Transaction

The great being keenly sensed something was amiss. It seemed a... contaminant had arrived on its Ark?

Though the feeling was fleeting, it still turned its gaze toward the grand hall.

The last time it felt this way was when the Ark was captured by a Void Realm black hole.

This time, it had to be on high alert, investigating carefully. To prevent any accidents from befalling the Ark.

As a result, in the ship's grand hall, several passengers and representatives of mysterious origin and terrifying power simultaneously turned their heads or stiffened.

They too were unsure what had happened, but they could feel the great being's gaze and subtle wariness.

This left them somewhat bewildered, not understanding why this being would suddenly regard them with caution.

It wasn't the great being's fault. A hunter would naturally guard against a lion, not a rabbit.

In the great being's eyes, the awakened 'Bronze Mask' was naturally just a rabbit.

Meanwhile, Li Yèlái was oblivious to this. He was currently taking in the layout of the Ark.

The floor of the ship's grand hall was covered in the hide of some unknown creature, incredibly soft and showing no signs of stitching. This indicated it came from an extremely massive beast.

Classical chandeliers illuminated the entire hall, from which faint, hymn-like sounds emanated, bringing a sense of peace and joy.

Magnificent seats were arranged throughout the hall. If not for the sight of the shifting Void Realm starlight through the windows, who would have thought this was a giant ship and not some high-class classical restaurant?

Li Yèlái walked towards the seventh seat by the window, the one 'Bronze Mask' usually occupied.

As a representative of the Second Awakening, 'Bronze Mask' did not hold a high position on the Ark, only able to sit in the outer seats, primarily serving as a listener and messenger. Only if 'Golden Armor' achieved a feat recognized by all would 'Bronze Mask's status be elevated.

This was actually a good thing for Li Yèlái.

He sat silently in his seat, on the edge of the hall, unobtrusively observing the Ark's chosen ones.

Some kind of power interfered with everyone's appearance, preventing Li Yèlái from seeing their specific features. Of course, they also couldn't see Li Yèlái clearly.

This was a protective measure by the Ark for its chosen ones. Even among the Ark's chosen, their identities were unknown to each other.

Li Yèlái sat for about ten minutes. Ark chosen ones appeared one after another, finding their seats and sitting down quietly. A small number gathered to chat for a bit before returning to their seats.

There were quite a few Ark chosen ones. From the intelligence gathered from the captured Golden Armor and Bronze Mask, the Ark had over 150 passengers at its peak.

Now, over a hundred had arrived, indicating that this information-sharing session was very important to them.

Among them, Li Yèlái noticed someone. That person held a black umbrella, wore a white formal suit, and a top hat, sitting like a gentleman in the area near the center of the hall.

Li Yèlái's heart stirred: "Is that Skinny Dog?"

Although his physique had changed drastically, the black umbrella in his hand was the same. The golden patterns on the umbrella's surface were identical.

It was precisely the 'Black Umbrella Youth' that Li Yèlái had previously encountered and ordered his teammates to surround and kill.

Official analysis suggested the black umbrella was the entity's true form. He used some ritual or Forbidden Item to attach his consciousness to the black umbrella.

Even if his physical body was destroyed, as long as the black umbrella could escape safely, he could make a comeback.

It seemed Skinny Dog had now found a new physical body.

This was beyond the official analysis's expectations. He wondered how much his strength had recovered.

Li Yèlái wasn't worried about being recognized. Moreover, with his current disguise, his strength alone was vastly different from his past self.

"The officials said Skinny Dog's strength was around the Fifth or Sixth Awakening, a captain-level expert," Li Yèlái's heart sank. "And with his strength, he still can't enter the central seats?"

This implied that those in the core central positions were even more powerful.

Li Yèlái suppressed his discomfort and nervousness, continuing his silent observation.

After another ten-plus minutes, when it was confirmed no more chosen ones would enter the Ark.

A voice, whose gender was indistinguishable, echoed in everyone's ears: "Time is up, chosen ones."

The voice was ancient and solemn, in a language Li Yèlái did not recognize.

But these words were automatically translated into a language he could understand.

Did the Ark have a built-in translation function? Or did the power within the language transcend the limits of cognition?

Perhaps both. After all, the Ark's chosen came from all over the world. Without such a capability, communication would be impossible.

Li Yèlái recalled Mr. Shadow, who was in a similar situation, where he could understand the mysterious language spoken by Mr. Shadow.

Was the owner of this Ark on the same level as Mr. Shadow?

Or did higher-level beings possess this ability?

