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Gu La's gaze lingered for a moment in the direction of the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy's rest area. His eyes held no provocation, only a calmness akin to looking down from above, as if he were assessing something.
This gaze fell on Xiao Hongchen, who was proud and arrogant, and was interpreted as blatant disdain and provocation.
"Hmph!"
A shadow of gloom flashed across Xiao Hongchen's handsome face as he snorted, "Does he really think having an Angel martial soul makes him invincible? My Three-Legged Golden Toad martial soul is not necessarily inferior to his!"
"That Situ Yu, despite holding the title of a Level Five Soul Engineer, doesn't understand the essence of soul-guided devices at all! Only someone like me, who designs and manufactures their own soul-guided devices perfectly suited to their martial soul, can unleash true power in battle."
He instinctively clenched his fists, his evaluation of Gu La already elevated to the level of a formidable opponent.
Beside him, Meng Hongchen clasped her hands over her heart, smiling sweetly, "Brother~ Don't be so angry. I think he's quite handsome! That composed demeanor is much more appealing than that little guy who faked six red rings yesterday. And Shrek has another one just as strong…" Her eyes sparkled with admiration.
Xiao Hongchen was defeated by his sister's infatuation, exasperatedly rubbing his temples, "Meng, can you stop being so lovesick in public? Mind your image."
Meng Hongchen rolled her eyes playfully, "Tsk, it's you who doesn't appreciate him, drooling over your metal lumps instead."
"You!" Xiao Hongchen was left speechless. If he were truly as "appreciative" as his sister, Grandpa Jing Hongchen might actually break his legs.
The team leader, Ma Rulong, coughed to interrupt the siblings' bickering and looked gravely at Gu La's retreating figure, "Young Master Hongchen, Miss, this Gu La… his Angel martial soul is likely not simple."
"Oh? Teacher Ma, what insights do you have?"
Though Xiao Hongchen didn't respect Ma Rulong much, he still gave him some face since he was the team leader and had extensive experience.
Ma Rulong spoke solemnly, "Although the Angel martial soul is powerful and top-tier, naturally countering evil soul masters, an ordinary Angel martial soul could never exhibit that… near 'absolute suppression' of holiness and heat. Even through the protective barrier, I could feel the extreme high temperature contained in his sword light."
He paused, offering his hypothesis, "I suspect that what he possesses is possibly the top-tier martial soul passed down from the Pope lineage of the Spirit Hall ten thousand years ago—the Seraphim!"
"Or perhaps a variant Angel martial soul with Ultimate Fire attributes. Only these two possibilities could explain the extraordinary strength displayed by his martial soul."
Meng Hongchen asked curiously, "Then why did Shrek release him so early? Aren't they afraid of retaliation from evil soul masters?"
A glint of insight flashed in Ma Rulong's eyes, "That's precisely the key issue! While Ultimate martial souls have boundless potential and are unrivaled at the same level, there's a well-known drawback."
"The compression of soul power leads to extremely slow cultivation speed. Ordinary top geniuses can hope to reach Title Douluo status around forty, but those with Ultimate martial souls often need sixty or seventy years. The three Ultimate attribute holders among Shrek's Sea God Pavilion Masters are proof of this."
He shifted his tone, speaking with a hint of trepidation, "However, the Seraphim martial soul is different. According to secret ancient records I found in the Royal Library, possessors of the Angel martial soul can purify and slay powerful evil soul masters, absorbing their purified sacred essence to rapidly increase their soul power without side effects."
"If this exposure of Gu La is part of Shrek's deliberate plan, it's possible they aim to push Gu La beyond Soul King within a year!"
"What?!" Xiao Hongchen and Meng Hongchen exclaimed simultaneously. Advancing from Soul Master to surpassing Soul King within a year was simply unimaginable!
Ma Rulong nodded, "The ancient records should be accurate. If that's the case… then Shrek's exposure of Gu La now is likely a meticulously planned bait operation."
"Using this Ultimate Fire as bait to lure powerful evil soul masters to assassinate him. Then… let Gu La hunt them under protection, or have hidden experts step in to slay those evil soul masters."
"As long as they successfully hunt one or two Soul Sage-level evil soul masters and absorb their purified sacred essence, Gu La surpassing Young Master Hongchen within a year would be no difficult feat."
Meng Hongchen covered her mouth, "Oh my… Shrek's schemes run deep!"
Xiao Hongchen's face darkened completely, all previous ease gone. He feigned composure on the surface:
"Heh, even if that's true, it's between Shrek and the evil soul masters. What does it have to do with us? He's still just a three-ring Soul Elder."
Despite his words, everyone in the Sun Moon team could feel the pressure emanating from Xiao Hongchen.
His gaze toward Shrek's rest area was filled with unprecedented gravity and caution, clearly regarding Gu La as one of the strongest opponents in this tournament.
Moreover, given their ages, they would inevitably participate in the next tournament, where both would be mainstays of the team.
