Everyone Is A Lord: My Talent Is A Little Too Strong Chapter 2603: 1434: Tit for Tat and Impatience
Previously on Everyone Is A Lord: My Talent Is A Little Too Strong...
A palpable, murderous intent radiated from Sina as her colossal serpentine form shifted. The elite members of the Desert Alliance trailed her like shadows, their presence projecting a menacing pressure. Among them, the gaunt Masked Man vanished into thin air, clearly positioning himself to strike from the darkness at a moment's notice.
Facing them, Reece’s party stood their ground with equal defiance. They crouched into battle stances, their blades reflecting a cold glint. Old Susan moved swiftly, chanting a Mirror Defense Magic that enveloped the Rainforest Fortress Alliance in a brilliant glow—a tactical countermeasure specifically designed to ward off Sina’s Petrification Magic.
“Ladies and gentlemen, this location is not suitable for a confrontation.”
Just as the spark of battle was about to ignite, the Administrator’s voice boomed. He appeared suddenly, positioning himself directly between the two hostile factions. Simultaneously, a unit of Tier 6 Market Guards descended from above. Clad in thick, shimmering brown heavy armor, they exuded a mountain-like, immovable aura.
The Administrator, a Tier 6 Peak powerhouse, was undeniably the most formidable individual present. Supported by the disciplined Market Guards, his presence instantly suppressed the momentum of both alliances. Seeing this, the warriors who had been ready to draw blood began to hesitate. While their combined strength was not vastly inferior to the Administrator’s, they knew a direct clash would be costly.
The primary reason the tension began to dissipate, however, was the looming shadow of the Bazaar Brotherhood. Though the Administrator held a lower-ranked position, he was an official representative of the Shadow Market. To assault him was to invite the wrath of the Brotherhood—an organization known for its absolute protection of its markets.
In the three millennia since the Blank Era, many arrogant factions had attempted to plunder the Shadow Market. Without exception, those who dared to provoke them met with catastrophic ends, often resulting in their entire lineages being erased from existence. Despite its reputation as a neutral Trade Guardian, the Shadow Market’s retaliation was famously bloody. Their core markets and top-tier branches were rumored to possess power equivalent to the Peak Powers of the world.
This ruthless enforcement was the reason the Shadow Market remained an unchallenged pillar of the land, reaping vast wealth from the Ten Thousand Clans without interference. Beyond the threat of violence, being blacklisted from the Secret Realm Market would be a devastating blow. These markets allowed local alliances to invite powerful outsiders and trade for rare resources that were otherwise unobtainable—a vital lifeline for their growth.
“I am pleased to see our honored guests regain their composure. There will be ample opportunities for combat later; there is no need to rush into a fight within the market,” the Administrator remarked, nodding slightly as the air grew less volatile. “After all, your primary objective today is the Tier 6 equipment, not each other’s lives, is it not?”
“The Administrator speaks the truth; we came here for the Secret Treasures. We shouldn't let these low-lifes ruin our mood.” Reece let out a grunt, sheathing his Giant Axe. His lion-like eyes flickered toward Sina with pure contempt before he nodded. Following his lead, Thomas and Old Susan also began to stand down.
“It is merely a matter of tolerating a swarm of disgusting flies for a while longer; swatting them later will be just as satisfying.” Sina tilted her pale chin upward, offering a nod to the official. “Everything shall proceed according to your wishes, Administrator.”
Upon Sina’s command, the Desert Alliance members stowed their weapons, and the Masked Man flickered back into view.
“I appreciate your cooperation, esteemed guests.” The Administrator waved his hand, signaling the Market Guards to pull back. He then began to lead the way, explaining, “Please follow me. The sellers of the featured items have been expecting your arrival.”
“Lead the way, Your Excellency,” Reece replied, his feline features showing a hint of greed and anticipation. He completely brushed past Sina, leading his subordinates directly behind the Administrator.
“I am quite impatient myself,” Sina murmured, following suit. Although she did not initiate an attack, her living snake-hair remained coiled toward the Rainforest Fortress Alliance, their red tongues hissing as she maintained a cautious distance.
As the two groups moved forward, the truce remained fragile. Though blades were sheathed, the air remained thick with hostility, and their internal energies simmered, ready to erupt at the slightest provocation.
“Chief, aren't the highlight items today specifically suited for your Tier 6 Giant Axe and Plate Armor? Why are these outsiders trying to join the fun?” Old Susan asked with a mocking smirk, casting a glance at the Desert Alliance. “Some people truly are shameless, sticking their noses where they don’t belong.”
Refusing to be insulted, the Masked Man retorted toward Sina, “Your Majesty, some old hags really have no shame. Aren't these treasures meant to complement your Tier 6 Wand and Magic Robes? I wonder where this 'other' equipment they speak of is supposed to have come from?”