Swamp Lord with an Intelligence System

October 30th, early morning.

Lear got up, quickly washed and enjoyed a hearty breakfast prepared by Blando.

Although he enjoyed the best in Weilu City, he had to admit that there was still a significant difference.

A simple breakfast could be made into a spectacle, with twenty or thirty different dishes.

Where in the swamp would there be time for such things? Just getting enough to eat is considered good.

After breakfast, Lear took Blando and two more astute employees and headed out directly.

Today there were two targets... the black market and the slave market.

The intel that had been refreshed previously revealed a piece of 4-star purple intel—

The black market in Lorand City, the second street, the seventh stall, for the next month, there will be a silver-haired man in black setting up a stall here. The silver mask in his possession is the key to unlocking the ancient ruins—the Bloody Arena.

Ancient ruins!

Previously hearing this name didn't mean much, but exploring the ruins twice had propelled Weilu City forward, now just hearing the term "ancient ruins" made his eyes light up.

He must get his hands on it first.

This thing could only be his!!

In addition, there was also a piece of 3-star intel within Lorand City—

Recently, a void-like shadow has appeared in Lorand City. Whoever it meets first each day can trade with it, and as long as they can offer something that interests it, they can purchase any treasure from it.

This piece of information was equally tempting. Just knowing about this shadow was already worth 3 stars.

Delve deeper, and you might catch a big fish.

Unfortunately, the information was too vague, and finding that shadow in such a big city as Lorand would be like searching for a needle in a haystack.

In the midst of pondering, Lear rode the Swamp Giant-Horned Deer King, with Blando and the other two atop a unicorn, directly leaving the Seventh District.

The Swamp Giant-Horned Deer King, with its four-meter shoulder height, was too conspicuous. Upon seeing it from a distance, pedestrians immediately halted and stepped aside, not daring to get close.

The menacing antlers, distinct muscles, and the plum-blossom-like patterns on its body... everything about the stag screamed extraordinary.

And its owner, without needing much thought, was surely a significant figure.

People around peeked up sneakily but were shocked to discover that the figure behind seemed shrouded in mist, rendering it impossible to discern clearly.

This only made it appear even more mysterious and sovereign, deterring onlookers from directly staring.

Lear felt the surging crowd, lifting his spirits quite a bit.

In the future, Weilu City would surely see such a scene!

An hour later, familiar broken walls came into view.

The sun had yet to rise, and the air, with its faint mist, lingered all around.

Making this broken architectural cluster seem somewhat mysterious.

The crowd moved ceaselessly, a sea of heads as far as one could see.

Amidst this, numerous mysterious individuals cloaked in dark veils or capes wove through, with stalls lining both sides of the street.

At the place where horses were temporarily lodged, Lear skillfully led his group into the scene.

Walking and observing simultaneously.

All sorts of items were on the stalls: ores, beast skulls, standard armor, gemstones, magic plants... bizarre and diverse.

Lear scanned, his mind noting the attributes of various goods, and among them were quite a few fine treasures.

Unfortunately, upon inquiring about pricing, he only received exceedingly high quotes, even one or two tenths above the outside market price.

This happened several times, leaving him puzzled.

Blando caught Lear's confusion, and whispered.

"Master, the black market is not an antiques market... even though the goods here can't see the light of day, most sellers are aware of their value."

"Even if they don't understand... they can pay for appraisal services provided by the black market's management."

"People come to the black market mainly for convenient trade and untraceable sources."

"High-grade items like armor and equipment are generally priced higher than outside... because outside, many things can't be obtained through regular channels."

Lear finally understood.

Previously, he solely relied on intel for his ventures here and had not thoroughly inquired about the black market.

Abandoning any hope of striking a cheap deal, he waved.

"Lead the way to the second street..."

Blando nodded immediately, familiarly leading the way, indicating he was a frequent visitor.

"You're familiar with the black market, huh?"

"Master, I used to set up stalls in the black market for a while, sold stuff to many out-of-towners who came attracted by the reputation — they were easy to... um, trade with."

Lear couldn't help but laugh. Was this guy treating the black market like a tourist attraction?

Playing such tricks again...

He recalled his first visit, and indeed, he seemed like a fat sheep waiting to be fleeced.

The water here is murky, indeed.

Gradually penetrating further, Lear walked past stall after stall, unknowingly reaching ahead.

People passing by, strangely, moved aside for him.

He was like an arrow slicing through the crowd-sea waves.

Though his face was obscured by the mist, and no soul aura emanated, the silent divine presence subtly influenced the surroundings.

Blando trailed behind, chest puffed up, eyes full of pride.

This is their Sovereign!!

This is what you call deterrence!!

Navigating past a large section of shops, Lear arrived at the second street district, quietly observing, counting to the seventh stall.

His footsteps unconsciously halted.

This stall was a rare wooden one, chest-high, where passersby could easily see its wares without bending over.