Chapter 256: Absorbing the Heaven-Bestowed Soul Bone on the Spot
When Jiang Li heard Ning Qitian of the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect shout "5 billion gold soul coins," a flicker of surprise flashed through his eyes.
He had not expected Ning Qitian to be so bold—to take both of the final two auction treasures without hesitation.
However, Jiang Li also knew that Ning Qitian would never have acted so decisively unless he had absolute confidence in his ability to protect them.
As time passed, no other faction continued to raise the bid. Jiang Li already knew what the final result would be.
"5 billion gold soul coins, going once."
"5 billion gold soul coins, going twice."
"5 billion gold soul coins, going three times."
"Since no one else is bidding, I now declare that the final auction item—the Flat Peach—is officially sold for 5 billion gold soul coins."
After confirming there were no further bids, Jiang Li brought down his auction hammer, marking the official end of the auction.
Ning Qitian exhaled in relief upon hearing the declaration.
At the same time, he gathered his focus, already thinking ahead on how to handle the potential crisis that might follow.
He had a strong feeling that once he absorbed the Heaven-bestowed Soul Bone, his martial soul would undergo a terrifying evolution.
"Well, this concludes our auction perfectly. Once again, thank you all for your participation."
Jiang Li smiled at the crowd, announcing the event's closure.
"Excuse me," said Ning Qitian as he stood up slowly before Jiang Li could leave. "May I absorb the soul bone here in the Star Auction Pavilion? If there's a cost, we're willing to pay for the accommodation."
Whether or not he could safely absorb the soul bone here was the most crucial factor. He could not afford any accidents.
"You may," Jiang Li replied. "However, no one is permitted to fight inside the Star Auction Pavilion. Anyone who does so will suffer the consequences."
Jiang Li raised an eyebrow slightly, already understanding Ning Qitian's intentions.
He wanted to use the soul bone to evolve his Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda into a god-level martial soul.
Even Jiang Li could not foresee exactly what form the evolved Heaven-bestowed Soul Bone would grant the pagoda.
But one thing was certain—it would be unbelievably powerful.
In the past, Ning Rongrong's Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda had evolved too, and even that produced results on the level of top-grade martial souls. Its eighth and ninth soul skills were nothing short of divine.
Now, Ning Qitian was going to push that evolution even further—to godhood itself. The resulting martial soul and its support capabilities would surely be terrifying.
No wonder he appeared so confident.
He had not only secured the Heaven-bestowed Soul Bone but had also claimed the Flat Peach in one move.
"Thank you."
Hearing Jiang Li's permission, Ning Qitian finally relaxed.
Then, turning to the two titled Douluo beside him, he said, "You two, guard me. Once I've absorbed this soul bone, everything else will be easier to handle."
As soon as he spoke, Ning Qitian sat cross-legged right where he was. He took out the Heaven-bestowed Soul Bone and began linking his soul power with it.
Many major factions had yet to leave the auction hall.
The elders of Shrek Academy, including Mu En and Elder Xuan, exchanged glances, their eyes lighting up with interest.
They hadn't considered this possibility before.
Inside the Star Auction Pavilion, no one dared to make a move, unless they wished to die.
By choosing to absorb the soul bone here, Ning Qitian could complete his evolution safely. Once his martial soul ascended to a god-level form, his support capabilities would likely be overwhelming.
Even the two titled Douluo accompanying him—both at rank 95—might, under his god-level support, be able to fight against a Limit Douluo.
"Teacher, should we stay here for a while, or head back to the academy first?"
Yan Shaozhe asked quietly after seeing several factions begin to depart.
Since the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect had found their own way forward, perhaps it was fine to leave them to it.
"Let's wait for a bit," said Mu En calmly. "I want to see just how powerful Ning Qitian's Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda becomes after absorbing the Heaven-bestowed Soul Bone."
Elder Xuan nodded, curiosity gleaming in his eyes. They remained seated, observing in silence.
Not only Shrek Academy, but representatives from the Sun and Moon Empire, the Body Sect, and the Clear Sky Sect also stayed. They were all eager to witness the power of the Heaven-bestowed Soul Bone.
"This is troublesome," muttered Zhongli Wu of the Holy Spirit Church, glancing at Long Xiaoyao. They both realized how difficult their plan had just become.
They had not expected Ning Qitian to absorb the Heaven-bestowed Soul Bone inside the Star Auction Pavilion itself.
That meant they couldn't rob him here. They would have to wait until after the sect exited.
The problem was, if his martial soul truly evolved, even the support of a god-level Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda might complicate things for them.
Still, Long Xiaoyao and Zhongli Wu remained in place, unwilling to leave empty-handed.
Even if Ning Qitian's martial soul evolved, they reasoned, he was still only at the Soul Saint level. No matter how strong his support became, he couldn't possibly face two Limit Douluo on his own.
So they waited—patient and cold.
…
Half an hour passed.
A crimson radiance burst from Ning Qitian's body.
Moments later, the ten-thousand-year Heaven-bestowed Soul Bone was fully absorbed.
Ning Qitian opened his eyes and rose to his feet. With a small movement of his right hand, a dazzling light flared, revealing a fully translucent, nine-tiered Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda.
But the top two levels shimmered faintly, half ethereal and half real.
Seeing this, Ning Qitian immediately understood—these two spectral layers were formed by the power of the soul bone itself.
"Ten-colored light?" he murmured. "So above the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda… there's an even higher form."
His eyes narrowed. But that was not something he needed to concern himself with now.
In an instant, nine soul rings rose around him, the first seven normal, but the last two shimmering faintly, mirage-like.
For the next hour, he would be able to use these illusory soul rings temporarily.
As Ning Qitian examined his nine soul skills, shock flashed in his eyes.
The enhancement abilities of his new martial soul were beyond belief—monstrous in their power.
"Sect Master… do we have enough assurance to leave the Star Auction Pavilion safely?"
The two titled Douluo beside him looked uneasy, worry in their eyes.
Their safety—and that of the sect—now rested entirely on Ning Qitian's evolved martial soul.
(END CHAPTER)
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