Chapter 318: The Thoughts of the Crowd
After Linyun's introduction, the entire auction hall fell into stunned silence.
Then, like an explosion, voices erupted—more fervent than before.
"Martial soul evolution! Did she just say the Weapon Codex can evolve weapon-type martial souls?"
A middle-aged soul master clutching a long saber trembled as he spoke. His martial soul, the Darksteel Blade, had long been trapped at a bottleneck with no hope of progress. His eyes now burned with desire.
"Not only that," another exclaimed, his sword spirit humming faintly as if resonating. "Gaining insight into the true essence of one's weapon can double the power of our soul skills—even transform sword aura itself! For us weapon-martial-soul users, this isn't just hope—it's a chance to defy destiny itself!"
Across the hall, the top fighters from all factions could no longer restrain their rising excitement.
Their gazes locked onto the Weapon Codex floating in the light curtain, eyes filled with determination and greed.
When the atmosphere reached a fever pitch, Linyun's clear voice rang out once more.
"The starting bid for the Weapon Codex is ten million gold soul coins. Increments shall not be less than five million. The bidding begins now!"
"Fifteen million!"
Barely had her voice faded when Emperor Xu Jiawei of the Star Luo Empire called out sharply, his tone brooking no argument.
As the ruler of Star Luo, he knew this treasure's potential. Even if no one in his realm grasped its mysteries soon, it could be preserved for future generations.
One day, if someone in the empire comprehended the Dao concealed within, that genius would become unmatched under heaven.
Hadn't the Pavilion itself said that a mortal who touched upon the power of intent could contend with Title Douluo?
A treasure like that was beyond priceless.
The empire had previously obtained the Fountain of Life from the Pavilion—a resource that extended lifespan and slightly raised natural talent. Future Star Luo children would be born stronger; one of them might one day unlock the meaning within this Codex.
A single enlightenment could elevate the empire's might to an entirely new realm.
"Twenty million!"
From the Sun and Moon Empire's section, Emperor Xu Tianran immediately raised the price.
His intentions were much like Star Luo's—he sought to claim the Codex as an heirloom for his descendants, but also wished to study it himself.
His second martial soul was a weapon spirit as well. If he could glimpse the Codex's essence, perhaps his rank as a god‑tier powerhouse was nearer than he thought.
Moreover, if the Codex's understanding of weapon intent could be grafted into their nation's soul tool designs, the Sun and Moon Empire's technological might would leap forward once again.
It was an opportunity he could not ignore.
"Twenty‑five million!"
Ning Qitian, patriarch of the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, bid without hesitation, his voice burning as bright as his eyes.
This was his long‑awaited chance to elevate the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda—perhaps to the Nine Treasure Pagoda, or even beyond.
He had waited through countless auctions for this single opportunity.
He would abandon future items if necessary, but this Codex would be his.
"Thirty million!"
"Forty million!"
The numbers climbed like an avalanche, soaring to fifty million in mere minutes.
The air grew heavy with tension; each shout brought drawn breaths from the crowd.
Smaller factions had long withdrawn, powerless to match the giants now dueling across the hall.
"Eighty million!"
The dark, raspy voice of Zhongli Wu of the Holy Spirit Cult sliced through the noise.
Though steeped in dark arts, his followers also sought strength—and any treasure that promised advancement was fair game.
"Ninety million!"
Elder Xuan's cold snort echoed from Shrek's reserved section. The Academy, rich in weapon-soul masters, could not afford to let such a treasure fall into unholy hands.
"One hundred million!"
Ning Qitian once more raised the price, his tone unwavering. He no longer cared for cost or consequence—there was only the shining Codex suspended above.
The hall froze.
Even among the great powers, a bid of one hundred million warranted rare caution.
Many leaders frowned. Though wealthy, even they felt the strain of recent expenditures. After a moment of thought, several withdrew silently.
Just as everyone thought Ning Qitian had secured it—
"One hundred ten million!"
The bid came again from Emperor Xu Jiawei of Star Luo, his determination renewed.
Ning Qitian's gaze hardened. "One hundred twenty million!"
"One hundred thirty million!"
"One hundred fifty million!"
The two titans clashed ceaselessly, their voices overlapping until the figure reached two hundred million gold soul coins.
A suffocating pressure filled the room as all eyes hovered between the rival factions—the Glazed Tile Sect and the empire's royal family.
Yet peace lasted only moments.
Before long, both Shrek Academy and the Holy Spirit Cult re‑entered the fray, reigniting the bidding war.
The hall burned with chaotic fervor. Everyone held their breath—none could predict who would prevail.
Several minutes later—
"Two hundred fifty million!"
Ning Qitian's voice was hoarse but fierce. He would stop at nothing for the evolution of his pagoda spirit.
Across the room, Emperor Xu Jiawei hesitated. After a long silence, he sighed and bowed out.
Then—
"Two hundred sixty million," Zhongli Wu's voice rasped again.
The hall stiffened. No one had expected the Holy Spirit Cult to cling on so stubbornly.
Ning Qitian glared toward their seats, eyes sharp and resolute.
Without hesitation, his answer thundered through the hall. "Three hundred million!"
At that, Zhongli Wu merely snorted coldly and waved a hand. "Not worth it."
For something that might yield nothing, risking so much was folly. Better to conserve resources for the treasures still to come.
Silence settled once more.
Linyun's gaze swept the room slowly before she spoke.
"Three hundred million. Any higher bids?"
She asked three times. Not a single reply.
"Three hundred million once."
"Three hundred million twice."
"Three hundred million three times!"
"Congratulations—the Weapon Codex is sold for three hundred million gold soul coins!"
Her crisp declaration fell like a hammer on every listener's heart.
(END CHAPTER)
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