The royal capital of the Kaliya Empire, named Marble City.
This was the land of supreme royal power, with vast city walls divided into six major regions surrounding the palace, and coming out of the underground city, they arrived at the western auction market.
Yuxiaoxiao wore a simple cotton long dress, her long hair casually tied at the back of her head.
Residents of various races were on the neatly planned streets.
There were many stalls in the auction market.
At midday, it was the most lively time, with many people bringing their "treasures" to trade with the store owners.
The slime walked beside the girl.
It introduced, "There are three auction markets like Marble City, stationed in various road fortresses. Judging by the ratio of gold and silver, we will definitely be able to exchange a lot of money this time."
There are many pedestrians on the street.
In front of many shops, there are crowds of customers. They are queuing, either buying or selling.
There are also some casually dressed individuals squatting in the shade, watching the people coming and going.
In front of a certain statue,
a young boy is leaning against the sculpture, nibbling on a red apple in his hand.
He suddenly spotted Yu Xiaoxiao in the crowd—
She was wearing an ordinary dress, with exquisite features and particularly outstanding skin color.
His eyes lit up slightly.
After quickly finishing the remaining apple, he wiped his hands and walked towards Yu Xiaoxiao.
"Hello, beautiful miss." He stood in front of Yu Xiaoxiao, blocking her path.
"Hello." Yu Xiaoxiao looked at him.
The young boy was not very old, about eleven or twelve years old. His reddish-brown skin, when smiling, revealed a particularly prominent pair of incisors.
"Are you here to buy something? I have something very good. Would you like to take a look?"
Without giving Yu Xiaoxiao a chance to refuse, the young boy directly took off the thing he was carrying on his back.
When unfolded, it was a dark carpet.
Unlike ordinary carpets, it could fly in mid-air.
The young boy pitched, "This is no ordinary flying carpet. It has been washed with special magic. When night falls, it can carry people to leap over the Ellis Tower."
Yu Xiaoxiao didn't know what the Ellis Tower was.
But it sounded impressive.
A slime sneered, "You little rascal, trying to deceive people with a mere carpet?"
Finishing, it looked at Yu Xiaoxiao and explained, "The Ellis Tower is the highest place in Maborcheng."
"Although its height can be seen with the naked eye, when someone really wants to fly up, they will find that there is never an end there."
The Ellis Tower.
It's a place that can never be reached.
For the Kalia Empire, it is like a guardian of the country.
At the bottom of the tower is a huge gate that even the strongest warriors cannot push open.
No one knows what's inside the tower.
Before the abandoned underground city, the tower existed. It wasn't constructed by the hardworking and intelligent people of the Asstar, but appeared out of thin air one day.
For so many years, it has stood quietly in the east of Maborcheng.
No matter how many wizards are sent, wanting to fly to the top to take a look, they eventually give up due to exhaustion.
Because, the distance one sees with the naked eye is extremely far when you actually pursue it.
Just like a distant sun.
So, the people of Asstar gave it a new name—the Tower of the Sun.
And Maborcheng is often called the City of the Sun.
Perhaps because of the long time, there are increasingly more legends about this tower.
The most widely known one is that only the chosen ones can ascend to the top floor of the tower.
If someone can soar over Ellis with their own strength, they will receive the blessings of the gods.
For this reason, the aliens who come to Maborcheng all want to try the so-called highest building in the White River Galaxy to see how magical it really is.
For thousands of years, no one has been able to break through.
The little boy said without changing his expression, "This flying carpet was handcrafted by the greatest wizard. It is completely different from an ordinary flying carpet. If it weren't for a little difficulty in life, I wouldn't sell such a precious item to you. To be honest, the most powerful wizard in the Asstar Universe is my father."
The slime: "..."
Even the greatest wizard has been brought out. Kids these days really dare to tell all sorts of lies.
"Xiaoxiao, don't mind him, he's just a scammer," the slime said, trying to take her away.
But the girl asked, "How much?"
The slime was stunned, and it quickly said, "Xiaoxiao, don't buy it, the flying carpet must be fake!"
The young boy held up three fingers and said, "It's not expensive. I only want 300,000 gold coins."
"I don't have that much money," Yu Xiaoxiao said directly, "But, I can offer you a deal."
