Jiantian had predicted it long ago. The gates of the "Dark Trade Guild" hadn't even formally opened, yet a throng of people who somehow knew the news were already waiting outside. A significant portion of these early arrivals were Necromancers, along with a contingent of Gandalf's acquaintances.

This gathering naturally piqued the curiosity of many passersby. After a few inquiries, word spread that it was the opening day for this new Guild, prompting even more people to join the queue.

Clyde had anticipated this exact scenario, so he showed no sign of worry; instead, he wore an expression of eager anticipation.

It wasn't just him. Every single employee within the Guild hall was visibly excited, their anxious eagerness written plainly on their faces.

Zhong Shenxiu, unusually, wasn't wandering about today. He remained seated on the topmost floor of the Guild building, observing the crowds below.

Robin stood a short distance away from Zhong Shenxiu, also gazing downward with palpable curiosity.

Kainee was not nearby, as she was managing the operational side of the business. Hilariously, Angeliya and Lis had also skipped school today, instead serving as doorkeepers!

Inside the Guild hall, staff members hurried back and forth, clearly making the final preparations. This was the first day of business, and not a single mishap could be afforded. After all, the treasures displayed here were enough to make anyone covetous; causing a disturbance that invited opportunists would be disastrous.

Yaster was issuing stern deployments. Ever since Zhong Shenxiu had provided him with that arm, he had regained his full confidence. Moreover, now that he carried himself with far greater composure than before, he exuded an aura of natural authority.

Even those swordsmen who had been coerced by Zhong Shenxiu seemed to rise to the occasion, galvanized by the atmosphere, operating at peak alertness and emanating a discernible, intimidating presence.

And the zombie Zachary remained stationed in a shadowy alcove, ready to ensure that anyone causing trouble would never leave intact!

To outside observers, the guards seemed few, but in reality, the defenses were ironclad. Anyone thinking of stirring up trouble here was purely signing their own death warrant!

Amidst the collective anticipation, the grand doors of the Guild finally swung open.

The crowd outside was poised to surge inward, but Yaster stood personally at the threshold. The moment these people caught sight of his eerie arm, they immediately settled down.

Led by their respective supervisors, the admitted guests were not ushered into the Guild's main exhibition hall, but rather into a separate...

...room, which was designated for the processing of "Membership Cards."

The incoming guests were naturally perplexed as to why they were being directed here. At that moment, a service attendant began explaining: because it was the opening day and the crowds were large, only Guild members would be granted priority access; everyone else would have to wait here.

This policy instantly ignited widespread dissatisfaction. This was the first time they had encountered such a thing—refusing entry on opening day and demanding payment for a membership card! Who knew if this wasn't some elaborate scam?

Consequently, a number of people halted their advance. These individuals had only intended to browse out of casual interest and saw no need to spend money on a membership card just for a glimpse inside!

But just because they weren't signing up didn't mean others would follow suit. Especially the Necromancers who had previously purchased potions. Hearing that membership was required for entry, they signed up and paid almost without hesitation—their decisive actions left no room for doubt.

These individuals had long awaited such a system. Previously, they possessed wealth but couldn't secure the items they desired. Now, being a member granted them priority access. Those stingy souls who balked at this small fee could step aside; they would regret their hesitation later.

Time proved those who hadn't signed up would indeed regret it, as the fees for future membership applications would escalate, and the procedures would become significantly more cumbersome!

Setting aside the hesitant onlookers, even the wealthy aristocrats who possessed inside information didn't quibble over the initial cost. They had heard rumors that the goods inside were the absolute pinnacle, unique to this single establishment!

Whether that rumor was entirely true or not, operating under the principle of "better safe than sorry," they were determined not to miss this opportunity!

And indeed, their assumptions proved correct; the items within were guaranteed to open their eyes.

Regardless of those who stopped outside, those who completed their membership formalities and entered the exhibition hall were instantly stunned into silence by the array of weapons, equipment, and various potions lining the walls. "This... these are...?" These patrons could scarcely believe their eyes, as many of the items displayed were things they had never even heard of, let alone seen!

Many attendees were seasoned experts. A brief survey was enough for them to recognize that these items were all top-tier treasures. Their eyes glazed over with an intensity usually reserved only for the most captivating beauties.

And when these patrons listened to the staff provide descriptions of the merchandise, they were ecstatic, unable to fathom that such incredible things existed in this world!

