Chapter 127: Treasure Appraisal Convention!
Chapter 127: Treasure Appraisal Convention!
Chapter 127: Treasure Appraisal Convention!
"What method? Please enlighten me, Elder Yao." Ling Feng's eyes flashed with a sharp light as he did a fist-and-palm salute.
"It's not really a secret. There's a Treasure Appraisal Convention happening tonight in Hanwu County, located on the edge of the Xianzong Mountain Range. It's an annual grand event in Hanwu County, and I happen to have received an invitation."
"The Treasure Appraisal Convention in Hanwu County?"
Ling Feng's eyelids twitched. He recalled passing through that area when returning to the Wenxian Sect and had heard about the Treasure Appraisal Convention.
The Treasure Appraisal Convention isn't until tonight, so given his speed, he would have ample time to rush from the Wenxian Sect to Hanwu County.
Elder Yao stroked his long beard and said with a faint smile, "Unfortunately, I still have other matters to attend to. I'm afraid I won't have time to attend the Treasure Appraisal Convention in Hanwu County. If you're interested, you might as well try your luck. I heard that the reward for the second place in the Treasure Appraisal Convention seems to be the Spirit Replenishing Marrow."
With that, Elder Yao retrieved a gold-threaded invitation from his sleeve and handed it to Ling Feng. "Take it."
"Thank you, Elder Yao!" Ling Feng accepted the invitation and once again performed a fist-and-palm salute to the Elder Yao. The news from Elder Yao couldn't have come at a more opportune moment.
"You're welcome," Elder Yao replied, "By eradicating those scoundrels from the Iron Blood Alliance, consider this invitation as a reward from me."
With a faint smile, Elder Yao continued, "Now go on. If you delay and miss the Treasure Appraisal Convention, this invitation will be wasted."
"Thank you! We'll take our leave now,"
Having spoken, Ling Feng bowed deeply to Elder Yao before promptly departing from the Treasure Pavilion with Jiang Wanqing.
"Elder Yao, you generously bestowed such a precious invitation upon Senior Uncle Ling Feng?"
"Yeah, the Treasure Appraisal Convention is an annual event, attended only by distinguished figures. Elder Yao, you've waited many years for this opportunity."
"Not an issue." Elder Yao shook his head with a smile. "At my age, chasing after mere fame holds little significance. Consider it a favor to that young lad. I dare say I still have some judgment in assessing people, and that youngster's future is boundless."
With these words, Elder Yao couldn't help but glance in the direction of Little Bamboo Peak, as if reminiscing about past events, he let out a long sigh.
Thirteen years ago, why did Duanmu Q?ngshan commit such heinous acts, including killing the previous sect leader? The truth behind it all was crystal clear to Elder Yao because he had witnessed everything that happened that fateful night.
Unfortunately, back then, deeply immersed in alchemy and with modest strength, he had no ability to contend with Lin Canglang and the others. All he could do was bury these secrets deep within his heart.
Through Ling Feng, he now glimpsed a glimmer of hope. Perhaps the time for the truth to be revealed had finally come.
He bided his time, patiently awaiting the day when Duanmu Qingshan would rise again!
...
As the sun gradually sank towards the horizon, Ling Feng reached Hanwu County, the evening casting its shadow.
Jiang Wanqing, on the other hand, was not accompanying him; Ling Feng had instructed her to return to Little Bamboo Peak or Yunxiu Peak and wait.
After all, it has become increasingly difficult for Jiang Wanqing to match Ling Feng's pace.
Hanwu County, despite being a provincial jurisdiction, was ablaze with lights within its walls. It was b ustling with people, presenting a lively and prosperous scene.
After retracting his Clear Spirit Wings, Ling Feng entered the city and proceeded eastward. Before long, he arrived in front of a shop named the Treasure Pavilion.
This Treasure Pavilion, the largest in Hanwu County, also served as the venue for tonight's Treasure Appraisal Convention.
