Chapter 354 The Meteorite Guild Leader personally greeted us! Master Jiang, we can be considered equals!

"Yes! Of course! Absolutely!"

Deputy Group Leader Fang Yuan's voice echoed in the courtyard, his smile already as bright as a flower.

He looked at Jiang Yun, his eyes gleaming as if looking at a moving treasure vault.

"Little Brother Jiang, no, no, no! I should call you Master Jiang!"

He rubbed his hands together, his tone so eager he didn't seem like a Purple Crystal Ninth Rank Peak powerhouse, but rather a merchant who had found a treasure.

"With a High-Grade Appraiser like you joining, our Blood Thorn Mercenary Group will be like a tiger with wings for this Secret Realm exploration!"

Tuoba Qingshan also stroked his beard and laughed, the wrinkles on his old face smoothing out.

"Little friend, I have lived for over sixty years, and today I have truly opened my eyes."

He sighed, his eyes full of admiration.

"A sixteen years old High-Grade Appraiser, I have never even heard of such a thing, let alone seen one!"

"Looking at the entire Black Rock City, I am afraid only Grand Tutor Dongxuan can stand shoulder to shoulder with you in the path of appraisal!"

Once the name Grand Tutor Dongxuan was mentioned, everyone nodded in agreement.

"Yes, yes, yes! Master Jiang's talent is simply comparable to Grand Tutor Dongxuan!"

"Comparable? I think Master Jiang's Appraisal Technique might even be stronger than Grand Tutor Dongxuan's!"

"That's right! The thing that Senior Tuoba's old friend, a High-Grade Appraiser, could only see the surface of, Master Jiang explained in clear detail!"

"If this gets out, all of Black Rock City will be shaken!"

Everyone chimed in, praising Jiang Yun to the skies.

Jiang Yun listened to these praises with a calm expression, though he was crying and laughing inside.

Grand Tutor Dongxuan again.

Should he be happy or embarrassed that they were using him to praise him?

However, he was too lazy to explain and just smiled faintly.

Deputy Group Leader Fang Yuan had finished laughing when he suddenly remembered something and shouted into the distance.

"Come here!"

A mercenary wearing blood-red attire walked up quickly.

"Deputy Group Leader!"

Deputy Group Leader Fang Yuan pointed at Jiang Yun, his voice loud.

"Go, bring a chair for Master Jiang!"

"Make it the best one! The most comfortable one!"

The mercenary was stunned, then quickly replied: "Yes!"

Not long after, he brought over a grand armchair covered with a soft cushion and placed it respectfully in front of Jiang Yun.

"Master Jiang, please sit!"

Everyone in the venue looked at this scene, not the least bit surprised, only finding it natural.

A High-Grade Appraiser deserves this treatment!

Jiang Yun didn't stand on ceremony either.

He nodded slightly and sat down calmly amidst the envious, awe-struck, and fawning gazes of the crowd.

This seat established his status.

This seat established his weight.

Those team members who had already been selected and were watching from the side looked at each other and gathered around.

"Master Jiang! Li Han, Diamond Rank Two, beast taming Ice Scale Python! Nice to meet you, Master Jiang!"

A middle-aged man with a cold expression was the first to cup his hands, his tone extremely respectful.

"Master Jiang, Zhao Wuji, Diamond Rank One, beast taming Vajra Ape! I have long admired you!"

A burly man clasped his fists, his face full of smiles.

"Master Jiang, Su Wan, Amethyst Ninth Tier, beast taming Seven-Colored Butterfly! If Master Jiang has any orders, just say the word!"

An alluring woman giggled and leaned in, her eyes full of eagerness.

One after another.

Six or seven people scrambled to introduce themselves, their enthusiasm such that they wanted to rip their hearts out to show Jiang Yun.

Why?

Because they knew the weight of a High-Grade Appraiser too well!

After entering the Secret Realm, treasures are everywhere, but if you can't recognize them or don't know how to use them, they are useless!

And those hidden ancient Restriction and hidden Opportunity traps are death sentences for ordinary people!

But with a High-Grade Appraiser, it's different!

He can see at a glance which stone is a treasure, which Spirit Medicine is valuable, and which cave hides an Opportunity!

He can crack the Restriction, avoid danger, and save everyone countless detours!

If you befriend a High-Grade Appraiser, a single word of guidance from him might lead you to harvest a powerful treasure!

If you befriend a High-Grade Appraiser, a casual gesture from him might ensure you don't miss the greatest Opportunity of your life!

Such a person, why not curry favor now, rather than regret it after entering the Secret Realm?

