Who left their last words here?

Chapter 73 Oh no! We've fallen into a trap! (4k two-in-one)

Ask this penguin for help?
Bai Zhou paused for a moment, then calmly observed it.

Although its true nature remains unclear, this fat penguin is undoubtedly incredibly strong.

There is a strong possibility that he is an existence comparable to a legendary level 6 extraordinary individual.

Bai Zhou found it hard to imagine that such a person would bow down for "money".

...As cautious as he was, he always felt there was a trap behind it all.

So, he tightened his cloak and asked in a low voice:
"How much ash would it take to hire you?"

"My price isn't cheap," the big penguin waddled.

“I was prepared for this,” Bai Zhou nodded.

Upon hearing this, it looked Bai Zhou up and down, and a faint, almost illusory smile appeared on its doll-like, eternally unchanging painted face:

"Then, Cheng Hui's ten thousand ashes, and..."

Beneath the cloak, Bai Zhou raised an eyebrow knowingly, thinking to himself, "Just as I thought."

But he remained silent, merely observing the other person with cold eyes.

He wanted to hear what other ivory could come out of that flat mouth of the other person.

Under the watchful eye of the white boat, the penguin rubbed its wings expectantly:

"And—your laughter."

Bai Zhou was taken aback: "My laughter?"

He never expected that this would be the answer coming from the penguin's mouth.

The penguins nodded repeatedly, their eyes filled with eager anticipation.
"I want your smile for the next year."

"In return, I will protect your safety during the Ghost Market. No one can do anything to you—no one!"

"Why would you want this?" Bai Zhou asked, puzzled.

"In fact, I know a little about tarot."

The penguin shook its head and spoke.

Tarot?

Bai Zhou blinked.

The thing that Fang Xiaoxia had just complained about not long ago appeared unexpectedly in front of Bai Zhou, accompanied by a fat penguin.

"The fate I see tells me that your smile is quite valuable."

"Look at your past fate, its bitterness is simply pitch black..."

"But even in such an environment, amidst a bunch of bad luck, you still managed to salvage your smile."

The penguin explained:
"The smiles of those tycoon scions born with a silver spoon in their mouths, or those extraordinary nobles with secret sources flowing in their blood, are cheap and insignificant."

"It is precisely your smile that is most precious, because you have forged it to be harder than any secret ingredient—it is an indestructible smile."

An indestructible smile.

As an orphan, growing up in the oppressive and bizarre city of the night, she never lost her optimistic smile.

It is Bai Zhou's priceless treasure.

But Bai Zhou never expected that what the penguin wanted to "trade" was this.

Then he looked at the penguins.

The lifelike penguin shouldn't be considered expressionless.

But just like a real doll, its expression doesn't change.

No matter how fast his eyes dart around or how wide his mouth opens, he still doesn't have the "laughter" of a "human".

Unless, some kind of exchange is reached.

It may have always wanted a "human" smile to appear on its face.

But all it needs is the best smile.

Those who frequent the auction are all important figures from the mysterious world, yet their smiles are precisely the least rare thing about them.

—Until it met the white boat.

...This seemingly harmless fat penguin is perhaps more mysterious and unpredictable than Bai Zhou imagined.

The plump, tall penguin cast its shadow on Bai Zhou, making him look like... a long, piercing demon.

This reminded Bai Zhou of those adventure stories involving making deals with demons.

Once you sign a contract, incredible things can happen, but you will also make a mistake that you can never make amends for.

Therefore, Bai Zhou cautiously took two steps back, appropriately increasing the distance between himself and the penguin:

"Let's talk about the Level 5 Emperor Penguins instead."

Sure enough, there's no such thing as a free lunch.

A level 5 extraordinary individual is sufficient as a bodyguard.

Selling one's "smile" is such a thing...

No matter how much wealth or power one possesses, without laughter, one is nothing but a pitiful creature.

People always need to laugh and cheer themselves up, especially during the toughest times.

This is the source of his strength that has brought him to where he is today, and it is a treasure that he absolutely cannot lose!

It is not something that can be measured by ashes, but rather a unique "Philosopher's Stone" that belongs only to Shirafuru.

"Okay, that's a shame."

The penguin shook its head, sighing with amusement at failing to acquire the white boat in the trade.
"But my promise is valid at any time."

It doesn't seem like it has given up yet:

"You can come to this place in the Ghost Market to find me anytime."

“We can talk more; the quality of your smile can get you a lot in return.”

"No..."

Bai Zhou waved his hand expressionlessly.
"If we ask a level 5 Emperor Penguin to help, we don't need anything other than ash, right?"

If there's still a trap...

He will turn around and leave, and think of another way.

"Yes of course!"

"What do you think of Chenghui 1266 Ashes?"

The penguin nodded obediently, but this time its tone lacked much of its enthusiasm.

"It will guarantee your safety in the Ghost Market, and you can even stay there for a whole day."

So dark.

