Lu Sheng paid no attention to the sales pitches for these slaves, his eyes fixed on the iron cages covered by curtains on the platform.

The auction has officially begun, and as curtains are lifted one by one, the atmosphere in the hall is gradually being stirred up.

For ordinary people, the price ranges from 5 to 15 primary crystal cores, depending on their age, physique, and appearance.

The price is slightly higher for those with superpowers; a second-tier one costs about 10 mid-level crystal cores, while those with superior superpowers can fetch up to 20.

"Is this price reasonable? A box of that stuff costs 50 intermediate-level crystal cores, enough to buy several living people?"

Zhang Xiaojuan was so astonished by the auction prices on stage that she clicked her tongue repeatedly.

"That's right, raincoats are a luxury item, like LV in the apocalypse. Even if they're expensive, they'll still sell. People are the least valuable thing right now," Xiao Zhu explained, unsurprised.

Sun Tiantian stared intently at the stage, waiting until the last cage, but she still didn't see Li Song.

"He is a third-tier ability user, which is a rare commodity in the slave market. Auction houses usually save the best items for the finale."

Seeing her anxious mood, Lu Sheng comforted her.

As everyone waited anxiously, the last item was finally up for auction.

"Today's grand finale is a Tier 3 Ice-type Ability User! Everyone, get your crystal cores ready, this is the first time a Tier 3 Ability User has appeared here!"

"A third-tier slave, a symbol of status and wealth!"

The auctioneer had been passionately and enthusiastically lecturing on stage for quite some time, and the atmosphere in the room was so heated that it felt like the ceiling was about to be lifted off the ground.

Most wild amateurs currently possess superpowers at the second level, a small number at the third level, and the fourth level is extremely rare.

Most of the superhumans circulating in the slave market are first- or second-tier; this is the first time a live third-tier superhuman has entered the auction.

Amidst the passionate atmosphere, Lu Sheng and the others were on tenterhooks.

Third-tier ice element, that's practically like they're telling you Li Song's ID number.

Sure enough, when the auctioneer lifted the curtain, Li Song was found bound hand and foot in the cage.

His hands and feet were bound by chains that suppressed his supernatural abilities, and his eyes were dark and lifeless. He knelt blankly in the cage as if he had lost his soul.

"A Tier 3 Ice-type official certified by the slave market, a registered soldier, physically strong and able to withstand hardship. Don't miss this opportunity!"

The auctioneer reached into the cage, grabbed Li Song by the hair, and forcibly dragged him to the side of the cage.

Li Song gritted his teeth and revealed an angry expression, and was immediately slapped several times with a stun gun by the auctioneer.

Sun Tiantian and Han Rui watched in horror, instinctively pursing their lips.

Li Song's condition clearly indicates that he suffered psychological damage from repeated electric shocks.

"I'll take this one, 50 intermediate-level crystal cores."

A lazy, arrogant voice suddenly came from the VIP area.

The auctioneer on the stage, with a fawning expression, squatted down and said in cooperation, "Young Master Lin has bid 50 intermediate-grade crystal cores. Is there anyone else bidding?"

"100 pieces."

A casual female voice came from the VIP area on the other side.

"Both major forces near the West Market have come together."

Xiao Zhu whispered to Lu Sheng and the others, "The man is Lin Xu, and the woman is Gu Die. Their families are evenly matched in the West Market area, and they don't like each other but can't resolve the issue."

"Didn't the Gu family lose several big deals recently? You still have money to buy slaves?"

Lin Xu swirled the wine in his glass, raised an eyebrow, and said mockingly, "200."

The crowd erupted in boos and whistles.

I don't usually have the chance to interact with such a big family, so it's satisfying to join in the mockery now and then.

"You don't need to worry about the Gu family's affairs. Instead, try to upgrade your pitiful second-tier ability."

Gu Die frowned angrily and raised her bidding paddle, "300."

"310 pieces."

Lin Xu seemed to be deliberately challenging Gu Die, bidding only 10 more crystal cores than Gu Die each time. After raising the price for half a day, they finally reached 600 crystal cores.

The entire auction hall erupted in uproar.

600 crystal cores—this is an unprecedented price since the establishment of the slave market!

"Forget it, Sister Lu, we can't compete with them. I'll think of another way for you," Xiao Zhu whispered, trying to dissuade them.

"You're the daughter of a second concubine, so don't try to put on a show of wealth."

After bidding 600 intermediate-grade crystal cores, Lin Xu swaggered up from his seat, slowly walked to Gu Die's side, leaned down and mocked, "You'd have to beg and plead for this kind of money in the Gu family, right? You're just putting on an act. Do you really think you're the young lady of the Gu family?"

Gu Die's face flushed red and then turned pale, feeling utterly embarrassed.

She indeed had no financial power in the Gu family. She had to apply to her family for more than 200 crystal cores, and it also depended on her father's mood.

She originally planned to buy this third-tier ice-type slave to please her brother and win him over, but that bastard Lin Xu intercepted it.

"600 intermediate crystal cores for the first time! 600 crystal cores for the second time!" the auctioneer shouted, his face red and neck bulging.

"1,000 pieces."

Just as the final decision was about to be made, a detached female voice came from the inner area.

"Has anyone...made a bid?"

The auctioneer thought he had misheard, hesitated for a moment, then looked towards the inner area and asked again.

1,000 crystal cores—he wouldn't even dare to dream of such a large number.

"1000, I'll take it."

As soon as Lu Sheng finished speaking, the hall erupted in an uproar.

"Who's this show-off? Do you even know how much 1000 crystal cores are?"

"Is he an idiot? Can't he tell the difference between intermediate and basic crystal cores?"

1000 intermediate crystal cores—this price is beyond everyone's comprehension.

Lin Xu looked in the direction of the voice and saw a pretty girl with a cool and aloof appearance. She casually raised her chin and said, "Little girl, an auction is not child's play. You have to take responsibility for your bids."

"Since you're pretty, I won't hold it against you. Just apologize, and we'll call it even."

Lu Sheng was too lazy to waste words with these people. He simply took out a bag of crystal cores and slammed it on the table. His cold phoenix eyes glanced at Lin Xu indifferently and said, "Either make an offer or get lost."

These were all gambling winnings she earned in Qinhuai City. She considered this ill-gotten wealth unlucky and had long wanted to find a way to spend it.

What's more, the system rewards her with a bunch of crystal cores every time she defeats a zombie, and now her space is overflowing with crystal cores!

She has so many crystal cores she can't possibly use them all!

Upon seeing this large bag of glittering intermediate-grade crystal cores, the previously chaotic auction hall instantly fell silent—you could hear a pin drop.

Turns out they weren't just showing off, they really are rich...

Lin Xu was dazzled by the white crystal cores on the table and almost choked on his breath.

600 crystal cores was the limit of what he could offer; he would definitely get a beating when he got home.

"Why aren't you going to make the final decision yet?"

In the tense atmosphere, Lu Sheng raised her eyes and stared intently at the auctioneer.