"The next lot is the Life Fruit."
The auction host's voice carried through the vast virtual hall with practiced enthusiasm, his avatar gesturing dramatically toward the holographic display where a vibrant emerald-green fruit rotated slowly for all to see.
"The Life Fruit, known as the Realm Master's second life! This legendary treasure has a starting price of five hundred billion Universe Coins, and we have one hundred thirty-two available for bidding!"
An immediate commotion erupted throughout the auction hall. Voices overlapped as wealthy cultivators began calling out their bids, each eager to secure these precious resources.
"Master, while the Life Fruit is primarily a Realm Master-level healing treasure, it's also perfect for cultivating plant life," Rimuru explained, his form condensed into a ball of blue slime nestled comfortably in Han Jue's arms. Being in the Virtual Universe allowed him to take physical shape rather than remaining a disembodied voice. "It's ideal for the initial cultivation phase of the Star-Eating Grass. You should buy some."
Rimuru's expression grew more animated as he continued. "The Star-Eating Grass is far more robust than plant life like the Moyu Vine. During initial cultivation, it can easily digest the Life Fruit's concentrated energy, resulting in an optimal cultivation plan that will establish a perfect foundation."
"Understood," Han Jue nodded, his fingers absently kneading Rimuru's gelatinous cheek as he prepared to enter his bid.
Rimuru looked utterly delighted at the attention, his features contorting in an expression of pure contentment.
In the end, Han Jue spent over twenty Hunyuan Units, more than twenty trillion Universe Coins, to purchase ten Life Fruits. The investment was substantial, but he didn't hesitate. For the Star-Eating Grass's optimal development, such expenses were necessary.
"The next item is the Rock Divine Water!"
Han Jue recognized the treasure immediately, even before Rimuru could provide context. In the original Swallowed Star timeline, Luo Feng had obtained Rock Divine Water worth 6.3 billion Hunyuan Units from a certain Realm Master. The memory remained vivid in Han Jue's mind, both the astronomical value and the circumstances surrounding its acquisition.
As the final item before the grand finale, this treasure possessed effects far more potent than the Life Fruit. It could benefit many Immortal-level plant life forms, accelerating their growth and strengthening their foundations. Unsurprisingly, waves of Immortal-level bidders immediately began competing for it, their wealth dwarfing what most cultivators could accumulate in several lifetimes.
Han Jue made no attempt to compete with them. The Star-Eating Grass had no immediate use for Rock Divine Water at its current stage. If he needed it later, he could always approach that infamous "6.3 billion" Realm Master for a supply. Better to conserve resources now and spend strategically.
"Next, the grand finale auction will begin!" The host's excitement reached a fever pitch, his avatar practically vibrating with enthusiasm.
Han Jue settled back in his seat, waiting with mild interest to see what treasures would be revealed.
This auction would last a full ten days, an eternity by normal standards, but Virtual Universe technology made the experience effortless. Participants could disconnect and reconnect at will, their positions and bids held securely.
During the preceding days, in addition to the Life Fruit, Han Jue had purchased numerous smaller items: Lanke Fruit to accelerate plant growth, various rare minerals to supplement the Star-Eating Grass's diet, and several specialized nutrients that would enhance its development at critical breakthrough points.
As the pinnacle of plant life bloodlines, the Star-Eating Grass could reach Realm Master level with sufficient nourishment alone, requiring no active cultivation from its master. However, Han Jue's ambitions extended far beyond mere adequacy. He pursued the optimal cultivation method, once he himself broke through to Immortal, the Star-Eating Grass would possess the foundation to reach Kingship's pinnacle, becoming a force few could withstand.
"The first item of our grand finale is the Star Stone Fruit!"
As the host finished speaking, a round, dark blue fruit appeared on the massive holographic display beside him. Its appearance somewhat resembled Earth's mangosteen, with layered segments forming an elegant spherical shape.
"What is this?" Han Jue asked, not immediately recognizing the treasure despite his extensive knowledge.
