Facing the strange looks from the crowd, Azure Bamboo True Monarch appeared utterly unconcerned.
He had come from the Blood Shark Pirates, then betrayed them to save his life and sought refuge with the Jade Heng Sword Sect.
He had long been scorned and ostracized by others, so he no longer cared about their opinions.
Jia Qi waved his hand. "Hall Master Azure Bamboo, there is no need for courtesy. Please take your seat."
He then announced, "True Lord Lie Yan of Tian Ji Palace shall serve as the Deputy Hall Master of Artifact Refining Hall for the Wan Chuan Merchant Guild."
The moment those words were spoken, the people below the stage began whispering among themselves.
"The strength of Tian Ji Palace has always been more or less equal to that of the Jade Heng Sword Sect.
"There have also been some minor conflicts between the Jade Heng Sword Sect and the Wang Clan.
"Meanwhile, Tian Ji Palace has always been on good terms with the Wang Clan and the Wen Clan, without any unpleasantness.
"Why is the Jade Heng Sword Sect ranked a notch above Tian Ji Palace?"
"Who knows? I reckon there must be exchanges of benefits behind the scenes, as well as a weighing of gains and losses."
At that moment, an elderly man quietly said, "Then you do not know this, do you? The Jade Heng Sword Sect still has three Deity Transformation Cultivators.
"Among them, Azure Bamboo True Monarch has considerable talent.
"I heard he is only a little over a thousand years old and has every chance of cultivating to Late Soul Transformation.
"As for Tian Ji Palace, only two Deity Transformation Cultivators remain, and neither has much talent. They barely managed to break through to the Deity Transformation Realm.
"Take True Lord