Chapter 299: The Power of Authority
To prevent the balance of power from collapsing and safeguard the Starry Auction Pavilion's continued operation, Jiang Li had made a decisive choice—to unveil this altar.
Its existence would ensure that humanity would not fall too easily and would also serve as a deterrent against the soul beasts.
"Everyone," Ling Yun announced solemnly, "this next item is the grand finale of the Starry Auction Pavilion."
"It holds no power to shatter worlds, yet it carries the purest legacy of humankind itself. This is the Human Altar."
"An altar?"
The crowd looked at one another in confusion. How could such an unremarkable slab of stone serve as the culminating treasure of the auction?
Sensing their doubts, Ling Yun's expression remained calm as she explained further.
"This item is neither metal nor divine material—it is neither artifact nor weapon. Its strength comes from faith—the faith of all humanity. The greater the faith, the mightier its power."
"Most crucial of all," she continued, "it can contain three distinct Authorities of power, held by three human factions. Each faction may draw on the collective faith of humankind and, for a short time, unleash god-like strength."
"What?!"
Even Gu Yuena, seated calmly until now, straightened in shock.
To borrow faith and ascend temporarily to divine power?
That meant humanity could instantly give rise to three god-level beings at once.
As a half–God King who had lived for tens of thousands of years, Gu Yuena deeply understood the potency of faith.
She had seen such miracles before: gods in the Divine Realm who ascended through the beliefs of those dwelling on the Douluo Continent. One had drawn strength from the faith of sea soul beasts and sea soul masters, another from the prayers of human believers.
If this Human Altar could unite all human soul masters' faith, even she could not predict what heights that power might reach—it could rival the level of a God King.
Truly horrified, she found herself watching the altar in wordless awe.
Ling Yun's melodic tone carried on.
"Furthermore, as faith accumulates upon the altar, those who come into contact with its totem shall be bathed in its sacred light. Their strength will temporarily surge beyond all limits. Even a Title Douluo may stand on the threshold of the Limit Douluo realm."
"Boom!"
The entire hall erupted in thunderous excitement.
Compared to this, the earlier artifacts and divine arts were trivial. They strengthened individuals or specific factions—this, however, could elevate all of humankind.
This was no mere treasure. It was a legacy that could reshape the destiny of an entire race.
"This… this was made for us humans!"
A venerable Title Douluo trembled with exhilaration. "With this, why should we fear the soul beasts any longer?"
"Exactly! We must win it—no matter the cost!"
"Even if we pour out every coin!"
Voices of unity rose across the hall. All human factions reached an unspoken consensus.
The Sun Moon Empire, the Clear Sky Sect, Shrek Academy—every top force turned its gaze toward the altar.
The air shimmered with tension and purpose.
They had long feared that the Soul Beast Clan's growing strength would soon bring ruin upon humankind.
Now, at last, salvation had appeared.
All were resolved—the Human Altar must not fall into soul beast hands.
In stark contrast, silence blanketed the soul beast delegation.
Gu Yuena looked at the totem fire atop the altar and sighed softly.
Within it, she felt the essence of humanity—unyielding, resilient, and eternal, like a spark capable of igniting the cosmos.
It was power her kind could never possess.
Di Tian's face darkened. "Master, the Starry Auction Pavilion… did this on purpose."
Gu Yuena nodded, understanding dawning in her eyes.
"They predicted our every move. They knew we would claim Scattering Beans into Soldiers and the Frost Divine Sword. So they brought forth this Human Altar to tip the balance."
Bi Ji's expression twisted with worry. "But if they master it completely, won't it become our greatest obstacle?"
Gu Yuena's silver eyes hardened. "Faith may be strong, but it is not flawless. And with three factions sharing power, division is inevitable—that will be our opportunity."
On the stage, Ling Yun continued without pause.
"The starting price for the Human Altar is ten billion gold soul coins, with each increase no less than five billion."
The staggering figure would have cowed most medium-sized factions, but not a single human power flinched.
"I also mentioned earlier," Ling Yun added with a faint smile, "that the altar's Authority Power can be shared among three forces. You may bid jointly, and decide among yourselves how to divide control afterward."
"I will give you ten minutes to deliberate. When the time is up, the auction for the Human Altar will begin."
Her reasoning was clear enough—to maximize profits and spark cooperation among rivals.
A wave of relief swept through many human leaders.
They had worried that the soul beasts would once again overwhelm them with sheer wealth. But the option of joint bidding gave them room to breathe—and to strategize.
Yet the question remained: which factions should ally together?
Who could they trust with a treasure this decisive, one that would crown its holders as humanity's supreme power?
A low rumble of conversation filled the hall as leaders and envoys discussed possible alliances.
"Elder Mu, which faction should we partner with? The Clear Sky Sect could be ideal. After all, Tang San himself—our Sea God—was both a member of their sect and of Shrek Academy."
"Although our contact has waned over the centuries, that ancestral bond remains strong. An alliance with them would be easy to form."
Beside him, Xuanzi nodded thoughtfully. Indeed, the Clear Sky Sect was a sound choice.
Mu En considered, then said, "And the third? The Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect seems fitting. Our funds are running thin. We'll need their wealth if we want a real chance."
"Their ties to Shrek have always been close. It would work."
Mu En's lips curved into a faint smile. This plan carried the highest chance of success.
The elders of the Sea God Pavilion quickly convened and confirmed their alliance with the Clear Sky Sect and the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.
A moment later, Mu En transmitted the offer to Niu Tian of the Clear Sky Sect and Ning Qitian of the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.
After brief deliberation, both accepted.
Their three factions already shared deep mutual respect—and combined, they possessed four Limit Douluo powerhouses.
Except for the Soul Beast Clan, no other force on the continent could match them.
Their confidence ignited anew.
Together, they would seize the altar—and with it, the future of humankind.
(END CHAPTER)
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