The result of the first match came as a surprise to both mentors. However, upon seeing Fang Chang again, they quickly relaxed. With such a powerhouse on their side, the opposing team had little chance of winning no matter what.
Still… wasn't this approach just a bit too much? Wasn't it borderline bullying?
For some reason, Fang Chang coughed a few times, then led his victorious team back to the resting area. At that moment, the audience sat in stunned silence.
In the minds of the citizens of the Sun and Moon Empire, a victory without relying on soul tools in a match between opponents of equal level was simply unthinkable.
Yet this very team had just taught them a harsh lesson.
Meanwhile, in a distant corner of the stands, two men whispered a few words to each other before quietly leaving the Soul Dueling Arena.
"You all… hmm, did well," one of the mentors said, even though they knew that at least half of the victory could be attributed to Fang Chang alone. Still, the students' performance was commendable.
Besides, their primary goal had been achieved: getting the students used to combat in the soul tool-heavy environment of the Sun and Moon Empire.
"Teacher, will there be another match? If there is, let me give it a try too," Xu Zhu interjected from the side.
"Not today. Tomorrow, you can switch in for Ning Wan'er and give it a shot," one of the mentors replied somewhat awkwardly.
At those words, a shadow flickered in Ning Wan'er's eyes. She was well aware that she had been practically a burden in today's battle.
"So, Teacher, what should we do next?" Yu Nantian asked, stepping forward. "If there's nothing else, I'd like to check out the auction house. Maybe I can get my hands on a suitable soul tool."
His suggestion was met with immediate enthusiasm from the others.
The Sun and Moon Empire's auction houses were renowned across the entire continent, especially for their soul tools—unequaled anywhere else.
With only a month left until the tournament, breakthroughs through training were becoming unlikely.
However, acquiring a suitable soul tool could significantly boost their combat strength.
The two mentors exchanged uncertain glances. Seeing the students' eager expressions, they eventually relented and agreed.
One of the mentors accompanied the group to the auction house, while the other went off to handle other affairs—more or less allowing the students their way.
The Sun and Moon City's auction house was located in the city center's busiest district. It took the group nearly an hour of walking before they finally arrived.
From the outside, the building looked much like a sports stadium from Fang Chang's past life—grand and imposing.
Inside, a wave of heat hit them—not due to the weather, but simply from the sheer number of people inside, raising the ambient temperature noticeably.
After paying a hefty registration fee, they were guided by a hostess to the second floor of the auction hall.
From there, they had a clear view of the entire venue—evidently one of the better seats in the house.
The auction had already started before they arrived, and it didn't pause for them.
"100,000 gold soul coins, first call," the auctioneer, a woman in a red dress, announced, her voice amplified by soul power as it echoed throughout the hall.
"One hundred thousand, second call! Any more bids?" she coaxed skillfully, targeting the thousands present. "This is a Gale-class flying soul tool—an unprecedented low price."
Her words must've stirred someone, as a voice from somewhere in the crowd called out, "One hundred and ten thousand."
"Excellent! This gentleman bids 110,000. Any higher offers?" Her tone rose slightly, lifting the energy in the room.
"Wow, that's cheap," one of the agility-type soul masters in Fang Chang's group murmured in amazement. "A flying soul tool like this would easily sell for 200,000 gold soul coins in the Star Luo Empire."
"If I had more money on me, I'd buy it just to flip it for a profit."
"Give it a rest, Lu Wuchang," his partner Xu Qing muttered. "If your pea-brain can think of it, you think these people haven't already?"
"The auction's just started. I guarantee the final price won't be under 150,000."
"Yeah, yeah, I knew you'd take a dig at me," Lu Wuchang replied, clearly used to their back-and-forth.
Sure enough, Xu Qing's prediction was spot on—the flying soul tool eventually sold for 168,000 gold soul coins.
Although still much cheaper than in other parts of the continent, once the auction house's commission and fees were factored in, the actual profit margin was minimal.
Next, the second auction item after they entered was brought out—a purple, heart-shaped defensive soul tool, clearly designed for female soul masters.
The auctioneer's voice rang out again, "A Level-6 soul tool—Purple Moon Heart-Guard Mirror. Increases defense by 50%, especially suitable for support-type soul masters. Starting bid, 100,000 gold soul coins."
No sooner had she finished than someone called out a bid of 120,000, followed quickly by 140,000, then 150,000.
Clearly, defensive soul tools garnered more attention than ordinary flying ones—after all, in critical moments, such tools could save lives. For support-type soul masters, they were especially precious.
"200,000 gold soul coins." The voice came from Fang Chang's group. Everyone turned their heads and saw that the bidder was none other than Ning Wan'er.
As a member of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, she likely held a fairly high position within the sect and certainly didn't lack money.
More importantly, compared to Nangong Yue, who held the same team position, she lagged significantly in terms of defense and support capability—making her role increasingly awkward.
As a young lady from a major sect, she couldn't accept that.
"300,000." Before her voice even faded, Nangong Yue—seated in front of her—immediately raised the bid, jumping straight to 300,000 gold soul coins.
This soul tool was only a Level-6 item, typically used by Soul Emperors, though Soul Kings nearing that level could also make good use of it.
But 300,000 was already well beyond its actual value.
"350,000 gold soul coins!" Ning Wan'er glared at Nangong Yue and shouted her next bid.
No one expected her to keep bidding—clearly, this had become a personal battle between the two.
"400,000," Nangong Yue said flatly, not bothering to waste words, dropping a price that silenced the entire room.
This soul tool's actual value was estimated between 150,000 and 200,000 gold soul coins, and yet she had just doubled it.
"500,000!" Ning Wan'er could no longer endure her rival's provocations. From the very beginning of the selection trials, Nangong Yue had always overshadowed her. This time, she was determined to win—no matter what.
But just then, Nangong Yue turned around and said courteously, "Congratulations, Miss Ning, on purchasing a Level-6 soul tool for 500,000 gold soul coins."
Only then did Ning Wan'er realize she had been played from the start. She was so furious she couldn't even speak.
Meanwhile, a smug smirk formed on Nangong Yue's face.
Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, aren't you supposed to be the strongest support-type martial soul in the world? I'll make sure everyone sees just how useless you really are.