Douluo, my clone Groudon

Chapter 374 Imagination, Auction. The Chosen One of Dimensions.

Gula's gaze lingered for a moment in the direction of the Sun Moon Royal Soul Guidance Academy's rest area. There was no provocation in his eyes, only a calm that seemed to be looking down on something, as if he were assessing something.

This gaze, falling into the eyes of the proud and arrogant Xiao Hongchen, became blatant contempt and provocation.

"Humph!"

A shadow crossed Xiao Hongchen's handsome face, and he sneered, "Does he really think he's invincible just because he has an Angel Martial Soul? My Three-Legged Golden Toad Martial Soul might not be any worse than his!"

"That Situ Yu has the title of a fifth-level Soul Master, but he doesn't understand the essence of Soul Tools at all! Only Soul Tools like mine, which are designed and manufactured by myself and perfectly matched with my Martial Soul, can unleash their true power in battle."

He clenched his fists instinctively, his opinion of Gula rising to the level of a "formidable rival".

Standing to the side, Meng Hongchen cupped her hands around her heart, smiling sweetly, "Brother~ don't be so angry, I think he's so handsome! That calm and collected demeanor is much more charming than that little guy who made six fake red rings yesterday. And Shrek even has someone who's just as good..." Her eyes sparkled.

Xiao Hongchen was defeated by his sister's infatuation and sighed, "Meng, can you please stop being so infatuated in public? Be mindful of your image."

Meng Hongchen rolled her eyes coquettishly: "Tch, you just don't know how to appreciate things, you only know how to drool over your metal lump."

"You!" Xiao Hongchen was speechless, choked by the words. If he really "knew how to appreciate" things like his sister, his grandfather, Jing Hongchen, would probably break his legs.

The teacher in charge, Ma Rulong, coughed, interrupting the siblings' bickering. He looked at Gula's departing figure with a serious expression: "Young Master Hongchen, Miss, this Gula... his Angel Martial Soul is probably not simple."

"Oh? What insightful opinion does Teacher Ma have?"

Although Xiao Hongchen didn't have much respect for Ma Rulong, the other party was, after all, the team leader and had a lot of experience, so he would still give him some face.

Ma Rulong said in a deep voice, "Although the Angelic Martial Soul is powerful and is a top-tier Martial Soul, it has a natural advantage against evil Soul Masters. However, an ordinary Angelic Martial Soul could never have the kind of holy and fiery feeling that he showed... almost 'absolute suppression'. Even through the protective shield, I could feel the extreme high temperature contained in his sword light."

He paused, then offered his speculation: "I suspect that what he possesses is most likely the top-tier martial soul inherited from the lineage of the Pope of the Spirit Hall ten thousand years ago—the Six-Winged Angel!"

"Or, it could be some kind of mutated angelic martial soul with the ultimate fire attribute. Only these two possibilities can explain the extraordinary and powerful qualities displayed by his martial soul."

Meng Hongchen asked curiously, "Why did Shrek Academy release him so early? Aren't they afraid of the evil soul masters' furious retaliation?"

A glint of light flashed in Ma Rulong's eyes: "This is the crux of the problem! Although the ultimate martial soul has unlimited potential and is invincible among its peers, it has a well-known flaw."

"That's because excessive compression of soul power leads to an extremely slow cultivation speed. Ordinary top geniuses can expect to break through to the Title Douluo level around the age of forty, but those with ultimate martial souls often need to be in their sixties or seventies. The three Sea God Pavilion Masters with ultimate attributes in Shrek Academy's history are proof of this."

He changed the subject, his tone tinged with apprehension: "But the Six-Winged Angel Martial Soul is different. According to the secret records I found in the ancient books of the Royal Library, the owner of the Angel Martial Soul can absorb the purified divine power of powerful evil soul masters by purifying and killing them, thereby rapidly improving his soul power level without any side effects."

"If this exposure of Gula was intentional on Shrek Academy's part, it might allow Gula to break through to the Soul King level within a year!"

