Chapter 366: Fierce Competition, The Third Auction Item
"Eleven million!"
A trembling voice rang out first, breaking the silence. It came from the second level, from a representative of a mid-tier family.
The quiver in his tone betrayed his excitement—the effects of the Time-Space Stone had clearly left him shaken beyond measure.
"Thirteen million!"
Almost instantly, the price was raised again.
In the back rows of the first floor, a top-level Soul Douluo lifted his bid plaque, his eyes blazing.
For any cultivator, the chance to extend their training time tenfold was too great a temptation to ignore.
He refused to let the treasure slip away.
"Fifteen million!"
"Eighteen million!"
"…!"
The numbers soared like a runaway stallion.
In barely seconds, the price nearly doubled.
It wasn't just the rich empires and great sects bidding now—many hidden families and powerful individuals joined in.
Time—quantifiable, obtainable time—was priceless for every soul master.
Inside Shrek Academy's private room, Elder Xuan slammed back a drink, his expression grim as he turned toward Mu En.
"Mu En, this item… it's too important for us!"
Mu En's eyes gleamed with resolve.
The Holy Spirit Cult loomed over them like a blade at their throats. Zhongli Wu had ascended to godhood. The time left for Shrek was short.
If they could bring this Time-Space Stone back to the Sea God Pavilion—allow the inner court disciples, and even them, to train within it for one month—it would be equivalent to gaining nearly nine extra months of cultivation.
That single advantage could elevate their overall strength dramatically.
It might decide their survival.
"Twenty million."
Yan Shaozhe raised the bidding plaque firmly, his calm voice resonating through the soul-amplifying devices across the hall.
The bid declared Shrek Academy's full commitment.
In the Sun Moon Empire's section, Jing Hongchen frowned deeply.
As the head of Mingde Hall, he understood too well that time was the most vital resource for invention.
More time meant faster breakthroughs in technology, more advanced soul devices.
And now that tensions between his empire and the three Douluo-nation alliances had reached their peak, they could not fall behind.
Moreover, the Emperor himself hungered for divine ascension. This artifact might be the opportunity they needed.
If used to accelerate soul device research—or to aid the Emperor in his cultivation—it would give the Sun Moon Empire an edge like no other.
They had to claim it.
"Twenty-three million!"
Jing Hongchen's voice cut sharp across the auction hall, firm and unhesitating.
Beside him, Xiao Hongchen and Meng Hongchen's eyes blazed with feverish light. In their minds, a thousand new research concepts bloomed at once.
In the Holy Spirit Cult's private box, Zhongli Wu tapped the armrest with a finger cloaked by his dark sleeve.
Though he had already reached the rank of god, his mother Ye Xishui and subordinate Long Xiaoyao remained trapped at the threshold of Ultimate Douluo.
With the Time-Space Stone in hand, they could each train ten months in the span of one—break past their bottlenecks—and bring forth two additional gods.
Then, the Holy Spirit Cult would stand with three divine beings.
Conquest of the continent would be inevitable.
For him, it was worth more than any offensive artifact.
"Twenty-six million."
Zhongli Wu's cold, assured voice filled the hall, sending shivers through more than one listener.
The Holy Spirit Cult wanted this stone—and the others knew it.
Across the hall, the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, the Star Luo Empire, the Sun Moon Empire, the Dou Ling Empire, and even the Haotian Sect joined the bidding frenzy.
The price climbed violently.
Before long, it broke past forty million.
The entire auction hall burned with excitement and tension; each new bid drew a chorus of gasps.
Inside the Body Sect's room, Du Busi's weathered face twitched, his muscled hands tightening.
He could feel the barrier within him loosening, the threshold of godhood almost within reach.
For him, one month outside and ten months within—the difference could mean everything.
"One hundred million!"
Du Busi shot to his feet, his voice like thunder rolling through the chamber.
An overwhelming aura surged from his body, silencing the air around him.
His determination was absolute.
Gasps spread around the room as several smaller powers slumped in defeat—they could not compete with a hundred million.
Jing Hongchen's expression darkened.
Though the Sun Moon Empire's coffers were vast, there were still greater treasures to come—especially the rumored divine inheritance at the auction's end.
It would not serve them to exhaust their funds now.
Zhongli Wu gave a cold snort, ready to raise the stakes further, when an elder at his side spoke quietly.
"Leader, though powerful, this stone can be used only once—and its range is limited."
"Our real target should be the final auction item, the opportunity of ascension itself."
"Better to reserve our resources…"
Zhongli Wu fell silent, weighing his options. Finally, he leaned back into his seat.
He would hold his resources for the true prize—the divine inheritance that could strengthen his godhood further.
Though a hundred million gold soul coins was no crushing loss to the Holy Spirit Cult, a single mistake could cost them the ultimate treasure later.
He would not risk it.
Mu En sighed softly as the bids ended. Elder Xuan scratched his hair in frustration.
Even with all their wealth, Shrek's operating expenses were immense.
Spending over a hundred million on a one-use artifact simply wasn't wise.
They could only focus on the true divine relics yet to come.
"One hundred million, once!"
Ling Yun's melodic voice rang across the filled hall.
"One hundred million, twice!"
Du Busi's fists clenched tight.
"One hundred million, three times—sold! Congratulations to our distinguished guest for winning the Time-Space Stone!"
Boom!
The hammer struck.
Du Busi let out a long exhale, his face relaxing into excitement and relief.
It was a painful price—but the gain would be immeasurable.
With this treasure, the Body Sect would reach new heights; as for later items, he would compete only if fate allowed.
...
After a short pause, Ling Yun's radiant smile returned, instantly reclaiming the hall's attention.
"Thank you, everyone, for such tremendous enthusiasm."
"Now, let us proceed to our third auction item."
Her soft voice resonated as she waved her gloved hand.
A shimmer of light gathered over the stage, and a pure white, cube-shaped box quietly appeared at the center.
The material looked neither jade nor wood—smooth, pristine, and utterly plain, devoid of carving or energy fluctuations.
Ordinary at first glance—
yet somehow, its stillness felt unnatural.
(END CHAPTER)
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