Zhang Yin's move, carrying the weight of an Eighth Transformation cultivator, immediately made many competitors withdraw.
Let alone that they couldn't rival an Eighth Transformation Gu Immortal—even if they could, they would be making an enemy of this lone Eighth Transformation expert.
Sometimes, lone cultivators were even more terrifying than Righteous Path Eighth Transformation cultivators, because they were unrestrained and unbound, without the many concerns that Righteous Path factions had to worry about.
As for why Zhang Yin was interested in the Crimson Heart Immortal Gu, that was his own business. The Gu Immortals present didn't dare press the matter.
As Heavenly Court's representative, Jun Shenguang grew even more worried upon witnessing this.
The grand feast hosted by Ancestor Qi Sea openly traded and sold Immortal Gu, exchanged various immortal materials, shared resources, and satisfied the cultivation needs of many Eastern Sea Gu Immortals.
After this grand feast, with abundant cultivation resources at their disposal, the Eastern Sea Gu Immortals would surely grow far stronger.
This was a wonderful thing for the Eastern Sea Gu Immortal world, but for Heavenly Court, it was far from wonderful.
What was more, Ancestor Qi Sea had just announced that such Qi Sea Grand Feasts would be held every year! The frequency was rather excessive—even Jun Shenguang couldn't help but grumble inwardly: Doesn't Ancestor Qi Sea have anything better to do? Holding a grand feast every year—doesn't he get tired? Unlike Ba Huang Tian and the various auctions, he doesn't charge any fees at all. What exactly is he after?
"It seems Ancestor Qi Sea is not without ambition. He's building his reputation. By using the Qi Sea Grand Feast to raise and consolidate his prestige each year, whether he joins Heavenly Court or remains in the Eastern Sea, it will serve him well."
"I've heard that Ancestor Qi Sea apparently has quite a few juniors. When they travel the Eastern Sea in the future bearing his name, they will surely be welcomed everywhere."
As an Eighth Transformation cultivator of Heavenly Court, Jun Shenguang naturally possessed strategic acumen, and he gradually caught on to the implications.
Just then, a message arrived from Heavenly Court.
Fairy Ziwei informed Jun Shenguang to coordinate with other Gu Immortals and help someone acquire the Crimson Heart Immortal Gu as subtly as possible.
Jun Shenguang frowned.
He wasn't puzzled about why Heavenly Court needed this Blood Path Immortal Gu—in fact, Heavenly Court had been researching the Blood Path as well, and with considerable success.
Jun Shenguang merely felt troubled. He secretly replied: "The situation has changed. Just now, Zhang Yin took the initiative and offered a high price to compete for the Crimson Heart Immortal Gu."
Fairy Ziwei in Heavenly Court hesitated for a moment, then instructed: "Then just stand aside and watch. I'll arrange for others to handle it."
As Heavenly Court's representative, if Jun Shenguang openly competed with Zhang Yin for a Blood Path Immortal Gu, it would greatly impact Heavenly Court's reputation.
In Fairy Ziwei's original plan, he was only meant to assist on the sidelines.
Heavenly Court placed great importance on this Qi Sea Grand Feast. Among those involved, there were both prominent figures like Jun Shenguang at the Eighth Transformation level and hidden agents at the Sixth or Seventh Transformation.
"Haha, what a coincidence—I'm also quite interested in this Crimson Heart Immortal Gu." Yang Jun suddenly spoke up.
Just when Zhang Yin thought the matter was settled, this Eastern Sea Eighth Transformation lone cultivator also joined the competition.
This development left the assembled Immortals momentarily stunned, and even a trace of surprise flickered in Fang Yuan's eyes.
In Fang Yuan's previous life, Yang Jun had participated in the struggle for the Dragon Palace.
He possessed an Immortal Gu House called Precious Horse Fragrant Chariot, and while pursuing the Dragon Palace, he had detected Fang Yuan's tracks, foiling his plan to be the secret winner.
Later, Yang Jun suddenly aided Lord Dragon, allowing Lord Dragon to successfully suppress the resistance of the Eighth Transformation Immortal Gu House and claim it.
After accomplishing this, Yang Jun immediately concealed himself and vanished without a trace.
When the great battle to repair Fate Gu came, Yang Jun did not appear to help Heavenly Court again.
During the battle, Heavenly Court was once in desperate straits with absolutely no room for restraint. But Yang Jun never showed himself, which proved he was not truly a member of Heavenly Court—he had likely only reached some kind of agreement requiring him to lend his aid once.
"Could it be that this time, he's acting on behalf of Heavenly Court?" The thought flashed through Fang Yuan's mind.
That was difficult to determine.
Even with Fang Yuan's profound attainment in the Wisdom Path, the lack of key information made it hard to judge.
Regardless of this possibility, Fang Yuan secretly ordered Zhang Yin to be more forceful and try his utmost to secure the Immortal Gu.
So Zhang Yin smiled and said: "Fellow Immortal Yang Jun, to be honest, I am very fond of this Immortal Gu. If you insist on competing, why don't we have a brief sparring match?"
Yang Jun frowned slightly, thinking to himself: "Zhang Yin is willing to fight just to secure this Immortal Gu? Ancestor Qi Sea was able to defeat him in a single move only because Ancestor Qi Sea is simply too powerful! If I were to fight him, it would likely end in a draw."
"Sigh, should I press on, or should I help Heavenly Court?"
Yang Jun couldn't help but waver.
Back when he was destitute, he had received help from Heavenly Court and owed them a promise to lend his aid.
This debt of gratitude was far too heavy, and it gradually became a burden in Yang Jun's heart.
After some thought, Yang Jun decided to repay Heavenly Court's favor and fulfill the original pact.
"This is a good opportunity. If I don't act here, then when the five regions descend into war and Heavenly Court asks me to deal with Eastern Sea Gu Immortals, I won't be able to refuse."
"Fortunately, I know a thing or two about Drowning Elder's situation."
With this thought, Yang Jun smiled: "Fellow Immortal Zhang Yin, please be patient. A sparring match between us is not the key. This Crimson Heart Immortal Gu belongs to Drowning Elder, and I believe the Water Path Immortal Gu I have to offer will surely catch his eye."
As he spoke, Yang Jun produced an Immortal Gu.
Upon seeing it, Drowning Elder was indeed overjoyed, exclaiming in a low voice: "I'll trade! I'll trade! I want this Immortal Gu!"
Zhang Yin was momentarily stunned.
What was he to do in this situation? Under the watchful eyes of everyone, he couldn't possibly seize it—that would inevitably draw Ancestor Qi Sea's intervention.
Though he and his original body were in cahoots, right now they were putting on a show before the crowd, each playing their own role.