"What?!" Xiao Hongchen and Meng Hongchen exclaimed simultaneously. To rise from Soul Venerable to surpass Soul King within a year—this was simply unbelievable!
Ma Rulong nodded: "The ancient records should be true. If that's the case... then Shrek Academy's exposure of Gula at this moment is very likely a carefully planned sting operation."

"Use this ultimate fire as bait to lure powerful evil spirit masters to assassinate us. Then... let Gula protect them, or simply let a hidden powerhouse take action to kill those evil spirit masters."

"As long as we successfully hunt down one or two evil soul masters at the Soul Saint level and absorb their purified divine essence, it will be no difficult for Gula to surpass Young Master Hongchen's soul power level within a year."

Meng Hongchen covered her mouth: "My God... Shrek Academy is so cunning!"

Xiao Hongchen's face darkened completely, all his previous ease vanishing. He feigned composure:

"Heh, even so, that's a matter between Shrek Academy and the evil soul masters. What does it have to do with us? He's just a three-ring Soul Master now."

Despite saying that, everyone in the Sun and Moon team could feel the pressure emanating from Xiao Hongchen.

His gaze toward Shrek's rest area was filled with unprecedented solemnity and apprehension, clearly indicating that he regarded Cooler as one of the strongest opponents in this tournament.

Moreover, given their age, they are bound to participate in the next major competition, at which time the two will become the mainstays of the team.

Gula was unaware that people had imagined Shrek to be so extraordinary, but in the Sun Moon Empire, this was considered a form of political correctness.

Most people in the Sun Moon Empire felt ashamed of their defeat five thousand years ago and always regarded Shrek Academy as their hypothetical enemy, so it's not surprising that Ma Rulong thought the same way.

……

The Shrek team returned to their hotel to rest, and soon after received an invitation from the Star Luo Auction House, a high-end auction held to warm up for the competition.

Gula was somewhat surprised and curious: "I purified and took away the Soul Devouring Carving Blade a long time ago. I wonder if there are any good items left at this auction. Could it be that the Ice Jade Scorpion Soul Bone and the Snow Emperor Embryo were brought forward?"

He thought for a moment and then dismissed the idea. A piece of that caliber, the grand finale, would inevitably appear at the major auction before the finals.

Driven by a mix of curiosity and a desire to kill time, Gula followed the crowd and headed to the auction house with the reserve team members.

In the Starry Auction House, the ceiling is inlaid with moonstones that emit a soft glow, illuminating the circular auction hall below as if it were daytime.

The air was filled with a faint scent of incense and the aroma of wealth.

The elegantly dressed Soul Masters, nobles, and wealthy merchants sat in tiered private boxes or open seating areas, conversing in hushed tones, their eyes fixed intently on the auction stage carved from a single block of obsidian in the center.

The Shrek Academy reserve team was led to a private room on the second floor with an excellent view. Wang Yan, with a serious expression, quietly reminded everyone to watch their words and actions.

Gula leaned casually against the comfortable velvet chair, his gaze calmly sweeping across the room below.

The auctioneer was not Xu Jiujiu, but a still charming middle-aged woman with a clear and captivating voice:

"Distinguished guests, welcome to the Star Luo Royal Auction House. Tonight, in celebration of the upcoming Soul Master Competition, we are presenting several rare items."

"First item up for auction—the right leg bone of the 'Wind Shadow Leopard'! It comes from a Wind Shadow Leopard with a cultivation level of 7,500 years. It is of superior quality and comes with the Soul Skill 'Gale Thrust', which can greatly enhance speed and burst power. Starting bid: 300,000 Gold Soul Coins!"

A bluish-gray soul bone with faint wind patterns flowing across its surface was displayed inside a crystal cover.

The bidding started instantly, with representatives from several small and medium-sized families vying to raise their paddles. In the end, a nobleman from the Heavenly Soul Empire won the bid for 1.15 million gold soul coins.

The next few items were all high-quality offensive and defensive soul tools, ranging in value from several thousand to hundreds of thousands, and they didn't cause much of a stir. Gula just looked at them, showing no interest whatsoever.

