I started by submitting to the Douluo Continent, and the nation helped me become a god.

Li Fulan took her seat in the auction hall. This seat was specially arranged by Zhang Wei. It was in the VIP section at the very front of the first floor, with an excellent view that allowed her to have a complete view of the entire auction stage.

The rosewood chairs, carved in intricate patterns, were upholstered in thick velvet cushions, with thumb-sized luminous pearls inlaid in the armrests, emitting a soft glow. On the tea table beside them were exquisite pastries and fine tea, and a maid dressed in light gauze was on standby at all times.

The surrounding guests were still whispering and discussing the scene that had just unfolded at the entrance. Zhang Wei's attitude towards the black-haired young man was far too unusual, leading many to speculate about Li Fulan's background. However, Li Fulan ignored the prying eyes and quietly flipped through the auction catalog placed on her seat.

"Thump—"

A clear, resonant gong rang out throughout the hall, its deep, lingering sound seemingly able to penetrate the very soul. The previously noisy atmosphere of the auction hall was instantly extinguished, the chatter of hundreds of people vanishing in an instant, as if an invisible hand had gripped everyone's throats.

All the lights, as if alive, converged on the central platform. The beams of light pierced through the thin mist, enveloping the entire stage in a golden halo, like a temple descending to earth. The mist was a specially made incense, said to enhance excitement and make people more prone to impulsive purchases.

An auctioneer wearing a high-slit crimson cheongsam gracefully walked onto the stage.

She was tall and slender, standing at least five feet eight inches, with her long, jet-black hair pulled up high, revealing her long, fair neck. The crimson cheongsam clung tightly to her curvaceous figure, outlining every curve perfectly. With each step she took, the silk slid down the graceful curves of her thighs, revealing a dazzling expanse of snow-white skin that shimmered delicately under the spotlight, as smooth and alluring as fine porcelain.

"Good evening, distinguished guests. I am today's auctioneer, my name is Hongyao." Her voice was soft and sweet, with a hooked ending, each word like honey, seeping into one's heart. "Without further ado, let's present our first item for today's auction."

A waiter carried a tray covered with a red cloth onto the stage. The red cloth was made of the finest brocade, with intricate gold thread embroidery along the edges, shimmering under the lights. Hongyao extended her slender fingers, her nails painted with the same color as her cheongsam, and gently lifted the red cloth with an elegant and ceremonial gesture.

In that instant, many people who had been craning their necks in anticipation of some rare treasure showed expressions of disappointment or even disgust on their faces.

The tray contained a dark, solidified grease-like substance, about the size of a human head, with a pitted and textured surface covered in fine lines.

It emitted an indescribable, fishy odor, a mixture of the saltiness of the deep ocean and a strange sense of decay; the pungent smell could be detected even from several meters away. Its appearance was truly appalling, resembling the excrement of some monster.

"What kind of junk is this? How dare you even show it off?" someone in the audience couldn't help but shout, a fat businessman adorned with jewels, three or four gold chains around his neck, and his fingers covered in gemstone rings, clearly a nouveau riche. His voice drew a chorus of snickers from those around him.

"Yeah, this dark, murky thing, it looks like it was fished out of some stinking ditch, doesn't it?" Another middle-aged man in a luxurious brocade robe covered his nose and fanned himself exaggeratedly. "I say, is Patriarch Zhang getting old and blind? Putting all sorts of garbage on the stage?"

Hongyao remained completely unfazed. She covered her lips and chuckled softly, her voluptuous chest trembling slightly, like two startled white rabbits leaping beneath a red silk ribbon, instantly drawing everyone's attention back. Those gentlemen who had just been complaining now had their eyes glued to her, their grime long forgotten.

"Don't judge a book by its cover, everyone." Hongyao lightly tapped the dark object with her fan, a mysterious smile playing on her lips. "This is—Millennial Whale Glue."

She paused deliberately, her gaze lingering suggestively on the several greasy-faced wealthy businessmen in the audience. Her eyes seemed to speak volumes, making the old men's hearts itch. She lowered her voice, as if sharing some intimate secret, and said with a touch of playfulness:

"Although it looks ugly, it's incredibly nutritious. It's said... just something the size of a fingernail can restore a man's virility, making him impotent, and without any side effects. Even the shrew at home can be transformed into a docile kitten."

As she spoke the last few words, she deliberately bit her lower lip, blinked her big, watery eyes, and looked innocent yet secretly alluring.