Gu La was unaware that someone had imagined Shrek's plans to be so elaborate, though this was a form of political correctness in the Sun Moon Empire.
Most in the Sun Moon Empire felt humiliated by the defeat five thousand years ago and always considered Shrek Academy as their hypothetical enemy. It wasn't strange for Ma Rulong to think this way.
…
The Shrek group returned to the hotel to rest and soon received an invitation to a high-end auction at the Star Luo Auction House, a prelude to the upcoming soul master tournament.
Gu La was somewhat surprised and curious, "The Spirit-Carving Knife was already purified and taken by me. I wonder if this auction has anything good. Could the Ice Jade Emperor Scorpion soul bone and Snow Empress embryo have been moved up?"
After a brief thought, he dismissed the idea. Items of that caliber would undoubtedly appear at the major auction before the finals.
With a mix of curiosity and to pass the time, Gu La followed the reserve team members to the auction house.
At the Star Luo Auction House, the ceiling was embedded with moonlight stones emitting a soft glow, illuminating the circular auction hall below like daylight.
The air was permeated with a faint incense and the scent of wealth.
Soul masters, nobles, and wealthy merchants dressed in luxurious attire sat in tiered booths or scattered seats, conversing in low tones, their eyes fixed on the central auction platform carved from a single piece of obsidian.
The Shrek reserve team was led to a booth on the second floor with an excellent view. Wang Yan reminded everyone sternly to mind their behavior.
Gu La casually leaned back in a comfortable velvet seat, calmly scanning the scene below.
The auctioneer was not Xu Jiujiu but a middle-aged woman with lingering charm, her voice clear and compelling:
"Esteemed guests, welcome to the Star Luo Royal Auction House. Tonight, we've specially prepared several treasures to warm up for the upcoming soul master tournament."
"The first item—a Wind Shadow Leopard right leg bone! From a seven-thousand-five-hundred-year-old Wind Shadow Leopard, of superior quality, with the soul skill 'Gale Thrust,' significantly boosting speed and instantaneous explosive power. Starting bid, three hundred thousand gold soul coins!"
A piece of soul bone, grayish-green with faint wind patterns flowing on its surface, was displayed in a crystal case.
Bidding started instantly, with representatives from several medium and small families competing. Ultimately, a noble from the Heavenly Soul Empire secured it for one million one hundred fifty thousand gold soul coins.
The following items were all fine offensive and defensive soul-guided devices, valued between several thousand to hundreds of thousands, causing little stir. Gu La merely watched, uninterested.
"The sixth item," the auctioneer raised her voice, "a masterpiece from Mingde Hall of the Sun Moon Empire—the latest Level Four Energy Storage Soul-Guided Device, 'Energy Storage Bottle,' capable of quickly replenishing soul power for soul masters below Soul King level within a short time, a formidable tool for prolonged battles. Starting bid, ten thousand gold soul coins!"
The appearance of this bottle noticeably heated up the atmosphere.
In the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy's booth, Xiao Hongchen slightly lifted his chin, evidently proud of this item coming from Mingde Hall.
"Fifteen thousand!" A representative from a Star Luo Empire soul master academy was the first to bid. Though not of high rank, this was crucial for contestants. One bottle doubled their soul power, providing a significant boost for soul masters with high-consumption skills.
"Twenty thousand!" Another booth called out.
"Twenty-five thousand!" Huo Yuhao resolutely raised his paddle; his second martial soul's ten-thousand-year soul ring consumed too much, and he needed the bottle to replenish his soul power.
"Thirty thousand!" A slightly hoarse voice came from a corner booth, seemingly a representative of some underground force.
The price climbed steadily, ultimately secured by Huo Yuhao at an exorbitant eighty thousand.
Low laughter came from the Sun Moon booth, mocking the people of the Douluo Three Kingdoms for their lack of worldly knowledge.
Gu La glanced at the small metal bottle, shaking his head slightly.
"Inefficient, energy conversion rate less than 60%, and slow charging speed. Any portable soul power replenishment rod from later generations surpasses this tenfold. Antique-level 'high-tech.'"
Even without much study in soul-guided devices, drawing parallels, Battle Armor was the pinnacle integration of soul-guided devices. In his eyes, current soul-guided devices were too crude.
The auction continued, selling several rare metals of considerable value before Gu La acquired them. The auctioneer brought out an elegant rosewood tray, upon which lay a necklace.
"The next item is very special." The auctioneer's voice carried a hint of mystery, "This is an antique necklace from ancient times—'Heart of Verdant Wood'!"
"The pendant is carved from rare 'Warm Spirit Green Jade.' According to ancient texts, long-term wearing has miraculous effects of nourishing meridians, calming the mind, and aiding meditation."
"The chain is woven from an unknown exotic metal, extraordinarily resilient, enduring for ten thousand years without decay. Starting bid, one hundred thousand gold soul coins! Esteemed guests, this is a true antique, combining utility and collectible value!"
Inside the crystal case, the necklace was revealed to all.