The silence was brief. Someone, seemingly unable to hold back, shouted first: "I want that! And that one too!" Their expression conveyed the fear that hesitation meant someone else would snatch it away!

It was true; such marvelous items must be exceedingly rare in their eyes. If they didn't act quickly, some shrewd customer might claim them first, leaving the rest to weep in frustration.

These eager buyers were unaware that the "Dark Trade Guild" currently enjoyed an inexhaustible supply. In the short time they gaped in astonishment, more equipment and potions were being teleported in.

It was precisely their ignorance of this fact that fueled their frenzy!

Seeing one person make a move, the others refused to lag behind, erupting in demands: "I’ll take this one—three bottles! No, make that ten, and that other thing, ten bottles too!"

"Give me five of those scrolls!"

"Package up that entire armor set for me!"

In an instant, the entire hall became as chaotic as a boiling pot. Fortunately, the sheer volume of goods prevented any outright scuffles over ownership.

One benefit was that every item had a clear price tag affixed, which saved considerable hassle.

Even so, the service staff behind the counters were working non-stop, wishing desperately they had more than just two hands!

They were insane—every single customer was driven wild!

They behaved like refugees starved for days suddenly encountering a feast, discarding all pretense of decorum and shouting until their throats were raw. Their faces flushed crimson; anyone observing them might mistake the scene for a brawl, when in fact, they were fiercely competing for merchandise!

In that moment, money seemed irrelevant. Patrons drained their cash reserves and maxed out their debit cards. Some even cursed themselves for not bringing more funds, watching others snatch up items in a frenzy, feeling as if their own treasures were being stolen away!

"Attendant! Hold this item for me, please. I'll run back right now to get the money—you must hold it!"

Many people rushed out after leaving this desperate plea, their speed suggesting their home was on fire!

Because the goods were all first-rate, even with the opening day discount, the prices remained substantial. Many patrons quickly spent every coin they possessed but couldn't bear to leave, as countless other treasures continued to beckon them!

Thus, they imitated those who had gone before, sprinting out with maximum haste to retrieve more funds!

Those waiting in the side hall distinctly heard the clamor and the wild shouts emanating from within, their curiosity mounting intensely!

Just then, they saw people charging back out, acting frantic, which only deepened their confusion. They began speculating wildly about what could possibly be happening inside to make everyone act like madmen!

Some, unable to withstand their curiosity any longer, paid the fee for a membership card, determined to see the spectacle for themselves.

However, they too soon erupted from the hall acting just as frantic as the first group.

"Hey, hey! What's going on in there?" one person tried to ask, blocking the path of an exit-bound patron. But the hurried individual didn't answer, instead demanding, "Do you have any money? I need to borrow some urgently!"

The secret could not be contained for long. Soon, everyone waiting outside learned that the goods for sale inside were of an unbelievably high caliber and that those who rushed out were simply making quick trips to fetch more money to continue buying!

At this point, everyone began scrambling to purchase membership cards. Even though the price for membership had already doubled since the start of the day, their enthusiasm showed no sign of waning!

However, due to the overwhelming number of people and the fact that the secret was now fully exposed, the queue for membership processing only grew longer. Securing a spot anytime soon was proving difficult.

The regret among the waiting crowd was palpable now. Why hadn't they signed up when there were fewer people? Now, not only had the price doubled and redoubled, but they had no idea when their turn would actually arrive.

Soon after, those who had rushed off to retrieve money came barreling back, flushed with excitement. When they emerged again from the hall, their faces were radiant—a clear indication of a successful haul!

To showcase their own fortune and foresight, some people pulled out one or two of the items they had just purchased. The eyes of everyone still waiting in line instantly locked onto the merchandise, practically begging them to snatch it away!

This display cemented the determination of the remaining crowd: they had to become members!

Meanwhile, inside, Gandalf and the other key leaders, although expecting a lively opening day, had not anticipated this level of pandemonium!

The leadership had just convened a quick meeting and decided to raise the prices of the merchandise! Paradoxically, this failed to dampen the buyers' enthusiasm; instead, it spurred them into even greater frenzy, driven by the fear that prices might climb higher still!

Of course, the greatest beneficiary was Zhong Shenxiu. On this single day, his net income was projected to reach hundreds of millions of Diamond Coins!

Zhong Shenxiu, however, showed no outward excitement, still observing the crowds below with calm detachment. Perhaps, in his eyes, this level of success was simply the natural order of things!

One could easily imagine that in the near future, the products developed by Zhong Shenxiu would become the dominant force in this world.

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