"A deal?" The little boy subtly took a step back and put away the flying carpet, saying, "I'm sorry, this flying carpet is the only one in the universe. If you don't want it, someone else will."
"Victor, give him the address," Yu Xiaoxiao didn't insist on the flying carpet. She said softly, "If you want to find work, you can come and see us."
The slime hesitated and fumbled out a small card.
It pretended to be aloof and said, "Take it, this is the entrance to our underground city. With this, you can report to the Five Star Tavern."
"Underground city?" The young boy was stunned.
He thought of the recent rumors in the city and suddenly realized, "It's you!"
The slime stuffed the card into his hand.
Turning around, it pulled Xiao Xiao and left.
The young boy, holding his flying carpet, looked at the black card in his hand. Apart from the shining words "underground city," there was only a simple address—
Central area of the underground city, Western C11 District, No. 013.
The newly appointed steward of the underground city is an alien girl.
The young boy turned back and quickly saw the hem of her skirt being concealed by the crowd, thinking of the faint smile on the girl's face, feeling complex.
—As everyone knows, the steward of the underground city is a very dangerous position.
Even though this business didn't work out, it would still be a pity if such a beautiful girl did not live long.
Forget it.
He had been in Marble City for three months, and the money he brought with him was about to run out.
If he didn't find a way to sell the flying carpet, he really would have no means of subsistence.
Wanting to find a job, but being rejected by all the shopkeepers because he didn't have a personal chip.
"Xiao Xiao, why did you invite him to the underground city?" The slime asked puzzled.
Xiao Xiao said, "From his skin color, he is a Class A human, right?"
"It should be."
The young boy's appearance clearly showed primitive characteristics, with at least half of his bloodline being of ancient descent.
"We need to find a way to pull him in."
"After the residential area is built, the most important thing is to have people come. He's a good template for publicity."
"Young in age, but with many experiences, and his eyes—"
Xiao Xiao remembered the young boy's eyes, which held many secrets, and she smiled, "He has a deep desire to survive."
"I don't think it will be long before he comes."
The young boy seemed calm, but the depths of his eyes, filled with **, were noticed by Xiao Xiao.
Like a starving young beast, still searching for food everywhere.
Even if he couldn't walk anymore, he was still trying to push through the thorns in front of him, and even when he saw creatures many times larger than himself, he did not hesitate to show his fangs.
The slime rubbed its face in confusion.
In its view, he was just an ordinary young boy.
No, he should be called a little trickster.
But— it couldn't help but smile, because Xiao Xiao really thought diligently about how to keep the underground city running normally.
And she really did consider Class A humans.
The further they went, the more crowded it became.
It seemed like everyone on the street had gathered in front of this old house.
In the hustle and bustle, the slime struggled to make a path, pulling Xiao Xiao to the back.
"This is the largest exchange merchant in the auction market. The host has a bit of a domineering temper and may not be willing to see us," the slime coughed softly, "I'll go ask first."
"But Xiao Xiao, it's probably best not to reveal our identity."
Even though there were magic users secretly protecting them this time, the slime still didn't want to stir up trouble.
The auction market was a mixed bag.
If they really encountered a super-dangerous thug, even a magic user couldn't guarantee the safety of the steward.
The slime found their servant.
After briefly stating their master's intention, the servant glanced at the girl not far away. Despite her calm demeanor, she exuded an indescribable air.
The servant quickly disappeared into the room.
Five minutes later, he came out and politely said, "My master would like to see you."
Xiao Xiao and the slime entered the exchange merchant.
In the crowded auction market on the long street, this place seemed different.
But looking at the scenery on the street, it leaned towards medieval Europe, with a touch of magic from mages scattered throughout.
The receptionist looked about the same age as Yu Xiaoxiao.
He said, "My master just finished a meeting and is on his way back. He said, 'If it's gold or silver bricks, we will take as many as you have.'"
As much as we have? That's quite the confidence!
Slime's face lit up with surprise, this exchange house is really powerful!
If we can really exchange all the gold and silver bricks for coins, the cash available in the underground city will see a massive increase!
Xiaoxiao just smiled and lowered her head in thought –
I don't know how much they are willing to offer, and if they will try to take advantage of us.
Turning her head, she could see a faint shadow flickering outside the window.
