Buy Another Engraving Knife, Jing Hongchen's Invitation

"Engraving Knives are essential tools for every Soul Engineer. A good Engraving Knife is even more crucial to becoming a high-ranking Soul Engineer. In the world of Soul Engineers, Engraving Knives are ranked as well. Nearly all of the finest ones are in the hands of top-tier Soul Engineers. Everyone has heard of Ranked Engraving Knives, haven't they? That means an Engraving Knife capable of making it onto the rankings."

"On the Engraving Knife rankings of our Douluo Continent, only the top hundred Engraving Knives are recorded. More than two-thirds of them are in our Sun Moon Empire. And the one before you is one of those top hundred, a Ranked Engraving Knife I just mentioned."

The words "Ranked Engraving Knife" immediately caused an uproar below the stage. The guests' fervent atmosphere brought a dazzling smile to the pretty auctioneer's face. She was in no hurry, waiting over five minutes before the bidders below gradually calmed down.

"Miss, what are you waiting for? Start the bidding already." Someone could not help urging her on.

However, the auctioneer smiled faintly and continued explaining, "Please do not be impatient, honored guests. Everyone knows that our auction house has always been known for fair dealings. We guarantee the quality of every auction item that leaves our premises, and we will never hand over defective or problematic items to our guests without prior explanation. So please allow me to finish."

As she spoke, she cast a regretful glance at the ancient-looking Engraving Knife and sighed softly. "If this were an ordinary Ranked Engraving Knife, it would never have appeared here. Ranked Engraving Knives have always been among the most precious items in the world of Soul Engineers, even more valuable than many rare materials. The reason this Ranked Engraving Knife is today's finale is because it has a certain problem."

"On the Engraving Knife rankings, it is ranked ninety-ninth. In truth, given its abilities, it should not have been ranked so low. The main reason is that it is a cursed Engraving Knife."

The old man in private room number two changed expression slightly. "Spirit Devouring?!"

He had not concealed his voice, so everyone present, including the auctioneer, naturally heard him. "As expected of the distinguished guest who just purchased a Divine Artifact fragment. That is correct. This Engraving Knife is the ninety-ninth Ranked Engraving Knife, the Spirit Devouring Engraving Knife, known as a vicious blade."

"The Spirit Devouring Engraving Knife has a history of more than three thousand years. Its creator was an extraordinarily talented Soul Engineer, whose cultivation reportedly reached the rank of a level-nine Soul Engineer. Moreover, he was not merely a Soul Engineer, but also a Soul Master—a terrifying Evil Soul Master! Three thousand years ago, he once brought bloody carnage to the continent."

By this point, all the bidders in the hall had fallen silent, and many of their expressions had turned grave.

Still not fully awake, Sirin could not help feeling a little curious. "Human, what exactly is this Evil Soul Master that the girl is talking about?"

Lu Xueling smacked his lips as a thought flashed through his mind. "Little Golden Mane's mother, and that ant who called himself the Asura God and got beaten up by you, Queen. Planetary natives like them all count as Evil Soul Masters."

"Oh... a rabble, then." Sirin immediately lost interest.

When dealing with such people, the Queen's dictionary had only eight words: too lazy to speak, evil breeds evil.

Meanwhile, the auctioneer's explanation continued.

"The Spirit Devouring Engraving Knife was crafted by that Evil Soul Master in his later years. It is said that not long after creating it, he encountered the greatest enemy of his life and ultimately perished. As time passed, this vicious blade fell into private hands. According to the history traced by our auction house, this vicious blade has had thirty-seven owners. Yet without exception, all thirty-seven met tragic deaths. Nine of them even became Evil Soul Masters."

"Legend says that the Spirit Devouring Engraving Knife contains a fragment of that Evil Soul Master's soul and leads people toward evil. Those without firm will cannot use it, which is why its ranking fell again and again. Only because of its history and former glory has it never been removed from the Ranked Engraving Knives."