"boom--"

A knowing chuckle erupted from the audience, the air thick with a restless, hormonal energy. The wealthy businessmen exchanged knowing glances, some already rubbing their hands together, contemplating whether to make their move.

"Starting bid: 500 gold soul coins."

Sitting in the VIP section, Li Fulan's lips curled into a playful smile. His fingers tapped lightly on the mahogany armrest, producing a rhythmic sound. The surrounding clamor seemed irrelevant to him; he was like a detached spectator, coldly observing the group's disgraceful behavior.

A bunch of ignorant fools.

Using millennium whale glue as a vulgar aphrodisiac in this era is a complete waste. Its true value lies in its extremely powerful body-refining effects. It can greatly enhance the resilience of a Soul Master's muscles, bones, and meridians, making it a top-tier natural treasure for improving physical fitness.

Those foolish nobles who only know how to pursue bedroom pleasures would never know what amazing power this unassuming thing contains.

For Soul Masters who want to absorb Soul Rings of a higher level, this thing is a true "divine medicine." As long as the body is strong enough, absorbing a third Soul Ring of ten thousand years level is not impossible. It can forge the human body into a steel fortress, able to withstand the impact of Soul Power far exceeding the limits of ordinary people.

This is not just about "endurance," it's a ticket to becoming a strong person.

Li Fulan glanced around discreetly, calculating the best time to strike. He didn't want to reveal his intentions too early and invite unnecessary trouble.

"One thousand gold soul coins!"

A lazy and arrogant voice came from the private room on the second floor, interrupting Li Fulan's thoughts.

Avalanche leaned lazily against the railing, his posture as casual as if he were lounging on a deck chair in his own backyard. He held a tall, red wine glass, the crimson liquid inside swirling gently with his movements, refracting the light like jewels. The glass was crafted from the finest crystal, its surface engraved with exquisite dragon patterns; it was certainly worth a fortune.

Leaning against him was a charming woman, his most favored concubine. She wore a light, pale purple gauze dress, the fabric as thin as a cicada's wing, revealing glimpses of her snow-white skin in the light. Most striking were her shoulders; the dress was deliberately designed with an off-the-shoulder style, one strap slipping down to her arm, exposing her entire right shoulder and half of her collarbone. The skin on her shoulder was as white as the finest mutton-fat jade, shimmering with a faint pinkish glow in the dim light of the private room, as if a gentle touch would leave a fingerprint.

The concubine peeled a grape and, with her delicate, pink-nailed hand, brought it to Xue Beng's lips. Her cherry lips parted slightly, revealing a row of pearly teeth, and she said sweetly, "Your Highness, open your mouth."

Without turning his head, Xue Beng took the grape into his mouth, along with her fingertip, and gently sucked on it before letting go. The concubine blushed and playfully slapped him, but the action was so weak that it only added to her charm.

"This is exactly the kind of good stuff I need. I've been working too hard lately, I need to replenish myself," Xue Beng said shamelessly, deliberately raising an eyebrow at the concubine, which drew laughter from the surrounding servants. The concubine blushed, but dared not be truly angry, and simply rubbed her head against his shoulder like a spoiled kitten.

"1,500." Li Fulan raised her bidding paddle, her voice as calm as if she were buying cabbage at the market, showing no tension whatsoever during the bidding process.

Xue Beng paused, squinting at the black-haired "country bumpkin" downstairs. It's this guy again? He clearly remembered that this poor, scrawny kid who had appeared out of nowhere had blocked his way when he entered.

"Two thousand!" Xue Beng sat up straight, a flash of anger in his eyes. He couldn't stand anyone daring to oppose him, especially such an arrogant commoner. "Comparing money to me? You're not worthy!"

"Five thousand." Li Fulan didn't even lift her eyelids, directly doubling the price, her tone still calm and composed, as if she were only calling out five copper coins.

The entire room fell silent instantly. The guests who had been whispering all stopped what they were doing and turned to look at the black-haired youth. Five thousand gold soul coins for a "phoenix drug"? Was this guy crazy? Even if he truly had an invincible erection, it wasn't worth that price!

Avalanche's expression turned somewhat grim. Five thousand gold soul coins were something he could afford, but spending so much money on something like this was still a bit painful. Besides, he wasn't stupid; this exorbitant price was clearly aimed at him.

"Six thousand!" Xue Beng gritted his teeth, trying to save face.

"Eight thousand." Li Fulan responded indifferently, his eyes not even glancing at the second floor. He was just flipping through the auction catalog in his hand with a bored expression, as if this bidding was just a small episode for him.

