Within the territories of the two great empires, Heaven Dou Empire and Star Luo Empire, a silent storm quietly swept across the world.
No one knew the source of this storm. They only saw the entire continent turned upside down in a single day.
The Eternal Commerce Alliance, a top-tier force that had risen for only a year yet already swallowed up thirty percent of the continent's commercial territory, suddenly issued an announcement that shocked the entire continent—an all-region shutdown.
There was no explanation, no transition period, and no advance notice.
From the far northern snowfields to the southern border swamps, from the eastern coast to the western wastelands, the Eternal Commerce Alliance's restaurants and taverns, chain grain and noodle shops, banks and exchange houses, high-end inns, top auction houses, mercenary guild branches, cross-border caravans, Soul Tool stores, and medicinal herb and treasure pavilions across every province and city all locked their doors. Written notices of closure covered their entrances.
The bustling streets, once filled with voices, carts, and horses, became deathly silent overnight.
Thirty percent of Douluo Continent's commercial volume, along with nearly half of its industries tied to everyday livelihoods, came to a complete halt in a single day.
At first, the continent remained peaceful, even filled with mockery and ridicule.
In roadside tea houses, countless travelers, merchants, and low-level soul masters discussed the matter in relaxed tones.
"Have you heard? Every Eternal Commerce Alliance shop has shut down!"
"I saw it already. Damn, so many shops closing at once—they really are rich enough not to fear losing money!"
"If you ask me, they expanded too quickly and spread themselves too thin. Their cash flow must have snapped, so they're shutting down to avoid disaster!"
"..."
Rumors spread throughout the streets and markets. Everyone treated it as a