Douluo Dalu (Soul Land): Shadow Monarch

At dawn, Chrysanthemum Douluo Yue Guan left. As an Elder of the Spirit Hall, he couldn't remain outside for long. After bidding farewell to Cheng Xiao, Dugu Bo, he departed, stepping onto his Spirit, the Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum, and vanished.

"Cheng Xiao, do you want to visit the Heaven Dou Auction House? I heard they have all kinds of rare treasures there," Dugu Yan asked, turning to Cheng Xiao, who had just finished his cultivation.

"The Heaven Dou Auction House?" Cheng Xiao was slightly stunned. In his mind, auction houses were usually for the wealthy. Was he rich enough to enter such a place?

Dugu Bo gave Cheng Xiao a side glance and chuckled mischievously, "Come on, let's go check it out. I've traveled across the continent for years. Even if we don't have money, nobody would dare throw us out."

"Thanks, I guess?" Cheng Xiao smiled politely yet wryly. He took a deep breath and chuckled, "Alright then, let's go."

With that, Dugu Bo grabbed both Cheng Xiao and Dugu Yan by the arms and shot into the air, flying out of the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well with a swift whoosh.

At the level of a Titled Douluo, Dugu Bo could fly without any external assistance. His speed was remarkable, and if not for carrying two passengers, he could have moved even faster.

The Sunset Forest was home to many powerful Spirit Beasts, but none dared approach them. Dugu Bo had lived here for many years, and the beasts recognized his aura well. None wished to provoke a Titled Douluo.

Thanks to his presence, they left the forest without encountering any danger. Before long, the trio arrived at Heaven Dou City.

Standing at the end of a bustling street, Cheng Xiao gazed at the massive auction house in the distance, the corner of his mouth twitching involuntarily.

By Cheng Xiao's estimate, the auction house had a diameter of about 500 meters, and its tallest section exceeded 80 meters.

Though it wasn't as grand as the Heaven Dou City Grand Spirit Arena, it didn't need to be. After all, an auction house didn't require as many spectators.

At the entrance, dozens of guards in yellow uniforms stood with cold expressions, weapons hanging from their waists. Their sharp, eagle-like eyes scanned the crowd, ensuring no one could sneak inside unnoticed.

From the aura they subtly emitted, it was clear that these guards were all Spirit Masters at the Spirit Elder level. Such a strong force was fitting for an establishment as prestigious as the Heaven Dou Auction House.

"Yan Yan, Cheng Xiao, let's head in and have a look." Dugu Bo beckoned the other two as he led the way toward the auction house. Cheng Xiao and Dugu Yan followed closely behind.

However, just as they reached the entrance, the guards blocked their path. After some questioning, they learned that proof of identity or wealth was required to enter.

To be admitted, sellers had to auction items worth more than 1,000 gold spirit coins. Buyers, in turn, had to demonstrate they had sufficient funds to participate.

"So you mean even a Titled Douluo can't enter?" Dugu Bo's eyes narrowed dangerously, his gaze sweeping coldly over the guards.

"Titled Douluo!" one of the guards exclaimed in shock. He immediately bowed slightly, his tone respectful, "Please enter, Your Eminence."

A nearby maid quickly stepped forward, bowing politely to the trio. She smiled as she gestured for them to follow, "Please allow me to lead the way." Having overheard their conversation, the maid knew she was hosting a Titled Douluo, an exceedingly rare occurrence.

"This must be your first time visiting the auction house, correct?" the maid asked with a professional smile as she led them inside.

"Yes, it is. Is there a problem?" Dugu Yan responded, instantly noticing the maid's subtle flirtations.

"No, not at all. Please, follow me." The maid smiled coyly at Cheng Xiao, her graceful figure swaying alluringly as she led them forward.

After walking for about fifty meters, they stopped at a passage inside the auction house. The corridor was wide and carpeted in red, with dozens of black-clad guards stationed along the walls, their faces expressionless.

Just as Cheng Xiao's group arrived, they saw another group entering along the same red-carpeted corridor. As Cheng Xiao casually glanced at the newcomers, his gaze stopped on a middle-aged man at the center of the group.

The man appeared to be in his forties or fifties, with refined features—a handsome face, straight nose, and well-shaped mouth. His long, flowing black hair was neatly arranged behind his head, and his spotless white robe exuded elegance.

Behind the middle-aged man stood an elder with long white hair. The elder's silver locks were neatly tied back, and his ancient, solemn face gave off an air of authority. Despite his aged appearance, his skin was smooth, almost baby-like in its softness.

The white-haired elder's expression was indifferent, as though nothing in the world could catch his interest. His presence radiated an aura of supremacy, as if everything in existence revolved around him alone.

Even with his cold demeanor, Cheng Xiao could feel an overwhelming pressure emanating from the elder—far stronger than Dugu Bo's. This man's strength exceeded Dugu Bo's by a wide margin.

"You sense it too, don't you?" Dugu Bo whispered with a wry smile. "That man in white is Ning Fengzhi, the Sect Master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, known as the greatest auxiliary-type Spirit Master on the continent. And the elder behind him is none other than Sword Douluo Chen Xin, one of the two guardian Douluo of the sect."

"Legend has it that Chen Xin devoted his entire life to mastering his Seven Kill Sword Spirit. In terms of pure offensive power, there are few in the entire continent who can match him."

"No wonder," Cheng Xiao nodded thoughtfully. "That aura of absolute dominance makes sense now. He's the Sword Douluo, renowned for having the strongest offense."

Just as the group was about to enter the auction hall, Sword Douluo Chen Xin suddenly paused, tilting his head slightly. His cold, emotionless gaze swept across the room, landing on Cheng Xiao, Dugu Yan, and Dugu Bo.

The moment he saw Dugu Bo, a flicker of recognition flashed in Chen Xin's otherwise indifferent eyes. However, it quickly disappeared, replaced by his usual icy demeanor.

Seeming somewhat puzzled by Dugu Bo's presence, Chen Xin furrowed his brows slightly. After a brief moment of hesitation, he leaned in and whispered something to Ning Fengzhi before continuing inside, his expression still carrying a trace of doubt.

"Heh, caught his attention, huh?" Dugu Bo chuckled softly. Chen Xin's piercing gaze made him feel as if he'd been stabbed by a sword, filling him with both discomfort and admiration.

Cheng Xiao patted Dugu Bo on the shoulder, grinning. "Don't worry. You're a Titled Douluo too, after all. Hold your head high and don't lose face."