Chapter 421 Three conditions? One person compensates with one Eclipse-level treasure?!

As Liu Qingyun's voice fell,

the entire square lapsed into a brief silence.

Everyone's eyes turned toward Jiang Yun.

Hundreds of gazes converged simultaneously on that silver-white mask.

There was anticipation, curiosity, tension, and a somewhat complex sense of scrutiny.

"Do you think Grand Tutor Dongxuan will agree?"

A young disciple of the Liu Family lowered his voice and nudged the companion beside him with his elbow.

"Is that even a question? The Patriarch personally extended the invitation, and that's our Liu Family's Patriarch! Can he even refuse?"

Another youth spoke as if it were a matter of course.

"You can't put it that way."

An older-looking, sophisticated middle-aged man shook his head, stroking his beard as he spoke slowly.

"Although Grand Tutor Dongxuan is young, he is a Grand Elder of the Appraisers Guild. In terms of status and position, he is on equal footing with our Patriarch. Whether he accepts the Patriarch's invitation is his own freedom. Our Liu Family has no right to demand it."

"True. And think about it, Elder Lie and the other three made things so difficult for him just now; who wouldn't have a bit of a grudge? Even though Grand Tutor Dongxuan said he wouldn't hold it against them, who knows what he's really thinking?"

"Sigh, it's all Elder Lie and the others' fault. If they hadn't jumped out to cause trouble, he might have agreed long ago."

"Exactly. Now look what happened—they've offended him. If he doesn't agree, our Liu Family's soul crystal main body will be completely hopeless."

The Liu Family members whispered among themselves, discussing the matter fervently.

Most of their eyes were filled with anticipation.

After all, Jiang Yun's performance in appraising the soul crystal fragments just now was simply too shocking.

In two or three minutes, he had seen through an ancient object that generations of Liu Family Appraisers had failed to fully decipher for centuries.

This ability made him the strongest Appraiser the Liu Family had seen in three hundred years.

If he took action, he might truly be able to crack the mystery of the soul crystal main body and allow the Liu Family to regain its Legacy!

If he refused,

then the Liu Family might never have another chance.

Behind Liu Qingyun, Supreme Elder Liu Yunshan and the other two Grand Elders also had their gazes fixed firmly on Jiang Yun.

Supreme Elder Liu Yunshan stroked his long, snow-white beard, his eyes full of expectation as he spoke in a low voice to the two Grand Elders beside him.

"This Grand Tutor Dongxuan possesses such appraisal ability that in nearly three hundred years of living, I have never seen its like. If he is willing to act, my Liu Family's soul crystal main body might truly see the light of day once more."

Another Grand Elder nodded in agreement.

"Indeed. Over the years, so many Grand Tutor Level Appraisers have come and only deciphered thirty percent, yet this kid could see through it all at a glance. Such Heaven-Defying appraisal talent can probably only be explained by the Legendary Divine Appraisal Eye. If he is unwilling to help, I fear the Liu Family will wait another three hundred years without finding a second person like him."

The third Grand Elder did not speak, but his eyes were fixed on Jiang Yun, filled with longing.

Elder Liu Lan stood beside Liu Qingyun, her water-blue eyes watching Jiang Yun without blinking.

In her heart, she was also secretly nervous.

Little friend Dong Xuan, you must agree.

The Liu Family has waited three hundred years for this day.

On the other side of the square, the expressions of Liu Lie and the other three were still extremely ugly.

The corners of Liu Lie's mouth still bore a trace of that forced, stiff curve from earlier, but it had completely frozen on his Face.

The three Grand Elders behind him each had ashen Faces and tightly pursed lips, not daring to say another word.

It wasn't that they didn't want to speak.

It was that they didn't dare.

Just moments ago, they had questioned Jiang Yun.

In the end, Jiang Yun had used facts to slap them hard in the Face.

Their perfunctory apology had been met with public pressure from Supreme Elder Liu Yunshan, causing them to lose all Face.

At this moment, if they were to jump out and say anything else, and Jiang Yun slapped their Faces again, it would truly be asking for humiliation.

Therefore, even if their hearts were filled with a thousand grievances and ten thousand resentments, they could only bottle it up now.

They didn't dare say a single word more.

Only those four pairs of old eyes still held traces of defiance and gloom.

Liu Qingyun paid no attention to Liu Lie and the others.

His gaze looked sincerely at Jiang Yun,

waiting for Jiang Yun's reply.

