Chapter 244: The Clever Star Luo Empire
As the murmurs of various factions filled the hall, nearly every top power resolved to compete for the Fountain of Life.
Jiang Li sensed the growing heat of excitement—it was time to begin the auction.
"I believe you all understand the general nature of the Fountain of Life," Jiang Li said. "The starting price is fifty million gold soul coins, with each bid increase no less than thirty million. The auction now begins."
He struck his gavel, and the competition erupted immediately.
"Fifty million gold soul coins!"
"Eighty million!"
In just a few moments, the bidding escalated rapidly. Shrek Academy, the Holy Spirit Cult, and the Sun Moon Empire all joined the fray. Within minutes, the price had soared past five hundred million gold soul coins—and it was still climbing.
Judging by the fervor of the hall, it was clear that the final price would not be low.
"Brother, we must win this Fountain of Life for the Star Luo Empire," came a firm female voice from the Star Luo corner. It was Princess Xu Jiujou, her tone filled with determination.
She couldn't help but feel frustrated. Compared to other major factions, the Star Luo Empire had repeatedly come up short in previous auctions. Each loss weighed heavily on them.
Sometimes they had disdainfully passed on early items, only to find later that they lacked the funds to compete for greater treasures. Other times, they won bids but couldn't protect their purchases afterward.
Over time, such missed opportunities had caused their strength to fall behind the other empires and major sects.
This Fountain of Life, capable of accelerating soul masters' cultivation, represented an opportunity they could not afford to miss—no matter the price.
Even if subsequent items proved even more valuable, the Star Luo Empire lacked the strength to compete for them anyway.
Winning this one now was their best—and perhaps last—chance.
"Very well," said the Emperor, Xu Jiawei, his expression resolute. "It's time we made our move. Forget the later items; we'll claim this one first."
He still remembered how hesitation had cost them during prior auctions. This time, there would be no second-guessing.
Even if it meant sacrificing much of the empire's fortune, he would secure the Fountain of Life and carry it home.
With careful protection, it could bless the empire for tens of thousands of years, ensuring a future rich in talent and strength.
"Eight hundred million gold soul coins!"
Xu Jiawei raised his paddle decisively.
The bid caught little attention—most were too engrossed in the heated battle to notice another contender.
Jiang Li, meanwhile, watched the competition closely. The intensity already surpassed his expectations, and he was curious how high the price would reach.
Ten minutes passed.
The bidding had rocketed past two billion gold soul coins. Xu Jiawei's face tightened. Judging by the remaining competitors' determination, the contest was far from over.
"Three billion gold soul coins!"
He breathed deeply, then made his boldest move—raising the price by a staggering one billion in a single bid.
It was a deliberate gamble.
First, by leaping so high, he aimed to intimidate others and drive weaker factions out of the competition.
Second, he hoped to plant hesitation in the minds of the stronger powers, compelling them to back off entirely.
His plan worked.
The shock of his enormous bid rippled through the room. All eyes turned toward the Star Luo delegation.
Even Di Tian and other Soul Beast leaders raised their brows in surprise.
Few humans dared to raise the price by a full billion gold soul coins in one go.
Jiang Li, too, glanced at Xu Jiawei in mild astonishment.
The Star Luo Empire had rarely claimed any great treasures in past auctions. Now, it seemed the emperor was testing a new strategy—forcing others to retreat through audacious confidence.
"Three point one billion gold soul coins."
The Holy Spirit Cult's Zhongli Wu frowned slightly, then made one final bid. He, too, was unwilling to give up easily.
But most of the other powers began to hesitate. Over thirty billion gold soul coins already—too steep, even for the richest empires.
"Three point five billion gold soul coins!"
Xu Jiawei didn't flinch. He quietly raised his paddle again, increasing the bid by another four hundred million.
Outwardly calm, his heart pounded fiercely. He could feel the pressure of countless Ultimate Douluos' gazes upon him, but he refused to let it show.
After a moment of contemplation, Zhongli Wu exhaled slowly, eyes narrowing.
Thirty-five billion gold soul coins for a single item—it wasn't worth sacrificing future opportunities.
With a flick of his wrist, he set down his paddle.
He would conserve his strength for the last few treasures, which promised even greater value.
Moments later, as the silence settled, Jiang Li struck the gavel.
"Thirty-five billion gold soul coins—first call."
"Second call."
"Third call."
"No further bids—sold! The Fountain of Life is officially purchased by the Star Luo Empire for thirty-five billion gold soul coins!"
Xu Jiawei let out a slow breath, shoulders relaxing. Relief flickered briefly before he regained composure.
"Brother," Xu Jiujou said quickly, "perhaps we should leave now. Once the auction ends, other powers might try to act against us. There's no reason to linger—we've already achieved what we came for."
She was right. They had spent almost everything on this victory. Competing for later items was beyond their means.
Better to withdraw now, before envy could turn to danger.
"Agreed," Xu Jiawei said without hesitation. "Let's leave quietly. Our strength is not enough to confront the great sects and empires here."
The Star Luo delegation prepared to depart—having finally claimed a treasure worth risking everything for, and wisely choosing not to tempt fate any further.
(END CHAPTER)
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