Chapter 356 Three Meteorites Block the Way! Top-Grade Appraisers Become Highly Sought After?

As He Yuanming's voice fell, he gave a large wave of his hand.

The next moment—

A heaven-shaking neigh resounded through the clouds!

Everyone looked up to see a massive black shadow descending from the sky, blotting out the sun!

It was a giant avian beast!

Its wingspan stretched over thirty meters!

Its entire body was covered in jet-black feathers, their edges glinting with a dark red luster like congealed blood. Under the sunlight, those dark red patterns seemed to come alive, faintly flowing with an eerie light.

A dark red single horn grew from its head, its surface covered in intricate lines that were naturally formed runes. Its eyes were like torches; wherever its gaze fell, the air trembled slightly.

Even more startling was that with every breath, it snorted two streams of dark red gas from its nostrils—concentrated fire-element spiritual energy.

Amethyst Eighth Tier!

[Blood Feather Demon Eagle: Amethyst Eighth Tier, Meteor Low Grade Aptitude, contracted beast of He Yuanming, leader of the Blood Thorn Mercenary Group]

A blue light flashed deep in Jiang Yun's eyes as he took in the information of this beast.

"Everyone, come up."

He Yuanming was the first to leap onto the eagle's back, his steps landing steadily on the broad surface.

Lei Lie and Tuoba Qingshan followed closely behind.

The others also leaped up one after another, landing on the eagle's back.

The back of this Blood Feather Demon Eagle was extremely spacious; even with twenty or thirty people standing on it, it didn't feel crowded. The back was covered in a layer of soft feathers that felt spongy underfoot yet exceptionally stable.

Jiang Yun gave a light leap and landed steadily on the eagle's back.

He looked down and found that circles of dark red ropes had already been fixed to the back, clearly for passengers to hold onto. The ropes were also engraved with fine runes—reinforcement runes to prevent anyone from accidentally falling off.

"Everyone, stand firm!"

He Yuanming said in a deep, powerful voice.

"We will reach our destination in half an hour!"

As soon as he spoke, the Blood Feather Demon Eagle's wings gave a sudden, powerful flap.

The wind howled!

The massive body soared into the sky!

Jiang Yun only felt the wind whistling in his ears. Black Rock City below shrank rapidly, turning into a palm-sized black dot in the blink of an eye. In another blink, even the dot vanished, leaving only a vast, desolate wilderness.

The Blood Feather Demon Eagle was incredibly fast, yet it flew extremely smoothly.

Among the people on the eagle's back, besides a few who were riding for the first time and looked nervous, the others were already used to this mode of flight.

He Yuanming's control over this beast had clearly reached a level of perfection.

On the eagle's back, the twenty selected team members each found a place to sit.

Some closed their eyes to rest, seizing the time to recover their energy.

Some talked in low voices, exchanging information.

Some looked curiously at the Barren Bone Region below, their eyes full of vigilance.

Jiang Yun stood at the edge of the eagle's back with his hands behind him, looking down at the scenery flying past below.

The Barren Bone Region.

Gobi, deserts, abandoned Ore veins, and scattered white bones.

On the scorched yellow land, several plumes of black smoke could occasionally be seen rising—those were roving bandits plundering.

Further away, several Vicious Beasts ran across the ground. Sensing the massive creature in the sky, they fled in panic, kicking up trails of dust.

Occasionally, fresh skeletons could be seen scattered in the wilderness, glinting pale white under the sun.

This was the Barren Bone Region.

The most chaotic area on the edge of the provincial capital.

Those without strength wouldn't survive three days here.

Jiang Yun withdrew his gaze, feeling inwardly vigilant.

At that moment, footsteps came from behind him.

He turned to look.

He Yuanming, Lei Lie, and Tuoba Qingshan were approaching together.

"Great Master Jiang."

He Yuanming smiled and cupped his hands, his attitude so polite he didn't seem like a Meteor Rank Three powerhouse.

Lei Lie and Tuoba Qingshan also nodded in greeting, their eyes full of respect.

Jiang Yun slightly cupped his hands: "Commander He, Vice Leader Lei, Senior Tuoba."

He Yuanming waved his hand: "Great Master Jiang, there's no need for such formality. We are in the same boat now; just be at ease."

