239: Is this a tip? ! (Happy Lantern Festival!

“Host,” the System explained, “not everything is suitable for purchase in the black market. For instance, the super-tech weapon you need to buy is a peak-tier technological weapon from a Level 3 peak civilization. The people in the black market are not capable of manufacturing them. Their weapons mostly come from wars, are extremely limited in quantity, and are often overpriced.”

“Powerful weapons are a guarantee of Life, especially peak-tier technological weapons, which symbolize a civilization's strength and foundation. Unlike slaves, peak-tier technological weapons rarely circulate externally. Similar to major Blue Star nations, true super-weapons are strictly controlled by the authorities and would be sold at exorbitant prices in the black market. Therefore, for truly advanced weapons, it’s best to go through the arms trade market.”

“Of course, if you’re buying more common weapons, then the black market can be a priority.”

“Oh… I see.” Lin Yang instantly understood.

To put it plainly, the people in the black market are incapable of producing advanced weapons, so advanced weapons are not only not cheaper but actually more expensive.

As for items that can be mass-produced, because they are easier to acquire, the black market can be prioritized, and bulk purchases will be cheaper.

Then he looked at Mo Sang and re-asked, “Chief Steward Mo Sang, besides the slave market, is there a market for beast animals?”

This time, he added the words “beast animals,” which Mo Sang would surely understand his true meaning.

Indeed, Mo Sang no longer misunderstood this time, but instead said with some surprise, “Honored Sir, you wish to purchase low-level beast animals?”

“Yes, I have a bit of an animal collecting hobby. Whenever I go to a new place, I like to collect some unique local beast animals.” Lin Yang fabricated a reason.

“Understood, Honored Sir.” Mo Sang bowed slightly, without any suspicion.

After all, everyone has some special hobbies; it’s quite normal.

However, this time he didn't answer immediately, but thought for a moment before saying, “Apologies, Honored Sir, in Mo Sang’s impression, there isn’t a dedicated place in the urban area for selling beasts. If you need one, Mo Sang might require a little time to find a relevant service for you.”

“Oh? Do you not even have zoos here?” Lin Yang raised an eyebrow.

“Zoos?” Mo Sang showed a hint of confusion. “Apologies, Honored Sir, what is a zoo? The slave market is a large park.”

…Lin Yang was instantly speechless again by Mo Sang's counter-question.

After a moment of silence, Lin Yang sighed, “The zoo I’m talking about isn’t a slave park, but a viewing park for beast animals, where various beast animals are kept for people to observe.”

Upon hearing this, Mo Sang's eyes instantly changed dramatically, and his gaze towards Lin Yang became much more respectful, even reverent. He immediately bowed and said:

“Apologies, Honored Sir, I understand what you mean. However, the kind of beast animal viewing park you mentioned is only available to the imperial royal family and is not open to the public. Mo Sang’s capabilities do not allow him to connect you with the royal family. Please forgive me!”

As he spoke, he bowed a full ninety degrees and remained motionless.

This left Lin Yang a bit bewildered: “Chief Steward Mo Sang, what is this?”

“Apologies, Honored Sir, Mo Sang cannot provide you with the requested service and asks for your forgiveness.” Mo Sang said again, still bowed.

“You…” Lin Yang was truly a bit confused. Looking at Mo Sang, he couldn't help but say, “I didn’t mean to blame you.”

Mo Sang, hearing this, said gratefully, “Thank you for your forgiveness. Your benevolence makes Mo Sang feel honored and grateful.”

…Lin Yang almost wanted to roll his eyes.

It was just about asking about a zoo. If there isn't one, then there isn't one. Does this guy have to be so dramatic?

He even mentioned the Red Thunder Empire’s royal family?

What does a zoo have to do with the royal family?

He was a bit puzzled, always feeling that Mo Sang’s reaction was somewhat exaggerated after the topic of zoos came up.

This made him unable to understand.

Then, just as he was about to ask again, he saw a man in a black robe quickly approach, then slightly bow to him and say, “Honored Sir, hello. I am Ster, the Grand Manager of this market. I apologize for not coming to serve you immediately. Please forgive me. It is an honor to be able to provide you with the following services.”

