Huo Yuhao gazed at the soul bone displayed on the screen. It was translucent, radiating a faint golden-red light, resembling a magnificent gemstone. The soul bone emitted alluring fluctuations of soul power, captivating anyone who laid eyes on it.
Huo Yuhao pondered for a moment. 'Why does this soul bone feel so familiar?'
"Yuhao, it seems this ten-thousand-year soul bone isn't very suitable for us," Ma Xiaotao said with a hint of regret.
On the auction stage, Liya, the host, wore a practiced smile. "Esteemed inner courtyard elites, the highlight of tonight's treasure appreciation event has arrived!"
"Presenting the Left Arm Soul Bone of Golden Light, originating from the light-attribute Golden Earth Dragon King, a ten-thousand-year soul beast. This soul bone is ideal for light-type soul masters, and its attached skill is expected to be offensive in nature."
She continued, "The Golden Earth Dragon King possesses the diluted yet pure bloodline of the Bright (Light) Dragon Clan. This soul bone contains the concentrated essence of its ten-thousand-year lineage."
"The only pity is that the slain Golden Earth Dragon King had just over ten thousand years of cultivation. The starting price for this soul bone is ten million gold soul coins!"
'Ten million?' Ma Xiaotao's pupils contracted at the price. She hadn't expected a ten-thousand-year soul bone to be so expensive.
Ten million gold soul coins could arm an entire cavalry of ten thousand soldiers, complete with horses and equipment. It was a staggering sum.
But then again, it was a soul bone infused with the bloodline of the Bright Dragon Clan. If the Golden Earth Dragon King had surpassed a hundred thousand years of cultivation, it would undoubtedly have been a beast king-level entity. Soul rings emphasized age, but soul bones prioritized quality.
Thinking this, Ma Xiaotao felt even more regretful. Neither she nor Huo Yuhao possessed the light attribute, so they would have to pass on this opportunity.
Huo Yuhao, however, was intrigued. 'So, this is the Golden Light Left Arm Soul Bone. If I could acquire it through my red-level VIP privileges and then sell it to Wang Dong'er, wouldn't that be killing two birds with one stone? I'd gain both money and goodwill.'
'After all, Wang Dong'er is the young master of the Haotian Sect. Ten million gold soul coins should be within her means, right?'
Sensing Huo Yuhao's thoughts, Ma Xiaotao raised an eyebrow. "Yuhao, you're not thinking of bidding on it, are you?"
Huo Yuhao nodded. "We have red-level VIP privileges. It would be a waste not to use the once-a-year free bidding opportunity."
Although this move would undoubtedly strengthen his ties with Shrek Academy, Huo Yuhao felt no hesitation in using his authority.
Ma Xiaotao shook her head. "I forgot to mention something. Even if we bid, there's a high chance we won't win."
"Why?" Huo Yuhao was puzzled. "Are there participants with higher authority than us?"
"Not exactly. Soul bones are extremely precious, so the bidding process is unique. The compatibility between the soul bone and the soul master is more important than the bidder's authority."
"Although we hold the top-tier VIP card, this treasure appreciation auction is overseen by senior academy officials behind the scenes. Since this soul bone isn't suitable for us, the academy will likely award it to a more compatible student. In fact, our bid might be rejected outright."
Ma Xiaotao added, "Ten-thousand-year soul bones are incredibly rare and expensive. The inner courtyard's treasure appreciation auction is held only once a year, and not every event results in a ten-thousand-year soul bone being auctioned."
"I see," Huo Yuhao nodded. 'So, the ten-thousand-year soul bone is more of a gimmick.'
"Still, why not give it a try? If we succeed, it could be a huge windfall," Huo Yuhao suggested. After all, there was no harm in trying.
As he spoke, Huo Yuhao inserted his red VIP card into the bidding device and pressed the button.
"Yuhao, your thoughts are exactly like mine when I first obtained red-level privileges," Ma Xiaotao said with a smile. "I had the same idea back then. Later, I realized that the scope of free treasure selection is actually quite limited..."
Meanwhile, many other inner courtyard students also pressed their bidding devices.
This was a soul bone with dragon bloodline! Regardless of whether the attribute was compatible or if they had enough money, they joined in the excitement. If they were lucky enough to win, it would be a massive gain.
Among the bidders was Dai Yueheng, the possessor of the White Tiger Spirit. As the eldest son of Duke Dai Hao of the White Tiger, he was quite wealthy.
