In the final ten minutes before the banquet, guests arrived one after another. Rather than entering through the main entrance crowded with media reporters, these people came into the old palace through exclusive passageways and took their seats in the VIP section.
Inside Han Quan Palace, Zhu Mian first greeted several particularly influential figures.
Besides political dignitaries, foreign envoys, and social celebrities, the main guests tonight were undoubtedly Fighters from the various Fighter Factions. Among them, members of the Nature Faction were especially numerous.
The Nature Faction pursued the release of their desires and the fulfillment of their nature. Thus, whenever they encountered something that interested them, they would find ways to pursue it, regardless of their level.
Therefore, Zhu Mian had sent invitations to most of the Nature Faction members he knew. One arrival, however, surprised him—and even excited him somewhat.
This was a high-ranking figure within the faction whom he normally had no chance of coming into contact with.
Still, he did not expose the person's identity. He merely offered a greeting, then specifically instructed someone to bring over the things this person liked. These were rare treasures he had gathered from all over the world at enormous expense, saved precisely for this occasion.
And if he could win this person's favor, it would be like gaining another protective talisman.
After attending to all the important figures who had arrived tonight, he brought the woman at his side over to the circle of friends he had cultivated.
Everyone stood to welcome him. One person pointed at the necklace worn by the beautiful woman and said meaningfully, "The moon reflects in the tranquil heart of the lake; the still lake reflects the heart of the moon. This moonstone is truly exquisite, Young Master Zhu. You must cherish it well."