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The next day.
The battle from the night before had become lively gossip among the common folk of Star Luo City—its dangers long forgotten. As a result, strangers flooded into the city from all directions, swelling its population to unprecedented levels.
But for the great powers, the situation was different.
At the Nine Treasures Pavilion, early that morning, Ning Bowen, Ye Xuanji, and the others summoned Chen Junting and his group—especially Huo Yuhao—with clear instructions: be vigilant regarding the Body Sect.
But not to worry—carry on as normal.
Then, they dismissed Huo Yuhao and the others, keeping only Chen Junting and Ning Tian behind.
Before either could speak, Ning Bowen placed a golden card—embossed with the image of the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda—into Chen Junting's hands.
"This card holds five hundred million gold soul coins."
Five hundred million?!
The number left Chen Junting stunned.
Even Ning Tian's eyes widened in disbelief.
It was an astronomical sum.
Ning Bowen pressed the card firmly into his palm, smiling with effortless wealth.
"I already know about the hundred-thousand-year beast embryo. For others, it might require deliberation. But for the Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Sect? Exchanging a pile of numbers for a divine treasure? That's not just a good deal—it's a bargain."
Ye Xuanji picked up the thread, his voice brimming with confidence.
"The funds on this card have already been mobilized by the sect. By tonight, you'll have full access. So tonight, at the auction—don't hold back. See something you want? Buy it. If it's useful, we buy it. No matter the cost."
"Got it!"
Chen Junting's face lit up with pure delight.
He couldn't wait to see who could resist this kind of financial assault!
But first—he needed a way to prevent the Star Luo Empire from outbidding them and reclaiming the embryo themselves.
He already had a plan.
—
That evening, in the Star Emperor Hotel's conference room.
Tomorrow marked the round of 16—elimination stage. The entire Shrek team had gathered to strategize.
But as Chen Junting entered with Huo Yuhao and the others, every pair of eyes turned toward them—filled with concern.
"You all okay?" Ma Xiaotao asked on behalf of the group. "We know that the Body Sect sect leader came straight for Nine Treasures Pavilion. Was he after you?"
"What's to worry about?" Chen Junting waved a hand dismissively. "We couldn't even get close to the fight. Everything was handled by Lord Ning and the Elder."
"Still, be careful," Dai Yueheng said, his expression grave.
"I've heard stories about the Body Sect from my father. If they've set their sights on Yuhao, they won't stop. Not ever."
Once assured that his juniors were unharmed, Ma Xiaotao's worry vanished. She scoffed at Dai Yueheng's warning.
"So what if they won't give up? After the tournament ends, we return to Shrek Academy. Do you think they'd dare storm the academy and snatch someone?"
The room fell silent.
Everyone agreed—implicitly.
Shrek Academy was the top power on the continent. No one believed the Body Sect would be so brazen as to attack it.
Except Chen Junting.
His expression was… strange.
In the original timeline, Du Busi had stormed Shrek Academy. He'd brought an army.
Would he do it again this time?
"Enough," Teacher Wang clapped his hands, gently cutting through the distraction. "Let's remember why we're here. Tomorrow's opponent isn't easy. We must take them seriously."
The words "not easy" instantly caught Ma Xiaotao and Dai Yueheng's attention.
Their last match—against Changning—had been barely a warm-up. They hadn't even gotten their blood pumping!
"Teacher Wang—who are we facing?"
Teacher Wang didn't delay.
"Dou Ling Royal Soul Master Academy."
"Dou Ling? They got unlucky this time," Dai Yueheng muttered, a smirk forming. Chen Zifeng and the others shared knowing grins.
Ma Xiaotao frowned. "What's the joke?"
"Don't you follow past tournaments?" Dai Yueheng raised an eyebrow.
Ma Xiaotao shot back, unflinching:
"Of course I don't! Otherwise why the hell would I be asking you?"
Realizing the two were about to clash, Teacher Wang raised a hand in pacification.
"It's simple.
Last year, Dou Ling reached the semifinals. This year, they've fielded five Soul Kings—more than last time."
He paused.
Then shook his head slightly.
Everyone understood.
Dou Ling had been poised for a podium finish this year—until they drew Shrek in the round of 16.
A cruel twist of fate.
The rest of the meeting turned to strategy: how to counter Dou Ling's strengths, who would fight, and how to structure the team.
By now, the Outer Academy students would no longer be fielded. The skill gap was too great.
"Don't be discouraged," Teacher Wang added. "Five years from now—this will be your stage. And look—you've all already fought. You've all had your moment. That's more than most get."
Just then—
Knock. Knock. Knock.
A sharp rap came at the door.
Chen Junting's spirit snapped to attention.
'The Snow Emperor embryo… I'm coming for you!'
While Chen Junting's eyes gleamed with excitement and Ning Tian trembled with anticipation, Teacher Wang's smile vanished.
His brow furrowed.
"I specifically told the staff not to disturb us during this time," he said, voice edged with mild reprimand.
A smooth, feminine voice replied from the other side:
"Apologies for the interruption. I am not a staff. I represent the Starlight Auction House."
Starlight Auction House?
Teacher Wang paused, momentarily confused.
Chen Junting stepped in smoothly.
"Starlight is one of the six top-tier auction houses. Alongside Nine Treasures Pavilion's Nine Treasure Auction, it's among the most prestigious. It features rare materials, ancient relics, and top-tier soul guidance devices."
Teacher Wang's eyes flickered with sudden understanding.
He gave a subtle nod to Bei Bei, nearest the door.
The door opened.
A woman stood there—dressed in a sleek black gown, exuding both maturity and youthful charm. Her smile was perfectly balanced: neither distant nor overly familiar.
Her gaze locked immediately on Teacher Wang.
She bowed slightly, addressing the entire group.
"Please forgive the intrusion. I am Qing Ya, auctioneer of the Starlight Auction House. I've come to personally invite you—Shrek Academy's esteemed guests—to attend our Starlight Auction."
From her storage soul guidance device ring, she withdrew seventeen golden invitations, their edges gilded, and offered them with a graceful, respectful bow.
"We would be honored by your presence."
Teacher Wang accepted the invitation with a smile, flipping through it with theatrical care—though he'd already made up his mind the moment Chen Junting described the auction.
"We'll be there."
Qing Ya's smile widened.
"Thank you. I won't detain you further. I'll be waiting for you at the Starlight Auction House." She bowed again, then stepped back, closing the door softly behind her.
As her footsteps faded, Teacher Wang pulled one invitation free and passed the rest to Bei Bei to distribute.
He turned to Chen Junting and Ning Tian.
"You two—do you know who backs the Starlight Auction House? How did they get these invitations delivered straight into our hotel?"
"Teacher Wang," Chen Junting said, glancing at the invitation before tucking it away, "it's a top-tier auction house. Only six organizations on the continent have the resources and reach to host one. Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Sect and Shrek Academy are two. The other four? The imperial houses."
"So it's imperial-backed," the group murmured in unison.
Chen Junting couldn't help but stare in disbelief.
Fine—if the others didn't know, that was understandable.
But Dai Yueheng? The son of the White Tiger Duke? The local lord of Star Luo City?
You didn't know this?
It wasn't even classified information.
"Then, Teacher Wang," Ning Tian asked, eyes bright with hope, "what about this auction…?"
Teacher Wang looked around at their eager faces—and sighed, amused.
"Do I look like the kind of man who only says polite words?"
"Teacher Wang is the best!" ×N
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