He attended the treasure appreciation auction every year, always bidding on the ten-thousand-year soul bones. Unfortunately, it seemed the academy was targeting him—he had never encountered a suitable soul bone in all his years in the inner courtyard. Each time, he left empty-handed.
This time, however, he finally found a relevant soul bone. Determined, Dai Yueheng raised the bid to twenty-five million gold soul coins! He winced at the amount.
Despite being a supervisor at Shrek Academy for so long, his savings were only a few hundred thousand gold soul coins. But with his black-level authority, he could arrange a credit transaction at the Treasure Gathering Pavilion. If he won, he could figure out the payment later.
…
The Top Floor of the Treasure Gathering Pavilion
The fourth floor of the Treasure Gathering Pavilion was never open to the public. It was the residence of the Pavilion's master. The simple wooden floors and modest decorations stood in stark contrast to the luxury of the first three floors.
"Shaozhe, that little guy has made his move..." said a gentle, elderly woman to Yan Shaozhe. She was Lin Huiqun, the controller of the Treasure Gathering Pavilion, also known as Mr. Lin.
Yan Shaozhe smiled. "Mr. Lin, although that boy is as shrewd as a little fox, he's also quite the flirt..."
"Light Goddess Butterfly martial spirit holder, disguised as a man? Young people these days sure know how to have fun," Mr. Lin chuckled.
Yan Shaozhe sighed. "It was a coincidence back then. Yuhao ended up sharing a dorm with Wang Dong'er. Fortunately, he moved out in time, and nothing happened. But it seems Yuhao still has some feelings for Wang Dong'er..."
Huo Yuhao, meanwhile, thought to himself: Where? I just like their money. Pure camaraderie—we're all buddies here.
"Children and grandchildren will have their own blessings. Why worry so much?" Mr. Lin said kindly, like a doting grandmother.
Yan Shaozhe sighed again. "To be honest, the relationship between Yuhao and Xiaotao is clearly close to the finish line, but it hasn't been finalized yet. And now..."
"Shaozhe, it seems Yuhao is quite like you back in the day. He's indeed an extraordinary little guy," Mr. Lin interrupted with a light chuckle. "But as long as the child's character is sound, we shouldn't meddle in his personal affairs."
After all, young Ling Yunzhi had once vowed to be the best in the world. Talented individuals like him naturally attracted many admirers. Even Mu En had his share of emotional entanglements in his youth. It was just the way of the world.
With that in mind, Mr. Lin deleted Huo Yuhao's bid from the system.
As the heir to the head of Shrek Academy's Sea God Pavilion, Huo Yuhao was highly valued, but that didn't mean he could do as he pleased. Of course, if this soul bone had been suitable for him, Mr. Lin wouldn't have hesitated to grant it. Shrek Academy was never stingy when it came to investing in top-tier talent. But for others, there was no chance.
The two of them had already decided on the target candidate for this soul bone. In the enGolden Light Left Arm Soul Bone was not auctioned off!
Of course, they weren't heartless. Since this was Huo Yuhao's first time using his red-level VIP privileges, the academy had prepared a special gift for him—one that wasn't available to outsiders.
…
On the Auction Stage
Liya, having received the news from Mr. Lin backstage, announced with a smile, "Esteemed inner courtyard elites, the bidding for the final soul bone has concluded. This treasure appreciation event has come to a perfect end. We look forward to your participation in the future."
"Geniuses of Shrek's inner courtyard, please remain in your private rooms. The staff of the Treasure Gathering Pavilion will collect payments. If you lack sufficient funds, you may apply for a loan or arrange for delayed payment..."
Although the Treasure Gathering Pavilion was backed by Shrek Academy, it wasn't a charity.
The Pavilion assessed each guest's creditworthiness based on their circumstances, which was one of the main reasons why the treasures auctioned at these events often depended on VIP levels.
Soon, there was a knock on the door. Huo Yuhao opened it to find two eighteen-year-old girls, both sweet-looking and well-proportioned, dressed in white short skirts. They were the welcome girls who had been absent earlier.
Upon seeing Huo Yuhao's handsome face, even these highly professional girls were momentarily stunned, forgetting to speak.
The transaction was straightforward—payment and delivery. One of the girls in a white dress asked, "As top-tier VIPs, you are entitled to one free item per year, with a 40% discount on other purchases. Would you like to use your free privilege now?"
