Chapter 271: Selling Resources
The Blood-colored Fortress was located in the southern section of the mid-region of the Furious Flood Dragon Mountain Range. It had been constructed along a grand canyon stretching dozens of kilometers.
At both ends of the canyon stood towering and majestic city walls guarding the entrance. Within the canyon, half of the area served as a military activity zone, while the other half was primarily used by Beast Tamers and hunters entering the Endless Forest Sea.
Because of the resources produced by the Endless Forest Sea, the interior of the Blood-colored Fortress could be described as exceptionally prosperous. Resources that were usually hard to come by could be freely bought and sold inside the fortress.
Under the guidance of the female thief, Zhou Ming quickly arrived in front of a three-story building.
Although the structure was not tall, it covered a considerable area—over a thousand square meters.
“This is the place. The Huiyue Grand Auction Hall. There is a small auction held once every day, and a grand auction once every month.”
“My lord, can you let me go now?”
Feeling the Iron Thread Snake crawling casually beneath her clothes, the woman’s body hair stood on end from head to toe.
Especially when the Iron Thread Snake slithered across her abdomen, she even felt the urge to urinate. At this moment, her only thought was to get away from Zhou Ming.
“Next time you steal something, make sure you choose the right target.”
Looking at the terrified female thief beside him, Zhou Ming teased her with a faint smile before recalling the Iron Thread Snake he had released.
Without sparing her another glance, he walked straight toward the Huiyue Auction Hall.
Seeing Zhou Ming leave, the female thief immediately let out a long breath of relief and fled the area without another word.
“Hello, sir. What service do you require?”
When Zhou Ming entered the Huiyue Auction Hall, the first-floor lobby was filled with display cabinets selling ordinary resources.
Seeing this, he took the initiative to approach a staff member and stated his purpose.
“Sir, today’s auction will begin in half an hour. If you don’t mind, you may browse around first.”
“If you have surplus resources you’d like to sell, we also provide purchasing services.”
In response to Zhou Ming’s inquiry, the beautiful staff member, dressed formally yet retaining a distinctive charm, immediately gave him a detailed introduction.
“Very well. Take me to the purchasing section first. I have some items I’d like to dispose of.”
Since the auction had not yet begun, Zhou Ming decided to sell the resources he did not need.
Although he possessed quite a few high-grade Source Crystals, he did not have many ordinary Source Crystal Coins. It was impossible to keep using high-grade Source Crystals for purchases—that would be too wasteful.
“Please follow me, sir.”
Seeing a business opportunity, the receptionist became noticeably more enthusiastic, her tone and movements carrying a hint of flirtation.
A young and wealthy man would attract women’s attention wherever he went.
Unfortunately, her expectations were destined to fail. Beauty held little appeal for Zhou Ming; otherwise, he would not have once left the Catgirl Aina in despair.
Under her guidance, Zhou Ming entered a room where specialized appraisers were responsible for evaluating items.
Without wasting time, Zhou Ming took out everything he no longer needed.
Among them were Transcendent Equipment of limited value, materials that were of no use to him, and spells such as the Red Crystal Barrier.
Most of them had been spoils obtained from his battles.
“Sir, the total value of all the items you are selling amounts to 12,730 Source Crystal Coins. Please review and confirm.”
The appraiser worked efficiently and provided a detailed list before the auction began, placing it before Zhou Ming.
“That’s fine. We’ll go with that price.”
Zhou Ming gave it a brief glance and did not bother wasting time over such a minor sum, as the auction was about to begin.
After receiving the Source Crystal Coins he needed, he was led by the beautiful staff member to a VIP auction room on the third floor.
This was one of the benefits brought by selling a considerable amount of resources.
“Sir, if you’re interested, you may come find me.”
Before leaving the VIP room, the beautiful staff member handed Zhou Ming a small slip of paper. One could only wonder how many such slips she had prepared.
She had not left his side for a moment, and even as she departed, she made sure to leave her contact information.
Zhou Ming did not even glance at the slip with the contact details. After she left, he tossed it straight into the nearby trash bin. He valued capability and worth; he would not be tempted by beauty.
“Clang, clang…”
The sound signaling the start of the auction rang out, and Zhou Ming stepped forward to the glass wall of the VIP room.
This small auction was not large. Aside from more than a dozen VIP rooms, it could accommodate only a little over a hundred attendees.
Although it was held daily, the hall was already packed to capacity.
“Distinguished guests, welcome to the Huiyue Grand Auction Hall. Today we have a total of thirty auction items. We hope everyone finds something of interest.”
On the auction platform, a formally dressed middle-aged man delivered a brief opening speech before officially declaring the auction open.
Since auctions were held daily, the cumbersome procedures had long been omitted. After all, the auction house knew exactly what the guests were here for.
“The first item is Transcendent Equipment—Wind-Treading Boots. Rare-grade. For Professional Beast Tamers of different profession systems, it can provide a 10%–30% increase in movement speed.”
“In addition, it carries the ability Gale Rampage, allowing the Beast Tamer to remain airborne for a short period.”
“The starting price is 1,000 Source Crystal Coins. Each bid increase must not be less than 50 Source Crystal Coins.”
After the first item was presented, the auction host carefully introduced its details.
“I didn’t expect such a treasure to appear in an ordinary auction.”
In life-and-death combat, victory often hinged on the slightest margin. A speed increase of up to 30%, and even the ability to remain airborne briefly, was enough to turn the tide of battle.
Especially for close-combat-oriented Phantasmal Tamers, obtaining this equipment would significantly enhance their combat power.
Without any surprise, bids were immediately called out.
“1,100 Source Crystal Coins.”
“1,200.”
…
In less than a minute, the price had already exceeded 1,500 Source Crystal Coins.
Yet the bidding did not stop.
When the price surpassed 2,000 Source Crystal Coins, only a few bidders remained.
Zhou Ming observed casually. Those bidding were either Phantasmal Tamers or representatives of certain forces.
As for himself, he was uncertain whether the Wind-Treading Boots would remain effective after his transformation, so he did not participate in the bidding.
Finally, when the price reached 2,350 Source Crystal Coins, the auction for the Wind-Treading Boots concluded.
With such a high-quality first item, the atmosphere of the auction hall instantly grew heated.
Zhou Ming, too, became filled with anticipation for the upcoming items.
As the auction continued, a dazzling array of items appeared one after another, many of them Transcendent materials unique to the Endless Forest Sea.
It was precisely this rarity that continuously attracted numerous Beast Tamers and hunters to venture into the Endless Forest Sea.
When Zhou Ming heard the detailed introduction of the twenty-third auction item, his interest was instantly piqued.