Longevity starts with choosing Hextech enhancement

Chapter 291 Appraisal: Lord Canye uncovers the truth

At the beginning of the new year, Tinglang Island has regained some of its liveliness.

However, due to the previous strong winds, most of the people there were local monks, so it was not crowded.

The Treasure Pavilion within the Jade Leaf Merchant Guild is naturally relatively quiet, since it mainly handles large transactions or auctions and appraisals, and few idle people visit.

Therefore, when Xiao Chen arrived, he was immediately given a warm welcome.

"Senior, please come upstairs!"

“I am a senior appraiser from the Jade Leaf Merchant Guild. If you don’t mind, I will be in charge of appraising your auction items.”

"Fellow Daoist Kuang is here today as well. Please wait a moment while I go and call him over."

It didn't take long for Xiao Chen to meet Kuang Ruihong.

The other person was still wearing that gray robe, but compared to when they met last year, they seemed to have aged a bit.

"So it's Fellow Daoist Xiao who has arrived."

Upon entering, Kuang Ruihong seemed somewhat surprised, but also perked up: "You must have obtained something good. Let me first congratulate you, fellow Daoist."

This isn't hard to guess.

After all, most normal people come to an appraiser to have things appraised, and there are basically no other reasons.

"I wouldn't call it a joy, but there are a few things I'm unsure about that I'd like to ask you for your help."

As always, Xiao Chen was decisive and took out the two talisman treasures he had obtained earlier.

Kuang Ruihong glanced at the two items, but did not rush to handle them.

Instead, he asked first, "Fellow Daoist Xiao hasn't said what you want to ask yet. Do you want to identify the item, distinguish its quality, or get an appraisal?"

"To be honest, I don't know much about spiritual artifacts, talismans, and formations."

"If we want to determine the exact price of different talismans, we may need to ask Master Yan from our Chamber of Commerce to come forward."

"Master Yan is a veteran, so confidentiality is not a problem."

Xiao Chen waved his hand and said, "No need for that. I'm mainly here to identify the items; the price isn't that important."

He most likely won't sell these items.

Since it's something I use myself, the price isn't really a key factor.

"I understand, fellow Daoist, please wait a moment."

Kuang Ruihong understood, then put on his gloves and began to carefully examine the structure of the talisman.

Although he claimed he wasn't good at using talismans, it wasn't difficult for him to distinguish their types and ranks. After all, many things have fixed standards, and you naturally develop a sense of patterns after seeing them many times.

Therefore, it only took about ten breaths.

Kuang Ruihong then placed the two talismanic artifacts back on the table: "These two items are easy to identify; they are typical defensive talismanic artifacts."

"The former is a copy of the Seven Treasures Returning to Origin Spiritual Light Umbrella. Judging from the workmanship alone, it should be classified as a fourth-grade talisman."

"However, the Seven Treasures Returning to Origin Spiritual Light Umbrella is a major earthly treasure. The actual effect of the imitation should be upgraded by one level, and it is not a big problem to regard it as a fifth-level talisman treasure."

"As for the latter, I couldn't recognize its origin."

"Judging from the quality alone, it should be a fifth-grade talisman treasure. Strangely, the spiritual patterns on this handkerchief are quite unfamiliar."

It's unfamiliar, that's for sure; it's most likely something from the sea creatures.

Xiao Chen had already guessed this, so he wasn't surprised at all by the result.

All he cared about was the grade of the talisman, and he was immediately relieved when he heard it was a fifth-grade talisman.

"I see. I have a few more things here. Please take a look at them as well, fellow Daoist."

Xiao Chen nodded, put away the two talisman treasures, and then took out the three strange stones and the dark iron plate.

To help with identification, he also offered some clues: "The two on the left come from different sites and are both old objects."

"The two items on the right are from the sea tribe. Fellow Daoist, please try your best to distinguish them."

Upon hearing the name "sea tribe," a hint of curiosity flashed clearly in Kuang Ruihong's eyes.

However, he restrained himself and began to check each item in turn.

Since the items had been replaced with ancient artifacts and sea creature spirits, he examined them with extra care, which naturally took him longer.

