Storm at the Auction House, Ice Jade Scorpion Left Arm Bone

Conference room.

The round of sixteen knockout matches is about to begin, and Shrek's opponent is one of the top four from the previous tournament... Dou Spirit Royal Academy.

"Dou Spirit Royal Academy is formidable." Zhang Lexuan pointed to the data on the soul tool screen, her expression grave: "Five Spirit Kings, two Spirit Ancestors; even against the Sun Moon Imperial Soul Master Academy, they have the strength to put up a fight."

The atmosphere in the conference room was slightly stifling. After all, these are knockout matches with zero margin for error; no matter how confident they are in their own strength, they must remain cautious.

Of course, this does not include Huo Yuhao.

"Senior Sister, did you forget? We have Senior Sister Ma Xiaotao at the Spirit Saint level, and Senior Sister Ling, who has the Ultimate Ice experience card. Plus Nier and me—with this lineup, isn't taking down Dou Spirit Royal Academy a sure thing?"

Hearing the term "Ultimate Ice experience card," the usually cold Ling Luochen couldn't help but blush.

Only she knew how this experience card was obtained; as long as she engaged in dual cultivation with Huo Yuhao the night before to extract enough Ultimate Ice soul power, it would be enough to support her for one battle.

Although it was shameful, the feeling of controlling ultimate ice was truly addictive, and of course, the process of working hard to obtain that Ultimate Ice was also addictive.

"Yuhao is right." Zhang Lexuan smiled and nodded, "Despise the opponent strategically, but respect them tactically. Whether it's the team battle or individual matches, we have an absolute advantage."

After the meeting ended, Zhang Lexuan took out a golden invitation.

"There is a top-tier auction at the Star Light Auction House tonight. Everyone get ready; I'm taking you to broaden your horizons."

Star Light Auction House, top-tier private box.

Soft lights cascaded down, and the entire auction hall was resplendent with gold and jade, the height of luxury.

Following a crisp chime, a stunningly beautiful young woman in a long golden dress slowly walked onto the auction stage.

She had a tall figure and a noble, elegant temperament; every expression and smile exuded royal grace and luxury.

She was none other than Princess Xu Jiujiu of the Star Luo Empire, also the chief auctioneer of the Star Light Auction House.

"Good evening, distinguished guests, I am Jiujiu." Xu Jiujiu's voice was gentle and melodious, instantly capturing the attention of the entire room, "Tonight, we will present eight rare treasures for everyone."

The first item was pushed out. The red cloth was lifted, and a giant blade radiating a chilling aura came into view.

"Tyrant Tiger Soul-Refining Blade, an eighth-level melee soul tool!" Xu Jiujiu introduced, "The material originates from the right arm bone of a ten-thousand-year Tyrant Tiger soul beast. It has the solidified soul bone skill 'Tyrant Blade Slash' and can amplify the attack power of similar soul skills by fifty percent. It comes from the Mingde Hall of the Sun Moon Empire, and the usage requirement is a seven-ring Spirit Saint. The starting bid is six hundred thousand Gold Soul Coins!"

In the private box, Ma Xiaotao's eyes lit up instantly.

This blade was practically tailor-made for her! Domineering, wild, and perfectly matching her combat style.

But then, her gaze dimmed again.

Starting at six hundred thousand, the final price would likely double. Although she had some savings, she couldn't afford that much.

Just then, Huo Yuhao's voice rang out: "Senior Sister, I would like to apply for a loan from the academy."

Zhang Lexuan was stunned: "You want to buy this?"

"Buy it for Senior Sister Ma." Huo Yuhao pointed at the Tyrant Tiger Soul-Refining Blade, "This thing is very suitable for her. As for the money, after the tournament ends, I will craft a batch of soul tools to pay off the debt."

"Yuhao, don't..." Ma Xiaotao felt a warmth in her heart and quickly tried to dissuade him, "This is too expensive; I can't let you owe such a huge favor."

"It's fine, Senior Sister Ma." Huo Yuhao waved his hand, looking indifferent, "I am a fifth-level soul master now; if I put in some effort, I can make sixth-level soul tools, so it won't take much time."

One million five hundred and sixty thousand Gold Soul Coins!

In the end, Huo Yuhao won the Tyrant Tiger Soul-Refining Blade at this staggering price.

Watching Huo Yuhao's calm and collected demeanor, all the women present couldn't help but look at him. Spending a fortune just to make a beauty smile—this boldness, this style, was simply incredibly cool.

