106: Chapter 106 Taking Down the True Dragon and Transforming it into Bones!
"One billion?!"
Pavilion Master Chen Feng's body shook violently.
He almost thought he had misheard.
His eyes widened as he looked at the composed Great Master Dong Xuan before him, then he snapped his head toward that gray, unremarkable true dragon bone fragment.
One billion federal currency!
This was nearly equivalent to half a year's net profit for the Myriad Beast Pavilion!
And this...
Was merely to purchase a fragment whose use he didn't even understand, and whose true value he couldn't even determine?
For a moment, Chen Feng was torn by an internal struggle.
Reason told him that this item might be related to the Legendary True Dragon and possessed immeasurable value; keeping it might allow him to sell it for a higher price in the future, or even use it to establish connections with higher-level powers.
But another voice reminded him.
In his hands, this object was like scrap metal; he couldn't even appraise it, let alone unlock its mysteries.
Forcibly keeping it might not be a blessing but a death warrant; once word leaked out, it would surely attract countless greedy eyes and bring disaster upon the Myriad Beast Pavilion!
On the other hand, this Great Master Dong Xuan could see its connection to the Dragon Clan at a glance; with the power behind him or his own abilities, he might actually have a way to unlock its secrets.
Rather than letting this hot potato rot in his hands, it was better to take this Opportunity to exchange it for a massive sum of capital and sell the other party a huge favor!
One billion in cash!
That was no small amount!
In a flash, Chen Feng had weighed the pros and cons clearly.
An incredibly warm smile instantly plastered onto his face, his tone carrying a perfect touch of respect and decisiveness: "The Master indeed has a Wisdom Eye! This object was like a pearl covered in dust in my hands; it is its fortune to have caught the Master's Dharma Eye! Since the Master has spoken, how could I possibly refuse?"
He changed his tone slightly, his eyes showing a hint of shrewdness and expectation as he lowered his voice: "It's just... if the Master truly gains some shocking Opportunity from this in the future, I hope... you won't forget the favor I'm doing for you today."
He stopped there, but his meaning was clear.
Hearing this, Jiang Yun felt relieved, knowing the deal was done.
He was not the type to burn bridges; if he truly gained a great Opportunity from this item, it wouldn't be impossible to grant the Myriad Beast Pavilion some convenience in the future, provided it didn't endanger himself.
He immediately nodded, his tone certain: "Rest assured, Pavilion Master Chen. If I truly gain something, I will not forget today's kindness."
"Good! With those words from the Master, I can rest easy!"
Chen Feng clapped his hands and laughed heartily.
The last trace of worry in his heart vanished into thin air.
The transaction proceeded exceptionally smoothly.
Jiang Yun directly transferred one billion federal currency. Even after deducting the costs of the wind god stone essence and this item from his previous auction proceeds, his federation card balance still held a massive sum of 3.95 billion!
The true dragon bone fragment was also carefully placed into his storage space.
As he held the heavy fragment...
Jiang Yun could clearly feel the faint fluctuations coming from the Formation upon it.
To be shielded by such a high-level Formation, the information regarding the True Dragon Ruins hidden within must be extraordinary!
This was a chance that could no longer be measured by money alone.
"However, the prompt said this is only a fragment... could there be other parts?"
Jiang Yun's mind was meticulous, and he immediately thought of the key point.
He turned to Chen Feng and asked, "Pavilion Master Chen, I wonder where your pavilion obtained this item? Is there any news regarding other parts?"
Hearing this...
A look of recollection appeared on Chen Feng's face, followed by a bitter smile: "To be honest, Master, this item was sold to us by a seemingly ordinary, limping old man. That old man didn't seem to know its background either, treating it as a strange curiosity, and eventually sold it to us for eight million."
At this point, a faint, imperceptible sense of shame flashed across Chen Feng's face.
Bought for eight million and sold for one billion—the profit margin was nothing short of exorbitant.
Although seeking profit was his nature as a businessman, he felt a bit guilty in front of a Master who likely possessed extraordinary skills.
Jiang Yun understood and felt a slight sense of disappointment.
It seemed that gathering the other fragments wouldn't be easy; he could only keep an eye out in the future.
He didn't dwell on the item's origin, nor did he care about the mere eight million cost.