Thinking about the three great wizards who never left her side, she felt a little more reassured.
After about half an hour, the director of the exchange house finally appeared.
He looked weary from the journey and, upon entering the room, took off his overcoat to reveal a brown waistcoat paired with a suit. He appeared to be in his early thirties.
He said loudly, "I heard that a lady is waiting at the club, and I've been eager to return all the way here. Hello, I am the director here, Krikjin."
He was a well-mannered and elegant man, with a gentle and courteous demeanor that didn't repel anyone.
"Hello," Xiaoxiao shook hands with him and asked, "How many coins can I exchange for one gold brick?"
"50,000," the man said confidently, "The price I'm offering is unmatched in the entirety of Marble City!"
Before coming here, Xiaoxiao had done some research.
The value of a gold brick fluctuates between 50,000 and 120,000 coins.
The man still had a friendly smile on his face as he looked at the extraterrestrial girl in front of him. She must be some destitute noble to come here to exchange gold bricks.
How could she bear to part with something that could increase in value by just laying it down, if she wasn't in a difficult situation?
Now was the perfect time to take advantage, because if they missed this opportunity, there might not be another one!
"Director, considering the current market price, 50,000 is too low," Xiaoxiao said softly, "I brought quite a few this time, do you want to reconsider your offer?"
Krikjin's smile didn't waver, "Market prices are always changing. Especially in the Kalir Empire, the value of gold bricks may soon depreciate."
What could a girl of her age possibly understand?
Krikjin intentionally lowered his voice, hoping to make her budge.
The girl sat in the carved chair, gently caressing her teacup with her right hand.
Her eyes were extremely clear, like a spring, and her warm white skin was different from the women of the Kalir Empire, bearing strong extraterrestrial traits.
When she didn't speak, her features were extremely docile and adorable, making people unable to resist getting closer, regardless of which planet you put her on.
Krikjin suddenly felt a pang of guilt.
He had indeed bluffed and lied, giving the lowest market price.
Xiaoxiao thought for a long time.
Finally, she looked up, gazing at the man in front of her, and slightly parted her red lips.
The man thought to himself - she must be about to agree.
"Excuse me," Xiaoxiao stood up, using the local etiquette, she held up the hem of her skirt with both hands and slightly bowed, "Goodbye."
"..."
She's just leaving like this?
The man hastily spoke, "Even if you go somewhere else now, they will only offer the lowest price!"
The girl's appearance clearly marked her as an extraterrestrial, she would be swindled wherever she goes.
Xiaoxiao turned back and glanced at him, her pitch black pupils were as clear as young animals, but also held a hint of inscrutable expression.
She said lightly, "I have two hundred gold bricks in my hands, and there must be a director willing to exchange them. If not, I'll find some wealthy nobles, they should be very willing."
"Two -" The man sucked in a breath, "Two hundred bricks?"
Although gold bricks are not incredibly valuable, due to the unique nature of their purchase, few people hoard them unless they are super-rich tycoons.
Moreover, her age - she's an adult?
He originally thought she only had a dozen, but didn't expect she had so many.
Thinking about the recent market volatility, coupled with the rumors of price increases, now was the perfect time to acquire gold bricks; hoard them for ten or eight years and they will surely rise in value.
He had been involved in various acquisitions, always offering the lowest price.
This time, however, he had encountered a seller not to be underestimated.
The man's gaze lingered on her. He then smiled and said, "Since you have so many, we can make some concessions here."
Pausing, he extended two fingers, "60,000. Sixty thousand coins for one gold brick."
The servant next to him turned around and pulled out a handkerchief to wipe away the sweat.
Two hundred gold bricks.
This is not a small deal.
Yu XiaoXiao shook her head, "Director, I came here sincerely to do business with you. But it seems like you don't welcome me."
The slime couldn't understand these words; it just kept counting on its fingers, eager for Yu Xiaoxiao to agree, thinking about those golden coins.
What if the other party backs out?
"How much do you want?" Krickin asked.
He saw the girl in front of him smile and say, "One hundred thousand each. If you agree, we can make the deal now."
"..."
The man's smile couldn't hold up.
He looked at the girl's clothes, but didn't find any familiar logos, even after staring for a while.
Suddenly, his tone became heavy.
"We can make the trade, but you have to show me your identity first."