At that moment, both Huo Yuhao and Ma Xiaotao received a soul transmission from Yan Shaozhe. After exchanging glances, Ma Xiaotao said, "I'll take the five-hundred-thousand-year fruit."
Huo Yuhao waved his hand. "I don't need anything."
"Understood, esteemed guests!" the girl replied.
Although red-level VIPs could take up to five treasures, the two of them were relatively restrained, bidding on only five items in total—three for Ma Xiaotao and two for Huo Yuhao.
After the payments were settled, Ma Xiaotao sighed. "I spent so much in one go. The little savings I had are practically gone."
Huo Yuhao shook his head. "Sister Xiaotao, why don't I cover the cost? I still have some spare money."
"That won't be necessary. You'll understand later that this amount is just a drop in the bucket compared to the value of top-tier treasures," Ma Xiaotao said, raising an eyebrow. "Let me tell you, this inner courtyard treasure appreciation auction will definitely have treasures suited for you, Yuhao."
"For example, the first time I used my red-level free privilege, I obtained a ten-thousand-year soul bone that was perfect for me. The treasures the academy has prepared for you will undoubtedly be of similar value."
"I didn't expect the ten-thousand-year soul bone priced at ten million gold soul coins to be just the prelude. There's something even more valuable waiting for me at the end..." Huo Yuhao mused.
"Alright, I'll head back first. See you tomorrow!" Ma Xiaotao waved and left.
Huo Yuhao nodded in farewell. Then, he activated his Imitation soul skill and quietly made his way to the fourth floor of the Treasure Gathering Pavilion. Earlier, Yan Shaozhe had instructed him via soul transmission to stay tonight and not use his red-level free privilege. There was a treasure perfectly suited for him waiting on the fourth floor.
But Huo Yuhao never expected it to be so explosive!
Under Yan Shaozhe's guidance, Huo Yuhao arrived at the center of a room.
There was only one display stand, covered by a purple-gold crystal casing that shimmered under the soft light. Beside it was a red sign displaying a shocking price: 49,990,000 gold soul coins!
'Fifty million?!' Huo Yuhao's pupils contracted. 'What could possibly be so expensive? A hundred-thousand-year soul bone?'
"It's not a hundred-thousand-year soul bone, but a ten-thousand-year one," Yan Shaozhe clarified, noticing Huo Yuhao's surprise. "And I believe it's perfectly suited for your martial soul!"
The soul bone was emerald green, with a flowing, fluctuating halo that made it seem as though there was liquid emerald inside. Even through the purple-gold crystal casing, Huo Yuhao could feel a familiar coldness emanating from it, as if it were freezing the surrounding space.
This was a left arm soul bone. Above its emerald-green surface, a faint white mist swirled, and small, crystal-clear gem-like formations dotted its surface.
Compared to the soul bones displayed earlier at the treasure appreciation event, this one was in a league of its own. Even the Golden Light Left Arm Soul Bone from earlier paled in comparison.
"How could this be?"
"Bastard!"
Two voices sounded in Huo Yuhao's mind simultaneously—the first from Skydream, and the second from the Ice Empress.
Huo Yuhao could sense the Ice Empress's rising anger.
This was the seventy-thousand-year Ice Jade Scorpion Left Arm Bone from the original story. It was indeed incredibly valuable.
Yan Shaozhe's voice broke the silence. "This is an ice-attribute soul bone we acquired from the Star Luo Empire at a high price. It's a seventy-thousand-year left arm bone with the solidified Ice Explosion skill, originating from the same Ice Jade Scorpion as your second martial soul, the Ultimate Ice!"
"According to Elder Mu's speculation, without the physique of an Ultimate Ice martial soul, it would be difficult to absorb this Ice Jade Scorpion soul bone. There's no doubt that this soul bone is the perfect match for you!"
Yan Shaozhe continued to persuade. "Yuhao, take it!"
After a brief moment of anger, the Ice Empress also calmed down. Upon hearing the words "Ice Explosion," she shouted, urging Huo Yuhao to take the soul bone no matter what.
The reason was simple. Even Shrek Academy didn't know that for the Ice Jade Scorpion clan, the Ice Explosion skill was exceedingly rare. Even the Ice Empress, the Ice Jade Scorpion Empress, didn't possess this skill. If she had, she might have even challenged the Snow Empress in the Extreme North.
Huo Yuhao looked at Yan Shaozhe. "Is this a gift for me?"
Yan Shaozhe smirked. "If you want to buy it yourself, I won't stop you."
…
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