Before everyone could react, the momentary scene of the arena vanished. It was replaced by a documentary about the Breeder Competition, featuring interviews and highlights of participating Breeders.
But what had they actually heard? Dammit, where was the introduction to the Super-Rank Skill, Heart of the Sun? What about that Breeder from Jianghai Province? And how were those extra 21 points added?
Clearly, though unbeknownst to them how, everyone had supposedly witnessed the power of the Heart of the Sun with their own eyes. But they hadnāt actually seen it, had they?
Dissatisfaction was already brewing on the internet. However, more significant matters were unfolding than just these online sentiments.
As expected, after the announcement and as the Breeder Competition entered a quiet period, Zhu Hong, sitting in his original seat, didnāt wait long before his phone rang.
"Hello, Chairman Feng."
"Elder Zhu, I saw what happened this time; you handled it well. A Breederās cultivated Super-Rank Skill cannot be casually revealed. Some internal staff in Magic Capital also need to be reined in. In addition to the confidentiality agreement, have the Soul Judge use some psychological suggestion on them!"
"Yes, rest assured."
"That youngster from Jianghai is quite good. Keep an eye on him in the future."
With those words, the caller promptly hung up. He knew Zhu Hong would likely be very busy, and detailed questions could wait.
Indeed, that was the case. No sooner had the call ended than another quickly came through.
"Hello, Lord Sang Sheng!"
His voice was slightly louder, allowing some people nearby to overhear. Several exchanged glances, understanding the implications.
"Um, rest assured, Su Pingās safety is absolutely guaranteed..."
"Yes..."
After ending the call, Zhu Hong let out a sigh of relief, but he had barely exhaled when another call came through.
This time, however, Zhu Hong was slightly taken abackāthe number was unfamiliar. But since they knew his private number, he couldnāt ignore it.
"Hello, may I ask who this is?"
"Ghost Saint!?"
Zhu Hongās voice rose sharply. Even for someone of his standing, while he had contact with some individuals who had reached this level, this particular one was different, somewhat more special.
His raised voice undoubtedly caused the other Breeder judges, representing various factions, to look over.
Ghost Saint? How could *he* be involved in this?
Then, to their surprise, Zhu Hongās next words sparked even more speculation, "Ah? Oh, I never expected that Breeder Su would have such a connection with you! Donāt worry, itās just... about the online discussion..."
The lazy voice on the phone said lightly, "Try to reduce Su Pingās visibility in online discussions, but donāt be too forceful, alright? Just downplay Su Pingās leading role in this Breeder Competition. Avoid any unnecessary interviews. In a few days, cook up some entertainment news to divert attention. Youāre all quite proficient with these tactics, arenāt you? Itās not about outright silencing anyone; this little matter just doesnāt warrant so much public attention.
"Itās not just the Breeder Association; Iāll give a heads-up to the other sides as well. Master Zhu, you just need to cooperate a bit. Donāt let this issue continue to escalate.
"After all, for the average Beast Tamer, the effects of Super-Rank Skills have little to do with them, right?"
"That... I understand!"
After hanging up, Zhu Hong breathed a long sigh of relief. Compared to Sang Sheng, whom he also didnāt know well, conversing with this individual was even more unsettling. It couldnāt be helpedāthis personās reputation wasnāt exactly stellar.
He never imagined that Su Ping not only had a deep connection with Sang Sheng but was also further entangled with this Ghost Saint from the Northern Border.
No wonder then.
In the time that followed, a few more intermittent calls came through, though their callers didnāt carry the same weight as the previous ones.
During this half-hour, some observant people also noticed something. Although many were cursing the Magic Capital broadcast station online, the trending topics on the internet remained unchanged.
Even the briefly seen trending search term āBreeder Competition, Super-Rank Skillā had been swiftly removed within thirty seconds, vanishing without a trace. Aside from those still keenly discussing the Breeder Competition, virtually no other information leaked out.
Compared to how almost every appearance of a new Evolutionary Body had previously shot to the top of trending searches, this current situation, in its abnormality, paradoxically hinted at a controlled normalcy.
However, it was amidst this abnormality that the Breeder Competition, after a half-hour pause, resumed its scheduled proceedings.
Chairman Han led his team onto the stage. However, their appearance felt somewhat unfair. The hostās questioning time had been cut by nearly half, and as they began to introduce the Spark Bugs, the judges repeatedly seemed distracted.