Chapter 352 Blackrock City! Top-Grade Appraiser!

The banquet was held in the first-floor hall of the Town Office.

It was simple, yet lively.

Several long tables were pushed together, covered with clean coarse cloth, and laid out with the best dishes Ash Town could offer.

A large basin of tenderly stewed Vicious Beast meat, several large golden-roasted fish, a few plates of stir-fried wild vegetables, and jars of home-brewed fruit wine.

The aroma permeated the entire hall.

Xiao Jianshan sat in the seat of honor, his face glowing with delight.

He raised a wine bowl, his voice booming.

"Come! Prodigies, I, Xiao, toast you all!"

"This bowl is to thank you for saving Ash Town!"

"Cheers!"

He tilted his head back and drained the bowl of fruit wine in one go.

Lei Qing laughed heartily and also picked up his wine bowl.

"The Town Head is bold! Cheers!"

He drank it dry in one breath and wiped his mouth.

"Good wine!"

Liu Qingshuang took a small sip and set it down.

She was not a strong drinker, but at this moment, she nodded slightly to show her gratitude.

Xiao Chen also drank a bowl, his expression remaining unchanged.

Jiang Yun raised his wine bowl and took a shallow taste.

The fruit wine was sweet with a faint fruity aroma; the alcohol content wasn't high, making it perfect for a victory banquet.

Xiao Jianshan put down his bowl and looked at Jiang Yun, his eyes full of emotion.

"Young Master Jiang, I have lived for forty-three years and have never seen a young hero like you."

"At Gold Rank Five, fighting twenty Gold Fierce Beasts alone, and being able to retreat unscathed, even counter-killing an Amethyst Tier 5..."

He shook his head.

"I am impressed, truly impressed."

Fierce Tiger Li also nodded repeatedly from the side.

"Indeed! Sacred Student, your beast taming is simply divine!"

"When that Thunderstorm move came down, those Vicious Beasts were like paper!"

He grew more excited as he spoke and raised his wine bowl again.

"Sacred Student, I, Fierce Tiger Li, toast you!"

"You saved my life and the life of the Old Wolf; if you ever need anything in the future, just give the word!"

He drained it in one breath.

Jiang Yun smiled.

"The Captain overstates it."

He raised his bowl and took another sip.

Lei Qing leaned in.

"Sacred Student, that avian beast of yours, what's its origin?"

He lowered his voice, his eyes full of curiosity.

"I saw its lightning; it's completely different from ordinary lightning-type beasts."

"That aura... it's a bit terrifying."

Although Liu Qingshuang didn't speak, she glanced over slightly, clearly waiting for Jiang Yun's answer as well.

Xiao Chen also looked at him.

Jiang Yun pondered for a moment.

He knew these people were trustworthy teammates.

But Little Skylark's origin was too shocking.

Something like the Ancient Wind-Thunder Divine Peng Bloodline was better left unsaid.

He smiled.

"Its Bloodline is just a bit special."

"I can't really explain the specifics."

Hearing this, Lei Qing didn't press further.

He gave a chuckle.

"Either way, it's just awesome!"

After several rounds of drinks and food.

The atmosphere became increasingly lively.

Xiao Jianshan talked about the history of Ash Town, the struggles against Vicious Beasts over the years, and the brothers who had been sacrificed.

When he reached an emotional point, his eyes reddened, and he drank several more bowls.

Fierce Tiger Li was also deeply moved.

He held the Iron Spine Azure Wolf, which had recovered somewhat, and rambled about the past ten-plus years the Old Wolf had spent fighting by his side.

Lei Qing listened with great interest, occasionally chiming in.

Liu Qingshuang sat quietly, occasionally taking a bite of food.

Xiao Chen still didn't say much, only nodding occasionally.

Jiang Yun listened while considering his next itinerary.

The banquet lasted until late at night.

Everyone returned satisfied.

Xiao Jianshan had already arranged accommodations.

Jiang Yun was placed in a clean and tidy guest room.

He lay on the bed, his Divine Sense sinking into his Beast Taming Space.

Inside the Beast Taming Space.

Little Fire was still sleeping.

The earth core molten dragon crystal had been mostly refined; its aura was growing stronger, and it wasn't far from Gold Rank Eight.

