Chapter 274: The Excited Mingde Hall
As the bidding war raged on, Ling Yun began revealing more of the mechanical soul beast's hidden details.
"Its core energy source is compatible with multiple types of soul guiding crystals, granting it endurance far surpassing that of devices in its class. More importantly, its internal combat module can analyze battle conditions autonomously. Even if its operator's soul power is limited, it can still unleash eighty percent of its full strength."
The words had barely left her lips when a youthful voice burst forth from the Mingde Hall's seating area.
"Grandfather! Did you hear that? It can analyze battle situations on its own!" cried Xiao Hongchen, unable to contain his excitement. "That means it can fight cooperatively like a real soul beast!"
Beside him, Meng Hongchen nodded eagerly, eyes sparkling with fascination. "And being compatible with multiple crystal cores means its adaptability is incredible! If we could disassemble and study it, we might even upgrade our entire soul cannon energy system!"
Mirror Red Dust drew a deep breath, visibly containing his exhilaration. Still, his clenched fists betrayed the storm in his heart.
"Don't worry," he said finally, his tone full of conviction. "I understand its value. The puppet we purchased from the Star Auction Pavilion last time greatly accelerated our soul tool research. But this mechanical soul beast—this will bring even greater revelations."
He turned to Emperor Xu Tiannan, expression resolute. "Your Majesty, this item must be ours."
"With it, the Sun and Moon Empire's soul tool army will undergo a complete transformation. Imagine it—a thousand mechanical soul beasts, each possessing the might of a ten-thousand-year creature. Who could stand against us?"
A glint of cold determination flashed in Xu Tiannan's eyes. His finger struck the chair's armrest sharply.
"I understand. Money is no issue. Even if it costs more than the Martial Soul Enhancement Card, this thing will not leave the Empire."
Across the hall, in Shrek Academy's section, the head of the Soul Tool Department, Xian Lin'er, adjusted her golden glasses, eyes burning with interest.
"Elder Xuan, Elder Mu," she said firmly, "the philosophy behind this mechanical soul beast's construction is exactly what our Soul Tool Division needs."
Mu En nodded slightly, gaze sweeping toward the aggressive Sun and Moon delegation below.
"Do your best," he instructed. "The academy agreed long ago—our soul tool research must advance at all costs. This may be the breakthrough we've been waiting for."
Elder Xuan added evenly, "But don't overextend. Save enough for what lies ahead. If the price becomes unreasonable, don't force a loss."
Xian Lin'er nodded in understanding and turned her focus back to the stage, her pulse quickening.
She could feel it—the craftsmanship of the mechanical spider far exceeded common sense. The subtle energy flow around its joints resembled organic motion. This new field of "bio-mimic soul tools" was untouched territory for Shrek.
The bidding climbed rapidly into a frenzy.
"Three hundred million!"
Xu Tiannan's voice boomed through the hall. His empire's future hinged on domination through soul tool mastery, and this was the path forward. Only by achieving absolute technological superiority could the Sun and Moon Empire stand unchallenged among all powers—especially against the Holy Spirit Church, whom they had recently provoked.
If such an enemy recovered and grew stronger, their very nation might face annihilation.
"Three hundred fifty million!"
Xian Lin'er replied coolly, though steel hid beneath her calm exterior.
Shrek's soul tool division had begun its journey late, far behind the Sun and Moon Empire. Acquiring this creation could change everything. It might even close the centuries-wide technological gap.
"Four hundred eighty million!"
Zhongli Wu of the Holy Spirit Church entered the fray suddenly, his voice low and venomous beneath his hood. "A weapon like this suits our creed perfectly."
"Five hundred million!"
Xian Lin'er answered decisively, Shrek's determination shining through her tone.
Mirror Red Dust frowned deeply. He had underestimated the allure of this invention. Seeing sacred sects who barely dabbled in technology joining the bid only intensified his resolve.
"Six hundred million!"
The hall erupted in shock.
Six hundred million gold soul coins—for a single construct. It was beyond belief.
Xian Lin'er's brows furrowed. The academy's funds were vast, but six hundred million neared their limit. She turned toward Mu En for guidance.
Mu En slowly shook his head. "We already possess the ninth-ranked soul tool we won in the last auction. That invention alone has pushed our research past three major bottlenecks. For now, we should observe their limit."
So they waited, the tension thick enough to suffocate.
For the next ten minutes, the war raged between Mingde Hall and the Holy Spirit Church.
Zhongli Wu bid without hesitation, each number rolling off his tongue like a blade. Mirror Red Dust, backed by the Sun and Moon Empire's unshakable resources, pressed ever forward.
When the price hit eight hundred million, the momentum finally broke.
The Holy Spirit Church faltered. With a grim snort, Zhongli Wu conceded defeat.
Only Mingde Hall and Shrek Academy remained.
"Eight hundred fifty million!"
Xian Lin'er's voice rang clear once more. It was her final, desperate push.
Mirror Red Dust exchanged a brief, knowing glance with Xu Tiannan, then nodded and raised his voice.
"Nine hundred million!"
The entire hall fell silent.
Nine hundred million gold soul coins—a sum greater than the annual tax revenue of a small empire.
Xian Lin'er fell still. She knew Shrek could go no higher. And Elder Xuan's earlier warning echoed in her mind.
With a quiet sigh, she shook her head.
As Ling Yun's crisp voice filled the hall once more, her words sealed the outcome.
"Nine hundred million gold soul coins, going once!"
"Nine hundred million, going twice!"
"Nine hundred million, going three times—sold!"
The final strike of the auction hammer rang like thunder.
Mirror Red Dust exhaled deeply, relief and triumph mingling in his expression. Beside him, Xiao Hongchen and Meng Hongchen clapped their hands together in joy.
Across the room, Xian Lin'er watched as the attendants carefully transferred the mechanical soul beast to Mingde Hall's custody. Her expression was tinged with disappointment but also quiet determination.
"Well, at least we've seen the difference laid bare," she said softly. "When we return, the Soul Tool Division must double its efforts."
Mu En nodded approvingly. "Do not lose heart. The ninth-tier soul tool we already possess holds immeasurable potential. If studied thoroughly, it could rival this mechanical soul beast in time."
His eyes sharpened faintly. "Truthfully, this hybrid mechanical beast may be even more complex than a ninth-tier creation. Owning it now might have burdened us beyond capacity."
"Sometimes, restraint buys greater progress. Focus instead on building our own masterpiece."
(END CHAPTER)
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