Not long after, the top-tier auction at the Starlight Auction House began, and the two final featured items were exactly what Zhou Sichen had been hoping for.
The first was a 50,000-year-old Ice Jade Scorpion soul bone, containing a powerful fixed soul skill—Ice Explosion Art!
This soul bone wasn’t particularly useful for Zhou Sichen himself—he already possessed this ability.
But for Ling Luochen, it would be a tremendous upgrade. Once she pushed her ice attribute cultivation to the level of Ultimate Ice, she could then absorb this soul bone, which would be a perfect match for her.
This was, without a doubt, the kind of treasure that would make a devoted fangirl squeal with delight.
As for the final item up for auction—it was without question the one Zhou Sichen was most eager to obtain: the Snow Empress’s embryonic form.
After failing to fully transform into a human, the Snow Empress had been sealed inside a Grade 9 Soul Tool known as the Divine Seal Platform. This was the perfect opportunity for Zhou Sichen to form a contract with her.
Once he acquired the Snow Empress’s embryo, Zhou Sichen could ascend on the spot to the peak of the Three Great Kings of the Extreme North, with strength soaring toward the limit.
In the Extreme North, he would be virtually invincible. And in the rest of the Douluo Continent, he’d truly be able to act without fear.
The reason he sought to make a deal with the imperial family in advance was because the news of a 100,000-year soul beast embryo had already been leaked by Star Luo Empire, precisely to bait Sun Moon Empire.
The Sun Moon Empire, too, was dead set on acquiring the Snow Empress embryo.
If Zhou Sichen were to compete for it openly, against a prepared Sun Moon Empire, the cost would be steep—perhaps even too steep to guarantee success.
That’s why he approached the royal family beforehand. If a deal could be reached, they could simply announce that the soul beast embryo had broken free during transport and "escaped"—any excuse would suffice.
As long as the royal family didn’t say otherwise, no one would know that it had ended up in Shrek’s hands.
This way, Zhou Sichen could absorb the Snow Empress’s embryo quietly, without attracting the attention of opportunists.
Within his spiritual sea, both Skydream Iceworm and Ice Empress were also filled with anticipation.
Given the incredible power of Zhou Sichen’s Martial Soul: Book of Contracts, another 100,000-year soul beast joining his ranks would significantly elevate his strength.
Of course, they still didn’t know that the 100,000-year embryo being auctioned was the Snow Empress.
If they did... considering Ice Empress’s relationship with her, she might charge in herself, don her Ice Empress Battle Armor, and snatch the embryo by force!
Granted, even if she did, success was far from certain. The capital of Star Luo Empire had several Titled Douluo-level powerhouses in residence. Even at her peak, the Ice Empress might not be able to walk away with the embryo.
But knowing her temperament, it wasn’t out of the question either.
Back in the VIP suite, Princess Xu Jiujing looked at Zhou Sichen. Though her earlier teasing mood had subsided, she still wanted to have a sincere conversation with him.
Half-jokingly, she said, "Senior Zhou, so young and already accomplished—able to become Shrek’s captain with just five soul rings. Surely, it wasn’t just because of connections, was it?"
Zhou Sichen chuckled. "I think it’s thanks to my teammates’ humility. Shrek’s younger generation is full of talented and powerful people. If you get the chance to face us on the battlefield, Your Highness, you’ll see that for yourself."
Xu Jiujing smiled wryly. "You’re no fun. I really have no authority over those two items. But I’ll take you to see His Majesty. Since you represent Shrek, it’s best you talk directly with my brother."
Zhou Sichen nodded. "I understand. And I’m being sincere—I wouldn’t try to brush you off, Princess."
Xu Jiujing didn’t quite buy that. "A thirteen-year-old Soul King with five rings and spirit power already at level 55? That level of talent is practically unheard of. And you’re calling yourself humble?"
Zhou Sichen grinned. "But you’ve also seen our vice-captain, haven’t you? A sixteen-year-old Soul Sage. Doesn’t that make her even more monstrous than me?"
Now that piqued Xu Jiujing’s interest.
Her face lit up with the fire of gossip, and she leaned in closer to Zhou Sichen. "Actually, I’ve been wondering—is it really true that Ye Guyi is a sixteen-year-old Soul Sage? I mean, Ma Xiaotao being nineteen and level seventy-two is already barely acceptable, but sixteen and level seventy-five? That’s just too absurd!"
Zhou Sichen let her lean in—he wasn’t exactly losing anything by it.
Taking a sip of his honeyed tea, he smiled. "Princess, this is Shrek’s internal secret. If I told you just because you asked, wouldn’t that mean our secrets are basically unsecured?"
Xu Jiujing knew she was pushing it a bit. But after spending some time with him, she’d gotten a decent read on his personality, which let her relax a little and drop her formalities.
