Chapter 313: Ten‑Thousand‑Year Soul Bone and the Mysterious Soul Crystals
"As expected, the Star Auction Pavilion never disappoints. The first auction item is a ten‑thousand‑year soul bone."
"I wonder how powerful this particular soul bone is. If it suits me, I have to win it. Once the later treasures appear, their prices will soar beyond our reach. Only the first few items are within our grasp."
Excited chatter spread through the audience as the first item appeared.
Most knew from experience that the later treasures would be fought over by the continent's great powers. It was only during the first few rounds that ordinary soul masters could stand a chance.
"The first lot—a ten‑thousand‑year left leg bone of the Shadow Divine Cat."
Linyun's clear voice rang throughout the hall.
"It possesses the agility‑type ability Shadow Assault, capable of tripling one's speed while granting a stealth effect. Ideal for agility‑attack soul masters. Starting price: one million gold soul coins. Minimum increment: one hundred thousand."
The Shadow Divine Cat was a top‑tier agility beast, powerful enough to match a Titled Douluo in its prime and exceedingly rare.
Owning such a soul bone was the dream of all agility‑attack masters.
"One‑and‑a‑half million!" someone shouted at once.
"Two million!"
"Three million!"
The price rose quickly, breaking four million within minutes.
"Four million!"
The crisp voice came from the front—Zhu Lu.
Her spirit, the Nether Spirit Cat, shared lineage with the Shadow Divine Cat, making the bone a perfect match for her.
Still, her heart raced. It was her first time bidding in the famed Star Auction Pavilion.
Though she had attended before, her family lacked the wealth to compete for major treasures. But this bone was too rare—and too perfect—to let go.
No one around her spoke. Four million was already beyond what most would pay for a ten‑thousand‑year soul bone.
Dai Huabin gripped her hand and whispered, "Keep raising—whatever it takes."
Zhu Lu nodded, inhaling to bid again—
"Four‑and‑a‑half million," came a cool voice from the rear.
Heads turned toward a middle‑aged soul master they did not recognize, a confident smile on his face.
Zhu Lu frowned, but Dai Huabin stopped her. "Wait. Judging from his face, that might be his limit."
Sure enough, when no one immediately countered, the man's smug grin returned.
Then—
"Five million!"
Zhu Lu rose abruptly.
A collective gasp rippled through the room.
Five million for a ten‑thousand‑year soul bone—an astronomical price!
The man's face turned ashen. After a long pause, he lowered his card in defeat.
"Five million once, five million twice, five million three times!"
The gavel struck.
"Sold! Congratulations to this young lady," Linyun declared.
Zhu Lu exhaled with relief as Dai Huabin smiled proudly, ruffling her hair with affection.
Envious murmurs filled the aisle.
Few could so boldly spend such wealth for love—and succeed.
…
From the back corner, the Demon Empress showed no interest. Her gaze stayed fixed on the stage, waiting for treasures of true power.
This soul bone meant nothing to her.
Her focus lay solely on the later items. Having already broken into the hundredth level, she now sought only ways to push further.
Yet she had to remain cautious—every move mattered.
She didn't realize that the moment she stepped into the Pavilion, Jiang Li and the others had already sensed her presence.
After the Shadow Divine Cat's soul bone was handed off, Linyun waved her hand again.
This time, hundreds of golden crystals appeared on the platform, radiating pure, vibrant energy.
"The second auction item: one hundred Soul Crystals."
A warm smile touched her lips. "Each crystal contains soul power equal to one year's cultivation for an average soul master. The energy is pure and free from impurities, can be absorbed directly, and has no side effects."
"Whether human or soul beast, absorption will result in rapid improvement."
The hall erupted instantly.
One crystal equaled a year of cultivation. A hundred meant a century of power—even an ordinary master could ascend rapidly.
"How much? What's the starting price?" someone shouted eagerly.
Linyun replied, "All one hundred are sold together. Starting price: two million gold soul coins, minimum raise: five hundred thousand."
The hall buzzed even louder.
A treasure that offered such swift progress—truly worthy of the Pavilion's name.
…
At Shrek Academy's section, Xuan Zi and Mu En exchanged looks of astonishment.
There were indeed treasures on Douluo Continent capable of boosting soul power directly, but none so pure—or so plentiful.
The concept of Soul Crystals was something even they had never heard of. Clearly, this too was the Pavilion's creation.
As Ultimate Douluo, they could clearly sense the strength pulsing from each crystal.
If one were fully absorbed by a Soul Emperor, it could easily raise their level by one full rank.
Used properly, one hundred such crystals could sculpt a generation of new prodigies.
And since the Pavilion swore there were no side effects, their potential was limitless.
"We must get them," Mu En said gravely. "These will serve to train Shrek's next generation—especially Yuhao and his team."
"The continent's facing dark times. We elders won't remain forever. The future rests with them."
He sighed softly, determination glinting in his eyes.
Yan Shaozhe nodded. "Agreed, Teacher."
For those at their level, such crystals offered little, but for the younger generation—Huo Yuhao and his companions—they were priceless.
There was no reason to let a treasure like this slip away.
(END CHAPTER)
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