It took a full quarter of an hour just to get the first piece of golden spirit ore.

During this process, Xiao Chen waited while sipping tea, taking the opportunity to look around at the room's furnishings.

There were quite a few things displayed in the quiet room.

In addition to the tables and chairs, there is a pair of exquisite paintings and several vases filled with fresh flowers.

Through the lifelike eyes of the eagle in the painting "Flying Eagle Striking the Water," the scene in the quiet room was also synchronized to the third floor in real time.

All that could be seen was the table where Lord Canye had originally placed his tea set.

At this moment, a water curtain formed by spiritual energy appeared.

"Is he Xiao Chen?"

Across the tea table, a young girl who looked no more than a teenager stared intently at the water screen.

"Yes, ma'am."

Lord Canye nodded.

"Hmm, he's handsome, but he doesn't look very strong."

The girl's tone carried a hint of doubt: "Although I'm not short, I don't seem particularly tall either."

"In short, he doesn't seem like a body-refining cultivator."

True Monarch Canye agreed, "That is indeed strange. His physique is almost the same as that of an ordinary person, but his blood and qi are dozens of times better than those of ordinary cultivators."

"It can be described as a rare sight in the world."

"However, in this vast world, there are always people who are different from others, perhaps because they possess some special constitution."

True Lord Canye has always been quite open-minded about such matters.

The cultivation world is too vast; even a True Lord's knowledge is ultimately limited.

However, the girl's eyes lit up: "The latest intelligence mentions that a powerful demon from the sea tribe has disguised himself as an evil cultivator and infiltrated the Compassionate Sea to attack several Zen masters."

"Xiao Chen's qi and blood are so abnormal, could he also be a great demon in human form?"

It seemed they had noticed that their young mistress was about to make a move.

Lord Canye quickly reminded her, "Miss, I already tried the Demon-Purifying Incense when I invited him for tea last time."

"He stayed in the room for about half an hour, inhaling a lot of smoke, but did not show any abnormal behavior."

When demons encounter the Cleansing Incense, it's like a venomous snake encountering realgar.

"That's it."

The girl seemed somewhat disappointed and asked, "So, what results have been found regarding the source of Xiao Chen's spirit stones?"

"Such a large sum of spirit stones couldn't just appear out of thin air, could it?"

True Monarch Canye shook his head slightly: "There are no obvious traces, and the large-scale flow of spirit stones in the past ten years does not match up."

"Either it's a long-term, scattered accumulation of small amounts, or the spirit stones he possesses are from elsewhere."

"foreign?"

The girl's eyes lit up immediately, and she asked, "Could it be from the sea tribe?"

"I've heard that many cultivators have been bribed, and all the major sects are currently busy conducting self-investigations."

After Fazhao Luohan and the others returned, the news about the ruins spread.

The major sects have indeed paid special attention to traitors like the Round Stele Arhat.

"This doesn't necessarily mean they are sea creatures."

However, Lord Canye felt that his young lady's focus was a bit strange: "Judging from the current situation, Xiao Chen is most likely from the west."

"That's the box he sent for auction before."

He pointed to the white jade box with cloud and rosy reliefs next to him: "I have already asked a friend to confirm that this box comes from the Sea of ​​No Light."

Then, True Monarch Canye changed the subject: "But it seems he brought something from the sea tribe."

"If Miss is interested in sea creatures, shall I invite him up for a chat?"

"no need!"

The girl quickly rejected the idea: "I'll get the same result from asking Elder Kuang about the details of those things later, so why bother asking him?"

Then her eyes darted around, as if she had made a connection to something.

He asked with great interest, "But speaking of the Sea of ​​No Light, I saw a wanted poster from there before."

"It is said that the Golden Light Hermit who appeared out of nowhere is also on the path of enlightenment, and has already taken that step."

"I just heard that Xiao Chen also displayed strength far exceeding the Great Perfection of the Golden Core stage in this ruin."

"Uncle Ye, do you think they are the same person?"

The path to enlightenment is extremely niche, and there are very few cultivators like it throughout the entire Eastern Region.

