Chapter 75: Sister, I Have Money

As the golden hammer in the host's hand fell, the transaction was sealed.

Ye Hao successfully secured the rights to purchase the unremarkable stone. All that remained was to pay the sum of 20,000 gold soul coins at the auction's back office, after which the stone would officially belong to him.

The crowd couldn't help but chuckle in unison. When they turned to see who the unlucky fool was, they froze in shock.

In an instant, their expressions turned dumbfounded—they had spotted Ning Fengzhi, the esteemed master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, and Sword Douluo, standing alongside none other than the Crown Prince, Xue Qinghe!

At this moment, Xue Qinghe had removed his mask, calmly overlooking the crowd with a composed and indifferent expression. Then, a mysterious smile crept across his lips as he turned and departed with the others.

"That was reckless of you this time," Xue Qinghe remarked as they walked away, his tone faintly reprimanding.

Ye Hao, unconcerned, chuckled. "Brother Xue, I really think I scored big this time. Believe me, that stone is far from ordinary!"

"Uh…"

Xue Qinghe could only smile wryly and shake his head. The deal was already done, and the price had been set.

Although the 20,000 gold soul coins was no small sum, it paled in comparison to the true value of the Blue Silver Emperor Ye Hao had gifted him earlier. The significance of that plant far surpassed any monetary measure.

The two entered the auction's back office, where the staff had been waiting for some time.

Not only was the staff prepared, but so was the red tray holding the small, five-centimeter-wide, cube-shaped stone. Xue Qinghe's eyes twitched at the sight of it. To spend 20,000 gold soul coins on this? What a loss.

However, having promised Ye Hao that he would buy anything he wanted, Xue Qinghe could only sigh and pull out a gold card.

Leaving the auction hall, the pair bid farewell to Ning Fengzhi and Sword Douluo before boarding their carriage.

As they watched the carriage roll into the distance, Ning Fengzhi sighed.

"Sword Uncle, what do you think of that young man?"

Sword Douluo replied calmly, "A soul master with a 1,000-year second ring, and so young—he's destined to be extraordinary. However, his lack of experience is evident. That stone, at best, is worth a copper soul coin. Even with its age and weathering, it's nothing more than a curiosity. Frankly, the brick we're standing on is probably worth more."

Ning Fengzhi chuckled wryly. "Alright, Sword Uncle, that's enough. He's still just a child."

"But…"

Ning Fengzhi's expression turned serious as he pondered aloud. "I can't help but feel that boy looks remarkably like someone."

Sword Douluo nodded subtly. "You noticed it too, didn't you?"

"It shouldn't be possible… should it?"

The two spoke in unison, their expressions unreadable.

On a bustling avenue, a carriage sped forward.

Inside, Xue Qinghe propped his chin on his hand, glancing at Ye Hao, who was playing with the stone. No matter how I think about it, this was a terrible deal—20,000 gold soul coins for a worthless rock.

Earlier, Xue Qinghe had taken the stone from Ye Hao and studied it carefully. As the auctioneer described, it bore some strange markings that could not be deciphered. However, after a thorough examination, Xue Qinghe concluded it was an entirely ordinary stone.

"Brother Xue, what's wrong? Are you upset?" Ye Hao asked innocently.

Xue Qinghe: "…"

"Sorry for making you spend so much today," Ye Hao said quietly, acknowledging the 20,000 gold soul coins price tag. Still, his instincts screamed that the stone was extraordinary.

Xue Qinghe smiled faintly and affectionately ruffled Ye Hao's hair.

"It's alright. 20,000 gold soul coins is just a small amount to me. Just remember, try to avoid buying such things in the future. Next time you fancy something, consult me first. Whatever you want, your big brother will buy it for you."

Ye Hao felt a warm sensation in his chest. Big sister, big brother, you're so good to me.

"That won't be necessary. I have money of my own. I can't always trouble you like this," Ye Hao said earnestly.

Xue Qinghe was briefly stunned. This brother of mine truly is thoughtful. Despite possessing the Death Spider Emperor and Soul Devouring Spider Emperor martial souls, Ye Hao genuinely seemed like he could be a real younger sibling.

"Next time, don't bother, Brother Xue. I've got money," Ye Hao added.

Xue Qinghe teased, "Oh? It's no problem for me to help. Besides, what kind of money could a child like you possibly have…"

He trailed off, stunned.

Ye Hao casually pulled out a stack of gold cards from his spatial storage. One card had a value of 50,000 gold soul coins, while the others ranged between 10,000 and 20,000, with even the lowest denomination being 5,000 gold soul coins.

"Where… where did you get all this money?" Xue Qinghe asked, dumbfounded.

Scratching his head, Ye Hao replied sheepishly, "I earned it betting at the Soto Great Spirit Arena. I made a fair bit during those matches. Look, these are my spoils of war!"

"Brother Xue, if you ever need money, just let me know. Your little brother will be more than happy to help!"

"Uh… um… no thanks," Xue Qinghe stammered, forcing a smile as his eye twitched uncontrollably. I hope I never find myself in such a position… hehe.

At that moment, Xue Qinghe truly wished Ye Hao were his biological sibling so he could immediately demand:

"I'm your sister. Hand over the money!"

(Ye Hao: Why?) (Qian Renxue: What does a kid need so much money for? I'll give it back when you're ready to get married!)

Before long, the carriage stopped outside Ye Hao's inn.

"Goodbye, Brother Xue! Next time, it's my treat!" Ye Hao waved cheerfully as he headed inside.

Inside the carriage, Xue Qinghe rolled his eyes, then smiled wryly, shaking his head. What a loss. Today was an absolute loss.

Returning to his room, Ye Hao began packing. His week-long leave was coming to an end, and he needed to return to Heaven Dou Imperial Academy before sundown to avoid trouble with Qin Ming.

Once packed, Ye Hao sat on his bed and pulled out the cube-shaped stone worth 20,000 gold soul coins.

He stared at it intently.

The stone had sharp edges and smooth surfaces, with strange engravings that looked like ancient script—or perhaps they conveyed some kind of meaning.

However, Ye Hao wasn't a scholar and couldn't decipher any of it.

"Could it be… I really made a mistake?" he wondered aloud, doubt creeping into his heart.

Bored, he tossed the stone into the air.

It spun mid-flight, only to fall straight down—

"Ow!"

The stone hit Ye Hao squarely on the head. As its sharp edge grazed his skin, his blood splashed onto the stone's surface.

In an instant, the stone began to change.