In the end, Gai Zonglin had the final say, resolutely deciding to put Master Mu up for auction — whoever bid the highest would win. While doing so might offend some factions, the Star Picking Society knew full well that no matter what they chose, they would end up offending someone.
Trying to play both sides and keep everyone happy was practically impossible. After all, a genius with a superior Innate Wood Spirit Body was one of a kind.
Whichever faction they sold to, the others would be offended — possibly even more so.
Selling through an auction meant that even if someone was offended, it wouldn't be the Star Picking Society's problem. Who could blame them if someone couldn't afford the price?
……
Pure Blaze Hall had elevated this season's Bounty Arena to an extremely high standard, attracting a massive audience. This, in turn, generated tremendous popularity for the upcoming auction.
Moreover, Pure Blaze Hall seized the opportunity to heavily promote the fact that several key Grand Arena Champions from the Bounty Arena would also attend the auction, undoubtedly adding even more buzz.
Compared to his previous obscurity before the Bounty Arena, Jiang Chen's status and standing had risen dramatically.
Once questioned when he first came to register at Pure Blaze Hall, he was now a Grand Arena Champion sitting as an equal alongside the three great seniors.
This identity, along with the halo behind it, made no one dare underestimate his presence.
Most importantly, the wealth he had earned from the Bounty Arena made him one of the auction's most welcome VIPs.
After all, his purchasing power and financial resources needed no further verification.
A single run in the Bounty Arena had netted him over two billion — such financial power meant that even among the wealthy elites of Pill Fire City, few could compare.
As a result, Jiang Chen and the three great seniors were seated in the VIP section.
The VIP section held twenty to thirty seats, and this time every single one was occupied.
Moreover, judging by the turnout, it seemed the VIP section might need additional seats at any moment. Fortunately, Pure Blaze Hall had prepared thoroughly and allocated a generous VIP area, capable of handling any situation.
Although Lin Yanyu was also in attendance, he could only sit in the general section.
Every person in the VIP section had undergone strict vetting — without reaching a certain level, entry was simply impossible.
Jiang Chen sat with the three great seniors, and although there was some grumbling behind their backs, no one dared say anything to their faces. Seeing how highly the three seniors regarded this young man, those around them had nothing they could say.
Many had also heard that Peerless Great Emperor greatly admired this young man and would not hesitate to offend certain factions in Pill Fire City for his sake.
Rumors about Jiang Chen were spreading everywhere — it was said that many powerful factions in Pill Fire City were trying to recruit this suddenly emerging young man, but he had turned them all down.
Some factions had even resorted to underhanded tactics, applying both pressure and inducements, only to have Peerless Great Emperor step in and shut them down without ceremony.
Though these were merely behind-the-scenes rumors, they certainly could not be without basis. After all, there is no smoke without fire.
There had to be a reason these rumors were circulating.
No one knew why Peerless Great Emperor valued this young man so highly, but judging by how the two chatted and laughed together, the rumors clearly held some truth.
"Brother Shao, your popularity now exceeds even old Wang's," Grandmaster Wang Xuetong said with a chuckle, teasing him.
Green Phoenix Alchemy King nodded in agreement: "I feel the same way. It seems every faction in Pill Fire City is itching to snatch you away. Even I'm getting a little jealous watching."
Although Green Phoenix Alchemy King's tone was a bit exaggerated, there was truth to his words.
Jiang Chen smiled wryly: "Perhaps all they value is the wealth I earned from the Bounty Arena?"
Peerless Great Emperor laughed: "Don't be modest, kid. Pill Fire City became the core city of the Upper Eight Domains precisely because of their thirst for talent — something you can't even imagine. Your wealth is certainly attractive, but to those top-tier factions, talent matters more than money."
"Peerless Great Emperor speaks truly. Perhaps Pill Fire City hasn't seen a young talent as outstanding as you in far too long. It's only natural they'd be a bit eager," Green Phoenix Alchemy King added.
Wang Xuetong chuckled: "Brother Shao, if you truly plan to stay in the Human Domain for the long term, then Pill Fire City is absolutely the best choice."
Grandmaster Wang Xuetong was, after all, a native of Pill Fire City. He was different from Peerless Great Emperor in that regard — he had a deep sense of belonging to the city.
And so, he could not help but speak on behalf of Pill Fire City.
Before Jiang Chen could respond, Green Phoenix Alchemy King shook his head: "I, on the other hand, believe a man like Brother Shao would shine brilliantly wherever he goes. Pill Fire City may be the core city of the Human Domain, but it need not be Brother Shao's final destination."
Peerless Great Emperor praised: "Green Phoenix is right. Pill Fire City may be fine, but it is far from being Brother Shao's ultimate home."
The four chatted and laughed together, and from time to time, dignitaries of Pill Fire City would approach to make conversation, greeting the four of them courteously.
Peerless Great Emperor maintained a detached expression — neither pushing people away nor showing excessive warmth.