First Arrival at the Treasure Land, Establishing Authority with Rules

Seven days passed in the blink of an eye.

On the outskirts of the Star Dou Great Forest, a barren area once rarely visited by humans had now become bustling with activity. Soul Master forces from across the continent had arrived in this region one after another, carrying complex emotions of curiosity, vigilance, and greed.

In the early morning, before the thin mist had fully dissipated, the magnificent structure of the Myriad Worlds Auction Pavilion loomed faintly in the dawn light, like a slumbering giant beast, exuding an aura of mystery and majesty.

With one hour left before the auction began, several hundred people had already gathered in the open space before the pavilion. They clustered in small groups, each faction keeping a wary distance from the others. Murmurs and discussions rose and fell, yet no one dared approach the mysterious building recklessly.

"Look at that architectural style—it's definitely not from our continent." Ning Fengzhi stood at the head of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's contingent, his sharp gaze sweeping over the pavilion. "Uncle Sword, can you sense anything?"

Chen Xin closed his eyes and concentrated for a moment, then shook his head. "My perception is blocked. There's an extremely powerful energy field around the building; my sword intent can't penetrate it."

Gu Rong let out a hoarse chuckle. "Interesting. This is the first time I've seen Old Sword get stumped."

On the other side, the Martial Soul Hall's contingent was the most conspicuous. Bibi Dong had not come in person; instead, Chrysanthemum Douluo Moon Guan and Ghost Douluo Shadowy represented her, followed by over a dozen red-robed cardinals—an impressive lineup.

"Ghostly, what do you think? Is this auction house real or fake?" Moon Guan toyed with a Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum, his tone flippant yet cautious.

Shadowy's figure flickered in and out of the shadows. "We'll know soon enough. But to deliver invitations to the Pope's Palace without a sound—that's no ordinary force."

Other factions, such as the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, the Four Lower Sects, and representatives from the two empires, also harbored their own thoughts, waiting in silence.

Suddenly, the two massive gates of agarwood slowly swung open, and a refreshing, intoxicating fragrance wafted out, lifting everyone's spirits.

Two black-robed elders stepped out—they were Mo Chen's men. Expressionless, their gazes swept across the crowd like lightning. The invisible pressure instantly silenced the noisy scene, as if a massive boulder had been pressed onto everyone's hearts.

"Such terrifying pressure..." Chen Xin's eyes narrowed. "Definitely at the Titled Douluo level, and not weaker than me!"

Gu Rong dropped his joking demeanor, his face turning grave. "Both of them are Peerless Douluo? What kind of background does this auction house have?"

Mo Chen took a step forward, his voice calm yet clear as it reached everyone's ears: "The auction is about to begin. Please abide by the auction house rules. Entry requires a capital verification; those who do not meet the standard will not be admitted."

As his words fell, a jade stele slowly rose from the ground, golden text appearing on its surface—the four rules Lin Yue had set.

"Capital verification? Quite the airs!" a rough voice rang out. The crowd turned to see a burly man with a fierce face step forward, followed by several companions.

"That's Mad Rhinoceros Douluo!" someone recognized the man. "A newly promoted Level 92 Titled Douluo, known for his strength and defense."

Mad Rhinoceros Douluo swaggered up to Mo Chen and said arrogantly, "I've traveled far and wide for years, and I've never seen an auction house that demands capital verification first! Who knows if you're just trying to scam..."

Before he could finish, Mo Chen's eyes turned cold. Without any visible movement, Mad Rhinoceros Douluo was struck as if by an invisible great hammer, sent flying backward, and slammed heavily into an ancient tree dozens of meters away, spitting out a mouthful of blood.

Dead silence fell over the entire scene!

A Titled Douluo, and he couldn't even put up a fight before being severely injured!

Mo Chen's voice remained calm. "Rule number one: No fighting within fifty li of the auction pavilion. Since this is your first offense, consider this a minor punishment. If you dare offend again, I will cripple your cultivation."

Mad Rhinoceros Douluo struggled to his feet, his face full of terror. Without another word, he slunk back to the rear of the crowd.

This scene shocked everyone. Those who had harbored ulterior motives now restrained themselves.

"Now, begin the capital verification." Mo Chen stepped forward, a crystalline crystal ball appearing in his hand. "Place your hand on the verification ball and inject your Soul Power. Those who meet the standard will see the ball glow white; they will receive a regular seat. Those with greater assets will see a blue glow and may proceed to the second-floor private rooms. Those who do not meet the standard, please leave on your own."

The crowd exchanged glances, but in the end, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect stepped forward first. Ning Fengzhi placed his hand on the crystal ball, and it immediately burst into a dazzling blue light.

"Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, please proceed to the second-floor private room." Mo Chen gave a slight nod.

Next came the Martial Soul Hall representatives, who also lit up blue and were led to the second floor.

Then, the major forces underwent verification one after another. Most lit up blue or white, while only a few minor factions glowed red and left in embarrassment.

Just as the verification was nearing its end, a group of figures emerged from the forest, causing quite a stir.

At the lead were three stunning women. The one in the center had silver hair and violet eyes, her bearing transcendent, like a celestial maiden descending to the mortal world. Flanking her were a man and a woman—the man in black with golden eyes, exuding an imposing aura; the woman in a green dress, gentle and radiating vitality.

