Most of the spectators had no particularly strong stance. Even among the few who had taken sides for one reason or another, their convictions were not necessarily all that firm.
Take the Central South Military Region, for example. Everyone knew that Heng City was a team favored by Director Yang Xiangchun, his direct line. In theory, they should have sided with the leadership, both emotionally and logically.
And at first, that was indeed what everyone thought. Their sympathies leaned toward Heng City.
It wasn't because Heng City's people were especially likable or worthy of respect. It was purely because Director Yang Xiangchun was involved.
Meanwhile, the Star City team had kept to themselves instead of mingling with everyone else. That had led many people to form a first impression of them and criticize them, assuming they were an unsociable bunch who thought they were special.
But after spending the past two days around them, everyone realized that the Star City team wasn't as hateful or arrogant as some had claimed.
They were simply a group of young people who weren't very worldly or smooth. At the very least, they held no malice toward anyone and showed no hostility or rejection.
It was also clear to everyone that the Star City team had genuinely come to the Western Frontier Military Region for the Bizarre Tree. When it came to their attitude and purpose in this operation, they were actually the most sincere of all.
People had hearts, even in the Era of Strangeness. Given that attitude, who would truly reject them?
When a real battle broke out, who wouldn't want more reliable companions? Companions who dared to fight hard and could hold their own?
So, as the contest between Star City and Heng City played out, even those who had initially