Soon, Ling Feng, accompanied by Yan Cangtian, made his way over to the appraisal center of the Tianmeng Auction House. There, specialized appraisers could evaluate a variety of valuable treasures.
"Good day, sirs. How may I assist you?"
The attendant at the door hurriedly greeted the two figures whose black cloaks obscured their features from head to toe.
The Tianmeng Chamber of Commerce was accustomed to dealing with all sorts of clientele, regardless of their affiliations. The attendant paid no mind to the attire of individuals like Ling Feng and Yan Cangtian.
"We have some medicinal pills that require appraisal. We intend to exchange them for crystal coins. Please lead us to an appraiser," Yan Cangtian said while grinning. "And make sure to find someone with keen eyes. Otherwise, we might not get a firm assessment."
The attendant chuckled inwardly but maintained a gentle smile on his face. "Rest assured, sirs. Our appraisers at Tianmeng are the finest."
Then, the attendant bowed slightly and made a gesture, saying, "Please follow me."
Following the young attendant through a splendid corridor, they soon arrived at a luxurious appraisal room.
"Master Bo Yang, there are guests here asking us to appraise some medicinal pills. Would you please assist them?"
The attendant knocked softly on the door, showing utmost respect in his tone.
Bo Yang was a high-level appraiser at Tianmeng Chamber of Commerce, especially renowned for his expertise in appraising medicinal pills despite his young age, earning him the title of 'master.'
"Come in." His voice was somewhat aloof and tinged with a hint of arrogance, as was common among young prodigies.
The attendant opened the door, ushering Yan Cangtian and Ling Feng inside. He then stepped aside, whispering, "Gentlemen, this is our esteemed appraiser renowned within Tianmeng Chamber of Commerce for his expertise in medicinal pill appraisal."
"Hmph, it's 'Master Appraiser!'" Master Bo Yang's brow furrowed as he extended his hand without even lifting his head, indifferently asking, "What medicinal pill is it? Bring it forth."
Yan Cangtian, witnessing the audacity of this so-called master, stepped forward and patted Ling Feng's shoulder. "Kid, bring out the goods. Let's show this guy what you've got!"
"Mhmm." Ling Feng shrugged, unimpressed by this supposed 'master.' He retrieved a jade box from his storage ring and placed it on the appraisal table.
Upon hearing Yan Cangtian's boastful remarks, Bo Yang's lips curled with a hint of scorn. His gaze landed on the jade box, and his eyes twitched slightly.
The jade box was indeed exquisite, as it was crafted from precious warm jade.
Typically, only high-grade medicinal pills would be stored in warm jade.
Bo Yang gently opened the jade box and cast a fleeting glance at the array of medicinal pills inside. There were twelve pills in total, each distinct from the others.
Each round and plump pill lay quietly in its groove within the jade box, covered by a jade piece to prevent any interaction between their properties.
It was a remarkable yet subtle storage method.
Bo Yang's expression turned solemn as he gingerly lifted the first jade piece, preparing to evaluate the pill. However, his expression suddenly changed.
He sniffed the air again, his face gradually becoming perplexed.
Bo Yang swallowed hard, rubbing his eyes vigorously. After covering the first pill back up, he opened the second one and sniffed it vigorously. He even placed one pill in his palm to examine it closely.
His expression grew increasingly grave.
The attendant beside him was dumbfounded, never having seen Master Bo Yang in such a state of confusion before.
Yan Cangtian and Ling Feng exchanged a glance, a faint smile playing on their lips.
If this guy can't even discern the qualities of these ancient pills, how can he still dare to call himself a master?
"This pill has such a pure fragrance, and contains almost no impurities. This indicates an extremely skillful refining process! Moreover, I've never encountered this type of medicinal pill before!"
Bo Yang gently set down the second pill and proceeded to analyze the third pill, and the fourth one...
By the time he reached the fifth pill, his complexion had turned pale, and sweat could be seen beaded on his forehead.
He couldn't recognize any of the first five medicinal pills!
I seriously called myself a master?
I've truly overestimated myself!
Placing the medicinal pills back into the jade box, Bo Yang's hands trembled slightly. He rose slowly and bowed to Yan Cangtian and Ling Feng. "Gentlemen, I-I cannot appraise these medicinal pills."
Bo Yang's face was filled with shame, and he even hung his head low like a defeated rooster.
Yan Cangtian sneered inwardly while feeling triumphant. As a grandmaster alchemist with the skills of a seventh-grade alchemist, it took me over a decade to perfect these pill formulas. If this kid could recognize them, I would kneel before him and call him my master!
He couldn't help but glance at Ling Feng. Perhaps only Ling Feng, a prodigy unmatched by anyone else, could match my level of skill!
The young attendant standing nearby couldn't help but swallow hard as he witnessed the usually arrogant Master Bo Yang...
Actually bowing his head!
"You're unable to appraise them? Aren't Tianmeng's appraisers supposed to be the best?" Yan Cangtian's voice carried a hint of amusement, causing Bo Yang to flush with embarrassment.
Gritting his teeth, Bo Yang said solemnly, "Gentlemen, please wait in the room. I'll go and ask my teacher, Master Jing Xuan, to appraise these pills. If he's the one to do it, there shouldn't be any issues."
"Hurry up then," said Yan Cangtian while waving impatiently. "I don't have much time!"
"Yes!" Bo Yang bowed respectfully to Yan Cangtian and hurried out of the room. He now realized that Yan Cangtian was undoubtedly a monstrous figure in the alchemy world. Coming here with a concealed identity to get his medicinal pills appraised was simply bullying!
"Take good care of our distinguished guests for me. I'll be back soon!" Bo Yang glanced at the attendant before quickly leaving the room.
The young attendant's heart was in turmoil as he respectfully served tea to Ling Feng and Yan Cangtian. He was completely deferential now.
Before long, Bo Yang returned with an elderly man whose hair was completely white. The man was chubby, especially around the belly, giving the impression of someone pregnant for five months.
As the elderly chubby man entered, he respectfully saluted Yan Cangtian and Ling Feng with a fist-and-palm salute while laughing heartily. "Haha, which friend from the alchemy world has come to amuse my incompetent disciple?"
Yan Cangtian glanced at the chubby elder and said blandly, "I have no interest in amusing your disciple. Master Jing Xuan, is it? Hurry up and appraise the medicinal pills for us!"
Master Jing Xuan, upon hearing Yan Cangtian's voice, tried to discern the identity of this mysterious elder but failed. He could only sigh softly and quickly walked to the appraisal table. He gently opened the jade box and began the appraisal earnestly.
As this concerned the reputation of Tianmeng Chamber of Commerce, the old man dared not be careless.