The 500 Ashes required to purchase "Tears of the Moon" is already considered an exorbitant price.

1266 Ashes in exchange for a Level 5 Extraordinary being to act as a bodyguard for such a short period of time is certainly a high price to pay.

This penguin is a complete case of overcharging.

Just like how restaurants in scenic areas are ten times more expensive, they only dared to quote such a nonchalant price because they knew Bai Zhou was desperate.

—A treacherous businessman!

but……

"money is not a problem."

Bai Zhou shook his head; his calm yet forthright attitude rekindled the penguin's enthusiasm.

Then, Bai Zhou asked in a low voice:

"—But I have a question to ask."

"What?" The penguin blinked its big eyes twice. "Please tell me."

What is the threshold for becoming a Level 10 member?

The penguin answered very skillfully:
"Only by spending at least 250 Ashes in a single transaction at our bank can you become a Level 10 member and enjoy priority access to our special services."

"Oh……"

Upon hearing this, Bai Zhou gave the penguin a meaningful look.
"That is to say."

"I'm not the only one who knows about and orders these services... right?"

"...?"

Upon hearing this, the penguin's tone suddenly stiffened.

Its eyes darted around and rolled about.

"This, this..."

At that moment, Bai Zhou's voice slowly drifted over.

"Don't worry, I will continue to pay for the orders."

Sure enough, what a cunning and unscrupulous businessman!

He cursed inwardly again, but Bai Zhou made no reaction.

He simply pulled a handful of ashes from his pocket.

The number definitely exceeds 1266 ashes.

"This is all the wealth I have."

Bai Zhou lied without changing his expression.

Faced with the penguin's confusion, he earnestly said:

"As long as you grant me one more request."

"—Of course, you will strictly maintain the confidentiality of everything your customers do, right?"

……

"Congratulations! You've won the bid for your desired item!"

Just as Bai Zhou expected.

The backstage area of ​​the auction, in a secluded room next door.

A strikingly similar scene is unfolding here simultaneously.

A small penguin doll, slightly smaller than the auctioneer, was presenting the major with the items he had just won at auction.

Including the "regret bottle" he bought at a high price.

The penguin is showing goodwill towards the major:

"Congratulations on your automatic upgrade to Level 10 member of our bank, as your spending limit at our bank is sufficient!"

"..."

Under the cloak, the major nodded, remaining silent and looking very somber.

"You seem to be in a bad mood. Is it because of the little incident at the auction?"

The penguin shook its head, "To help you solve your problems—"

"Please allow me to recommend a brand-new service that our bank is currently testing!"

"...A brand new business?" The major frowned.

"Yes, our bank can provide 'bang bang proxy' service, which will send out the corresponding thugs for you, and you only need to pay a small amount of money."

"If you're willing to pay, you can even hire me to work for you!"

The penguin bowed slowly to the major, its endearing and honest appearance quite charming.

"—All you need to do is pay with all the anger you have for the rest of your life." All...anger?
"No, no need!"

The major immediately waved his hand without hesitation.

It sounds like a devil's deal.

Dealing with these mysterious "monsters" certainly requires extreme caution.

but……

"Before I came here, I heard some rumors about your bank from various places."

The major carefully considered his words:

"So, I'd like to know, besides this so-called 'Bang Bang boosting' service, did you provide similar or even better services to that VIP number 22?"

"—Of course, there's no problem with compensation for this news."

As he spoke, the major took out five ashes and handed them to the penguin in a very friendly manner.

The mysterious auction house, situated in the Ghost Market, has an elusive origin and is avoided by everyone.

But it is also infamous.

These penguin plush toys of dubious origin are all about money and have absolutely no business integrity!

Examples of them ripping off all customers while leaving no room for criticism are commonplace.

Since it can recommend "Boom Bots boosting" services to itself—

That doesn't necessarily mean there isn't a corresponding "xx escort" service!

Making money from both ends of a business, fully exploiting everyone's value... The major knows this all too well.

Right now, that fat penguin auctioneer is probably right next door, promoting something to that nouveau riche number 22!
"No, we cannot disclose customer information."

The penguin ignored the five grains of ash the major offered and slightly raised its head.
You are questioning my professional ethics!

"...And you have absolutely no intention of purchasing our services, is that right?"

It gave the major a meaningful look:
Are you sure? Really don't want to reconsider?

The major's heart skipped a beat, and he tentatively asked:

"...So, how much does a Level 5 Extraordinary 'Boom Boom Boost' cost?"

"Cheng Hui, 1266 ashes!"

Upon hearing this, the penguin regained its enthusiasm, flapping its wings excitedly.

"We will dispatch an invincible Level 5 'Green Giant Goose' for you, majestic and powerful, to fulfill all your requirements!"

"--How many?"

The major was stunned, then decisively refused:

"No, no need!"

1266 Ashes!
Shameless businessman!
—Without prior agreement, the major silently cursed the same words as Bai Zhou next door.

