Douluo: Glory of the Unrivaled Angel

Word Count: 2,975 Words

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The Heavenly Soul Auction House was the largest auction venue in Heaven Dou City. It was directly overseen by the Heavenly Soul Imperial Family.

"Clan Head Ning, it's been a long time."

"Clan Head Wang, I trust you've been well."

"Prince Yong... Dean Liu..."

Ning Fengya led three of the clan's future bright stars, Ling Bai, Ning Tian, and Wu Feng, into the Heavenly Soul Auction House with practiced ease. As they walked, she continuously exchanged pleasantries with clan heads, deans, and noble members of the imperial family. Shadow Dragon Douluo Xie Qin remained hidden in the shadows, silently ensuring their safety.

The registration area was about fifty meters inside the entrance. Many big figures, usually out of reach, were now obediently lining up to complete registration and other tedious procedures to obtain their number plates. Upon seeing the four arrive, a pretty young lady in a red dress stepped forward proactively to greet them.

Even a lean camel is bigger than a horse. The Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Clan naturally wouldn't lower themselves by queuing up. Ning Fengya handed over a nine-colored invitation embossed with the imperial emblem. Once the young woman clearly saw it, her red lips parted slightly and her back involuntarily straightened even more. Maintaining a humble yet elegant demeanor, she led them toward the VIP passage.

Others cast all sorts of curious, angry, and probing glances their way, but upon seeing Ning Fengya's peerless beauty that was like a name card, all those gazes vanished.

Just a moment ago: Damn, I want to see who has the nerve to bypass the line!

The next moment: Oh, it's the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Clan. Never mind then.

"This is hilarious. Did you see how quickly those people changed their expressions?"

Wu Feng suppressed her laughter as she whispered to Ling Bai and Ning Tian.

Ning Tian chuckled. "Today is the annual auction gala of the Heavenly Soul Auction House. There are only ten auction items, all of them precious treasures. Countless people are racking their brains trying to get in. Our clan has a nickname in the auction world, 'the Sweeper', because whenever we make a move, we take home items in bulk without sparing any expense, so we've always been favored and flattered by auction houses.

The Heavenly Soul Empire invited us hoping the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Clan would provide a bottom line for the gala. Otherwise, if the auction items go unsold, wouldn't that be like slapping their own face?"

Ling Bai nodded silently. He was well aware of the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Clan's background. Their ancestors quickly made their fortune by relying on their Martial Spirit's treasure-finding talents. In Ning Fengya's generation, she sent her twin sister and Deputy Clan Head, Ning Fengyu, to lead a group of direct disciples into the Sun Moon Empire, hiding their identities to engage in the highly profitable business of smuggling rare metals.

In addition, Ning Fengya invested widely, using money to make more money. On the Douluo Continent, only the Illustrious Virtue Hall—far ahead in Spirit Guidance Technology—could compare to the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Clan in terms of wealth. All the factions across the three empires that needed spirit gold coins eagerly hoped the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Clan's favor would fall on them like rain.

The four passed through an ancient wooden door, and the scenery abruptly changed. A dazzling expanse of gold unfolded before them. The walls on both sides shone resplendently with gold and jade; the floor was paved with luxurious Extreme North white jade. Every ten meters, a pair of pillars carved with intricate patterns stood proudly. The lighting was a soft golden hue, and its reflection off the walls created a three-dimensional golden world that overwhelmed the senses with its splendor.

The young lady in the red dress bowed slightly as she opened the exclusive Room 888 for the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Clan. "Honored guests, please enter."

The Heavenly Soul Imperial Family had clearly put thought into this. Room 888's interior was entirely decorated with the Nine-Colored Spirit Jade most revered by the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Clan. The style was luxurious yet elegant, noble yet warm. In fact, not only the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Clan but also the Body Sect, Shrek Academy, the Dou Spirit Imperial Family, the Star Luo Imperial Family, and even reclusive clans like the Clear Sky Clan all had private rooms reserved for them by the Heavenly Soul Imperial Family.

