Heaven Dou City,Forging Association.
"So, you're saying you came here to borrow money from me?" Zhen Hua looked speechlessly at Gu You.
"You're a blacksmith, a divine craftsman no less—how could you ever be short of money?"
"It's a long story…"
Gu You briefly explained what had happened.
"You kidnapped two hundred-thousand-year soul beasts from the Spirit Transmission Tower?" Zhen Hua sucked in a cold breath.
"Exactly. And on top of that, with those rare ten-thousand-year soul beasts that were drained… right now, my debts are so high, it'll take me hundreds of years to pay them back." Gu You lay sprawled lazily on the sofa.
"The debt itself I can't help you with. But lending you money right now—I can agree to that. You're planning to go to the Heaven Dou International Auction, right?"
"Correct! A world-class auction like this is bound to have plenty of good things I can use." Gu You grinned mischievously.
"I'm going too. You'll come with me." Zhen Hua replied.
"Perfect! We'll set out tomorrow!"
Heaven Dou City, International Alliance.
This international alliance was jointly established by the last three great federations of the Douluo Continent. It encompassed many enterprises—resource trading, commerce, and more.
Accompanying Zhen Hua were two Soul Douluo. With the status of a divine craftsman, it was only natural he required protection.
From the outside, the auction venue looked enormous, split into multiple halls. Each hall could seat over a hundred people—sixteen halls in total, with seating for more than 1,600 participants.
Among those gathered were figures of great power and influence.
There were no restrictions to enter—so long as you believed you had the financial strength, you could participate. But there was still a distinction: outsiders could only watch the screens to bid, while those inside sat comfortably to participate directly.
If not for Zhen Hua, Gu You would have been stuck loitering outside.
They stepped inside, down a wide red-carpeted staircase nearly five meters across. No attendants stood outside to guide them.
After descending around twenty meters, they reached the registration point. Zhen Hua had already completed the required formalities in advance and handed each of them a numbered plaque. With these, young women in flowing blue gowns led them further in.
Passing through an antique wooden gate, the scene transformed—everything turned to dazzling gold.
A grand corridor stretched ahead, its lavishness surpassing even the first floor of the Spirit Transmission Tower. Over ten meters wide, the floor was paved with precious ivory-white jade tiles. Every ten meters stood a pair of elaborately carved columns of the same material. The walls gleamed as though sheathed in gold leaf, with intricate, ornate engravings.
Even with his extraordinary spiritual power, Gu You was stunned by the sheer meticulous craftsmanship. And this was merely for decoration!
Overhead hung resplendent crystal chandeliers, each five meters high, glowing with soft golden light. Against the gilded walls, the entire corridor seemed like a shimmering golden world.
Their attendant guided them through another grand door—though more doors and even stairs further ahead suggested the venue extended far deeper.
At last, the view opened. "Honored guests, this is Auction Hall Sixteen. It can seat one hundred and eight. Please be patient; the lots will soon be displayed on the soul-guide screens."
Inside, the lighting dimmed, with only wall sconces casting soft glows. Upon entry, each guest received a finely crafted mask.
Gu You and Zhen Hua took theirs.
The auction hall's décor was different—ancient, elegant, noble yet warm. Just stepping inside felt comfortable. Two hundred cushioned chairs upholstered in deep-blue velvet were arranged in arcs around the stage.
"Sit." Zhen Hua murmured.
Following his gaze, Gu You found his seat.
Already, about two-thirds of the seats were filled.
Suddenly, the hall dimmed completely.
"Welcome, everyone, to this International Auction. Jointly hosted by the Star Luo Federation and the Heaven Dou Empire, the lots come from all across the world."
"The auction will begin shortly. Please take your seats."
A pleasant female voice echoed from all directions.
Then the lights rose again. A woman in a red gown ascended the stage—about thirty years old, dignified and elegant in appearance.
"Esteemed guests, here are today's auction items. Only today's will be revealed now; tomorrow's can only be viewed tomorrow. And each day will end with a special mystery item, revealed only at the last moment."
Her amplified voice carried across the hall.
"See anything you want?" Zhen Hua asked beside him.
Gu You felt almost dazzled—there were so many treasures, some priceless beyond measure.
But his focus quickly sharpened. With his spiritual sense, he scanned the soul-guide screens displaying the items. One description immediately caught his eye.
Special Twin-Dragon Blood.
The image showed two vials—one filled with golden liquid, the other with black. Oddly, both liquids swirled with faint vortexes at the bottom.
"I want that!" Gu You pointed firmly at the screen. He already knew what it was: the blood of the Holy Light Dragon and the Dark Dragon.
In his mind, there were soul beasts in need of qualitative transformation, requiring a catalyst. These two dragon bloodlines were the perfect primers. Plus, he himself could benefit from absorbing some light and dark energy.
"Got it." Zhen Hua didn't pry into why Gu You needed dragon blood.
The preview ended—the auction was beginning.
"Please welcome the first item!"
Two attendants in violet gowns walked in, carrying something covered with cloth.
They reached the stage center and lifted the cover—
A dazzling purple light filled the room.
Wow!The entire audience erupted in gasps.
A soul bone! It was a soul bone!
The auctioneer smiled gracefully. "You've guessed right. This is indeed a soul bone—a rare head soul bone, particularly suited for spiritual-type soul masters. But I must tell you—the age of this soul bone is only six hundred years."
"Huh?"
Gu You raised an eyebrow slightly. A six-hundred-year-old soul beast dropping a soul bone? The odds were that high? He wondered if the soul master who killed that beast was still alive…
(End of Chapter)