Douluo: Martial Soul Seven Kill Sword, The Sword Opens Heaven's Gates

Ning Tianchen furrowed his brows and pulled Ning Rongrong down to crouch below their seats.

If Xue Fei continued to raise the bid, black and red VIPs would surely direct their attention toward him. Once their identities were exposed, it would become much harder to secure the remaining auction items without drawing suspicion.

After signaling for Feng Xiaotian, Huo Wu, and Xue Fei to remain silent, he said, "Keep raising the price, but only in small increments. The upper limit is one million two hundred thousand gold spirit coins."

Xue Fei understood what he meant.

Although they were seated close to each other, their seat numbers were far apart, so no one suspected any connection between him and Ning Tianchen.

"Ninety-three thousand gold spirit coins," Xue Fei announced.

Before the auctioneer could announce his booth number, a staff member of the Tiandou Auction House leaned over and whispered something into the auctioneer's ear.

The auctioneer, Yuan Yuan, paused, then smiled and said, "Apologies, Guest Number 424 in the Yellow Section. Based on our verification of your assets, you may not have sufficient funds to cover this item. Please reassess your financial situation."

Xue Fei's assets were around ninety thousand gold spirit coins. When his bids exceeded his verified funds, the auction house would step in to prevent situations where someone might overbid and later be unable to pay.

Lowering his head, Xue Fei saw Ning Tianchen slip him a black gold spirit card through the gap between the chairs.

Without making a scene, Xue Fei took the card and pretended to retrieve it from his wrist-mounted spirit guidance device, giving the impression that the card had been stored there all along.

"Let me ask again—do I now qualify to participate in the bidding?" Xue Fei held up the black gold spirit card and asked.

With a limit of around five million gold spirit coins, he certainly qualified.

After apologizing to him, the auctioneer confirmed that his bid was valid.

In the red VIP section, Yu Luomian glared at Xue Fei with visible displeasure.

"Isn't that Ning Tianchen's seat? Where did he go?" Yu Tianxin asked in surprise.

The auction hall was packed with guests. If they tried to spread out their soul power to locate Ning Tianchen, they risked offending other powerful individuals.

Relying solely on visual observation, they couldn't spot Ning Tianchen's whereabouts or his discreet act of passing the gold spirit card to Xue Fei.

After much deliberation, they could only conclude that Ning Tianchen and Ning Rongrong had either completed their tasks and returned to Ning Fengzhi's suite or left the venue early.

Yu Luomian patted his already thin wallet and ultimately decided to drop out of the bidding.

After all, he had come here with a mission. This unknown guest holding a black card was likely working with one of the red VIPs, aiming to deplete their funds before the final auction items.

---

In the end, Xue Fei successfully secured the item for one million gold spirit coins.

Returning to his seat, he couldn't help but pat his chest to calm his racing heart.

"My lord, I actually snatched an item right out of the hands of the red VIPs! Good heavens, this is absolutely insane!" Xue Fei exclaimed.

Still crouched under his seat, Ning Tianchen chuckled and replied, "It's just Yu Lao Er. No need to show them any kindness."

Since Xue Fei had already stepped forward, he could handle the bidding for the remaining items.

After several more items were auctioned off, it was time for the mid-auction highlight item.

"Ladies and gentlemen, we will now present one of the final auction items of this event," the auctioneer announced.

With that, she unveiled the red cloth covering the tray, revealing a thousand-year-old soul bone to the audience.

At this moment, Ning Tianchen "coincidentally" returned to his seat.

Feng Xiaotian's gaze locked onto the soul bone on the auction stage, and he said in a low voice, "That's the soul bone!"

He was certain that this thousand-year-old soul bone was one they had discovered in the soul beast's nest.

"So, the group that stole your soul bones really did come to Tiandou City," Ning Tianchen reminded them. "Don't cause trouble in the auction house—they're backed by the imperial family, the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, and multiple influential families."

Even Ning Fengzhi couldn't afford to stir up trouble in the auction house. After all, this wasn't their exclusive domain.

Feng Xiaotian nodded solemnly.

The type of soul beast this bone came from was unclear, and its integrity was only sixty percent—it was barely absorbable by a soul master.

Once the integrity dropped below fifty percent, the soul bone would become nearly impossible to absorb, and the residual soul power within would dissipate entirely.

