Douluo : Capture the goddess starting from peerless tang sect

"Understood. Ensure they are treated with the utmost respect. Whatever they win, apply the highest discount at checkout," the Empress said with a wave of her hand, dismissing her confidant.

"Sister-in-law, is this person really that extraordinary?"

Xu Jiujiiu looked over the detailed dossier on Qianran with a mix of awe and disbelief.

It was hard for any soul master to comprehend that such a monstrous genius could exist in this world. Xu Jiujiiu had always considered herself exceptionally talented, but compared to Qianran, her abilities seemed pedestrian.

"His talents are likely even greater than the reports suggest, and his background remains a mystery. He's also under the protection of powerful individuals," the Empress explained.

What they knew of Qianran was only the tip of the iceberg; his true potential was probably far beyond their understanding.

"He may be a bit of a philanderer, but that should not be a problem for us," she added, her sharp eyes glinting as she turned to Xu Jiujiiu.

To the royal family, a man's amorous tendencies were far less important than his usefulness. Securing a connection with a genius like Qianran was worth any price, even the hand of a princess.

Xu Jiujiiu bit her lip lightly before responding.

"I don't mind."

As a princess, she had always understood that her future likely lay in an arranged marriage. If that marriage was to someone as extraordinary as Qianran, she considered it a fortunate outcome.

In her experience, most men were unfaithful to some degree. As long as he wasn't overly cruel or tyrannical, it would be manageable.

"However..."

Xu Jiujiiu hesitated before voicing her concern.

"Qianran seems to have conflicts with the Zhu family and the Duke of White Tiger's house. If we align ourselves with him, won't that antagonize them?"

The Empress's lips curled into a cold smile.

"The Dai family isn't what it once was. Dai Hao is only a Rank 94 Titled Douluo and no longer capable of ensuring the empire's security. We need someone stronger. Qianran, and the mysterious forces supporting him, are exactly what the Xingluo Empire needs."

She paused, her tone sharp and resolute.

"If we had a powerful sect backing us like the Heavenly Soul Empire does, we could ensure the dynasty's stability for generations. As for the Zhu family, once they see Qianran's talent, they'll be too delighted to complain."

"I understand," Xu Jiujiiu said with a firm nod.

She had seen firsthand the growing disparity between Xingluo and the Sun-Moon Empire. While the Sun-Moon Empire lacked Super Douluos, their Titled Douluos were heavily equipped with advanced soul tools, making them formidable opponents. The Sun-Moon Empire's alliance with the Holy Spirit Sect only made them more dangerous.

In comparison, Xingluo's high-end combat strength appeared increasingly fragile.

At the auction...

The event began with a dignified woman in a purple gown taking the stage. She appeared to be in her early thirties, exuding a graceful charm. Her fitted gown highlighted her mature curves, and her serene smile set a professional tone for the evening.

While most auction houses prioritized appearance when selecting auctioneers, the best also brought poise and elegance.

This particular auction was relatively modest in scale, with most items being soul tools—nothing that piqued Qianran's interest.

He was here for one thing: the Soul-Eating Engraving Knife.

This legendary tool wasn't just a ranked carving knife—it was a treasure imbued with profound significance. Most importantly, it could unlock the Eye of Life, a critical asset for connecting with the Spirit Beast God Beast and obtaining Wang Qiu'er's Fate Power.

The benefits of acquiring it were twofold: enhancing his strength and potentially adding another extraordinary partner to his circle.

The thought of channeling the divine elegance of Erlang Shen with a new Eye of Life made Qianran all the more eager to win the bid.

"Ladies and gentlemen, we are about to present our grand finale—the mystery treasure of the evening!"

The auctioneer's voice rose with excitement, drawing the attention of the attendees.

"Originally, this item wasn't scheduled for tonight. However, as a gesture of gratitude to our esteemed patrons, we have secured permission to include it. Though its price may be steep, I assure you it is worth every coin for those who understand its value. Now, let the ceremonial attendants bring forth the treasure!"

As the red-draped cart was wheeled onto the stage, Qianran's gaze sharpened.

Unlike the previous lots, this one was veiled in vibrant crimson—a color second only to gold in the auction's hierarchy, symbolizing the rarity of a ten-thousand-year spirit ring.

Elsewhere in the auction hall, Huo Yuhao's breathing quickened.

He had spent weeks attending auctions across Xingluo City, leveraging resources from the Clear Sky Sect to ensure he didn't miss this opportunity.

The moment the Soul-Eating Engraving Knife appeared, his heart raced uncontrollably.

When the cloth was lifted, the treasure was revealed.

The small item, only half a foot long and finger-thin, resembled a tapering chisel. Its dark, ancient surface bore faint engravings, exuding an aura of age and mystery.

Many attendees murmured in disappointment, underwhelmed by its modest appearance. But for those with sharp eyes, its true value was unmistakable.

Huo Yuhao leapt to his feet, his voice trembling.

"The Soul-Eating Engraving Knife!"

This infamous tool had passed through the hands of 37 previous owners, all of whom met tragic ends—nine becoming evil soul masters.

Legends spoke of the knife containing a fragment of its creator's soul, tempting users toward darkness. Only those with unwavering will could wield it safely, and even then, sparingly.

The auctioneer began the bidding with an elegant smile.

"The Soul-Eating Engraving Knife starts at 100,000 gold soul coins, with minimum increments of 5,000. Let the bidding commence!"

Huo Yuhao raised his paddle immediately.

"100,000!"

The knife's blade was forged from Life Gold, a mythical metal capable of decomposing almost any material. Although its full potential remained untapped, its inherent energy and rarity were unmatched.

Qianran's lips curled into a smirk.

"200,000."

His confident voice echoed across the hall.

(End of Chapter)

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