Ice Jade Scorpion Left Arm Bone

When the group arrived at the entrance of the Starlight Auction House by invitation, Qing Ya, the auctioneer who had hosted the previous auction, was waiting there. Dressed in a long black gown, she appeared even more noble and elegant beneath the nighttime lights, her pretty face full of gentleness.

Wang Yan met her gaze and nodded slightly. "Hello, Auctioneer Qing Ya. We meet again."

Qing Ya said delightedly, "Welcome, honored guests."

Wang Yan asked, "How did you know we would definitely come today?"

Qing Ya shook her head. "I didn't. But my task is to receive all honored guests properly. Whether you came or not, I would wait here until the auction officially began. Please follow Qing Ya."

As she spoke, she gave Wang Yan another radiant smile before leading the way with graceful steps. Standing behind them, Xu Sanshi chuckled into Bei Bei's ear. "If that auctioneer smiles at Teacher Wang a few more times, I'm afraid his soul will be hooked away. She really has a mature charm!"

Bei Bei shot him a glance. "Idiot." With that, he followed the others into the Starlight Grand Auction House.

The interior of the auction house was the same as before, without any publicity specifically aimed at today's top-tier auction. Led by Qing Ya, they continued farther inside and soon passed the venue where they had bid previously.

When they reached the end, two young women in golden dresses came forward. After bowing slightly to the group, they exchanged a few brief words with Qing Ya. Then one of the young women turned toward the wall and raised her right hand, pressing it lightly against the surface.

At once, a strange scene appeared. Rippling patterns of light emerged across the wall, followed by layers of radiance that gradually stabilized. The young woman pressed her palm against it, and a horizontal band of light swept from top to bottom. Then, with a hum, the wall slowly opened to both sides, revealing a passageway. Unlike the resplendent gold outside, this corridor was a pure white. It was not a cold white, but one that carried a soft, gentle texture.

Qing Ya explained softly, "This is Auction Hall Number One, where we hold our top-tier auctions. Only the most distinguished guests are invited here to participate in bidding. I'm benefiting from your presence today as well. Otherwise, with my rank, I wouldn't be qualified to enter this place."

Wang Yan said calmly, "Judging by Auctioneer Qing Ya's attire, it seems you've been promoted."

Qing Ya smiled faintly. "That is also thanks to all of you. It was precisely because of your attendance at the previous auction that I accumulated enough achievements to advance to a Black-Level Auctioneer. Please come in."

She led the way at an unhurried pace. Inside, another two young women in golden dresses, both only eighteen or nineteen, came forward to greet them. After walking a short distance farther in, small doors began appearing along both sides. Qing Ya eventually led them through Door Number Seven.

Everyone took seats on the comfortable sofas. Auctioneer Qing Ya and the two young women in golden dresses remained behind. Standing beside the sofa, Qing Ya smiled. "Allow me to explain the rules of our top-tier auction to our honored guests."

One of the young women walked to the smooth wall and pressed it lightly. Immediately, a gentle glow spread across the entire wall. The light gradually intensified, and the wall slowly transformed into a massive screen.

Seeing that several members of Shrek Academy looked puzzled by the screen, Qing Ya explained, "This is a Light-Guiding Screen specially commissioned by our auction house from the Sun Moon Empire. It can transmit images through a special method. Its Core Array is not powered by Soul Power, but by a type of ore from the Sun Moon Empire."

Everyone nodded in understanding. Seeing that the Shrek Academy members showed no particular surprise, Qing Ya could not help but feel puzzled.

The Light-Guiding Screen gradually became clear. Various patterns appeared on either side, while the center displayed what seemed to be an auction platform. The platform did not look large, but it was exceptionally clear on the screen.

