40: Chapter 40 Sponsored by the Sea God Pavilion, High-Profile Bidding

The group walked through a corridor of intersecting light and shadow, and the scene before them suddenly opened up.

In an instant, everyone stopped in their tracks.

It was as if they hadn't just walked into an auction hall, but had stepped into an inverted starry universe.

Above the dome, countless stars twinkled, converging into a slowly flowing, magnificent galaxy, with soft blue light pouring down.

"Goodness, this place doesn't look big, but it feels like it could hold so many people."

Ma Xiaotao looked around and muttered softly.

She noticed that the hall was bustling with figures, yet they all seemed separated by an invisible film, with sounds and auras not interfering with one another.

"Spatial folding technology, a small matter."

Su Chen explained indifferently.

Upon hearing this, the steward no longer had any doubts about Su Chen's identity.

He respectfully led the group to a door engraved with "Heaven-Class Number 3," the door panel made of some unknown dark wood, smooth as a mirror.

"Distinguished guests, we have arrived."

No sooner had he finished speaking than the door slid open silently to the sides.

The sight inside the private box once again redefined the perceptions of the Shrek group.

Several huge, soft, snow-white beast-fur sofas were arranged in a circle.

Directly facing the sofas was a giant crystal screen that occupied almost the entire wall, clearly reflecting the scene of the auction stage, even the wood grain on the stage visible.

On the long table beside it, there were all kinds of exquisitely shaped snacks, as well as glasses filled with colorful beverages.

As soon as they walked in, a properly dressed maid greeted them.

She held a booklet in both hands, the cover made of some kind of Spirit Beast leather, with mysterious light patterns flowing across it.

"Distinguished guests, this is the catalog for tonight's auction."

She respectfully placed the catalog on the table and added softly, "If you have any needs, please press this button on the edge of the table, and I will arrive immediately."

After speaking, she bowed and exited with light steps.

The box door slowly closed, shutting out all the noise from the outside world.

As soon as the door closed, the teenagers who had been acting composed immediately revealed their true colors.

"Damn, this sofa is way too comfortable."

He Caitou was the first who couldn't hold back; he sat down with a thud, sinking his whole body into the soft beast fur, humming with comfort.

Huo Yuhao also sat down, feeling the amazing elasticity, and after exchanging a glance with He Caitou, they couldn't help but laugh.

"Wow, this screen, it's practically a VIP imperial-seat perspective."

Jiang Nannan ran to the giant crystal screen and waved her little hand in front of it.

The others also found their favorite spots to sit, excitedly looking around at this luxurious and novel private box.

Xuan Zi found a spot in the corner, took out his wine gourd, and took a blissful sip.

However, amidst the laughter and joy, only Su Chen did not sit down.

He stood by the long table, picked up the thick catalog, and began to flip through it quickly with a focused expression.

One could see Su Chen's fingers sliding rapidly across the pages, occasionally pausing, his brows furrowing slightly.

He knew clearly in his heart that for this trip, the money was provided by the Sea Gods Pavilion.

Although it was said to be about letting everyone see the world, the real purpose was to improve the team's overall strength.

Every single coin had to be spent where it mattered most.

As Huo Yuhao watched, he also put away his playful thoughts and quietly leaned over.

"Brother Su Chen, what are you planning to buy?"

His gaze fell naturally onto the catalog, which was printed with various uniquely shaped spirit tool designs, accompanied by detailed descriptions.

As a teenager aspiring to become the strongest Soul Tool Master, deep within Huo Yuhao's eyes, there was a hint of hard-to-conceal eagerness.

Su Chen gave a light cough, his expression turning serious.

"This time out, we are mainly purchasing two types of things: attack-type and special-function spirit tools."

He looked at everyone and said earnestly.

"For example, that kind of spirit tool cannon capable of long-range precision strikes, and special spirit tools with stealth and tracking functions. These things can play an unexpected role when facing complex combat environments."

Hearing this, everyone quieted down, knowing this was serious business.

Su Chen paused and extended a finger, tapping lightly on the cover of the catalog.

"There is a spirit tool called a 'Soul Power Amplifier,' which is the top priority of our procurement this time."

"Soul Power Amplifier?"

He Caitou curiously leaned over; the name sounded very high-end.

Su Chen nodded and patiently explained: "Simply put, it can significantly increase the user's Soul Power level in a short period of time. When facing powerful opponents that far exceed us, this thing is the trump card for a comeback."

As he spoke, his gaze swept over Huo Yuhao and the others present.

"You all have great potential, but ultimately you are still too young and lack instantaneous explosive power. This thing is exactly what can make up for your shortcomings."

No sooner had Su Chen finished speaking than the light in the center of the auction stage on the crystal screen in the box slowly dissipated.

A woman wearing a purple gown, with a noble and cold temperament, walked onto the stage.

She bowed slightly toward the audience, her red lips parting: "Now, let's begin the display of the first auction item of the night."

As soon as the words fell, the atmosphere in the venue became noticeably heated.

The female auctioneer's voice carried a hint of excitement, "This first auction item has quite the pedigree; it was meticulously crafted by the top Soul Tool Masters of our Shrek Academy."

Behind her, a metal device with a peculiar shape was pushed up.

"Level 4 spirit tool, Soul Power Amplifier!"

"It allows a Spirit Master to instantly raise their Soul Power by one level for a short time; whether for pursuing enemies or escaping, it is an excellent weapon."

"Starting bid, 15,000 gold coins!"

Huo Yuhao's eyes widened instantly, and he subconsciously straightened his body, staring fixedly at the spirit tool on the screen.

Isn't this the one Brother Su Chen just mentioned?

However, before anyone else could react, Su Chen's steady voice rang out through the communication device in the box.

"16,000."

The sound of bidding followed, and someone immediately kept up.

"17,000!"

"18,000."

Su Chen did not hesitate and bid again: "20,000."

Every time he added to the bid, it was crisp and decisive, looking as if he was determined to win.

When the price soared to 23,000 gold coins, the venue finally quieted down, and no one else competed with him.

The auctioneer waited for a few seconds, and seeing that no one else was bidding, the small hammer in her hand fell heavily.

"Congratulations to the distinguished guest in the Heaven-Class Number 3 box!"

In the box, He Caitou and the others lowered their voices and let out small cheers.

But this was just the beginning.

Following that, Su Chen continued to participate in the bidding.

He set his eyes on a Level 5 spirit tool cannon, which was powerful and an excellent weapon for team assaults, and directly secured it.

He also bid for several spirit tool rings that could increase attack speed, which were just right for Jiang Nannan and the agility-attack type team members.

There was even a set of spirit tool armor capable of defending against elemental attacks over a large area; this thing was practically a bug in team battles.