Xue Beng's face darkened further, and his fingers unconsciously tightened around his wine glass. Just as he hesitated about whether to raise the price further, his concubine leaned closer. Her soft, boneless body pressed against Xue Beng's arm, her soft breasts brushing against his skin, and the slipping shoulder strap slid down even further, almost revealing her entire shoulder.

"Your Highness..." the concubine whispered in Xue Beng's ear in her melodious voice, her warm breath tickling his earlobe, "I want it..."

As she spoke, she gently drew circles on Xue Beng's chest with her fingertips. Her bright, watery eyes were full of anticipation and longing, and her lower lip was slightly pouting as she looked at him with a pitiful expression.

"What...what do you want?" Xue Beng felt all the blood rush to one place after she touched him, his mind was buzzing, and his gaze involuntarily fell on her fair shoulders and the faintly visible collarbone. His Adam's apple bobbed.

"I want Your Highness to buy that Millennium Whale Glue..." the concubine said coquettishly, deliberately emphasizing the words "Millennium Whale Glue," while pressing her ample breasts against Xue Beng's body again. "When Your Highness uses it, I'll definitely serve you well... make you feel comfortable..."

Her voice grew softer and softer until the last few words were barely audible to the two of them, but the implied meaning was so strong it was almost dripping with emotion.

Xue Beng felt his mouth go dry; this beauty before him was practically killing him. Her smooth skin, her fragrant scent, her watery eyes—everything about her was stirring his heartstrings. His reason had long been burned away by those subtle touches, leaving only one thought in his mind—give it to her, give her whatever she wants.

"Ten thousand!" Avalanche practically roared out the number, his voice hoarse with a hint of adrenaline.

The audience erupted in uproar. Ten thousand gold soul coins! This was insane!

The concubine smiled with satisfaction, a smile as alluring and dazzling as a blooming peony. As a reward, she placed a light, fleeting kiss on Xue Beng's cheek, causing Xue Beng to tremble and her eyes to become even more hazy.

"Your Highness is so kind..." she said softly, her voice as sweet as honey.

"Twenty thousand."

Li Fulan's voice rang out again, still in that indifferent tone, as if he were calling for a two-coin steamed bun instead of twenty thousand gold soul coins.

Xue Beng almost choked on his breath, staring intently at the despicable guy downstairs, his eyes practically spitting fire.

Seeing this, the concubine resorted to her old trick again. This time, she leaned entirely into Xue Beng's arms, her slipped shoulder strap sliding all the way down to her elbows, revealing a large expanse of snow-white skin. She tilted her head back, gazing at Xue Beng with affectionate eyes, her lips slightly pouting:

"Your Highness...that bad guy is bullying us...Aren't you going to stand up for him?"

As she spoke, she deliberately twisted her body, her alluring figure enough to make a monk break his vows.

Avalanche was completely captivated by her, utterly disregarding reason and consequences; his mind was filled only with the allure before him. He pulled his concubine close by the slender waist and shouted:

"Fifty thousand! I refuse to believe this poor kid can keep up!"

As soon as he finished speaking, the concubine giggled in his arms. Her laughter was as melodious as silver bells, making Xue Beng feel very happy, as if he had already won.

The crowd below the stage erupted in chaos, whispering amongst themselves about whether the Sixth Prince had lost his mind. Fifty thousand gold soul coins for a single aphrodisiac? That was outrageous!

"One hundred thousand."

Li Fulan raised his sign again, his tone still completely flat, as if he were calling out not 100,000 gold soul coins, but 100,000 grains of sand. He even yawned, covering his mouth with the back of his hand, looking sleepy.

Anyway, there are 800,000 "Golden Soul Coins" in the box. Even if they run out, Lin An can just make more. This is the joy of having the "power to print money." What is financial freedom? This is financial freedom.

Xue Beng's hand froze in mid-air, nearly spilling the red wine in his glass. His face alternated between pale and flushed, like a palette of colors. One hundred thousand gold soul coins! Even he, a prince, would have to think twice about such an amount.

The concubine wanted to say something more, but Xue Beng pushed her away. He glared fiercely at Li Fulan, his eyes full of resentment and unwillingness, but in the end he could only snort coldly and lean back heavily on the sofa, like a defeated rooster.

"Madman! You want to spend 100,000 gold soul coins to buy an aphrodisiac? I, the prince, am not playing with idiots!" he said bitterly, casually downing the remaining red wine in his glass, as if venting something.

Seeing Xue Beng's ashen face, the concubine wisely shrank back into the corner, not daring to speak again. She knew that His Highness was currently in a bad mood, and it was best not to provoke him.