Qing Ya said, "To protect the privacy of all honored guests participating in the top-tier auction, every guest will have an exclusive room, just like this one. Bidding and viewing the auction items will both take place in this room. I am specifically responsible for giving you detailed explanations of the items. During bidding, these two female attendants will help report your offers. You only need to state your price. All food and drinks here are free of charge. After the bidding ends, the items will also be delivered to your room immediately. You only need to settle the bill together at the end. Please have something to eat first. Our auction will begin shortly."

Just then, the entire room was suddenly bathed in a layer of golden light. Instinctively, everyone turned their gaze toward the Soul Tool screen opposite the sofa.

Qing Ya said, "Honored guests, today's auction is about to begin."

The golden light on the Soul Tool screen gradually receded, and a melodious, pleasant voice rang out. "Welcome, honored guests, to the Starlight Auction House's top-tier auction. Today, we will present a total of nine precious auction items, displayed in ascending order of value. We hope you will enjoy them."

The young woman looked no more than seventeen or eighteen. Her exquisite beauty, paired with a red gauze dress that accentuated her icy skin, gave her an almost perfect appearance.

"Greetings, honored guests. I am Jiu Jiu, today's auctioneer. It is my honor to host this top-tier auction. Your time is precious, so our auction will now begin. Please admire today's first auction item."

With that, she gave a sweet smile and performed an intricate yet exceptionally graceful salute. Her right hand made an inviting gesture. At once, the image shifted, and an item appeared on the wall's Soul Tool screen.

Dai Yueheng said in surprise, "A Star Luo Empire court etiquette?"

Qing Ya glanced at him in surprise. "You have sharp eyes, honored guest. Auctioneer Jiu Jiu is the chief auctioneer of our Star Luo Auction House, as well as our only Gold-Level Auctioneer. Only when an auction includes items worth more than a hundred million gold coins does she wear the golden auction attire. At the same time, Auctioneer Jiu Jiu is also the youngest sister of His Majesty the current Emperor."

The group exchanged looks, all feeling it was unbelievable. Even as they were shocked, their attention was drawn to the first auction item displayed before them. Princess Jiu Jiu's voice followed.

"The Tyrant Tiger Soul Refining Blade, an eighth-grade close-combat Soul Tool. Its materials are extraordinarily precious and include a right arm bone produced by a ten-thousand-year Tyrant Tiger soul beast. Its Soul Bone skill, Tyrant Blade Slash, has been solidified within it. It can also increase the attack power of similar Soul Skills by fifty percent."

"Please note, honored guests, that every strike made with this precious close-combat Soul Tool will carry the effect of Tyrant Blade Slash. Its effect can stack with any similar offensive Soul Skill. Furthermore, through the guidance of an exquisite Core Array and the energy contained within the Soul Bone itself, the Soul Power consumed by Tyrant Blade Slash is only one-third of the normal amount."

"Finally, this Tyrant Tiger Soul Refining Blade was produced by Mingde Hall of the Sun Moon Empire. I believe the words 'Mingde Hall' alone are enough to attest to its quality. A seven-ringed Soul Saint can wield this blade. With it, it becomes possible for a Soul Saint to challenge a Soul Douluo across ranks. Viewing time: five minutes."

As soon as Princess Jiu Jiu finished her introduction, gasps filled the room. And this was only the first item!

An eighth-grade Soul Tool—even Ye Qingchen, who had only just begun studying Soul Tools, had never seen one before. The brief introduction had already revealed all its formidable qualities. Even the well-informed He Caitou, Ma Xiaotao, Dai Yueheng, and Ling Luochen showed astonishment. Everyone rose to their feet and walked over to the screen to inspect this eighth-grade Soul Tool saber carefully.

"Viewing time is over. The Tyrant Tiger Soul Refining Blade has a starting bid of six hundred thousand Gold Soul Coins, with each increment no less than five thousand Gold Soul Coins. All honored guests are experts, so I trust Jiu Jiu need not say more. Bidding begins. If no one raises the price within one minute of a bid, the auction will be concluded."

The screen changed into a pale white backdrop, and the image of the Tyrant Tiger Soul Refining Blade faded into the background. A huge number—six hundred thousand—appeared on the screen.

