"That's natural. Uncle Ning has rescued demi-humans with Spirit Mutations multiple times at auctions," Gu Feng said calmly and slowly.
Ning Fengzhi's benevolent acts were not purely charitable; they had profound considerations.
Children whose Martial Souls mutated into demi-humans usually possessed higher Innate Soul Power. The skeletal mutations granted them physical abilities far surpassing those of ordinary children, and their tolerance for medicinal effects was also significantly stronger.
With just a bit of resources and some cultivation, they had the potential to become the backbone of the Sect, strengthening its overall power.
"Xiao Feng, do you have enough money? If not, I have some here," Dugu Yan said as she quickly pulled out a gold card from her pocket and handed it to Gu Feng.
Gu Feng gently shook his head, his tone carrying a hint of mystery. "No need. Buying this won't cost much. In fact, they might even give it to us for free."
"What? For free? How is that possible?" Dugu Yan was utterly confused.
After all, merchants are driven by profit, and this is especially true for auction houses.
Gu Feng smiled mysteriously. "Shh, just keep watching."
Hearing this, Dugu Yan propped her chin on her hand, her curiosity piqued as she stared at Gu Feng.
At that moment, the auctioneer's voice rang out again. "Alright, 300,000 Gold Soul Coins, going once!"
"300,000 Gold Soul Coins, going twice!"
"Are there any more bids?"
At this critical moment, Gu Feng suddenly stood up, his voice steady and powerful. "I bid 300,001 Gold Soul Coins."
As soon as his words fell, the room erupted in chaos. "Where did this brat come from? Bidding just one more Gold Soul Coin? This is nonsense!"
"Go home and drink milk with your mom. If you don't have money, don't come here to make a scene."
The crowd cast skeptical and mocking glances at him.
The auctioneer also looked troubled, forcing a bitter smile.
After all, those who could attend the Royal Auction were either wealthy or noble. The identity of this Gu Feng was unclear, and the auctioneer dared not easily offend him.
"Young master, could you at least bid a bit more? This is really putting us in a difficult position," the auctioneer said with a forced smile, his tone tinged with helplessness.
Gu Feng's expression remained cold, showing no intention of backing down. "Difficult, you say? Then perhaps we shouldn't proceed."
With that, he raised the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School Token high and declared in a deep voice, "Gu Feng, grandson of Bone Douluo of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, is here. I ask for your respect!"
As soon as these words were spoken, the entire room fell silent.
The nobles and wealthy merchants below exchanged glances. Although some still harbored desires for the fox-eared loli, the thought of offending the grandson of Bone Douluo instantly extinguished their ambitions.
Bone Douluo Gu Rong stood at the pinnacle of the Soul Master world, one of the most powerful Titled Douluo. To provoke his grandson over a mere "plaything" would be asking for trouble.
These were all shrewd individuals who had navigated the world of fame and fortune for years. They understood that Gu Feng's request for respect was merely a formality.
If they truly disrespected him, and Bone Douluo himself came to "pay a visit," they would be in deep trouble, and the situation would become extremely awkward.
The auctioneer paused for a moment, then forced a stiff smile and struck the gavel. "300,001 Gold Soul Coins, sold!"
"Young master, please remember to collect your item at the backstage later."
Afterward, the auctioneer carefully held up an ancient parchment scroll, his hands trembling slightly as he raised it high. His voice quivered with excitement as he announced, "Ladies and gentlemen! This is the final item of today's auction, and it is truly a rare treasure!"
He paused deliberately, looking around the room, ensuring all eyes were fixed on the parchment in his hands before continuing, "According to reliable sources, this item can only have its seal broken with the Soul Power of a Titled Douluo!"
"And what lies within? Based on the analysis of our top appraisers, it is highly likely to be a treasure map from ancient times! As you know, during the ancient era, Soul Beasts roamed freely, and great Soul Masters emerged in abundance. If one could find such a treasure, the wealth and opportunities it holds would be immeasurable!"
"Now, the starting bid is 150,000 Gold Soul Coins!"
However, as soon as the words left his mouth, a wave of jeers erupted from the audience.
The nobles whispered among themselves, while the wealthy merchants wore expressions of disdain. It was clear that no one had any intention of competing for the item.
"Is this a joke? A Titled Douluo? How many Titled Douluos are there in the entire Soul Master World? Who could possibly have the means to casually ask one for help to break the seal?"
"Look at me, do I look like someone who could summon a Titled Douluo?"
"Damn it! Another wasted trip. What a waste of time!"
The auctioneer's face turned pale and then red as he wiped the sweat from his forehead, feeling utterly helpless.
This item had been sitting in the warehouse for nearly a decade, gathering dust. It had been put up for auction multiple times but never sold. They had tried every trick in the book to promote it, hoping to find some fool willing to buy it.
Just as he thought this attempt would end in failure once again, something unexpected happened.
A clear, youthful voice rang out from the audience, "I bid 150,000 Gold Soul Coins."
Everyone turned to look, and the speaker was none other than Gu Feng.
At that moment, a minor noble who had been around the Soul Master World for many years quickly approached Gu Feng. He bowed slightly and whispered a word of caution, "Young master, although the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School is wealthy and powerful, and you certainly don't lack the money, I still advise you to think twice."
"Generally speaking, items like this that are advertised in auctions without clear details are often exaggerated. Please don't act impulsively."
Clearly, he had his own ulterior motives.
If he could establish even the slightest connection with the grandson of Bone Douluo from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, it would be a blessing for his family for generations to come. Who knows, they might even rise to prominence because of this connection.
Gu Feng's lips curled into a polite smile as he replied softly, "Thank you for your concern, but it's unnecessary. I came to this auction specifically for this item."
Hearing this, the noble wanted to persuade him further, but when he saw the impatience in Gu Feng's eyes, he didn't dare linger and quickly returned to his seat.
The auctioneer's voice rang out again, "150,000 Gold Soul Coins, going once! Are there any higher bids?"
His eyes scanned the room eagerly, hoping someone would offer a higher price, but the audience remained silent, showing no interest in the item.
"150,000 Gold Soul Coins, going twice!"
"150,000 Gold Soul Coins, going three times! Sold!"
"The auction has now come to a successful conclusion. Distinguished guests who have successfully acquired the auction items, please follow the attendants to the backstage to complete the payment and collection procedures."
The auctioneer's voice echoed through the venue, lingering in the air.
A maid dressed in simple yet elegant attire gracefully approached Gu Feng and Dugu Yan, giving a slight bow and gesturing with a polite "please" as she softly said, "Esteemed guests, please follow me."
Gu Feng, unable to contain his eagerness, quickly followed the maid with hurried steps.
Seeing this, Dugu Yan had no choice but to jog to keep up, her heart filled with a surging tide of questions.
Along the way, the chatter and footsteps of the surrounding guests mingled together, but Dugu Yan paid no attention, her mind entirely preoccupied with the mysterious parchment.
Finally, she couldn't hold back any longer. She gently tugged at Gu Feng's sleeve, her willow-like brows slightly furrowed, her eyes filled with confusion, and softly asked, "Xiao Feng, is that seemingly ordinary parchment really that important?"
Gu Feng didn't stop walking. He tilted his head slightly, a mysterious smile playing on his lips, but he didn't respond directly. Instead, he simply said, "Sister YanYan, don't be impatient. Once we return, everything will be revealed..."
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