"Brother Jiang, it seems there are still some hours before the auction begins." Chu Xiu was a bit surprised.

Jiang Lingfu said, "As I mentioned earlier, we families will communicate with each other about our needs first to avoid bidding against each other."

"Going ahead for a small gathering serves this purpose."

Chu Xiu understood and immediately stood up.

Following Jiang Lingfu, the two quickly arrived at the main venue of the auction.

Compared to the bustling public auctions of previous days, the venue now appeared much quieter, with not even a tenth of the seats occupied.

However, this quietness did not mean it was deserted. Although there were fewer guests participating in the auction, each was evidently a powerful and prestigious Awakened; some accompanied by younger relatives, others alone but followed by seven or eight attendants.

Overall, the atmosphere was still grand, with Awakened individuals continuously entering.

"Brother Qin, over here." Jiang Lingfu smiled and led him to the top-tier private box labeled ’Tian No. 1.’

This most luxurious box was adorned like a gilded hall, as if another showroom had been opened above the auction venue. Countless attractive attendants moved through, carrying exquisite snacks and fine wine, with decorations worth billions visible everywhere.

At the end of the box was a row of large transparent windows, directly overlooking the auction floor below.

At this time, more than ten people were seated nearby, each exuding an extremely powerful aura, all of them Heroic Spirits!

Many others stood behind them, likely their juniors or trusted aides.

With the arrival of Chu Xiu and his companion, all the Heroic Spirits stood up to greet them.

The leading man, sporting a full beard, laughed heartily, "Brother Jiang, we were just waiting for you. This must be Brother Qin?"

Jiang Lingfu laughed as he led Chu Xiu over, "Come, Brother Qin, let me introduce you. This is Sun Shangwu, the fourth leader of the Martial Arts Guild, known as the ’Angry-eyed Vajra,’ Brother Sun, and this is..."

Jiang Lingfu introduced everyone in order, and Chu Xiu greeted each warmly.

Across Huaxia, there are forty thousand King Tier individuals, but less than five hundred Heroic Spirits. Given the high difficulty of the Heroic Spirit Trials, almost every Heroic Spirit wields immense power. These dozen or so Heroic Spirits present each could casually mobilize forces worth hundreds of billions.

Chu Xiu, too, was meeting so many Heroic Spirits for the first time, and forming good relationships with them could only be advantageous.

"This is Zhao Jie of the Zhao Family, one of the four great families in Kyoto, the youngest Heroic Spirit in Zhao Family history," Jiang Lingfu pointed to a young man wearing gold-rimmed glasses and smiled, "Brother Qin, don’t be fooled by his scholarly appearance; in battle, he’s quite fierce. Recently, he joined the Investigation Bureau and is ranked third on the Dragon and Phoenix List, quite the rising star."

The man named Zhao Jie adjusted his glasses, "Elder Jiang overpraises me."

Chu Xiu took another look at this person, having heard of the Dragon and Phoenix List, a ranking published by Mountain View Building evaluating the potential of Awakened individuals under thirty. Those on the list were top talents among the younger generation.

After the introductions were completed, everyone began to chat leisurely, some discussing the recent development of family affairs, others debating the potential and risks of newly discovered world assets, and whether they’re worth investing in. Some introduced family juniors to the group, creating a lively and pleasant scene.

Chu Xiu became the center of attention, with nearly constant curiosity-driven conversations initiated, one after another.

It couldn’t be helped; a suddenly-emerged Awakened unaffiliated with any major power was quite intriguing to everyone.

Upon learning that Chu Xiu was still single with a normal orientation, the Heroic Spirits were even more surprised, crowding around, expressing their desire to introduce family women to him.

Some were even forthright, openly offering to send a few beautiful concubines to Chu Xiu, allowing him to choose freely after the trade fair concluded.

This left Chu Xiu both amused and helpless.

"Alright, alright, no need to trouble yourselves about Brother Qin’s marital matters. There’s less than a quarter of an hour before the trade fair starts. Let’s first discuss our individual needs," Jiang Lingfu impatiently interrupted everyone.

Just yesterday, the head of the Jiang Family had already expressed interest in having a female Heroic Spirit and the two most excellent young women of the younger generation from the family interact with Chu Xiu.

Jiang Lingfu felt that the chances of success with the Heroic Spirit were slim; though powerful, her temperament was excessively fiery, unbearable for ordinary people. As for the other two, both were beauties with immense talent, holding real potential for success.

The head’s orders were given; naturally, he couldn’t let Chu Xiu be intercepted midway.

Since he spoke up, no one else would disrespect him either.

"Then let this old man start," seeing no objections, Jiang Lingfu said with a smile, "A junior from my family recently advanced to a [Heroic Spirit]; I’ve come mainly to try my luck, hoping to find an [Ascension Sequence]."

"Well, preferably one ranked within the first thousand."

As soon as he finished speaking, laughter erupted around him, "You old coot, truly dreaming in broad daylight. An [Ascension Sequence] has hardly ever appeared at the trade fair. Even coming across one is already quite lucky, yet you still want one ranked within a thousand."

Jiang Lingfu’s childlike rosy face turned even redder, "Bah, mind your own business. How would you know if you don’t try? This old man is blessed with fortune; coming upon a serendipitous opportunity wouldn’t even be surprising!"

Upon saying this, the surrounding people laughed again.