Pique had an expression like "Iâve already seen through everything," as if he was accustomed to this situation.
Zhang Xiaoman wasnât embarrassed when his thoughts were exposed. He immediately compared the information Pique mentioned on the Dark Web and found it accurate, which set his mind at ease. He nodded in agreement.
"Alright! Straightforward!"
Pique slapped the table and stood up immediately.
From somewhere, he pulled out a Crystal Key, projected a contract from it, and handed it to Zhang Xiaoman.
"Here, sign this contract first and pay the 200,000 for transportation. Weâll set off right away!"
Zhang Xiaoman froze.
"What transportation fee?"
Pique chuckled and said:
"Buddy, it seems this is really your first time dealing with this. Let me be honest with you, the extra 200,000 is for round-trip transportation; otherwise, you didnât really think weâd do the star imprinting here, did you?"
Zhang Xiaoman immediately understood; this place was really just a tattoo shop. If he wanted a star imprint, he needed a change of venue.
But what was the deal with the 200,000 transportation fee?
His question was soon answered.
Inside the Star Pattern Store was a small Teleportation Array.
Zhang Xiaoman, being financially robust, directly transferred 200,000 Star Coins and followed Pique into the Teleportation Array.
The surrounding environment changed in an instant; as he looked up, the dark little room had vanished, replaced by a vast and bright open field.
"This place is..."
Zhang Xiaoman was amazed by the scene before him.
The sky was bright blue, the sun was shining, and everywhere he looked, there were colorful flowers covering the hills.
He released his senses for a slight exploration and was astonished to find the flowers here were all Spirit Plants.
Even the distant mountains and forests faintly glowed with color, clearly hinting at extraordinary things within.
"Welcome to Pique Star, hahaha, wasnât the fare worth it? You donât see such beautiful scenery on Skull Star often, buddy. Iâm telling you, even if you treat this as a tourist trip, itâs worth it."
Zhang Xiaoman smirked. Which tourist trip costs 200,000 Star Coins? Even with a Teleportation Array, the cost shouldnât be so high.
It was obvious this guy was intentionally charging the transportation fee to increase revenue.
Zhang Xiaoman smiled and didnât point it out but instead asked:
"Pique, since your business is so big and you even have your own private planet, why not spruce up your storefront on Skull Star?"
"Hey, buddy, you really donât get it; anyone in our line of work has their own private planet. Plus, anyone who wants a star imprint will inquire beforehand. Those who understand donât need a storefront. Besides, the rent on Skull Star is so expensive; with that money, I might as well save up and buy another planet..."
Pique rambled on, but his hands didnât stop moving, summoning a group of little flying people with dragonfly wings but human shapes.
He whispered something to the little flying people, who flew into the depths of the flower fields and began picking the flowers there.
"Hehe, buddy, Iâm not bragging, but the supply of Spiritual Medicine on our planet far exceeds that of the official Star Pattern Hall of the Dark Spirit Association on Skull Star!"
"Look at these flowers; not only can I imprint the first three-star pattern on you."
Zhang Xiaoman was still casually observing the surroundings, but upon hearing these words, his interest was immediately piqued.
"You mean you can imprint the third star pattern too? Can you tell me the fee for that and how it works?"
Pique paused, evidently surprised by the question.
He thought for a moment, then pulled out a price list and said:
"Buddy, I have transparent pricing. Look, the first star pattern costs 1 million; I can finish it in two hours with my skills. The second star pattern costs 20 million; thatâll take about a month. The third star pattern is priced at 200 million Star Coins, and the time required is at least 5 months..."
"Hey, donât find it expensive; the third star pattern is enormously consuming. Even with my reserve of Spiritual Medicine, it requires a half-bowl of blood. Plus, spending 5 months imprinting the star pattern delays me from doing other business, so this price isnât expensive..."
After hearing his quote, Zhang Xiaoman appeared calm on the surface, but inside, waves of astonishment crashed.
Who knew the third star pattern would be so complex, requiring not only 5 months but also costing a whopping 200 million Star Coins? It was truly unexpected.
Recalling the Joy Reaper Teamâs average three-star pattern combat power, Zhang Xiaoman couldnât help but admire.
That team was indeed powerful. Without McCarthyâs final burst, not even with Ziwei, they would have stood no chance against them.
"Pique, you say if I wanted to imprint the fourth star pattern, what cost would be involved?"
Piqueâs eyes widened, and he quickly waved his hand, saying:
"No, no, buddy, donât joke with me. Even if I sold this whole planet, I couldnât gather the materials for the fourth star pattern! Plus, the fourth star pattern is only available for Middle Control Level and above experts; itâs not something you can casually touch. Also, for the first three star patterns, anyone without the corresponding strength trying to force an imprint is only courting death."