Treasure-hunting: Into the Unknown

"Are you doubting that Harley's sudden outburst of strength in the Shura College was one of the Celestial College's plans all along?" Corbin immediately asked as he started to understand what Marvin was trying to get at. His idea was now becoming clear.

"Well, I can't say for sure. But judging from the way Katrina spoke and acted at the King Level contest, she seems to have been aware that Harley would burst forth his real strength at that time. It just doesn't come off to be a coincidence in my opinion!" Marvin shook his head helplessly, his face grim. "But if the Celestial College really has intentionally concocted such a plan, what would their purpose be? I'm not really sure I understand. With the friendship between our two colleges, the Celestial College doesn't have any reason to play such tricks that will affect the relationship."

"Ah! Well, perhaps they are up to something." Corbin narrowed his sinister eyes into glare.

"Anyway, in my opinion, this meeting is more than necessary. Afterward, I can try and uncover the Celestial College's true purpose. I mean, sure, there's still a small possibility that they've done nothing behind our backs at all," Marvin said in a bitter tone, which almost sounded a little contradictory.

At that very moment, the leaders and the representatives of all sects and clans all got into position. Everyone looked at the high platform in front of the square, which was used to display the warriors' strength.

The form of the meeting was somewhat like an auction. All the warriors of Imperial Level attending the meeting would come to the stage. Then, if any force was interested in the warrior on the stage, they could raise a plate and show their interest.

Then, it was the Imperial Level warriors' turn to choose three forces that favored them. Then came the final competition. The competition was an essential part of the meeting that allowed to see which force would offer the best conditions. Of course, the conditions were nothing more than the offering of a few rare and precious treasures, or the promise to provide certain benefits, such as positions or the opportunity to become a master's personal disciple, and so on.

This kind of meeting was only held every three years in the Shura College, and generally speaking, everything was nearly all settled in advance. Even more so, not many sects or clans would actually participate in the final competition. In fact, it was nothing more than a simple formality. This time in particular, the meeting was specially held for Zachary, and it was called on a very short notice. It was only normal that most of the sects and clans didn't have much time to come into contact and communicate with the Imperial Level warriors who would take part in it. In other words, this meeting was even more suspenseful than ever before. What was more, all the sects and clans weren't aware of which Imperial Level warriors would

had tied up any possible loose ends.

"I can see now that this seems to be the only choice." Pollard let out a heavy sigh. He knew that Zachary was doing this for his sake. Haste makes waste, and he had no other choice at this point but to wait.

"Where's Polly, anyway?" Zachary asked, suddenly changing the subject.

"I don't know, actually. I haven't seen her in a few days myself, to be quite honest." Pollard shook his head. "I can tell that you really care about my sister a lot. Are you really planning on marrying her and becoming my brother-in-law?"

"What are you thinking? Your honey trap won't work here." Zachary grinned, baring his teeth.

"Ha-ha! I don't have to. With my sister's charming appearance, even if I don't use the honey trap, men just throw themselves at her feet! Seriously though, if you really do have feelings for my sister, you should make your move as soon as possible. Benefits should always be kept for one's own people, and it's best if you can marry my sister!" By the looks of it, Pollard appeared more anxious than Zachary was on this matter.

"Are you really Polly's brother?" Zachary rolled his eyes at Pollard, thinking that he'd probably tie Polly up and offer her to him on a silver platter if he asked.

"Don't mention it. I just want to make sure that the two of you end up together. If ever you do end up with my sister, you would eventually belong to our Qiu Clan sooner or later. I guess all I can say is that I know you won't stay long with the Xiao Clan," Pollard said with an intelligent and pleasant smile.

"Ah...you know me so well. You know what? Maybe I will need your help in the future," Zachary said with a sudden grin.

"You bet! The meeting is so boring, anyway. I'll be the first to leave." Now that Pollard had been made aware of Zachary's decision, he had no reason to stay here anymore. As soon as he ended his sentence, he floated away and disappeared into the distance.