Ling Bai sank into the sofa made of ten-thousand-year Azure Water Goose Down, while a Spirit Screen opposite him broadcast the auction stage in real time. Beside his ears came Wu Feng's comfortable, drawn-out sigh of "Ahh~." He glanced at her helplessly before asking the young lady:

"Could you please give us an overview of the items being auctioned at this year's gala?"

The young lady answered respectfully, "Certainly, honored guest.

The Heavenly Soul Auction House divides auctions into six grades: white, yellow, purple, black, red, and gold. The annual auction gala is a red-grade event, second only to the decennial Golden Ceremony. This gala features ten precious treasures, including high-class Spirit Guidance Devices, 10,000-year spirit bones, rare metals, and even live 10,000-year spirit beasts. They are sure to meet our esteemed guests' needs."

At some point, Ning Fengya had already closed her eyes to rest. Ning Tian lowered her voice and asked with concern, "Mom, are you tired?"

"I'm just not interested in this gala."

Ning Fengya replied in a bored tone as her voice reached Ning Tian's ear through a sound transmission, a simple yet practical secret technique. "The next Continental Elite Spirit Master Academy Tournament will be hosted by the Star Luo Empire. The items offered by the Starlight Auction House then will truly be worthy of the word 'treasure.' You can bid on whatever you like; buy a few items to fill the Heaven's Treasury."

"Welcome to the Heavenly Soul Auction House. The auction is about to begin. Please take your seats, esteemed guests."

A pleasant and melodious female voice suddenly echoed from all directions, and the auction hall fell silent. Through the Spirit Screen, one could see the wall lamps gradually dimming as the lights on the auction stage brightened.

A woman in a red dress walked gracefully onto the stage from the side of the auction hall. She appeared to be twenty-seven or twenty-eight years old, with a dignified and beautiful appearance and a faint smile on her face. Her well-tailored dress perfectly outlined her mature figure.

"Good evening, honored guests. I am Xi Na, a red-grade auctioneer at the Heavenly Soul Auction House. I will be your host for tonight's annual gala."

Xi Na bowed to the audience, receiving a round of applause, and said, "The auction officially begins now. Please present the first auction item."

Two young ladies in red dresses pushed a small cart onto the auction stage. The cart was covered with a cloth as they moved it to the center and stopped. Then they lifted the cloth to reveal a silver necklace with a metal pendant in the center—shaped like a baby bottle and about the size of an adult's thumb.

Xi Na walked to the front of the cart, holding a sound-amplifying Spirit Guidance Device. Smiling, she said:

"This is an Energy Restoration Spirit Guidance Device, also known as a 'Milk Bottle.' Esteemed guests familiar with Spirit Guidance Devices will certainly recognize a Milk Bottle. Naturally, the Milk Bottle featured at our gala is no ordinary item, it is a Class 7 Spirit Guidance Device."

"A Class 7 Milk Bottle?!"

Ning Tian was slightly surprised, prompting questioning glances from Ling Bai and Wu Feng. In a low voice, she quickly explained, "Milk Bottles have the highest material requirements and the most complex manufacturing processes among Spirit Guidance Devices. Creating a Class 7 Milk Bottle is as challenging as crafting a Class 8 Spirit Guidance Device. Its value is likely to exceed 5 million spirit gold coins.

Bai-ge, a Milk Bottle can quickly replenish spirit power. Although a Class 7 Milk Bottle is a bit advanced, it won't be a problem for you to absorb it steadily with your strength. You'll be participating in the Continental Tournament after school starts. Having it means an extra layer of protection."

"... Alright."

Ling Bai pondered for a moment before nodding slightly. He knew there was no point in being stubborn like those mules from Shrek Academy's Martial Spirit Department. Focusing on Martial Spirits while supplementing with Spirit Guidance Devices would be his future cultivation path.

"The starting bid for the Class 7 Milk Bottle is 1 million spirit gold coins. Each increment should not be less than 10,000 spirit gold coins. The auction begins!"

"1.1 million spirit gold coins!"

A deep voice came through the Spirit Guidance Screen; it was someone from the main hall making a bid.