He walked to Jiang Yun's side and stood shoulder to shoulder with him, looking down at the Barren Bone Region.

"Is this Great Master Jiang's first time in the Barren Bone Region?"

Jiang Yun nodded: "Yes."

He Yuanming sighed: "The Barren Bone Region may be chaotic, but it also holds many opportunities. As long as you have the skill, there is gold everywhere here."

He pointed downward.

"Look at those abandoned Ore veins; they look useless, but you never know when someone might dig up rare Ore. Those scattered bones might look like they belong to the dead, but ancient relics might be buried beneath them."

"Here, anything is possible."

He paused and looked at Jiang Yun, a flash of deep meaning in his eyes.

"Great Master Jiang's appraisal techniques truly opened my eyes. When Tuoba told me, I didn't believe it. How could a sixteen or seventeen-year-old boy possess such skill?"

He shook his head, his tone full of emotion.

"But once Tuoba mentioned the matter of the Ancient Runic Stone, I was convinced."

"Gold-Plated Sand, Meteor Beast Blood, spiral fractures, Heaven-Reaching Demonic Ape Essence Blood... even a High-Grade Appraiser might not have noticed these details, let alone a Mid-grade Appraiser."

His eyes were full of admiration.

"Great Master Jiang, under which expert did you study to gain such skills?"

Here it comes.

Jiang Yun's heart stirred slightly.

He knew these people couldn't help but be curious.

Who would believe a sixteen-year-old High-Grade Appraiser had no master?

His expression remained calm, however, as he gave a slight smile.

"Commander He overpraises me. I am but a Loose Cultivator Beast Tamer; I have no master."

A Loose Cultivator?

He Yuanming and the other two were all stunned upon hearing this.

Lei Lie's eyes widened in disbelief: "A Loose Cultivator? Great Master Jiang, are you... are you serious?"

Tuoba Qingshan was also shocked: "No master? You figured it all out on your own? How... how is that possible?"

He had been immersed in the path of appraisal for over forty years and knew all too well how difficult it was.

Without a master or guidance from predecessors, to reach the High Grade Realm solely by self-study—what kind of terrifying talent and Comprehension Ability would that require?

The word "Genius" simply wasn't enough to describe it!

Jiang Yun smiled, his expression still indifferent.

"I can't say it was entirely on my own. When I was young, I happened upon a tattered ancient appraisal book and studied it for many years, gradually coming to understand some things."

"Later, as I traveled and saw more, my experience accumulated."

"As for a master... I truly have none."

His words were watertight.

The ancient book served as an explanation for the source.

Self-study explained the lack of a master.

As for whether it was true or false...

Since that ancient book didn't exist, no one could check.

He Yuanming and the other two looked at each other, their eyes full of complexity.

A Loose Cultivator?

A sixteen-year-old High-Grade Appraiser was actually a Loose Cultivator?!

They began to calculate rapidly in their minds.

If this boy had a major power backing him, they could only befriend him and not offend him.

But if he really was a Loose Cultivator...

Then the meaning was completely different!

A High-Grade Appraiser with no background or master was like a piece of unowned jade!

Whoever obtained him would possess a Great Master of appraisal with a promising future!

If they could recruit him into the Blood Thorn Mercenary Group...

A flash of heat passed through He Yuanming's eyes.

What would it mean to have a High-Grade Appraiser in their ranks?

It meant that in any future exploration of Secret Realms or ruins, they could discover thirty percent more treasures than others!

It meant they could identify ancient treasures that others couldn't!

It meant the reputation of the Blood Thorn Mercenary Group would resound throughout the entire Barren Bone Region!

It might even spread beyond the Barren Bone Region to the provincial capital!

By then, even those major provincial powers who usually looked down on them as "Barren Bone Region hicks" would have to look at them in a new light!

He took a deep breath, suppressing the excitement in his heart.

However, he didn't directly offer recruitment—that would be too rushed and blatant, likely scaring the person away.

Test the waters first, then slowly win him over.

He Yuanming smiled and nodded: "I see. For Great Master Jiang to be self-taught, such talent is truly one in ten thousand."

Tuoba Qingshan also sighed: "I have been in the appraisal field for over forty years and am only a Mid-grade Rank Three. For you to reach High Grade at sixteen makes me feel ashamed. That ancient book must be an ancient relic, right?"