Little Skylark perched on the lightning-struck wood, purple-gold lightning arcs flickering around it as it seemed to be digesting the gains from today's battle.

And Nether Abyss—

It was currently lying next to that pile of seven-colored crystals.

After Jiang Yun had stored those crystals in the Beast Taming Space, they had automatically piled into a small mountain.

Nether Abyss lay beside that small mountain, greedily absorbing the aura emanating from the crystals.

Its state was much better than when it first entered.

Its mental trauma was completely healed, and its aura was stable at the Peak of Purple Crystal Level 4, ready to break through at any time.

It sensed Jiang Yun's Divine Sense and raised its head, looking toward the sky.

In those cold eyes, there was no longer the previous resistance and resentment.

In its place was a sense of satisfaction and ease.

It gave a low growl, and a Divine Sense fluctuation came through.

"Master... here... very good..."

Jiang Yun smiled slightly.

"Cultivate well."

He withdrew his Divine Sense.

He closed his eyes and fell into a deep sleep.

The next day.

Early morning.

Sunlight spilled into the room through the window.

Jiang Yun opened his eyes, got up, and washed.

Walking out of the room, Lei Qing and the others were already waiting in the courtyard.

Liu Qingshuang was still cool and distant, but her complexion looked much better than yesterday.

Xiao Chen was full of energy, holding that short sword in his hand as if familiarizing himself with its feel.

Lei Qing held the Lightning Element Crystal, grinning ear to ear.

"Sacred Student, morning!"

Jiang Yun nodded.

"Let's go, it's time to head to the town center."

Town center square.

Xiao Jianshan and Fierce Tiger Li had been waiting for a long time.

Behind them stood dozens of guard members.

Everyone was neatly dressed with solemn expressions.

Seeing Jiang Yun and the others approach, Xiao Jianshan walked forward quickly to meet them.

"Young Master Jiang! Prodigies!"

He cupped his hands in greeting.

"On behalf of all the people of Ash Town, I, Xiao, thank you all once again for saving our lives!"

Behind him, all the guard members saluted in unison.

"Thank you, prodigies, for saving our lives!"

Lei Qing hurriedly waved his hands.

"Town Head, don't do that, don't do that!"

"It was our duty!"

Liu Qingshuang nodded slightly as a return gesture.

Xiao Chen cupped his hands.

Jiang Yun stepped forward and helped Xiao Jianshan up.

"Town Head, there is no need for such ceremony."

He looked at the sky.

"It's getting late; it's time for us to head back."

A trace of reluctance flashed in Xiao Jianshan's eyes.

But he knew these young people had their own paths to follow.

He nodded heavily.

"Good! I will see you off!"

Everyone arrived outside the town.

Lei Qing summoned the Thunder Beast.

Liu Qingshuang called out the Profound Frost Heavenly Luan.

Xiao Chen's Heavenly Sword Beast also appeared beside him.

Jiang Yun mounted Little Skylark.

He took out his Mission Token and handed it to Lei Qing.

"Lei Qing, take this."

Lei Qing was stunned.

"Sacred Student, you're..."

Jiang Yun said calmly.

"I still have some matters to deal with; I won't be returning to the academy for now."

"After you return, help me turn in the mission."

Lei Qing took the token, somewhat confused.

"Sacred Student, you're not going back? Where are you going?"

Liu Qingshuang and Xiao Chen also looked at him.

Jiang Yun smiled.

"A bit of private business."

"Don't worry, I'll be back soon."

Lei Qing wanted to ask more.

But seeing Jiang Yun's calm expression, he tactfully refrained from prying.

He nodded heavily.

"Alright! Rest assured, Sacred Student, I'll make sure the mission is turned in for you!"

Liu Qingshuang looked at Jiang Yun.

In those cool eyes, a trace of imperceptible concern flashed.

She said softly.

"Take care."

Xiao Chen also cupped his hands.

"Sacred Student, until we meet again."

Jiang Yun nodded.

"Until we meet again."

He looked at Xiao Jianshan and Fierce Tiger Li.

"Town Head, Captain, farewell."

Xiao Jianshan's eyes reddened slightly.

"Young Master Jiang, take care on your journey!"

"The gates of Ash Town will always be open for you!"

Fierce Tiger Li also nodded repeatedly.

"Sacred Student, come visit often when you have time!"

Jiang Yun smiled.

