"Do you know him?"
Wang Tianhai's eyes were filled with confusion, clearly not understanding why Lu Mingming, a low-class slave from the slums, would be involved with the famous interstellar pirate group.
Lu Mingming realized she had exposed herself and shook her head repeatedly, showing a hint of embarrassment to cover it up.
She denied it, "I must have mistaken him for someone else. I thought he was an old friend of mine."
"Oh, is that so?"
Wang Tianhai mused, not showing whether he believed her or not.
"Whether it is or not, I must remind you that 'Star Luo Qi Bu' is the largest pirate group in the galaxy today. They primarily live by raiding and possess immeasurable wealth, enough to rival a nation. They are also elusive, and no one has ever been able to catch them."
Wang Tianhai looked extremely wary, staring at Lu Yan's private room, lost in thought for a long time.
"If possible, you'd best stay away from them."
Finally, Wang Tianhai advised Lu Mingming.
After speaking, he began tapping rhythmically on the wall to transmit a message.
Fortunately, no mistakes were made. Once the auction ended, "Star Luo Qi Bu" would be captured in one fell swoop, and then Lu Mingming's whereabouts would be interrogated.
Among the pirate groups present, excluding Lu Mingming's private room, the other pirate factions were like drifting duckweed. Now that they had seen the "Uncrowned King," it was like finding a backbone.
In the front three rows closest to the auction stage, an old woman with a skull-shaped hairpin, like a venomous snake, stood up and shouted towards Lu Yan in a hoarse, unpleasant voice, "Greetings. We are pirates from the Poison Tribe, and we are willing to offer our nation's treasures in exchange for establishing a relationship with 'Star Luo Qi Bu'."
With one bird leading the way, the rest of the people followed suit, one after another, making their offers with fervent eyes.
This was equivalent to the alliance leaders of history. If their pirates could also establish a kingdom...
In the incredibly noisy environment, the pirates eagerly awaited the desired outcome.
Lu Mingming, full of curiosity, leaned against the glass window, gazing at Lu Yan's familiar yet unfamiliar face.
He was clearly a quiet and meticulous person, so why would he be a pirate?
Perhaps sensing something amiss from before, after a brief moment of surprise, Lu Mingming did not resist Lu Yan's identity too much.
Although she hadn't spent much time with the people on the giant ship, she could tell from their usual words and deeds that they were not bad people.
Maybe there was another hidden reason?
From Lu Mingming's perspective, Lu Yan's face was always expressionless. His complexion wasn't as vibrant as usual, showing a strange weakness, and his lips were pale.
No one noticed.
Lu Yan remained expressionless, ignoring everyone's requests, and quietly turned back into the room.
He had only intended to show his face and transmit the news of his arrival to Sin City.
Lu Mingming was clever. If she accidentally got into trouble, she could ask for help from him.
Lu Yan did not accept anyone's request, causing everyone to sigh and congratulate themselves.
It was unexpected, yet within reason.
It was best if no one received any help. Everyone remained on the same level, still distinctly different from the great leader.
Seeing that there was nothing more to watch, Lu Mingming pretended to casually ask, "You are also pirates, aren't you?"
Wang Tianhai, who was contemplating the transmission of messages, instinctively shook his head upon hearing the question.
"Hmm?"
Lu Mingming let out a questioning hum.
Wang Tianhai was drawn back to attention and corrected his previous mistake, "Yes, we are pirates."
To prevent Lu Mingming from disbelieving him, he took out his identification token and pointed to the embossed floral pattern printed on it.
"We are a newly emerging pirate association. You might not have heard of our name. This is our first time trading here."
Wang Tianhai introduced himself in detail, afraid that Lu Mingming might have the slightest misunderstanding.
"Our boss is at the auction next door. I can take you to meet him later. Don't worry, our boss is a very good person, and perhaps he can help you."
But not for much longer.
Because Sin City would soon be destroyed.
The last sentence, Wang Tianhai swallowed it, not saying it aloud, fearing he might scare Lu Mingming.
"I see."
Lu Mingming continued to ask.
"Do you pirates do everything, like robbing and killing?"
This was a question Lu Mingming had always wanted to know.