Li Yèlái pondered internally.

A Ark chosen one with blond hair, clearly Caucasian, spoke up: "Then let's start with the information. Does anyone have intelligence on the Old Gold Giant City? The more confidential, the better. I'm willing to trade."

"I have some," another Ark chosen one on the edge replied. "Private?"

"Of course, private!" the Caucasian chosen one responded.

Subsequently, their voices disappeared. Influenced by the Ark's power, they isolated themselves from the outside and initiated a private chat.

Afterward, both parties withdrew from the private state, seemingly satisfied. One obtained intelligence, the other received payment.

At this moment, another person spoke: "I need a Fourth Awakening magic potion for Nether Path, the Shadow Kill Blade. Preferably a refined potion, but materials are also acceptable."

Someone immediately responded: "I don't have the potion, but I have two of its materials. They are the Shadow Demon's torso and the Mist Ghost's dewdrop."

"Very well, but how do you wish to trade? Materials?" the person asked.

"I remember you have the four-awakening potion recipe for <Whisper Path>, Dragon's Roar. I want that."

The person nodded without hesitation: "Deal, we can trade now."

"Good! Private message!"

Subsequently, similar scenes appeared throughout the hall.

Information, equipment, potions, recipes. All became bargaining chips.

This gave <Li Yèlái> a more comprehensive understanding of <Ark>. Since most humans were confined to <Giant City>, and information between <Giant City> instances was not interconnected.

For example, <Border City No. 3> and the other two border cities, along with Lava Mine City, shared common information.

However, for <Giant City> instances further away, contact was difficult.

They didn't even know if those <Giant City> instances still existed.

This led to various information gaps. For instance, the recipe Dragon's Roar, mentioned earlier, was not available in the <Giant City> instance where <Li Yèlái> was located.

Yet, the other party could easily produce it. Similarly, recipes that <Li Yèlái> had might be missing for the other party.

The emergence of <Ark> had almost eliminated this information gap.

Furthermore, there were some chosen ones with mysterious origins who could produce recipes or equipment that even the official channels had not yet acquired.

At this point, a <Ark> chosen one located in the central area spoke first. The individual was exceptionally tall, clad in golden plate armor, resembling a small golden mountain. Seated on a specially made chair, their height exceeded two meters.

They also spoke in a language humans didn't understand, but <Li Yèlái> could comprehend it.

"<Star>, <Golden Armor>, <Phantom>, <Wolf Map>. You have done well. This operation was very successful. You have forced <Old Mad King> to personally intervene. As agreed, I have brought you your rewards." As they spoke, various items appeared on the table before them. There were potions, materials, and even high-level <Psychic Weapon>.

"As for Black Umbrella, you fled <Border City No. 3> heavily injured and did not feign an attack on the major branches as planned, so you are not part of this trade." The Golden Mountain Knight spoke. "Let's cooperate again next time."

Black Umbrella said coldly: "Naturally. I have no objections. I'm not so shameless as to ask you for payment!"

Some <Ark> chosen ones were moved: "So it was you who did it at <Border City No. 3>! How audacious!"

"Over 150,000 casualties, just to test <Old Mad King>'s condition?" another <Ark> chosen one sneered.

"Who could have imagined that <Star>'s identity was the great <Star> <Qin Zhi>. You paid a great price this time, <Star>, and are now wanted by all the <Giant City> instances. Why not defect to me?" one <Ark> chosen one offered.

The <Ark> chosen ones commented amongst themselves, some regretting not participating, others cursing them for being cold-blooded and ruthless.

At this moment, someone sitting on the outer edge of Black Umbrella's group responded: "For this operation, even my identity was exposed. Although the plan had some flaws, the results were perfect. I hope to have trading opportunities in the future."

"Good." The Golden Mountain Knight nodded. Then, with a slight tap on the table, several items appeared on the table before the speaker. "These are what they promised you: five-awakening and six-awakening potions, and a <Psychic Weapon> from the <Forbidden Zone>."

"Excellent. It was worth sacrificing so much," the person said, stroking the rewards before them with a light laugh. "Those 150,000 casualties were indeed worth it."

<Li Yèlái> watched the person in silence, suppressing his anger and malice.

Those four were the <Ark> chosen ones involved in the Phantom Band incident.

Except for <Golden Armor> and their faction, who were secretly apprehended, the others had all escaped <Giant City>.

The one who spoke was clearly the culprit, <Qin Zhi>!

Now, <Li Yèlái> had finally found him again.