Now, two unidentified cultivators suddenly appeared, one after the other, both of whom were clearly beyond the normal Golden Core Great Perfection stage.

So much so that such subjective speculation has become quite likely.

However, the answer from the Remnant Leaf True Lord was beyond her expectations: "Yes and no."

“There are indeed not many cultivators like him, but I hope he is not one.”

"The Yin Corpse Sect's actions falsely claim to be righteous, making cooperation difficult."

"Xiao Chen is so young, he must have the support of more than one True Monarch."

"In today's turbulent situation, we need such a strong ally to ensure that our escape route is unobstructed."

"From the Chamber of Commerce's perspective, the latter outcome is more favorable to us."

He spoke very bluntly.

It's partly because there's no need to hide anything from close friends, and partly it carries a hint of advice.

"That's it, okay then."

The girl was quite clever and understood immediately: "Then let's figure out a way to get closer to him."

"I'll leave this to you, Uncle Ye."

Lord Canye said meaningfully, "Miss, I actually think that it might be more effective if you were to step in."

"Besides, you're not young anymore."

"In another two hundred years or so, my old bones may not be of any use anymore. In the hundreds of years to come, it would be safer to have a reliable companion to walk with."

However, the girl shook her head repeatedly: "I don't want to!"

She swallowed the rest of her words and didn't say it aloud—those male cultivators only coveted her body, but they might not be reliable.

Rather than relying on them, it's better to rely on the flying sword and martial arts techniques in your own hands.

She opened her eyes wide, raised her voice, and pleaded skillfully, "Uncle Ye, could you please help me handle this matter?"

Although this trick has been used many times, it has always worked.

"Alright, alright, I'll do it then."

Lord Canye did not insist and agreed with a smile.

What he just said was actually more of a joke and a test from his elders.

Rather than simply for the purpose of arranging a marriage alliance or for considerations of self-interest.

Although True Monarch Canye had high hopes for Xiao Chen's potential and his high status within the family as a successor of a hidden lineage.

They believed he was a promising prospect worthy of their young mistress.

But if the young lady doesn't like it, they won't force her or deliberately try to match the two together.

Another hour or so passed.

Kuang Ruihong frowned as he put down the last item. The reason he moved so slowly was because the last item was extremely strange.

Then, he pointed to the first spiritual object.

That is the golden spirit ore obtained from the canyon altar where the Broken Blade Demon is located.

"This object looks like a bright gold diffraction stone, a rare treasure from ancient times."

"It has long since dried up. I only remember that it was mentioned in ancient books that it was mainly used for killing and destruction, and was mostly used to set up killing formations or suppress evil spirits."

This was similar to what Xiao Chen had seen.

The altar was clearly used for combat, and it was very likely a killing formation; both scenarios match.

Then, Kuang Ruihong pointed to the second spiritual object: "As for this dark iron plaque, it looks like it was cast by the Great Xuan Immortal Dynasty back then."

"If I'm not mistaken, it should come from this new ruin."

Xiao Chen nodded: "Old sir, you have a good eye. This is indeed something from the Great Xuan Immortal Dynasty."

He only admitted half of it and did not reveal the true source.

Kuang Ruihong, however, failed to grasp Xiao Chen's implied meaning and continued, "This item is rather a pity."

"According to ancient historical records, when the Immortal Dynasty was at its peak, it established strict laws."

"However, for some reasons, pardons were granted to relatives of those who had made great contributions or were highly accomplished in their cultivation."

"The holder of this black iron plaque can offset the punishment he should receive for violating the law."

This can be considered a reluctant compromise, after all, the Great Xuan Immortal Dynasty was once at its peak, but it was not without enemies.

It would be really difficult to implement treating high-level cultivators or their relatives the same way.

The specific details are extremely complex and could not be fully covered in ten books; ancient history only briefly touched upon them.

"That's a real shame, it looks like we won't need it."

Xiao Chen said that, but he didn't actually feel any regret.

Anyway, he picked this thing up with Zhang Shouquan, so it was something he got for free.

