This move took everyone by surprise.
Though other factions besides the Eight Families had also participated, quite a few of them possessed considerable foundations. In terms of wealth, producing rewards of the same caliber would not have been difficult.
But they also knew perfectly well that their own people would not make it to the end. The finest treasures would ultimately fall into the hands of the prodigies from the great sects. Besides, if their prizes were too eye-catching, they might instead invite unnecessary disputes and offend others for nothing. Thus, the items these factions prepared were generally proper but unremarkable, without any deliberate attempt to dazzle.
For the winners, choosing a reward was also an opportunity to forge goodwill—forming ties with a great power meant they might receive some care along their path of cultivation in the future. Naturally, that was more worthwhile than choosing prizes from minor factions.
With that being the case, Ling Anhe passing over the precious treasures of the Eight Families and choosing Clearwave Dao Abode's relatively inconspicuous reward was especially unexpected, even somewhat baffling.
A wave of hushed discussion instantly rose from below the stage, and questioning gazes shot toward Ling Anhe in unison. "Why did Senior Brother Ling choose that?"
"I heard those Spirit-Evoking Stones are used to enlighten low-level spirit beasts. What does he need them for?"
"Doesn't he keep a Violet Flood Dragon? Maybe he wants to further stabilize the Violet Flood Dragon's intelligence?"
On the floating platform, everyone reacted differently. Some frowned in confusion, some stroked their beards in thought, while others merely gave him a cursory glance before looking away—this choice truly carried a hint of strangeness.
Even those who had only seen Ling Anhe's Violet Flood Dragon from afar knew its cultivation was not low. Its intelligence had