After entering Wujie Academy, Feng Xiaotian's father got his first look at the true strength hidden behind the institution. Though he didn't meet Titled Douluo Dugu Bo, he had already seen Yang Wudi, Niu Gao, and Bai He—three Soul Douluo. Such a lineup surpassed the typical standards of an advanced soul master academy.
Even the most prestigious school in the Heaven Dou Empire only had three Soul Douluo-level deans.
In terms of elite personnel, Wujie Academy had already overtaken the Heaven Dou Imperial Advanced Soul Master Academy.
At this point, Wujie Academy's first-generation representative team for the All-Continent Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament was fully assembled.
Captain: Yun Yibai, Level 53 Power Attack Battle Soul King
Vice-Captain: Dugu Yan, Level 54 Control-type Battle Soul King
Feng Xiaotian, Level 48 Agility Attack Soul Sect — his soul power had increased by one level thanks to a pill from Yun Yibai
Oscar, Level 43 Support-type Battle Soul Sect
Yang Tai, Level 42 Power Attack Battle Soul Sect
Niu Tian, Level 42 Defense-type Battle Soul Sect — both he and Yang Tai had limited talent, gaining just one level in a year, though they were likely to reach Level 43 before the tournament began
Ye Lingling, Level 41 Support-type Battle Soul Sect — recruited personally by Dugu Yan.
Ye Lingling had originally been scouted by Dugu Yan before the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy even established its battle team. At the time, Dugu Yan had failed to win her over. But after seeing the impressive backing of the newly founded Wujie Academy, Ye Lingling reconsidered.
After all, her reason for staying at Heaven Dou Imperial Academy had been its royal connections. The Nine-Heart Begonia Clan had its burdens and difficulties.
In addition, four Soul Elder-level substitutes were also prepared:
Huang Weiyuan, Level 33 Power Attack Battle Soul Elder, Martial Soul: Blazing Monkey
Qiu Wuji, Level 32 Agility Attack Battle Soul Elder, Martial Soul: Shadow-Chasing Tiger
Li Mengqi, Level 32 Control-type Battle Soul Elder, Martial Soul: Golden Threads
Ye Qingling, Level 31 Support-type Tool Soul Elder, Martial Soul: Spirit Staff
The rapid advancement of Yun Yibai, Dugu Yan, and Oscar was mainly due to their access to immortal-grade herbs, which had significantly accelerated their cultivation speed.
The next half year would be spent on team combat training with these eleven members.
Time flowed like a tide—six months passed quickly. The grand occasion of the All-Continent Elite Tournament was finally about to begin.
The final rounds of the tournament would be held at Spirit City, the capital of the Spirit Hall. Only teams that placed well in the qualifiers would earn the right to enter the final tournament at Spirit Hall's domain.
Of course, as the dominant force on the continent, Spirit Hall, along with the Heaven Dou Empire and Star Luo Empire, were exempt from the preliminaries—their teams qualified automatically for the finals.
In Heaven Dou City, besides the few advanced soul master academies already based there, elite teams from all across the empire had begun arriving one after another.
Since Wujie Academy wasn't far from Heaven Dou City, Yun Yibai and his team arrived early and took up residence in the city's most luxurious hotel.
There were still several days before the competition would begin. In the meantime, Yun Yibai had given the team a short vacation. For now, only he and Dugu Yan remained with the academy delegation.
The two exchanged a helpless glance and smiled.
"Let's go!" Yun Yibai said. "With so many people arriving in Heaven Dou City lately, there's a good chance the Heaven Dou Grand Auction House will have something worthwhile. Let's check it out."
"You're right. I haven't been there in years," Dugu Yan replied with a nostalgic smile.
She looped her arm around Yun Yibai's, and the two made their way to the grand auction house.
They arrived early—the auction had yet to begin.
It was Yun Yibai's first time visiting such a place. Back then, he had neither the money nor the need for auctions.
"No wonder the All-Continent Elite Tournament is such a big deal. So many people are here," Dugu Yan remarked as she and Yun Yibai took seats near the front, both wearing disguises.
Looking down at the lower level, she saw that over three-quarters of the seats were already filled. Her tone held a hint of amazement.
"Looks like we're lucky today. This may not be the top-tier auction hall, but it's already mid-tier in scale. Judging by the turnout, there might be something good later on."
"Let's hope so." Yun Yibai closed his eyes and began resting.
Even within a mid-tier auction, there were still VIP and regular seats. The hall had two levels—the upper floor reserved for VIPs.
To Yun Yibai and Dugu Yan's right sat a man in a white suit, and beside him was a younger man dressed in golden robes, exuding a noble air.
They weren't alone. There were many other notable figures seated in the VIP section—each with a prestigious background.
Time passed slowly. Then—click—the auction hall's lights came on.
On the auction stage, a graceful woman in elegant attire stood smiling confidently. She appeared completely prepared to host this grand event.
"Welcome, honored guests, to the Heaven Dou Grand Auction House!" she began brightly. "I am today's auctioneer, Xiao Ya. As many of you know, each of our auctions is full of surprises and rare treasures. Today is no exception!"
Xiao Ya's sweet, clear voice echoed throughout the hall, energizing the crowd with anticipation.
"Let's begin by revealing our first item!" she announced, her tone magnetic and full of excitement.
An assistant brought out a covered object, placing it on the auction table beneath a red silk cloth.
"This is a mysterious soul tool from ancient times. Its design is unique, and the craftsmanship is exquisite. It holds an internal space of fifty cubic meters."
Xiao Ya went on to describe the item's origins, uses, and value in detail.
Of course, an auctioneer's job is to make the dead sound alive—this was just a basic storage-type soul tool from a bygone era.
Still, in an era where soul tool technology was nearly nonexistent, even a storage soul tool like this was a rare and highly sought-after artifact.
"Starting bid: 100,000 gold soul coins!" Xiao Ya declared. Her voice cut through the air like lightning, instantly electrifying the room.
"110,000 gold soul coins!"
"150,000!"
"160,000!" another voice rang out, pushing the price even higher.
Xiao Ya remained composed, her professional smile never wavering. She scanned the room with a calm and discerning eye.
She knew well—auctions aren't just about selling goods. They are psychological duels, battles of strategy and willpower. Her role was to steer the bidding toward the highest possible value while maintaining poise and precision.