That concludes our discussion of these two old items.

Kuang Ruihong pointed to the third thing: "These stones contain a large number of sea creature runes."

"Since we don't know much about it at the moment, it's difficult to predict its specific effects."

"I can only conclude that their function is similar to the array plates of our human race. They are likely tools used to quickly set up arrays."

After briefly explaining that, he looked at the last thing.

Then, after careful consideration, he said, "Fellow Daoist Xiao, please forgive my poor eyesight, but I cannot see what mystery is hidden in this last strange stone."

"The only thing that can be certain is that it was not formed at birth, but must have been processed later."

"According to my guess, it is probably a special token."

"If it comes from the sea creatures, it is perhaps a product they deliberately created."

This result also surprised Xiao Chen.

He truly didn't expect that even a veteran appraiser like Kuang Ruihong couldn't recognize the origin of this strange stone.

However, being able to confirm that it is a keepsake is still a gain.

Anyway, it's not very big, so I'll just carry it with me for now.

As we learn more about marine life, we will naturally have the opportunity to recognize what it is.

"I understand."

Xiao Chen nodded: "Thank you for your hard work today, Fellow Daoist Kuang."

"I'm wondering how much the appraisal fee should be?"

If you don't plan to consign the item for auction in the end, you'll still need to spend spirit stones for the appraisal.

Kuang Ruihong waved his hand, thinking of refusing: "I'm free today anyway, so I'll waive the appraisal fee."

However, Xiao Chen insisted, "The appraisal fee is a rule of the Chamber of Commerce, so let's follow the rules."

"Fellow Daoist Kuang knows perfectly well that the one thing I have plenty of is spirit stones."

To be honest, saying that we don't lack spirit stones is a bit arrogant.

However, the way Xiao Chen said it surprisingly convinced Kuang Ruihong.

This person is someone who spends a fortune, so they certainly don't lack spirit stones.

So he didn't insist: "In that case, according to the rules of the Chamber of Commerce, it's five hundred spirit stones per hour."

“We’ve been here for less than two hours, but it’s already been more than a quarter of an hour, so we’ll have to charge it as two, which is a thousand spirit stones.”

This price isn't cheap on its own.

However, compared to what Xiao Chen bought when he went shopping before, it was still less than what he spent on snacks.

He waved his hand and put down a thousand spirit stones: "Then I shall take my leave. Fellow Daoist, there is no need for you to see me off."

However, Kuang Ruihong still escorted him to the entrance of Jubao Tower: "Fellow Daoist Xiao, take care and have a safe journey!"

Only after watching Xiao Chen's figure disappear down the street did he turn around and return to the store.

However, as soon as he turned around, he saw the attendant of the Remnant Leaf True Lord staring at him from behind: "Master Kuang, the True Lord requests your presence on the third floor. If it is convenient for you, please come upstairs with me."

Kuang Ruihong quickly replied, "Of course it's convenient."

This kind of question naturally has only one answer.

However, when he pushed open the door and saw the two figures sitting opposite each other drinking tea, especially the young girl, he was immediately surprised.

Why did True Monarch Ziyao suddenly return? We hadn't heard a word about it before.

But he still quickly bowed his head and greeted the head manager and the second manager in turn: "Greetings, head manager, greetings, second manager."

The young woman said with a straight face, "Elder Kuang, there's no need for such formalities. This young lady... cough, this shopkeeper has just returned and has something I'd like to discuss with you."

"Hmm... what do you think of Xiao Chen?"

Upon hearing this, the corner of the mouth of the True Monarch Canye twitched. Where was there such a direct way of asking questions?

Miss, really, sigh.

But he didn't pay much attention to it, after all, for a True Lord, this was a minor issue.

With a solid foundation of strength, these interpersonal relationships and worldly affairs can be made up for gradually; it's not a big deal.

Faced with his manager's question, Kuang Ruihong naturally told him everything he could.

This includes his several meetings with Xiao Chen and the conversations between the two.

The only thing he didn't say was his own speculation and optimism about Xiao Chen.

"A black stone that gleams with a white light, is this it?"

