Chapter 345: The Final Mystery — Six Beams of Light
"No matter the cost, we must win this. The safety of Shrek Academy—and all of Douluo Continent—depends on it!"
Xuan Zi nodded firmly, his eyes alight with determination. "Don't worry, Elder Mu. Even if it means draining the Academy's reserves, we will claim the Yin-Yang Twin Swords. With such divine weapons on our side, we'll be far better prepared for what's coming."
The powerhouses of the Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Sect were just as resolute.
Their sect boasted two Titled Douluo and even Ning Qitian's divine soul bone, which could temporarily evolve his martial soul into the Nine Treasures Glazed Tower. Yet as the world grew stronger, pressure on the sect only mounted.
Ning Qitian's eyes reflected the glow of the twin swords as he spoke gravely. "The force contained within these swords far exceeds expectation. If we can claim them for our sect, our foundation will deepen immensely, and we will face future crises with greater confidence. When bidding begins, we cannot falter."
Ling Yun watched the restless energy swelling below and smiled knowingly.
She could sense the intensity that was about to erupt.
After letting the murmuring fade, she raised her gavel high. Her voice, steady and commanding, carried through the grand hall.
"The Yin-Yang Twin Swords—half-divine weapons which, when united, ascend to true divinity! The auction officially begins! Starting price: five billion gold soul coins. Each increment must be no less than one billion!"
"Six billion!"
No sooner had she spoken than a firm voice rang out, setting the bidding in motion.
"Seven billion!"
Another faction followed swiftly.
"Nine billion!"
The Clear Sky Sect's Titan skipped past eight billion entirely, his tone filled with unbending resolve.
"Ten billion!" came the immediate counter from Xu Tiannan of Mingde Hall, his expression stoic.
The price surged higher and higher, climbing past twenty billion in mere minutes.
Representatives of smaller forces had long since withdrawn, left only to watch the titans of Douluo clash.
A few minutes later—
"Thirty billion!"
The voice belonged to Shrek Academy's Xuan Zi, who shouted loud enough to shake the hall, hoping to intimidate the others.
But Mingde Hall refused to yield. Xu Tiannan instantly countered, "Thirty-five billion!"
"Thirty-eight billion!"
The Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Sect joined the fray without hesitation.
"Forty billion!"
Titan raised the bid again, determination flashing in his eyes.
The prices spiraled upward like wildfire—reaching fifty billion in short order.
By now, many factions began wavering. Fifty billion gold souls was a staggering sum, enough to strain even the wealthiest foundations.
They knew another bid might very well bleed their sects dry.
"Fifty-five billion!"
Xu Tiannan's steady voice broke through the hum of the crowd. He turned slightly, meeting Jing Hongchen's approving glance. It was decided—they would commit everything.
"Fifty-six billion!"
Xuan Zi immediately countered, his jaw tight. This time, even he could feel Shrek stretching its limits.
"Sixty billion!"
Without pause, Xu Tiannan raised again—adding a decisive four billion all at once. The sheer confidence of Mingde Hall left the room speechless.
Xuan Zi, Titan, even Ning Qitian—all fell silent.
Sixty billion gold soul coins was beyond imagination, far exceeding all prior expectations. To risk more would endanger their sect's future progress.
Ning Qitian frowned deeply. As much as he coveted the swords, he could not justify such a cost. The balance between profit and loss was no longer in their favor.
Xu Tiannan glanced subtly toward the room, alert and guarded. If no other voice rose now, the twin swords were his.
The hall grew still. Leaders sat in quiet meditation, weighing their options.
Finally, Xuan Zi sighed in defeat. "We want them, but... not at the cost of crippling the Academy."
Titan and Niu Tian mirrored the sentiment with weary nods. For the Clear Sky Sect, the gap in wealth was simply too vast.
Ning Qitian made the final decision as well—better to invest in his disciples than shatter the sect's coffers on one acquisition.
Seeing no further bids, Ling Yun lifted her gavel once more.
"Sixty billion gold soul coins—once!"
"Sixty billion—twice!"
"Sixty billion—three times! Sold!"
The hammer fell with a resounding crack.
Mingde Hall had triumphed.
Xu Tiannan and Jing Hongchen exhaled in relief. Acquiring the swords had cost them dearly—they had liquidated nearly every asset they brought, even trading several ninth-tier soul tools and receiving emergency support from the Sun Moon Empire's royal treasury.
But for true divine weapons, the sacrifice was worth it.
Around them, disappointed murmurs drifted among rival factions. Though frustrated, none could contest the outcome. Mingde Hall's wealth, reinforced by imperial backing, was unmatched.
Ling Yun handed the Yin-Yang Twin Swords to the victorious representatives before returning gracefully to the stage. A mysterious smile played on her lips.
"Congratulations on successfully claiming the Yin-Yang Twin Swords," she said warmly. "May they bring your sect new breakthroughs."
"However," she continued, her voice deepening, "for those who did not prevail, do not despair. The time has come for the grand finale of today's auction—the final item."
The room instantly tensed. Ling Yun allowed a deliberate pause, her smile widening as she felt every gaze lock onto her.
"Perhaps you believe the Yin-Yang Twin Swords, which merge to form a divine weapon, were the pinnacle of rarity," she said. "But I assure you—they pale in comparison to what comes next."
"For this last treasure is no mere weapon… it is an artifact that can directly enhance the wielder's own power. Its might surpasses even the twin swords!"
"What?! Stronger than the Yin-Yang Swords?!"
"An artifact that boosts one's personal strength? Impossible!"
"How many secrets does the Starry Sky Auction Pavilion still hide? What kind of treasure could this be?"
The audience, still despondent moments ago, came alive again. Eyes blazed with hope and greed, fixed unblinkingly on the stage.
Seeing their anticipation reach its peak, Ling Yun decided not to delay.
With a graceful motion, she opened her palm.
In that moment, six beams of icy-blue light streaked through the skies above, descending like divine bolts onto the auction platform below.
(END CHAPTER)
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