A bid of four hundred million! Then, no one added to the price. The others cursed inwardly at the first offer being so high, knowing there were still nine lots remaining!

Thus, Yang Ying successfully secured the first lot of Gulucao.

The price for the first lot was clearly a bit steep, so the second lot’s price dropped to four hundred twenty-three million, taken by Booth Number Ten. The prices for the next few lots mostly hovered between four hundred thirty million and four hundred fifty million. As time went on, the prices began to climb again.

After making his first move, Yang Ying acquired the third and fourth lots for four hundred twenty million each, and the seventh lot for four hundred thirty million, after which he intended to stop.

Just as the seventh lot settled into Yang Ying’s possession, the transaction price for the eighth lot suddenly soared to five hundred million!

Many bidders felt deeply unlucky. The occupant of Booth Number Eighteen was sparing no expense, securing four lots of such expensive spice at once. They knew the auction prices for these spices far exceeded their actual value; even if transported ten thousand light-years away for sale, the proceeds would barely cover the shipping costs, leaving virtually no profit margin.

Those who frequented the Type-Two supply star markets were generally not wealthy individuals, and the Gulucao was not being bought for their own use. Thus, securing a single lot was usually satisfactory.

Now, with a mysterious figure intervening and snatching up four lots, anyone else who wished to compete for the remaining shares would have to spend significantly more.

Soon after, the ninth and tenth lots were also sold off at high prices exceeding five hundred million. The auctioneer’s eyes narrowed into slits, clearly delighted. After a few pleasantries, he announced the conclusion of the auction.

Yang Ying was quite satisfied with the proceedings. The B’ant people conducted business with great minimalism, evident from this auction; they hadn't padded the Gulucao auction with other items, which could have maximized the excitement generated by the spice. They dove straight into the main event from the start. This concise style saved the bidders considerable time.

In Booth Number Eighteen, Pipinaff’s eyes shone. Yang Ying’s move to purchase four lots had greatly exceeded his expectations. He was unaware that Yang Ying was acquiring the Gulucao as a medicinal herb beneficial for cultivation, not merely as a luxury item.

Pipinaff’s demeanor grew increasingly humble and respectful. He chuckled, “Esteemed Guest, the organizers will deliver the goods shortly. Please wait a moment.”

Barely two breaths passed after he spoke before the doorbell to the booth chimed.

“That was fast.”

Pipinaff rose to open the door, revealing two Octopods standing outside. He ushered them in.

“You must be the esteemed guest who bid four times. Greetings.” The two Octopods approached Yang Ying and first introduced themselves. One was the merchant who sold the Gulucao, and the other was the auction house manager.

The Octopod merchant placed a flat metal box on the table, lightly tapped the top with a tentacle-like finger, and the box’s lid automatically separated like building blocks, revealing four neatly stacked canisters of Gulucao inside.

“Do you require inspection?” the Octopod merchant asked.

Yang Ying swept the contents with his mental energy and confirmed they were the original goods. “No need. Let’s proceed with the transaction directly, using Singer Coins.”

“Very well. Four lots of Gulucao total seventeen billion one hundred million B’ant currency, which converts to eight million five hundred fifty thousand Singer Coins.” The auction house manager produced a payment device, set the figures, and presented it for Yang Ying’s confirmation.

The manager handled the transaction because it occurred within the auction house premises, which required a commission. They would not allow the Octopod merchant and Yang Ying to deal privately, explaining his presence.

After Yang Ying confirmed the amount, he produced his Singer Ring and swiped it across the payment device, completing the transaction.

Leaving the auction house, Yang Ying proceeded toward the upper levels of the Trade Center. He had placed orders for some ore earlier and needed to finalize dealings with those mineral merchants, spending another hour concluding the transaction details.

Since Earth currently lacked transport vessels capable of interstellar travel, this trade could not be executed immediately. Yang Ying left a deposit, asking the mineral merchants to prepare the goods, and planned to arrange transport back to Earth once he contacted a Singer transportation company.

With the business concluded, the group left the Trade Center. Yang Ying offered a few compliments to Pipinaff for his service over the past three days. During this period, Yang Ying had certainly felt Pipinaff’s dedication; he was indeed a diligent and professional top-tier intermediary.

However, their partnership was likely concluding now.

Pipinaff knew Yang Ying and his party would be leaving soon and expressed regret. “Esteemed Guest, must you really not stay a little longer?”

Yang Ying smiled. “I have many other places to visit, and nothing more to do here. Besides, perhaps one day I might return to the B’ant Planet.”