However,

what no one expected was

that Jiang Yun did not immediately agree.

Beneath the silver-white mask,

the corners of his mouth turned up slightly.

Of course he would agree.

Appraising the soul crystal main body was his original purpose for coming to the Liu Family.

Moreover, only by completing the appraisal could he truly hold the initiative and obtain the greatest benefits from the Liu Family.

But he couldn't agree too quickly.

If he was too quick, he would seem too easy to talk to and lacking in temperament.

After all,

he represented more than just a Grand Tutor Level Appraiser.

Behind him was the Appraisers Guild.

He was a Grand Elder of the Appraisers Guild, someone personally certified by President Yun Xi.

His every word and action

represented the Face of the Appraisers Guild.

Earlier, Liu Lie and the others had publicly questioned and harassed him. Although he had used his strength to push them back, their extremely perfunctory apology had been seen by everyone present.

If he were to agree so readily, wouldn't it make people think that a Grand Elder of the Appraisers Guild was a soft persimmon that anyone could squeeze?

Furthermore,

Jiang Yun's gaze inconspicuously swept over Liu Qingyun and then over Liu Lie and his companions.

Liu Qingyun had already pinned all his hopes on him.

Whether the Liu Family's three-hundred-year predicament could be resolved rested entirely on his whim.

At this time,

the initiative was completely in his hands.

Whether for the Appraisers Guild or for himself,

this very moment

was the perfect opportunity for him to seek benefits.

Once this chance passed, it would not come again.

Thinking of this, Jiang Yun spoke.

His voice was not loud, and his tone was flat, yet it carried an air of unhurried composure.

"Patriarch Liu is too kind. The Liu Family is a Hidden Family with deep Foundations and a long Legacy. It is this Junior's honor to be of service to the Liu Family."

These words were very polite, even somewhat humble.

But Liu Qingyun's heart sank slightly.

He had lived for two hundred years and met countless people; he knew all too well the meaning behind such polite words. The more polite one was, the more it indicated that they were about to state their conditions next.

Sure enough, Jiang Yun shifted the topic.

"However..."

His tone remained flat.

"Before accepting Patriarch Liu's invitation, this Junior has a few small conditions I would like Patriarch Liu to grant."

As soon as these words were spoken,

the Liu Family members on the square became restless once more.

"Conditions? Grand Tutor Dongxuan wants to set conditions?"

"Nonsense! Why should someone work for you for free? Elder Lie and the others made things so difficult for him earlier; if it were me, I would have walked away long ago. The fact that he's still willing to sit down and talk conditions is already giving our Liu Family plenty of Face."

"True. I just wonder what conditions Grand Tutor Dongxuan will set."

"What else could it be? treasures, of course. When an Appraiser takes action, there's no reason to do it for free."

"Shh, don't be noisy, listen to him."

Everyone's gaze focused on Jiang Yun again.

Liu Qingyun sighed inwardly, but his Face still wore a gentle smile.

"Please speak, Grand Tutor Dongxuan."

Jiang Yun nodded and held up one finger.

"The first matter."

He paused, his tone calm.

"Previously, Elder Liu Lan and I had an agreement. The Liu Family invited me to perform an appraisal, and as compensation, I could choose three treasures from the Liu Family treasury."

He glanced at Elder Liu Lan, and she nodded slightly, confirming the fact.

"Later, due to some unforeseen circumstances, Elder Liu Lan intervened to help, so I reduced the three treasures to one. I stand by that."

"But now..."

Jiang Yun's gaze fell back on Liu Qingyun.

"I hope that this number can be restored to three."

His tone was flat, yet it carried a certainty that brooked no negotiation.

"I will appraise the soul crystal main body for the Liu Family. If successful, the Liu Family must allow me to freely choose three treasures from the treasury. Not specified by the Liu Family, but chosen by myself."

These words caused an uproar throughout the square.

"What?! Freely choosing three treasures from the treasury?!"

A middle-aged Liu Family member's eyes widened, his mouth hanging open.

"How many good things are in our Liu Family treasury? That's the accumulation of thousands of years of the Family! Falling Star Rank treasures are piled like mountains in the outer layer, there's a dedicated area for Eclipsing Moon Rank treasures, and there are even several Sun-Level treasures! Freely choosing three? If he picks the best three, won't our Liu Family suffer a massive loss?"

"Exactly! Any one of those Sun-Level treasures in the treasury could make all the powers in the provincial capital fight to the death if taken outside! If he picks those..."