He said seriously, "Forgive me for being straightforward, there are many space pirate thieves recently appeared in the market who have escaped from the alien planets. I don't know if these things are yours."
The servant behind him was very observant. Upon hearing the remarks of his owner, he had started to walk out.
Right now, the person was in his shop.
If she fails to show her identity, he will resort to direct coercion. If things escalate, she will be in more trouble. In general, most people choose to endure quietly.
The slime frowned and said, "The exchange bureau is also getting into the chip business?"
"Maintaining the empire's order is everyone's responsibility."
No business without dishonesty.
Yu Xiaoxiao had prepared for the worst from the beginning.
She said, "I know what you are 'concerned' about, but I still want to remind you -"
"Even if you find out my identity, you can't do anything to me, but you will be in trouble."
"You will not only lose this big deal, but also may attract unwanted attention."
Yu Xiaoxiao took a step back and said, "Victor."
The slime immediately understood Yu Xiaoxiao's meaning, and it said, "My lady is leaving now. I advise you to remove the few rats at the door. Otherwise, you will be responsible for the consequences."
The man could no longer smile.
His exchange bureau was one of the best in the west, and today, he was going to attend a high-level auction meeting.
Looking at his medals, they almost covered the entire wall.
If we talk about royalty, he also had connections.
His precious daughter is about to marry the nephew of Count Arthur.
Thinking of this, a gloomy look appeared on his face, staring fiercely at the girl's departing figure.
The servant asked, "Should, should we stop her?"
"Don’t act rashly until her identity is investigated," the man calmed himself a bit, sat down, and picked up his cup of tea.
Carrying two hundred gold bricks, she could be a thief, or she could be a noble descendant.
Looking at her demeanor, the possibility of a fallen noble was the greatest.
Originally he just wanted to scare her, but she didn't do as he expected and obediently comply.
How could someone who looks so weak actually be resistant?
"Send someone to follow her for twenty-four hours, find out any clues, and report back promptly," the man drank a sip of tea, immediately spat it out, showing a disgusted expression on his face.
"Is this for drinking?!"
"Director, due to the problem with the previous capital flow, we had to temporarily use other tea leaves instead."
The man put the teacup heavily on the table - "I shouldn't have let that fat sheep go so easily."
At this moment, the servant outside came in.
"Director, that young lady has approached another exchange merchant; it seems like they have reached an agreement."
"?!" The man was both shocked and angry. He immediately stood up, incredulously staring at the servant, "With whom?!"
This deal of twenty million gold coins, who would casually decide on it?!
The servant whispered, "With your archenemy, Raff."
"How much?"
"Ten thousand."
"How could Raff, a stingy man, possibly cooperate with someone of unknown origin?!"
The man became jealous and his eyes turned red. If he had agreed at that time, the gold brick would have been his! What does it matter what her identity is, as long as he has the gold brick in his hands!
"They seemed to have mentioned you. Maybe that's why Raf agreed so readily," the attendant said apologetically.
"Keep following!" The man was really upset, he had to know the identity of this girl who was so unyielding and hard to deal with!
The attendant looked hesitant as he replied, "Our people were attacked by a mysterious powerful mage on the way. We've lost track of them."
"A powerful mage?"
"Yes, he only made one move and all of our people fell. Judging by their level, he is at least super-powered."
The man's face turned pale.
He suddenly felt relieved that he had not forcefully intervened earlier.
Despite his greed, his rationality was still intact.
There were few powerful mages in the Kalier Empire, and each of them was highly esteemed.
Even though he didn't know how the girl had hired one, it at least indicated that she was someone he couldn't afford to provoke!
Yuxiaoxiao had no idea that the first merchant she met regretted it so much.
She just followed her initial plan and sold the gold bricks for one hundred thousand each. Now her personal account had an additional twenty million gold coins.
Without much hesitation, she transferred the money to the Yinei system.
The price of the gold bricks fluctuated.
Selling them at a slightly higher but not the highest price, the merchant could earn the difference.
She had sold only two hundred today, but obtained a large sum of money.
She glanced at her account.
Gold bricks: 1799.
The twenty million had alleviated the urgent situation, so she decided to keep all the remaining gold bricks.
When she fully understood the market...
She could definitely try to make a big profit.