113: Auctions and Competition

The Trading Mall has two modes: direct purchase and auction.

The items Cheng Zhen bought before were quite common, so there was naturally no need for an auction.

However, the competition for this particular item was extremely fierce.

When Cheng Zhen saw this item, the bidding had already gone through several rounds.

〖Phantom - Ethereal Fox〗: 25 million.

〖Star River Ranger - Jin Nian〗: 30 million.

〖Red Silk Dance - Shallow〗: 36 million.

… …

All the bidders had blue titles, with one or two purple titles mixed in, which was enough to prove their strength.

Cheng Zhen also joined the bidding.

〖Snow Melt Ice Release - advertising space for rent (Eat Liuliu Plum When You Have Nothing To Do)〗: 50 million.

After the price was called out, it was quiet for a few seconds.

Then the replies suddenly flooded in, several layers deep:

—Holy crap, it's the advertising space for rent boss!

—Front row for a group photo!

—Oh my god, the boss brought a new purple title again!!!

The onlookers were all excited, leaving various messages when they saw the boss appear.

However, Cheng Zhen didn't have time to spoil his fans, because the auction was still ongoing, and people were still bidding against him.

〖Renovation Expert - Doesn't Eat Celery〗: 51 million.

〖Sword King - Emperor〗: 53 million.

Another person appeared, and the onlookers became even more excited.

—Huangfu Dong senior! Step on me!!!

—The person upstairs, please pull up your pants.

—What kind of equipment is it that these bosses are fighting over? I'm a student, can I have it for free?

Huangfu Dong?

Cheng Zhen remembered that this person was the one at odds with the Jing Ci Guild, and also currently ranked first on the New Talent Rankings.

Why did this guy also take a fancy to this staff?

Cheng Zhen was a little speechless.

That person had been at the top of the rankings for so long, his achievements were self-evident. Moreover, he was also a member of a large guild, so he certainly wasn't short on money.

If he waited a little longer, until the two guides were sold and the money was returned, Cheng Zhen could also compete with them. But the auction period for this staff was only three days, time waits for no one.

Cheng Zhen was a bit conflicted. Should he give up on this one and look at others, or borrow some money to compete?

With the guides, he naturally didn't have to worry about not being able to pay back the money, but he also didn't know what price this staff would reach…

Just as Cheng Zhen was deliberating, a message suddenly arrived.

〖Paparazzi〗: “Hello, advertising space for rent boss! I am the seller of that staff. Can I discuss a trade with you? If it works out, I can directly trade the staff at the price you offered!”

Cheng Zhen's eyes immediately lit up.

The staff had already reached 55 million in bids, and it was estimated that it could still go up a bit more.

If it was a direct trade, not only would he get the item, but he could also save himself several million!

As long as it wasn't too much trouble, Cheng Zhen felt he could accept it.

So Cheng Zhen and the seller added each other as forum friends and started a private chat.

〖Paparazzi〗: “Boss, it's like this. I was lucky enough to get this weapon in my last dungeon, but I also made enemies with others.”

“Fortunately, I'm a bit… cautious, so they don't know who I am. But one of them put a 【Follow Card】 on me. Once I enter the dungeon next time, that person will be able to follow me into the same dungeon.”

“I spent almost all my savings in the last dungeon, and all I have left is this staff, so I plan to sell it and get something suitable to deal with that guy.”

“But when I saw you also bidding for the staff, I suddenly had other ideas.”

“Would it be possible to ask you to protect me in the next dungeon? As long as I clear my next dungeon, the 【Follow Card】 will expire, and it will be difficult for them to find me. Can you accept this trade, boss?”

Cheng Zhen frowned and replied with some doubt, “There seem to be quite a few powerful people participating in the bidding. Why did you specifically seek me out?”

For example, Huangfu Dong, no matter what, he is currently ranked first on the leaderboard and seems very reliable. Why would he seek out a newcomer like himself?