"You can't say that."

An old man with white hair stroked his beard and spoke slowly.

"Our Liu Family's soul crystal main body concerns the Foundation and future of the Family. If Grand Tutor Dongxuan can truly reactivate it and allow our Liu Family to regain the Nine Nether Underworld Phoenix Bloodline Legacy, then what do three treasures matter? The value of the soul crystal main body is far higher than any single treasure in the treasury."

Another old man also nodded in agreement.

"Well said. Exchanging three treasures for the Liu Family's future is not a losing deal. Besides, he only said he'd choose freely, not that he would definitely pick the three most expensive ones. Grand Tutor Dongxuan is a smart man; he shouldn't take things too far."

"Let's hope so."

When Liu Lie and the other three heard Jiang Yun's condition,

their expressions became even uglier.

Liu Lie snorted coldly, the corner of his mouth twitching as if he wanted to say something, but he ultimately swallowed his words.

The tall, thin Grand Elder behind him moved his lips but made no sound.

The slightly plump Grand Elder just had a gloomy Face and remained silent.

The fourth Grand Elder simply turned his head away.

The four of them

no longer had any standing to speak up.

But their expressions said it all.

Dissatisfaction, annoyance, and resentment.

Liu Qingyun's brow furrowed slightly.

Three treasures, chosen freely.

This condition could be considered heavy or light.

As the old man said, if Jiang Yun could truly activate the soul crystal main body and let the Liu Family regain its Legacy, then three treasures really weren't much.

The value of the soul crystal main body was far beyond any treasure.

But the problem was...

there were several true supreme treasures in the treasury.

For instance, that bone fragment that even generations of Liu Family ancestors didn't know the origin of; its grade was extremely high, likely Sun-Level or even higher.

And that damaged treasure brought back from an ancient ruin; although incomplete, its power was still terrifying.

If these things were picked by Jiang Yun, Liu Qingyun felt a pang of pain just thinking about it.

While he was hesitating,

a voice transmission suddenly sounded in his ear.

It was Elder Liu Lan's voice.

"Patriarch, just agree to it."

Elder Liu Lan's tone was calm, yet it carried a certain confidence.

"The treasures in the treasury are all under our Liu Family's control. When the time comes, we can set extremely difficult Restrictions and protective measures for those truly top-tier supreme treasures. The better the treasure, the stronger the cross-tier combat power required. We can say this is a tradition passed down through generations of the Liu Family, a test for the young disciples. If he wants the treasures, he must rely on his own ability to take them."

Upon hearing this,

Liu Qingyun's heart stirred.

Elder Liu Lan continued.

“This Grand Tutor Dongxuan's appraisal talent is indeed Heaven-Defying. But he is only sixteen years old after all. Although his beast-taming cultivation has reached Purple Crystal Tier 5, which is top-tier among his peers, it probably isn't enough when faced with the Restrictions set by our Liu Family. Think about it, Patriarch; with such a monstrous appraisal talent, he must have spent all his energy studying the Dao of appraisal. He certainly hasn't had much time or resources to delve into beast cultivation and combat power. His beasts' Aptitude and combat power are likely just average.”

“Even if they're high, they won't be that high.”

She paused.

“When the time comes, we'll set Restrictions on the truly good items that require combat power an entire major Realm higher. For a mere Amethyst Rank like him, how much can he fight above his level? Even our Liu Family's number one Prodigy, Liu Ruyan, who was built up with numerous resources, only has the combat power to fight five or six tiers above her level. This Grand Tutor Dongxuan definitely won't be that strong. We can just take out a few Falling Star Rank treasures to satisfy him. Those true treasures will be within his sight but out of his reach, and no one can say our Liu Family didn't keep our word.”

After hearing this, Liu Qingyun's brow gradually smoothed over.

Brilliant.

This plan was indeed brilliant.

It fulfilled his conditions and gave him enough Face, without causing the Liu Family to lose its top-tier treasures.

When the time came and he couldn't take those good things, he could only blame his own lack of strength and not the Liu Family.

As for his beasts' combat power...

Liu Qingyun glanced at Jiang Yun and nodded inwardly.

Elder Liu Lan was right. For this kid to reach the level of a Grand Tutor Level Appraiser at sixteen years old while also reaching Purple Crystal Tier 5 in beast-taming, he was already a Prodigy among Prodigies.

