As the Spirit Hall members took their seats in the front row, the main event of the night began.
Since the Tian Dou Auction House operated 24/7, there was no traditional "grand finale"—but 8 p.m. was prime time.
Four staff members marched in perfect unison, wheeling the 3,000-year water-attribute soul bone to the center of the auction stage.
The moment the red cloth covering it was slowly lifted, the atmosphere in the entire hall shifted subtly.
Necks stretched. Eyes locked onto the prize.
For most here, this might be their first time ever seeing a soul bone.
Yang Fan had even stood up on his seat.
He hadn't understood the allure of soul bones before—but now, deep in his cultivation path, he did.
It was an obsession that could drive men mad.
"Esteemed guests," the auctioneer announced, "this treasure needs no lengthy introduction."
"A 3,000-year Treading-Water Blue Wolf right arm bone—starting bid: 800,000 gold soul coins."
Soul bone transactions were exceedingly rare in Soul Land. Even in Tian Dou City—the capital of the Tian Dou Empire—such an event might not occur twice in a year.
"Bidding begins!"
No sooner had the words left his mouth than voices erupted from the crowd:
"850,000!"
"880,000!"
"One million!"
"1.1 million!"
"…"
Each bid was instantly eclipsed by the next.
In just minutes, the price soared to a staggering 1.5 million.
1.5 million gold soul coins…
Yang Fan once again felt the immense weight of his path.
If every pill required a soul bone, this cultivation journey would literally kill him!
"1.6 million!"
The Spirit Hall finally spoke—silent until now.
Their entry immediately discouraged several clans and sects. Everyone wanted the soul bone… but no one wanted to provoke the Spirit Hall.
"1.65 million!"
Some feared the Spirit Hall—but others were willing to risk everything for the prize.
"1.7 million!"
"1.75 million!"
"…"
The bidding climbed relentlessly—until it stalled at 1.9 million.
"2.1 million!"
Salas's voice silenced the room.
Everyone desired the bone—but no one wanted financial ruin.
To outbid the Spirit Hall in wealth? Only the two great empires—Tian Dou and Star Luo—could possibly rival them.
"2.1 million—once."
"Twice."
"Three times."
"Sold!"
The gavel fell. The deal was sealed.
The 3,000-year Treading-Water Blue Wolf right arm bone was now Salas's—for 2.1 million gold soul coins.
Salas was undoubtedly the most elated person in the hall.
But in a shadowed corner, another heart pounded with equal intensity.
If someone else had won the bid, Yang Fan might have accepted it.
But this was the Spirit Hall.
Why did it feel so unbearable to let them claim a soul bone meant for him?
"Next up for auction—a pill called the Meridian Protecting Pill," the announcer continued.
"This medicine protects meridians, fortifies the body, purifies bones, and refines marrow…"
The staff member elaborated extensively—desperate to avoid a failed sale.
And indeed, the moment the 2,000 gold coin starting price was announced, the audience lost all interest.
This was precisely why, despite millennia of history, pills remained undervalued by soul masters.
Just as everyone assumed the pill would go unsold, a voice rang out from the front row:
"10,000 gold soul coins!"
The bidder was none other than Salas, fresh off his soul bone victory.
No one knew why he'd bid on such a pill—perhaps euphoria from his win, or genuine appreciation for its craftsmanship.
But 10,000 gold coins for a pill?
That was an astronomical price in alchemy circles.
Naturally, no one dared challenge Salas's bid.
Gavel. Sold.
By sheer luck, Yang Fan had just earned his first pot of gold—yet it did nothing to quell his burning desire to steal that soul bone back from Salas.
As the crowd dispersed—disappointed sects and curious soul masters slipping away—Yang Fan left too.
He pocketed 9,000 gold coins after the auction house's cut.
Time to vanish!
Scams like this only worked once—do it again, and you'd be hunted down.
"Go for it," Yao Lao urged.
He knew the Breaking Clan's grudge against the Spirit Hall—and understood Yang Fan's resolve.
"But…" Yang Fan hesitated.
Of course he wanted to snatch the soul bone and humiliate the Spirit Hall—but Salas was a Soul Douluo. His power was terrifying.
"No 'buts'," Yao Lao said firmly. "I'm right here with you."
What good was cultivation if a soul master lacked the courage to face his enemies?
Yao Lao's words steeled Yang Fan's heart.
When a soul master obtained a soul bone, what did they do first?
Absorb it immediately.
Even if the bone's attribute didn't perfectly match, it still granted a rank boost and a decent soul skill.
So if Yang Fan wanted to steal it back, tonight was his only chance.
Master and disciple soon stood outside the Spirit Hall Headquarters in Tian Dou City.
The Spirit Hall's hierarchy was strict:
- Branch Halls: Found in every city—even Holy Spirit Village's shack qualified.
- Sub-Halls and Lord Halls: Reserved for mid-sized and major cities.
- Saint Spirit Halls: Only in imperial capitals like this one.
- Above them: Elder Hall, Douluo Hall, Pope Hall, and the pinnacle—Hall of Offerings, home to the Seven Worships.
The building before Yang Fan was a Saint Spirit Hall—and by Spirit Hall law, its chief must be a Platinum Archbishop who'd reached Soul Douluo. It was the face of the Spirit Hall's power.
Beneath Salas were countless Red Cardinals and Deacons—numbers unknown.
"Master…" Yang Fan's concern wasn't for himself, but for Yao Lao.
The minor Pill Lightning two months ago had shaken Yao Lao's soul. Though time had passed, his condition still wasn't fully restored.
"Relax, you foolish boy," Yao Lao chuckled. "Even if we can't kill him, we can definitely run."
Their plan was simple.
Facing a mighty Soul Douluo, Yang Fan couldn't just "log into" Yao Lao's account like last time.
He took a deep breath, then completely relaxed his body.
"Master… I'm ready."
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