Two days had passed, and the first round of the round-robin competition went smoothly. Unlike the elimination rounds, where everyone fought desperately, the round-robin matches required multiple battles. This naturally made each academy's fights more measured, emphasizing team coordination rather than reckless charges.
Though less thrilling, the overall team battle level had improved dramatically.
The winning teams sought to maintain their streaks, while the losing teams meticulously analyzed upcoming opponents and prepared thoroughly.
However, none of this concerned the Shrek Academy team much.
After a day or two of rest, everyone at Shrek Academy had reached peak energy. As night fell, one of the vice-captains, Wang Yan, decided to take the team to Xingluo City for some leisure.
Stepping out of the brightly lit Xinghuang Hotel, the group formed a grand procession amidst bustling crowds.
Xu Sanshi looked curiously at Wang Yan and asked, "Teacher Wang, you're not really planning to take us out for fun, right? And there are female students with us."
Upon hearing this, the female students glanced at Wang Yan collectively.
Wang Yan chuckled, "When I said fun, I didn't mean what you think."
"We can't help it. You said 'fun,' so Xu Sanshi immediately lit up. I think he's been anticipating this for a long time," Beibei added.
Xu Sanshi's expression changed instantly, and with a glance at the stoic Jiang Nannan, he straightened up and said, "You're the one who lit up. I already have someone I like, so I wouldn't go to that kind of place."
"What kind of place?" Beibei asked teasingly.
"Uh…" Xu Sanshi realized he had been tricked. "Beibei, take this punch."
He formed a fist and lightly hit Beibei—a friendly exchange between comrades.
"Do they usually act like this?" Ma Xiaotao whispered to Jiang Nannan.
"Pretty much," Jiang Nannan replied helplessly.
"Teacher Wang and Senior Sister must be taking me to the auction, right?" Huo Yuhao suddenly asked.
Immediately, everyone's attention shifted.
Even Xu Sanshi and Beibei paused, turning to look at him.
Wang Yan and Zhang Lexuan were slightly surprised.
Wang Yan admitted directly, "That's right. The 'fun' I mentioned is taking you to an auction. How did you know, Yuhao?"
Huo Yuhao smiled, "I overheard the hotel staff. Xingluo City has been holding frequent auctions recently, and I figured that when you mentioned fun, this must be it."
Zhang Lexuan smiled, "This auction isn't ordinary. Let's go now before we're late."
Not an ordinary auction?
Curiosity arose among the students.
Due to the Douluo Competition, Xingluo City was extremely crowded. The streets near Xinghuang Hotel were packed, with even street vendors helping to buy tickets for the event.
Luckily, Wang Yan had scouted ahead, so they walked quietly toward their destination.
They stopped in front of a pointed-roof building. The structure, while large, appeared modest compared to nearby buildings. Above the door hung an ornate sign with a hammer at the top and a desk below—a perfect representation of an auction hammer and desk.
Zhang Lexuan signaled everyone to a quieter side, avoiding blocking other attendees.
"This auction isn't just for fun; it's also to help you understand spirit devices," Zhang Lexuan explained.
"Spirit devices?"
Everyone had a preliminary guess.
Zhang Lexuan glanced at Wang Yan, who nodded, "During the past few days' matches, did you notice that about 80% of the academies use spirit devices to assist themselves?"
"That's true. Pure spirit master academies are becoming rarer," Ma Xiaotao nodded.
Wang Yan's expression turned serious. "I can tell you clearly: the academies are moving toward spirit device integration. Previously, spirit and spirit device disciplines didn't interfere with each other, but now students in the spirit path must also learn spirit devices. This isn't optional—it's a real curriculum."
"Additionally, every student will undergo practical training with spirit devices. You may not become a spirit device tutor, but you must know how to use them."
The inner academy students' expressions darkened, perhaps because they had anticipated this. Meanwhile, Beibei and Xu Sanshi were particularly surprised.
Xu Sanshi frowned, "Using spirit devices goes against the traditional honor of a spirit master. True power comes from personal cultivation, not external tools."
Huo Yuhao suddenly spoke, drawing everyone's attention, "Xu Ge, aren't your spirit rings external objects? Aren't the spirit bones you absorb external as well?"
Xu Sanshi and the others were taken aback.