A person's energy is limited. Since he spent so much time on the Dao of appraisal, his beast cultivation couldn't possibly be well-rounded.

Beast Aptitude, skill combinations, and combat experience all require a lot of time and resources to build up.

He wasted all his resources and energy on the path of an Appraiser.

How many resources could he possibly have left to cultivate his beasts?

His beasts' combat power must be average.

Thinking of this, the concerns in Liu Qingyun's heart completely dissipated.

He looked up, a gentle smile reappearing on his Face.

“Fine! This Patriarch agrees to Grand Tutor Dongxuan's condition!”

His voice was loud, echoing over the square.

“As long as Grand Tutor Dongxuan can successfully appraise the main soul crystal of our Liu Family and help us regain our Legacy, the Liu Family treasury will be open to him! Grand Tutor Dongxuan may choose any three treasures from the treasury!”

As soon as these words were spoken, the Liu Family members on the square gasped again.

“The Patriarch actually agreed!”

“Choosing any three items... this must be the highest reward our Liu Family has ever offered an outsider, right?”

“Isn't it! Last time, the head of the Li Family from the provincial capital visited in person to ask for a High Grade Meteorite treasure, and the Patriarch didn't agree. This time, he's letting someone pick any three items!”

“Well, there's no choice. Who else has that kind of ability? The main soul crystal is too important to our Liu Family. Trading three treasures for the Liu Family's future is reasonable.”

“I just wonder what Grand Tutor Dongxuan will pick. I hope he doesn't take the treasures that anchor our treasury...”

“Those items are protected by extremely strong Restrictions. They won't be so easy to take.”

Jiang Yun took in everyone's reactions, the corners of his mouth curling up slightly under his silver-white mask.

The first matter was settled.

Liu Qingyun had agreed so readily.

It was a bit unexpected for him.

However, he didn't dwell on it.

He nodded.

Then he held up a second finger.

“The second matter.”

His tone remained calm.

“Junior needs an absolutely quiet environment for the appraisal. When appraising the main soul crystal, no one else is allowed to be present except for Patriarch Liu and Elder Liu Lan.”

He paused and swept his gaze around.

“Appraisal requires the unity of mind and spirit. If too many people are present, their gazes and chaotic Qi will inevitably disturb my focus. If an error occurs due to interference, the losses would outweigh the gains.”

This condition was reasonable.

Liu Qingyun didn't hesitate and immediately nodded.

“Of course. Rest assured, Grand Tutor Dongxuan. During the appraisal, this Patriarch will personally guard the ancestral grounds and will not let anyone disturb you.”

This condition was nothing to him.

A quiet environment for appraisal was only right.

Jiang Yun nodded.

Then, he held up a third finger.

But this time, he didn't speak immediately.

Instead, he turned his head and looked at Liu Lie and the other three on the other side of the square.

Under the silver-white mask, those eyes were as calm as water, showing no joy or anger.

But Liu Lie and the others felt a strange sense of unease under Jiang Yun's gaze.

Jiang Yun spoke.

His voice was still calm, but every word was like a heavy hammer striking the hearts of Liu Lie and the other three.

“The third matter...”

He paused.

“Just now, the four Grand Elders publicly questioned my ability, calling me a fraud who was just putting on an act and bluffing, and even saying I was a spy sent by some evil organization. Everyone from the Liu Family present heard those words clearly.”

His gaze calmly swept over the increasingly unsightly Faces of Liu Lie and the others.

“I didn't press the matter earlier to give Patriarch Liu Face and to provide a way out for the entire Liu Family. But not pressing it doesn't mean my dignity can be trampled upon at will.”

His voice suddenly grew several degrees colder.

“Although I am young, I am also a Grand Elder of the Appraisers Guild. My identity was personally certified by President Yun Xi. My presence represents the Face of the Appraisers Guild.”

“If one day President Yun Xi asks, ‘Elder Dong Xuan, when you visited the Liu Family, how did they treat you?’ how should I answer? Should I say the four Grand Elders of the Liu Family publicly questioned if I was a fraud or a spy? That the Liu Family made me undergo a public test to prove my innocence?”

His voice wasn't loud, but it was like a blade stabbing deep into the hearts of Liu Lie and the others.

“I wonder what President Yun Xi would think upon hearing that.”

“And what would the Appraisers of the Appraisers Guild think?”

“In the future, which Appraiser in the provincial capital would dare to visit the Liu Family?”

Jiang Yun's words were like knives and swords.

