Chapter 321: The Excitement of the Demon Empress
The auction had reached its fever pitch.
The bidding climbed higher and higher—past six billion, seven billion…
Until finally, when Di Tian of the Soul Beast Clan coolly called out twenty‑five billion gold soul coins, the hall fell into stunned silence.
The price had already shattered all expectations. Though many factions still possessed the wealth to continue, reason stopped them.
For a secret art whose mastery could not even be guaranteed, competing any further would be little more than vanity and waste. Better to save their strength for later treasures.
The Soul Beast Clan's dominance was absolute—neither in battle nor in resources could the human sects rival them. Reality was cruel, and all they could do was accept it.
"Twenty‑five billion gold soul coins. Any further bids?"
Linyun's gaze swept across the crowd. When no voices rose to answer, her gavel struck the dais with a resounding thud.
"The secret art Heaven and Earth Share Life is sold—for twenty‑five billion gold soul coins!"
Di Tian nodded in satisfaction, his golden eyes glinting as he cast an indifferent glance at the frustrated human masters who dared not meet his stare.
Across the room, expressions of disappointment, envy, and defeat flickered. Murmurs soon turned toward the upcoming items.
Linyun, however, allowed no respite. With a single elegant wave of her hand, the next treasure emerged.
A small, emerald‑green seed floated into view.
Though unassuming in size, an overwhelming aura of vitality poured from it, flooding the entire auction hall.
Soul masters gasped as the essence of life brushed against their spirits.
"Another treasure connected to life energy?" someone whispered, astonished.
Indeed, several recalled that the Pavilion had previously auctioned similar artifacts—but many sensitive cultivators felt something distinctly different within this one.
The seed's aura carried a subtle, unidentifiable pulse—something that felt far beyond the ordinary.
Far above, on the Pavilion's top floor, Jiang Li stood with hands clasped behind his back, an odd smile curving his lips.
This particular item hadn't been part of the scheduled auction lineup. He had only moments ago issued an order for its substitution.
Originally, the next treasure had already been prepared. But after sensing a certain presence, Jiang Li decided to change the plan.
He would use this seed to stir the pot—and give Tang San, the self‑righteous god of the Divine Realm, a taste of trouble.
The ripple effects that would follow might just be… delightful.
Of course, his little game required one condition: that the Demon Empress had the will and courage to claim it.
If she failed, this gambit would amount to nothing.
…
At the auction platform, Linyun faced the curious crowd. For once, she offered no long explanation—only a faint, measured smile.
"This item," she said, "is, strictly speaking, still a conceptual treasure. But its potential exceeds your imagination—it has the power to fulfill any single wish of its master."
"Whatever that wish may be, as long as the Star Auction Pavilion can achieve it, we will pay any price to make it come true."
Gasps erupted—followed by a crushing silence.
Then came the uproar.
"Any wish? That's impossible!"
"Absurd! Do they mean… one could wish to become a god?"
"What kind of power could the Pavilion wield to make such claims?"
Voices clashed in confusion and awe. Disbelief mingled with temptation in every gleaming gaze.
Even seasoned patriarchs and empresses felt their hearts tremble.
Mu En and Xuan Zi from Shrek Academy exchanged a heavy glance. For a lifetime they had pursued the pinnacle of cultivation—and now stood one breath away. If this wish was true, it could shatter the wall between mortals and gods.
Elsewhere, the top masters of the Body Sect, the Holy Spirit Cult, and the Sun and Moon Empire were just as unsettled.
Each of them had been stuck at the edge of the hundredth level for years, barred from divinity. If this seed could bridge that gap, no cost was too high.
In the section reserved for the Soul Beast Clan, Gu Yuena watched silently, her violet eyes deep as the night sea.
Her one wish had always been clear—to destroy the Divine Realm. But… could even the Pavilion truly wield such power?
She wasn't sure. A flicker of emotion crossed her face before she shook her head, suppressing her impulse.
Then—
From the back rows, a cloaked figure slowly lifted her head. Beneath the hood, her face was flushed, her heartbeat racing like thunder.
The Demon Empress.
She had sat through every auction unmoved, for nothing on stage could enhance her already divine strength. But when the words "fulfill any wish" echoed in her ears, composure vanished.
Her lifetime's desire burned in her chest—to avenge the death of her husband, the Deep Sea Demon Whale King, and, if possible, to bring him back to life.
If the Pavilion could truly make that dream real, she would pay any price.
Her breathing quickened. Determination hardened in her eyes.
No matter the cost—no matter what it took—she would claim that seed.
Even if it meant burning her very soul.
"What is the starting bid for this item?"
Her voice trembled but rang clearly, cutting through the tense silence.
Linyun met her gaze, smiling faintly. "This item has no starting price," she said. "Bid freely. Highest offer wins."
The hall stirred.
Xu Tianran of the Sun and Moon Empire was the first to speak. "One hundred million gold soul coins!"
A fiery light danced in his eyes. He had searched for eons for a way to touch godhood—this might finally be it.
"Three hundred million!"
A Title Douluo called next, his tone fevered.
"Six hundred million!"
Du Bushi of the Body Sect followed loudly, hunger gleaming in his stare.
The numbers surged like a storm. Within moments the bid leapt past thirty billion.
Greed devoured hesitation as every top faction joined in. This was no longer measured competition—this was desperation.
Across the chaos, the Demon Empress remained perfectly still.
Her eyes burned brighter than ever—unyielding, resolute.
At last, she rose to her feet. Her voice was calm yet resounding.
"One hundred billion gold soul coins."
Silence consumed the room once more.
Every soul turned toward her in shock.
The number itself seemed beyond comprehension—an astronomical sum never before heard in any auction.
It was madness. Terrifying, unthinkable madness.
And yet, in her gaze, there was nothing but unshakable resolve.
(END CHAPTER)
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