Second-grade Pills

The Gilded Bell Chime of the Otherworld Auction House rang out in the morning mist, three deep tolls echoing for a hundred miles – the signal for the auction house's second auction. The plaza outside the Black Jade Main Building was already packed with Soul Masters from various major powers, each clutching their Point Vouchers, their eyes filled with anticipation and nervousness.

On the east side of the plaza, the group from Shrek Academy was particularly conspicuous. Flender, wearing his faded dean's robe, was followed by Tang San, Dai Mubai, Oscar, and others. The youths' faces were a mixture of curiosity and vigilance. "Xiao San, pay close attention during the auction later, especially to that so-called 'Thousand Year Soul Ring Purification Liquid.' If it can truly enhance soul ring effects, it would be a tremendous boon for our academy's disciples," Flender whispered, his gaze sweeping over the representatives of surrounding powers, particularly the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan's contingent not far away.

Tang San nodded slightly, his fingers unconsciously stroking the Twenty-Four Moonlit Bridges Night at his waist. Ever since he was intimidated by Mo Chen's pressure last time, his attitude towards the auction house had shifted from suspicion to reverence. Hearing about a pill that could enhance soul ring effects, he had specifically followed Flender. On one hand, he was looking for resources for the academy; on the other, he wanted to see if the auction house had any other treasures more suited to him.

On the west side of the plaza, the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan's group exuded an imposing aura. Yu Tianxin, dressed in a deep blue tight-fitting outfit, was accompanied by two clan elders. A Dragon-shaped Jade Pendant hung from his waist, emitting a faint Lightning Attribute soul power. "We must acquire the Thousand Year Soul Ring Purification Liquid this time!" Yu Tianxin's voice carried an undeniable authority. "Several young disciples in the clan are stuck at the bottleneck of soul ring absorption. With this pill, their breakthrough to Soul Emperor will be within reach!"

As the auction house doors slowly opened, everyone orderly entered the auction hall. The hall was already well-prepared. On a high platform in the center sat a transparent Crystal Display Cabinet. Inside, a bottle of pale gold liquid was emitting a soft glow – the main featured item of this auction, a Second-grade Pill, Thousand Year Soul Ring Purification Liquid.

Lin Yue sat in the Main Seat to the side of the high platform, his gaze sweeping over the bidders below, a faint smile playing on his lips. This auction not only attracted powers like Shrek Academy and the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan but also representatives from many hidden Soul Master families. It seemed the allure of the "Thousand Year Soul Ring Purification Liquid" was even greater than he had anticipated.

"Welcome everyone to the Otherworld Auction House auction," the Auctioneer walked onto the high platform, his voice transmitted through a Soul Tool to the entire hall. "There are three items in this auction. The first is the long-awaited Second-grade Pill, Thousand Year Soul Ring Purification Liquid."

The Auctioneer raised his hand and opened the Crystal Display Cabinet. A clear, crisp fragrance instantly filled the air. Everyone watched as the pale gold liquid slowly flowed within the bottle, fine patterns appearing on its surface, as if it were alive. "The effects of this pill, I believe everyone is already aware of – it can increase the absorption effect of ordinary Hundred Year Soul Rings by 30%, allowing Soul Masters to not only gain more soul power when absorbing soul rings but also reduce the risk of Soul Ring Backlash."

The Auctioneer paused, then his tone suddenly rose: "Thousand Year Soul Ring Purification Liquid, starting price 50,000 points, with each bid no less than 5,000 points. Now, the bidding begins!"

"70,000 points!" As soon as the Auctioneer finished speaking, a Soul Master in a Black Robe immediately raised his hand, his voice filled with urgency. Everyone looked towards the source of the voice; it was a representative from a Medium Soul Master Family. Although their family had many young geniuses, they had always been unable to break through bottlenecks due to a lack of high-quality soul rings.

"80,000 points!" Yu Tianxin of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan bid without hesitation, his eyes filled with determined resolve. For him, this pill was crucial for the growth of his clan's younger generation, and no matter how many points it cost, they had to acquire it.

"160,000 points!" Flender of Shrek Academy also joined the bidding. He looked at Tang San, his eyes filled with expectation. If they could win this pill, Tang San's risk during soul ring absorption would be greatly reduced, and his future achievements would be limitless.

"100,000 points!" Another faction representative bid, and the atmosphere in the hall instantly became tense. Everyone's gaze was drawn to the Crystal Display Cabinet on the high platform, their eyes filled with longing. Everyone knew that although this pill was only Second-grade, it could bring immense improvement to the younger generation of their factions.

Yu Tianxin frowned. He hadn't expected so many factions to compete. He took a deep breath and raised his hand again: "140,000 points!" This time, he increased the bid by 40,000 points, attempting to deter other bidders.

The hall fell silent. 140,000 points was no small sum, equivalent to the value of a Ten Thousand Year Soul Bone. Many representatives of medium-sized factions showed hesitation, beginning to weigh the pros and cons.

Just then, Flender spoke again: "160,000 points!" He gritted his teeth, having made up his mind. Even if it meant using all of the academy's savings, he had to secure this pill for Tang San.

Yu Tianxin's expression instantly turned grim. He turned to look at Flender, his eyes carrying a hint of warning: "Dean Flender, although Shrek Academy is renowned, this pill is more important to my Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan. I hope you will be magnanimous."

Flender sneered: "Young Master Yu, you jest. The auction house operates on the principle of the highest bidder. If you can offer a higher price, I naturally won't compete."

Their exchange further heightened the tension in the hall. Tang San looked at Flender, his heart filled with gratitude, but also some worry. The academy's resources were already limited. If too much was spent on this pill, their future development might be affected.

At this moment, Yu Tianxin suddenly spoke: "200,000 points!" His voice carried a hint of desperation. "I am willing to offer the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan's secret mineral, 'Thunder Pattern Jade,' as part of the payment, plus an additional 30,000 points, for a total of 200,000 points!"

"Thunder Pattern Jade?" everyone exclaimed in surprise. Thunder Pattern Jade was an ancestral mineral of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan. It not only aided in the cultivation of Lightning Attribute Soul Masters but could also be used to forge high-level Soul Tools, making it priceless. Yu Tianxin was actually willing to use Thunder Pattern Jade as part of the payment, demonstrating the immense importance he placed on this pill.

Flender's face turned unsightly. Shrek Academy simply couldn't produce resources comparable to Thunder Pattern Jade. The price of 200,000 points far exceeded the academy's capacity. He looked at Tang San and shook his head helplessly, indicating he could do no more.

The Auctioneer looked below, his voice tinged with excitement: "Young Master Yu of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan bids 200,000 points. Are there any higher bids?"

The hall was silent. No one dared to bid higher. The Auctioneer called out three times. Seeing no response, he struck his Auction Hammer: "Congratulations to Young Master Yu of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan for winning the Second-grade Pill, Thousand Year Soul Ring Purification Liquid, for 200,000 points!"