"My lord, should we compete for this soul bone?" Xue Fei asked discreetly.

Ning Tianchen shook his head.

The final auction items would be handled by Ning Fengzhi. Besides, this severely damaged thousand-year-old soul bone would lose its potency within a few years if kept in the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect.

Compared to this, Ning Fengzhi would prefer to compete for soul bones with integrity levels above ninety percent.

The starting bid for this thousand-year-old soul bone was three hundred thousand gold spirit coins, but the red VIPs showed little interest.

It was just a soul bone, albeit one with an age of eight thousand years. For an ordinary item, it wouldn't qualify as a featured auction piece.

Introducing a highlight item midway through the auction was mainly intended to ignite the guests' enthusiasm.

However, it seemed the guests weren't impressed.

In the end, this damaged soul bone was successfully purchased by Yu Luomian for five hundred sixty thousand gold spirit coins.

For such a price, even less than that of a defensive spirit guidance device, dissatisfaction rippled through the audience.

"What's going on? Can't you bring out something better? Just a broken soul bone, and you dare call it a featured item?"

Some spectators began to heckle.

"Ladies and gentlemen, please remain calm. The auction proceeds according to the predetermined order. Please be patient—there will surely be treasures that suit your needs," the auctioneer explained.

She then accepted a tray from a staff member.

Lifting the red cloth covering it, a yellowed ancient tome was revealed to the crowd.

"What is this nonsense?" The guests were confused.

Normally, ancient tomes like this would only appear in regular auctions, never in a prestigious event like the Tiandou Auction, let alone as a featured item.

"This ancient book, discovered in an ancient ruin, contains detailed instructions for crafting spirit guidance devices," the auctioneer introduced.

As soon as she finished speaking, the entire venue erupted in commotion. Guests began discussing animatedly.

The method for crafting spirit guidance devices had been lost on the continent for nearly ten thousand years. A manual for crafting spirit guidance devices would undoubtedly draw significant attention from all sides.

If someone truly managed to craft spirit guidance devices, the faction that controlled this technology would instantly become the most influential sect or family on the continent.

But this also came with risks. There were always those who took unconventional paths. Any faction seeking to control this technology would need to carefully consider whether their strength alone could protect it.

Inside the red VIP suites, various factions were engaged in intense discussions.

"If mastering this ancient book allows one to create spirit guidance devices, why would anyone sell it at auction? If I were the seller, I'd privately negotiate with a major faction. Then I could set whatever price I wanted. Bringing it to auction will only net me some gold spirit coins," Xue Fei pointed out the essence of the matter.

Ning Tianchen suddenly realized the truth.

"If I privately possessed such technology, I'd keep it hidden. Selling spirit guidance devices long-term would still be a lucrative business. Even if I couldn't make them myself, as you said, it's an excellent approach."

"In that case, this ancient book has certain limitations. Rongrong, go find Uncle Ning and explain the pros and cons to him. Right now, they might be too close to the situation to see this clearly."

Ning Rongrong stood up.

"The Ning family…" Xue Fei formed a conclusion in his mind.

Ning Tianchen and the others were likely members of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect.

---

On the auction stage, seeing the lively discussion among the guests, the auctioneer paused her introduction.

Inside the VIP section…

Ning Fengzhi and Gu Rong were engaged in an intense debate.

When Ning Rongrong entered the room, Ning Fengzhi smiled and said, "Rongrong, you've done well."

Ning Rongrong proudly grinned, "Of course! With Brother Tianchen around, how could anything go wrong? But, Father…"

She relayed Xue Fei's thoughts to him.

Gu Rong frowned deeply and said solemnly, "It's possible. However, since this ancient book is part of the auction items, we haven't had the chance to examine it beforehand, making it difficult to assess its authenticity."

Ning Fengzhi sighed, "I don't know if the contents can help us develop spirit guidance devices. But if it falls into someone else's hands and they succeed, we'll be at a disadvantage."

No matter what, Ning Fengzhi didn't want to miss out on this ancient book.

Of course, after acquiring it, the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect would likely attract covetous eyes from many sides. The reputation they had accumulated so far might not be enough to protect the entire sect.

For a moment, he was caught in a dilemma.

On the auction stage…

After the guests had discussed for a while, the auctioneer resumed, "This ancient book contains instructions for crafting multiple high-level spirit guidance devices."

