Chapter 16: The Contest Among the Crowd
In the seating area of the Star Luo Empire's representatives, Emperor Xu Jiawei sat solemnly in his chair, his expression serious.
He also realized the enormous impact that this level five Soul Guidance Device would have.
"Regardless, we must secure this level five Soul Guidance Device."
Xu Jiawei secretly made up his mind, his eyes revealing determination.
He had originally come for the final item of the auction, the Ultimate Soul, but upon arriving at the auction, he saw so many top-tier experts gathered here.
There were even Extreme Douluo present!
He immediately realized that with the current strength of the Star Luo Empire, competing for the Ultimate Soul was far too risky. If things went wrong, it could bring disaster to the Empire.
So, he gradually abandoned that idea.
However, with the appearance of this level five Soul Guidance Device, he saw a glimmer of hope for the Empire's strengthening.
...
At the same time, the Crown Prince of the Sun Moon Empire, Xu Tianran, sat not far away, his eyes gleaming with excitement.
"Get this level five Soul Guidance Device blueprint."
Xu Tianran lightly tapped the chair beside him with his right hand. His voice was low but filled with unquestionable authority as he gave the order to the person next to him.
He knew well that this Soul Guidance Device would greatly benefit him in his future rule of the Sun Moon Empire.
Not only would it strengthen the Empire, but it would also further solidify his position as Crown Prince.
From every angle, this blueprint was something he had to obtain.
...
Huo Yuhao was also struck speechless by this news.
He focused intently on the wooden box on the auction table, his heart filled with both shock and excitement.
He was shocked that such a miraculous Soul Guidance Device actually existed, and excited because of his deep interest in the structure and principles of Soul Guidance Devices.
He couldn't wait to get his hands on this blueprint and analyze it, to see the internal structure of a Soul Guidance Device that could increase a Soul Master's cultivation speed by three times and understand how such an ingenious creation was made.
Xuan Lao, hearing about the extraordinary effect of the level five Soul Guidance Device, was suddenly shaken.
A trace of astonishment flashed in his eyes!
It was hard to imagine that a mere level five Soul Guidance Device could have such an incredibly powerful effect.
He squinted his eyes slightly, and an image involuntarily formed in his mind.
If this level five Soul Guidance Device could be mass-produced, how would Shrek Academy change?
"Let's bid on this Soul Guidance Device blueprint. Perhaps it could resolve some internal conflicts within the Academy."
Mu Lao's voice was low and powerful.
He slightly furrowed his brows, and a thoughtful light flickered in his deep eyes.
For years, Shrek Academy had been divided over the focus on Soul Guidance Devices versus traditional martial soul cultivation.
Ancient traditional views clashed violently with emerging Soul Guidance Device ideas, and the conflict had intensified.
Mu Lao knew that this level five Soul Guidance Device might be the key to breaking the deadlock.
Shrek Academy, the hall that held the dreams of countless Soul Masters, still clung to outdated ideas from millennia ago.
For a long time, the Academy upheld the belief that the strength of a Soul Master should depend on their own power, investing most of their resources into martial soul cultivation.
However, times had changed, and the development of Soul Guidance Devices had rapidly advanced.
What were once simple auxiliary tools had gradually evolved into powerful weapons indispensable on the battlefield.
Powerful Soul Masters, with the help of formidable Soul Guidance Devices, could threaten even Title Douluo-level experts.
Over the years, Mu Lao had been observing and thinking. His views had gradually shifted.
He understood that in order to keep Shrek Academy at the forefront, the perfect integration of martial souls and Soul Guidance Devices was essential.
But some powerful figures in the Academy still clung to old beliefs, seeing Soul Guidance Devices as mere tricks and unworthy of respect.
In their eyes, only pure martial soul power was the true foundation for a Soul Master.
Such stubborn ideas had only deepened the rift within the Academy.
The students of the two factions often engaged in heated arguments due to their differing ideologies.
"Alright, Mu Lao."
Xuan Lao nodded solemnly.
Behind them, Huo Yuhao had been watching all this unfold. His eyes slightly lit up.
He silently rubbed his palms together, full of anticipation. He genuinely hoped that the Academy could secure this level five Soul Guidance Device blueprint.
"This level five Soul Guidance Device will likely do just this, but you should also realize the kind of impact this new Soul Guidance Device will have on Douluo Continent."
"Therefore, the starting price for this level five Soul Guidance Device blueprint is 5 million Gold Soul Coins, with each increment no less than 1 million Gold Soul Coins."
Lingyun's voice was clear and pleasant, like a mountain stream echoing through the auction hall.
"5 million Gold Soul Coins."
Xie Hongchen immediately raised his paddle without hesitation. His voice was loud and confident.
He had received orders from his grandfather, Jing Hongchen, to secure this level five Soul Guidance Device blueprint at all costs.
Mingde Hall, as one of the leaders in Soul Guidance Device research on Douluo Continent, was determined to obtain this blueprint.
Jing Hongchen knew well the value of this blueprint; it could become a crucial opportunity for Mingde Hall's further development.
"6 million Gold Soul Coins."
Xu Jiawei, the Emperor of the Star Luo Empire, sat not far away. He narrowed his eyes slightly, revealing a commanding and unyielding aura.
He gently waved his hand, and his subordinates immediately understood, loudly announcing the new bid.
Though the Star Luo Empire had started late in the development of Soul Guidance Devices, in recent years, they had been increasing their investments, trying to carve out a place in this field.
"7 million Gold Soul Coins!"
"8 million Gold Soul Coins!"
"....."
The bidding voices rose and fell like surging waves in the auction hall.
The Sun Moon Empire, Mingde Hall, Star Luo Empire, Shrek Academy, and other top forces all joined in this fierce contest.
Jiang Li sat quietly in a corner of the fifth floor, a slight smile on his lips as he watched the intense competition.
To him, the more intense the bidding, the more Gold Soul Coins would be earned, giving him more chances for a lottery.
He leaned back in his chair, his eyes revealing a lazy but expectant look.
When he first drew the blueprint for this level five Soul Guidance Device, Jiang Li hadn't paid much attention to it.
In this era of rapidly developing Soul Guidance Devices, even level nine Soul Guidance Devices were common.
However, after investigating the function of this device, his excitement was indescribable.
It could increase the cultivation speed of Soul Masters below the rank of Soul Emperor by three times; this was simply an overpowered ability.
(END CHAPTER)
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