In front of the pavilion, there was a bustling crowd, with people coming and going continuously, creating a lively scene.
Raising an eyebrow, Ling Feng strode into the Treasure Pavilion.
Upon entering, a maid with a rather hot figure came up to him. Upon seeing his somewhat shabby appearance, she couldn't help but show a hint of disdain. Clearly, she didn't think he belonged to any prominent family or clan. With a lazy tone, she said, "Sir, today is the annual Treasure Appraisal Convention at the Treasure Pavilion. You can’t enter without an invitation."
Observing Ling Feng's youthful appearance and the absence of any elders by his side, she presumed him to be a naive youth from some minor sects, perhaps here to purchase weapons or medicinal pills.
"I see." Ling Feng touched his nose and calmly retrieved an invitation from his pocket, "Here's the invitation. Can I go in now?"
"O-Of course you can!"
The maid's lips twitched slightly. Those who qualified to receive invitations were not individuals a mere maid like her could afford to offend. Instantly, her demeanor changed, as if she had put on a new face. She smiled sweetly and said, "Sorry about that, Mister. Earlier, I..."
"Alright, no need for further explanation," Ling Feng remarked calmly, "Lead the way."
"Yes, of course, please follow me, sir."
With no time to waste, she guided Ling Feng into a spacious hall, divided into numerous smaller side chambers, each capable of holding around twenty to thirty people.
"What's this for?" Ling Feng asked, somewhat puzzled.
"It seems this is your first time attending the Treasure Appraisal Convention," the maid said with a forced smile, "Before the convention begins, every esteemed guest undergoes such a test. You select the best treasures from these side chambers, and then we arrange your seat based on your appraisal abilities."
"Interesting," Ling Feng remarked with a faint smile, acknowledging the creativity of the individual who devised such rules.
Although Ling Feng lacked experience in treasure appraisal, he trusted in his keen perception. His Heavenly Dao Eye, capable of discerning the flow of qi within martial artists' bodies, allowed him to effortlessly assess the spiritual essence contained within treasures.
Gracefully turning around, the maid pointed towards a large door ahead. "This way, sir. You will select treasures in Side Hall 6 ahead. There are a hundred varieties of treasures in each room. Once you've made your selection, simply hand them over to the appraiser at the entrance."
"Mhmm."
Ling Feng nodded to the maid and promptly entered Side Hall 6.
Upon entering, Ling Feng was astonished to find that among the crowd selecting treasures, the woman who went by the name 'Lin Feng' was also present.
Stripped of her masculine attire and dressed in a light pink dress brimming with youthful vitality, this 'Lin Feng' indeed appeared captivatingly beautiful.
Ling Feng shrugged and quickly averted his gaze, mindful not to forget the purpose of his visit.
Lin Xian'er was curiously examining various treasures, furrowing her brows as she seemed unsure how to identify which ones were valuable.
Not far from her, a handsome man with a somewhat effeminate appearance was also engaged in selecting treasures. He seemed to be deliberately or inadvertently getting closer to Lin Xian'er, while she discreetly maintained some distance from him, indicating that she wasn't very close to him.
As it turned out, after leaving the Wenxian Sect, Lin Xian'er had planned to stay overnight in Hanwu County. To her surprise, she had an unexpected reunion with a senior brother from her days at the Tianwei Academy, Jia Lang.
This senior brother, Jia Lang, had only encountered Lin Xian'er a few times during their tenure at the Tianwei Academy, yet he had already been captivated by her beauty.
Now, upon unexpectedly encountering Lin Xian'er in his territory, he naturally seized the opportunity without hesitation. With great enthusiasm, he promptly offered to give Lin Xian'er a tour of Hanwu County, extending his hospitality.
Feeling unable to decline such earnest hospitality, Lin Xian'er reluctantly agreed.
Tonight, it was Jia Lang who had invited Lin Xian'er to attend the Treasure Appraisal Convention together. Who would have thought she would encounter Ling Feng here?