In his eyes, the value of this true dragon bone fragment was far beyond what money could measure; as long as he could get it, it was worth it.
The two exchanged a few more pleasantries regarding the path of appraisal, and then Jiang Yun rose to take his leave.
Now that he had ample funds, he urgently needed to go to the mall to secure those attribute Spirit Stones he had his eye on, to help his familiars grow.
Chen Feng personally saw him out, his attitude even more warm and respectful than before.
However, when the two reached the main hall, a discordant sound of scolding reached their ears.
The young waiter who had repeatedly made things difficult for Jiang Yun earlier was standing arrogantly in front of a bowing Xiao Yun, spittle flying as he berated her:
"Xiao Yun! Do you think you're something special just because you served a big client? Huh? I'm telling you, seniority is king here! Look at you, all clumsy, you can't even serve tea and water to VIPs properly! You almost bumped into a guest just now, did you know that? If I hadn't covered for you, you'd have been reported long ago! A newcomer like you, if it weren't for us veterans guiding you, you'd have long since..."
His words were sharp and mean-spirited, clearly intended to suppress the newcomer. He was obviously jealous of Xiao Yun's luck today and was using this as an excuse to lash out.
Xiao Yun bit her lip, her eyes rimmed with red, but she didn't dare talk back, only whispering a defense: "I... I really didn't bump into anyone just now, I was just walking a bit fast..."
"You dare talk back?!"
The young waiter's voice suddenly rose.
This drew the attention of several nearby guests and waiters.
This scene...
Happened to be witnessed by Jiang Yun and Chen Feng as they stepped out of the VIP passage.
Jiang Yun's brow furrowed beneath his mask.
A wave of displeasure rose in his heart.
He hadn't wanted to specifically retaliate against such a petty person for the previous mockery to avoid unnecessary trouble.
But seeing that this person's character was so low...
And that he was currently bullying Xiao Yun, who had served him sincerely, Jiang Yun felt it necessary to say something.
The young waiter also immediately saw the Pavilion Master and Dong Xuan beside him, and his face instantly turned deathly pale.
His scolding stopped abruptly, and he quickly switched to a fawning, respectful expression, bowing deeply: "Pavilion Master! Master!"
He was inwardly crying out in distress.
Thinking of his previous actions...
He prayed that this great figure would be forgetful and wouldn't remember a small fry like him, nor stoop to his level.
However...
His humble prayer had barely formed before it was shattered.
Jiang Yun stopped in his tracks, his gaze calmly sweeping over the young waiter. That look was as still as water, yet it made the waiter feel as if he had fallen into an ice cellar.
Then, Jiang Yun turned to Chen Feng beside him, his tone carrying a clear note of displeasure. His voice carried through the mask, echoing clearly in the now-quiet hall:
"Pavilion Master Chen, your pavilion is excellent in every way—countless treasures and thorough service. It's just... the threshold for hiring seems to have been set a bit too loose. Some sycophantic, snobbish trash has actually managed to mingle among you, barking like a dog here. It truly ruins the mood and stains the reputation of the Myriad Beast Pavilion."
His words were like knives, accurately piercing through the young waiter's previous behavior!
"Ma... Master... I..."
The young waiter's face lost all color instantly, his body trembling uncontrollably. He wanted to explain, but found he couldn't utter a single word as a massive fear gripped his heart.
Jiang Yun, however, didn't look at him again.
It was as if he had merely brushed away a speck of dust.
He turned to look at Xiao Yun, who was stunned by this sudden turn of events, and casually took out a thick stack of thousand-yuan federal currency notes from his storage space—at least fifty or sixty thousand by the thickness—and gently placed them on the tray in her hands.
"Little girl, I am very satisfied with your service today. Consider this your tip."
His tone was much gentler.
After speaking, he gave Chen Feng a slight nod: "Pavilion Master Chen, farewell."
"Safe travels, Master! Regarding today's matter, I will certainly give you a satisfactory explanation!"
Chen Feng quickly bowed him out.
His face had completely darkened.
As soon as Jiang Yun's figure disappeared through the door, he spun around, his gaze cold as a blade, landing on the young waiter who had collapsed to the floor.
From what had just happened and what Jiang Yun had said...
