Chapter 71: Departure from Serpent-Dragon Star

In the spacious reception hall, a virtual projection appeared before Jiang Chen.

A vast array of slave profiles materialized in front of him—meticulously detailed information covering appearance, strength, race, and countless other aspects. Of course, the prices were steep. A fourth-tier Stellar warrior cost twenty million Black Dragon coins apiece. Fifth-tier Stellar warriors were four times that, reaching eighty million. If one was a Mentalist, the price tripled compared to warriors of the same tier. Additionally, slaves from renowned races in the universe, such as the Black Mist Clan or the Dark Jia Clan, commanded even higher prices.

"Two fifth-tier Stellar Mentalists, two fifth-tier Stellar warriors. As for fourth-tier, I need ten—split evenly between Mentalists and warriors," Jiang Chen calculated his funds and made his decision swiftly.

With over ten billion at his disposal, Jiang Chen could have purchased eighth or ninth-tier Stellar slaves. But for his future plans, every coin had to be spent wisely; he had to be frugal.

"All Mentalists must be from the Black Mist Clan. All warriors from the Dark Jia Clan. Also, I need several slaves skilled in management and a batch of servants adept at brewing." Jiang Chen quickly listed his requirements. "This deal is worth several hundred million—there should be some discount, shouldn't there?"

The slave trade was lucrative and highly profitable, but individual transactions worth millions weren't an everyday occurrence. The manager's heart was elated, and he smiled, "Honored guest, within my authority, the best I can offer is a 2% discount. The price increase for Black Mist and Dark Jia special races will be waived, calculated at the standard slave price. Four fifth-tier Stellar slaves, ten fourth-tier Stellar slaves—split evenly between Mentalists and warriors—totaling 588 million. As for the management and brewing slaves, provided their strength does not exceed fifth-tier Planetary, and the number is under one hundred, I can gift them free of charge as a sweetener for this deal."

With just this transaction, the manager would earn a significant commission. Naturally, in minor details, he was willing to help Jiang Chen secure more benefits to ensure the deal was closed.

This was already a generous discount. After all, Jiang Chen's purchase was modest, not like Luo Feng in the original story, who bought slaves worth tens of billions in one go—so the discount couldn't compare.

Jiang Chen pondered and said, "Send me a batch of ninth-tier Planetary warriors and Mentalists as well, and the deal is done."

A look of hesitation crossed the manager's face as he calculated frantically. After a long moment, he finally gritted his teeth and said, "Alright. I can gift you one hundred ninth-tier Planetary slaves, including fifty Mentalists!"

A bonus of one hundred ninth-tier Planetary slaves, calculated at market price, amounted to nearly ten million Black Dragon coins—much cheaper than Stellar slaves, but the sheer number made it a substantial value. Still, as long as the deal was closed, the manager would still receive a hefty commission. If he quibbled over such a small sum and Jiang Chen switched brokers or companies, he'd get nothing at all. Between earning less and earning nothing, the manager knew which to choose.

"Draft the contract. I'll pay a deposit, and you deliver to the docking port on my schedule," Jiang Chen smiled, having obtained everything he wanted.

The manager smiled as well, handing Jiang Chen a tablet-like device. "Sir, please select your slaves while I prepare the contract."

Jiang Chen nodded, taking the tablet. Though the price and types had been negotiated, the exact selection was crucial. Even among fifth-tier Stellar Mentalists of the Black Mist Clan, those with different secret techniques varied in combat power, and age influenced potential. Having spent such a fortune, Jiang Chen naturally wanted the very best.

The slave merchant's inventory was vast. Jiang Chen compared carefully, spending considerable time to finalize his choices.

After signing the contract and agreeing on the delivery time and place, Jiang Chen transferred a deposit of several tens of millions of Black Dragon coins and swiftly departed.

Leaving the slave market, Jiang Chen entered a shop called "Treasure Emporium."

