Floating Island - Triple S Talent

The elder of the Seed Store finally turned his gaze to the black-robed old man, the source of all the commotion. The black-robed man met his gaze, and for a moment, the atmosphere froze. The air between them felt tense, like two mountains standing face to face, waiting to see which one would move first.

"Well then…" the elder of the Seed Store finally said in a calm tone, breaking the silence. There was no anger on his face, only a dominating tranquility, like a vast ocean unshaken by storms. He glanced briefly at his own robe, flicking it lightly as if by reflex, before returning his gaze to the black-robed man.

"I will consider this matter resolved," he continued in a flat tone, "if you provide compensation in the form of one heaven-grade artifact and five pure-grade artifacts."

Every word from the elder's mouth was spoken calmly, almost as if it were a reasonable request. Yet, for anyone who heard it, the number of artifacts demanded was nothing short of extraordinary. He spoke as if he were merely asking for a glass of water, leaving everyone stunned in place.

Suddenly, a loud, arrogant laugh echoed throughout the store, like waves crashing against walls and reverberating back. "Hahaha!" The sound wasn't just audible but carried an invisible threat, making even those outside the store feel their hair stand on end. The laughter held a sinister undertone—a breath of death that made everyone shiver.

The son of the city lord, who had been standing on the side of the store, felt a chill creeping up his spine. The tension in the air was so thick that he decided to intervene. "Senior… please resolve this peacefully…" he said in a trembling voice. His words were hesitant, for he knew how dangerous both these old men were. Yet the dire situation compelled him to speak.

The black-robed old man turned immediately, his sharp gaze like an eagle diving toward its prey. "Peacefully? Was my earlier action not peaceful enough for you, SON OF THE CITY LORD?" His tone grew sharp, full of ridicule and blazing anger. He deliberately emphasized the title "Son of the City Lord" with scorn, making each word feel like a spear piercing his opponent.

The old man's eyes turned red, and his body began to tremble. His rage burned like an uncontrollable fire, and his dark aura slowly spread, oppressing everyone around him. The son of the city lord, despite his high cultivation level, could only bow his head. He couldn't utter a single word in response. Every word from the old man felt like absolute truth, and he felt like an ant before a dragon.

Yet, the son of the city lord's mind remained chaotic. On one hand, he knew that the black-robed old man posed a great threat. On the other, the Seed Store was known as a place of mystery and hidden power. He couldn't find a solution to this deadlock. Enjoy new stories from empire

The black-robed old man lifted his chin slightly, displaying his unbridled arrogance. "I've only been in this realm for a few years," he said, his tone dripping with pride, "but it seems I must make yet another sacrifice."

He swept his gaze across the store as if assessing a battlefield. His fiery red eyes finally settled on the Seed Store elder. "Demon King," he muttered softly, but clearly enough for everyone nearby to hear.

The words sounded light, almost casual, yet carried a very real threat. As if with that single utterance, the oppressive dark aura began to fill the store. Behind the black-robed man, a dark energy slowly materialized, like a mist gathering in one spot. The mist grew thicker, forming a small embryo, and then slowly began to develop.

The figure grew, gradually forming the shape of a child. But the aura emanating from the figure was anything but innocent. It continued to grow, transforming into the shape of an adult human with a perfect physique, enveloped in a thick, menacing black aura.

The Seed Store elder didn't move an inch. He simply stood in place, calm and still, like an ancient tree deeply rooted in the earth. There was no fear or unease on his face, as if what was happening before him was merely a scene in a play he had watched countless times before.

"Elder?"

Rendy, the regional overseer, called out to the Seed Store elder. His face was serious, his eyes filled with determination despite the tension in the air. "Do we need to retreat, sir?" he asked firmly, ready to act and evacuate the store's staff.

Battles between grandmaster-level beings were not to be taken lightly. The energy waves they unleashed could destroy a city, even an entire nation, in mere seconds. There was no guarantee of safety for anyone caught in the middle.

"No need," the elder replied calmly, his gaze fixed on the black-robed man.

"Understood," Rendy nodded slightly, though his brow remained furrowed. He turned and issued orders. "Everyone, stay calm. Do not panic."

His words were meant to reassure, but the tension remained palpable. The store staff tried to appear composed, but their trembling hands and pale faces betrayed their fear. Even those confident in the elder's abilities couldn't shake the dread of the potential devastation.

Meanwhile, the black-robed old man now stood with an aura of grandeur. The demon figure he had summoned was nearly fully formed behind him. Thick black energy swirled, creating a vortex that radiated throughout the store. The aura of death spread mercilessly, enveloping a radius of a hundred meters and continuing to expand.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

The son of the city lord, standing at the side of the store, felt overwhelming anxiety. Cold sweat dripped from his temple. "No… they'll destroy this city!" he exclaimed in despair. He wanted to stop the two old men, but before he could take a step, someone appeared out of thin air.

"Sir, do not get involved," said the elderly man who had suddenly appeared. His voice was firm, carrying a warning that couldn't be ignored.

The son of the city lord wanted to protest, but the elderly man's grip was so strong that escape was impossible. Without further words, he was taken out of the store, leaving behind a place that was slowly transforming into a battlefield.

Meanwhile, the Demon King's figure was almost fully formed. Large wings extended from his back, spanning two meters, exuding a majestic yet terrifying aura. A pair of glowing red horns crowned his head, striking fear into the hearts of all who saw them.

"That's enough! Let's leave…"

"Yes, our lives are in danger if we stay here!"

The crowd that had gathered around the store began to scatter, panicking over the impending destruction. Some sought shelter in safer places, while others, braver or perhaps more foolish, continued to watch from a distance.