The other party coughed lightly and said, “Because you are a newcomer who hasn't completed five dungeons yet.”

“Newbie dungeons definitely won't be particularly dangerous, and I don't have to worry about my enemies using dungeon mechanics or NPCs to kill me.”

“And… please don't take this the wrong way, but I pay close attention to rising star strategists like you, and I've seen some stories about you on the forum.”

“Among them, many people have expressed their deep gratitude to you.”

“Even the others in the confrontation dungeon are all alive and well, so…”

Cheng Zhen raised an eyebrow: “So, you think I'm kind-hearted and can keep you safe?”

“Heh, who doesn't like safety?” The other party chuckled twice, “Especially a boss with such a good reputation like you, it's truly a blessing to meet you!”

“But you also know that I'm still a newbie,” Cheng Zhen replied, “Newbies cannot use team-up cards to team up with you to enter the dungeon, and I don't think you can use the 【Follow Card】 either.”

The other party felt complicated, wishing he could shout: How can a newbie be so amazing? If you're a newbie, what am I?

But he just typed silently: “Of course I know that! But…”

“Although the items in the Endless Game won't work, my skill can!”

… …

Cheng Zhen thought about it for a while and still agreed to the other party.

Although the Jing Ci Guild had targeted him before, Cheng Zhen didn't think this would be their trap.

After all, that large guild had a lot of information, and Cheng Zhen had checked; he hadn't found any precognitive skills or abilities on their part. How could they know he would suddenly be auctioning equipment here today?

Therefore, the trade proposed by the staff seller was mostly a coincidence.

Even if there was a trap, didn't Cheng Zhen still have a strong backer? Asking Director Men for help with an investigation shouldn't be a big problem.

As long as it could be confirmed that the other party had no connection with the Jing Ci Guild, this transaction could be made.

As for that person's enemies…

Anyway, the request wasn't to fight to the death with the other party's enemies, just to protect him.

If it was really too dangerous to handle…

Then the boss could only pray for his own good fortune. In any case, he certainly wouldn't be the first target of his enemies.

Men Hao fell into contemplation after hearing Cheng Zhen's request.

Because he had also seen the staff's attributes, and they were indeed quite appealing.

“Hmm…” Men Hao was a bit conflicted, “I still hope you can be more cautious, after all…”

Cheng Zhen naturally understood his concerns, but Cheng Zhen felt it was worth a try. Men Hao could only say, “I will go investigate. For these next few days, you should focus on your classes and improving your combat skills.”

Cheng Zhen agreed to him and bought some intermediate strengthening potions to prepare for the upcoming dungeon.

After a few days, Men Hao didn't find anything amiss. Cheng Zhen then found a place and met up with the guy named Paparazzi.

“Hello, boss!” A guy wearing a hat, sunglasses, and a long trench coat greeted Cheng Zhen furtively.

How should one describe this person…

Although his name was 〖Paparazzi〗, from head to toe, he was actually more covered up than a celebrity sneaking out.

“Hello.” Cheng Zhen looked at the other party, unable to tell what he looked like at all. No wonder his enemies didn't recognize him.

“Boss, you just enter the dungeon normally, and I'll follow you in,” 〖Paparazzi〗 whispered.

There were all sorts of strange skills, so Cheng Zhen wasn't surprised and agreed to the other party's request, entering the dungeon.

This time, he did not choose to use a difficulty increase card. On one hand, it was to protect the boss and get the staff. On the other hand, he was also afraid that there might be a problem with this matter, and too high a difficulty would put him in a bind.

As he entered the dungeon, 〖Paparazzi〗's figure also disappeared with him.

Thousands of miles away, another person sensed the 【Follow Card】 activate, and with a sinister smile, also entered the dungeon.

… …

【About to join Dungeon: Deception Tavern】

【Dungeon Difficulty: ★ ★ ★】

【Participants: 4 people】

【Clearance Mission: Win to the end!】