Chapter 92: 92

To not reciprocate was against common etiquette. Zu Can was aware of how the coming battle required tenacity. Since the other man had hired a so-called master of beast appraisals, Master Liao, Zu Can had to introduce Lin Jin as well.

Zu Tianli frowned, probably feeling it a pity that Zu Can regained his composure so quickly without falling for his trap. As for Lin Jin whom Zu Can had introduced, Zu Tianli couldn’t be bothered.

“Appraiser Lin? Hmph, I’ve never heard of him. Zu Can, procuring pet beasts for the family is a significant task, so how could you fool around? It would have been fine still if you invited Chief Wang instead, or at least Gao Jiang. But the Gao family is also here to purchase pet beasts so Gao Jiang would never appraise the beasts for us. Which is why I’ve invited Master Liao. Let’s give Master Liao full authority for appraising the pet beasts our family will choose to buy this time.”

Fury burned within Zu Can’s heart, but after suffering an initial defeat earlier, he was much clever now. At least he wouldn’t show his hatred anymore despite seething on the inside. Finally, he was able to launch a counterattack in a different way.

“May I know if Master Liao is a certified beast appraiser?” Zu Can questioned.

“Uhm…” Zu Tianli directed a hesitant gaze at Master Liao. He only knew that Master Liao was a hermit and expertise that was considered legendary in some communities, but he truly had no idea if Master Liao was a certified beast appraiser or not.

Master Liao proactively answered the question, “Although I’m not a certified beast appraiser, I’ve had over forty years of beast appraisal and treatment experience. No one dares to question my skills. As for beast appraiser certifications, those are merely superficial titles. Back when I was appraising beasts, even Maple City’s Beast Appraisal Association’s Wang Ji was just a little apprentice. Young man, don’t be so caught up on certifications. A real expert would never bother with such false appearances.”

His experience was emphasized in his statement and he even took the chance to lecture Zu Can with an arrogant expression.

Zu Can’s gums were itching from anger. He knew that he had to endure this, otherwise, if this procurement authority was snatched away, his father would surely blame him when he got back.

For now, he could only place all his hopes unto Lin Jin.

Zu Can had absolute confidence in Lin Jin.

“Second Uncle, it was also my father’s wishes to have Appraiser Lin with me. Moreover, Appraiser Lin has passed the Rank 2 beast appraiser examination. If anything, I think it’s better to have Appraiser Lin evaluate the pet beasts for us.” Zu Can was fairly persistent.

‘You want manners? Take it.’

‘But if you want to oppress me with your seniority, you can forget about it.’

Upon hearing this, both Zu Tianli and Master Liao were stunned.

A Rank 2 beast appraiser was indeed impressive. After all, the chief of Maple City’s Beast Appraisal Association was only Rank 2 as well.

Another problem arose. Neither Zu Tianli nor Master Liao believed him because Lin Jin was too young to possibly be a Rank 2 appraiser.

“Hmph, I’d really like to meet a Rank 2 beast appraiser!” Master Liao was the first to make his move. After surveying Lin Jin, he smirked. “Since he’s a Rank 2 beast appraiser, why doesn’t he have a two-ringed beast pattern on his sleeve? There are many con artists lately. Young man, don’t get yourself fooled.”

At this, Zu Tianli came to as well. He took a glance at Lin Jin’s sleeve and sure enough, there wasn’t a beast pattern found. Forget two rings, there wasn’t even one ring. He instantly burst out in anger, “Zu Can, you know how important purchasing pet beasts for the family is. This isn’t child’s play. You’re not even sure that he’s a beast appraiser but you brought over someone like him to fool around. If he’s a con artist and messes up this huge event for our family, I’m telling you, even your father won’t forgive you.”

Lin Jin had just passed the Rank 2 beast appraiser exam that afternoon. Yu Mantang had delivered the message back to headquarters at once but the official certification has yet to be sent over.

However, it was a fact that Lin Jin had passed the exam.

Zu Can was about to retort when Lin Jin held him back. He knew that it was time for his debut.

With Zu Tianli and Master Liao echoing each others’ words, Zu Can couldn’t possibly match up to these old men on his own. Since Lin Jin was here on Zu Can’s invitation, he couldn’t keep himself out of the argument now that they have come across it.

Moreover, the other man had ignored and ridiculed him to such an extent. Lin Jin had to fight back.

“Master Liao, was it?” Lin Jin approached smilingly. “Beast appraising isn’t about lip service. Since this Master Liao thinks that his beast appraisal skills are profound and invincible, why don’t we talk facts? When the auction begins later, we’ll use our own skills to evaluate, choose, and purchase the best pet beast. Whoever chooses the inferior beast will be, for lack of a better word, the lousy one. They will have to shoulder the cost of spirit stones used to purchase said pet beast. With this, the Zu family wouldn’t be at a disadvantage and we can settle the score between us.”

Lin Jin was simply showing his hand without unnecessary talk.

‘Weren’t you all that? Didn’t you assume you’re above everyone else? Then let’s go big or go home. Let’s see if you dare to take this bet.’

Admittedly, Lin Jin’s method was beyond ‘ruthless’. The loser would have to pay up from their own pocket and one should know that each pet beast here costs at least several hundred spirit stones. Regular folk couldn’t possibly afford that sum.

If they came across a competitor, the price would only increase to the point of gaining several folds.

Sure enough, Master Liao’s expression froze. He was feeling light-headed from Lin Jin’s unexpected offensive.

If he lost, not only would he embarrass himself, but he would also have to pay a heavy price.

His first notion was to reject this bet.

Be that as it may, he snapped out of it quickly. If he were to reject the challenge front of so many people, they would assume that he was afraid. And wouldn’t that destroy the ‘reputation’ he had built for such a long time?

There were many onlookers around and Zu Tianli was also staring expectantly at him.

“Who’s this old guy?”

“You don’t know Master Liao? He’s a famous hidden expert in our Maple City, a renowned beast appraiser.”

“That’s incredible! I have to keep my eyes peeled.”

After overhearing the discussion from those around him, Master Liao’s anger gave way to courage and he felt his blood boil as he came to a decision.

Putting his hands behind him, he straightened up proudly and said in a pompous manner, “Young man, you don’t know your place. Competing with you would be bullying you, but if you’re willing to, I don’t mind playing along with you. I just hope that when you lose, you can reflect on your actions.”

Lin Jin smiled.

‘I fear you wouldn’t take the bet more than anything.’

‘And since you’ve chosen to take up my challenge, please excuse me for not holding back.’

The auction was about to begin as members of the Friar Association filed into the hall. Then, someone rang the copper bell signifying the start of this auction event.

One of the Friar Association members raised his hand to have all the thick veils covering the beast cages pulled away, revealing the pet beasts trapped within.

For this auction, they wouldn’t bring each beast onstage and have an auctioneer announce the offered prices where the highest bidder wins.

It didn’t work that way.

The auction event here worked like ‘street stalls’.

Placed beside the cage of every pet beast was a wooden sign. Every bidder came in with a paddle in hand. If they were interested in any pet beast, they just had to stick their paddles on and write down their bidding price. If another person shows up with a higher bid, the last bid price would be replaced with this new amount.

It goes without saying that the highest bidder wins.