Chapter 17: The Small Calculations of the Crowd
Even some level seven and level eight Soul Guidance Devices, in certain aspects, appeared dull in comparison to this.
Jiang Li knew very well that there was no Soul Guidance Device like this anywhere on the Douluo Continent.
This unique design and powerful effect would surely attract everyone's attention.
And, as he had anticipated, not a single Soul Master was willing to miss this rare opportunity.
"I wonder who will end up with this level five Soul Guidance Device blueprint?"
Jiang Li murmured to himself, feeling a strong sense of curiosity rise within him.
His eyes moved back and forth between Shrek Academy and Mingde Hall; in his opinion, these two forces were the most likely to be the final winners.
Shrek Academy, as the top academy on Douluo Continent, had a solid foundation and abundant resources.
And Mingde Hall, with its advanced knowledge in Soul Guidance Device research, certainly wouldn't back down easily.
Jiang Li sat quietly in his chair, ready to enjoy this exciting competition.
...
As time passed, the intense competition gradually neared its end.
The atmosphere in the auction hall grew increasingly tense, as if the air itself was filled with the smell of gunpowder.
"26 million Gold Soul Coins."
Xuan Lao's voice was firm and powerful, his hand tightly gripping the bidding paddle.
The moment he shouted this price, the entire hall fell silent, everyone shocked by such a high price.
Xie Hongchen's expression changed slightly, his brow furrowing.
He glanced at his grandfather, Jing Hongchen, and hesitation flashed in his eyes. "Grandfather, should we keep bidding?"
Clearly, he hadn't expected Shrek Academy to be so stubborn and to fight until the very end.
This price of 26 million Gold Soul Coins had far exceeded their expectations.
After all, the price was too high, making them reconsider carefully.
Jing Hongchen's brow furrowed slightly, his expression showing concern.
He was very aware of the current situation. Although this Soul Guidance Device was powerful, was it worth paying such a high price?
Thinking about the tremendous impact this Soul Guidance Device could potentially bring, he found himself deeply uncertain.
Should they continue bidding?
No one knew if Shrek Academy would keep raising the price and stubbornly fight for it until the end.
"Perhaps we should let Shrek Academy have this Soul Guidance Device and, later, directly purchase the finished products, then study them to decode this level five Soul Guidance Device. Wouldn't that be a good idea?"
Meng Hongchen's eyes suddenly lit up. She smiled slightly, a cunning glint flashing in her gaze as she leaned closer to Jing Hongchen and softly spoke.
Her idea not only avoided further competition with Shrek Academy but also allowed them to get the blueprint for free, a two-in-one solution.
"That's actually a good idea."
Xie Hongchen, overhearing Meng Hongchen's suggestion, immediately slapped his leg, his expression showing admiration.
He was well aware of Mingde Hall's strength in Soul Guidance Device research.
Even level nine Soul Guidance Devices were within their ability to produce.
So, he believed that once they obtained the finished products, with their wealth of research experience, they would certainly be able to replicate the Soul Guidance Device.
They might even be able to develop even more powerful Soul Guidance Devices on top of that.
Jing Hongchen nodded slightly, and he too felt that this was a feasible solution.
"Well, in that case, let's let Shrek Academy have it."
His tone held a note of relief, seeing it as a good resolution.
He couldn't help but picture a scene in his mind where Shrek Academy spent so much money on the Soul Guidance Device, while they could easily replicate it, a smile unconsciously forming on his lips.
He didn't believe that replicating a simple level five Soul Guidance Device would be more difficult than developing a level nine Soul Guidance Device.
In fact, Jing Hongchen wasn't the only one with this thought.
The Crown Prince of the Sun Moon Empire, Xu Tianran, and Emperor Xu Jiawei of the Star Luo Empire also realized that the price of 26 million Gold Soul Coins had far exceeded their expected value.
They too thought similarly and planned to wait until they could obtain the finished product and replicate the Soul Guidance Device.
"26 million Gold Soul Coins, once."
"26 million Gold Soul Coins, twice."
"26 million Gold Soul Coins, three times."
Lingyun struck her auction hammer, her eyes scanning the crowd to confirm no one was going to bid higher before finally announcing the conclusion.
"Is there anyone else willing to raise the bid?"
"Since there isn't, I announce that the level five Soul Guidance Device blueprint has been won by Soul Master number 5 on the second floor for 26 million Gold Soul Coins."
As the words fell, Huo Yuhao's face immediately lit up with joy.
His eyes sparkled with excitement, his heart filled with emotion.
Indeed, hard work pays off.
Xuan Lao had finally managed to secure the blueprint for the Soul Guidance Device.
However, thinking about the final price, he couldn't help but let out a helpless sigh.
This price was just too high!
"Mu Lao, I think other forces have given up and let Shrek Academy have the blueprint for the level five Soul Guidance Device. They probably believe that they can reap the benefits later without effort."
Xuan Lao furrowed his brow slightly, a trace of concern in his eyes.
He looked at the forces that had given up, already guessing their intentions.
These forces were likely planning to wait until the Academy produced the finished product and then try to replicate it.
A sense of difficulty arose in his heart; after all, the Academy had spent so many Gold Soul Coins to secure it.
If other forces easily replicated it, it would be a huge loss for the Academy.
"It's okay. Shrek Academy will enjoy the benefits of this Soul Guidance Device first, and we can discuss the next steps later."
Mu Lao smiled and waved his hand, his tone relaxed.
In his view, the most important thing right now was to improve the Academy's overall strength. As for the other issues, there would always be solutions.
"Now, moving on to the fourth item, this next item is a 30,000-year-level spiritual attribute headbone."
Lingyun's voice rang out again, breaking the brief silence in the hall.
With a wave of her hand, a white headbone slowly floated in the air.
"Boom!"
Instantly, a powerful spiritual energy ripple spread out like a roaring tide, sweeping through the entire auction hall.
Everyone's gaze was drawn to this mysterious soul bone, as if an invisible force was guiding their attention.
Soul Bones held an indescribable attraction for Soul Masters.
They were the essence left behind by Soul Beasts after death, containing powerful energy.
Some Soul Masters spent their entire lives searching for a Soul Bone, but often failed to obtain one.
And now, this 30,000-year-level spiritual attribute headbone appeared right before their eyes.
Its rarity was self-evident.
Moreover, spiritual attribute Soul Bones were extremely rare.
On Douluo Continent, Soul Beasts with spiritual attributes were few and far between.
(END CHAPTER)