“Chief Steward Ster?” Lin Yang sized up Ster.

He was wearing a full black robe, somewhat similar to the ancient long robes in China, and the collar of the black robe was embroidered with a golden crescent moon design.

For a moment, it made Lin Yang feel as if he was facing an actor playing an ancient person.

In such a futuristic place, Ster's attire made Lin Yang feel strange.

“It is I, Honored Sir. From now on, I will replace Mo Sang and provide you with full transaction services.” Ster said again.

“Alright, then I’ll trouble Chief Steward Ster.” Lin Yang withdrew his gaze. Although Ster's attire was a bit peculiar, perhaps it was his hobby.

“You are too kind.” Ster replied, then turned to Mo Sang and said, “Mo Sang, from now on, I will serve the distinguished guest throughout. You may attend to your own matters.”

“Yes, Chief Steward Ster.” Mo Sang responded, but did not leave immediately. Instead, he hesitated for a moment and said,

“Chief Steward Ster, Mo Sang has one more thing to report. The Honored Sir wishes to collect some beast animals for viewing, but Mo Sang does not have the authority to provide the distinguished guest with access to the royal family’s animal viewing area.”

“Hmm? Collect beast animals for viewing?”

Upon hearing this, Ster’s pupils slightly contracted, especially when he heard the latter half of Mo Sang’s sentence. His expression also changed abruptly, and his gaze towards Lin Yang became much more respectful.

His change in expression was seen by Lin Yang, who couldn't help but feel puzzled again.

Why did even Chief Steward Ster have such an expression when he heard that he wanted to collect animals?

He silently watched Ster, his curiosity reaching its peak.

After hearing the report, Ster immediately bowed to him and said, “Honored Sir, regarding Mo Sang’s mention that you wish to purchase beast animals for viewing, Ster also does not have sufficient authority to assist you. Please forgive me, but please give Ster a little time. Ster can request instructions from the Grand Manager, and the Grand Manager might be able to provide you with the corresponding service.”

…Lin Yang felt a bit numb.

It was just buying some animals, and it involved the Grand Manager and the royal family.

What is going on?

Buying slaves wasn't this troublesome!

Could it be that here, animals are scarcer than slaves?

Lin Yang was very confused.

After reporting, Mo Sang turned and bowed to him, saying, “Honored Sir, it has been an honor to serve you. This experience will be Mo Sang’s glory. Mo Sang will take his leave.”

“Oh, alright.”

Lin Yang instinctively responded, but then the System’s voice immediately rang in his mind: “Host, did you forget the important reminder? Give a tip!”

Hearing this, Lin Yang paused slightly, then immediately called out to Mo Sang again: “Wait a moment.”

“Honored Sir, do you have any other instructions?” Mo Sang’s foot, which had just stepped out, paused, and he instantly turned back to respectfully ask.

Ster also looked over.

“Nothing, this is for you, consider it a tip.” Lin Yang shook his head, then casually tossed a shimmering, multicolored star crystal to Mo Sang.

It was a star crystal.

Mo Sang, hearing that Lin Yang was giving him a tip, subconsciously caught the star crystal Lin Yang threw to him. Before he could even clearly see what Lin Yang had given him, he simultaneously said:

“Thank you for your generosity. It is Mo Sang’s honor to serve you. Mo Sang accepts it… Uh… Is this a star crystal?!”

The next moment, when he clearly saw that the tip Lin Yang had thrown him was a star crystal, Mo Sang was utterly stunned!

His words, half-spoken, came to an abrupt halt.

Looking at the glittering star crystal in his hand, Mo Sang’s eyes instantly widened, and his body stiffened.

And equally stunned was Ster!

The moment he saw a star crystal as a tip, his eyes were filled with disbelief. He instinctively looked up slightly at Lin Yang, his face full of shock.

This distinguished guest actually used a star crystal as a tip?!

Thank you, Brother Yu Sheng, for your generous reward. You’ve been too kind, Brother. Wishing you a happy and prosperous New Year, I bow to you!

Thank you to all the brothers and sisters who voted, subscribed, and became members. Wishing everyone a happy Lantern Festival!