Huo Yuhao continued, "If you think about it, the true creation of spirit skills and rings isn't external. But the rings and bones from spirit beasts—aren't they external objects too? Spirit rings come from nature, spirit devices come from forged metals. What's the difference?"
Everyone was stunned; the logic made sense.
"I know many in the academy see using spirit devices as dishonorable, but humans are defined by their creativity. Spirit devices are a crystallization of human ingenuity."
"I'll say it plainly: after this competition, I'll be permanently recognized as a Shrek Seven Monster, and I'll promote spirit devices to all students during the academy assembly."
This final statement silenced everyone, as they stared at Huo Yuhao.
Xu Sanshi, born in Xuanming Sect, had a strong aversion to spirit devices. Others like Wang Dong and Xixi remained silent.
"Spirit devices greatly enhance our capabilities. You can ask Ning Tian," Huo Yuhao said, pointing to Ning Tian, who had been silent.
Ning Tian, noticing Huo Yuhao's gaze, smiled, "Spirit devices changed our Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Clan. We are no longer purely auxiliary spirit masters; our combat power has increased. Even if we had ten life-changing Xiancao herbs, we'd still choose spirit device technology."
Hearing this, everyone was impressed. Ning Rongrong's breakthrough with Xiancao was legendary, yet now the clan preferred spirit devices.
"Alright, let's enter," Zhang Lexuan interrupted. Some lessons are better discovered firsthand.
The group entered the auction hall underground, guided by hostesses, finally arriving at Hall 12. Dim spirit lamps lit the hall, filling a space that could easily hold two hundred. Most seats were occupied.
For privacy, all attendees received masks—white for Shrek's team, based on spirit ring colors.
Within five minutes, a spotlight hit the auction stage. A beautiful woman in a purple dress appeared and introduced herself via a spirit amplifier:
"Good evening, esteemed guests. I am Qingya, a purple-level auctioneer from Starlight Auction House, hosting tonight's auction."
Her beauty drew attention, though the wealthy audience remained composed. Xu Sanshi tried to hide his awe, worried about Jiang Nannan noticing.
"Any item you want, speak up. The academy will pay, but each person is capped at 100,000 gold spirit coins," Zhang Lexuan transmitted to the team.
The poorest, Jiang Nannan, brightened at this.
Qingya continued, "This is a level-four auction. Maximum item grade is six, suitable for Spirit Kings and below. Numerous items will satisfy everyone. The final lot is a treasure—don't miss it."
The first item appeared: a black, ruler-like spirit device with subtle decorative patterns.
Qingya explained, "This is a level-three Spirit Light Ray Device with a special paralysis effect. It can affect Spirit Kings for a second, Soul Masters for two, and Soul Lords for three to four seconds, tested on an unprotected aggressive spirit master."
Starting price: 1,000 gold spirit coins. Bid increments: 50 coins minimum.
"2,500!" Huo Yuhao shouted immediately, startling other bidders, as the device's maximum value was around 2,200.
Qingya smiled, three inquiries later, and hammered it sold to VIP #166.
Ma Xiaotao asked, "What are you doing with this?"
"Dismantle it," Huo Yuhao replied casually.
Over the next lots, 29 more items were auctioned, mostly level-three or higher, with Zhang Lexuan and Wang Yan acquiring fifteen to distribute to the team.
Finally, the penultimate lot arrived, named "Baby Bottle."
The crowd's fatigue vanished at the name.
Qingya unveiled a silver necklace with a baby-bottle-shaped pendant, roughly thumb-sized, level-four.
Starting price: 6,000 gold spirit coins. Zhang Lexuan immediately bid 30,000—well above the item's worth, intimidating other bidders.
Finally, the last lot: a carving knife, called the Soul Devouring Carving Knife (Shi Ling Keda).
The hall erupted at the name. Few dared to handle it.
The starting price: 100,000 gold spirit coins, minimum increments 5,000.
When no one else dared bid, Huo Yuhao and Ning Tian raised their hands.
Ning Tian was faster: "100,000 gold spirit coins."
Huo Yuhao was stunned. Ning Tian said, "Yuhao, this is for you. You gave us the chance to participate in the competition; I'm returning the favor. Ten thousand gold is nothing."
Zhang Lexuan cautioned, "You can't control it. What if it endangers you?"
Huo Yuhao smiled confidently, "I can handle it. Trust me."
The lot sold, and Qingya's hot potato was finally off her hands. She could now rise to black-level auctioneer status.
.....
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