"Sir, may I help you? Our Treasure Emporium carries all kinds of goods—very comprehensive!" An unusually alluring young woman approached, polite and attentive.

"Why do these shops always like to have beautiful women greet customers..." Jiang Chen mused.

"I need some Violet Dew and Azure Marrow. Also, a few special materials." Jiang Chen tapped his arm's light-brain, calling up a shopping list.

Seeing the quantities on Jiang Chen's list, the clerk was shocked.

Jiang Chen's purchases were low-priced but astonishing in volume. For example, Violet Dew—a popular "beverage" among nobles—he wanted ten thousand tons. Azure Marrow, usually sold by the gram, he asked for ten kilograms. Even if the other items were less valuable, just these two made for a remarkably large order.

"The price for Violet Dew is ten Black Dragon coins per kilogram. Ten thousand tons makes one hundred million. Azure Marrow is pricier, nine thousand Black Dragon coins per gram—ten kilograms is ninety million. With the other materials, after discounts and rounding, the total is two hundred million," the clerk quoted swiftly, her smile growing.

Jiang Chen calculated. According to the store's listed prices, his intended purchases amounted to about 209 million, so the discount was just under ten million—a very generous reduction. These items had transparent pricing and moderate profit margins; the store relied more on volume for earnings.

"Alright, we'll go with that price," Jiang Chen nodded. "Can I get the goods today?"

With such a massive order, the store might not have everything in stock and might need to transfer from elsewhere.

The beautiful clerk smiled, "Of course. Our Treasure Emporium has ample inventory. Please wait—your goods will be ready in ten minutes."

Jiang Chen nodded slightly. "Very well, I'll wait here."

Shortly after, a burly man in uniform with a sharp horn growing from his head emerged from a corridor, handing a space ring to the clerk.

The clerk accepted the ring and passed it to Jiang Chen, respectfully saying, "Sir, your goods are here—please inspect them. The space ring is complimentary."

A standard space ring wasn't expensive, so stores often gave them as gifts to win customer goodwill.

Jiang Chen took the ring and pretended to inspect it, but in reality, had Babata scan its contents. After all, he didn't recognize items like Violet Dew or Azure Marrow.

Moments later, Babata confirmed everything was correct. Jiang Chen smiled, "Everything is in order. I've transferred the payment, so the transaction is complete. I'll take my leave."

—

At the docking port, in front of a silver-gray spaceship.

"Sir, my name is Patchia. I'm responsible for delivering your goods," a short figure, less than a meter tall with a vertical eye in the center of his brow, addressed Jiang Chen respectfully. "Please present your slave purchase contract number for identity verification."

Behind the one-eyed dwarf stood over two hundred slaves of varying physiques, more than half radiating powerful auras.

One hundred ninth-tier Planetary slaves, twelve fourth and fifth-tier Stellar slaves, and another hundred "ordinary" slaves skilled in fields other than combat.

If unleashed on Earth or any similar low-level planet, this group could easily wipe out the entire world.

"Here's the contract." Jiang Chen opened his light-brain and displayed the signed contract.

The one-eyed dwarf produced a copy of the contract and verified his own credentials with Jiang Chen.

Once confirmed, the dwarf bowed again. "Identity verified. Sir, please stand here. I will now transfer control permissions for these slaves to you. The process will take a few minutes."

"Go ahead," Jiang Chen said, standing still as the procedure began.

The dwarf produced a strange device and scanned Jiang Chen. As the machine operated, the two hundred slaves became dazed and their consciousness blurred.

Minute by minute, slave after slave regained clarity in their eyes, gradually recovering their senses.

After more than ten minutes, the device in the dwarf's hand chimed.

"Master!"

All two hundred slaves bowed in unison to Jiang Chen.

"Sir, everything is complete. Control over these 212 slaves has been transferred to you," said the dwarf, handing Jiang Chen a safe box. "Inside are microchips for the control terminals—one for each slave, which can be connected to an auxiliary light-brain for management. Instructions are included on a memory card inside."