But <Li Yèlái> could not act rashly and could only continue to play the role of '<Bronze Mask>'.

The '<Star>' <Qin Zhi> scanned the hall and then looked at <Li Yèlái>: "<Bronze Mask>, why didn't <Golden Armor> come?"

<Li Yèlái>'s heart skipped a beat, but he replied verbally: "My lord engaged in a battle with <Handler> while gathering intelligence on the Mad King and was severely injured. He narrowly escaped <Giant City>. He is currently recuperating, so he sent me to collect the reward and sell intelligence."

<Bronze Mask> used a form of vocal interference, making <Li Yèlái>'s voice sound neither male nor female, making it impossible to discern his true voice. This was also a form of disguise.

"Oh?" The Golden Mountain Knight asked, "Selling intelligence? What intelligence did he obtain?"

<Li Yèlái> followed <Yīnhuǒ (Darkfire)>'s instructions: "My lord saw the Mad King."

The Golden Mountain Knight suddenly stood up: "You're saying <Golden Armor> saw the Mad King take action? What was the Mad King's condition?"

Many <Ark> chosen ones were also taken aback and excited.

The strength of <Old Mad King> was something even the <Ark> chosen ones greatly feared. He was a powerful being who had challenged the lord of the <Forbidden Zone>.

His intelligence would undoubtedly be extremely valuable!

"What price are you willing to pay for this intelligence?" <Li Yèlái> continued, using the tactics <Yīnhuǒ (Darkfire)> had taught him.

To ensure <Li Yèlái>'s identity remained safer, <Yīnhuǒ (Darkfire)> had provided crucial information as intelligence.

That was the Mad King's physical condition.

"These rewards were <Golden Armor>'s to begin with. In addition, I will provide a precious healing medicine. I will bring it to you at the next gathering," the Golden Mountain Knight said. "How about it?"

"Good," <Li Yèlái> nodded. "Private message?"

"Private message." As the Golden Mountain Knight spoke.

But others also spoke.

A female Ark elector, sitting in the same row as the black umbrella, asked, "I'm also willing to pay for information. How about a B-rank Psychic Weapon next time I see you?"

"Alright," Li Yèlái nodded slightly.

Another person spoke up, "I remember your lord, Golden Armor, operates near Border City. I'm willing to offer a four-awakening potion recipe that even the Border City officials don't possess."

"Oh? Which path?" Li Yèlái perfectly maintained the persona of 'Bronze Mask'.

"The Whisper Path, Dragon's Roar! If you agree, I can give it to you right now."

"But neither my lord nor I are of the Whisper Path," Li Yèlái feigned a thoughtful expression.

Golden Armor was of the Zeroing Path, and the real Bronze Mask was of the True Martial Path.

"Never mind, Whisper Path it is then."

The person breathed a sigh of relief, "Then count me in."

"Let's discuss privately." The Golden Mountain Knight didn't refuse their participation.

He couldn't control who Li Yèlái sold information to.

Afterward, the four of them, including Li Yèlái and the Golden Mountain Knight, were isolated from sound.

After personally copying the recipe, Li Yèlái examined it briefly before tucking it into his suit.

Within Ark, everyone was honest, as a certain great existence could discern truth from falsehood. There was no need to worry about being deceived.

Thus, Li Yèlái began, "Old Mad King is very old, extremely old. But when he moved, his blood surged like a tide, instantly regaining his youthful vigor. With a single shot, he repelled that Void Beast!"

"One shot!" This left the Golden Mountain Knight somewhat stunned. The other two were also astonished.

"Even after entering the physical world and suffering a significant decline in strength, that behemoth was at least a seven-awakening level. Yet it was repelled with a single shot. Is Old Mad King truly old?"

"I guessed Old Mad King could fight, but I didn't expect him to be this capable!"

Li Yèlái continued, "After that, Old Mad King dispelled his youthful state and reverted to being an aged elder. That's how my lord managed to escape. We suspect Old Mad King can only maintain his peak state for a short period. Of course, these are just speculations."

The Golden Mountain Knight remained silent for a few seconds. After confirming with Ark that the information provided by 'Bronze Mask' was not a lie, he nodded.

"Very well. If you can continue to provide me with information about Old Mad King, we from Black Source City will consider you a friend."

As expected, this Golden Mountain Knight hailed from Forbidden Zone, a creature of the Forbidden Zone!

Li Yèlái and the other two were quite shocked.

Subsequently, Li Yèlái nodded, "It is my honor."

He knew his hidden pawn had now been successfully planted within Ark.