Jiang Yun sat on the grand armchair, listening to these people's self-introductions, and nodded slightly in response.

He didn't appear too enthusiastic, nor did he put on a cold face.

The just-right calmness made him seem even more unfathomable.

Seeing this, those few people didn't dare to disturb him much and retreated to the side after introducing themselves, but their gazes always fell on Jiang Yun intentionally or unintentionally.

Jiang Yun's gaze swept over these people.

Deep in his eyes, blue pupil light quietly emerged.

[Li Han: Diamond Rank Two, beast taming Ice Scale Python (Meteor Aptitude)]

[Zhao Wuji: Diamond Rank One, beast taming Vajra Ape (Meteor Aptitude)]

[Su Wan: Amethyst Ninth Tier, beast taming Seven-Colored Butterfly (eclipsing moon Aptitude)]

[...]

Jiang Yun raised his eyebrows slightly.

These few who took the initiative to come forward were all Diamond Rank and Amethyst Ninth Tier powerhouses.

His gaze then passed over these people and looked at the few people standing in the distance who had not come over.

Those people had exceptionally powerful auras.

Three of them stood in the corner, their gazes flat, seemingly not too eager about Jiang Yun, this High-Grade Appraiser.

Jiang Yun looked at them.

[Zhou Lieshan: Diamond Ninth Tier Peak, beast taming Red Flame Lion King (Meteor Aptitude)]

[Chen Mo: Diamond Ninth Tier Peak, beast taming Shadow Demon Wolf (Meteor Aptitude)]

[Gu Feng: Diamond Ninth Tier Peak, beast taming Black Iron Heavy Armor Beast (Meteor Aptitude)]

A strange look flashed in Jiang Yun's eyes.

Diamond Ninth Tier Peak!

The Realm of these three was the same as Fox Immortal's!

However...

Jiang Yun compared them in his heart.

Although Fox Immortal was Purple Crystal Ninth Rank Peak, she possessed the Five Elements Origin Law, and her combat power was strong enough to challenge across Realms.

If these three were to face Fox Immortal...

Jiang Yun's mouth curled slightly.

I'm afraid that even if all three went up together, they might not be Fox Immortal's match.

After all, the bonus of the Five Elements Origin Law is nothing to joke about.

Those three seemed to sense Jiang Yun's gaze and nodded slightly at him as a greeting.

Jiang Yun also nodded in response.

Besides these three, there were seven or eight others, with strength ranging from Purple Crystal Tier 5 to Diamond Rank Five, some were Formation Masters, some were healers, and some were rune masters.

The weakest...

Jiang Yun looked at himself and laughed.

The weakest was himself, this Gold Rank Five High-Grade Appraiser.

However, the eyes of the people around him did not have the slightest contempt.

Even those three Diamond Ninth Tier Peak powerhouses had some respect in their eyes when looking at him.

After all, strength is strength, and appraisal is appraisal.

In the Secret Realm, the value of a High-Grade Appraiser is greater than three Diamond Ninth Tier powerhouses!

Time passed bit by bit.

Several more people arrived one after another.

Soon, twenty people were gathered.

Deputy Group Leader Fang Yuan stood in front of the crowd, scanned the circle, and nodded with satisfaction.

"Good! Everyone is here!"

He waved his hand.

"Everyone, follow me into the living room!"

Everyone followed Deputy Group Leader Fang Yuan, passed through the courtyard, and entered a spacious living room in the manor.

The living room was large enough to accommodate forty or fifty people.

In the center was a long table surrounded by chairs.

Deputy Group Leader Fang Yuan sat in the main seat, and Tuoba Qingshan sat on his left hand side.

Others also took their seats.

Jiang Yun was arranged in the seat on Deputy Group Leader Fang Yuan's right hand side.

That was the seat of honor in the entire living room, second only to the main seat.

The three Diamond Ninth Tier Peak powerhouses sat opposite Jiang Yun.

Their gazes met, and they nodded slightly.

After everyone was seated, Deputy Group Leader Fang Yuan cleared his throat and spoke.

"Everyone, the purpose of gathering you here today, I believe everyone is clear."

"Barren Bone Region southeast direction five hundred miles away, a new Secret Realm has appeared. The entrance is a space rift, and someone has already gone in to investigate, confirming it is a medium-sized Secret Realm."

"There are many treasures in the Secret Realm, but it is also full of danger. Eight out of ten people who went in to investigate did not come out."

He paused and scanned the crowd.

"But, high risk means high reward. This Secret Realm is newly discovered, and the treasures inside have never been touched by anyone; Spirit Medicine, Ore, ancient relics, everything is there."