Immediately after the voice sounded, someone raised their bidding paddle and said, "1.2 million."

The Class 7 Milk Bottle had broad appeal, not limited to Spirit Masters or Spirit Guidance Masters. Consequently, the auction price soared rapidly, perfectly aligning with Ning Tian's expectations as it soon surpassed 5 million spirit gold coins.

Once the bidding surpassed 5 million, it paused. Those without sufficient financial strength hesitated internally, knowing that if they exceeded their budget on the first item, they would be left helplessly watching as other treasures appeared.

"5 million spirit gold coins, going once."

Xi Na then began the final three calls.

"6 million."

A custom nine-colored number flashed on the screen, and Xi Na's eyes lit up instantly. Nine colors signified the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Clan.

Our generous patron!

"Bidder number 888 offers 6 million spirit gold coins!"

"888?"

The auspicious number caused the other bidders to pause for a second before they all smiled wryly. Those who had considered vying for the Class 7 Milk Bottle promptly gave up, knowing that competing financially with the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Clan would be pure madness.

"6 million, going once! 6 million, going twice! 6 million, sold!"

Xi Na's speed in dropping the gavel was exceptionally swift. Auctioneers earned their income from commissions on auction items, and the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Clan's generous bid of 6 million made it hard for her to suppress the smile tugging at her lips. Moreover, the closing price of the first item set the tone for the entire auction, and today was off to an ideal start.

Attendants brought out the second auction item. From the shape visible beneath the cloth, one could tell that this item wasn't large, as the cloth almost clung to the cart.

Xi Na moved to the front of the stage, her pretty face slightly flushed. Clearing her throat, she began:

"The second auction item is an even more intimate partner than a lover for Spirit Guidance Masters. I don't like to keep everyone in suspense; let's reveal its true appearance now."

The moment the cloth was lifted, everyone's attention was drawn to it simultaneously. The expected dazzling brilliance did not appear; instead, the cart held an item that looked as ordinary as it could be. It was about half a foot long and only as thick as a finger. It tapered from wide to narrow, ending in a sharp tip, with the bottom half-inch serving as a handle. The entire object was ancient and dark, faintly engraved with patterns that exuded a gloomy and ominous aura.

"Hah..."

Some bidders watching the screen let out disappointed sighs. This was a carving knife used by Spirit Guidance Masters to inscribe core arrays, and they did not believe that a carving knife could offer much of a surprise.

"BUY IT! AT ANY COST!!"

Electrolux's thunderous roar echoed in Ling Bai's Spiritual Sea, startling the neighboring Death Abyss Spider Emperor into shivering.

Has the old man gone mad? Why is he shouting so loudly?

"Rest assured, Elder Yi."

Ling Bai had guessed the true identity of this carving knife. Ranked 99th on the Carving Knife Leaderboard and known as the Ominous Soul-Devouring Knife, it also bore another name: Life Gold!

The Ominous Soul-Devouring Knife had failed to sell multiple times and had circulated through countless auction houses until Huo Yuhao purchased it at the Starlight Auction House. After several purifications and enhancements, it transformed into the Life Guardian Blade. Who would have thought that it had once appeared here at the Heavenly Soul Auction House?

Since fate had brought it here, there was no way he could let this opportunity slip by!

Xi Na continued her introduction: "On the Douluo Continent's Carving Knife Leaderboard, a total of one hundred top carving knives are recorded, with over two-thirds in the Sun Moon Empire.

This carving knife is ranked 99th, and based on its capabilities, it shouldn't be ranked so low. The main reason is that it's a cursed knife, the Ominous Soul-Devouring Knife."

The moment the four words 'Ominous Soul-Devouring Knife' were spoken, many who had been eager to bid on a ranked carving knife fell silent. The item had a notorious reputation—it was said to house the soul of a Titled Douluo-level Evil Spirit Master, and all thirty-seven of its previous owners had met gruesome deaths. Countless Spirit Guidance Masters across the Douluo Continent trembled at its very mention.

