After the money was collected for every name submitted, the official told them to wait for a while until all matters were calculated. It wasn't long before Tula discovered the location of the storage vault; he had traced the energy signature of the gold coins.
At that moment, Tula withdrew like a thick darkness vanishing into the night, slipping out to signal those outside to begin their move. He then returned to discuss the remaining balance from the sale of the "slaves" he had brought (his disguised soldiers) and the amount to be deducted for his purchases.
The official replied, "Sir, the total amount was 60 coins per person. After deducting the auction commission, the price is 40 per person. Please have a seat, and we will bring your money to you."
Tula offered a faint smile and said in a confident tone, "Can I take the slaves I purchased now, before anyone else?"
The official looked conflicted but replied in a hushed voice, "This is against orders, sir. However, since you are a distinguished client, I can help you complete the process quickly and in total secrecy
Chapter 26: Confrontation and Liberation
The official led Tula toward the cells where the slaves were being held. Along the way, Tula gave a subtle hand signal—a masterfully discreet gesture intended only for his waiting men. The official stopped abruptly; he sensed something amiss, as if the very air had grown heavy. He glanced around, scanning the shadows, but found nothing suspicious and continued, albeit with a lingering sense of unease.
Tula began inspecting the "merchandise" with a facade of cold arrogance, then started leading them away. However, before they had gone far, the official stopped him once more, his suspicion now bleeding into his voice: "Wait a moment... why have you come to take them yourself? Where is your master? We have never handed over such a large shipment to a mere servant."
Tula halted slowly, turning toward the official with a gaze of absolute frost and disdain. He spoke in a voice that was calm yet chilling: "Do you truly expect my master to come here personally for these servants? Do you believe his time is so worthless that he would spend it wandering through your storehouses?"
Flustered and intimidated by Tula's sheer confidence, the official stammered an apology and stepped back, letting them pass. During those tense moments while the official was occupied with Tula, his men had already begun unshackling the captives, moving with lightning speed and silence to liberate everyone while the guards remained distracted.