"Six hundred and fifty thousand." Dai Yueheng spoke up. At the same time, he turned to signal Wang Yan. "Teacher Wang, this is my personal decision."

Wang Yan said nothing more and merely nodded at him.

As soon as he made his bid, the gold-clad attendant immediately performed a simple operation on the Soul Tool screen. The huge number on the display changed to six hundred and fifty thousand.

Ma Xiaotao said irritably, "So what if you're rich?"

Dai Yueheng was not angered. Smiling faintly, he said, "Xiaotao, you're stronger than I am. You'll definitely reach seven rings before I do. How about this? Once you become a Soul Saint, I'll let you use this Tyrant Tiger Soul Refining Blade first. Return it to me whenever I break through to seven rings as well. What do you think? It would only sit unused in my hands anyway."

Ma Xiaotao glared at him. "Why would I want your things? Besides, it's not certain you can even buy it."

Sure enough, the number on the large screen had already begun to change.

The number of Gold Soul Coins shot upward in a straight climb, surpassing one million in no time. However, after breaking past one million, the rate at which the numbers changed began to slow.

In the end, Dai Yueheng gritted his teeth and bought the Tyrant Tiger Soul Refining Blade for one million five hundred and sixty thousand Gold Soul Coins.

The price remained unchanged for a full minute, and the bidding ended. The golden light filling the room immediately burst into dazzling, firework-like patterns, signaling the successful bid. Dai Yueheng's heart ached at the expense.

Princess Jiu Jiu, dressed in her long red gown, appeared on the screen again. With a charming smile, she gave a slight bow. "Thank you to the honored guest who just acquired the Tyrant Tiger Soul Refining Blade for supporting this auction. Next is our second auction item. Although they are single-use consumables, they are extremely rare, and gathering a complete set is quite difficult. Honored guests, please take a look."

The Soul Tool screen changed again. This time, the screen covering the entire wall divided into twelve sections, and the items in each section looked somewhat similar in appearance.

"Fixed Soul Cannon Shells." He Caitou and Ye Qingchen blurted out almost simultaneously.

Princess Jiu Jiu's voice echoed through the room. "These twelve Fixed Soul Cannon Shells were also produced by Mingde Hall. We went to great lengths to collect them. Each one has a different effect, and their complexity is in no way inferior to that of a Rank Six Soul Tool. Their attributes are water, fire, earth, wind, light, darkness, deadly poison, lightning, frost, metal, explosive, and paralysis. At minimum, they require a rank six fixed soul cannon to fire. For rapid fire, a rank seven or higher fixed soul cannon is required. You have five minutes to inspect them."

Before she had even finished speaking, He Caitou dashed forward in a single stride, with Ye Qingchen right behind him. Although Soul Tools of this level were still far beyond what they had come into contact with.

"It's so exquisite. Qingchen, look—the Core Array is at the tail of the shell. Wow, the outer portion of this Core Array already has an acceleration circuit. And this circuit is so large; the shell's speed after leaving the barrel must be terrifying." He Caitou looked at the Fixed Soul Cannon Shells, so excited that he practically danced with joy.

Ye Qingchen walked over to his side and asked in a low voice, "Do these shells have research value?"

He Caitou nodded without hesitation. "Yes, of course."

"Alright, I understand." Ye Qingchen nodded.

The price of these twelve shells was staggering, truly following the pattern that each auction item cost more than the last. The starting bid for these twelve shells was as high as 650,000 Gold Soul Coins.

Once the bidding began, Ye Qingchen did not rush to place an offer. He merely watched the large screen in silence. The bidding fell into an awkward lull, with the number 650,000 remaining unchanged. No one was even willing to offer the starting price.

When one minute had passed since the auction began, Princess Jiu Jiu's regretful voice rang out. "It seems these twelve Fixed Soul Cannon Shells have not found suitable owners today. The final twenty-second countdown begins. If no one bids, this item will be withdrawn from auction."