"The Star Stone Fruit is an extremely rare treasure found only in the Star Stone Secret Realm," Rimuru explained eagerly. "Don't be fooled by its unremarkable appearance, it's actually ten kilometers in diameter! This fruit is exceptionally valuable for cultivating the laws of earth and space origin, and it can help Immortals rapidly restore their divine power during extended battles."
"Oh, that's not particularly useful for me right now," Han Jue said, losing interest. He had no immediate plans to study earth or space laws exclusively.
"That's not entirely accurate," Rimuru countered quickly. "This fruit is also the seed of the Star Stone Tree. When planted in an Immortal's Divine Kingdom, it stabilizes the kingdom's spatial structure. The effect is similar to a Sea-Suppressing Pearl, though not quite as powerful."
Rimuru's eyes gleamed with excitement as he continued. "More importantly, this treasure is extremely helpful for cultivating the Star-Eating Grass! When your Star-Eating Grass advances to Realm Master stage, you can feed it Star Stone Fruit supplemented with other treasures to achieve the optimal cultivation plan. It will establish the absolute perfect foundation!"
"Is that so?" Han Jue's eyes brightened with renewed interest.
The auction hall didn't contain many experts cultivating earth and space laws simultaneously, but the fruit's multiple applications still drove the price remarkably high. After a fierce bidding war, the Star Stone Fruit finally sold for over ten thousand Hunyuan Units.
Han Jue paid 18,220 Hunyuan Units to secure it, a substantial investment, but one that would pay dividends when the Star-Eating Grass reached its next critical evolution point.
The auction gradually drew to a close.
Among the remaining finale items, nothing offered immediate benefit to Han Jue's current situation, nor did anything particularly catch his interest. Most were treasures suited for Immortals, powerful artifacts and rare resources that would only become truly useful after he crossed that monumental threshold.
"Let's go," Han Jue said, rising from his seat and leading Rimuru toward the exit.
The remaining items held no practical value for him. Better to conclude his business and return to more productive pursuits.
Back in reality, Han Jue waited patiently for the items purchased at auction to be delivered. Virtual Universe Company's delivery system was remarkably efficient, but even they needed time to prepare and transport such valuable treasures across the cosmos.
During the waiting period, Han Jue had already reached Stellar Level Nine through continuous use of the nutrition chamber. He'd decided to halt his Force cultivation temporarily, focusing instead on deepening his understanding of fundamental laws. Raw power meant little without the skill to wield it effectively.
Several days passed in the blink of an eye.
On Huangyang Star, Guntel greeted Han Jue's arrival with visible delight, clearly hoping the young master had come to visit him personally. His expression transformed to one of obvious disappointment when he discovered Han Jue was merely there to collect purchased goods, not to share pleasant conversation.
A slight sense of resentment washed over Guntel's features, though he maintained professional courtesy.
Han Jue ignored the subtle emotional display, instead proceeding directly to handle business with Virtual Universe Company staff members who'd prepared his acquisitions.
"Customer identity confirmed. Transaction approved," the staff member stated in a flat electronic voice, handing Han Jue a spatial ring.
The Star Stone Fruit's enormous size required a specialized storage container, the ring itself was included as a complimentary gift with the purchase, a small gesture of goodwill from one of the universe's most powerful organizations.
Han Jue waved the items into his personal storage with practiced ease.
After a brief, polite handshake with the staff member, he boarded his spacecraft and set course for Earth. The journey home would take time even through the Dark Universe, but anticipation made the wait worthwhile.
"Finally, time to let the Star-Eating Grass recognize its master!" Han Jue said with an eager smile, carefully retrieving the special containment box housing the Star-Eating Grass larvae.
He'd been waiting for this day since purchasing the rare plant life form. The Star-Eating Grass represented one of the most formidable combat partners any cultivator could obtain, a living weapon that would grow alongside him, becoming stronger with each passing day.
