Apocalypse Gachapon Chapter 2332: Have to depend on himself

Ye Zhongming's heart raced twice in that instant.

For a craftsman, the allure of a Lie God-grade piece of equipment—the highest grade a lifeform could manufacture—was beyond measure.

Ye Zhongming actually had a Lie God-grade item himself, but it was locked inside someone else's spatial equipment and couldn't be retrieved. Still, he believed that as his two elemental spirits and his own strength grew, he would one day be able to take out the Luosheng Bow.

But who could resist the temptation of an entirely new Lie God-grade piece of equipment?

Ye Zhongming instinctively wanted to claim this unknown item for himself.

But he quickly shook his head inwardly.

This wasn't something he could touch.

Not only because money alone wouldn't be enough—and even if it were, he couldn't afford it even if he sold everything—but also because the transaction would inevitably involve numerous other agreements and terms.

To obtain a Lie God-grade item that could elevate even a peak expert's level, every eligible race would surely avoid offending the Taros Red Dwarves.

That was why, as soon as those dwarves entered the scene, many races immediately backed down.

Even the Reina Star people, after careful consideration, only agreed to continue resisting the Huo'er Star people after demanding substantial compensation—and still only in secret…

With his current strength and influence, Ye Zhongming was not yet qualified to compete for equipment of this level.

For now, that stage was one he could only look up to.

"Besides the Lie God-grade item, they're also putting out quite a bit of other stuff—some old stock, some new."

Jie Su pressed his forehead, clearly very troubled by the dwarves' interference.

"Like a large influx of Red Condensation-grade equipment hitting the market, and a considerable number of Raini-grade pieces as well—reportedly nearly two hundred of those are top-tier."

"Then there's something new they've come up with: a 'sealed box'—like a treasure chest—priced at one million Moonspan Gold each. No one knows what's inside until it's opened. It could be just a common Red Condensation-grade item worth tens of thousands, or it could be a premium Raini-grade piece worth millions or more. Apparently, the boxes also contain an all-new combat support system manufactured by the Taros Red Dwarves, priced at five million per set."

"And they've also included other rare items they've collected, with individual values exceeding ten million."

Ye Zhongming's face twitched.

Had these dwarves lived on Earth before?

"So you see—the dwarves are drawing in the supermajor and major races with top-tier gear, and the other races with mid-tier equipment and sealed boxes. They're ready to… what was that word you used again?"

"Pluck wool?" Ye Zhongming offered.

"Yes!" Jie Su clapped his hands. "This time, the entire cosmic races are about to get a serious wool-plucking."

"Yesterday, the clan chief and the finance head predicted that at the trade fair in two months, the dwarves would make at least ten billion Moonspan Gold in profit—at least!"

Even Ye Zhongming, who had seen money before, felt his heart race at the words "at least ten billion."

A single trade fair, and they'd make that much—it was beyond envy.

But then another thought struck Ye Zhongming.

How deep were the dwarves' coffers? A hundred billion wouldn't cover it—so… a trillion Moonspan Gold?

The Cloud Peak King suddenly felt that poverty had limited his imagination.

"How is Elder Huozhi?"

Ye Zhongming asked again.

Jie Su shook his head. "He's stable for now, but there's no sign of improvement. We've brought in every medical professional we could find, but they all reached the same conclusion—he'll probably never wake up."

"Right now, his energy signature is steadily weakening, which means he's… already losing levels."

Though the alliance had killed a peak expert, the cost had been heavy—not just the casualties across various races, but also the loss of over a hundred powerful formation masters and one elder who might remain in a coma forever.

"Don't dwell on it too much—we'll keep looking for a way to wake him up. The clan chief asked me to tell you that during this period—while the Reina Star people are still backing us—we need to grow and strengthen as fast as possible. Because the Reina Star people also lost a peak expert; once they stop getting benefits from us, they might turn on us at any time."

Jie Su now felt things were too complicated. Even for the Su Clan, it felt like walking on thin ice. Thinking of the Star-Eye Clan and Ye Zhongming's position, he was deeply worried.

Ye Zhongming felt the pressure mount as well.

"By the way, how's the Mechanical Genius doing?" Ye Zhongming asked.

"We've already contacted the Ferosong people. They've agreed to waive his ownership rights. He's free now—no restrictions, no retaliation. He's already on his way and should arrive at your place in a few days."

Earlier, Ye Zhongming had worried that the Mechanical Genius might be pursued for treason by his original race, so instead of coming directly to the Star-Eye Clan, he had gone to the Su Clan to let them negotiate with the Ferosong people. It seemed to have worked out well.

"Jie Su, I need a favor." Ye Zhongming suddenly said to his good brother.

"Go ahead."

"I need to buy a large batch of materials, but I don't have enough funds. Can you get me a loan through the Su Clan? I'm willing to pay the highest interest."

Jie Su agreed without hesitation—given their relationship and the clan chief's high regard for Ye Zhongming, this was no problem. But when he heard what came next, he wondered if he'd misheard.

He casually asked how much Ye Zhongming needed and what kind of materials. In Jie Su's mind, a few hundred Moonspan Gold would be nothing.

But Ye Zhongming said…

"At least thirty million Moonspan Gold—more if possible. I need all kinds of materials, especially metals and various active biological materials."

"What do you need that much material for? Do you know how much thirty million Moonspan Gold worth of materials is? Even if you filled your entire manor, it wouldn't hold it all."

That much material would empty out the Su Clan's entire inventory.

"Don't worry—I know what I'm doing. Just try your best." Ye Zhongming shrugged.

"Alright, I'll do what I can. Let's leave it at that for now—stay in touch." Jie Su said helplessly and ended the holographic call.

Ye Zhongming sat in his chair, silent for a moment, then spoke: "Xiao Min, Dai Zhi—you've already made contact and built connections with the Star-Eye Clan and Dark Strip City's people, right?"

After receiving confirmation, he continued, "Xiao Min, go inventory all my assets. I'll pick out some, and you'll divide them into three parts, stored in three different spatial containers. I have a use for them."

Xiao Min nodded from her corner.

"Dai Zhi, contact Helsky and He—tell them to come see me. Also, get in touch with Ji Ruiguang and Mu Hanyi—set a time. Tell them I want to hold a meeting with them."

Ye Zhongming stood up, glanced at his newly built home in the universe, and muttered under his breath, "Still got to rely on myself."