Chapter 301: Supreme Authority
As soon as this price appeared, even the Holy Spirit Cult gave up competing.
Everyone knew the Holy Spirit Cult's methods could reach the heavens, but even so, it was impossible for one man to contend with the three top forces combined.
Next, the only ones who could still compete were the alliance formed by the Sun and Moon Empire, the Mingde Hall, and the Body Sect.
Ning Qitian was over ninety percent confident they could secure the win.
Although their sect's strength might not rival the others, when it came to financial power, the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect was second to none on the entire Douluo Continent.
Mu En nodded. "It's fine. This item concerns the future of the human race. Even if we lose everything, it's worth it."
Yan Shaozhe received Mu En's approval and immediately raised his voice. "Nine billion!"
"One hundred billion."
Xu Tianran of the Sun and Moon Empire suddenly chuckled, as if discussing something trivial.
That number plunged the entire hall into silence.
No one expected the bidding to reach one hundred billion gold soul coins so quickly.
Although everyone had anticipated the final price of the Human Altar would reach this amount eventually, no one thought it would happen this fast.
Judging by the atmosphere, it was clear that one hundred billion was far from the end—it was merely the beginning.
The Shrek Academy coalition showed no hesitation. Yan Shaozhe clenched his fist. "One hundred and ten billion gold soul coins."
"One hundred and thirty billion."
Xu Tianran's tone remained calm, but a trace of impatience could be seen in his eyes.
That price was already close to the absolute limit for their alliance of top forces.
They had never imagined this auction would feature such a heaven-defying item as the Human Altar.
Even if they gathered every last gold soul coin, they could not possibly produce more.
Du Bushi of the Body Sect said solemnly, "Our limit is one hundred and fifty billion. Any higher…"
"We can only gamble. With the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect present, our chances of claiming it are slim."
Jing Hongchen of Mingde Hall fixed his eyes on the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's seats. Seeing their confident faces, he hesitated inwardly.
Their forces had already spent heavily in previous auctions, whereas the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect had conserved much of their wealth.
In terms of remaining gold soul coins, they could not measure up.
"One hundred and forty billion gold soul coins!"
"One hundred and fifty billion gold soul coins!"
The hall exploded again.
One hundred and fifty billion—this figure already surpassed everyone's expectations.
At that moment, Yan Shaozhe of Shrek Academy once again raised his bidding plate, interrupting the previous call. "One hundred and sixty billion!"
This time, Xu Tianran, Du Bushi, and the others all fell silent.
They sighed inwardly; their funds had reached the limit.
Even if they tried to pool more together, it was impossible.
They could only watch as the Human Altar stood on the auction stage, finally shaking their heads. "Forget it. Let them have it."
As the number appeared, the entire Star Auction Pavilion fell into stillness.
Ling Yun scanned the room, focusing her eyes on the top forces, noticing none showed signs of continuing the bid.
It seemed the final price was fixed at one hundred and sixty billion gold soul coins.
After a short pause, still no one continued. Ling Yun understood the result and loudly announced:
"One hundred and sixty billion gold soul coins, first call."
"One hundred and sixty billion gold soul coins, second call."
"One hundred and sixty billion gold soul coins, third call!"
"Sold! The Human Altar is officially auctioned to the Shrek Academy, Clear Sky Sect, and Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect alliance!"
Thunderous applause filled the hall. Representatives of the human factions congratulated each other, eyes gleaming with anticipation for the future.
Gu Yuena slowly stood and said to Di Tian, "Let's go. The show's over."
Bi Ji asked anxiously, "Aren't we going to stop them?"
Gu Yuena shook her head. "How could we not? If the human soul masters truly obtain the Human Altar, it would become a massive threat to the soul beasts' future plans."
"Because of the Star Auction Pavilion's rules, we cannot act here. But once the human forces leave, we will strike and seize the Human Altar."
"Once they step outside, I'm sure the Pavilion won't interfere in what happens next."
A shadowy glint flashed in Gu Yuena's eyes as her gaze swept over the excited human soul masters below.
How could she possibly ignore a threat of such magnitude to the soul beast race's survival?
"Yes, my Lord," Di Tian and the others replied in unison, their eyes shining with approval.
The Human Altar must never fall into human hands. During the bidding, they had wondered why their Lord hadn't had them participate—now they understood.
By robbing the altar afterward, they could claim it without spending a single coin while stifling human development and gaining an advantage for the soul beast race.
Meanwhile, in the shadows of the top floor of the Star Auction Pavilion, Jiang Li stood by the railing, gazing at the cheering crowd below. A faint, indifferent smile curved his lips.
His fingers moved slightly, sending an imperceptible golden light into the altar—it was the Supreme Authority, one only he could wield.
What Ling Yun did not mention was that in addition to the three known authorities, the Human Altar held one final, decisive power—the Supreme Authority above them all.
This power was under Jiang Li's control, and he fully understood the terrifying divine faith energy held within the altar.
To prevent accidents, this Supreme Authority must remain in his hands.
As long as he held that power, neither the three allied forces, the human soul masters of Douluo Continent, nor Tang San of the God Realm could act beyond his will.
If Tang San wished to use the altar to harness the faith of mankind—such a thing was pure fantasy.
With Jiang Li's control, the altar could easily deny Tang San's recognition.
This was the safeguard Jiang Li had prepared.
Unless absolutely necessary, he would not interfere with the altar's operation.
As long as the powers of humans and soul beasts remained in balance, the Star Auction Pavilion would continue to operate safely, earn vast wealth, and grow stronger.
Jiang Li turned and left. The cheers behind him gradually faded.
To him, this auction was only a single move in a larger game—the real chess match had only just begun.
(END CHAPTER)
Thank you for the support, friends. If you want to read more chapters in advance, go to my Patreon.
Read 30 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/Kira1997