Chapter 9: Qian Renxue
Night fell.
As time passed, Dugu Chen found little else of interest and leaned lazily back in his seat.
The auction house gradually filled with people. Nighttime was when the most valuable items were presented, and only then did the true elites begin to arrive. The allure of soul bones remained undeniably powerful.
To all soul masters, soul bones were legendary treasures. While soul rings could be obtained with effort—though the quality might vary—soul bones were different. Their rarity made them exclusive to only the luckiest or most powerful individuals. Anyone in possession of a soul bone would go to great lengths to conceal it, fearing discovery. Over the years, countless bloody incidents had erupted because of them. Even the most ordinary soul bone could fetch an astronomical price.
Although the Spirit Hall explicitly forbade large-scale hunting of soul beasts for soul bones, many confident soul masters still took the risk. Of course, few were willing to sell soul bones outright—most preferred to exchange them for better-suited bones or other precious resources.
This was why today's auction was so captivating.
As rare treasures were auctioned off one after another, three burly men pushed a small cart onto the stage. A red cloth covered the object on it, but its silhouette resembled a large square box.
The auctioneer spoke mysteriously.
"Can you guess what this is? Let me first reveal the starting price—100,000 gold soul coins. Each bid must increase by no less than 10,000. This is a top-tier item among top-tier items."
A skilled auctioneer could ignite excitement and eagerness in a crowd—and this one succeeded.
"Now, distinguished guests, take a good look."
With that, he yanked away the red cloth.
A flash of red light revealed not a box, but an iron cage. Inside, a young girl was curled up.
Most of her delicate body was exposed, with only her most vital areas draped in sheer gauze, casting an ethereal allure. Her face was hidden as she hugged her knees, but her figure was graceful and nearly flawless. Her pale skin shimmered like polished jade, and her long black hair cascaded down her back.
The auctioneer picked up a stick and reached into the cage, gently brushing aside the hair near her ear, revealing a pair of black cat ears.
"Mew... mew..."
The girl whimpered softly, twisting uncomfortably under the prodding. Her movement revealed a slender tail behind her.
"Esteemed guests," the auctioneer announced, "this is a rare cat girl, starting at 100,000 gold soul coins. Let the bidding begin."
Dugu Chen clenched his fists, fury surging inside him—but his face remained calm. He had prepared himself for such scenes, but witnessing it firsthand still struck a nerve. However, he lacked the funds to bid. Though his teacher, Dugu Bo, would help if asked, Dugu Chen refused to waste his resources just to soothe his own conscience.
He was not a fool. He knew he couldn't change this world by saving one cat girl. Today it was her—tomorrow it might be leopard girls, tiger girls... Would he always arrive in time?
This cruel reality once again reminded him: strength is everything.
"Grandpa! How can they do this? Selling people like pets?" Dugu Yan blurted out angrily.
Dugu Bo patted her head to calm her. His expression remained indifferent—he had seen far too much of the world to get angry at every injustice. If he did, he would've died of rage long ago.
"If Miss Dugu likes her," came a calm voice beside them, "then this King shall present her to Miss."
They turned to see a middle-aged man in resplendent yellow robes embroidered with clusters of flowers. His hair, peppered with gray, was combed neatly. He was slightly plump, with a dignified air—though his small eyes detracted somewhat from his otherwise commanding presence.
He had just bid 200,000 gold soul coins to purchase the cat girl. With his identity revealed, no one dared to bid further.
Seeing the man's intent, Dugu Bo nodded and raised his hand in thanks.
"Many thanks, Prince Xue Xing."
Dugu Chen immediately understood—the man was Prince Xue Xing, a prominent figure from the Heaven Dou Imperial Family. It appeared he wished to win over Dugu Bo, a powerful Titled Douluo unaffiliated with any faction. Given that the royal family had no Titled Douluo of its own, Xue Xing's interest was clear.
Dugu Chen silently watched as his teacher remained aloof despite the prince's efforts. In the original story, Prince Xue Xing once saved Dugu Bo—perhaps this was that moment?
If so, it was for the best. Dugu Chen didn't want Dugu Bo entangled in the conflict between the Heaven Dou Empire and Spirit Hall. He was too vulnerable.
Besides, Qian Renxue ascending as emperor would ultimately benefit his own development.