Jiang Yun nodded: "It should be."

Lei Lie was even more straightforward, slapping his thigh: "Great Master Jiang, if you ask me, with such skills, you should find a major power to affiliate with. Going it alone is too much of a waste! Think about it, how dangerous is it to wander outside alone? If you run into someone blind and something happens, what a pity that would be!"

"Join our Blood Thorn Mercenary Group, and we'll guarantee your safety! Whatever you need is just a word away! Isn't that right, Leader?"

He Yuanming nodded with a smile: "Lei Lie is right. If Great Master Jiang is interested, the Blood Thorn Mercenary Group welcomes you at any time."

Jiang Yun smiled faintly: "Vice Leader Lei has a point. However, I am used to being free and haven't considered these things for now."

Lei Lie wanted to persuade him further, but He Yuanming caught his eye and stopped him.

No rush.

Take it slow.

He Yuanming laughed: "Great Master Jiang is young and promising; there's indeed no need to rush. But I'll leave this here—the doors of the Blood Thorn Mercenary Group are always open to Great Master Jiang. Whenever you want to come, just say the word, and I will personally welcome you!"

Jiang Yun nodded: "Thank you for your kindness, Commander He."

After a few more words, He Yuanming and the other two took their leave to attend to the others.

Jiang Yun stood at the edge of the eagle's back, watching them leave.

He naturally knew what He Yuanming was thinking.

Recruiting him?

Unfortunately, he, Jiang Yun, was never someone who could be recruited.

Sacred Student of Sky Dome Academy, Grand Tutor Dongxuan—revealing either of these identities would be enough to shut He Yuanming up.

It just wasn't the time to reveal them yet.

He withdrew his gaze and continued looking at the Barren Bone Region below.

The Blood Feather Demon Eagle flew for about fifteen minutes.

The surrounding scenery began to change.

The Gobi gradually disappeared, replaced by rolling hills.

The hills were bare, devoid of grass, showing only jagged rocks.

Suddenly—

Jiang Yun's brow twitched.

In the distance, several powerful Auras were rapidly approaching!

Those Auras were domineering, sharp, and completely undisguised!

He Yuanming also noticed.

His face darkened, and he suddenly turned his head toward a certain direction.

"Stop!"

The Blood Feather Demon Eagle folded its wings, its massive body coming to a sudden halt, hovering in mid-air.

The inertia caused many people on the eagle's back to stumble, and they hurriedly grabbed the ropes to steady themselves.

"What's happening?"

"There's a situation!"

"Such powerful Auras!"

Everyone stood up, looking into the distance with vigilant expressions.

The three Diamond Ninth Tier Peak powerhouses—Zhou Lieshan, Chen Mo, and Gu Feng—also stood up, looking into the distance with solemn gazes.

Zhou Lieshan said in a deep voice: "At least three Falling Star Ranks."

Chen Mo nodded: "They don't come with good intentions."

Gu Feng didn't speak, but a sharp light flashed in his eyes.

A few breaths later.

Five figures came tearing through the air from the distance!

Their speed was startling!

In the blink of an eye, they went from black dots on the horizon to clearly visible silhouettes!

The person in the lead was a middle-aged man with a head of red hair.

He had a burly build and a fierce face, his entire body surrounded by a violent fire Aura. Wherever he passed, the air distorted.

Four people followed behind him.

Two men and two women.

One of the women wore a blood-red gown; she was seductive and charming, with a lazy smile on her lips.

An old man, thin as a stick with a sinister face, was surrounded by a cold, gloomy Aura.

The other man and woman both looked middle-aged and possessed equally powerful Auras.

When He Yuanming saw their faces clearly, his pupils constricted!

"Blazing Flame Mercenary Group—Lie Yunkong!"

"Blood Fiend Pavilion—Blood Lady!"

"Black Wind Stockade—Black Wind Old Demon!"

He gritted his teeth and spat out those three names one by one, his voice full of shock and anger.

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

He looked at the five people.

