Chapter 101 The Auction Begins: The Gold of Life and the Snow Empress's Embryo!
Fortunately, the group stage matches of the day were over quickly.
As the chief referee announced the successful completion of today's competition, the suffocating wave of discussion in Xingluo Square finally began to subside.
Xuanzi did not adopt the usual demeanor of a Shrek Academy elder when commenting on the younger generation; instead, his face turned ashen.
He didn't even wait for the host to announce the end of the event before he was the first to stand up and lead the team of Shrek Academy students, who were covered in bandages and had low morale, away from the competition venue in a hurry.
His usually broad back appeared somewhat hunched and disheveled under the strange gazes of the crowd.
He just wanted to get back to his relatively secluded room at the Xingluo Hotel as soon as possible, to escape the piercing gaze of those judges.
Du Busi sat on the stand opposite the podium, watching Xuanzi's almost fleeing figure, and let out an extremely contemptuous snort.
"Hmph, that old dog runs pretty fast." Poison Undying patted the dust off his hands, his tone full of undisguised mockery.
"Since you dared to do such a foolish and ignorant thing back then, you should have expected this day to come. You brought it on yourself, and now you know how shameful you are?"
Du Busi turned around and looked at Liu Yuan, who was still in the afterglow of his breakthrough. The coldness on his face melted instantly, replaced by a heartfelt joy and pride.
"Let's go! Today we not only achieved a great victory and successfully advanced to the top sixteen, but Liu Yuan also turned misfortune into good fortune, rising three ranks in front of that good-for-nothing and giving Shrek Academy a good slap in the face!"
"This is a momentous occasion! I'll take you to the best restaurant in Xingluo City. We must celebrate properly today!"
Led by Du Bu Si, the group from Tian Hun Royal Academy quickly left the scene.
Compared to Shrek's gloomy demeanor, they were full of vigor and high spirits throughout their journey.
Half an hour later, in the most luxurious private room of the Star Luo City, the table was already filled with a dazzling array of delicacies.
The rich aroma of meat and the flavor of the broth made from medicinal herbs filled the air, making one's mouth water.
Du Bu Si raised his wine cup, stood up first, and looked at Liu Yuan: "Liu Yuan, this cup is a toast to you."
"You are the pride of the Body Sect, and the most talented child I have ever seen in my life."
"Level 48, a level 48 at the age of 12! Haha, those idiots from Shrek Academy are probably kicking themselves now."
Everyone raised their glasses, and the atmosphere became extremely lively.
While chewing on the meat of some high-level soul beast, Long Aotian gave Liu Yuan a thumbs up: "Junior brother, your punch on the stage just now, and the momentum of your leap of three levels afterward, really got my blood pumping. I reckon your name will be all over the continent tomorrow."
Vina sat to the side, elegantly sipped her juice, looked at Liu Yuan's calm face, and chuckled softly, "Liu Yuan, you're a celebrity now. But while we're celebrating, there's still a long road ahead."
When everyone had almost finished eating and the atmosphere at the table had gradually calmed down, Vina put down her cutlery, seemed to remember something, and turned to look at everyone, asking:
"By the way, there's a high-profile auction later today at the Star Luo City's premier auction house."
"It's said that because of this Soul Master Competition, the Star Luo Royal Family has specially brought out some rare and precious treasures. Shall we go take a look? Just as a way to relax after the competition."
Long Aotian wiped his mouth, looking somewhat uninterested: "Auctions... those places mostly sell fancy antiques or impractical defensive soul tools. It's fine whether I go or not. I'd rather go back and study the operation of my newly broken-through soul power."
Mu Xue, Gu Tong, and the others nodded in agreement, indicating that they were open to either going or not, leaving the decision entirely to the team leader.
However, Liu Yuan, who was drinking alone, had a sudden flash of inspiration the moment he heard the words "auction".
His double pupils contracted slightly as details of this year's Star Luo City auction quickly surfaced from the depths of his memory.
