"Tch, what's so impressive about him."
Our Administrator scoffed discreetly at Administrator A's departing figure before addressing Leo Ray. "Your Majesty, I shall await you in the lounge."
As an Administrator himself, and being on another Administrator's territory, our Administrator could not openly associate with Leo Ray or engage in prolonged conversations with guests from other First-class factions. Such actions would be construed as soliciting clients, a serious breach of protocol among Administrators.
"We shall convene shortly."
Leo Ray inclined his head slightly and proceeded towards the bustling market area, accompanied by the powerhouses under his command.
During this period, other participating powerhouses from our faction began to arrive via teleportation, some merging with Leo Ray's contingent, while others maintained a respectful distance. With over fifty of our powerhouses present, clumping together would have been excessively conspicuous.
As they neared the market stalls, Leo Ray observed the finer details more closely.
The cultivators operating the stalls emanated auras predominantly at or above Half-step Tier 7, with a significant number of Demigods among them. Most wore hooded garments, obscuring their features and lending an air of mystique.
"These individuals are predominantly solitary experts affiliated with various First-class factions. Given the frequent conflicts and mutual animosity between these factions, they typically conceal their identities to facilitate trade discreetly, preventing others from discerning their affiliations."
Moli, her pink Hooded cap now back in place, tiptoed over to Leo Ray's side. She explained, "Furthermore, these individuals are all well-known powerhouses from their respective First-class forces. By concealing their identities like this, they not only avoid being targeted for possessing Secret Treasures, but it also makes haggling over prices much easier, as they don't need to concern themselves with saving face."
"So, that's how it is." Leo Ray's brow lifted slightly as he continued to scan his surroundings.
He observed the dazzling array of stalls, laden with an immense variety of items: Magic Crystals, Advanced Ore, various Heavenly treasures—essentially, anything one could desire. There were even occasional appearances of Magic Potion Formulas, Equipment Blueprints, and even Building Blueprints.
As for finished equipment of all kinds, Magic Scrolls, and Magic Medicine, the sheer quantity on display was substantial, prompting many passing powerhouses to pause, inquire, and initiate haggling.
"Interesting. It appears there are indeed some remarkable items here."
Merely at a glance, Leo Ray identified close to ten brand-new, un-upgraded Sixth-order Equipment pieces laid out openly on the stalls.
These items would undoubtedly be coveted treasures in the outside world. Without sufficient strength to protect them, possessing such items could easily lead to fatal repercussions.
Yet, the stall owners remained calm and composed, showing no apparent concern that any customer might attempt to steal them.
Naturally, this was the Shadow Market. Everyone present was an individual of status. Even with their faces obscured, if the Shadow Market chose to investigate, it would be a simple matter.
Moreover, if the Shadow Market maintained its Gate and Barrier, even if someone managed to abscond with stolen goods, escaping the premises would be impossible.
With these thoughts, Leo Ray's gaze swept over the numerous Market Guards patrolling back and forth.
He had to concede that the Shadow Market's enduring presence since the Blank Era was not without reason.
"Alright, everyone split up and search for what we need. If you find something you fancy, just take it directly."
Leo Ray nodded to the accompanying powerhouses and issued his directive.
Prior to their arrival, he had already assigned specific tasks to each individual, compiled a list of the items their faction required, and prepared corresponding goods for trade.
The Market was quite extensive, negating the need for Leo Ray to oversee every detail himself, nor did he possess the abundant time for such a task.
"As you command, Lord!"
Hollis, Lila, and the others placed a hand over their chests in salute before swiftly leading the other tribal leaders to disperse and commence their tasks.
Leo Ray, meanwhile, began to meander through the Market at an unhurried pace.
He had barely taken a few steps when a voice, clearly disguised, reached his ears: "Your Excellency, I have some exceptional items here. Would you care to take a look?"
Following the sound, he spotted a stall owner, distinguished by an orange Hooded cap, waving enthusiastically at him.
In front of the stall lay a collection of ordinary goods, such as common ore and Magical Plants, drawing no attention from anyone.
"This is just a pile of junk."
Moli assessed the stall, and upon noting the low-grade ore and the yellowed, wilting Magical Plants, she furrowed her Melody Lyon slightly. She remarked, "That fellow in the orange robe clearly perceives us as easy targets, which is why he called out. He's undoubtedly attempting to deceive us!"
"In that case, I wish to ascertain precisely what he's truly offering."
Leo Ray's brow rose slightly as he strode directly towards the stall.
The primary impetus for Leo Ray's approach was his sensing that the stall owner was a Demigod and likely possessed more than just this assortment of worthless items.
Furthermore, even in the least favorable scenario, should the other party genuinely be destitute and have nothing of value to present, establishing a connection by offering him a small favor wouldn't be detrimental.
"Hehe, Your Excellency truly possesses a keen eye for value."
Observing Leo Ray's approach, a flicker of cunning glinted in the eyes of the orange-robed stall owner, concealed within the shadows.