The subsequent auctions were calm. Twelve fixed-load soul cannon shells were purchased by Zhang Lexuan for six hundred and fifty thousand Gold Soul Coins for the academy's research.

The following items, while precious, did not pique the interest of the Shrek team.

Until the final grand finale item appeared. It was a crystal-clear, emerald-green soul bone, radiating a bone-chilling cold that made one's heart tremble.

"This is..."

In Huo Yuhao's mind, the Ice Empress, who had been sleeping, suddenly flew into a rage: "Scoundrels! This is the soul bone of my Ice Jade Scorpion clan! These hateful humans actually dared to hunt my kin!"

Huo Yuhao quickly pacified her: "Ice Empress, calm down. Since this soul bone has appeared, we will take it back."

On stage, Xu Jiujiu was introducing: "This is a seventy-thousand-year Ice Jade Scorpion Left Arm Bone. Its value needs no explanation, but it has three limitations: first, only ice-attribute soul masters can use it; second, the soul skill is solidified as Ice Explosion Technique; third, it has extremely high requirements for physical fitness, otherwise it cannot be absorbed."

"Hmph, ignorant humans!" the Ice Empress snorted coldly, "The greatest limitation of this soul bone is that only an Ultimate Ice soul master can absorb it! Ordinary ice-attribute soul masters will surely die if they try! This is the pride of my Ice Jade Scorpion clan!"

Huo Yuhao's heart stirred, and he immediately pressed the service bell beside him.

"There is a problem with this auction item; I want to see your person in charge."

A moment later, Xu Jiujiu extended the viewing time and hurried to the private box.

"Huo Yuhao, is there a problem with this soul bone?" Although Xu Jiujiu remained polite, there was a hint of doubt in her eyes.

Huo Yuhao didn't waste words and said directly: "Your Highness, the introduction for this soul bone is incorrect. The Ice Jade Scorpion clan is extremely proud; their soul bones can only be absorbed by soul masters with the Ultimate Ice attribute. If an ordinary ice-attribute soul master forces the absorption, there is only one outcome—death by explosion. If the auction house doesn't want to ruin its reputation, it's best to clarify this."

Xu Jiujiu was shocked upon hearing this. She hesitated for a long time before thanking him and leaving.

She went to the number one private box and reported the situation to Emperor Xu Jiawei of Star Luo, who was inside.

After listening, Xu Jiawei smiled slightly: "This kid is interesting. Since that's the case, proceed with the auction as usual; I will bid for it."

The bidding began, with a starting price as high as ten million Gold Soul Coins!

This price immediately discouraged the vast majority of people.

Including Shrek Academy.

Although this spirit bone was practically tailor-made for Huo Yuhao, ten million was simply too exaggerated.

In the end, the spirit bone was reclaimed by Xu Jiawei for the astronomical price of thirty million Gold Soul Coins.

"Sigh, what a pity." Zhang Lexuan sighed, "Huo Yuhao, it seems this spirit bone was not meant for you."

Although Huo Yuhao felt some regret, he did not show it.

After the auction ended, the door to the private box was knocked on once again.

This time, Xu Jiujiu walked in accompanied by a middle-aged man dressed in plain clothes.

The man was handsome with an extraordinary bearing; he was none other than the Star Luo Empire emperor, Xu Jiawei.

"Your Majesty!" Everyone hurriedly bowed.

Xu Jiawei waved his hand to signal them to rise, exchanged a few pleasantries about how he had once been a member of Shrek Academy, and then fixed his gaze on Huo Yuhao, his eyes filled with appreciation: "Student Huo Yuhao, thanks to your reminder earlier, a credibility crisis for the auction house was avoided. As a token of gratitude, I have decided that if Shrek Academy can win the championship in this tournament, this Ice Jade Scorpion Left Arm Bone will be given to you as an additional prize."

Once these words were spoken, the entire room was shocked.

A spirit bone worth thirty million, given away just like that?! Is this the boldness of an emperor?

Huo Yuhao was also slightly stunned, but he immediately bowed: "Thank you for your generous favor, Your Majesty."

Xu Jiawei patted Huo Yuhao on the shoulder and said meaningfully: "I have looked into your background; you were born in the Star Luo Empire, so you can be considered one of my subjects. I have high hopes for your future. If one day you are willing to serve the country, the doors of the Star Luo Empire will always be open to you."

Huo Yuhao did not refuse directly, nor did he explicitly agree, simply smiling: "Serving the country is also my dream."

Xu Jiawei nodded with satisfaction and turned to leave with Xu Jiujiu.