[Lie Yunkong: Meteorite Level 4, Leader of the Blazing Flame Mercenary Group, Beast: Blazing Flame Mad Lion (Meteorite High Grade Aptitude)]

[Blood Lady: Meteorite Level 3, Pavilion Master of the Blood Fiend Pavilion, Beast: Blood Fiend Demon Spider (Meteorite Medium Grade Aptitude)]

[Black Wind Old Demon: Meteorite Level 3, Stockade Lord of the Black Wind Stockade, Beast: Nether Black Wind Eagle (Meteorite Medium Grade Aptitude)]

[Liu Mei: Diamond Eighth Tier, Vice Pavilion Master of the Blood Fiend Pavilion, Beast: Illusion Heart Fox (eclipsing moon High Grade Aptitude)]

[Tie Muzhen: Diamond Rank Nine, Vice Stockade Lord of the Black Wind Stockade, Beast: Iron-backed Azure Bear (Meteorite Low Grade Aptitude)]

Three Falling Star Rank experts!

Two Diamond Rank experts!

Jiang Yun's expression tightened slightly.

This lineup was no small matter.

The five figures arrived in an instant, hovering dozens of meters in front of the Blood Feather Demon Eagle.

Lie Yunkong stood at the front, hands behind his back, his eyes like torches as he stared at He Yuanming.

"He Yuanming!"

His voice was loud and clear, like a clap of thunder, making people's eardrums ache.

"Trying to hog a newly discovered Secret Realm all for yourself? That's not very honorable!"

Blood Lady gave a soft laugh, her voice seductive to the bone yet carrying a piercing chill.

"Commander He, our Black Rock City has rules. When a new Secret Realm appears, every faction gets a share. Are you trying to break the rules by sneaking off with your people?"

As she spoke, her gaze swept over the people on the eagle's back, a hint of greed flashing in her eyes.

Black Wind Old Demon gave a sinister laugh, sounding like an owl's hoot, making everyone feel uneasy.

"He Yuanming, if you're smart, step aside. My Black Wind Stockade wants a piece of this Secret Realm too. If you're not smart..."

He didn't finish, but the meaning was clear.

The three of them spoke one after another, their attitudes extremely firm, leaving no room for negotiation.

He Yuanming's face turned ashen, his fists clenching until they cracked.

He stared at Lie Yunkong, his voice low.

"Lie Yunkong, this Secret Realm was first discovered by my Blood Thorn Mercenary Group! According to the rules, it's first come, first served! What right do you have to snatch it?"

Lie Yunkong sneered, his eyes full of mockery.

"First come, first served? He Yuanming, you've been in Black Rock City for so many years, and you're still this naive?"

"What are the rules? The rules are that whoever has the biggest fist has the final say!"

He reached out his right hand, clenched it into a fist, and waved it in front of He Yuanming.

"Right now, my fist is bigger than yours. So, I have the final say."

Behind him, Blood Lady and Black Wind Old Demon stepped forward simultaneously.

The Aura of the three Falling Star Rank experts bore down on the Blood Feather Demon Eagle like three massive mountains!

Everyone on the eagle's back felt a suffocating sense of pressure.

That was the pressure coming from Falling Star Rank experts!

The Amethyst Rank team members turned pale, their legs going weak; a few even nearly lost their footing, only staying upright by gripping the ropes tightly.

Even the three experts at the Diamond Ninth Tier Peak looked grave, secretly on guard and ready to act at any moment.

He Yuanming gritted his teeth, the veins on his forehead bulging.

But he didn't move.

Because he knew he couldn't.

Lie Yunkong was at Meteorite Level 4, one stage higher than him.

Combined with Blood Lady and Black Wind Old Demon, both at Meteorite Level 3, it was three against one; he had no chance of winning.

If he fought, not only would he fail to keep the Secret Realm, but he might also lose his life.

He took a deep breath, suppressing the fury in his heart.

"Lie Yunkong, what exactly do you want?"

Lie Yunkong laughed heartily and recklessly.

"What do I want? Simple!"

"Our three companies want in on this Secret Realm too!"

"As for how we'll enter, we'll split it equally! Your Blood Thorn Mercenary Group gets one team, and each of our three companies gets one team. That's four teams in total, and we'll enter together!"

"How about it?"

He stared at He Yuanming, his eyes full of playfulness.

He Yuanming's expression grew even uglier, looking like it could drip water.

Split it equally?