"But unfortunately, after our appraisal, none of these devices can currently be crafted. However, this is only because our craftsmen are unable to achieve it—it doesn't mean no one on the continent can. Ladies and gentlemen, if you wish to take it home to attempt crafting spirit guidance devices or simply for collection, this ancient book is an excellent choice."

"The starting bid is five hundred thousand gold spirit coins, with each increment no less than fifty thousand gold spirit coins."

After all the discussion, the auction house had just dropped a bombshell!

Instantly, many VIPs lost interest.

However, Ning Fengzhi chuckled, "It seems Tianchen and the others guessed correctly—this ancient book is indeed incomplete. Uncle Gu, let's acquire this book for now. Who knows, it might prove useful in the future."

Gu Rong nodded and promptly placed a bid, "One million gold spirit coins."

An ancient book with uncertain effects—one million gold spirit coins was already a steep price.

If they succeeded in crafting spirit guidance devices, this investment would be worth it. But if they failed, they'd suffer a significant loss.

Such a high-stakes gamble wasn't something everyone could afford.

"Grandfather, let's give up. The soul bone is more important," Yu Tianxin shook his head.

Though they could afford one million gold spirit coins, the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Family lacked the funds to support further research. Competing with the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect now would be unwise.

Yu Luomian snorted coldly and gave up bidding.

As expected, the ancient book was successfully acquired by Ning Fengzhi.

After all, no one could guarantee that spending over a million gold spirit coins on an ancient book would definitely lead to the creation of spirit guidance devices.

---

After the mid-auction highlight items were sold, the auction entered a brief intermission.

Sitting in the auction hall for such a long time wasn't something everyone could endure.

Ning Tianchen and Xue Fei separately entered the treasure collection room to claim the items they had won.

Shortly after, Xue Fei found an inconspicuous corner and handed over the purchased items and the black gold spirit card to Ning Tianchen.

Ning Tianchen was satisfied with his performance and proceeded to ask him a few questions.

Later, he said, "If you're interested, tomorrow you can visit the newly built street in the southern part of the city. Someone will be there to welcome you."

Xue Fei's behavior aligned with the recruitment criteria for shadow guards. Moreover, his background was clean, so there was no risk of unexpected trouble.

"My lord, I recall that a new merchant guild has opened there. I'm afraid it might not be convenient for me," Xue Fei said awkwardly.

He was already the manager of a merchant guild—switching to another guild would seem odd.

Ning Tianchen chuckled, "Hmph, you don't need to switch jobs. Whether or not you go is up to you. As for what I want you to do, you'll know once you get there."

Xue Fei wisely refrained from asking further questions and committed Ning Tianchen's words to memory.

The auction soon resumed.

It continued until early the next morning before all the items were finally sold.

Notably, both ten-thousand-year soul bones were acquired by the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect. Of the two thousand-year soul bones, one was bought by Yu Luomian, and the other went to Huyan Zhen.

As for the final mysterious highlight item, it was a massive safe-like spirit guidance device.

Due to its enormous size, it wasn't brought to the auction stage but was instead auctioned off through the auctioneer's verbal description. In the end, it was purchased by the imperial family.

Ning Tianchen speculated that this safe might have been an ancient relic preserved in excellent condition, which the auction house had moved in its entirety.

Back at the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, Ning Fengzhi summoned Ning Tianchen to the council hall.

After handing over the sect's acquired items, Ning Fengzhi said, "Tianchen, Rongrong, you've both done well this time. Take a look at the attributes of these two ten-thousand-year soul bones—you can take them back to absorb."

The ages of the two ten-thousand-year soul bones were twenty thousand years and thirty-five thousand years, respectively, but their integrity was only around eighty percent. After absorption, they wouldn't be able to fully unleash the soul bones' potential.

Ning Tianchen replied, "Uncle Ning, I don't need them. Don't forget, my second martial soul still has nine slots for soul rings. I won't lack soul bones in the future."

Ning Fengzhi nodded slightly and didn't press further.

Ning Rongrong also didn't want to absorb such soul bones.

After obtaining her divine trials, her perspective had broadened significantly, and she no longer wished to haphazardly absorb soul bones.

A moment later, Ning Tianchen asked, "Uncle Ning, could you make me a copy of that ancient book about spirit guidance devices?"