"Aiya, if you tell me now, I can put in a good word for you with my brother later. Maybe he’ll hand over what you’re after."
"You represent Shrek, and I... well, I can at least represent my brother a little. Don’t you think that’s fair?"
Zhou Sichen raised an eyebrow and gave her a skeptical look. "My grandpa once said that pretty girls are the best liars. Princess Jiujing, you’re not trying to take advantage of an innocent, naive young man like me, are you?"
Of course, the "grandpa" he was referring to was Zhou Zhenxuan, and the beautiful woman who’d "lied" to him back in the day was none other than Xian Lin’er...
And the reason he said it? Just look at poor Qian Duoduo, still going hungry in the present day.
Xu Jiujing’s eyes sparkled. She could tell Zhou Sichen’s grandfather wasn’t an ordinary man.
Though by seniority, Elder Mu was more like a great-grandfather figure to Zhou Sichen, that level of person was beyond their ability to speculate about. It could be true, who knows?
She waved her delicate hand and said with a laugh, "I’m not lying to you! While I can’t make the final decision, I can at least advocate for you. Isn’t that worth something?"
Zhou Sichen thought for a moment and asked, "Do you know what equivalent exchange means?"
Xu Jiujing’s eyes lit up. "Of course! As long as you’re willing to share information, I’ll absolutely offer something of equal value in return—be it intelligence or a material good."
Zhou Sichen smiled faintly. "Forget it. Let’s talk again when you’re in a position to make decisions."
Xu Jiujing’s smile stiffened, but before she could say anything more, Zhou Sichen had already stood up, ready to leave.
"Hey! What kind of person are you?" Xu Jiujing looked at him with frustration.
So he teased her just to walk away?
Zhou Sichen gave her a slight bow. "Since the princess has no authority over this matter, I’ll wait for another time to pay a formal visit to His Majesty."
Xu Jiujing quickly grabbed his arm. "I can take you! Your match at the tournament should be over by now, right? I’ll bring you to my brother directly."
Zhou Sichen smiled. "In that case, I appreciate the princess’s assistance."
Taking advantage of the moment, Xu Jiujing wrapped her arm around his. "We know each other now. No need to be so formal. I call you senpai, you can just call me Jiujing."
Zhou Sichen, feeling the softness pressing against his arm, replied calmly, "Alright, Jiujing... princess."
As they left the auction hall through the VIP passage, Xu Jiujing asked casually while walking, "So, can you tell me now?"
Zhou Sichen raised an eyebrow. "Tell you what?"
The two soon boarded a carriage. Xu Jiujing leaned in, full of curiosity. "The Angel, of course! A sixteen-year-old Spirit Sage with seventy-five levels of spirit power? Even the six-winged Angel from ten thousand years ago didn’t reach that! How is it possible?"
Zhou Sichen looked at her, speechless. "I already told you—it’s a top secret. I really can’t say."
Seeing that coaxing or pressing wouldn’t work, Xu Jiujing pouted and gave up. "Fine. I already guessed it anyway."
Zhou Sichen gave a slight laugh. "Then it’s just as you guessed."
Xu Jiujing’s eyes widened. "Wait, seriously? You’re not messing with me?"
He nodded. "It’s true."
Xu Jiujing froze on the spot.
Did he know what she had guessed?
Looking at Zhou Sichen’s confident expression, she felt like he wasn’t joking.
If it was true, then Shrek’s luck was just... outrageous.
Ten thousand years ago, Sea God shattered the Angel God’s divine inheritance—yet now, her successor had joined Shrek?
Xu Jiujing couldn’t make sense of it.
The worst part? Zhou Sichen wouldn’t reveal a single word to confirm her theory.
Before long, their carriage arrived at the palace. Xu Jiujing led Zhou Sichen to her private quarters and sent word to Emperor Xu Jiawei at Star Luo Plaza to summon him.
Not long after, Emperor Xu Jiawei arrived—with Elder Xuan at his side. No other guards or Title Douluo were present.
There was no need. With Elder Xuan’s strength, if he truly wished to act, there was likely no one in Star Luo Empire who could stop him at this distance.
Seeing her brother, Xu Jiujing grinned and walked over. "Brother, you better handle this. Senpai’s appetite is too big—I can’t make decisions on this one."
Xu Jiawei raised an eyebrow, intrigued by Zhou Sichen’s intentions. Tʜe source of this ᴄontent ɪs NovєlFіre.net
Zhou Sichen bowed slightly to both the emperor and Elder Xuan. "Your Majesty. Elder Xuan."
Xu Jiawei waved off the formalities. "No need for such courtesy. Elder Xuan and I have spoken these past few days—I’ve heard you’re a remarkable talent. I’m glad to finally meet you properly."