"100,000 Gold Soul Coins once, 100,000 Gold Soul Coins twice... Sold!"

With a triumphant final strike of the gavel, the auctioneer's gavel slammed down on the stage with a crisp sound. The minor bidding frenzy thus came to an end, and the treasure, misunderstood by everyone, fell into Li Fulan's hands at an unbelievable price.

A murmur rippled through the audience as everyone speculated about the background of this extravagantly wealthy young man with black hair. Spending 100,000 gold soul coins without batting an eye was no small feat. Even Zhang Wei, sitting in the VIP section, wiped the sweat from his brow, secretly relieved that he hadn't offended this money-grubber.

Hongyao coughed lightly, drawing everyone's attention back to the auction stage. She waved her silk fan, signaling the waiter to bring out the second item for auction.

"The next item up for auction is a rare and exceptional piece." Hongyao smiled mysteriously, her slender fingers lifting the red cloth.

Two enormous beast fangs were neatly arranged on the tray, each as long as an adult's arm. They were a warm, milky white color, covered with fine golden patterns, as if flowing magma had been frozen within them. The fangs exuded a faint aura of power, causing those who approached them to feel a sense of unease.

"These are the teeth of the Golden-Striped Tiger King from the depths of the Star Luo Great Forest," Hongyao said with a hint of awe. "This Golden-Striped Tiger King had at least 30,000 years of cultivation in its lifetime. These teeth are not only used in medicine, but are also excellent materials for forging soul-guided weapons. It is said that weapons forged from them have armor-piercing properties and can cut through gold and jade as easily as child's play."

"Starting bid: 30,000 Gold Soul Coins."

This time, the atmosphere in the audience was noticeably more enthusiastic. After all, this was a truly valuable item, an excellent choice for both alchemy and weapon forging.

Thirty-five thousand!

"forty thousand!"

"Forty-two thousand!"

Bidding erupted incessantly, and finally, the pair of golden tiger king fangs were sold for 68,000 gold soul coins to a middle-aged general clad in armor. Judging from the insignia on his chest, he was likely the commander of a border legion of the Heaven Dou Empire, presumably intending to use the fangs to forge a suitable weapon for himself.

Li Fulan wasn't particularly interested in the pair of animal teeth; he simply sat quietly in his seat, waiting for the next item to be auctioned.

"Please take a look at the third item."

This time, the waiters brought out a huge glass tank filled with an icy blue liquid, in which two enormous fish fins could be vaguely seen submerged. The fins were translucent, refracting a ghostly blue light under the illumination, and their surfaces were covered with silver patterns like lightning bolts.

"A pair of Ghost Shark Fins," Hongyao explained. "Ghost sharks are rare soul beasts that inhabit the depths of the ocean. Their fins are not only materials for refining top-grade pills, but they can also greatly enhance a soul master's affinity for water-attribute soul power. For water-type soul masters, this is an invaluable treasure."

"Starting bid: 50,000 gold soul coins."

This item also sparked a fierce bidding war, eventually selling for a high price of 120,000 gold soul coins. The buyer was a mysterious masked woman from Poseidon Island.

What a pair of Swires, two ghost sharks!

The auction items came one after another, including millennia-old cold iron from the far north, a mysterious scroll unearthed from ancient ruins, the Nine-Turn Resurrection Grass said to be able to bring the dead back to life, as well as various rare soul beast materials and natural treasures.

The most eye-catching item is an ancient-looking longsword.

The sword was entirely black, devoid of any decorative patterns, yet it exuded a chilling killing intent. According to Hongyao, this was a malevolent sword with over a thousand years of history, named "Blood Drinker," said to have been stained with the blood of countless powerful figures, and containing a terrifying aura of slaughter.

The sword was eventually sold for a sky-high price of 250,000 gold soul coins. The buyer was a mysterious figure who was completely wrapped in a black robe and never revealed his true face.

Li Fulan didn't make another move throughout the auction, simply observing the diverse faces of the people there. These so-called high-ranking officials, faced with money and desire, revealed increasingly ugly sides. Greed, vanity, jealousy, arrogance—all the darker aspects of human nature were laid bare in this brightly lit auction hall.

Meanwhile, in the second-floor private room, Xue Beng hadn't made another bid after losing the first round. His face was grim, and he frequently cast venomous glances in Li Fulan's direction, clearly holding a grudge. His concubines served him cautiously, not daring to utter a sound.

"Alright, next up is the last item for tonight, and also the highlight of this auction."