He had obviously guessed about seventy or eighty percent of the story.
"Idiot!"
Chen Feng's voice carried suppressed fury.
"You certainly put on quite an air! How dare you treat guests like this and bully your colleagues?! My Myriad Beast Pavilion is too small a temple to house a 'great buddha' like you! From this moment on, you are fired! Someone! Throw him out! Put him on the Myriad Beast Pavilion blacklist; he is never to be hired again!"
"No! Pavilion Master! Please, no!"
The young waiter snapped out of it, scrambling over to grab Chen Feng's leg, begging with tears and snot streaming down his face: "Pavilion Master! I know I was wrong! I really know I was wrong! I've worked at the Myriad Beast Pavilion for six years; if there's no glory, there's at least hard work! Please give me another chance! I'll never do it again!"
At this moment, his heart was filled with boundless regret.
If he had known that the masked man he had mocked as a pauper who just got lucky was such a powerful figure with such vast influence, he would have knelt and licked his boots to beg for forgiveness!
Why did he have to have such a foul mouth?
Why did he have to look down on people?
However, it was all too late.
Two burly guards stepped forward expressionlessly, lifting the limp young waiter from both sides and dragging him outside without ceremony.
The young waiter's desperate cries and pleas echoed in the hall before finally vanishing outside, leaving behind a mess and a group of waiters as quiet as cicadas in winter.
Chen Feng snorted coldly, his gaze sweeping the room before landing on Xiao Yun, who was still holding the stack of cash in a daze. His expression softened slightly as he announced loudly: "Starting today, for her diligent work, excellent service, and for earning the appreciation of a VIP guest, Xiao Yun is promoted to Front Hall Supervisor, responsible for coordinating reception matters!"
"Whoa—!"
As soon as these words were spoken, the hall erupted in uncontrollable gasps and envious looks.
From a rookie front-desk waiter to a Front Hall Supervisor in one leap... this was a rocket-like promotion!
Xiao Yun was completely stunned.
The massive surprise and shock left her unable to react for a moment, and she could only stare blankly at Chen Feng.
Chen Feng gave her a gentle nod: "Work hard, and do not disappoint... the VIP's appreciation."
He spoke with hidden meaning but did not elaborate.
"Yes... Yes! Thank you, Pavilion Master! I will definitely work hard!"
Xiao Yun finally came to her senses.
She bowed repeatedly in excitement, her face flushing bright red.
Chen Feng said no more and turned to leave.
Leaving Xiao Yun standing there, feeling the complex gazes of envy, jealousy, and flattery from her colleagues.
She subconsciously hugged the heavy stack of cash tightly, her gaze involuntarily drifting toward the direction Jiang Yun had left, her heart filled with endless gratitude and admiration.
"Sir... thank you..."
She murmured in her heart; that mysterious and powerful figure was now deeply etched into her soul... Meanwhile...
Jiang Yun had already quickly changed out of his black robes and mask in a deserted alleyway, restoring his original appearance and clothing.
He carefully stowed away his gear. Feeling the heavy true dragon bone fragment in his storage space and the nearly four billion in his federation card, a heartfelt smile appeared on his face.
"This trip to the Myriad Beast Pavilion yielded gains far beyond expectations."
He whispered to himself.
With a thought, the grayish-brown true dragon bone fragment appeared in his hand once more.
Stroking the rough and mysterious patterns...
Jiang Yun's gaze was firm.
"An Amethyst Rank Formation-attribute familiar... proficient in Formations..."
He recalled the prompt given by his talent.
"I've never heard of one in C City. It seems I'll have to wait until I reach the provincial capital to inquire. Perhaps I can ask Old Li for some information."
Thinking of this...
Jiang Yun's anticipation for going to the provincial academy grew even stronger.
There, not only would there be a broader stage and more powerful opponents, but also clues to unlocking the mystery of this true dragon bone fragment.
He looked up at the sky; it was nearly evening.
"Time to go to the trade association. Those hundreds of thousands of attribute Spirit Stones are still waiting for me to pay for them."
Jiang Yun focused his mind and stowed away the true dragon bone fragment.
He straightened his clothes.
Stepping out of the alley, he headed toward the C City mall.
🔊 Text To Speech
Listen while reading