Apocalypse Gachapon Chapter 2037: Appraisal

Within a room that wasn't particularly opulent, Yaohan Su occupied a seat behind a desk, engrossed in manipulating controls on a light screen. Shortly thereafter, an individual entered.

"Clan Leader."

Yaohan Su, without diverting his gaze, responded with a mere 'hmm' and inquired, "How are things?"

"Jie Su is currently cultivating."

"Hmm."

"Ye Zhongming is engaged in shopping."

"Hmm."

Following this terse exchange, the newcomer paused.

Yaohan Su finally looked up, his expression grave.

Leaning back, Yaohan Su resumed his focus on the light screen, though his movements ceased.

The attendant remained standing for a moment, ensuring the Clan Leader had no further directives, before silently withdrawing and taking up a position in the corridor after closing the door.

"I merely showed a smidgen of favor towards Jie Su, and you all cannot remain complacent?"

The Clan Leader of the Su Race felt a pang of dejection at that instant, his frame sinking further into the chair as he lamented in a voice laced with profound weariness.

"I still have many years to guide the Su Race. What does it signify to commence alliances with affiliated races now? Do you truly believe I am past my prime?"

After uttering these words, Yaohan Su remained motionless in his seat, yet his eyes opened, revealing a look of deep contemplation.

"Those with limited foresight simply lack self-awareness."

………………………………

"Order Leader, this simply won't do!"

The four Golden Mask Warriors repeatedly refused, yet their resistance proved futile against Ye Zhongming's insistence.

"You have consistently safeguarded me at considerable risk; should I not express my gratitude?"

Ye Zhongming's brow furrowed in displeasure.

"Protecting you is our sworn duty, not a task undertaken for these items. We are aware that the Bronze Camp is still recovering from its devastation; these supplies ought to be reserved for our comrades in the Bronze Camp. Furthermore, we have merely been accompanying you, undertaking no significant actions."

The Golden Mask Warriors reiterated their refusal.

"Take them, as I command. Refuse, and I shall dismiss you." Ultimately, Ye Zhongming felt compelled to leverage his authority, thereby compelling the four Golden Mask Warriors to accept the equipment.

Ye Zhongming proceeded along Equipment Street, procuring suitable gear whenever he encountered it. In a short span, he had amassed twenty-four items.

While the Taros Red Dwarves were not the creators of these implements, they were undoubtedly the products of master craftspeople, not inferior to Red Condensation-grade artifacts. The cost of each item was substantial, ranging from thirty to fifty thousand units.

Who could have fathomed that the nearly one million Moonspan Gold Ye Zhongming expended on equipment was solely for the benefit of these Golden Mask Warriors who stood as his protectors?

A total of eight individuals: four present here and an additional four situated in the guesthouse. Each received three pieces of equipment.

Those uninitiated would likely scoff in disbelief, deeming Ye Zhongming to be ostentatiously wealthy. However, those in his immediate circle understood differently.

They were cognizant of the assassination attempt within Starshine City. In that perilous encounter, had it not been for the sacrifice of several Golden Mask Warriors, Ye Zhongming would likely have met a tragic end.

This was yet another method of reciprocating loyalty and valor.

These Golden Mask Warriors were ostensibly the most gifted cohort within the entire Star-Eye Clan. Yet, due to their designation as the clan's primary fighting force, burdened with missions both vital and superfluous, their attrition rate was exceptionally high. Despite this, no one ever voiced complaint or discontent; they continued their silent contributions.

Following the most recent assault, Ye Zhongming had truly come to grasp the noble qualities embodied by these individuals. They merited universal admiration. Towards such people, Ye Zhongming never wavered in his generosity.

It was conceivable that these implements might provide a means to evade a lethal blow during a future assignment; that alone would suffice.

The Star-Eye Clan, already significantly depleted, required such valiant warriors for its continued existence.

Jie Su's aide observed this exchange with a touch of envy. The ability to lavish significant sums on equipment for one's subordinates was an unmistakable indicator of capable leadership, particularly since these individuals did not appear to be his direct subordinates.

However, his envy dissipated in mere seconds as Ye Zhongming presented him with a piece of equipment.

Although it was only a single item and of a slightly lesser caliber than those bestowed upon the Golden Mask Warriors, the aide was profoundly grateful and redoubled his diligence in Ye Zhongming's service.

Having equipped the eight Golden Mask Warriors, Ye Zhongming resumed his shopping endeavors. This time, his acquisitions were entirely for his personal use. The items he selected varied in price from a few hundred Moonspan Gold to a hundred thousand Moonspan Gold each. A common characteristic bound all these pieces: they possessed techniques or skills that piqued Ye Zhongming's interest and which he had not yet mastered. His intent in procuring them was to study and thereby elevate his own crafting proficiency.

After expending a sum just shy of five hundred thousand Moonspan Gold, Ye Zhongming, with a sense of reluctance, made his way to the establishment specializing in Taros Red Dwarves' equipment.

From the materials street, through the combat beasts street, and finally to the equipment street, Ye Zhongming and his entourage had been engaged in a shopping spree for many hours. Word of the prodigious spender had rapidly disseminated throughout the entire commercial center. It was common knowledge that an outsider was ostentatiously disbursing wealth and making purchases with fervent intensity. Representatives from both major corporations and smaller shops were dispatched to observe.

This individual was perceived as a veritable God of Wealth. For numerous merchants operating on a less significant scale, a single substantial transaction from such a patron could equate to weeks, if not months, of accumulated earnings.

Consequently, the moment Ye Zhongming and his companions stepped into this specialty shop for Taros Red Dwarves' equipment, the proprietor or manager had already emerged to extend a cordial welcome.

This esteemed patron had been acquiring equipment in bulk, specifically in increments of ten. If he were to overlook these meticulously crafted pieces from the Taros Red Dwarves, it seemed improbable he would then pass over other artisanal works. Thus, the proprietor's enthusiasm was palpable.

Ye Zhongming requested to be shown the merchandise. He was promptly escorted to the display area situated in the rear, bypassing the option of selecting from a holographic screen and instead being presented with the actual items for inspection.

Upon surveying his surroundings, Ye Zhongming reflected that even though the Su Race occupied the lowest echelon among the super major races, their inherent strength remained vastly superior to that of other races.

Consider the equipment on display. Gear of Ke Steel Grade was meticulously arranged in organized rows, densely packed. Within his immediate field of vision, there were thousands of pieces. In areas beyond his sight, the quantity was likely several times greater.

As for equipment classified as Common-grade, Ye Zhongming observed seven distinct entrances on the northern periphery of the display area, designated from Common One to Common Seven. These were presumably the repositories for Common-grade equipment—amounting to an astonishing seven entire warehouses!

Red Condensation-grade items, being significantly more valuable and primarily offered as individual sales, were situated within the central, core section of the display area. A cursory estimation revealed approximately 500 pieces.

Ye Zhongming proceeded through the area, observing the items. He noted that certain pieces were indeed of exceptional quality; the materials employed and the craftsmanship exhibited offered him considerable insight and inspiration.

Perceiving Ye Zhongming's sustained silence and his swift perusal of the Red Condensation-grade equipment, the person in charge surmised that this affluent customer had already begun to dismiss this particular grade. With a smile, he proposed, "What a fortunate coincidence, there is a small appraisal gathering happening today. If your schedule permits, you might find it worthwhile to attend. Some truly remarkable items are expected to be presented; they should certainly capture your interest."