“Is this a powerful battle puppet?” Shi Hao asked with skepticism.
“Beyond a battle puppet,” the little pagoda replied.
Indeed, it was an ancient artifact, but far older than anyone had anticipated, with a glorious past that defied common imagination. It had been meticulously repaired during the ancient era, transforming into a battle puppet that displayed astonishing combat prowess—only to be shattered in later wars.
“In truth, this is a relic from the primordial era, a treasure among treasures. Such artifacts are known as Indestructible Golden Bodies,” the little pagoda declared, its words shocking. The sheer antiquity of this item, surviving through such vast stretches of time, was nothing short of a miracle.
Battle puppets and constructs were products of advanced artifact refinement, possessing immense combat power—though not without flaws, such as excessive energy consumption. During the primordial era, craftsmen pushed the limits of puppet-making, culminating in the creation of Indestructible Golden Bodies. These humanoid treasures surpassed ordinary battle puppets in power.
When fused with a living body, they could elevate one’s combat strength to unimaginable heights, as if granting an Indestructible Golden Body. Even in the primordial era, such treasures were exceedingly rare, each a masterpiece requiring unparalleled craftsmanship and vast amounts of precious materials.
According to the little pagoda, this was an exceptionally powerful Indestructible Golden Body, though damaged. It had been excavated and repaired during the ancient era, downgraded into a battle puppet. After enduring brutal wars, it was now barely functional.
Unable to bear the thought of such craftsmanship and glory being lost forever, the little pagoda had refrained from consuming it.
Shi Hao was stunned. Was this not just a useless relic? What value could it possibly hold if acquired?
“Remove the materials used to repair it in the ancient era,” the little pagoda advised. Those later additions, it claimed, hindered the true potential of the Indestructible Golden Body.
“And if we do that, how powerful will it be?” Shi Hao asked.
“It could recover… to the level of a Marquis. And if properly refined to restore its primordial form, its power would exceed your wildest imagination,” the little pagoda answered.
Shi Hao’s heart surged with excitement. If refined correctly, it could unleash Marquis-level combat strength—terrifyingly formidable!
A true Indestructible Golden Body was a nightmare in battle. As a treasure that fused with the flesh, if he were fortunate enough to wield it now, he could instantly exhibit Marquis-level power!
No wonder the little pagoda had said this artifact could benefit him for life, worth continuous refinement. Restored to its primordial state, it would once again shine as an Indestructible Golden Body!
Now was not the time for hesitation. Securing it in the auction was paramount—lest it fall into another’s hands.
In the auction hall, bidding had already begun. Most saw it only as a broken battle puppet, bidding either for research or to dismantle it for rare materials.
The starting price was modest, and few participated, especially after the earlier frenzy over the Void Beast hide. Many had lost interest.
Shi Hao remained composed, not bidding aggressively but steadily raising the price in small increments.
Outside the Bone Gu Auction House, an ancient war chariot arrived, adorned with glowing runes like twinkling stars. A beautiful maiden lifted the golden curtain, and a young man in white stepped out, exuding an extraordinary aura.
“The Nineteenth Prince!” the crowd gasped in recognition.
This prince was no ordinary figure. Sent away in his youth for training, he had only recently returned, maintaining a low profile—until the day he was sent to the Hundred Clans Battlefield, where he slew forty-nine opponents without a single defeat. His flawless record had shaken the imperial capital.
Inside the auction hall, Shi Hao secured the puppet at a minimal cost. As the auctioneer’s hammer fell, he exhaled in relief—this was an incredible bargain!
But just as the hammer struck, a voice like celestial music echoed from the entrance.
“Wait.”
All eyes turned. The voice was so serene, as if descending from the heavens, soothing souls like a gentle breeze.
“The Nineteenth Prince is here!” someone exclaimed.
He was not alone. Beside him stood a woman, her presence so dignified that the prince himself lifted the beaded curtain for her.
The crowd was stunned. Who was this woman, worthy of such reverence from the prince?
Clad in white, she stood taller than most women, her figure elegant and striking. Her raven-black hair shimmered, her neck as fair as a swan’s. A veil obscured her face, revealing only mesmerizing eyes veiled in mist.
Though her features were hidden, her grace suggested peerless beauty.
“Who is she? To be treated with such respect by the Nineteenth Prince—could she be from one of the Primordial Divine Mountains?” someone speculated.
Rumors swirled that the prince was a contender for the imperial throne. During such times of succession, even the Divine Mountains might intervene, backing candidates in a complex web of power.
“Could we delay? A friend of mine wishes to bid,” the prince requested politely.
The auctioneer hesitated. The hammer had fallen, but the prince’s status was undeniable—a potential future emperor.
Shi Hao’s heart clenched. Just as the Indestructible Golden Body was within reach, this complication arose.
Elsewhere, in a private booth, a stunning woman with fox tails murmured, “She’s here.”
With a bewitching smile, she declared, “If she wants it, she won’t get it easily.” Her beauty was devastating, her voice sweet as honey.
The crowd buzzed with confusion. Why were two peerless beauties vying for a mere fist-sized black puppet?
“I won this fair and square. This isn’t proper procedure,” Shi Hao protested, feigning innocence. He couldn’t afford to lose it now.
The veiled woman sighed, her melancholy palpable, swaying even the strongest wills.
The prince stepped forward. “Brother, would you consider parting with it? I’ll pay tenfold.”
The fox maiden laughed. “Little brother, sell it to me instead. I’ll ensure your satisfaction.”
The crowd was baffled. Why such fierce competition over a battle puppet?
Shi Hao refused firmly. This was a treasure beyond price—no amount of wealth could compare.
The fox maiden retreated with a flirtatious smile, while the veiled woman extended an invitation, sparking envy among onlookers.
As the auction resumed, Shi Hao’s every bid drew attention. He secured another treasure—a dull, ancient material rumored to be excavated from ruins.
The little pagoda confirmed its value, promising half an intervention in exchange.
Near the auction’s end, a bloodstained orb sparked another bidding war between the two women.
After close inspection, the fox maiden withdrew, deeming it tainted. The veiled woman also lamented its ruined state.
Others, blindly following their lead, were left in dismay.
Shi Hao, guided by the little pagoda, recognized its true nature—an eye of a supreme ancient being, mistakenly thought to be corrupted.
In truth, beneath the bloodstains lay a pristine pupil—one belonging to a legendary Double-Pupiled individual.
The mere mention of “Double Pupils” sent Shi Hao’s heart racing. Calm outwardly, he bid fiercely and secured it—his final and greatest acquisition of the auction.
His gains today were beyond imagination!
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