He gently patted Little Skylark.

Little Skylark's wings shook, and a purple-gold lightning light pierced the sky as it flew into the distance.

Behind him.

Lei Qing and the others, riding their respective beasts, also took to the air.

The two groups gradually drifted apart in the sky.

Xiao Jianshan stood in place, watching Jiang Yun's receding back.

After a long time.

He sighed softly.

"Old Li."

Fierce Tiger Li responded.

"Town Head?"

Xiao Jianshan withdrew his gaze.

"Let's go, head back."

He didn't move.

He just stood there, seemingly waiting for something.

Sure enough.

A moment later, a figure descended from the sky.

It was Jiang Yun.

Xiao Jianshan smiled.

"Young Master Jiang, I knew you would come back."

Jiang Yun landed and put away Little Skylark.

He looked at Xiao Jianshan.

"Town Head, you said earlier you had something to tell me?"

Xiao Jianshan nodded.

His expression became solemn.

"Young Master Jiang, I have some news that might interest you."

"Regarding a newly appeared Secret Realm."

Jiang Yun raised an eyebrow.

"A new Secret Realm?"

Xiao Jianshan nodded.

"It's in the southeast direction of the Barren Bone Region, about five hundred miles from here."

"It only appeared a few days ago; the entrance is a spatial rift."

"People have already gone in to investigate; the space inside is quite large, and there are many treasures."

He paused.

"Now, several major forces in the Barren Bone Region are recruiting people, wanting to organize teams to go in and explore."

"The Blood Thorn Mercenary Group is one of them."

A trace of interest flashed in Jiang Yun's eyes.

"Recruiting? What are the conditions?"

Xiao Jianshan said.

"Either your strength is sufficient—Diamond Rank or above."

"Or you have special abilities—Appraisers, Formation Masters, Inscriptionists, Healers, any of those will do."

"Supposedly they only want twenty people, and many have already signed up."

Jiang Yun pondered.

Diamond Rank, he didn't have.

But special abilities...

He thought of his identity as Grand Tutor Dongxuan.

An Appraiser.

And the highest-level kind of Appraiser at that.

He looked at Xiao Jianshan.

"Town Head, how does this Secret Realm compare to the Molten Cavern?"

Xiao Jianshan thought for a moment.

"Naturally, it can't compare."

"The Molten Cavern is a famous large Secret Realm within the provincial capital's range; even Amethyst or Diamond Ranks might not return unscathed."

"This new Secret Realm is at most considered a medium Secret Realm."

"However, medium Secret Realms have medium Secret Realm treasures; for Gold and Amethyst Ranks, it's also a rare Opportunity."

Jiang Yun nodded.

He already had a plan in mind.

The battle for slots in the Molten Cavern was still a few days away.

Taking this gap to visit this new Secret Realm might truly yield some gains.

Although Little Fire and Little Skylark had just broken through, the deeper their foundation, the better.

He looked at Xiao Jianshan.

"Thank you for telling me, Town Head."

Xiao Jianshan smiled.

"Young Master Jiang is too polite."

"You saved Ash Town; what is this bit of news in comparison."

He patted Jiang Yun on the shoulder.

"Young Master Jiang, be careful on the road."

"The Barren Bone Region is not peaceful."

Jiang Yun nodded.

He summoned Little Skylark again.

He flipped himself onto its back.

"Town Head, until we meet again."

Xiao Jianshan cupped his hands.

"Until we meet again."

Little Skylark's wings shook, and the purple-gold lightning light took to the air once more.

This time, he was truly leaving.

In the sky.

Jiang Yun rode Little Skylark toward the southeast.

After flying for about half an hour.

A plain white figure slowly emerged from the void.

Fox Immortal.

She sat lazily on Little Skylark's back, glancing sideways at Jiang Yun.

"What? You're really going to that Secret Realm?"

Jiang Yun nodded.

"Naturally."

"There are treasures; why not go?"

Fox Immortal gave a light laugh.

"As you wish."

"But let me give you fair warning."

She paused.

"If we encounter a danger that even this Empress cannot handle, this Empress will not care about you."

Jiang Yun smiled.

"Whatever you say."

He looked down at the environment below.

At this moment, they had flown out of the Ash Town area and entered the true Barren Bone Region.

The Barren Bone Region.

