Thinking this, Gu Beiri brought up the panel for Mare the Sheep.

[Elf: Mare the Sheep]

[Level: lv11]

[Attribute: Electric]

【Characteristics: Electrical Manufacturer】

[Qualification: A+]

[Skills: Tackle, Shout, Electric Shock, Electromagnetic Wave, Electric Field, Drafting]

[Custom Skill: Counterattack Shield]

The "Drafting" skill has been added to the panel. Mareep had already reached level 11 in the previous battle with Nose Bridge.

Although its proficiency is still low and its power is limited, at least it has learned it.

Some of the blind spots in the crackdown have been addressed.

"Well done!" Gu Beiri hugged the sheep and happily rubbed its head.

"Baa!" the sheep exclaimed excitedly, its body crackling with static electricity.

…………

At 6:30 pm on Wednesday, Su Wenya arrived on time to pick up Gu Beiri.

This time, she drove an inconspicuous black car and wore a simple dark dress with light makeup, a stark contrast to her glamorous appearance that night.

"Tonight's occasion is rather special, so it's best to keep a low profile," she said.

Gu Beiri nodded. He was wearing a dark shirt and trousers, which his mother had specially bought for him in town.

It wasn't expensive, but it fit perfectly.

The car didn't head towards the city center, but instead drove towards the old industrial area in the south of the city.

This area was once the industrial center of Linhai City, but with industrial upgrading, most of the factories have been relocated or closed, leaving only some abandoned factory buildings and warehouses.

Su Wenya parked her car in front of a three-story building that looked long abandoned.

With peeling paint, broken windows, and construction debris piled up at the entrance, the building hardly looked like a place for an auction.

"Is this the place?" Gu Beiri asked with some doubt.

"Come with me."

Su Wenya led him around to the back of the building, where there was an inconspicuous iron gate.

She knocked on the door three times, then twice.

The small window on the iron gate opened, and a pair of wary eyes sized them up for a few seconds before the gate opened.

Behind the door was a downward staircase, dimly lit.

As you continue walking, a bright and clear view suddenly appears before you.

This is a converted underground space with a large area; it may have originally been a warehouse or an air-raid shelter.

It has now been set up as a minimalist exhibition hall with soft lighting, where dozens of people are scattered around, talking in hushed tones.

In the center of the exhibition hall is a small stage, with a bar next to it serving drinks.

The air smelled of cigars, perfume, and a faint, disinfectant-like odor.

"Remember, talk less and observe more," Su Wenya whispered a reminder. "The people here are either rich or powerful, or... have some shady backgrounds."

Gu Beiri nodded, his gaze sweeping across the entire room.

He saw several familiar faces—well-known entrepreneurs and collectors in Linhai City, and even a retired alliance official he had seen on television.

But he didn't know most of the people. They had different temperaments; some were refined, some were rugged, and some were sinister.

Everyone was low-key and dressed simply, but Gu Beiri noticed that the watches they wore and the jewelry worn by the ladies were all exquisite pieces of considerable value.

"Wenya, you've arrived." A middle-aged man in a Tang suit approached with a kind smile. "And this is?"

"Uncle Li, this is my friend Gu Beiri," Su Wenya introduced. "Beiri, this is Boss Li, our host for tonight."

"Hello, Mr. Li." Gu Beiri nodded politely.

Boss Li sized him up for a few moments, a glint of shrewdness flashing in his eyes: "Young friend Gu, you have an extraordinary air about you. Are you a trainer?"

"Researcher trainee"

"Oh?" Boss Li was somewhat surprised. "Young and promising. A student of Researcher Wang Zhenhua?"

"Yes."

"No wonder," Boss Li laughed. "Director Wang has always had a sharp eye."

Please make yourselves at home. The auction will begin at 7:30.

After he left, Gu Beiri asked in a low voice, "Does he know Director Wang?"

"Boss Li is a prominent figure in the underground auction circle of Linhai City, with connections in both the legitimate and criminal worlds."

"Director Wang occasionally comes here to find some rare research materials; it's normal for them to know each other," Su Wenya explained.

The two found a corner spot and sat down.

Gu Beiri observed the people and environment around him.

Although this underground auction house is secluded, its security measures are very strict.

He spotted at least four security guards in plainclothes, and several others who appeared to be trainers, accompanied by smaller Pokémon—presumably for reconnaissance or surveillance.

The auction started promptly at 7:30.

A female host in a cheongsam walked onto the stage and, without any unnecessary words, began the presentation.

The first item up for auction is an ancient Poké Ball, said to be an antique from two hundred years ago, with a starting bid of 50,000 League Coins.

Several collectors bid against each other, and it was eventually sold for 120,000.

The second item was a rare fragment of an evolution stone. Although incomplete, it was full of energy and was bought by a trainer for 80,000.

Gu Beiri was shocked by what he saw.

These people offered their prices as easily as if they were buying cabbage.

"Don't rush, the main event is yet to come," Su Wenya said softly.

Sure enough, the items that followed became increasingly rare.

A well-preserved fossil of an ancient elf has a starting bid of 200,000.

A bottle of water said to be from the "Fountain of Life" obtained from a secret realm has a starting bid of 150,000.

There was also a fragmented ancient map marked with what appeared to be the habitat of a legendary elf, which sparked fierce bidding.

Without even guessing, Gu Beiri knew this couldn't be true.

There are many so-called legendary spirits, but are gods so easy to find?

This isn't the world of anime; gods are extremely arrogant.

Gu Beiri stared intently at the stage, waiting for the Power Gem skill disc to appear.

Finally, after the eighth item, the auctioneer brought out a specially made metal box.

"Next up is one of the few skill-related items up for auction tonight." The host opened the box, revealing a disc that shimmered with an amber luster.

"Skill: Power Gem, Rock-type special attack, power 80, accuracy 100%"

This disc comes from the Carlos region and has undergone authoritative testing. It has a 92% energy retention rate and is rated as having an excellent learning success rate.

A murmur arose from the audience.

While Power Gem isn't the most powerful skill, it's very practical, and this disc is of high quality.

"Starting bid: 80,000 Alliance Coins. Minimum bid increment: 5,000. Bidding begins now."

Gu Beiri clenched his fist.

The starting bid was 80,000, which was 48,000 lower than the official price, but the final transaction price may be higher.

"Eighty-five thousand." A middle-aged man wearing glasses held up a sign.

"Ninety thousand," another woman bid.

"Ninety-five thousand."

The price rose steadily and soon exceeded 100,000.

Gu Beiri looked at Su Wenya, who nodded slightly, indicating that she should wait a moment.

When the price reached 110,000, the number of bidders dwindled to only three.

"115,000." Su Wenya raised her paddle for the first time.

All eyes turned to him.

(Summer has 6 votes. Is it because I need to make up 10 votes each time? I cast 4 of those votes myself.)

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