The auction item rested on a display stand. It was very small, about half a foot long and only as thick as a finger.
It tapered from bottom to top, ending in a tip that looked exceptionally sharp, while the lower end formed a keen blade about half an inch wide.
Its overall appearance was ancient and unadorned, its surface pitch-black, with faint engraved patterns visible upon it. It gave off a subtle air of antiquity, tinged with something somber.
At once, many bidders let out disappointed sighs. Clearly, they did not think there was anything surprising about it.
Yet the pupils of a handful of people rapidly contracted. The appearance of this item had shocked them.
A carving knife. Yes, this was a carving knife that soul engineers used to engrave core arrays.
Both ends of a carving knife had their own uses, which varied depending on the array being engraved. No soul engineer could do without one. It was essential for making soul tools.
Gu Qingnian had one too, but it no longer suited him very well. The higher a soul engineer's rank, the rarer and tougher the metals he had to work with, and his carving knife had to change accordingly.
At the sight of this carving knife, Gu Qingnian and the other two from the Soul Tool Department all paused slightly. Gu Qingnian quietly steadied himself.
Qing Xue's voice rang out again. "I imagine some of our honored guests have already been deceived by its appearance. In that case, I can only regretfully tell you that you are mistaken.
"Missing this mysterious prize will be the greatest mistake of your lives. Now, allow me to introduce this seemingly ordinary, yet decidedly extraordinary carving knife."
"A carving knife is indispensable to every soul engineer. And a fine