Volume 2: Qi State Tour, Chapter 106: Business

Everyone in the Appraisal Pavilion could not suppress the excitement surging in their hearts, their eyes fixed intently on Zhang Heng, waiting only for the instant he lowered the stone slab so they could immediately seize it. If it were not for the fact that this was the Appraisal Pavilion, they might have already rushed forward to snatch it. Observing the excited expressions on everyone's faces, Zhang Heng felt as if a basin of cold water had been poured over him, and he let out a sigh. "It is a pity," he said regretfully. "Senior Gu Xingbai left this sword scar when he was only at the Return to Void Realm, so the Sword Dao Will contained within this sword scar is not particularly strong. Unless one possesses extremely high talent in the Sword Dao, they cannot comprehend anything from it." With those words, Zhang Heng casually set down the stone slab and proceeded to the central area of the Appraisal Pavilion, where he found a seat and sat down. The moment Zhang Heng left, the crowd erupted in excitement, each one desperately trying to grab the stone slabs. Zhang Heng's words had done nothing to dampen their enthusiasm. Although it was a young Sword Saint's, it was still something related to the Sword Saint, and taking it out to show off would bring much face. Watching dozens of people fighting over a single stone slab, Zhang Heng truly could not understand their behavior. It was not strange that he did not understand. Even Gu Xingbai's life-bound magical artifact, the Heart-Protecting Sword, was in his possession. Zhang Heng made no further comments on any of the items but instead sat quietly in the middle, observing as others made their purchases. He who acts leaves a thread for future meetings. If he had truly explained the origins and functions of all the items in the Appraisal Pavilion, he would likely offend the owner of this establishment. Although Zhang Heng was unafraid, having more friends than enemies was always better. He sat for a considerable time, and only midway through did a waitress bring him a cup of tea. The major figures of the Appraisal Pavilion had yet to make an appearance. Zhang Heng smiled to himself, realizing that his performance had not been sufficient. That made sense. After all, the items Zhang Heng had commented on were all of little value. Even if others learned of them, the Appraisal Pavilion would not suffer significant losses. Zhang Heng glanced around and then stood up, walking toward the most prominently displayed items. From the decorations and placement, it was clear that the Appraisal Pavilion would be asking a high price for these. This Appraisal Pavilion had stood for many years in the imperial city of Qi State; it must have considerable influence and would not mind ordinary items. But if the true value of this object was revealed, even the Appraisal Pavilion might feel a pang of pain. It was a round bronze mirror, the entire surface exuding an aura of vicissitudes. Three layers of spiritual energy shields had been arranged both inside and outside for protection. Zhang Heng could only observe from a distance and dared not touch it. After standing for a moment, Zhang Heng prepared to speak when... Suddenly, a group of people descended from the second floor, led by a kindly elderly man with white brows and white hair, dressed in a white robe. As he approached Zhang Heng, he laughed heartily, "This distinguished guest has graced our humble shop, bestowing it with honor. This old man is named Bai Chen, the manager here. I would like to invite Young Master Zhang Heng to the second floor for a light drink. May I ask if Young Master is willing?" "Accepted." Zhang Heng nodded slightly, indicating respect. This sight caused the surrounding crowd to lose all hope. They had hoped to hear this young man comment on the Appraisal Pavilion's priceless treasures, but instead, the Pavilion Master Bai Chen had personally appeared to interfere. They muttered inwardly, "Boring," and then scattered in all directions to seek their desired items. "Invite me to drink tea?" This was exactly what Zhang Heng wanted. Although the Appraisal Pavilion possessed many rare and curious items, Zhang Heng had already looted the entire Burial Dragon Abyss, so he had no use for these things. He had come here to seek a partner. After all, the Yin Shen Sect was quite powerful, and to eradicate it root and branch, Zhang Heng required absolute strength. Where would such strength come from? Naturally, from the major sects participating in the Imperial City Great Competition or the prominent local powers in the Qi Kingdom's imperial city. Why was the Appraisal Pavilion able to stand firmly in the Qi Kingdom's imperial city? Why did the cultivators who had spent large sums of money only to buy useless items not dare to come to the Appraisal Pavilion to cause trouble? Why did the Appraisal Pavilion dare to place those precious items on the counter for sale without fearing thieves stealing them? All of this showed that the Appraisal Pavilion possessed extremely strong power. This old man calling himself Bai Chen actually had strength at the Heaven Origin Third Rank, surpassing even the Qi Emperor of the Qi Kingdom. What a coincidence. Zhang Heng followed them up to the second floor, which displayed no goods. Only elaborately decorated rooms remained, undoubtedly intended for entertaining distinguished guests. After taking their seats, the waitress promptly prepared tea for Zhang Heng. The old man smiled at him, then gently took a sip of the tea. Anyone unaware of the situation might have thought the old man had truly invited Zhang Heng for tea. "Old man, what exactly did you summon me here for?" Zhang Heng spoke first. The old man laughed heartily and countered, "Young brother, what business do you have with me? Please speak directly." Zhang Heng smiled, knowing that the old man had already guessed his intentions. It was only natural, as his actions had been so obvious that even a fool would have noticed. He altered his expression and said coldly, "Old man, your Appraisal Pavilion is in the business of trade. Since I am here seeking you out, it is naturally for the purpose of conducting business." "Oh. What sort of business does Young Brother wish to discuss?" the old man asked with a smile. Although the old man was smiling, Zhang Heng knew his heart was not at ease, having been led around by the nose. No one would be happy about that. Therefore, Zhang Heng decided to offer them a bit of sweetness. "Old man, I have no special talents except that I enjoy studying some strange and bizarre objects." Zhang Heng said indifferently. Then his tone suddenly changed, and he said domineeringly, "No need for pleasantries. I know all there is to know about the items in your Appraisal Pavilion." This extremely boastful remark made the old man Bai Chen even more displeased. However, he cleverly suppressed his dissatisfaction and maintained a smile on his face. "Young Brother, what exactly do you mean?" Bai Chen wanted to retort, but he knew that the young man before him, who underestimated his own worth, actually possessed some real substance. "Old man, I mean that if there is anything in your Pavilion that you are uncertain about, I am willing to examine it for you. I will tell you for free." Zhang Heng continued in his boastful manner. "Young Brother, there is no such thing as something for nothing in this world. What do you require of this old man? Please speak plainly." Zhang Heng's smile vanished, his voice turning ice-cold: "I will solve the mysteries for your Appraisal Pavilion. In return, your Appraisal Pavilion will assist me in destroying the Yin Shen Sect. This is the business I wish to discuss." Upon hearing this, Bai Chen felt a slight shock but quickly recovered. "Young Brother, the Yin Shen Sect is not insignificant. Eradicating it is no easy matter. The chips you are offering are insufficient." It seemed that the Appraisal Pavilion had considerable power, for this old man Bai Chen first considered the issue of insufficient chips rather than whether they could actually destroy the sect. It appeared that the Yin Shen Sect was not considered much in their eyes. Zhang Heng let out a cold laugh, rose to his feet, and walked toward Bai Chen. Then his playful voice sounded out. "Old Master Bai, do you know why I have no interest in that stone slab bearing the Sword Saint Gu Xingbai's sword scar?" The old man was also momentarily puzzled and asked casually, "Why?" According to the rules of the Appraisal Pavilion, since the stone slab was in Zhang Heng's hands, Zhang Heng possessed the priority right to purchase it. Yet Zhang Heng showed no interest at all, which left them quite baffled.