Chapter 734 - 719: Chairman Gordon!
Chen Feng found an inn; the environment was good, but the food was somewhat disturbing. [Timid Demon Leg Stewed with Moss], [Braised Worms], [Barbecued Pig Slop Rice]—out of these, the latter was the only normal dish, but when it was served, it was topped with a layer of fresh blood plasma, completely destroying Chen Feng’s appetite.
Xiong Da and Xiong Er were still indulged in the charm, half of their souls still lingering in the memory of the Enchanting Demon’s alluring figure. After waving them off to rest as well, Chen Feng sat on the bed, lost in thought.
"Something’s not right!"
Sitting on the bed, Chen Feng frowned deeply, murmuring, "As a greedy race, they suddenly accepted a two-thirds cut in payment without protest. This is the biggest loophole!"
The gray dwarves are a greedy race.
One could say they love money more than themselves, these despicable beings.
In that situation, it could have bargained with Chen Feng, but after Chen Feng refused, it happily accepted. From that moment, Chen Feng became suspicious of this gray dwarf, who seemingly was scared witless by him.
Gray dwarves are excellent merchants; they know how to maximize their interests.
Of course, besides this suspicious point, there’s another: why did the other party mention a Sub-divine Artifact that is especially tempting to mages?
I just happen to be posing as a mage, and the Sub-divine Artifact being auctioned off just so happens to be one that a mage would want. Is there really such a coincidence in this world?
"Could it be..."
"The other party is spreading fake news. Perhaps it told all the strong participants planning to attend the auction a different name of a Sub-divine Artifact."
No one would foolishly reveal information they’ve paid for, even if they did, who would believe it?
This is the Dark Realm, a layer within the Abyss. Here, there is no trust, no friendship; anyone who has become a legendary warrior in such a dark land is cruel and ruthless, asking them to trust someone easily is simply impossible.
Perhaps, the other side is using this mindset to ensure the information becomes isolated.
Everything about this reeks of strangeness.
Chen Feng became increasingly certain there was some conspiracy behind this, but he couldn’t discern the true purpose of the other party.
The abnormality of the gray dwarves made Chen Feng wary and uneasy.
Even though Chen Feng was also in hiding, in dealing with a city that has existed for countless years, the gray dwarves were still a mountain in front of him.
Compared to animals, the gray dwarves are far behind, but through a long process of hoarding wealth, they have created a powerful force.
Chen Feng needs to know information about the [Assembly].
In a world of betrayal, there is no information that can’t be bought; if there is, it means your stake is not enough.
After paying some price, Chen Feng quickly obtained information about the so-called assembly chief.
The assembly chief of the gray dwarves is a huge fat figure; he represents greed and devouring, he harbors countless crazy plans, and is one of the most ambitious among the gray dwarves. From when Dengshi City was still weak, he led the gray dwarves to where they are today.
Just thirty years ago, a group of Swan-men, trying to live from a lower plane on this land, attempted to negotiate alliances with some churches and forces. The negotiation partner included the assembly chief of the gray dwarves.
The Swan-men possess snow-white skin, wings resembling those of angels; they are unique and rare half-beastmen. Compared to the Cat Race, whether in status or bloodline, the Swan-men are undoubtedly superior. The Swan-men are a matriarchal society, and to show sincerity, the Swan Queen personally conducted the alliance ceremony.
However, when the Swan Queen arrived at the territory of Dengshi City, the assembly chief promptly tore up the contract with a hypocritical mask.
Moreover, he imprisoned the Swan Queen in his controlled castle for a long duration. During this ordeal, not only were the Swan-men forced to pay an enormous amount of compensation, but thousands of Swan-men were coerced, and the Swan Queen endured countless terrible punishments and abuses. Finally, after ten years, unable to withstand the torture, she chose to commit suicide.
This event is a pain engraved in the bones for the Swan-men.
Because of this, their diplomacy was completely severed, dignity lost, and they were marked as slaves.
The gray dwarves rose because of this; it can be said that the power of this city was built on countless corpses, and the spine of the Swan-men was shattered by the assembly chief, causing his reputation to plummet to an all-time low.
For some other forces, they are willing to trade with Dengshi City, but strongly resist the assembly chief.
Nobody wants to befriend such an evil figure, as it could very well lead themselves to an irreversible fate.
This is a very important piece of information.
The assembly chief.
A gray dwarf named Gordon.
He is a powerful warrior; he inherited the dwarven bloodline, possessing innate divine power, wielding two giant hammers, having even shattered the skull of a bone dragon.
A dragon-slaying warrior!
A schemer.
And there are five others like this dangerous existence in the assembly, a legendary assembly of six people, unquestionably the reliance of Dengshi City.
