"Is he alone?" Gai Zonglin asked, frowning.
"No… no, he brought two people with him." The messenger hadn't attended the auction, so he naturally didn't recognize the Peerless Emperor or Jiang Chen.
Gai Zonglin's expression changed dramatically. "What? Two more? What did they look like?"
"One older, one younger. They didn't look like ordinary people."
Everyone who had attended the auction went pale. Did it even need to be said? It had to be the Peerless Emperor and Auctioneer Shao Yuan.
What were they here for? Had they come to demand back the one and a half billion Sacred Ling Shi that the Star Plucking Society had taken? If so, that was going to be big trouble.
The Star Plucking Society never returned what it had taken. But facing a Great Emperor-class powerhouse, no matter how tough the Society put on, they didn't have the capital to fight back.
In an instant, everyone looked as though they were facing a mortal enemy. Someone couldn't help but grumble: "I told you so! An auction was never going to end well."
"Yeah, auctioning to a Great Emperor-class powerhouse — who could say whether that brings fortune or disaster. Looks like we were way too optimistic."
"Forget it — I say we cancel this victory celebration."
Hearing these murmurs, Gai Zonglin's face turned ashen. These were the very people who had opposed the auction from the start. Now the moment the situation shifted slightly, they were singing a different tune.
Just moments ago they'd been heaping praise at the banquet. These people could change their faces faster than flipping a page.
But Gai Zonglin had no time to dwell on it. He ordered in a deep voice: "Everyone, prepare for battle! No matter what happens, everything the Star Plucking Society has done has been in accordance with the rules. Even if the other party is a Great Emperor, they cannot break the rules!"
As the head of the Society, Gai Zonglin was still relatively composed despite his fear. He called out loudly: "Our honored guests have arrived! Quickly, invite them in — let us offer them some wine!"
No matter what their intentions, the Star Plucking Society would extend courtesy before resorting to force. That was Gai Zonglin's strategy. If they'd come to cause trouble, the Society absolutely could not show weakness.
"No need to invite us — we're already inside." Just as Gai Zonglin's words fell, the Peerless Emperor's indifferent voice reached everyone's ears.
Before anyone could react, three figures materialized in the main hall of the celebration.
The Peerless Emperor stood at the center, Jiang Chen on the left, and Mu Gaoqi on the right. At this stage, Mu Gaoqi's slave jade slip had not yet been released, so he remained in a state of sealed spiritual consciousness.
Upon their appearance, everyone in the Star Plucking Society scrambled to their feet. Whether willing or not, no one dared remain seated.
Gai Zonglin cupped his fists and stepped forward with a smile. "Senior Peerless! What an unexpected pleasure that you've honored our Star Plucking Society with a visit. We've failed to welcome you properly. Please, take the seat of honor, and allow us to pour a few humble cups of wine as a token of our respect."
Gai Zonglin was a smooth operator who knew how to lower himself before the Peerless Emperor. He also knew that calling himself a junior before such a figure would never bring him shame.
And he needn't worry about being mocked. Who wouldn't bow and scrape before a Great Emperor?
The Peerless Emperor said coolly: "Gai Zonglin?"
Gai Zonglin nodded vigorously. "Yes, yes! To think Senior Peerless would know of this humble one's meager reputation — I am truly flattered."
The Peerless Emperor wasted no words. He cast an indifferent glance at Gai Zonglin, then swept his gaze around like a blade. Under that piercing stare, everyone lowered their heads, not daring to meet his eyes.
"Gai Zonglin, are you worried I'll demand the one and a half billion Sacred Ling Shi back?" The Peerless Emperor smiled coldly, his gaze boring into Gai Zonglin and making the man feel as though a blade were pressed against his spine.
"I wouldn't dare! This humble one knows the Peerless Emperor is a great and noble figure who would never stoop to such things," Gai Zonglin quickly explained.
"Ha ha ha, what a silver tongue. I actually did come here to collect something today — but not Spirit Stones. A person."
"A person?" Gai Zonglin was stunned.
"I only want one person. If I can't get that person, then I'll have to settle for the one and a half billion," the Peerless Emperor said, his words carrying a clear hint of menace.
Gai Zonglin hurriedly asked: "What person does Senior Peerless want? This humble one is slow-witted and doesn't know who the Peerless Emperor is referring to. Could someone from our Star Plucking Society have offended you, Senior?"
"You're overthinking it." The Peerless Emperor smiled faintly. "The old man who was purchased alongside Master Mu — where have you put him?"
"I don't care how you manage it. Within twenty-four hours, deliver him to the inn where I'm staying. If he isn't delivered within twenty-four hours, I'll come back and have another word with you."
The Peerless Emperor's tone was cold and detached.
Gai Zonglin slapped his forehead as the mountain-like pressure on his body eased considerably. "So it's that old man! Yes, yes, we do have him — here in our Star Plucking Society, in our alchemy district. I'll send someone to fetch him at once."
Gai Zonglin had no desire to ask why the Peerless Emperor wanted the old man. It was just an old man, after all.
"He's still here?" The Peerless Emperor was slightly taken aback.
"He is, he is! The Star Plucking Society has no habit of mistreating slaves. Everyone who stays with us receives proper treatment." Gai Zonglin also breathed a sigh of relief. Good — the old man was still here. If he hadn't been, there could have been real trouble.