"An auction..." Liu Yuan murmured to himself.
He clearly remembered that, in the original trajectory, this auction was not just a simple exchange of resources.
Beneath the dark red cloth lies a divine artifact capable of altering the landscape of the Soul Master world.
First, there is that piece of living gold containing ultimate vitality, which is the best vessel to enhance one's spiritual origin and even open the eyes of living beings.
More importantly, there's the grand finale, a secret classified by the Star Luo Royal Family—the Snow Empress Embryo! She is the true ruler of the far north, the Snow Empress with the ultimate ice attribute.
Putting aside the Snow Emperor's embryo for now, the Life Gold is a valuable item. If Liu Yuan can obtain it, his strength will undoubtedly increase significantly once again.
This is absolutely not to be missed.
Thinking of this, Liu Yuan raised his head, his tone calm, yet revealing an unprecedented resolve:
"We must go. We have to go to this auction."
Everyone was somewhat surprised to see Liu Yuan's serious expression.
Poison Undying raised an eyebrow. He knew that Liu Yuan would never waste time on ordinary toys. Since he said so, there must be something extremely important inside.
"Since Liu Yuan wants to go, then let's go and broaden our horizons." Poison Immortal waved his hand, setting the tone directly.
An hour later, night fell, but Xingluo City became as bright as day under the illumination of countless lights.
The group arrived at the Xingluo Grand Auction House, located in the center of the city.
The magnificent building was constructed entirely of white marble, with strict guards at the entrance. Those who entered and exited were either richly dressed dignitaries or powerful Soul Masters.
Coincidentally, just as the group from the Heavenly Soul Royal Academy was about to enter the gate, another group walked in from the side.
It was the Shrek team led by Xuanzi.
Xuanzi's face was still extremely ugly. Even though he had changed into a neat robe, he could not hide the gloom and dejection between his brows.
Upon seeing Du Busi and Liu Yuan, he visibly paused, a hint of apprehension and disgust flashing in his already gloomy eyes.
Du Busi let out a disdainful sneer, not even glancing at Xuanzi, and said to Liu Yuan as if no one else was there, "Liu Yuan, let's go. We shouldn't stay in this unlucky place for long. Let's go in and check out the treasure."
Having said that, he led Liu Yuan and the others into the auction house with his heads held high, leaving Xuanzi standing there, his beard trembling with anger, yet helpless.
After entering, everyone was led to the highest-level VIP box.
Liu Yuan did not rush to take a seat, but walked to the transparent soul guide screen in the private room and quickly browsed the list in the auction manual.
Although the key items on the list were covered by shadows, Liu Yuan could still sense several extraordinary fluctuations coming from the backstage of the exhibition hall through his double pupils, which allowed him to see through the very essence of things.
One was a vibrant, soul-cleansing green rhythm, while the other was an extreme cold, a terrifying chill that could freeze consciousness.
That was the gold of life and the embryo of the Snow Emperor.
Liu Yuan turned around, looked at Vina, and said seriously, "Vina, there's something I really want today. I might need you to bid for it for me during the auction later."
Vina paused for a moment, then revealed a cunning and domineering smile. As the princess of the Heavenly Soul Empire, the wealth and power she wielded were enough to make most other forces pale in comparison.
She patted her chest and confidently assured him, "Liu Yuan, whatever you want, we'll buy it all, even if it means emptying the entire auction house. Just name what you want, and we'll buy it. The Heavenly Soul Royal Family's treasury isn't just for show."
Seeing Vina's domineering attitude of spending money like water, Liu Yuan's tense mood was amused by her.
"Why go to such an exaggeration? Just buy what I need." Liu Yuan smiled and shook his head, then his eyes softened. "However, I do quite like your domineering attitude."
Upon hearing this, Vina's cheeks flushed slightly, but her eyes became even more determined.
"Anyway, as long as you're happy..."
(End of chapter)