But what are their goals?
To prompt people like Chen Feng, the "rich," to attend the auction and earn some wealth?
The matter is not that simple.
Chen Feng was already prepared that if something irreversible happened, he would return to the Human World as quickly as possible. Until then, he decided to stay put.
The mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the bird behind.
However, who is the mantis, who is the cicada, and who is the bird on the branch? None of this is known to anyone!
But one thing Chen Feng gladly accepted was this challenge.
Comfort leads to laziness. Only pressure can serve as the fuel on the path forward. These conspiracies and pressures will eventually transform into power, giving Chen Feng the possibility to advance further!
.........
An undisclosed secret cave...
Here, it’s dark and damp, with dim light, and even the sound of water dripping echoes in the empty cave.
"Drip... drip..." It exudes an eerie atmosphere.
Within the cave sits a hundred-meter sacrificial altar. In the center of this altar lies a gigantic serpentine creature. The strange part is that this snake has neither eyes nor a nose; it’s covered all over with countless mouths, some with teeth, some toothless, some eating, and others appearing as if spraying some kind of liquid.
Eternal Eating Demon.
This is an evil entity whose sole purpose of existence is to devour, devour, and endlessly devour.
Once born, the Eternal Eating Demon will consume all living creatures before it. The first food they devour upon birth is their mother. Snakelike creatures covered with mouths roam all over the mother, starting from the abdomen to the trunk, limbs, and finally the brain.
This creature symbolizes evil and filth. Blood ties are the primal emotions that all creatures cannot let go of. But to the Eternal Eating Demon, the so-called maternal bond is merely one of their food sources.
Brutal, ferocious, terrifying, horrendous...
Not only in the Human World, but even in the Abyss, this creature is a life-and-death enemy of other races because of its identity as a Devil!
This is one of the Devils.
It is regarded as the existence closest to a Devil Lord. As is well-known, Devils reside in Bator Hell (also Nine Abyss Hell) where a total of nine Devil Lords govern the entire race. Yet, the Eternal Eating Demon can contest for the Lord’s position, showing how powerful it truly is.
Very strange.
This statue clearly bears traces of human craftsmanship, which makes one wonder: who would possibly worship such a terrifying evil creature.
On both sides of the altar sit two individuals in red robes, like priests, their eyes slightly closed, expressions solemn.
The two form a stark contrast with one being rotund and the other slender. At this moment, the slimmer figure is a gnome.
Gnome.
Gnomes are beloved artisans, alchemists, and inventors. Despite their recognized skills, most prefer living with their kin in cozy burrows under animal-rich hills.
Standing about 3 to 3.5 feet tall, weighing between 40 and 45 pounds, their skin ranges from dark tan to a wooden brown. They have golden hair, with eyes in varying shades of blue. Males favor well-trimmed short beards. Gnomes usually wear earth-toned clothing with intricate embroidery or finely crafted jewelry. They reach adulthood at around 40 and can live up to 350 years, with some even reaching 500.
Compared to goblins, gnomes possess a more intelligent mind. They are credited with half the success of building Dengshi City, proving their brilliance as competent artisans.
But the gnome in this cave appeared somewhat restless, covered in small, blood-colored scales, as if enveloped in blood plasma, emitting a crimson hue.
Demonized!
This gnome had the aura of a Devil on it!
It must be noted that this place is the Dark Realm, a separate layer far from the blood wars!
"I said the time should be moved forward. I hate waiting the most. Damn it, I’ll go insane!" the gnome loudly roared, its golden eyes filled with destructive emotions.
Gnome Karo, a council member and a ruler in Dengshi City.
"You can’t endure even this little time; your patience is diminishing. Could it be that your blood is boiling already? It’s disappointing that you haven’t comprehended the bloodline bestowed by the Master."
The dark dungeon echoed with a calm voice, coming from a stout Gray Dwarf.
If the Gray Dwarves of Dengshi City saw this scene, they would definitely kneel in acknowledgment.
Gordon.
He is the pride of the Gray Dwarves, also the mastermind behind the downfall of the Swan-men. Over hundreds of years of conflict, countless beings, either directly or indirectly, died at his hands.
He holds many titles. Among Gray Dwarves and other forces, he’s known as the Scepter, Gold Coin, or the Mad One. To opposing forces, he’s synonymous with hatred, greed, and cunning.
Except for some trade dealings, few willingly associate with Gordon due to his treacherous nature. Apart from trade, other forces keep their distance.
Yet, even so, under his leadership, the Gray Dwarves continue to prosper, almost monopolizing 80% of the surrounding trade over a hundred years.
This is a staggering number.
This implies that every minute, an innocent humanoid creature or a demon loses their freedom or life because of him.
.........