Ning Fengzhi retrieved the ancient book from his spirit guidance device and smiled, "Tianchen, you've already created weapons like firearms. Take a look at this ancient book—it might help you create these spirit guidance devices."

Taking the ancient book, Ning Tianchen carefully examined it.

Due to its age, the paper was extremely fragile, and even slight carelessness could damage it.

Using his soul power to gingerly flip open the first page, he found a massive multi-page blueprint. It detailed how to craft spirit guidance devices, with nearly every component annotated.

However, the complexity of these spirit guidance devices far exceeded Ning Tianchen's expectations. Based on his estimation, these were at least sixth-level spirit guidance devices.

Without systematic learning, even having the blueprints wouldn't enable someone to create them.

This wasn't an exaggeration.

For example, knowing the ingredients for "lasagna" and giving them to someone who has never cooked before—they'd struggle to make it. Even if they succeeded, the taste wouldn't match.

(T/N: Original text said 'spicy chicken' but that sounds alright to make ngl so I changed it.)

Ning Tianchen furrowed his brows.

The reason for being unable to create these spirit guidance devices seemed obvious—the devices recorded in the book were far too advanced.

"Uncle Ning, I can't understand this. We need to quickly make several copies. If we keep flipping through it like this, the ancient book will eventually be damaged."

"I'll handle it personally," Gu Rong said. "Tianchen lad, you've traveled extensively across the continent recently—do you know any craftsmen skilled in this area?"

Ning Tianchen thought for a moment.

On the continent, the only person capable of researching spirit guidance devices was likely Lou Gao from the Blacksmiths' Association. But even he would have to start learning from scratch. Expecting someone who doesn't even know how to walk to run is simply throwing money away.

Ning Fengzhi said, "Let's make copies first. One copy will be sent to Principal Ke, another will be stored in the sect's treasury. Hopefully, we'll be able to create these spirit guidance devices."

---

After the auction ended, the eyes of the major powers remained fixed on the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, waiting for their progress in researching spirit guidance devices.

As time passed and the sect showed no signs of progress or purchasing materials for crafting spirit guidance devices, the major powers gradually realized that the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect hadn't made any breakthroughs.

Slowly, their attention shifted away from the sect.

---

Meanwhile, at a waterfall deep within the Great Star Dou Forest…

Tang Hao, missing an arm and a leg, was recounting the grievances between their family and the Spirit Hall to Tang San.

"Xiao San, this is how things stand. Take my soul bone and return to the Hao Tian Sect—it is the foundation of our Tang family."

Tang San shook his head. "But Father, with your injuries…"

The loss of an arm and a leg had severely damaged Tang Hao's vitality, especially since those parts contained soul bones.

Tang Hao's strength had dropped by twenty levels, leaving him with only seventy-five levels.

If he encountered a Spirit Hall Elder, he would almost certainly perish.

With his remaining arm, Tang Hao gently patted Tang San's shoulder. "Xiao San, you've now broken through to Soul Emperor. When you return from the Hao Tian Sect, enter the Star Dou Great Forest and bring Xiao Wu back."

"The path ahead can only be walked by you."

"After the battle back then, the Hao Tian Sect's strength has greatly diminished. They may not be able to provide much assistance in the future. The Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect… Hmph, though I don't particularly like Ning Fengzhi, they are the only ones who might become allies."

Form an alliance with the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect?

Tang San sneered inwardly.

The Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect publicly humiliated Yu Xiaogang, ruining his reputation. This debt would eventually be repaid.

Unaware of recent events, Tang Hao reminded him, "Xiao San, the relationship between the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect and the Spirit Hall has always been strained. While forming an alliance with them, we can also drain their resources."

"In the future, the Hao Tian Sect will once again be the number one sect on the continent. Other sects will inevitably fade into history."

Tang San's eyebrows suddenly twitched. "That's right—why didn't I think of this earlier?"

Letting the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect and the Spirit Hall fight each other to the death would allow them to reap the benefits without lifting a finger. 

Since that was the case, why should he resist?

Still, he never considered whether the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect would even agree to ally with them.

For their family, initiating an alliance with the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect was already giving Ning Fengzhi face—how dare they refuse!

"But Father, with your current condition…"

Tang Hao smiled carefreely. "In the future, I won't concern myself with matters of the continent. I'll stay here and keep Ah Yin company."

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