"The sixth item," the auctioneer raised his voice, "is a new masterpiece from the Mingde Hall of the Sun Moon Empire—the Level 4 Energy-Storing Milk Bottle, a soul tool that can quickly replenish the soul power of soul masters below the Soul King level. It is a powerful weapon for protracted battles. Starting bid: 10,000 gold soul coins!"

The moment this baby bottle appeared, the atmosphere at the scene became noticeably more lively.

In the private room where the Sun Moon Royal Soul Guidance Academy was located, Xiao Hongchen slightly raised his chin, clearly quite proud that this item came from Mingde Hall.

"Fifteen thousand!" A representative from a Soul Master Academy of the Star Luo Empire was the first to bid. This item wasn't high-level, but it was very important to these contestants. A milk bottle was equivalent to doubling one's Soul Power, which was a huge boost for Soul Masters who consumed a lot of Soul Skills.

"Twenty thousand!" came a bid from another private room.

"Twenty-five thousand!" Huo Yuhao raised his paddle with unwavering determination. The ten-thousand-year soul ring of his second martial soul was consuming too much energy, and he needed a healing bottle to replenish his soul power. "Thirty thousand!" A slightly hoarse voice rang out from a corner private room, seemingly a representative of some underground force.

The price soared, and Huo Yuhao eventually won the bid at a high price of 80,000.

A few low laughs came from the Sun and Moon VIP room, as if mocking the Douluo Three Kingdoms people for being unsophisticated.

Gula looked at the small metal bottle and shook his head slightly.

"Inefficient, with an energy conversion rate of less than 60% and a slow charging speed. Even a portable soul power replenishment stick from later generations is ten times more powerful than this. It's an antique-level 'high-tech'."

Even though he hadn't studied soul tools much, he could apply his knowledge to other areas. Battle armor was the culmination of soul tools, and in his eyes, current soul tools were far too rudimentary.

The auction continued, and after several pieces of rare and valuable metals were sold, Gula won the bid. The auctioneer presented an exquisite rosewood tray on which lay a necklace.

"The next item up for auction is very special," the auctioneer said with a hint of mystery. "It's an antique necklace that dates back to ancient times—'The Heart of Green Wood'!"

"The pendant is carved from a rare 'warm soul jade'. According to ancient records, wearing it for a long time can have the miraculous effects of warming the meridians, calming the mind, and aiding meditation."

"The chain is woven from some unknown, strange metal, exceptionally tough, and has remained intact for tens of thousands of years. Starting bid: 100,000 Gold Soul Coins! Ladies and gentlemen, this is a genuine antique, possessing both practical and collectible value!"

Inside the crystal dome, the necklace was displayed before everyone's eyes.

The jade pendant is warm and translucent, exuding a faint life force, and it does indeed have a slight nourishing effect on low-level Soul Masters.

But Gula's gaze was fixed on the chain of jade beads.

The chain had an extremely understated, almost woody, bluish-gold hue. Upon closer inspection, each link seemed to contain endless vitality, and the powerful and pure aura was deeply locked inside by the perfect craftsmanship. If it weren't for his spiritual power and knowledge far exceeding that of ordinary people, he would hardly have been able to detect it.

"Gold of life! And it has been drawn and woven into such a delicate and tough chain by the hands of a top-notch forging master, without letting any life force leak out, but slowly releasing it to nourish the necklace's owner."

"This craftsmanship... will still be top-notch even ten thousand years from now! Although it is much smaller than the Soul Devouring Carving Blade, it has the advantage of perfect shape, inner energy, and is easy to wear and absorb. Its value is immeasurable."

Almost at the same moment Gula confirmed it, Huo Yuhao's body suddenly stiffened.

In his mind's eye, Electrolux's voice was filled with unprecedented excitement and urgency: "Yuhao, hurry, bid for it at all costs! That chain... is 'Gold of Life'! The true crystallization of the essence of life."

"It has unimaginable miraculous effects on opening up your spiritual sea, nourishing and strengthening the origin of your soul, and even condensing a second sea of ​​consciousness in the future. This opportunity is once in a thousand years!"

