Chapter 271: The Essence of the Stars
"The power of starlight contained within this treasure is exceedingly potent. It can enhance a soul master on all fronts—soul power, physical strength, and spiritual energy alike."
"No matter what type of soul master you are—attack, agility, or control—you will see remarkable improvement after absorbing it."
"Moreover, its effect on the body's fortitude is especially overwhelming."
"As expected…"
Du Bushi's eyes lit up upon hearing Ling Yun's explanation of the Essence of the Stars.
This was precisely what the Body Sect needed. Their martial souls were extensions of their physical forms—body parts transformed into weapons of power.
If this Essence could greatly strengthen the human body, it would indirectly enhance their martial souls as well.
Perhaps, it could even aid in the second evolution of the Body Sect's martial souls, a process notoriously difficult and painful, requiring countless rare treasures.
If the Essence of the Stars could ease that suffering and accelerate evolution, it would bring massive benefits—potentially increasing the Body Sect's strength across the board.
By the time Ling Yun finished, Du Bushi and the other elders had already made up their minds.
No matter the cost, they would secure this treasure.
It was as if the Essence of the Stars had been made specifically for them.
At Shrek Academy's seating area, Mu En and Elder Xuan exchanged solemn looks.
They both understood the implications. Such an item could easily change the balance of power across the entire continent.
In the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's box, Ning Qitian's eyes gleamed intensely.
As a sect based on support-type martial souls, they rarely had ways to improve their physical resilience. With this treasure, their auxiliary soul masters could temper their bodies, allowing them to withstand even direct combat.
A few top-tier support masters fortified by this essence could drastically increase the sect's influence.
Not far away, Titan and Niu Tian of the Clear Sky Sect watched with equally blazing eyes.
With its destructive might, the Clear Sky Hammer martial soul was already formidable. Strengthened by the Essence of the Stars, its power would become truly monstrous.
And in the corner reserved for the Sun and Moon Empire, Xu Tiannan sat calmly in his wheelchair, a faint yet hungry smile on his face.
"Whatever happens," he murmured to his entourage, "we must obtain it. The Essence of the Stars will be invaluable to our soul tool research."
His tone carried quiet confidence. Enhancing the body's endurance could directly refine the bond between soul tools and soul masters.
And since the Essence originated from beyond the Douluo Plane, it might serve as a new kind of material—something no one else had ever analyzed.
Their Empire had nearly exhausted the research value of local materials.
A discovery from another world could revolutionize everything.
If this Essence could strengthen a soul master, perhaps it could fortify soul tools as well.
The Pavilion had once auctioned the heavenly-grade Flame Sand—another off-world material. Even if this Essence didn't match that power, it could still reveal new applications.
Ling Yun's gaze swept across the room, reading the fierce hunger in every pair of eyes.
She cleared her throat and raised her voice.
"The starting bid for this flask of Essence of the Stars is five million gold soul coins. Each raise must not be less than one million."
"The auction begins now!"
"Five million!"
Elder Xuan of Shrek Academy called out immediately, opening the bidding with authority.
This item could be instrumental in raising Shrek's next generation. After all, a stronger body meant the ability to absorb higher-level spirit rings.
"Six million!"
Ning Qitian of the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect responded without hesitation.
For the sake of his sect's evolution, he was determined to win.
"Eight million!"
Xu Tiannan's cold, commanding voice followed.
"Ten million!"
Du Bushi's eyes narrowed, his tone sharp as a blade as he entered the fray.
He knew future items might have nothing to do with the Body Sect; this was his one chance.
Just like last time, he would strike early—and strike decisively.
The price continued to soar. Within minutes, it had leapt past twenty-five million.
The competition was intense beyond belief—the Body Sect, Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, the Sun and Moon Empire—each refused to back down.
Some forces hesitated, realizing that to spend so much early on might leave them crippled for later auctions.
The soul beasts, too, chose to remain still. They were waiting for something that truly suited them.
"Twenty-eight million!"
Xu Tiannan barked again, agitation flashing across his face.
The Body Sect elder inhaled deeply, steeling his resolve. "Thirty million!"
Gasps rippled through the hall.
Almost everyone now recognized Du Bushi and the Body Sect's delegation. Their reputation, coupled with the staggering bid, chilled the room.
Though Shrek and the Sun and Moon Empire now led the continent's upper echelon, no one dared underestimate the Body Sect's terrifying strength.
Whether out of wariness or strategic reservation for later competition, the remaining powers began to withdraw one after another.
Thirty million gold soul coins—a staggering number that could make even the richest sects hesitate.
Xu Tiannan frowned. Though he wanted it dearly, the price had surpassed his limit. There would be other opportunities—perhaps better suited to his empire's goals.
He withdrew.
Ning Qitian shook his head as well. Even for the wealthy Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, thirty million was steep for a single flask of liquid.
The gain didn't justify the cost.
Ling Yun glanced around the quieting hall. Seeing no further bids, she raised her hammer.
"Thirty million gold soul coins, going once!"
"Thirty million, going twice!"
"Thirty million, going three times—sold!"
The hammer fell with a sharp crack.
"This bottle of Essence of the Stars is officially sold at a price of thirty million gold soul coins."
Ling Yun's smile was impassive yet radiant.
Du Bushi exhaled slowly, a satisfied smile spreading across his weathered face.
So long as the Essence strengthened the Body Sect as he believed it could, the price was worth every coin.
The other factions were disappointed but far from discouraged.
After all, this was only the second item of the auction—many more treasures awaited.
Now was the time to conserve strength and wait for the perfect opportunity.
Ling Yun noticed their expressions and smiled subtly.
The air hummed faintly with anticipation.
She knew well—this auction was only beginning.
The truly intense battles had yet to come.
(END CHAPTER)
Thank you for the support, friends. If you want to read more chapters in advance, go to my Patreon.
Read 30 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/Kira1997