He didn’t posture as a high emperor or boast of his Title Douluo status. On the contrary, he acted like a kind elder.
Zhou Sichen glanced at Elder Xuan and saw the old man calmly enjoying food without shame. He couldn’t help but chuckle inwardly.
It seemed the assist from Taotie Douluo (Xuanzi’s title) was doing its job well. Without Zhou needing to say much, the emperor already had a strong impression of him.
Zhou Sichen smiled. "It’s an honor."
The group quickly took their seats. Xu Jiawei didn’t waste time. With the current chaos on the continent and the Sun Moon Empire’s ambitions laid bare, he recognized the value in forging ties with Shrek.
He smiled and asked, "Did something from the auction catch your eye, Zhou? If fate allows, I could gift it to you as a token of our meeting."
Xu Jiujing, seated beside him, lightly tugged on his sleeve. "Brother, the items he wants are the two final lots. Are you sure about that?"
Xu Jiawei’s smile froze slightly.
Soul bones were still negotiable, but the soul beast embryo—that was bait for the Sun Moon Empire.
What puzzled him was that Zhou Sichen showed up asking for it right after he’d discussed it with Elder Xuan. Strange timing.
Elder Xuan had been staying in the palace recently, certainly not just enjoying free food and drink. Xu Jiawei had revealed part of his plan regarding the embryo to him in confidence, hoping for Shrek’s support if the Sun Moon Empire used force.
Elder Xuan, fully aware of how powerful Zhou Sichen’s Contract Book spirit was, had been the one to inform Zhou Sichen about the soul beast embryo in the first place—giving him the chance to negotiate ahead of time.
Zhou Sichen smiled. "Your Majesty, I’m offering a fair exchange. I’ve brought items of equal value. All I ask is that Shrek’s involvement remain a secret."
Xu Jiawei understood instantly and looked toward Elder Xuan.
Elder Xuan didn’t even look up. "Sichen has full authority to decide. His decision is mine."
Hearing this, Xu Jiujing finally believed in Zhou Sichen’s status within Shrek.
The old man, who wasn’t exactly the picture of elegance, was one of the strongest individuals alive—and his words were enough to confirm Zhou Sichen’s place.
Xu Jiawei looked back and forth between them, sighing internally before saying to Elder Xuan, "I understand your intentions, but I must remind you: the soul beast embryo isn’t simple. You’ve heard part of the plan. If you’re planning to absorb it into a soul ring, that might be wishful thinking."
Elder Xuan chuckled. "Don’t worry, Your Majesty. We’ll handle it. You just need to decide if you’re willing to make the trade."
Seeing Elder Xuan’s confidence, Xu Jiawei stopped arguing and began thinking seriously.
A private deal would mean figuring out how to deal with the Sun Moon Empire’s reaction afterward.
But at the same time, with Elder Xuan and Zhou Sichen personally initiating this, it would solidify an alliance with Shrek.
Zhou Sichen added, "If Your Majesty is willing to part with it, this could mark the beginning of our cooperation."
Xu Jiawei calculated silently. After a long pause, he finally spoke. "We can conduct a private exchange. I’ll also bring out another item from the royal collection to distract the Sun Moon Empire. But I need a promise from Shrek."
Zhou Sichen’s heart leapt. Even Elder Xuan slowed his chewing.
If this worked, Zhou could gain a second 100,000-year spirit ring for his sixth ring.
Zhou smiled. "Please, state your condition."
Xu Jiawei looked at his sister, then back at Zhou. "You’re Mu Lao’s descendant. With your current status in Shrek and your strength, you’re clearly the leader of the next generation. Am I wrong?"
Before Zhou Sichen could respond, Elder Xuan casually dropped a bombshell:
"Sichen is already the designated next-generation heir to the Sea God Pavilion. That should be enough of a commitment, right?"
Xu Jiawei’s eyes lit up.
That information was priceless.
The Sea God Pavilion Master—Shrek Academy’s de facto leader.
Elder Xuan had revealed Zhou’s true status with clear intentions: to show goodwill.
Xu Jiawei glanced at his sister. Xu Jiujing immediately understood and, surprisingly, turned shy, averting her eyes and blushing.
Zhou Sichen caught the exchange and felt a sudden chill.
No... don’t tell me...
Sure enough, Xu Jiawei said with a smile,
"My younger sister is just coming of age, and you are a prodigy among prodigies. Since our two forces are working together, why not form a union through marriage?"
Upon hearing this, Zhou Sichen’s hopes were officially dashed.
Oh great. He didn’t even ask for anything outrageous—yet they’re after him?
No wonder this guy’s the emperor. That sharp eye cuts right to the core.
If you want to support me or read advanced Chapters (21+), consider checking out my pat.
patr*on.com/Salsita2k