Ye Qingchen turned to Qing Ya and asked quietly, "How many seconds does it take to place a bid?"

Qing Ya said, "Instantly."

"Five, four, three, two, one."

Just as the count reached the second-to-last second, Ye Qingchen said, "I bid 655,000 Gold Soul Coins."

The price was entered instantly. In the final second, the illusory number 650,000 first solidified for a moment before jumping to 655,000. However, Ye Qingchen swept up the next five auction items as well: a left arm bone, a right arm bone, a left leg bone, an extremely rare metal, and a long-range rank eight Soul Tool. After all, Ye Qingchen was someone who did not lack money.

I'll buy the items, Ye Qingchen. System, you handle the payment.

Princess Jiu Jiu smiled. "The next two auction items will be today's highlights. I believe all our distinguished guests will be interested. Make sure to seize this opportunity—some fine items are rarely seen, and there may not even be a second one anywhere on the continent. For example, our eighth item. It is still a Soul Bone, but it is extraordinary. Please look."

With a flash of light and shadow, a Soul Bone magnified countless times appeared on the Soul Tool screen. This Soul Bone was entirely jade-green, with a jade-green glow flowing and rippling across it, as though it contained jade-green liquid.

Judging by its shape, it was a left arm Soul Bone. Faint white mist radiated from its jade-green body.

"Bastard!"

A voice suddenly rang out in Ye Qingchen's mind. Naturally, it belonged to the Ice Empress. Ye Qingchen could clearly sense the fury in her emotions.

At that moment, Princess Jiu Jiu's captivating, seductive voice began to speak. It was clearly a little lower than before, even more melodious and alluring. "Distinguished guests, it is my honor to introduce this next Soul Bone to you. The Soul Bone you see before you is the finest one our Starlight Auction House has found in recent years."

"I believe you can all see that this is an ice-attributed Soul Bone. Before introducing its advantages, let me first explain its drawbacks. The most significant drawback lies in its attribute. Its first drawback is its attribute restriction: only ice-attributed Soul Masters can use it."

"Its second drawback is also obvious. The Soul Skill of this left arm bone has already been fixed. No matter what kind of ice-attributed martial soul the Soul Master merging with it possesses, its Soul Skill will absolutely not change. This creates a considerable limitation."

"As for its final drawback, that is its age. According to our appraisal, this Soul Bone is between fifty thousand and seventy thousand years old. Without sufficient strength and physical fitness, do not attempt to merge with it."

"Having finished with its drawbacks, it is time to tell you all about its advantages." With a shift in tone, Princess Jiu Jiu's voice became filled with sincerity.

"This Soul Bone comes from humanity's forbidden zone—the Far North, perhaps even the Far North Core Region. The soul beast it came from was one of the super soul beasts that held hegemonic status in the bitterly cold Far North: the Ice Jade Scorpion."

"As long as an ice-attributed Soul Master possesses it, they will never regret it. You have ten minutes to inspect it."

Wang Yan turned toward Ye Qingchen and Ling Luochen, his voice grave. "There is only one Soul Bone."

Ye Qingchen thought for a moment. "I'll buy it, but I won't merge with the Soul Bone. It will be useful for something. When the time comes, I'll give it to Senior Sister Luochen."

The full twenty minutes of viewing time ended. The Ice Jade Scorpion Left Arm Bone had a starting price of twelve million Gold Soul Coins, with each increase no less than fifty thousand Gold Soul Coins. Such a high price truly stunned everyone from Shrek Academy.

The price soared in a straight line. This Soul Bone had indeed drawn the attention of many people. Just as the price rose to fifteen million Gold Soul Coins, an enormous number suddenly stunned every private room.

Thirty million!

The Shrek group turned to look at Ye Qingchen. He had already placed his bid, and thirty million appeared on the screen.

"Sold!"

(End of Chapter)