This was the most chaotic region on the edge of the provincial capital.

Spanning thousands of miles, it was dotted with gobis, deserts, and abandoned mines.

Skeletons were everywhere.

Some were human, some were Vicious Beasts.

Bleached white bones were scattered across the scorched yellow earth, glinting with a dismal light under the sun.

The air was thick with a scent of decay.

Below, a few abandoned villages could occasionally be seen, mere ruins where no one had lived for a long time.

Further away, several plumes of black smoke rose.

Those were roaming bandits, plundering passing travelers.

Jiang Yun withdrew his gaze.

This Barren Bone Region was indeed as chaotic as the rumors suggested.

After flying for half a day.

The surrounding scenery finally began to change.

The gobi gradually disappeared, replaced by stretches of low hills.

Between the hills, simple settlements could occasionally be seen.

Those people were dressed in rags, their eyes wary; it was clear at a glance they were not good sorts.

He flew for another half hour.

Ahead, the outline of a city finally appeared.

It was a giant city built on the wasteland.

The city walls were dozens of zhang high, built entirely of black boulders, exuding a rugged and heavy aura.

On the walls, there was an arrow tower every few dozen meters, and figures could be seen moving within them.

The city gate was huge, cast from fine iron, and was currently wide open.

At the gate stood two rows of fully armed guards.

Every one of them had a cultivation level of Amethyst Rank or higher.

The guards' gazes swept over everyone entering and leaving like hawks.

Above the city gate, two large characters were carved:

【Black Rock City】.

Black Rock City.

The only central city in the Barren Bone Region.

It was also the only place of order in this chaotic land.

It was said that this city was jointly controlled by several major powers.

The city was a mixture of dragons and snakes, with all kinds of people.

As long as you had strength and spirit crystals, you could buy anything here.

Similarly, if you weren't careful, you could be eaten alive at any time until not even your bones remained.

Jiang Yun landed ten miles outside the city.

He put away Little Skylark and walked toward the gate on foot.

A long line had already formed at the city gate.

The people entering the city were of all sorts.

There were burly men carrying broadswords, thugs covered in tattoos, mysterious women wearing veils, and vagrants dressed in rags.

Every person carried a ruthless aura.

Jiang Yun silently observed these people.

Amethyst Rank.

All of them were Amethyst Rank.

Occasionally, there were a few Gold Rank ones, but they all traveled in groups, being extremely cautious.

He raised an eyebrow slightly.

This Black Rock City truly lived up to its reputation.

When it was Jiang Yun's turn.

The guard sized him up.

“Entry fee, one hundred spirit crystals.”

Jiang Yun didn't say much.

He took out one hundred spirit crystals from his storage artifact and handed them over.

The guard took them and tossed them into a nearby box.

He waved his hand.

“Go on in.”

Jiang Yun stepped into Black Rock City.

The sight that met his eyes made him pause slightly.

The city was even more bustling than he had imagined.

Both sides of the wide streets were packed with shops.

There were those selling weapons, armor, Medicinal Pills, Materials, and even slaves.

Shouts, bargaining, arguments, and fighting sounds rose and fell.

Pedestrians were shoulder to shoulder.

But every single person remained vigilant.

Hands were always on weapons.

Gazes were always scanning the surroundings.

Deep in Jiang Yun's eyes, a blue light quietly emerged.

Innate Talent Skill: Entry Manifestation.

He casually scanned several pedestrians.

【Realm: Purple Crystal Second Stage】

【Realm: Purple Crystal Tier 5】

【Realm: Amethyst Tier 3】

【Realm: Amethyst Seventh Tier】

All were Amethyst Rank.

Occasionally, he could sense a few exceptionally powerful auras—

Those were Falling Star Rank experts.

When those people walked by, the surrounding crowd would automatically move aside to make a path.

Not daring to approach.

Not daring to look directly.

Jiang Yun felt a slight chill in his heart.

This Black Rock City was indeed no friendly place.

He restrained his aura, making himself appear more Common.

Then, he walked further into the city.

He came to a small street stall.

The stall owner was a middle-aged man with a fleshy face and fierce eyes.

A mess of things was laid out before him: a few pieces of Ore, some Spirit Medicines, and several damaged Magical Artifacts.

Jiang Yun picked up a piece of Ore at random.

