"Of course, for the sake of confidentiality, we will not publicly reveal the names of those who submit items, nor will we link any treasure to its owner's name, to avoid unnecessary trouble down the road. I, the Young Master, swear by my Inner Demons that I will absolutely not disclose any information in any form. Of course, if the owner feels uneasy, they may entrust our Peacock Sacred Mountain afterward, and in the subsequent segments we can bring the treasure directly to auction. They may also bring it out for trade in the later portions."
This measure was absolutely necessary. Otherwise, if some low-level cultivator happened to possess a high-grade treasure, it would be like a three-year-old child walking down the street clutching gold bars. Forget about keeping the treasure—they might not even keep their life.
This "Discerning Treasures" segment might sound uninteresting at first glance. In reality, it was something Jiang Chen had carefully designed.
If Jiang Chen could uncover one or two hidden gems during this segment, it would generate enough of a sensation.
His real goal wasn't about discovering treasures—it was about creating buzz and establishing the brand of this Dragon Tiger Gathering!
Only then would the Glazed Royal City attract rogue cultivators, and only then could it compete with Pill Fire City for popularity over the long term.
Compared to Pill Fire City, the Glazed Royal City had long lacked not only heritage and alchemical prowess, but also this kind of appeal.
The Glazed Royal City's grandest event was the Glazed Royal Tower Assembly, but that was an event only the vassal lords under the Glazed Royal City were qualified to attend.
For rogue cultivators, the Glazed Royal Tower Assembly meant nothing beyond generating a few topics of gossip.
This time, Jiang Chen had designed many segments for the Dragon Tiger Gathering, all meant to make it more attractive.
Only by doing this could he hook the hearts of rogue cultivators and draw them in. He wanted them to form a habit of heading to the Glazed Royal City.
Once all the rogue cultivators in the world were accustomed to going to the Glazed Royal City, then it would essentially become the core of the Upper Eight Domains—the undisputed center of the entire human territory!
This Dragon Tiger Gathering had not only gathered many big names from the rogue cultivator world, but had also invited representatives from various factions. There were no shortage of delegates from sects and local powers alike. Among them were the famous First-Rank Sects of the Upper Eight Domains.
The Upper Eight Domains had eight First-Rank Sects. Apart from the Immortal Heavenly Capital, which Jiang Chen had excluded, all the other First-Rank Sects were honored guests at this Dragon Tiger Gathering.
These First-Rank Sects had all sent important figures to attend this grand event. As powerhouses of First-Rank Sects, they were naturally well-informed and worldly.
After hearing Jiang Chen's plan, some of them immediately grasped his intentions and drew sharp breaths.
"Young Master Zhen is so young, yet he has such grand ambitions. It seems the Glazed Royal City will either fall or flourish spectacularly under his watch!"
"At such a young age, he already has this kind of vision. This Young Master Zhen must have a powerful backer behind him. Otherwise, how could someone his age pull off such a spectacle?" Some suspected that Jiang Chen had the support of a big shot from Myriad Abyss Island.
Even the Glazed Royal City's Great Emperor Nian, upon understanding Jiang Chen's intentions, was secretly shaken: "Young Master Zhen's ambition and methods have already surpassed those of the Peacock Great Emperor from back then. Could it really be that our Glazed Royal City is on the verge of a great rise?"
Jiang Chen knew everyone needed time to digest his words. He waited quietly for a moment before smiling and saying: "Today we have distinguished guests aplenty—sect powerhouses, regional magnates, and rogue cultivator powerhouses alike. As your host, it would be unseemly for Zhen to hog all the spotlight alone. I would like to invite a few respected elders to participate in this segment alongside me. This will demonstrate the fairness and transparency of the process. It will also put to rest any concerns that I might play favorites or seek personal gain for the Glazed Royal City."
Jiang Chen spoke openly and with perfect composure, winning immediate approval from the rogue cultivators. Thunderous applause erupted throughout the venue.
Indeed, when Jiang Chen had first announced the contents of the first segment, the rogue cultivators were pleased but also harbored quiet reservations.
They didn't doubt Young Master Zhen's ability or judgment, but what if he harbored ulterior motives and deliberately downgraded fine treasures?
With various powerhouses participating, this segment would have much greater assurance.
Just as Jiang Chen had guessed, there were people in the rogue cultivator world who had collected treasures. And they didn't necessarily recognize every item they possessed.
Many rogue cultivators, even after obtaining treasures, dared not openly bring them to major powers for appraisal. Their fear was simple—that they would end up destitute and empty-handed.
This opportunity was truly rare.
Truthfully, after Jiang Chen announced this segment, many rogue cultivators in the crowd were already intrigued.
"All of you here are influential figures of the Upper Eight Domains. I wonder who would be willing to grace us with your participation?" Jiang Chen said with a warm smile, his gaze sweeping across the faces of the various powerhouses one by one.
Truthfully, participating in such a segment would significantly boost one's reputation. So when Jiang Chen's gaze passed over them, quite a few powerhouses felt a stirring of interest. However, out of propriety, none of them spoke up immediately.
It was the rogue cultivator side that broke the silence. The Great Emperor of the Well smiled leisurely: "Count me in. Young Master Zhen, I hold you in great admiration. Would you let this old man join in the fun?"
The Great Emperor of the Well volunteered himself, becoming the first to take the plunge.
Moreover, his words were skillfully phrased—he gave the host Jiang Chen plenty of face without appearing to upstage him.
Jiang Chen was delighted. "The Great Emperor of the Well is one of the six great powerhouses of the rogue cultivator world, held in the highest esteem. With your participation, I believe our rogue cultivator friends will be much reassured."
Countless rogue cultivators in attendance nodded in agreement. The Great Emperor of the Well was indeed one of the six great powerhouses of the rogue cultivator world, ranked among the very top—some even considered him the foremost of them all.