"As long as you come out alive, the harvest will definitely not disappoint you!"

Everyone nodded.

This was what they came here for.

At this time, a Purple Crystal Rank Formation Master sitting in the back row spoke.

"Deputy Group Leader Fang, I have a question."

Deputy Group Leader Fang Yuan raised his hand.

"Please speak."

The Formation Master said: "The Secret Realm is dangerous, we naturally know that. But after entering, how will the harvest be distributed? We can't be working ourselves to death, only for it all to go to your Blood Thorn Mercenary Group, right?"

As soon as these words came out, everyone echoed.

"Yes! How to distribute it?"

"There must be some rules, right?"

"We are risking our lives to go in!"

Deputy Group Leader Fang Yuan raised his hand to press down the voices of the crowd and smiled: "Everyone, rest assured, we have already thought about the distribution rules."

He looked at Tuoba Qingshan.

Tuoba Qingshan stood up and spoke slowly.

"Let me explain."

"First of all, the general situation in the Secret Realm has already been investigated by our Group Leader personally. Tomorrow, the Group Leader will also appear and enter the Secret Realm with everyone."

"With our Group Leader—a Meteorite Level 3 powerhouse—sitting in charge, everyone's safety will have an extra layer of protection."

Meteorite Level 3!

Hearing this, everyone's expressions calmed down a bit.

Having a Falling Star Rank powerhouse sitting in charge really made people feel much more at ease.

Tuoba Qingshan continued: "As for how the rewards are distributed..."

He paused.

"The treasures in the Secret Realm will naturally be taken according to need. Whoever finds them belongs to them—provided you can keep them yourself."

"But if you encounter treasures that you don't need but are useful to others, I hope everyone can take the initiative to give them up. After all, in the Secret Realm, helping each other is the only way to live longer."

"As for the situation where multiple people want the same treasure..."

He scanned the crowd.

"It will be obtained by the person who contributes the most to the team."

Someone asked: "How is contribution determined?"

Tuoba Qingshan said: "It will be decided by a vote from everyone present. Those who want the treasure cannot participate in the voting. This way, it is fair and just."

Everyone looked at each other and nodded slightly.

This rule was indeed fair.

Tuoba Qingshan continued: "Of course, our Blood Thorn Mercenary Group, the Group Leader, Deputy Group Leader Fang, and I will also enter the Secret Realm to sit in charge. What we get will naturally be more—after all, this Secret Realm was discovered by our group, the investigation was done by us, and the subsequent protection is also provided by us."

"Does anyone have any objections to this?"

Everyone looked at each other and nodded.

"No objections."

"As it should be."

"It should be so."

Tuoba Qingshan sat down with satisfaction.

Deputy Group Leader smiled and said, "Since that is the case, everyone should go back and rest well, building up your energy. Early tomorrow morning, we depart!"

Everyone stood up one after another, preparing to leave.

Jiang Yun also stood up.

But deep within his eyes, a trace of contemplation flashed.

Vote to decide?

Not allowed to participate in voting?

The corners of his mouth curled up slightly.

This rule sounds fair, but in reality...

If a few people colluded in private and voted for each other, wouldn't it be very easy to manipulate the results?

Wouldn't those without small groups suffer a huge loss?

However...

Jiang Yun looked at those three Diamond Ninth Tier Peak powerhouses.

These three were each acting on their own, with no intention of forming a group.

Most of the others were also lone wolves, gathered together temporarily.

In the short term, they shouldn't be able to form any small groups.

As for later...

Jiang Yun withdrew his gaze, thinking no more about it.

He believed that the Meteorite Level 3 commander could not possibly fail to see the problem in this.

Since he saw it, yet still set this rule...

Either he intentionally left this loophole to let everyone fight amongst themselves so that their Blood Thorn Mercenary Group could reap the benefits in the end.

Or there was another deeper meaning.

However, no matter what it was, Jiang Yun did not intend to get involved.

He had his own backup plan.

That backup plan was not this Falling Star Rank commander.

But rather...

Jiang Yun sensed his contract with Fox Immortal.

Within the contract, Fox Immortal's aura came through clearly.

She was nearby.

She was just outside the city.

From the moment he entered Black Rock City yesterday, Fox Immortal had been hiding her figure, silently watching him from the shadows.

With her there, Jiang Yun felt confident.

Even if the Falling Star Rank commander turned hostile, or if any accidents happened in the Secret Realm, he would have a way out.

Jiang Yun smiled slightly and followed the crowd out of the living room.