“How much for this?”

The stall owner glanced at him.

“Fifty spirit crystals.”

Jiang Yun didn't haggle.

He directly pulled out fifty spirit crystals and handed them over.

A flash of surprise crossed the stall owner's eyes.

After taking the spirit crystals, his attitude became noticeably better.

“Little brother, is there anything else you want to buy?”

Jiang Yun put away the Ore.

He asked as if casually,

“I'm looking for some information.”

“I heard a new Secret Realm appeared recently, and a power is recruiting people?”

The stall owner's eyes lit up.

“You're talking about the Blood Thorn Mercenary Group, right?”

“They are indeed recruiting people to explore that new Secret Realm.”

Jiang Yun nodded.

“Can you tell me more about it?”

The stall owner chuckled.

“Little brother, this information isn't cheap...”

Jiang Yun took out another fifty spirit crystals.

The stall owner took them, his smile becoming even more radiant.

“Alright! Since you're so straightforward, little brother, I'll tell you.”

He lowered his voice.

“That new Secret Realm appeared southeast of the Barren Bone Region, about five hundred miles from here.”

“It's said to have only appeared a few days ago; the entrance is a spatial rift.”

“Someone went in to investigate; the space inside is huge, and there are many treasures.”

“But it's also extremely dangerous; out of ten people who enter, eight don't come back out.”

He paused.

“The Blood Thorn Mercenary Group is one of the major powers in Black Rock City, and their leader is a Falling Star Rank expert.”

“They want to organize a team to go in and explore the Secret Realm.”

“They're recruiting right now.”

Jiang Yun asked,

“What are the conditions for recruitment?”

The stall owner said,

“The conditions... either your strength is enough, Diamond Rank or above.”

“Or you have a special ability: Appraiser, Formation Master, Inscriptionist, or Healer—any of those will do.”

“It's said they only want twenty people, and many have already signed up.”

He pointed toward the north of the city.

“The Blood Thorn Mercenary Group's headquarters is in the north; you'll see it when you get there.”

Jiang Yun nodded.

“Thanks.”

He turned and walked toward the north of the city.

The north of the city.

The Blood Thorn Mercenary Group's headquarters was a vast manor.

Outside the manor gate, there was currently a sea of people.

At least a hundred people were gathered here.

There were burly men, cold assassins, glamorous women, and mysterious masked figures.

Every person's aura was not weak.

Jiang Yun stood on the periphery of the crowd, silently observing.

The discussions of the people around him reached his ears.

“I heard they're only recruiting twenty people this time?”

“Right, twenty. Not one more.”

“Then the competition will be fierce.”

“Isn't it? Look at those few over there; they're all Diamond Rank.”

“And those over there are said to be Formation Masters, very famous in their circle.”

“Tsk tsk, this lineup is much bigger than I imagined.”

Jiang Yun listened to these discussions, thinking to himself.

Only recruiting twenty people.

Either Diamond Rank or above.

Or have a special ability.

He pondered for a moment.

Diamond Rank, he didn't have.

But special ability...

He thought of his other identity.

Grand Tutor Dongxuan.

Appraiser.

And, the highest level of Appraiser at that.

The corners of his mouth curled up slightly.

It seemed he was destined to get this spot.

He stepped forward and walked toward the manor gate.

At the gate, several burly men in blood-red attire were maintaining order.

Seeing Jiang Yun approach, one of them reached out to stop him.

“Signing up? Get in line.”

Jiang Yun nodded.

He stood at the end of the line.

The line was long, with dozens of people.

The people in front went in one by one and came out one by one.

Of those who came out, some looked joyful, clearly having been selected.

Others were dejected, clearly having been rejected.

Jiang Yun waited quietly.

Finally, it was his turn.

He walked through the manor gate.

Inside was a spacious courtyard.

In the center of the courtyard sat a long table.

Behind the long table sat three people.

The person in the middle was a middle-aged man in his forties, with a square face, thick eyebrows, and sharp eyes.

On his chest, he wore a badge engraved with a blood-colored thorn pattern.

Purple Crystal Ninth Rank Peak.

To his left was a scrawny old man with gray hair and sinister eyes.

Diamond Rank One.

To his right was a glamorous woman, dressed provocatively, with a lazy smile on her lips.

Amethyst Eighth Tier.