Pipinaff’s eyes narrowed in a smile, executing a gesture unique to the B’ant people: four hands extended forward. “That would be wonderful. If you ever grace the B’ant Planet again, please do not forget top-tier intermediary Pipinaff.”

“It’s not easy for me to forget things; you don’t need to worry about that.” Yang Ying perceived that Pipinaff’s gesture carried a connotation of blessing. “Let’s settle your remuneration for these three days as well.”

“No, no, no!” Pipinaff held his four hands up as if to block Yang Ying’s payment. “The commission generated from your spending in the city is enough to make my hands cramp counting it. With a distinguished guest like you, a small commission means nothing. I was happy to serve you for free, and it will be the same if you return next time. Please, allow me to escort you to the docking bay.”

As they spoke and walked, they passed a low, broad building. Two Octopods stood guard at the entrance, both clad in loose black robes, their expressions wary as they watched Yang Ying and his group pass. Near them stood an older, middle-aged Singer, standing by the doorway as if waiting for someone.

Yang Ying recognized that the Singer possessed Quasi-Master level strength.

The building’s main entrance was over ten meters high, adorned with a symbol. Yang Ying glanced at it and identified it as the emblem used by the Third Enforcement Squad—the same squad that had escorted the Singers and Kustarians away during the street disturbance two days prior.

Pipinaff also turned to look and exclaimed, “Oh, we’ve walked right up to the Third Squad barracks. I wonder how they settled that incident from the other day.”

As soon as he spoke—

A low sound emanated, and the large gate slowly opened. The same male and female Singer pair who had been fighting in the street emerged, accompanied by the Third Squad Captain.

“Officer, it’s them,” Katerina whispered softly to Yang Ying.

“Mmm. We happen to need a Singer transport ship. They’ve delivered themselves to us; we cannot let this opportunity pass,” Yang Ying whispered back.

Pipinaff watched the two exchange words in a language he didn't understand. Having seen this happen frequently over the last three days, he was accustomed to it and pretended not to notice, remaining relaxed.

At the entrance:

“This time the Kustarion initiated the aggression, so you are considered victims, and you didn't kill any Kustarions. Therefore, you are free to go,” the Captain told the two Singers.

“What about those dozen or so Kustarions?” the two Singers asked simultaneously.

“You crippled them. They will require a week of medical treatment before they recover,” the Captain replied.

“That’s excellent news!” The two Singers slapped hands, looking quite pleased.

“Ahem, ahem,” the middle-aged Singer at the door coughed twice, his face stern and visibly displeased.

The male and female Singers immediately suppressed their excitement and lowered their heads, speaking softly, “Apologies, Captain, we caused you trouble.”

The middle-aged Singer’s expression softened. “Forget it, as long as you two are unharmed. Though, disabling over a dozen Kustarions—your skills have certainly improved. I heard there was even a Quasi-Master level expert among the onlookers.”

“That was because an expert in the crowd offered assistance,” the Captain interjected, glancing toward Yang Ying. His expression shifted slightly, clearly recalling seeing Yang Ying’s group on the street that day.

Pipinaff waved hello to him. Yang Ying gave a slight nod, showing a gesture of goodwill. Seeing nothing amiss with Yang Ying’s party, the Captain turned and re-entered the barracks. Behind him, the massive door slowly closed.

“What an arrogant person. A Peak Master extending goodwill, and he didn't even offer a response,” Katerina commented with a light, pleased laugh.

“Heh, isn't there a saying, ‘Ignorance is bliss’? Since he can’t discern my cultivation level, this reaction is normal. If I got angry every time someone ignored me, I’d become a balloon ready to burst someday,” Yang Ying chuckled.

The middle-aged Singer, hearing their discussion, looked over. Upon seeing Yang Ying’s party, his eyes changed, seeming to ponder something. After a moment, he raised his eyebrows, and surprise flashed in his gaze.

Yang Ying proactively approached, speaking in the Singer language: “Greetings, Captain Sir. May we speak privately for a moment?”

The male and female Singers glanced at Yang Ying, recognizing him from the street incident as well, but remained silent, looking toward the middle-aged Singer.

The middle-aged Singer considered for a moment, then nodded. “Certainly.”

Moving to a clear spot, the middle-aged Singer asked, “Sir, could you perhaps be from Atlantis?”

A misunderstanding again, Yang Ying thought internally.

“No, I am from Earth,” Yang Ying denied directly.

“Earth? Earth?” The middle-aged Singer murmured, apparently searching the deepest recesses of his memory for the location.

“Earth? Isn't that where Ambassador Jiayouna is stationed?” the female Singer suddenly interjected.