Outside the door, servants of the Blood Thorn Mercenary Group were already waiting.

They led each selected team member to their respective resting rooms.

A dainty-looking maid walked up to Jiang Yun and curtsied.

"Great Master Jiang, please follow me."

Jiang Yun nodded, followed her through several corridors, and arrived at a quiet small courtyard.

The courtyard was not large, but it was kept clean and tidy.

In the room, the bed and bedding were fully equipped, and there were several plates of snacks and a pot of hot tea on the table.

The maid said respectfully, "Great Master Jiang, this is your accommodation. If you need anything, just let me know at any time."

Jiang Yun nodded: "Thank you for your trouble."

The maid withdrew.

Jiang Yun closed the door and looked around this small room.

It was very simple.

But it was enough.

He walked to the bed and sat down cross-legged.

He began to ponder what he had seen and heard today, the commander who had yet to appear, and tomorrow's trip to the Secret Realm.

Obviously, this exploration of the Secret Realm was not that simple.

That voting rule and the claim about the most contribution were both quite subtle.

However...

Jiang Yun did not care.

He sensed his contract with Fox Immortal, confirming her location was not far outside the city.

Immediately, he sent a thought through the contract.

"Tomorrow, can you hide your aura and enter the Secret Realm with us?"

A moment later, Fox Immortal's calm voice echoed in his mind.

"Yes."

It was only one word.

Concise, cold, yet incredibly reassuring.

Jiang Yun smiled slightly and didn't ask any more.

If Fox Immortal said she could, she must be certain.

With her following in the shadows, he could go all out tomorrow!

A new Secret Realm, new treasures, new Opportunities...

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

This Secret Realm seemed similar to a newly opened one, where the treasures inside should still be lying intact, waiting for those destined to find them.

If the harvest was rich, how much could Little Fire, Little Skylark, and that newly tamed Nether Abyss Light-Devouring Beast improve their strength?

Little Fire was currently at Gold Rank Seventh Order, and its Realm had stabilized after refining the earth core molten dragon crystal.

Little Skylark was at Gold Rank Five Peak, and its combat power had soared after its transformation.

Nether Abyss was at Purple Crystal Tier 4 Peak and could break through at any time.

If he could find treasures suitable for them in the Secret Realm...

The corners of Jiang Yun's mouth curled up.

This trip was worth looking forward to.

He thought no more and sank his consciousness into the Beast Taming Space.

Inside the Beast Taming Space.

Little Fire was still sleeping by the lava pool, its scales shimmering with a faint golden light. The earth core molten dragon crystal had been completely refined, and its aura was firmly at Gold Rank Seventh Order, not far from Gold Rank Eight.

Little Skylark was perched on the Fangji Wood, with purple-gold arcs of light flickering around its body. It seemed to sense Jiang Yun's Divine Sense, opened its eyes, glanced at him, and then closed them again to continue cultivating.

And that newly tamed Nether Abyss Light-Devouring Beast...

Jiang Yun looked at it.

At this moment, Nether Abyss was lying beside the pile of Seven-Colored Crystal, greedily absorbing the aura emanating from the crystals.

Those Seven-Colored Crystal were what Jiang Yun had brought out from that mysterious cave.

At the time, he hadn't expected that these crystals were actually the companion objects of the Nether Abyss.

No wonder the Nether Abyss cared so much.

Fortunately, there were enough crystals for it to absorb and refine for a long time.

The Nether Abyss seemed to sense Jiang Yun's gaze, raised its head, and looked toward the sky.

In those cold, deep eyes, there was no longer the resistance and unwillingness from before.

Replaced by a sense of satisfaction and comfort.

It let out a low roar, and a wave of Divine Sense came through.

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

Jiang Yun smiled slightly.

"Cultivate well, I will take you to a good place tomorrow."

A trace of confusion flashed in the Nether Abyss's eyes, but it immediately continued to bury its head in absorbing the crystals.

Jiang Yun withdrew his Divine Sense and exited the Beast Taming Space.

He looked up at the night outside the window.

The moon was bright and the stars were sparse.

Everything was silent.

Jiang Yun lay down and closed his eyes.

Although his Mental Energy was powerful, he had been traveling for days recently, and it was indeed time to have a good night's rest.

Soon, he fell into a deep sleep.

The night passed without incident.

The next day.

Early morning.

Sunlight shone through the window into the room.

Jiang Yun opened his eyes.

Just as he finished tidying up, a soft knock came from outside the door.

"Great Master Jiang, are you awake?"

It was the voice of the maid from yesterday.

Jiang Yun opened the door.