Upon hearing this, True Monarch Ziyao raised her hand and flipped it over, revealing an irregularly shaped strange stone.

Kuang Ruihong carefully examined the stone before replying, "These are just the same strange stones; to this old man, they look almost identical."

Suddenly, Lord Canye spoke up: "Thank you for your hard work, Elder Kuang."

"Remember to keep the news of the head manager's return a secret, including any news related to Xiao Chen. Don't tell anyone else."

“I remember a batch of new pills came back the other day. Elder Kuang, you can go with my servant to get them and take them back to nourish your body.”

"Okay, it's just a small matter. Go ahead and get busy."

Kuang Ruihong readily agreed and respectfully withdrew.

Wait until he leaves.

Ziyao Zhenjun couldn't wait to say, "This is too strange. Xiao Chen can't even recognize the Boundary Breaking Stone."

"Uncle Ye, do you think he might not have any background at all?"

However, Lord Canye thought differently: "Impossible, he must have a special background."

He thought about it carefully, and suddenly a thought flashed through his mind: "I understand, he is trying to hint at us in this way."

"hint?"

Ziyao Zhenjun was somewhat puzzled: "What are you implying?"

However, Lord Canye had already vaguely guessed the reason behind it: "I can't be completely sure yet, but I have a general idea."

“I invited him over for tea last time.”

"During the conversation, it was mentioned that if you have any other collectibles in the future, you might as well bring them over for me to see."

"So I speculate that Xiao Chen or his family may be trying to use this method to test whether we can recognize the Boundary Breaking Stone."

“If you can’t recognize it, then you’re not qualified to cooperate.”

Ziyao Zhenjun sensed something was amiss: "If that's the case, why would he be looking for Elder Kuang?"

"Shouldn't we just come upstairs?"

True Monarch Canye smiled slightly: "That's very simple, because he has already taken that step, but he hasn't broken through yet."

He has gradually pieced together the truth.

However, True Monarch Ziyao became even more confused: "Uncle Ye, why don't I understand?"

What does this have to do with cultivation level?

Lord Canye patiently explained, "Miss, you also followed the path of enlightenment back then."

"Then think about it, after you took that step, how did you feel when you looked at other cultivators?"

Ziyao Zhenjun recalled for a moment: "I think I'm smarter than them!"

……

Lord Canye paused for a moment, then said, “That’s right, Miss, you are smarter than them all.”

"But besides this place, what else?"

This question caused True Monarch Ziyao to fall silent for a moment.

Then, skillfully pleading, "Oh, Uncle Ye, please stop teasing me and tell me what happened."

Upon hearing this, True Monarch Canye immediately explained, "The reason is actually quite simple: it's because of my identity!"

"Once that step is taken, reaching the Nascent Soul stage is only a matter of time."

"At this point, Xiao Chen probably already considered himself no longer a Golden Core cultivator, but rather half a Nascent Soul True Monarch."

"Given his qualifications, such an idea is quite reasonable."

"That's the problem. He hasn't fully broken through yet. If he came to see me directly, he should have shown me the courtesy due to a junior."

“Normally, this wouldn’t be a problem, but if the two sides cooperate in the future, we’ll have to meet many more times.”

"If I take the initiative to pay my respects as a junior now, wouldn't I be unknowingly lowering myself when we cooperate in the future?"

"He called me 'senior' this time, but what should he call me next time he breaks through to the Nascent Soul stage?"

"Zuoyou is just here to test the waters this time."

"Young people are shy and concerned about their image, so they will naturally try to avoid seeing each other."

After listening to Lord Canye's detailed explanation.

Ziyao Zhenjun suddenly realized: "So that's how it is."

"This Xiao Chen is really arrogant."

As she spoke, her eyes suddenly widened: "Oh dear, I should have called him up earlier!"

"I told him to call me 'senior' properly."

"If we miss this opportunity, we might have to address him as 'fellow Daoist' the next time we see him."

True Monarch Canye comforted him, "It's alright, breaking through to the Nascent Soul stage isn't that fast."

There will definitely be other opportunities later.

(End of this chapter)