Just as the atmosphere in the auction hall was at its most harmonious, the host on stage suddenly clapped his hands, drawing everyone's attention back to the center of the room.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I believe you will find the next item up for auction quite intriguing," the host announced with a smile. As he spoke, he lifted the tray held by the young woman standing beside him.
"A book?" Ning Fengzhi, who had been observing the proceedings with mild interest, couldn't help but frown when he saw the item.
The Heaven Dou Auction House was renowned for its meticulously curated selection of rare and valuable items.
It was unthinkable that they would present something ordinary or mundane. Yet, the book on the tray appeared utterly unremarkable. Even someone as well-informed as Ning Fengzhi couldn't discern anything extraordinary about it.
However, the host was an expert at capturing the audience's curiosity. Just as the crowd's interest began to wane and their brows furrowed in confusion, he began to elaborate.
"Those of you who have the privilege to participate in this auction are undoubtedly individuals of wealth and status. I'm sure many of you have heard the recent rumors circulating about Shrek Academy, particularly the commotion surrounding a certain... culinary incident."
The moment these words left his mouth, a wave of murmurs swept through the audience.
Those who were aware of the incident gasped in surprise, their eyes immediately locking onto the book on the tray with newfound intensity.
It was clear that the host had finally revealed the mystery behind the item.
Could this book possibly contain the recipe for that legendary dish?
The host, now feeling the weight of thousands of eager eyes upon him, continued with a hint of theatrical flair.
"Indeed, this book contains the recipe that has been the talk of the continent. For those who understand its value, this is an opportunity that cannot be missed."
The atmosphere in the room grew electric as whispers erupted among the attendees.
"Quick, send word to the family elders! Tell them to gather as much funds as possible. We must secure this recipe at all costs!" one nobleman hissed to his attendant.
"I never thought I'd see the day when this recipe would appear at an auction. This is our chance to turn the tides!" another exclaimed, his voice trembling with excitement.
"Don't get ahead of yourselves. Do you really think a declining family like yours can compete for something of this caliber? Dream on!" a third voice sneered.
The tension in the room escalated further when a booming voice cut through the chatter. "Who dares to challenge the Elephant Armored Clan for this recipe?!"
The room fell silent as all eyes turned toward the source of the voice. It was Huyan Zhen, the head of the Elephant Armored Clan.
Even though the Elephant Armored Clan was considered one of the lower-tier sects, Huyan Zhen's presence alone was enough to command respect. As a Soul Douluo, his reputation on the Soul Beast Continent was formidable.
"Why is he here?!" a nobleman from Heaven Dou City muttered under his breath, his pupils shrinking in alarm.
The appearance of a Soul Douluo-level figure at an auction was highly unusual, especially when there had been no prior indication of his attendance.
Huyan Zhen, noticing the stunned expressions around him, couldn't help but smirk. He hadn't come to the auction with any specific goal in mind; it had merely been a way to pass the time. But now, he felt as though fortune had smiled upon him.
This recipe could be the key to elevating the Elephant Armored Clan to new heights.
On the other side of the room, Ning Fengzhi and Tang San reacted differently to the revelation.
Ning Fengzhi's initial surprise quickly gave way to a serious expression.
Tang San, on the other hand, was visibly shaken, his shock soon replaced by anger.
Ning Fengzhi's thoughts mirrored those of Huyan Zhen. With this recipe, the growth rate of their soul masters could surpass that of other forces. Over time, this advantage would allow them to pull ahead, attracting even more talented individuals to their sect.
It was a strategy that had been employed successfully by Spirit Hall in the past, and Ning Fengzhi was determined to replicate that same method.
"Sect Leader, we didn't bring much money today..." a young man in martial robes whispered to Ning Fengzhi.
"Gather funds by any means necessary," Ning Fengzhi replied, his eyes narrowing. "If needed, sell off the real estate in the heaven dou city. I will not let this recipe slip through our fingers."
As he spoke, the calm and composed demeanor he usually displayed was replaced by an air of authority and determination.
Meanwhile, Tang San was struggling to contain his emotions. He recognized the book on the tray—it was the medicinal food recipe he and Xiao Tianyang had compiled near the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well. However, something was off.
The book lacked a small but distinctive mark: a stain in the lower left corner caused by an accidental spill during their experiments. This meant that the book on the tray was not the original but a printed copy.
Tang San's mind raced as he recalled the plan he had devised after returning to Shrek Academy.
The situation unfolding before him was not exactly as he had envisioned, but it was close enough. He couldn't help but feel a mix of frustration and resolve. This recipe was too valuable to fall into the wrong hands.
"Brother, we should try to bid for it," Xiao Wu whispered urgently, tugging at Tang San's sleeve. "We can't let this recipe be lost to outsiders."
Tang San shook his head, his expression grim. "We don't have the financial resources to compete with these people. It's better not to draw attention to ourselves."
Xiao Wu pouted but nodded in understanding. She knew better than to argue in such a tense environment.
As the auctioneer prepared to begin the bidding, the room buzzed with anticipation.
The recipe had already sparked a fierce competition, and it was clear that the battle for its ownership would be intense.
For Tang San, however, the real challenge was just beginning. He would need to find a way to protect the recipe and ensure it didn't fall into the wrong hands.
…
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