The green jade pendant was smooth and translucent, exuding a faint life aura, indeed having a slight nourishing effect on low-level soul masters.
But Gu La's eyes were locked firmly onto the chain holding the green jade.
The chain exhibited an extremely restrained, nearly woody golden-green hue. Upon closer inspection, each link seemed to contain boundless vitality, a vast and pure aura perfectly sealed inside by exquisite craftsmanship. Had his spiritual power and knowledge not far exceeded ordinary people, he might not have noticed.
"Life Gold! And crafted by a top-tier forging master, drawn into threads and woven into such a delicate yet resilient chain without allowing any life aura to leak, slowly releasing it to nourish the wearer."
"This craftsmanship… remains top-notch even ten thousand years later! Though smaller than the piece in the Spirit-Carving Knife, its perfect form and internal energy make it easy to wear and absorb, its value incalculable."
Almost simultaneously with Gu La's confirmation, Huo Yuhao's body stiffened abruptly.
In his mental sea, Elder Electrolux's voice carried unprecedented excitement and urgency, "Yuhao, hurry, spare no expense to win it! That chain… is 'Life Gold'! True crystallization of life essence."
"It will aid you immensely in expanding your mental sea, nurturing and strengthening your soul essence, and even forming a second consciousness sea in the future. This opportunity is once in a millennium!"
Huo Yuhao's breathing quickened instantly, his eyes blazing with intense desire. He immediately turned to his companions.
His voice carried desperate urgency, "Senior San Shi, Wang Dong, lend me money! Whatever you have, it's crucial for me!"
Xu Sanshi was momentarily stunned but, seeing the anxiety in Huo Yuhao's eyes, handed over his gold card without hesitation, "I have over six hundred thousand here, take it."
Wang Dong, though puzzled by Huo Yuhao's urgency, also handed over his gold card without hesitation, "I only have two hundred thousand, is it enough?"
Bei Bei also passed his card, "Yuhao, I have another three hundred thousand here."
Huo Yuhao quickly calculated, managing to scrape together just over two million with his savings. By then, bidding had already begun!
"One hundred fifty thousand!" A fat merchant-like figure raised his paddle, obviously eyeing the nourishing effect of the green jade, fearing illness and short lifespan most.
Such nourishing treasures were both valuable antiques to pass down and beneficial for health, perfect for them.
"Two hundred thousand!" An old soul master bid, seemingly intending to buy it for a descendant. This was highly beneficial for children, nurturing their meridians from a young age.
"Two hundred fifty thousand!" Huo Yuhao immediately raised his paddle, his voice firm.
"Three hundred thousand!" The fat merchant was unwilling to yield.
"Four hundred thousand!" Huo Yuhao directly increased the bid.
"Four hundred fifty thousand!" The fat merchant gritted his teeth.
"Six hundred thousand!" Huo Yuhao showed no retreat, his presence overpowering.
This price exceeded the intrinsic value of the green jade necklace. The fat merchant hesitated, then shook his head and gave up.
Just as Huo Yuhao thought he had won, a soft, effeminate voice came from an inconspicuous booth on the third floor, "Seven hundred thousand."
All eyes turned to the booth, its curtains drawn low, concealing its occupants.
Huo Yuhao tensed, "Eight hundred thousand!"
"Nine hundred thousand." The soft voice remained calm.
"One million!" Huo Yuhao almost shouted, his palms sweaty. Xu Sanshi and Wang Dong's faces changed; this price exceeded their expectations.
"One million one hundred thousand." The soft voice remained tranquil, as if mentioning an insignificant number.
Huo Yuhao's face paled; the money he gathered wasn't enough.
At this moment, He Caidou's steady voice rang out, "Junior Brother Yuhao, I have another five hundred thousand, take it!" A gold card was pressed into Huo Yuhao's hand.
"One million five hundred thousand!" Huo Yuhao clung to this lifeline, raising his paddle again, his voice carrying the determination of burning bridges.
This price shocked the entire venue. For an antique necklace that "nourished the body"? Were Shrek people crazy? Or did the necklace hold unseen significance?
The soft voice fell silent for a few seconds, seemingly weighing options, ultimately not responding further.
"One million five hundred thousand! First call!"
"One million five hundred thousand! Second call!"
"One million five hundred thousand, third call! Sold! Congratulations to the esteemed guest from Shrek Academy for winning the 'Heart of Green Wood'!"
Huo Yuhao exhaled deeply, nearly collapsing from exhaustion, but his eyes brimmed with ecstatic joy.
Without explaining to his companions, he hurriedly told Wang Yan, "Teacher, I have urgent matters," and rushed out of the auction house like an arrow, eager to study the Life Gold.
Watching Huo Yuhao's departing figure, Gu La withdrew his gaze, his heart unmoved.
The treatment of the plane's chosen one was astonishing; even Gu La was secretly surprised by the appearance of new Life Gold.
"It seems Huo Yuhao still has potential to be tapped."
Gu La mused silently.
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