Floating Island - Triple S Talent

The next morning, after arriving at Auberge Lux, Lein immediately enjoyed breakfast before beginning his exploration. His time in this city was limited—three months at most—before he had to return to the Celestial Divine Realm to assist Aleron in facing the Cosmic Calamity.

It wasn't just out of gratitude for the information Aleron had provided or because of the cooperation they were building, but there was another, more personal reason. Lein wanted to see with his own eyes how the Cosmic Calamity unfolded. If a similar catastrophe were to strike the Celestial Divine Realm someday, he had to be prepared to face and overcome it.

Lein rented a horse from a stable not far from the hotel. Together with Efan and Laras, he began exploring Solareon, a city filled with mysteries and possibilities.

The streets they traveled were paved with grayish-white stone in a hexagonal pattern, creating a neat and elegant impression. Along the main path, members of the Seraphin race walked gracefully, their long robes billowing gently in the wind. Occasionally, individuals of other races passed by, though their numbers were far fewer compared to the city's native inhabitants.

"Efan, are we still far?" Lein asked while guiding his horse to stay level with Efan's.

"Not much farther, Sir. The area ahead should be the market district," Efan replied, pulling out a small map from his saddlebag. His eyes lit up as he examined the locations marked on the paper.

Lein nodded slightly. "Alright… let's keep moving," he said casually, hoping that the spark of enthusiasm in Efan's eyes signaled something interesting ahead.

It didn't take long before the sounds of a bustling crowd became clearer. A few meters ahead, the previously quiet street transformed into a sea of people.

The market.

Lein slowed his horse, his eyes scanning the surroundings. Along the streets, people walked on foot, stopping occasionally whenever something caught their interest in the neatly arranged stalls lining the roadside. Vendors busily called out their wares, their voices blending into a constant hum that filled the air.

At first glance, Lein noticed a small shop with an array of combat equipment—swords, armor, and various other gear displayed neatly, reflecting the sunlight. Not far from there, an elderly man sat under a simple canopy. In front of him, colorful stones were arranged in a wooden box, while a small sign beside him displayed their prices.

One silver coin for a small stone? Lein furrowed his brow. That's expensive… he thought to himself.

They dismounted and tied their horses at a designated area in the market's corner.

"This reminds me of night markets back on Earth," Efan suddenly remarked, his voice tinged with nostalgia.

Lein glanced at him briefly. The market did have a similar vibe—the bustling crowds, the interactions between vendors and buyers, and the small lamps already being lit despite the sun still shining brightly. A lively atmosphere, brimming with energy, as if the place had its own heartbeat.

"Hahaha… we're not the only humans, Efan. It's only natural for some cultures to be similar," Laras replied casually, having long accepted the differences and similarities between races.

Lein simply smiled at their conversation before stepping toward the market. After securing their horses, the three of them walked toward a small post marking the entrance.

In front of the post, an old man sat behind a simple wooden table. He looked like an ordinary person, wearing a worn-out robe, his long silver beard swaying slightly in the breeze. However, as Lein approached, his instincts immediately sounded an alarm. This man was no ordinary individual.

There was a faint pressure in the air, so subtle that it was nearly imperceptible, but for someone sensitive to energy, it was enough to recognize—this old man was at the Grandmaster level.

"Welcome to the Invictus Sect Market," the old man greeted calmly, his voice deep and composed. "Please pay the entrance fee, one silver per person."

Lein raised an eyebrow, slightly surprised. A market managed by a sect? That was unusual. Typically, sects focused more on internal power development and influence rather than open trade like this. His curiosity was piqued.

Without hesitation, he reached into his dimensional storage pouch and pulled out three cosmic silver coins. He calmly handed them to the old man before him.

"Here you go, Sir. Three silver coins," Lein said politely.

The old man accepted the coins with ease, his wrinkled fingers moving deftly as he counted them. However, before placing them into his pouch, he gazed at Lein with deep interest.

"Would you mind if I asked you something?"

Lein met his gaze with intrigue. This old man didn't seem like an ordinary gatekeeper—there was a sharp glint in his eyes, as if he was evaluating and weighing something. His gaze wasn't only on Lein but occasionally flickered toward Laras and Efan standing behind him.

"You're not from around here, are you?" he asked, his tone more of a confirmation than a question.

Lein nodded, having no intention of hiding the fact. "That's correct, Sir. We're just visitors."

The old man fell silent for a moment as if considering something. Then, after a few seconds, he gave a faint smile.

"Alright… But answers don't come for free. It depends on how heavy your question is."

Lein didn't mind. "That's fine."

In fact, this intrigued him even more. Among all the people he had encountered since arriving in Solareon, this old man was the strongest individual he had met so far.

He sharpened his gaze before finally asking in a lower voice, nearly a whisper.

Continue your journey on My Virtual Library Empire

"I want to ask, do you know anything about Law Seeds?"

The moment Lein's question was spoken, the old man's eyes widened instantly. His previously calm expression shifted dramatically, as if he couldn't believe what he had just heard.

His gaze scanned Lein from head to toe once more, this time deeper, more calculating. Several seconds of tense silence passed before the old man suddenly stood up.

Then, without hesitation, he bowed deeply—almost a full ninety degrees.