So much money!

We can provide him with five production lines for "talent"!
We can hire four top-ranked Level 4 'artists' in the Art Club!
They can even hire two level 5 "painters," and no one is invincible!

The notoriously expensive and ruthless assassin group suddenly became benevolent when they were in front of the auction house.

It suddenly became honest and fair, offering high-quality products at low prices.

"I have other things to attend to, so I'll be going now."

He raised his hand and picked up the things he had bought.
The major immediately called over Edward Monk, who had been silent all along, and fled the room as if escaping.

"Sir! Sir!"

The penguins called out in vain from behind.

But the major's figure had already disappeared from his sight.

With its enthusiasm waning, the penguin's eyes glazed over, then quickly began to gleam faintly.

"You've come all this way and you're not planning to spend any money..."

It muttered softly:

You'll regret this!

"..."

Stepping outside, I walked past the buildings.
The major looked at [Monk] beside him:
"According to the auction house's practice, he should have also offered a similar service to customer number 22 at the same price."

“Level 4 extraordinary individuals are nothing to worry about, but what if a level 5 penguin were to provide close escort…”

The major's voice was filled with worry:
"Although he probably can't afford it, that kid is unfathomable in this area."

"We need to consider this possibility."

As for higher?

In every sense, no one can afford that price.

Not to be considered.

[Monk] lowered his head and murmured:

"what do you mean……"

"You should know that thing is very important to me."

The major patted Monk on the shoulder, his deep voice brooking no refusal:

"I must get that, and I'll do anything to achieve it!"

[Monk] remained silent for a moment, then finally nodded:
"……I see."

He possesses a secret technique that allows him to temporarily separate enemies from the current battlefield and exile them to a special realm along with him.

If he pays a huge price, burning out all his spirituality and operating at overload, even a Level 5 Extraordinary would be taken away and held back by him.

—At that time, the auctioneer number 22 will naturally be at the major's mercy.

As for his efforts and losses...

"After it's done, an extraordinary weapon."

The major made his promise, his words firm and resolute:

"I never mistreat anyone who does something for me!"

……

I hurried through the backstage corridor.

As I passed backstage room number 22, I saw the door was tightly closed...

The major revealed a meaningful, satisfied smile beneath his cloak.

As expected, the final transaction process has not yet been completed.

The person is still alive.

We're rushing as fast as we can, getting ahead of everyone else, all for this moment.

They walked all the way to the outside of the building, through the shadows, to the wall where the ghost market and the auction house met.

The major and Monk lay in ambush, quietly waiting for the moment their prey would emerge.

Not long after——

A unique figure, dressed in a cloak reminiscent of a mass grave real estate development, emerged from the shadows, walking hurriedly and cautiously glancing around.

Beside him stood a tall figure, also cloaked, guarding him.

"As expected, his worst fears came true... He hired an escort."

The major grunted, then looked to his side.

"Do it!"

[Monk] rose up in response.

"Run swiftly through the vibrant life."

But eventually, we had to return to the other side of the cliff—

That's the path you were destined for.
You have to leave whether you want to or not.

Singing, stepping forward.

A colorful field unfolded, stretching from [Monk]'s feet all the way to the tall figure draped in a cloak.

"Enjoy my paintings..."

"—Just you and me!"

The moment the words fell,
The colorful lines transformed into dazzling streams of light.

The two of them vanished from the spot at the same time, their whereabouts unknown.

"No one can take my things away from me."

The major has arrived.

With so many people around and so much attention, and time running out... [Munk] can't hold out for long.

Therefore, he had no time for unnecessary chatter with the dead.

A flash of sword light—

The figure clad in a mysterious real estate cloak collapsed to the ground.

A bewildered head was tossed high into the air.

He only had time to unleash his full spiritual power before he was beheaded by a single sword strike, completely powerless to resist.

"I told you so..."

A smile appeared on the major's face.

"Gululu..."

The severed head rolled to the major's feet, where the major looked down and saw it clearly.

Yes--

A child, eyes wide open, unable to believe he had died just like that...

Penguin head.

"?"

The major's smile vanished, and his expression froze.

Where is bidder number 22?

Just wondering.

The black "real estate" cloak vanished suddenly, revealing the headless corpse in its true form.

The half of the round penguin's body was still warm.

The tiny penguin was much smaller than the penguin auctioneer and two sizes smaller than a level 5 penguin.

...Recalling the intensity of the spirituality that the penguin displayed before its death.

Clearly, he's only equivalent to a Level 3 Extraordinary!
Where did this Level 3 penguin come from?!
Where is that kid?!

It seems like he's thought of something...

The major's expression suddenly changed drastically.

Did they kill an auction house employee in the ghost market?
……not good!
He only had time to utter a low shout:
"Fell into a trap!"

The next moment——

Under everyone's feet,
A tremendous tremor resounded through the ghost market.

(End of this chapter)