He was the one who discovered the Secret Realm, he was the one who organized the team—why should they split it equally?

But he knew he had no choice.

He was silent for a few breaths.

Then, gritting his teeth, he nodded.

"Fine."

That single word seemed to be squeezed out from between his teeth.

Lie Yunkong smiled with satisfaction and clapped his hands.

"That's more like it! A wise man submits to circumstances. He Yuanming, you've finally been smart for once."

He waved his hand.

"Let's go!"

The five figures leaped and landed on the back of the Blood Feather Demon Eagle.

The space on the eagle's back instantly became crowded.

The team members who were originally sitting stood up to make way, their eyes filled with wariness and fear.

Lie Yunkong walked boldly to He Yuanming's side, his gaze sweeping over the people on the eagle's back.

That gaze was like a hawk scanning its prey, so sharp that people didn't dare to look him in the eye.

Suddenly, his gaze landed on one person.

Jiang Yun.

A youth of about sixteen or seventeen years old, standing at the edge of the eagle's back with a calm expression.

The way the people around him looked at this youth was a bit different.

There was respect.

There was fawning.

There was awe.

Lie Yunkong raised an eyebrow.

He looked at He Yuanming.

"He Yuanming, who is this kid? Does your Blood Thorn Mercenary Group even recruit Gold Rank brats? Is he here to make up the numbers or just to die?"

He spoke bluntly, drawing a round of soft laughter from the people behind him.

He Yuanming's face darkened, a hint of anger flashing in his eyes.

"Lie Yunkong, watch your tone. This is Great Master Jiang, a High-Grade Appraiser."

A High-Grade Appraiser?

Lie Yunkong was stunned.

Behind him, Blood Lady and Black Wind Old Demon also looked at Jiang Yun, their eyes filled with surprise.

"A High-Grade Appraiser?"

A strange light flashed in Blood Lady's eyes as she looked Jiang Yun up and down.

"A sixteen- or seventeen-year-old High-Grade Appraiser? He Yuanming, are you joking? How could there be such a young High-Grade Appraiser in this world?"

Black Wind Old Demon laughed sinisterly, "Could he be a fraud? Young people nowadays are quite bold, daring to impersonate anything."

He Yuanming snorted coldly.

"Whether he's a fraud or not, we'll know once we're in the Secret Realm. Anyway, with you all there, who could he possibly trick?"

Lie Yunkong stared at Jiang Yun for a few moments.

Suddenly, he smiled.

"Interesting."

"A brat who can get He Yuanming to defend him like this must truly have some skill."

He strode forward, coming to Jiang Yun and looking down at him.

"Brat, what's your name?"

Jiang Yun's expression was calm, neither humble nor arrogant.

Jiang Yun.

Lie Yunkong nodded.

"Jiang Yun, is it? This seat is Lie Yunkong, Leader of the Blazing Flame Mercenary Group."

He patted Jiang Yun's shoulder with considerable force.

"Since you're a High-Grade Appraiser, you'll have to help this seat look at things once we're in the Secret Realm. This seat won't mistreat you. But if you dare to play any tricks..."

He didn't finish, but a chill flashed in his eyes.

Blood Lady also leaned in, laughing coyly as she reached out to touch Jiang Yun's face.

"Little Brother, my Blood Fiend Pavilion needs you too~ If you help Big Sister find good things, Big Sister will have plenty of rewards for you~ Any kind of reward is fine~"

Jiang Yun shifted slightly, avoiding her hand.

Blood Lady wasn't annoyed; instead, she laughed even more happily.

"Oh, quite shy, aren't we."

Black Wind Old Demon laughed sinisterly, "Brat, don't listen to them. My Black Wind Stockade has the most treasures. If you come help me, I'll give you thirty percent! Whatever they can give you, my Black Wind Stockade will double it!"

The three of them spoke one after another, actually starting to fight over him on the spot!

He Yuanming's face was ashen as he stepped forward.

"Lie Yunkong! Blood Lady! Black Wind Old Demon! What is the meaning of this?!"

Lie Yunkong didn't even turn his head, his tone casual.

"What do you mean? We're recruiting! Who wouldn't want such a young High-Grade Appraiser?"