Spirit Hall's strength was terrifying. Dugu Chen still couldn't understand how such an overwhelming advantage had been lost in the original novel. Now, living in this world, he doubted Spirit Hall would make the same mistakes again.
With Qian Renxue ruling Heaven Dou, and conflict brewing between her and Bibi Dong, the two would likely delay their ascent to godhood until the continent was unified—buying Dugu Chen time to grow in the shadows.
If he had been born twenty years earlier, he could have charged straight ahead. Now, he had to fight magic with magic.
While he pondered, the final item—a soul bone—was auctioned off to a refined, middle-aged man in white. Two companions sat beside him.
One was a youth around seventeen or eighteen. Not exceptionally handsome, but clean and sharp with a calm temperament. He wore a plain blue robe, his long hair tied back neatly. He bore a vague resemblance to Prince Xue Xing.
The other was a withered old man with a massive build. His skin was shriveled, his skeletal frame immense. He looked like a walking skeleton, with sparse white hairs and sunken eyes.
Dugu Chen immediately guessed: the old man must be Bone Douluo, and the youth was likely Prince Xue Qinghe.
Originally, Dugu Chen had planned for Dugu Bo to purchase the soul bone. But once Ning Fengzhi joined the bidding, he gave up. Who in Heaven Dou City could match Ning Fengzhi's wealth?
After the auction ended, Dugu Bo intended to return home, but Prince Xue Xing invited him to a banquet. For some reason, Ning Fengzhi and Xue Qinghe also expressed interest in attending. Unable to refuse, Dugu Bo took Dugu Chen and Dugu Yan with him.
As for the cat girl, she was arranged to be delivered to the manor and would become Dugu Yan's personal maid.
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Xue Xing Royal Palace
The grandeur of the royal hall took Dugu Chen's breath away. Compared to it, Dugu Bo's home seemed like a rural estate. Priceless antiques, exquisite calligraphy, and elegant dancers filled the space.
Prince Xue Xing sat at the head of the table. Dugu Bo and the others sat beside him. In the center, graceful dancers performed.
Dugu Chen sat next to Dugu Yan, once again struck by how luxurious this world could be.
As the banquet progressed, it became clear—each of the three powers present wanted to win over Dugu Bo. None dared to offend him, knowing that a Titled Douluo was akin to a walking nuclear weapon. If they couldn't secure him, the next best option was to stay on his good side.
As flattery filled the room, Dugu Chen's gaze drifted to Xue Qinghe. Was this the real prince, or Qian Renxue in disguise?
Qian Renxue's story was a tragic one. Sent to spy at a young age, she wasted years in a foreign court. When she finally became a god, her beloved grandfather was gone. In the final battle, her only blood relative died, her divine position shattered, and her lineage destroyed.
The continent's brightest talent—reduced to a mere stepping stone.
Perhaps Dugu Chen stared too intently, for Xue Qinghe suddenly turned and offered a gentle smile.
"Your Excellency Dugu has taken on an excellent disciple. Qinghe heard that young friend Dugu possesses innate full soul power—how enviable. I myself did not have such talent."
No one present seemed surprised at the mention of Dugu Chen's innate talent. Word had already spread.
"Fengzhi is also deeply envious," said Ning Fengzhi, his smile sincere. The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan had long struggled to find a worthy successor, and it weighed heavily on him.
Prince Xue Xing also offered praise.
Dugu Chen responded with practiced modesty, though inwardly, he couldn't help but feel proud—this life of decadence wasn't bad at all.
"Alas," Ning Fengzhi sighed, "the current Pope is truly formidable. Under her leadership, Spirit Hall has surpassed its former glory."
The words, though spoken casually, carried an undercurrent of caution.
Dugu Bo, however, remained expressionless. Aside from past conflict with Yue Guan, he had no direct grudge with Spirit Hall—and they didn't bother him as long as he stayed uninvolved.
Xue Xing and Xue Qinghe, however, frowned. Their apprehension about Spirit Hall was clear.
Ning Fengzhi was disappointed by Dugu Bo's neutrality. He had hoped to test the man's stance, but it seemed winning him over wouldn't be so simple.
Realizing this, he shifted the topic, and the banquet carried on late into the evening.
An hour later, three carriages departed from the palace, one after another.