Presale exhibits were items displayed for viewing, destined to be sold at an auction after the trade fair concluded.
Items for sale, however, could be purchased on-site at the trade fair and taken away immediately.
Any for-sale items that remained unsold during the trade fair would likewise be sent to the auction three days later.
The piece of Oasis Mother Tree Resin that Su Ze had his eye on, while quite precious, had a passable annual yield. Thus, it was merely an item for sale and could be purchased directly.
"We accept payment in points from Evolutionary Technology or Life Pharmaceutical," the saleswoman said. "If youâre a member of our Oasis Commerce Association, you can also use our associationâs points. Of course, you may also trade high-level Evolution Items directly."
Su Ze didnât waste any more time and paid directly with his Evolutionary Technology Points.
âThis tiny piece of resin is worth a hundred thousand points!â
The saleswoman placed the resin in a sealed metal box and handed it to Su Ze.
She also issued Su Ze a membership card for the Oasis Commerce Association; his spending there would increase his membership level.
Su Ze wasnât in a hurry to absorb the resin. He continued to browse the exhibition hall, which displayed a vast array of goodsâtens of thousands of items in total.
After browsing all the items for sale, Su Ze didnât find anything else that could enhance his skills, but he did spot something he needed.
âSun and Moon Epiphyllum Honey!â
It was a natural remedy superior to Tomorrow Flower Petals, capable of significantly accelerating an evolverâs rate of digesting Evolutionary Material.
However, the price was also terrifyingly high.
Su Ze had already been planning to purchase this kind of natural remedy. He intended for his next extract to be a Tier Four, and digesting that would take a great deal of time. Aiding the process with only Tomorrow Flower Petals would likely take anywhere from two or three months to half a year.
He knew this from Mrs. Yun and Mr. Yaâs experiences; both had absorbed a Tier Four Grade-A extract, and their digestion processes had been exceedingly long.
Su Ze wanted to save time. âThis is an expense I canât avoid. I have to spend the money.â
So he splurged again, spending another 150,000 points on a large bottle of Sun and Moon Epiphyllum Honey.
âIâll need this sooner or later. Buying extra wonât be a waste.â
With that, Su Ze only had 200,000 Evolutionary Technology Points left.
He originally had 900,000 points. But between the recent purchase of the Sand Blind Snake Extract, various skill-upgrade materials, and now this bottle of Sun and Moon Epiphyllum Honey... he had burned through 700,000 points in a flash!
âThis really burns through money!â
Su Ze might have seemed to be worth tens of billions, but in reality, it was never enough.
Of course, few people spent as freely as he did. What other evolver would need so many high-level materials during their Cocoon Stage?
The saleswoman handed Su Zeâs membership card back to him. "Sir," she reminded him, "youâve met the spending threshold with the Oasis Commerce Association and have been upgraded to a Platinum Member. You are now entitled to complimentary food and lodging in the VIP reception area at our headquarters."
The Oasis Commerce Headquarters had accommodations comparable to a five-star hotel, but the rates were steep. For a member like Su Ze to have the right to free room and board was a nice perk.
Su Ze and Mr. Ya then proceeded to the center of the exhibition hall. Here, displayed in more upscale, individual crystal cases, were the presale exhibitsâitems all destined for the auction.
Comparatively, the exhibits here were rarer and more valuable.
Su Ze even spotted several treasures he recognized among them.
âThe fruit of the Tier Five Spiritual Plant, Qiankun Wood! It can be used to craft storage items!â
âThe Tree Marrow of the Tier Four Spiritual Plant, the Spirit Root Tree! It can extend oneâs lifespan!â
Seeing the familiar Tree Marrow, Su Zeâs heart stirred. âIf Mrs. Yun could consume some more Tree Marrow, her chances of breaking through to the Saint level would be much higher. She wouldnât have to rush things like she is now.â
But Su Ze knew its value was absolutely staggering. Especially at an auction, it was certain to fetch a heavenly price.
âWith the two hundred thousand points I have on me, thereâs probably no hope.â
Su Ze deliberately moved a little closer and confirmed that this Spirit Root Tree Marrow didnât trigger any reaction in his body. It seemed that even if he consumed more Tree Marrow, it would no longer be able to induce an upgrade for his Regeneration Body skill.
Su Ze turned his attention to the other exhibits, approaching them one by one to test for a physical reaction, but he felt nothing.
Finally, he looked toward the tallest, most conspicuous, and most luxurious pedestal, located right in the center of all the exhibits. On it sat a transparent glass bottle containing a single drop of liquid.
The transparent liquid looked just like water, but the placard beside it clearly stated that this was the main feature of the trade fair and the grand finale item for the upcoming auction: a single drop of Miracle Spring Water.
However, the area around the pedestal was cordoned off with barriers, and two evolvers from the Oasis Commerce Association flanked it, standing guard.
Su Ze couldnât get near it.
Nevertheless, he brazenly leaned forward, his upper body tilting as he tried to get a little closer to the water.
âThe closer I get, the more likely it is to trigger a physical reaction.â
Su Zeâs actions quickly drew the gazes of the two security guards.
Su Ze didnât shrink back at all. Instead, he asked, "Can I get a little closer to see it?"
The two guards exchanged a look, uncertain how to proceed. Su Ze didnât look like a thief or a robber; he seemed to be driven by pure curiosity. Besides, many of the attendees were distinguished guests of the Oasis Commerce Association, and the two guards didnât dare to cause offense.
But this Miracle Spring Water was extremely precious, and they didnât have the authority to make that call.
Just as the two were hesitating, Su Zeâs eyes suddenly lost their focus.
His heart began to race. An instinct was driving him, compelling him to get closer to the water!
âThis attraction... Itâs the same feeling I had when I encountered the Tier Four Coral Worm Tentacles!â
Since he wasnât too close to the water, Su Ze didnât lose control and quickly snapped back to his senses.
He straightened up, gave the two security guards an apologetic smile, and voluntarily took a few steps back.
He already had his answer.
âThe Miracle Spring Water is a treasure that can upgrade my skills!â