Following Rimuru's precise instructions, Han Jue drew a sharp blade across his wrist, allowing blood to flow freely from the wound.
The moment crimson droplets touched the white Star-Eating Grass, the plant exploded into motion. It wrapped eagerly around Han Jue's wrist, its leaves greedily absorbing his blood as if trying to drain him completely. The plant's hunger was almost frightening in its intensity.
"Now feed it the Life Fruit," Rimuru commanded urgently.
Han Jue nodded, quickly pulling out one of the emerald-green fruits he'd purchased at auction.
Instantly, a rich and intoxicating aroma filled the spacecraft's interior. The scent carried an overwhelming vitality, the pure essence of life itself concentrated into physical form. Every breath of that fragrance made one feel more alive, more energized, as if merely existing near the fruit could extend one's lifespan.
The core source of all this life force was that single emerald-green fruit held in Han Jue's hand.
The Star-Eating Grass sensed the Life Fruit's emanating life energy and began fluttering its leaves excitedly, sending urgent telepathic messages directly to Han Jue's consciousness.
Eat! Eat!
The simple thought-form carried desperate hunger and childlike enthusiasm, like a starving infant finally offered nourishment.
"Don't worry, it's all yours," Han Jue said with an amused smile.
He'd read extensively about the Star-Eating Grass's characteristics. When it came to devouring resources, this plant life was no less ferocious than the legendary Golden-Horned Beast itself, a creature whose appetite was the stuff of terrifying legends across multiple universe nations.
Han Jue carefully fed the Life Fruit to the Star-Eating Grass, watching in fascination as the plant swallowed it whole. Its white body pulsed with absorbed energy before wrapping more tightly around his arm, settling into a deep, regenerative sleep.
"This is the Star-Eating Grass's first major cultivation phase using the Life Fruit," Rimuru commented, observing the process with satisfaction. "It will need three to seven days to fully digest and integrate the energy. When it awakens, it should reach Stellar level directly, skipping the entire Planetary level stage."
Rimuru's tone became more instructional as he continued. "After that, you can feed it treasures like Lanke Fruit, supplemented with additional Life Fruits at key intervals. When it reaches Domain Master peak, you can feed it the Star Stone Fruit along with other supporting treasures. That will allow it to achieve optimal condition before advancing to Realm Master level, establishing the absolute perfect foundation for future growth."
Han Jue nodded slightly, pleased with how straightforward the process seemed. Cultivating the Star-Eating Grass was remarkably simple in concept: just feed it the right resources at the right times. The difficulty lay in obtaining those resources and knowing the optimal cultivation sequence, knowledge that Rimuru possessed in abundance.
On Earth, Kirishima Island.
Three silver guards stood vigilantly around a massive egg, their postures alert despite days of monotonous duty. The egg dominated the chamber, its surface marked with intricate patterns that seemed to shift and flow like living things.
Crack!
A tiny fissure appeared on the eggshell, barely visible at first. But the sound echoed through the quiet chamber like thunder, drawing every guard's immediate attention.
The crack spread rapidly, branching across the entire egg's surface like lightning frozen in stone.
CRACK!
The eggshell shattered completely, fragments falling away to reveal what lay within.
A lion-like creature emerged, covered entirely in black scales that gleamed like polished obsidian. A pair of small wings sprouted from its back, wings that would one day grow massive enough to block out suns.
A single black horn rose from its head, entwined with golden markings that seemed to pulse with inner light. These intricate golden patterns spread from the horn across the creature's entire body, creating the appearance of armor forged from gold and darkness itself.
Most chilling of all were its eyes.
Those enormous dark golden eyes surveyed the world with an ancient awareness far beyond what any newborn should possess. They were the eyes of something that had existed for eons, a being whose bloodline traced back to the universe's earliest days.
A primal ferocity lurked in those golden depths, held barely in check by newly awakened consciousness.
The Golden-Horned Beast, Luo Feng reborn, had finally emerged into the world.
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