Chapter 302: The Omen
After the auction ended, the various powers gradually departed.
However, a few factions still remained behind.
The forces of Shrek Academy, the Clear Sky Sect, and the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect gathered around the final winning item.
They began to examine the Human Altar.
The altar was entirely carved from dark-golden mysterious stone, about ten feet tall, with a base in the shape of a bagua.
Ancient patterns pulsed across its surface, and upon closer inspection, countless silhouettes of ancient human ancestors seemed to rise and sink within them.
"This artifact falling into our hands is truly a blessing for the human race," Ning Qitian finally withdrew his gaze, his fingers trembling slightly, his voice filled with restrained excitement.
"For generations, my Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect has prospered, wealthy beyond compare, yet we have always lacked a true artifact worthy of our heritage. Now, with this altar, our sect's foundation can endure for ten thousand years!"
His statement carried both emotion and declaration. Everyone present understood that while the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect was famed for support-type abilities, it lacked top-level combatants.
Now, with the Human Altar, as long as they continued to act for the good of Douluo Continent's human soul masters,
they could borrow the faith of countless humans, no longer fearing invasion or destruction, and safely develop their strength.
Mu En, the Sea God Pavilion Master of Shrek Academy, also studied the altar carefully. Under the flickering candlelight, his aged face appeared both bright and shadowed.
His eyes followed the intricate lines flowing over the altar's surface. In his cloudy pupils, a rare glimmer of clarity appeared.
"Sect Master Ning is right. The soul beasts' strength far surpasses that of human soul masters. This altar concerns the very survival of humanity—it must not be lost."
He paused, his tone turning sharp. "Especially those two hundred-thousand-year soul beasts and that Emperor Tian. Their desire for the altar may be deeper than we imagine."
Yan Shaozhe, seated beside Mu En, frowned, his handsome face filled with tension. "Teacher, you're right. According to our students who left earlier, there are several hidden auras lurking outside the pavilion. One of them exerts an unimaginably strong pressure."
"It is likely Emperor Tian himself, waiting for an opportunity to strike and seize the Human Altar."
Mu En spoke slowly. "When the soul beasts did not bid, I already suspected a coming crisis."
"No matter how one sees it, the Human Altar could shelter all of humanity in the future. The soul beasts' ambition is immense—they would never allow us to keep such an item. We must prepare for danger."
Everyone's expressions turned grim.
"The soul beasts have surely come prepared. That mysterious silver-haired woman's power is impossible to gauge, and Emperor Tian's darkness is utterly domineering. We must stay vigilant," Ning Qitian said with a sigh.
At that moment, Ling Yun walked in slowly.
She was dressed in the signature silver-moon gown of the Star Auction Pavilion, her presence cold as moonlight, yet carrying an undeniable authority.
Mu En, Ning Qitian, and Tai Tan all nodded respectfully as she entered.
"Thank you all for waiting," she said, her voice as crisp and clear as jade striking stone.
"The activation of the Human Altar must be performed within the Pavilion. According to procedure, each faction will provide three core representatives to merge their essence blood with the altar. Only then can the altar's three authorities be fully awakened."
Yan Shaozhe stepped forward and bowed. "Chief Ling Yun, how long will the activation take? Is there any danger during the process?"
His greatest worry was an accident during activation, especially with soul beasts possibly waiting outside.
Ling Yun smiled faintly, a trace of starlight seeming to ripple through her eyes.
"Rest assured, the process is safe. It will be completed within fifteen minutes. The three who contribute their essence blood will establish a preliminary link with the altar, becoming temporary holders of its authorities."
"It is worth noting that at the moment of activation, the altar will automatically release the power of faith across the entire Douluo Continent. This is its innate nature—to let all humans sense the birth of their protectors. There is no cause for concern."
Everyone breathed a sigh of relief.
After discussion, it was decided that Mu En would represent Shrek Academy, Ning Qitian the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, and Niu Tian the Clear Sky Sect. These three would infuse their blood into the altar.
Buzz!
As they approached, the once-silent altar glowed faintly.
The ancient carvings seemed to come alive, flowing gently along their steps, as if welcoming their destined guardians.
Mu En drew a deep breath and raised his right hand. At his fingertip condensed a drop of essence blood containing immense spiritual power.
The blood glowed softly midair, delicate threads of pure spirit energy coiling within it.
With a flick, the droplet fell into a shallow groove at the altar's crown, absorbed instantly.
Next, Ning Qitian forced out his own drop of blood. When it touched the altar, nine shimmering pagoda shadows appeared on its surface, causing it to tremble.
Lastly, Niu Tian—ever straightforward—slammed his fist into his palm, forcing out a drop of blood pulsing with tyrannical force. It cracked the air as it left his body, threatening to explode.
Yet when it touched the altar, it merged silently.
Buzz! Buzz! Buzz!
The instant all three drops settled, the entire Star Auction Pavilion erupted in brilliant golden light!
Boom!
The radiance pierced the pavilion's glazed roof and shot into the sky, transforming into a pillar that connected heaven and earth.
Within the golden beam, countless phantom figures of ancient humans pressed their hands together in prayer or blessing. Boundless faith surged outward like an ocean wave.
…
Across the Douluo Continent—whether in bustling cities or remote villages—every human soul master looked up in astonishment.
In the central plaza of Shrek Academy, two Soul Kings sparring froze mid-battle. They gazed at the golden beam that turned night into day, feeling their soul power resonate wildly out of control. Shock filled their faces.
"What is that? Such a powerful energy surge!"
"Look—those figures in the light, could they be…?"
"I feel my soul power boiling, as if warmth is flowing through my body!"
Discussion spread like wildfire across the continent. Meanwhile, outside the Star Auction Pavilion, Gu Yuena and Emperor Tian stared at the golden light, their pupils constricting sharply.
Gu Yuena, draped in a violet gown, her unparalleled beauty now frosted with coldness, extended her slender fingers into the air, sensing the faith energy that even penetrated space itself.
Her voice turned icy, carrying poison in its calmness. "Stronger than I expected… This altar can actually stir the collective will of the entire continent's humans."
(END CHAPTER)
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