"Are those... soul beasts from the Star Dou Great Forest?" a Titled Douluo exclaimed in shock, instinctively releasing his martial soul.

The atmosphere instantly grew tense. Human Soul Masters and soul beasts had a long-standing enmity, and now that they had met, the situation was on the verge of explosion.

Di Tian let out a cold snort, unleashing a terrifying pressure that left many Soul Masters gasping for breath.

Chen Xin's face changed drastically, the Seven Kill Sword already in his hand.

Just as conflict seemed imminent, Mo Chen suddenly spoke: "Within the auction grounds, private fights are forbidden. If you wish to fight, leave the fifty-li radius."

Gu Yuena raised her hand gently, stopping Di Tian. She walked to the verification ball and placed her slender hand on it. The ball erupted with an unprecedented, brilliant blue light, faintly tinged with gold.

Mo Chen gave a slight bow. "Honored guests, please proceed to the third-floor VIP suite."

This scene stunned everyone. The third floor? No one had been allowed to go to the third floor before! What kind of background did these soul beasts have?

Gu Yuena nodded slightly and led Di Tian and Bi Ji inside with poise, leaving behind a crowd of bewildered human Soul Masters.

Inside the auction pavilion, everyone was once again stunned by the interior's luxury and wonder.

The space was far more expansive than it appeared from the outside, clearly employing advanced spatial techniques. The ceiling was inlaid with glowing gems, sparkling like a starry sky. The seats were comfortable and lavish, each equipped with a crystal panel for bidding.

The private rooms on the second and third floors were even more opulent, featuring dedicated attendants and Crystal Windows that allowed a one-way view of the lower floor, ensuring excellent privacy.

Ning Fengzhi stood by the window of his second-floor private room, looking down. "Uncle Sword, Uncle Bone, what do you think?"

Chen Xin said gravely, "Unfathomable. Those two gatekeepers are extremely powerful, and the building itself is miraculous. Most importantly, they don't seem to care whether their guests are humans or soul beasts."

Gu Rong nodded. "It seems this auction house's background is even more complicated than we imagined."

On the other side, in the Martial Soul Hall's private room, Moon Guan and Shadowy were also speaking in low voices.

"We must report this to His Holiness the Pope as soon as possible," Ghostly said gravely. "The appearance of these soul beasts is no small matter, especially that silver-haired woman—she gives me an extremely dangerous feeling."

Moon Guan was unusually serious. "And those two gatekeepers—their strength is likely not inferior to ours. This auction house is no simple establishment."

Inside the third-floor VIP box, Gu Yuena sat quietly by the window, a flicker of strange light passing through her violet eyes.

"Master, why be so courteous to humans?" Di Tian said, somewhat aggrieved.

Gu Yuena spoke softly, "Di Tian, haven't you sensed it yet? This building... has a divine-level aura. And not an ordinary divine level at that."

Bi Ji chimed in gently, "Indeed, the Life Energy here is exceptionally pure and rich. It even amplifies my healing abilities."

Gu Yuena gazed toward the Auction Platform, her eyes deep and thoughtful. "I have a feeling... this place might be a turning point for our soul beast race."

When the time indicator pointed to the Si Hour, the lights inside the auction hall suddenly dimmed, leaving only a beam of light shining down on the Auction Platform.

A figure appeared silently within the light beam—azure robes like jade, a smile on his face. It was Lin Yue.

"Welcome, everyone, to the Myriad Worlds Auction House," he said, his voice calm yet carrying a strange penetrating power that reached every corner. "I am the owner here, Lin Yue."

Everyone's gaze focused on this seemingly ordinary young man, yet no one dared underestimate him—how could someone who commanded two Peerless Douluo be simple?

"Enough with the pleasantries. The auction begins now." Lin Yue was direct and efficient. "Today's first Auction Item—Soul Power Enhancement Pill (Low Grade)."

A jade bottle appeared on the display stand. Through the bottle's walls, a round pill could be faintly seen.

"This pill can increase a Soul Master's soul power by one level without side effects, for those below level 50," Lin Yue introduced simply. "Starting Price: 1,000 Points. Equivalent-value items may be used as collateral for exchange."

The crowd below erupted in uproar. Increasing soul power without side effects? This completely overturned common knowledge in the soul master world!

"1,100 Points!" Someone quickly made a bid.

"1,200!"

"1,500!"

The price climbed steadily, eventually won by a small sect for 3,200 Points. Payment and delivery were handled on the spot, and the Sect Master's hands trembled with excitement.

The headline item, the Soul Core Condensation Method (Introductory), sparked a fierce contest among the second-floor boxes. The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect and Martial Soul Hall refused to yield to each other, the price soaring all the way to 50,000 Points, until Ning Fengzhi gritted his teeth and secured it.

With three items sold, the atmosphere in the hall was already blazing hot. Everyone realized that the treasures of this auction house were the real deal.

Lin Yue watched the excited crowd below and smiled faintly. "Today's auction ends here. In three days, the second auction will be held, with even more rare items to come. Please look forward to it."

With that, ignoring the crowd's attempts to keep him, his figure silently vanished.

Representatives of various factions filed out one after another, their minds complex. Each was eager to relay the day's events back to their sect.

But at this moment, no one noticed that by the third-floor window of the auction hall, Gu Yuena was staring at the spot where Lin Yue had disappeared, a strange brilliance flickering in her violet eyes.

"Lin Yue, is it? An interesting human..."