The entire square was silent.

The Liu Family members' eyes widened, and they held their breath.

The expressions of Liu Lie and the other three...

...completely changed at this moment.

Liu Lie's pupils constricted violently, and the color drained from his Face at a visible rate, turning it as white as paper.

The three Grand Elders behind him trembled slightly, and cold sweat broke out on their foreheads.

President Yun Xi.

The Appraisers Guild.

The Grand Tutors.

These names carried too much weight for the Liu Family.

Although the Liu Family was a Hidden Family with deep Foundations, the Appraisers Guild was one of the top powers in the entire beast-taming world.

President Yun Xi was one of the figures standing at the very peak of the provincial capital's Appraisers.

If President Yun Xi found out the Liu Family had treated a Grand Elder he personally certified in such a way, what would the Liu Family's image be in the eyes of the Appraisers Guild?

If the Liu Family wanted to request an Appraiser's help in the future, who would come?

Liu Lie opened his mouth, wanting to say something.

But it felt as if something was blocking his throat, and he couldn't utter a single word.

The three Grand Elders behind him looked even more ashen, their legs turning weak.

Liu Qingyun's expression also became solemn.

He gave Jiang Yun a deep look, a storm raging in his heart.

This youth indeed didn't let go of grudges.

He was just waiting for the most opportune moment.

Earlier, he repaid hostility with kindness, proactively giving Liu Lie and the others a way out, winning the goodwill of the entire Liu Family.

Now, he had brought up President Yun Xi and the Appraisers Guild, standing on the moral high ground and leaving Liu Lie and the others with no room to retreat.

Knowing when to advance or retreat, and how to act with restraint.

First showing grace, then establishing authority.

This method, this calculating mind—how did he seem like a sixteen-year-old youth?

Liu Qingyun sighed inwardly.

He had thought earlier that Jiang Yun truly didn't mind, but now it seemed he had been too naive.

This youth didn't show his emotions on the surface; his thoughts were as deep as the ocean.

This kind of person was precisely the type one should never provoke.

Elder Liu Lan stood to the side, a complex look flashing in her water-blue eyes.

She too had underestimated this Grand Tutor Dongxuan.

Back in Black Rock City, she only felt this youth had Heaven-Defying appraisal talent and was ruthless and decisive in his actions.

But only now did she realize...

...his calculation and strategy were equally unfathomable.

When he proactively gave Liu Lie and the others a way out earlier, everyone thought he was repaying hostility with kindness and was broad-minded.

But in reality, he was just waiting for a more suitable time to settle the score completely.

First letting you offer your Face, then slapping it.

This slap was harder than any before.

Supreme Elder Liu Yunshan and the other two Grand Elders also looked at each other, their eyes full of shock.

“This Grand Tutor Dongxuan... is not simple, not simple at all.”

Supreme Elder Liu Yunshan murmured to himself.

“I thought earlier he really didn't mind, but now it seems I was thinking too simply. He just saved the debt to settle it all at once.”

Another Grand Elder whispered, “First showing grace, then establishing authority. First making the entire Liu Family feel good about him, then bringing out the mountain that is the Appraisers Guild to pressure Liu Lie and the others. This move was played beautifully.”

“He wants to use his status as a Grand Elder of the Appraisers Guild to settle this debt openly and fairly.”

“This boy will surely achieve great things in the future.”

Liu Qingyun took a deep breath, a smile forced onto his Face.

“Grand Tutor Dongxuan, please calm your anger. What happened just now was indeed wrong of Elder Liu Lie and the others. I wonder how Grand Tutor Dongxuan intends to handle this matter? As long as the request is reasonable, this Patriarch will surely grant it.”

In his tone...

...there was already a hint of caution.

Jiang Yun's gaze remained on Liu Lie and the others, his tone calm.

“It's simple.”

“The four Grand Elders just questioned me and damaged my dignity. As an Appraiser, this is what I taboo most. This matter cannot be left as it is.”

He held up one finger.

“First, the four Grand Elders must publicly and sincerely apologize to me. Not the perfunctory kind like before, but a real, heartfelt apology.”

He held up a second finger.

“Second, the four Grand Elders must each provide an eclipsing moon treasure as compensation. These four treasures will not be counted toward the three from the Liu Family treasury. This is the personal compensation from the four Elders to me and has nothing to do with the Liu Family.”

As soon as these words were spoken, the entire field fell into a dead silence.

Then it erupted into a frenzy...