Apocalypse Gachapon Chapter 1964: Weakness is a sin

Since it is a set, it logically should be sold as a single unit. A lone piece would undoubtedly possess abysmal utility, functioning effectively only when combined with the others. Consequently, we cannot determine the price by simply multiplying the previous figure by seven. Given the difficulty with which your Star-Eye Clan acquired this gear, let us set the base price for the entire seven-piece set at fifty thousand Moonspan Gold. This seems equitable. Furthermore, this equipment set must remain within the confines of Dark Strip City. External races are barred from participating; otherwise, we will harbor serious doubts regarding the legitimacy and integrity of this auction. Should that occur, I shall mobilize every race in Dark Strip City to impose severe penalties upon your Star-Eye Clan and seize all proceeds from this sale.

This establishment, I believe, should also be shut down immediately!

This was nothing short of daylight robbery.

When a wall begins to sway, everyone lends a hand to knock it down—this truth holds universal, even out here in the cosmos.

Had the Star-Eye Clan possessed the might of the Reina Star or the Huo'er Star, not only would no one dare provoke them, but many would likely be jostling for the chance to kneel in reverence. Yet, who were the Star-Eye Clan? A minor, dying race, which now held seven pieces of Red Condensation-grade equipment. Was this not a classic case of being 'guilty of possessing a treasure'?

Although these aren't necessarily times of chaos, the seven survival fortresses of the universe observe strict laws. Within any given city, if a coalition decides to commit an injustice, individual accountability is rarely a high probability.

Moreover, the Eight Heads had united, not necessarily to annihilate the Star-Eye Clan, but merely to shake them down for their wealth.

Naturally, if the Star-Eye Clan were wise enough to surrender the seven items, everyone would perform a symbolic gesture by bidding, perhaps around seventy thousand Moonspan Gold, before departing to divide the loot—one family takes the eight-turn medicine, while the other seven claim one piece of Red Condensation-grade gear each. A win-win for everyone.

Even if the Star-Eye Clan appealed to higher powers, the conspirators would have a defense, as a purchase had technically been made.

While these parties hadn't formally conspired earlier, none of them were fools; when a scheme favored their interests, alignment came naturally.

The alliance formed almost instantaneously.

The other major races present remained silent. Though their own power was sufficient to ignore these medium-sized clans, they were not local powers of Dark Strip City. The combined strength of those eight houses exceeded theirs, and speaking up for the Star-Eye Clan would invite unnecessary risks that did not align with their own agendas.

These onlookers wisely decided to watch from the sidelines. Once the dust settled, those eight medium-sized races would certainly reward them with a share—likely at least 5,000 Moonspan Gold.

Remaining passive to earn five thousand Moonspan Gold was a profitable outcome.

The smaller races of Dark Strip City maintained a detached distance, offering no commentary.

They understood before entering that the prime offerings—the Red Condensation-grade gear and the eight-cycle medicine—were perpetually out of their reach.

The auction had reached its zenith; their desired items were already secured. The unfolding chaos had little to do with them, and not a single soul would risk their neck to intervene.

Do you truly believe the Star-Eye Clan is so easily intimidated?

White Robe appeared to have shed his earlier ire, displaying a chilling, unnatural calm. Yet, those familiar with him recognized this composure as the calm before the storm.

Admittedly, the Star-Eye Clan was a struggling, minor race. If given the choice, they preferred to remain unseen.

However, that did not mean they were obligated to swallow such blatant injustice.

For Ye Zhongming, the two leaders of the Star-Eye would gladly stake everything. As for White Robe, a core member of their lineage, should he draw his blade against these medium-sized clans this day, the entire clan would rise in support, just as they did for Ye Zhongming. The Star-Eye Clan would emerge from their shadows... and even if they couldn't vanquish every foe, they would surely tear a pound of flesh from their enemies.

The Star-Eye Clan had never lacked the mettle for a desperate fight; they only lacked a strong physical foundation.

Sensing White Robe's intent to strike, the representatives of the Eight Heads were momentarily caught off guard.

However, greed swayed their hearts. They had no intention of forfeiting this chance for a massive windfall. If the Star-Eye Clan dared to resist, they would gladly erase this minor race from the cosmic genealogy ahead of schedule.

Wait a moment, what is the meaning of this? You intend to exclude me just like that? By whose decree? Not only will I participate in this auction, but I am determined to emerge victorious!

The Bai'e Jie representative rose to his feet, interjecting between the two factions on the brink of conflict to stake his claim.

You may break the rules, but I will enforce them.

The Eight Heads might yield on other matters, but not this.

Seven pieces of Red Condensation-grade gear were worth well over three hundred and fifty thousand Moonspan Gold at market rates. With the eight-turn medicine added, a split would leave each race with at least forty thousand Moonspan Gold in profit.

That was the conservative estimate.

Ye Zhongming had fought tooth and nail to secure first place on the Novice battlefield, and his cash reward was a mere ten thousand.

Such a sum could sustain these medium-sized races for a prolonged period.

And how could they justify labeling the Star-Eye Clan's auction as fraudulent? This Bai'e Jie representative was a factor, but they lacked genuine fear of him.

After all, the Bai'e Jie could not mobilize an army from another survival fortress; such actions were strictly prohibited. What, then, was there to fear?

Your protests only confirm there is foul play within this Star-Eye Clan auction! I propose immediate confiscation of the event's proceeds and severe punishment for the Star-Eye Clan!

The Huitang clansman continued, his expression twisted with malice.

Are you refusing to show respect? The Bai'e Jie representative retorted with sharp, simmering anger.

You are not worthy of my respect.

Then am I worthy?

A voice cut through the air, silencing the dispute. All eyes turned toward the source as two figures descended the stairs. The man behind wore an intricate, ancient bronze mask—evidently the new Bronze Order Leader, Ye Zhongming. The man in front...

Lord Jie Su!

The Bai'e Jie representative stepped forward, bowing in greeting. Their race shared a profound bond with Jie Su; otherwise, they would not have been brought along to assist.

Jie Su gave a curt nod before resting his gaze on the Huitang clansman, repeating, Am I worthy?

Who was Jie Su? He was a direct descendant of the Su Race, a legend forged in the blood of the Novice battlefield!

They could afford to snub the Bai'e Jie representative, but they dared not slight Jie Su of the Su Race. As one of the three major factions, the Su Race was a colossal entity that could exert influence from above to crush them entirely.

Ye Zhongming sighed behind him, fully aware that Jie Su’s public support for his clan would bring the nobleman immense trouble.

The Su Race’s previous tolerance did not imply Jie Su could openly offend other factions without consequence. Such a stunt would tarnish the Su Race's reputation and incite discord among members who valued their reputation for peace.

By intervening today, Jie Su would face severe repercussions upon his return to the Su Race.

Some truths are not meant to be exposed under the harsh light of day.

As a companion, Ye Zhongming wished to spare him that cost.

Very well, you claimed you wanted these seven Red Condensation-grade items? Fine, I shall produce all of them!