The Lord Demon King is Unfathomable!

The crowd whispered among themselves, not fully understanding, but clearly showing interest in this new concept.

Feistin raised his eyebrows with interest, unexpectedly giving Luo Yan a second look.

If this thing is as useful as he claims, he would like to prepare a set for the Padric Family's territory as well.

Feeling the gradually thawing atmosphere in the meeting room, Grock, the chairman of the Sawtooth Chamber of Commerce, was finding it hard to stay still.

He realized that his "allies" were dwindling, as more and more people turned to the newly arrived Lord, forgetting their initial vow of unity for a bit of petty profit!

In order to demonstrate his prestige and also to win over the wavering allies within the Trade Union, he had to do something.

"...Honorable Lord, the prosperity of Black Wind Castle is evident to all, and we all know that this cannot be separated from the tireless efforts of the Trade Union. To promote the further prosperity of Black Wind Castle, I have prepared three proposals which I hope you will consider carefully... This is not only for us, but also for your benefit."

After gaining the right to speak, the goblin merchant slowly stood up, deliberately adjusted his jacket, glanced around at the people present, and spoke with a calm yet sharp tone.

"First, we hope you will allow the Chamber of Commerce to expand their private military to protect trade caravans and ensure smooth trade routes."

"Second, we suggest reducing the defense forces of Black Wind Castle. After all, Black Wind Castle is close to Demon City, and under normal circumstances, does not need so many soldiers, unless... you have bigger plans, Lord."

"Third, it's about the Magic Crystal Cannon Factory," Grock nodded slightly, his tone probing but impassive. "For the frontline of Hell, we must increase the output of the Magic Crystal Cannon and develop larger and better war equipment... I would like to know whether you, Lord, would consider relaxing the monopoly on the military industry for the overall benefit of Hell and to improve production efficiency?"

The atmosphere in the meeting room seemed to freeze, silence pervading the space, as pairs of eyes inadvertently floated towards Luo Yan, only to quickly look away.

Luo Yan sat upright in the main seat, fingers gently tapping on the table, his gaze slowly sweeping over everyone present.

His face showed no emotional fluctuation, as if he was genuinely contemplating Grock's proposal.

Mia appeared somewhat anxious, signaling Luo Yan with her eyes, afraid he would impulsively agree.

Feistin, however, made no movements, merely observing Luo Yan's response with interest.

Vivian yawned, playing with her nails, uninterested in whatever these ants discussed at the conference table.

This guy talks too much, she wished it would skip directly to her beloved brother's speech.

Grock did not rush to urge, sitting calmly in his original position, maintaining a composed and confident stance, though anxiety gradually grew in his heart.

An invisible pressure hung over his head, causing beads of sweat to form on his forehead; however, he could not retreat.

This was a test of waters.

If Luo Yan made concessions, it would signify a crack in his authority, allowing the Trade Union to further infiltrate Black Storm's power core. If Luo Yan refused, he would have the opportunity to reunite the wavering allies.

Though the Padric Family exerted considerable pressure on him, he was not without any trump cards.

"Private military, reducing defense, opening military industry."

Luo Yan softly recited these three proposals, his voice steady yet carrying an unmistakable authority.

He slowly lifted his gaze to meet Grock's, then revealed a faint, elusive smile.

"Your proposals are interesting."

The nervousness in the meeting room became slightly taut, everyone holding their breath, waiting for Luo Yan's next response.

"But it seems you haven't positioned yourself correctly."

Luo Yan leaned forward slightly, looking at the breathless Grock, and with overwhelming pressure said, "The prosperity of Black Wind Castle is due to the Magic Crystal Cannon technology and because I reclaimed this land from a bunch of useless fools, not because of your little trading transactions or the ridiculous toys you peddle under my nose... understand?"

The air instantly turned heavier.

Several representatives from the Chamber of Commerce exchanged glances secretly, trying to find answers in each other's expressions.

Vivian raised her eyebrows in sync with her brother's fierce expression, though she had no clue what was going on, she could sense that her brother was angry.

Grock's brow twitched slightly.

He had predicted Luo Yan wouldn't easily agree, but he didn't expect Luo Yan to exert such an intense pressure right from the start.

He steeled himself, his lips trembling slightly as he spoke.

"Lord, of course, you have the overall picture in mind, but the safety of our trade caravans is also a part of the economic stability of Black Wind Castle. I'm merely suggesting... that to make Black Wind Castle more commercially competitive, we could reduce some unnecessary defense expenditures and allocate resources for development... after all, you and I both know, Black Wind Castle is located in the heart of Hell, close to Demon City. This is not your frontline territory, there's no human threat to guard against..."

Upon hearing these high-sounding excuses, Luo Yan chuckled, leaned back in his chair, and continued slowly.

"Oh, you all think I can't see anything, huh."

"We wouldn't dare..." Grock said nervously with his head lowered.

"Is there anything you wouldn't dare do?" Luo Yan slightly raised an eyebrow, an enigmatic smile playing on his face, "You act as legal businessmen within the territory of Black Wind Castle, yet once you step into the lawless areas, you become bandits and robbers, sometimes even without stepping into lawless areas. As soon as I close my eyes just a little, you'll seize the opportunity to persecute law-abiding citizens and traders while I'm not looking. Knowing these issues, you still propose I relax the control over private military forces, or even reduce the defense budget? I'd like to ask you, what is your true intention?"