"Therefore, honored guests, please be cautious when purchasing it. What we can guarantee is that as long as Soul Power is not infused into it, it will not backlash against its owner. Still, as a Ranked Engraving Knife, it would make an excellent collector's item even if it cannot be used."

After hearing the auctioneer's lengthy introduction, everyone finally understood why a Ranked Engraving Knife had appeared at the finale auction. Many who had initially been eager to bid now remained silent.

As a Ranked Engraving Knife, the Spirit Devouring Engraving Knife would certainly not be cheap. But no matter how good a Ranked Engraving Knife was, it could not compare with one's life! Buying it at a high price only to be unable to use it—wouldn't that be utterly pointless?

"The Spirit Devouring Engraving Knife has a starting price of one hundred thousand Gold Soul Coins. Each bid must increase by no less than five thousand Gold Soul Coins. Honored guests, you may begin bidding."

The auctioneer spoke with a smile, but in truth, she could not feel excited at all.

With nearly ten years of experience as an auctioneer, she could tell from the reactions below that this vicious Spirit Devouring blade would probably fail to sell again. The next time it appeared would have to be during the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament.

The owner of Mingdu Auction House, a member of the Sun Moon Empire's imperial family, had no choice but to display it frequently at various auctions. He had also promised the auctioneers that whoever managed to sell the Spirit Devouring Engraving Knife would receive one percent of the final amount as commission.

But things did not go as hoped. After more than a dozen auctions, the Spirit Devouring blade's results had remained disappointing. Its starting price had dropped again and again, nearly reaching the price at which it had originally been acquired.

If it failed to sell, then so be it. This auctioneer had not placed much hope on the Engraving Knife in the first place.

Just then, a deep voice rang out from a private room above the stage. "One hundred thousand Gold Soul Coins."

The old man in private room number two froze slightly. He had heard it most clearly—the bid had come from private room number one.

"What courage... then again, could someone without guts obtain a Divine Artifact fragment?"

The auctioneer below was stunned for a moment upon hearing it. This was the first time anyone had bid since the vicious Spirit Devouring blade had appeared at Starlight Auction House!

After her brief shock, she was filled with delight. One percent commission meant one thousand Gold Soul Coins. Normally, she would be fortunate to earn several dozen to a hundred Gold Soul Coins from hosting an auction. If she sold the vicious Spirit Devouring blade this time, she might even get promoted and receive a raise immediately.

"One hundred thousand Gold Soul Coins, going once! One hundred thousand Gold Soul Coins, going twice! Going three times! Sold!!"

Inside private room number one, Lu Xueling lowered his bidding paddle, a trace of secret delight in his eyes.

He had some recollection of the Spirit Devouring Engraving Knife. It seemed to be one of little Yuhao's later windfalls. Since little Yuhao was already by his side, he might as well get it early.

As for an Evil Soul Master's backlash? Sorry, but he still had Electrolux's power in his hands.

When the auction ended and it was time to settle the payment, after deducting the money spent on the Milk Bottle and the Spirit Devouring Engraving Knife, Lu Xueling's group had earned a total of 1,498,700,000 Gold Soul Coins.

"Honored guest, please keep this safe." A maid respectfully presented a gold card to Lu Xueling with both hands.

As the three people and one dragon left the auction house and had just pushed open the doors, the old man from private room number two was standing at the entrance.

"Senior, are you looking for Mr. Lu?" Little Huo Yuhao could tell that the senior had been waiting for them.

"What a polite little fellow." The old man revealed a seemingly kind smile. "This old man is Jing Hongchen, the master of Mingde Hall."

Sirin and Bella remained expressionless and gave him no friendly reception, but Jing Hongchen did not mind much.

Lu Xueling smiled without warmth. "For the Red Dust Hall Master to personally welcome me, I am truly flattered."

Jing Hongchen adjusted his glasses and made an inviting gesture. "Would you all be willing to come to Mingde Hall for a chat?"

"It would be an honor."