Time flies like water, and a month has passed in the blink of an eye.
During this month, Qin Ming strictly followed the high-intensity training regimen set by Lin Mu. Every day, Yu Tianheng, Tang San, and the others participated in at least two high-stakes Soul Arena matches. This grueling schedule didn't just push their Soul Power levels higher; it forged their combat instincts and tactical awareness in the heat of real battle.
The most surprising development involved the brothers, Shi Mò and Shi Mó.
Following Lin Mu's instructions to remain inseparable, they had begun to synchronize their breathing and soul power circulation. Just a few days ago, during a training session, their Black Turtle Martial Souls resonated for the first time. A heavy, mountain-like aura had flared between them, an unmistakable sign of a budding Martial Soul Fusion Skill. Though it was far from complete, the direction was correct.
As for Lin Mu, aside from his own cultivation, he spent his time tutoring Ye Lingling. With her high comprehension and dedicated practice, she had mastered the fundamental footwork of the Phoenix Dance in the Nine Heavens, significantly boosting her survivability as a support specialist.
However, Lin Mu knew that physical training alone wasn't enough to secure a victory in the Continental Tournament. He planned to refine specialized Alchemical Pills to aid their cultivation. While they couldn't compare to the legendary Immortal Herbs of the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well, his knowledge of alchemy was sufficient to drastically accelerate the team's growth.
Refining such pills required high-quality medicinal ingredients.
"It looks like I need to visit the auction house," Lin Mu calculated. As the heart of the Empire, the Heaven Dou Great Auction House was the only place likely to stock the thousand-year herbs he required.
Lin Mu wasn't worried about the cost. Improving the Royal Fighting Team was the Academy's responsibility; he fully intended to have the Board Members reimburse every copper.
Just as he was preparing to leave the training grounds, he encountered a familiar figure. Xue Qinghe walked up with a natural, pleasant smile. "Brother Lin, heading out?"
Lin Mu felt a twinge of helplessness. For the past month, the Crown Prince had been visiting him almost every other day, clearly trying to weave himself into Lin Mu's social circle.
"Greetings, Your Highness," Lin Mu replied with practiced indifference. "I am heading to the auction house to procure some medicinal herbs."
"Oh? Brother Lin is an expert in herbology as well?" Xue Qinghe's interest was piqued. "Since my schedule is clear today, allow me to accompany you. I am a regular at the auction house; my presence might save you some unnecessary trouble."
Lin Mu briefly considered refusing, but he realized that having the Crown Prince by his side would indeed bypass the many bureaucratic layers of the elite auction scene. "I shall trouble Your Highness, then."
'The Heaven Dou Great Auction House.'
The two arrived at the center of the city, entering the magnificent, domed structure of the auction house. Inside, the hall was filled with the elite of the capital, nobles and high-level Soul Masters dressed in shimmering silks.
Xue Qinghe led Lin Mu directly to the front row of the prestigious Red Section. As the auction began, Lin Mu focused solely on rare herbs over a thousand years old. With his ample savings and the promise of reimbursement, he successfully secured several high-quality lots.
Just as the event reached its conclusion, the auctioneer's tone shifted into something more theatrical. He struck his gavel, his voice booming: "Distinguished guests! We have reached the grand finale of our evening!"
A massive iron cage was rolled onto the stage. Inside, a figure was curled into a ball. It was a young girl, no older than sixteen, with dazzling golden hair and trembling emerald eyes. Most striking were the fluffy fox ears atop her head and a bushy tail trailing behind her, the result of a Martial Soul mutation. She was dressed in a thin, translucent veil, her pale skin contrasting sharply with the cold iron of the cage.
"This girl underwent a rare mutation during her awakening," the auctioneer explained with a predatory grin. "She retains these unique fox-like traits but possesses no soul power. She is gentle, obedient, and a one-of-a-kind collector's item!"
The room erupted in heated whispers. In the decadent noble circles of Heaven Dou City, such mutations were sought after for astronomical prices.
Xue Qinghe frowned, a flicker of disgust passing over his features before he regained his mask. Lin Mu's eyes, however, turned icy. Seeing the girl's terror, he felt a surge of cold fury.
"Your Highness," Lin Mu whispered, his voice carrying an edge. "Help me bid for her."
Xue Qinghe was taken aback. She looked at Lin Mu, expecting to see lust, but found only an aura of profound solemnity and righteous anger. She nodded immediately. "As you wish, Brother Lin."
The price had already climbed to 120,000 Gold Soul Coins.
"130,000!" Xue Qinghe's clear voice cut through the noise.
The room went quiet. Many recognized the Crown Prince and hesitated to compete. But then, an authoritative voice spoke from the other side of the hall.
"140,000!"
It was Prince Xue Xing, the Emperor's brother and a bitter political rival of Xue Qinghe. He looked toward the front row with a smirk, clearly intent on causing trouble for his nephew.
Xue Qinghe didn't miss a beat. "150,000."
"160,000!" Xue Xing countered instantly.
A cold glint of killing intent flashed in Xue Qinghe's eyes. Just as she was about to raise the bid again, a gentle, melodious voice sounded from the back of the room.
"180,000 Gold Soul Coins."
Every head turned. Sitting in the back row was a refined middle-aged man and an elderly man with hair as white as snow, the latter sitting as straight and sharp as a sword.
Lin Mu's gaze narrowed. Despite their masks, he recognized the aura immediately. 'The Sect Leader of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, Ning Fengzhi, and the Sword Douluo, Chen Xin.'
Xue Qinghe also recognized them, her eyes flickering with surprise.
At the same time, Ning Fengzhi observed the front row. He recognized his disciple, Xue Qinghe, and felt a wave of confusion. 'Does Qinghe have such a... hobby? No, he's bidding because of the man sitting next to him.'
Ning Fengzhi looked at Lin Mu, his curiosity reaching a peak. 'So, this is the young genius who has managed to captivate the Crown Prince's attention for the past month?'