Huo Yuhao's breathing quickened instantly, and a strong desire blazed in his eyes. He immediately looked at his companions beside him.

His voice was filled with urgency: "Senior Brother Sanshi, Wang Dong, lend me money! Lend me as much as you can, that thing is extremely important to me!"

Xu Sanshi was stunned for a moment, but seeing the anxiety in Huo Yuhao's eyes, he took out his gold card without saying a word: "I still have more than 600,000 here, take it first."

Although Wang Dong was somewhat puzzled by Huo Yuhao's excitement, he didn't hesitate to take out his gold card: "I only have 200,000 here, is that enough?"

Beibei handed over her card: "Yuhao, I have 300,000 here."

Huo Yuhao quickly calculated, and with his savings, he barely scraped together a little over two million. Meanwhile, the bidding had already begun!
"150,000!" A fat man who looked like a wealthy businessman raised his sign, clearly interested in the nourishing effects of the jade. For a wealthy businessman like him, the worst thing was to get sick and die young.

These types of treasures, which are meant to be nurtured, are not only valuable antiques that can be passed down through generations, but also have the effect of nourishing the body, making them ideal for them.

"Two hundred thousand!" an old soul master offered, seemingly wanting to buy it for a younger generation. This item would also be of great benefit to children; wearing it from a young age could nourish their meridians.

"Two hundred and fifty thousand!" Huo Yuhao immediately raised his paddle, his voice firm.

"Three hundred thousand!" the wealthy, fat businessman retorted.

"Four hundred thousand!" Huo Yuhao immediately increased the stake.

"Four hundred and fifty thousand!" the fat man gritted his teeth.

"Six hundred thousand!" Huo Yuhao refused to back down, his imposing aura overwhelming.

The price exceeded the value of the jade necklace itself. The fat man hesitated for a moment, then shook his head and gave up.

Just when Huo Yuhao thought victory was in his grasp, a soft, feminine voice rang out from an inconspicuous private room on the third floor: "Seven hundred thousand."

Everyone looked over, but the curtains of the private room were drawn low, making it impossible to see the people inside.

Huo Yuhao's heart tightened: "Eight hundred thousand!"

"Nine hundred thousand." The soft, feminine voice spoke slowly and deliberately.

"One million!" Huo Yuhao practically shouted, his palms sweating profusely. Xu Sanshi and Wang Dong's expressions also changed; this price had exceeded their expectations.

"One million one hundred thousand." The effeminate voice remained calm, as if it were a trivial number.

Huo Yuhao's face turned pale; he hadn't raised enough money.

Just then, He Caitou's calm voice rang out: "Junior Brother Yuhao, I have another 500,000 here, take it!" A gold card was stuffed into Huo Yuhao's hand.

"One million five hundred thousand!" Huo Yuhao raised his paddle again as if grasping at a lifeline, his voice filled with a do-or-die determination.

The price caused an uproar. For an antique necklace supposedly for "nourishing the body"? Have the Shrek team gone mad? Or does the necklace have some effect they can't see?
The soft, feminine voice remained silent for a few seconds, seemingly weighing its options, before finally falling silent again.

"One and a half million! For the first time!"

"One and a half million! The second time!"

"One million five hundred thousand, the third time! Sold! Congratulations to the VIP from Shrek Academy for winning the 'Heart of Green Wood'!"

Huo Yuhao let out a long sigh of relief, almost completely exhausted, but his eyes were filled with ecstatic joy.

He didn't have time to explain to his companions. After receiving the necklace, he hurriedly said to Wang Yan, "Teacher, I have urgent business," and rushed out of the auction house like an arrow, clearly eager to study the Life Gold.

Watching Huo Yuhao's departing figure, Gula withdrew her gaze, her heart unmoved.

The treatment of the final chosen one was astonishing, even surprising Gula, who never expected a new Spirit Gold to appear.

"It seems that Huo Yuhao still has potential to be tapped."

Gula thought to himself.

(End of this chapter)