Blood Lady laughed, "Commander He, don't be angry. Little Brother hasn't joined your Blood Thorn Mercenary Group yet, has he? Then he doesn't count as your person, so of course we can try to win him over. It's fair competition."

Black Wind Old Demon nodded, "Right, fair competition. Whoever offers the highest price gets him."

He Yuanming was trembling with rage, his chest heaving violently.

But there was nothing he could do.

He couldn't beat any of these three.

He could only look at Jiang Yun, his eyes full of expectation.

Jiang Yun's expression remained calm.

He looked at the three Falling Star Rank experts before him and smiled slightly.

That smile was composed, calm, and neither humble nor arrogant.

"I am flattered by the kind words of you three Seniors."

"However, I've only come to the Secret Realm this time to find treasures; I have no plans to join any faction for the time being."

"As for whatever treasures are found after entering the Secret Realm, they belong to whoever finds them. I am just an Appraiser; I'm responsible for appraisal, not distribution."

"If you three Seniors need my help with appraisal, I will naturally do my best. As for which side to join..."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over the three of them.

"We'll see what fate brings once we're inside the Secret Realm."

His words were perfectly handled.

He neither agreed nor offended anyone.

Lie Yunkong and the other two looked at each other, a hint of admiration flashing in their eyes.

"Good! The brat knows how to talk!"

Lie Yunkong laughed loudly and patted Jiang Yun's shoulder again.

"Fine, then we'll talk once we're in the Secret Realm! You'll have to help this seat look at things then."

Blood Lady also laughed, "Little Brother is so smart, Big Sister likes you even more now~"

Black Wind Old Demon nodded and stopped speaking, but his sinister gaze never left Jiang Yun.

The storm temporarily subsided.

But Jiang Yun knew in his heart.

This was only temporary.

Once they entered the Secret Realm, the people from these three major factions would likely all be watching him.

After all, everyone knew the value of a High-Grade Appraiser.

He looked at his own side.

Blood Thorn Mercenary Group: He Yuanming at Meteorite Level 3, Lei Lie at Purple Crystal Ninth Rank Peak, Tuoba Qingshan at Diamond Rank One, plus three Loose Cultivators at the Diamond Ninth Tier Peak, and a group of special talents at the Amethyst Rank.

Blazing Flame Mercenary Group: Lie Yunkong at Meteorite Level 4; his two Diamond Rank deputies hadn't come, but he alone was enough to suppress He Yuanming.

Blood Fiend Pavilion: Blood Lady at Meteorite Level 3, Liu Mei at Diamond Eighth Tier.

Black Wind Stockade: Black Wind Old Demon at Meteorite Level 3, Tie Muzhen at Diamond Rank Nine.

Three major factions, three Meteorites, two Diamonds.

The comparison of strength was disparate.

Jiang Yun withdrew his gaze and thought no more of it.

Anyway, he had Fox Immortal.

No matter how these people fought, he had a way out.

The Blood Feather Demon Eagle continued to fly forward.

Along the way, Lie Yunkong and the other two each occupied a corner of the eagle's back, talking in low voices with their own people.

Their gazes occasionally swept over Jiang Yun, clearly still calculating how to win him over.

He Yuanming's expression remained poor throughout, but he had no choice but to endure it.

Half an hour later.

Ahead, a massive rift appeared.

That rift was suspended in mid-air.

It was about a hundred zhang long and dozens of zhang wide, like a giant eye coldly watching everything below.

At the edge of the rift, space and light were distorted; one could faintly see a gray world behind the rift, as if it connected to another dimension.

An ancient, vast Aura permeated the area around the rift.

That Aura was heavy and distant, as if it had traveled across ten thousand years, passed down from ancient times.

Within the rift, wind faintly howled out.

That wind was cold to the bone, mixed with a decaying scent.

There was also a faint, almost imperceptible pressure.

It was as if something terrifying was slumbering behind that rift.

The Blood Feather Demon Eagle slowly descended, stopping on a patch of open ground beneath the rift.

Everyone leaped off the eagle's back and landed on the ground.

Jiang Yun looked up at the massive spatial rift.

Deep within the rift, light faintly flickered.

That light pulsed on and off like breathing, as if it were calling out to something.

Jiang Yun took a deep breath.

The Secret Realm was finally here.