The maid said respectfully, "Great Master Jiang, the commander asked me to invite you to the square to gather, as it is time to depart."

Jiang Yun nodded: "Lead the way."

The maid led him through the corridors toward the square.

When they arrived at the square, many people were already there.

Those three Diamond Ninth Tier Peak powerhouses.

Zhou Lieshan, Chen Mo, and Gu Feng were standing together, talking in low voices.

Seeing Jiang Yun walking over, the three of them nodded in greeting.

"Good morning, Great Master Jiang."

Jiang Yun nodded in return.

The others who had come up to curry favor yesterday also gathered around.

"Great Master Jiang, did you rest well last night?"

"Great Master Jiang, we will have to rely heavily on you for today's trip to the Secret Realm!"

"Great Master Jiang, once we enter the Secret Realm later, if you have any instructions, just say the word!"

Jiang Yun responded to each of them with a calm yet polite attitude.

Soon, all twenty people had arrived.

Everyone stood in the square, waiting.

Suddenly.

Three sounds of wind breaking came from afar!

Everyone looked up.

They saw three figures descending from the sky, landing steadily in the center of the square.

The person in the lead was a middle-aged man.

He was in his early forties, with a square face, thick eyebrows, and eyes as sharp as knives.

His black hair was scattered casually, and he wore a black robe with blood-colored thorn patterns embroidered on the hem.

He stood there, yet gave people a sense of oppression as heavy as a mountain.

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

[He Yuanming: Meteorite Level 3, Commander of Blood Thorn Mercenary Group, Beast: Blood Thorn Demon Dragon (Meteorite Aptitude)]

Meteorite Level 3!

Jiang Yun's pupils shrank slightly.

Behind this man stood two people.

They were Deputy Group Leader and the old man Tuoba Qingshan.

The moment the three of them landed, everyone in the square could feel an invisible pressure.

That was the aura of pressure from a Falling Star Rank powerhouse!

Everyone's expression tightened, and they all bowed in salute.

"Greetings, Commander He!"

Voices rose one after another, full of respect.

Jiang Yun also followed the others and bowed slightly.

This Commander He, being able to control a major power in a chaotic place like Black Rock City, was obviously not a simple character.

He Yuanming's gaze swept over the crowd.

That gaze, like a hawk surveying its prey, was so sharp that people dared not look directly at it.

Finally, his gaze landed on one person.

Jiang Yun.

He Yuanming stared at Jiang Yun for two seconds.

And then—

He smiled.

That smile was completely different from his previous sharpness, actually having a touch of gentleness.

He stepped forward and walked up to Jiang Yun.

"Great Master Jiang."

His voice was deep and carried a hint of politeness.

"No need for formalities."

Jiang Yun was slightly stunned.

He Yuanming continued, "I have already heard about Great Master Jiang from Deputy Group Leader and Tuoba."

"sixteen years old High-Grade Appraiser, whose Appraisal Technique even Tuoba admits defeat to."

His eyes were full of appreciation.

"Great Master Jiang, with your ability, you are fully qualified to be on equal footing with me!"

As soon as these words were spoken, the whole crowd was shocked!

Equal footing?!

Who was He Yuanming?

Meteorite Level 3 powerhouse!

Commander of the Blood Thorn Mercenary Group!

A hegemon of Black Rock City!

A person like him actually took the initiative to say to a sixteen years old boy—you and I can be on equal footing?!

Those three Diamond Ninth Tier Peak powerhouses' pupils shrank suddenly.

The others gasped.

Their gazes toward Jiang Yun shifted from previous respect to shock, to awe, to...

Incredulity!

To be able to make a Falling Star Rank powerhouse voluntarily say the words 'equal footing', this boy's weight was even greater than they had imagined!

Jiang Yun was also stunned for a moment.

Then, he smiled faintly.

"Commander He is too polite."

No being flattered, no trembling with fear.

Just a calm, composed, and neither humble nor arrogant sentence.

The appreciation in He Yuanming's eyes grew stronger.

"Good!"

He patted Jiang Yun's shoulder.

"Great Master Jiang, on today's trip to the Secret Realm, with me here, I guarantee you will be safe!"

"Of course..."

He smiled, a trace of deep meaning flashing in his eyes.

"If there are any extraordinary treasures, I hope Great Master Jiang will provide some guidance."

Jiang Yun smiled slightly.

"Naturally."

He Yuanming laughed heartily and turned to look at the crowd.

"Everyone!"

His voice was loud and clear, echoing throughout the square.

"Today, we explore the Secret Realm together!"

"Let's go!"