Chapter 342: Fierce Competition
Ling Yun waited for the murmurs in the hall to subside before she spoke again, her voice calm but tinged with mystery.
"As you can see, this item is not a physical weapon but a top-tier martial soul—the Seven Killing Sword."
"As for its origin, most of you should already be familiar. Among all attack-type martial souls, the Seven Killing Sword stands at the absolute peak."
"Some of you might have concerns. After all, weapon-type martial souls like this usually place high demands on the user—requiring immense physical strength and refined comprehension of the sword path."
She paused slightly, her tone deepening.
"However, there's no need to worry. With the Starry Sky Auction Pavilion's special treatment methods, this version of the Seven Killing Sword retains all of its original potential and can perfectly fuse with the wielder's soul power. There will be no rejection or incompatibility."
"For those who pursue ultimate offense, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."
"Furthermore, any martial soul auctioned by the Starry Sky Auction Pavilion can be absorbed by any individual—Spirit Master or ordinary human alike."
"After fusion, there are no side effects. The martial soul becomes a seamless part of the user's body, just as natural as the soul you awakened at the age of six."
Her words ignited the hall like flame meeting dry leaves.
Those who had hesitated a moment ago now gazed at the Seven Killing Sword with undisguised greed and determination.
At the Shrek Academy box, Xuan Zi leaned toward Mu En. "Elder Mu, this Seven Killing Sword is vital to our academy. We have many prodigies, but our strongest weakness lies in assault-type martial souls."
"If we obtain this, we can train a new generation of 'Sword Douluo.' Against the Holy Spirit Cult, it would give us a stronger foothold."
They both knew very well the might of the Seven Killing Sword.
Shrek's archives even contained the sword techniques once created by Sword Douluo Chen Xin himself. Those techniques were devastating—but they could only be cultivated by those who possessed the Seven Killing Sword martial soul.
Now that the sword's soul had reappeared, their academy could finally revive that ancient art—and the legend of the Seven Killing Sword would rise again.
Mu En nodded solemnly. "Agreed. We must secure it. But the other factions won't make this easy."
"The Holy Spirit Cult's Zhong Li Wu just spent a fortune on the Secret Realm Token, so he may lack the funds for this. Still, we should prepare for serious competition."
Across the hall, Jing Hongchen of the Sun Moon Empire was quietly whispering to Emperor Xu Tiannan.
"Your Majesty, this Seven Killing Sword is far more valuable than the previous token. That token was uncertain in outcome—but this is tangible power. With proper cultivation, this martial soul will become a pillar of the Empire's future."
"We forfeited the token earlier; now we can bring those saved funds to bear on this bid."
A resolute light crossed Xu Tiannan's eyes.
"You're right. The Sun Moon Empire must acquire this martial soul! Whatever price others name—we will match it!"
He was grateful for Jing Hongchen's earlier restraint; otherwise, they might have wasted everything chasing the token and missed this far greater treasure.
At the Holy Spirit Cult's table, Zhong Li Wu absentmindedly brushed his thumb over the surface of the Secret Realm Token but kept his sharp gaze fixed on the projection of the Seven Killing Sword.
"The Seven Killing Sword…" he murmured with a faint, cold smile. "An excellent treasure. If one of our disciples gains this martial soul, combined with my plans, the Holy Spirit Cult's power will ascend to new heights."
Long Xiaoyao frowned beside him, his golden eyes narrowing as he scanned the other factions.
"That will be difficult unless you abandon the final item of the auction. We've already spent much, and every faction here is eager for that sword. The competition will be brutal. Securing it won't be easy."
Zhong Li Wu gave a slight nod, acknowledging the truth in his ally's words, though the gleam in his eyes showed he had no intention of backing down.
Ling Yun noticed the tense atmosphere boiling across the hall. A faint, knowing smile curved her lips as she lifted her gavel.
"Since everyone understands the value of the Seven Killing Sword, let the bidding begin."
"The starting price—five hundred million gold soul coins! Each raise must be no less than one hundred million!"
"The bidding begins!"
"Six hundred million!"
Almost before her words had finished, Du Bushi of the Body Sect raised his hand, his deep voice commanding instant attention.
His sect was famed for body refinement and raw offense. If he secured this sword soul, it would perfectly fill their lack of weapon-based martial arts—he could not afford to lag behind.
"Seven hundred million!"
Xu Tiannan of the Sun Moon Empire called out next, not hesitating for a second.
He understood that if the Holy Spirit Cult or any rival power obtained it, it would spell trouble for his empire.
"Eight hundred million!"
Yan Shao Zhe of Shrek Academy followed swiftly, raising the bid by another hundred million.
He glanced at Mu En, who gave an approving nod. That was all the confirmation he needed.
For this sword, Shrek Academy would spare no expense—even if it meant forfeiting later opportunities.
Since the auction began, Shrek had yet to bid in earnest—but for the Seven Killing Sword, they would go all in.
"One billion!"
Zhong Li Wu's voice cut sharply through the noise, skipping past nine hundred million and leaping straight to one billion.
The sudden raise silenced the room for a moment.
Many representatives inhaled sharply.
The Holy Spirit Cult—that audacious?
Few expected them to still wield such financial power after just spending over forty billion in the previous round.
Their preparation was clearly far deeper than anyone realized.
Du Bushi's brows knit, a thoughtful gleam flickering in his eyes.
So this time, his fiercest rival would not be Shrek or the Empire—but the Holy Spirit Cult itself.
"Twelve hundred million!"
Xu Tiannan gritted his teeth and raised the bid again.
Though the empire's treasury ran deep, every shout was painful. Still, he refused to back down—not when the future of his nation stood before him.
"Fifteen hundred million!"
Zhong Li Wu's voice rang out once more, his tone relaxed, almost mocking.
Another tremendous leap—three hundred million in a single bid.
Even if he couldn't win, he thought, making his rivals bleed in the process would be worth every coin.
(END CHAPTER)
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