Wang Tianhai immediately understood Lu Mingming's meaning and explained, "Not necessarily. In fact, there are many types of pirates. Like 'Star Luo Qi Bu' that I mentioned, they are too powerful. Even doing small jobs can leave a legend.
My crew is similar. We rarely commit major sins."
"Your boss has principles and a conscience."
Lu Mingming interjected.
While the two were talking, Bi Luo concluded her speech.
"Everyone has seen our esteemed guest. Now, please continue to focus your attention on the auction items. Today's auction will be absolutely spectacular."
Bi Luo gently tapped the table with the auction hammer, and the auction hall immediately fell silent.
In the center of the auction stage, ten large ceramic tiles automatically sank, and a gigantic iron cage slowly rose. The cage was covered with a red cloth, exuding an air of mystery.
"The first item we will be auctioning is – ten beautiful slaves from the Elf Star."
As Bi Luo finished speaking, she removed the red cloth covering the iron cage, dispelling the final suspense.
Several fair-skinned, beautiful, and well-built men and women, with exquisite looks, stood on the stage for display, their bodies barely covered by torn rags.
Their distinct elven ears added a unique charm to them.
Bi Luo introduced, "These are the most obedient generation we have cultivated using elven bloodlines. Guests can feel free to train them at home, or use them as dolls or for their addiction, which are also good choices. There will be absolutely no problems.
The starting bid is 7,000 Wouhe coins per person, and the bidding starts at 70,000 Wouhe coins. The minimum increment is one hundred. Bidding starts now!"
As the auction began, bids kept rising and never stopped.
"How pitiful."
Lu Mingming gripped the railing by the window, constantly telling herself: in Sin City, this is just a small appetizer.
"Where did they get the elven bloodline...? If the rulers of the Elf Star knew, they might go berserk. Those old fossils guarding the Mother Tree strictly forbid their bloodline from being passed on."
Wang Tianhai muttered.
Seeing Lu Mingming's unhappy expression, he patted her shoulder to comfort her, "Don't you want to watch if you're feeling bad?"
Lu Mingming refused Wang Tianhai's suggestion and continued watching.
The first auction item started with a good momentum, with the auction amount reaching 100,000 Wouhe coins.
It was purchased by the person in the front row of the seventh seat, a effeminate man holding a blood-red wine and embracing a maid.
Lu Mingming looked at that smug face and silently remembered his appearance.
After the first auction ended, successfully igniting the passion of everyone present, Bi Luo smiled slightly and began preparing the second item.
The auction items came on stage one after another.
Besides slaves, there were many other treasures, such as the precious medicinal herbs dug out like Aunt Shi and brought to auction.
This herb, when consumed, could grant eternal youth, which caused women to compete fiercely for it, eventually setting a new record of 2 million Wouhe coins.
"Thank you, everyone. I have acquired it."
Lu Mingming followed the sound of the voice. From a inconspicuous corner, a person in a cloak said thankfully, their voice pleasant and melodious, like a yellow oriole singing. Conversely, their hands were covered in wrinkles, completely out of sync with their voice.
After auctioning the herb, the cloaked woman quickly called for a attendant to help her collect the goods and leave. At the same time, several other seats received a signal and followed the woman.
"I fear it's a case of murder and robbery."
Wang Tianhai concluded at a glance.
No one paid attention to the commotion of those small followers, waiting for the next auction item.
This time, there was no stage. Instead, a thin, small figure walked out directly from behind Bi Luo.
A young shota, who looked like he was still in school, waved a jade bone fan in his hand, dressed in a black robe with intricate patterns, and slowly walked onto the display platform.
"Is this the auction item? Isn't it a bit too informal?"
Wang Tianhai was quite surprised.
"...No, he's not an auction item."
Lu Mingming recognized him; he was the young boss who sold information.
Was he here to sell information?
As Lu Mingming guessed, the young boss took the microphone handed to him by Bi Luo, and a piercing sound echoed through the auction hall:
"Hello, everyone. I am the boss who specializes in information in Sin City. I believe many regular customers recognize me at first glance. I recognize you too~
The piece of information I am auctioning today is about the rumored mermaid treasure."