The dwarf then carefully explained the methods for controlling slaves.

"Understood." Jiang Chen had Babata check the box, and after confirming, said, "I'll transfer the balance now."

With a few simple operations on his light-brain, Jiang Chen sent the remaining payment to the designated account.

—

The one-eyed dwarf smiled, "Sir, it is our honor to do business with you. I hope we may work together again. I won't disturb you further—here is my contact information. Should you need more slaves in the future, please reach out. I guarantee the best goods and the most favorable prices."

He handed Jiang Chen his business card and discreetly left with his subordinates.

After the dwarf departed, Jiang Chen surveyed the 212 slaves and ordered, "Follow me."

He turned and walked toward the spaceship's hatch.

"Yes, Master."

The slaves followed Jiang Chen into the ship. Some who knew each other whispered softly.

"That recognition process was awful—my head will ache for days. I wonder if this master will be easy to get along with. Hopefully, life will be better now."

"Whatever happens, we're with the master now. Best to do our jobs well."

The biochip's control over slaves was absolute; there was no possibility of resistance.

Rumor had it that this technology originated from the Mechanical Race, though the truth was known only to a select few.

What was certain was that for countless years, slaves controlled by biochips had never escaped—unless they broke through to Domain Lord. Otherwise, not a single one had ever broken free.

—

The spaceship launched, not toward Earth, but to another low-level life planet in the galaxy: Bai Lan Star.

Under Jiang Chen's orders, most slaves remained in the lower cabins.

Only four fifth-tier slaves and two others with special talents, though lower strength, stayed with Jiang Chen in the control room.

"You four, I don't care what your names were before. From now on, you'll be called One, Two, Three, and Four in order," Jiang Chen said to the four fifth-tier Stellar slaves.

He had reviewed their profiles when selecting them, which included their names. But names among the Black Mist and Dark Jia Clans were long and cumbersome, so Jiang Chen simply assigned them code numbers.

One and Two were Mentalists; Three and Four were warriors.

The slaves felt helpless, but under biochip control, dared not protest and quickly answered, "Yes, Master."

"From now on, you and the other combat-capable slaves will be divided into two groups with roughly equal strength. One and Three, you're in charge of Group A. Two and Four, you'll lead Group B. Group A's task is to protect my base on Bai Lan Star. Group B will accompany me back home. I'll send the detailed assignments later."

Jiang Chen distributed his new slaves accordingly.

Earth was relatively safe, shielded by Huyanbo's spatial secret arts. Still, Jiang Chen would spend more time on Earth, and those he cared about most lived there.

So, even though Earth's group wasn't as important as Bai Lan Star's base, the number and strength allocated to Earth were just as high.

"Yes, Master," One through Four responded respectfully.

"As for you two, you'll be called Steward and Brewmaster. All slaves of your respective types fall under your command," Jiang Chen said, addressing the other two.

The first, according to merchant profiles, resembled a fantasy goblin: less than a meter tall, with pointed ears, green skin, and elderly features—he was an excellent manager, skilled in personnel administration.

The other was equally short, but burly and muscular, with a beard nearly dragging on the floor—a master brewer, reputed to craft superb liquors from any ingredients and spices.

The former would manage the base on Bai Lan Star.

The latter was for Jiang Chen's own culinary indulgence.

Jiang Chen had considered buying a chef slave, but realized that Earth alone had countless cuisines while the universe's "delicacies" would be even more diverse—not all would suit his taste.

Some dishes beloved by certain races might be more inedible to Jiang Chen than the most dreaded dark cuisine.

With that in mind, Jiang Chen decided to recruit a chef on Earth rather than purchase one from the universe. If he ever bought one, it would be after sampling cosmic cuisine in the virtual universe and finding something to his liking.

(End of Chapter)