Chapter 143

In a luxurious room, Xu Jiawei handed the dragon blood mushroom that had just been sitting on the display stand to the old man before him.

Translate: "In a luxurious room, Xu Jiawei handed the dragon blood mushroom that had just been placed on the display stand to the old man in front of him."

Note: "Dragon blood mushroom" was translated as such; it could also be "dragon blood lingzhi", but we'll go with mushroom.

Now ensure we keep all information: "In a luxurious room" and "Xu Jiawei handed the dragon blood mushroom that had just been placed on the display stand to the old man in front of him."

As expected of Shilake Academy, truly wealthy enough to rival a nation.

The old man showed no movement; the dragon blood mushroom Xu Jiawei placed on the table suddenly vanished, and he said lightly: "Thanks, finding such an immortal-grade specimen here truly exceeds my expectations."

Note: immortal-grade corresponds to the term; one stalk or one specimen corresponds to the measure word. We'll say "such an immortal-grade specimen". Keep the translation of immortal-grade.

Xu Jiawei probed:

"May I ask, Elder Mu, why do you collect these valuable medicinal herbs?"

Mu En slowly shook his head.

"I cannot disclose that."

Xu Jiawei nodded, somewhat disappointed.

"Alright."

He had several guesses in his mind, but without Mu En personally admitting it, they remained mere speculation.

Starting about a year ago, Mu En began establishing contacts with some top-tier forces in this world, hoping to obtain precious medicinal herbs from them.

As time passed, he indeed received many replies, but the most precious batch never got any news.

On one hand, that batch of medicinal herbs was truly excessively precious, with even the major powers having seen little of it; on the other hand, even if they possessed what Mu En wanted, they were unwilling to readily hand it over.

Xu Jiawei had originally been taking a wait-and-see attitude, but after seeing Tang Wulin and Huo Yutong's outstanding performance in this competition, he suddenly realized something.

Given these two children's ages, they likely entered Shilake Academy last year.

Connecting that Mu En's herb collection also started a year ago, Xu Jiawei suddenly had an epiphany.

If he had such a level of genius under his command, he would also spare no effort to cultivate them.

With just a bit of common sense, one can understand how terrifying it is for a ten-year-old to be able to defeat a Soul King; at ten years old he's already like that, so giving him another ten years might even allow him to toy with an Honored Douluo.

After realizing this, Xu Jiawei no longer hesitated, gritting his teeth to produce this herb that is considered top-tier even in the royal collection.

He had Mu En's contact information, and upon learning that Mu En happened to also be in Star Net City, he became more certain of his guess and immediately convened this auction.

As for why to sell it via auction rather than directly to Mu En, it was to let Tang Wulin know who the original owner of this immortal-grade item was, also forming a good karma; if it leaves a good impression on Tang Wulin, future interactions between the two sides will be much easier.

Just then, a knocking sound came from outside the door, and Xu Jiujiu's voice came in.

"Brother, are you busy now?"

"Ah..." Xu Jiawei was about to let Xu Jiujiu wait a moment, but he noticed that in the blink of an eye, Mu En had vanished without a trace; after a wry smile, he said: "Not busy, come in."

The door opened, and Xu Jiujiu entered with the Shilake Academy group.

Xu Jiawei revealed a warm smile.

"Welcome, Shilake university students, to our Star Net City; I've also watched your match, it was splendid, and the future trend of this world will surely be led by you."

Speaking, he looked at Huo Yutong: "You're the child who pointed out the problem with our Ice Jade Scorpion left arm bone, right? In all the matches, yours was the most captivating to me; your talent belongs to a category I've rarely seen in my life. I invited you over with the purpose of expressing my gratitude—thank you for pointing out the absorption limit of that Ice Jade Scorpion left arm bone, which prevented reputational damage to the Star Light Auction."

"After our deliberation, we ourselves purchased the Ice Jade Scorpion left arm bone to avoid reputational issues. However, this auction item will no longer appear in auctions. To thank Shilake Academy for the reminder, we decided to make this Ice Jade Scorpion left arm bone a prize; if Shilake Academy ultimately wins the championship of this session's Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Soul Duel Tournament, we will directly give this left arm bone to your academy as an extra reward. Of course, this matter also requires everyone's confidentiality."

Everyone present couldn't help but be startled upon hearing that.

Even if Xu Jiawei didn't say it, they could actually guess that the thirty million just mentioned was the price the auction house itself set; using this method to prevent the item from leaking is obviously better than announcing the product has a problem.

But Xu Jiawei saying he would directly give it to them was truly beyond their expectations; they originally thought Xu Jiawei had invited them over to discuss pricing and negotiate a transaction.

This favor is really too great, to the point that Wang Yan somewhat dared not accept it.

Xu Jiawei gave Huo Yutong a slight smile.

"My Guardian State Douluo told me that this young lady likely possesses a powerful ice-system martial soul of ultimate ice; this soul bone should suit you. As the saying goes, a precious sword is given to a hero; anyway, nowadays it's hard to find a second possessor of ultimate ice, so rather than let it gather dust, it's better to give it to someone who can use it. Of course, the championship is still required; although this soul bone didn't fetch a high price, it needs to be borne with honor."

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

Huo Yutong, after all, was seeing a national emperor at such close range for the first time; being nervous was inevitable, so she hastily bowed to express her thanks.

Xu Jiawei revealed a steady smile.

"Don't be so polite; from your registered information, you are a citizen of our Star Net Empire, thus my subject. As the saying goes, fertile water does not flow to outsiders' fields—the gates of the Star Net Empire are always open for you."

Seeing Huo Yutong nod somewhat reservedly, Xu Jiawei's eyes flashed with satisfaction; cultivating such connections cannot be rushed, but today's affair surely will leave Huo Yutong this girl a quite good impression.

He spoke gently:

"Alright, it's getting late; you'd better hurry back to the hotel to rest. There's still a match tomorrow; I hope you can bring me new surprises."

"Yes!"

All the Shilake Academy members nodded together, and under Xu Jiujiu's guidance they walked out of the Star Light Auction.

Even after leaving the Star Light Auction, everyone still felt somewhat unreal; Zhou Sichen couldn't help but ask: "Did he really just give us this soul bone for free?"

Wang Yan lightly shook his head.

"No, it's not given to us, but to the academy and Huo Yutong, simultaneously earning two favors; this Star Net Emperor really plays a good abacus."

Undoubtedly, this is a win-win deal; Xu Jiawei and Shilake Academy both obtained what they wanted, while also making their relationship even tighter.

Wang Yan naturally felt genuine joy for his students, but at the same time he felt the pressure on his shoulders increase again.

Xu Jiawei especially emphasized that one must become champion to obtain this soul bone, adding another reason for them to win the championship.

Wang Yan let out a faint sigh, telling everyone: "Everyone go rest; get up early tomorrow to prepare for the match."

(End of Chapter)