Journey to the Trading Market

That day, on a small patch of open ground outside the cave, Lulu and Sibya were both training diligently!

Er Dongsheng emerged from the cave!

His nearly two-meter-tall, powerful frame, broad shoulders, and black scales gleaming with dark light, etched with rings upon rings of mysterious patterns—simply standing there, he exuded an understated yet unquestionable majesty!

His aura had grown even sharper and more imposing! His martial arts had improved again!

"I've made a decision. In a few days, I'll go to the trading market alone. I'll be back soon. According to Sibya, the trip will probably take one or two months..."

"Big brother, then be careful. Lulu will wait for you at home!" The little Succubus was very sensible. She knew Big Brother could not possibly take her on this long journey; the road was simply too dangerous! Especially that trading market, of which they knew nothing!

"Mm. You and Sibya stay home properly. The food stored at home is enough for the two of you! Don't go out. Be good and wait at home for my return!"

Still uneasy, Er Dongsheng gave the little lesser demon another warning. "Guard the home well! If the little one suffers even the slightest harm, then you know the consequences!!!"

After giving them his instructions, Er Dongsheng spent several more days thoroughly clearing out the area around the cave. He slaughtered the surrounding predators until they fled in all directions, pissing themselves in terror, and he did not even spare some of the larger herbivores! He truly could not rest easy leaving the little one at home alone, so for her safety, he did not mind becoming a butcher once and wiping out every creature in the area that might harm the little Succubus!

The depth of his concern for her was plain to see!

Three days later, under the little Succubus's reluctant gaze, Er Dongsheng set off! He headed north along the mountain range where they lived!

At the northernmost edge of the forest, close to that enormous mountain range, the demons had built a camp—seen from the air, its overall layout resembled a chaotic web. Half stretched into the jungle, while the other half clung to the mountain peaks, complex and disorderly.

Defensive structures such as walls and fortresses were equally chaotic. It seemed that from the very day this place had been established, there had been no planning whatsoever. A little was added here, a little there, until it had become like a maze. The material of the walls, however, was rather interesting: most of them were made from a common gray-black vine found in the Abyss.

These vines were thick and smooth, covered in sharp thorns. Clump after clump tangled together, forming layer upon layer of defensive walls!

As Er Dongsheng understood it, these vine walls had been created jointly by several powerful Abyssal Fairy tribes living in the trading camp, meant to guard against all manner of dangerous wild Abyssal Creatures! These thorn-covered vines provided excellent defense. Once tangled together, their defensive power multiplied in an instant. Even an ordinary First-Level Demon would need to spend quite some time breaking through them!

Abyssal Fairies could be considered a rather formidable Abyssal Species. Like the Abyssal Succubus, every adult member of these intelligent communal species knew one or two special spells unique to their tribe! Abyssal Succubi specialized in mental control and could control generally docile Abyssal animals. The strength of that control depended on their own spiritual power!

Abyssal Fairies, on the other hand, excelled at controlling relatively weak Abyssal plants, such as Abyssal Vine Grass. But vines as powerful as Abyssal Vines could not be controlled by just one or two Abyssal Fairies! Every member of the species had to work together!

Thus, in the Abyss, few would provoke communal species unless there was immense profit to be gained!

That day, this trading market hidden at the edge of the forest welcomed a new demon lord! His huge, burly body might have been somewhat smaller than that of certain unusual demons, but his dusky black scales—especially the mysterious glowing patterns on some of them—and the lustrous white Abyss Star on his forehead all showed that this new demon, never before seen at the market, was an exceptionally formidable fellow!

The Abyssal Species walking along the roads quickly moved aside, casting sidelong glances and secretly sizing up this newly arrived demon.

That demon was Er Dongsheng!

In truth, this journey had taken Er Dongsheng more than half a month, all so he could accumulate enough strength. He knew this was far from a safe place. Compared with the dangers here, even the so-called war-torn cities of North Africa, Central Asia, and the Middle East from his previous life's human world could be called extraordinarily safe.

Of course, that did not mean this place followed pure jungle law. It had its own rules as well. Otherwise, so many creatures would not dare come here. Within the camp, wanton slaughter was forbidden. Otherwise, one might very well incur the wrath of every demon.

Although demons were not common in the trading market, they were not so rare as to be unseen either. One could occasionally spot a few, especially among the several large tribes that had lived in this market for a long time. They had even dispatched several powerful demons to stand guard here at all times!

After all, demons were a wild and unruly lot. Abyssal Species were easier to deal with—this place had been jointly established by demons, so they would not court death by provoking trouble here. But demons were another matter altogether! Especially someone like Er Dongsheng, who looked extraordinarily powerful and was a new face; he was all the more worthy of attention!

It could be said that before Er Dongsheng had even entered the trading market, several scouts had already reported his basic information! He had been listed as a key observation target!

Though demons lacked a complete culture, they were not stupid. On the contrary, every one of them was exceedingly cunning. Scouts who constantly monitored the trading market had appeared long ago!

Er Dongsheng walked through the place, casually observing its situation! He also knew that countless Abyssal Species were secretly watching him. From some particularly sharp gazes, he could even sense several demon auras!

However, he could not be bothered to pay them any mind. Let them look if they wanted to look. He had not come to cause trouble, so what harm was there in them looking at him?

He had not brought much with him. The main goods he intended to trade were several essences from Abyssal Species, along with some pelts from powerful mutant beasts. All of them had been harvested along the way here!

Abyssal Species essence was a fine commodity, one that was highly sought after in the trading market! After all, Abyssal Species could advance into demons by devouring essence. One could imagine just how coveted such things were!

As for mutant beast pelts, they were the favorites of demons with crafting abilities. It was said these demons could use the natural patterns on the pelts to create powerful magical weapons, though whether that was true or not, Er Dongsheng did not know! Still, he did know that those things called mutant beasts were extremely formidable!

Had he not encountered a fox-like monster that could discharge electricity on his way here? When he fought that monster, good heavens, the crackling current had roasted him until he was charred outside and tender within! Fortunately, his body possessed high resistance. After spending most of a day, he finally killed the monster! Its pelt and the single horn on its forehead had become part of his collection!

Following the many Abyssal Species, Er Dongsheng passed through an enormous gate-like structure, and everything inside instantly unfolded before his eyes!

"Good heavens! This..."

"Was this a vegetable market?"