Ning Tian also showed a look of regret. Ranked carving knives were extremely rare; Heaven's Treasury had collected two of them, one ranked 88th and the other 66th. Even at Shrek Academy, only Xian Lin'er and Fan Yu possessed ranked carving knives. She had wanted to buy another to bring home, but the Ominous Soul-Devouring Knife...

Forget it, forget it!

Evil Spirit Masters were inauspicious!

Better not get involved!

"The starting bid for the Ominous Soul-Devouring Knife is 300,000 spirit gold coins. Each increment must not be less than 10,000 spirit gold coins. Esteemed guests, you may begin bidding."

Xi Na's smile was impeccable, but in reality she wasn't the least bit excited. Having served as an auctioneer for nearly ten years, she could tell from the lukewarm reaction that this Ominous Soul-Devouring Knife was highly likely to go unsold.

It was understandable; the Ominous Soul-Devouring Knife often failed to sell. The Heavenly Soul Auction House had purchased it from the Dou Spirit Empire at a low price, hoping to use the momentum of the annual gala to offload it for a small profit. They had even deliberately arranged it as the second item to ride the wave of the Class 7 Milk Bottle. However, the bidders were exceptionally astute and were not buying it. Their little scheme was likely to go up in smoke.

Xi Na quietly glanced toward Room 888, silently praying that the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, with their deep pockets, would lend some face to the Heavenly Soul Imperial Family and rescue the annual auction gala from disaster. The second item going unsold would have been a slap in the face.

Time ticked by, second by second. Just as Xi Na was losing hope, the magnificent nine-colored text finally appeared on the screen.

"500,000 spirit gold coins."

Xi Na nearly burst into tears. It was the first time in a hundred years that anyone had bid on the Ominous Soul-Devouring Knife!

500,000!

The Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Clan truly lived up to their reputation as generous fools... no, great benefactors!

Such generosity!

Spending 500,000 to bring a calamity home!

Bang!

"Sold!"

Xi Na was truly afraid this unprecedentedly fool (crossed out) generous bidder would change their mind. Skipping the customary three calls, the auction gravel immediately fell, announcing that this ominous knife now belonged to the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Clan.

Did anyone have any objections?

No objections!

After all, no one could outbid the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, let alone for such a sinister item!

"Wait... what?"

Looking at the Ominous Soul-Devouring Knife that had been delivered before them, Ning Tian and Wu Feng wore expressions of shock and bewilderment. Ning Fengya opened her eyes with an amused smile. A mere 500,000 spirit gold coins meant nothing to the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Clan. What she found interesting were her daughter and Wu Feng's expressions of existential doubt.

As for the Ominous Soul-Devouring Knife...

Back when Ling Bai hunted his first spirit ring and went berserk at the sight of blood, Ning Fengya had witnessed the power of the Death Abyss Spider Emperor. The soul of a mere Evil Spirit Master could at most serve as a midnight snack for the Death Abyss Spider Emperor.

If Ling Bai wanted it, then she'd give it to him.

A child she had raised herself, so she might as well spoil him.

Ning Tian glanced at Ling Bai several times, wanting to tell him about the terrifying nature of the Ominous Soul-Devouring Knife, but after much internal struggle, she swallowed her words.

The next seven auction items comprised two pieces of 10,000-year spirit bones, a 10,000-year Bronze Unicorn, rare metals, Class 6 Stationary Spirit Cannon shells, a Dragonwoman, and a Class 8 close-combat Spirit Guidance Device. The Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Clan chose a slightly higher-quality right arm spirit bone and the Class 6 Stationary Spirit Cannon shells, keeping the meat for themselves while leaving some soup for others.

A cart was slowly pushed onto the auction stage from one side for the final auction item. Unlike the previous items, this cart was larger, and the cloth covering it had been changed to a dazzling golden color.

Everything in the Heavenly Soul Auction House was related to the colors of spirit rings, and gold was the most esteemed.

Xi Na lifted the cloth with a smile on her face and said:

"Thousand Illusion Charming Appearance, a peak Class 8 Spirit Guidance Device."