Jiang Yun walked up to the long table.

The middle-aged man looked up and sized him up.

“Realm?”

Jiang Yun spoke truthfully.

“Gold Rank Five.”

As the words fell.

The courtyard fell silent for an instant.

Then.

Laughter erupted.

“Hahaha! Gold Rank Five? Did I hear that right?”

“Is this kid here to tell jokes?”

“A Gold Rank Five dares to sign up for the Blood Thorn Mercenary Group?”

“Hey, kid, do you know what kind of place this is?”

“Even Diamond Ranks aren't guaranteed to be chosen, so what are you, a Gold Rank Five, doing joining the fun?”

Those who had already successfully signed up and were standing aside watching laughed until they were doubled over.

A bald, burly man laughed the loudest.

He crossed his arms and looked askance at Jiang Yun.

“Little brat, are you even weaned yet?”

“This isn't a place for you to be; go home and find your mother!”

Another burst of laughter.

Jiang Yun didn't speak.

He just quietly looked at the three people behind the long table.

The middle-aged man frowned.

He looked at Jiang Yun.

“Gold Rank Five?”

“Do you know the conditions for our recruitment?”

Jiang Yun nodded.

“I know.”

The middle-aged man said,

“You know and yet you still came?”

His tone was already somewhat impatient.

Jiang Yun smiled slightly.

“I am an Appraiser.”

In the courtyard.

The laughter came to an abrupt halt.

Everyone was stunned.

The smiles on the faces of those who were mocking him just now instantly froze.

They stared wide-eyed at this sixteen or seventeen-year-old youth.

An Appraiser?

This youth?

The bald, burly man's mouth hung open.

He looked at Jiang Yun, then at the people around him.

“Ap... Appraiser?”

His voice even changed.

Behind the long table.

The middle-aged man raised an eyebrow.

The scrawny old man to his left shifted his gaze slightly.

The glamorous woman to his right also sat up straight.

The middle-aged man looked at Jiang Yun.

“You are an Appraiser?”

Jiang Yun nodded.

“Yes.”

The middle-aged man was silent for a breath.

“What grade?”

Jiang Yun smiled slightly.

He knew that in this place, being too low-key would only lead to being looked down upon.

But being too high-key could easily attract trouble.

High-Grade Appraiser.

This grade was enough for them to take him seriously without being too shocking.

He spoke, his voice calm.

“High-Grade Appraiser.”

In the courtyard.

It fell back into a deathly silence.

High-Grade Appraiser?

This sixteen or seventeen-year-old youth?

The bald, burly man's eyes bulged like copper bells.

His lips moved, but he couldn't make a sound.

Those who had been laughing earlier were now as if they were being strangled by the throat.

Their gazes at Jiang Yun changed from mockery to shock.

From shock to disbelief.

From disbelief to...

Awe.

A High-Grade Appraiser.

That was an existence that even Diamond Rank experts would treat with courtesy.

A sixteen or seventeen-year-old High-Grade Appraiser...

What did this mean?

It meant his talent for appraisal was terrifying beyond imagination.

It meant his future was limitless.

It meant...

A person like him was simply not someone they could afford to provoke.

Behind the long table.

The middle-aged man suddenly stood up.

He looked at Jiang Yun, his eyes full of shock.

“You... what did you say?”

“A High-Grade Appraiser?”

Jiang Yun nodded.

“Yes.”

The middle-aged man took a deep breath.

He looked at the scrawny old man to his left.

That old man was the Appraiser specifically invited by the Blood Thorn Mercenary Group to preside over the selection.

Diamond Rank One, Mid-grade Appraiser.

The old man also stood up now.

He looked at Jiang Yun, his eyes filled with disbelief.

“Little friend... are you truly a High-Grade Appraiser?”

Jiang Yun smiled.

“Do you need me to appraise something on the spot?”

The old man was silent.

He looked into Jiang Yun's calm eyes.

In those eyes, there was no guilt.

No panic.

Only composure.

Only confidence.

The old man took a deep breath.

He looked at the middle-aged man.

“Leader.”

He paused.

“This youth... is extraordinary.”

The middle-aged man's pupils constricted slightly.

He took a deep look at Jiang Yun.

Then.

He smiled.

That smile was completely different from his previous coldness.

“Little brother, please, have a seat.”