Nine Dragons Saint Ancestor

”Cough, cough... My apologies, everyone, I made a mistake just now. In fact, this is a Multicolored Ink Stone!”

Yun Xiao had no time to argue with the Golden Snake Worm inside him. Seeing the expression on Gong Qizhen’s face, he knew that he had to think of a way to rectify the situation fast, or he might not be able to take the item away.

”Multicolored Ink Stone?”

Upon hearing an unfamiliar term once again, confusion arose on Gong Qizhen’s face. The onlookers, who clearly hadn’t heard of a Multicolored Ink Stone either, all turned their gazes towards Yun Xiao.

Yun Xiao, with an unblushing face and steady breath, promptly picked up the stone that was still emitting a multicolored glow from the table, and declared loudly: ”The Multicolored Ink Stone is actually an advanced version of the Black Grinding Stone. Once crushed, not only can it be used as Black Ink Powder, the other four colors can also be used for painting—truly a rare and precious ink stone!”

”So it’s just an Ink Bar after all, and I thought it was some treasure!”

With Yun Xiao’s explanation, many lost interest. Although the stone emitted a multicolored light, if it was really just an Ink Bar, then it was of little use to these Cultivators.

Flourishing in calligraphy and painting was always the pursuit of scholars frail in strength, although not lacking among Cultivators who held such hobbies, they prioritized the cultivation of their Meridian Qi, which was the foundation of their standing on the Continent.

As Yun Xiao sensed the change in expressions and the murmurs of the crowd, he let out a sigh of relief. But just as he was about to store the stone in his Waist Storage, a hand suddenly reached out, attempting to snatch the multicolored stone away.

This scare was no small matter for Yun Xiao, but his reaction was extremely swift. He knew that inside the Treasure Hall, the only one who would dare to make a move must be the Pavilion Master of the Treasure Pavilion.

Whoosh!

In a flash, Yun Xiao’s right wrist twisted into an odd angle, artfully dodging Gong Qizhen’s snatching attempt, causing the latter’s determined attack to miss entirely.

”Pavilion Master Gong, the rules of the Treasure Pavilion seem a bit dull, don’t they? With all these changes, will anyone want to come in the future?”

After evading Gong Qizhen’s attempt to snatch it, Yun Xiao retreated a few steps without changing his expression, his words causing Gong Qizhen’s face to alternate between shades of white and green.

If Gong Qizhen had managed to snatch the so-called Multicolored Ink Stone in time, he could have, like before, shamelessly exchanged it for another treasure.

But now, with the Multicolored Ink Stone secured in Yun Xiao’s hands and under the watchful eyes of everyone, if Gong Qizhen tried to forcefully take it, just like Yun Xiao said, no one would dare to come to the Treasure Pavilion anymore.

What attracted people to the Treasure Pavilion was precisely these treasure appraisal gatherings, because occasionally some would identify some peculiar items and make a huge profit.

In the past, during several treasure appraisals that would span a few months, only one treasure might be taken, and even though Gong Qizhen would begrudge it, he would not make a scene.

But today, with Yun Xiao’s arrival, three treasures were taken away one after another, each more precious than the last, especially the Divine Clarity Jade, a treasure worth over three hundred thousand!

To prevent further losses, Gong Qizhen personally appeared, set aside his dignity to swap the last three treasures, thinking he could send the boy away with three ordinary items. Yet, he did not expect another twist to happen.

Although Gong Qizhen was unaware of the uses of the Multicolored Ink Stone, as a long-time operator of the Treasure Pavilion, he had seen countless treasures. Despite the boy’s confident explanation, he was still somewhat incredulous.

”Alas, the Treasure Pavilion truly is in decline, one generation worse than the next. Now they’ve even resorted to outright robbery. It might be better not to come in the future!”

Seeing Gong Qizhen seemingly not dissuaded from his intent to take the Multicolored Ink Stone, the red-robed girl gave a shake of her head and sighed, her voice abruptly rising.

By rules, the treasures of this difficult area belong to the one who identifies them. Now that Yun Xiao has identified the Multicolored Ink Stone, it naturally belongs to him, and even Gong Qizhen has no grounds for taking it back.

Sensing the unusual looks from those around him, the Pavilion Master of the Treasure Pavilion ultimately did not lose his reason. Once he forcefully takes action to snatch the treasure, the Treasure Pavilion might as well close its doors.

Besides, even if Gong Qizhen was ruthless, he still had to consider the large audience. No one dares to commit such blatant murder and robbery under the bright heavens.

”Fine then, let those items stay on you, young man, just for a few more days!”

With a thought passing through his mind, the gloom on Gong Qizhen’s face suddenly vanished, replaced by a warm smile, as if all that had transpired earlier had nothing to do with him.

”Ladies and gentlemen, today’s treasure appraisal gathering comes to an end. If there’s anything that catches your eye, feel free to buy it. I, Gong, assure you, the Treasure Pavilion has no fakes!”

Upon hearing Gong Qizhen’s words, Yun Xiao couldn’t help but twitch the corner of his mouth, and even those who had seen the Red Sunflower Fire Pine Dog Feces began to doubt his statement.

Having said his piece, Gong Qizhen lingered no longer, glancing at Yun Xiao before turning to vanish into the distance.

”Pavilion Master Gong, wait a moment!”

However, at this moment, the red-clothed girl suddenly spoke up, causing the Pavilion Master to halt in his steps. He turned around, his face puzzled.

Truth be told, Gong Qizhen didn’t have much fondness for the red-clothed girl. Just now, she kept speaking on Yun Xiao’s behalf, nearly causing him to lose face. Calling him back now, could it be she had more tricks up her sleeve?

But Gong Qizhen, after all, was a seasoned businessman. The red-clothed girl at a glance appeared to have an extraordinary presence, perhaps even a profound background. He did not immediately tear off the pretense, instead, he quietly waited for her to speak.

”Pavilion Master Gong, I’ve inquired from various sources that your pavilion possesses a special item, which isn’t displayed out here. May I know if it’s possible to part with it?”

The red-clothed girl approached gracefully, but her words caused a slight change in Gong Qizhen’s expression, and a guess began to form in his heart.

”What item?”

Although he had a guess, Gong Qizhen still asked aloud. The tone of his voice contained a hint of something not usual, inducing thoughtful rumination among the audience.

The red-clothed woman glanced around, pausing on Yun Xiao for a moment before suggesting, ”This place is crowded and chaotic. How about Pavilion Master find a quiet place for us to discuss?”

It seems that the item really is important to the red-clothed girl; she does not wish to expose it in public. Hearing her suggestion, Gong Qizhen’s eyes shifted, and he eventually nodded his head.

Immediately, the figures of the two quickly disappeared not far from sight, leaving the people in the hall buzzing with speculation, all wondering what exactly was the object the red-clothed girl was after.

Since the Treasure Appraisal event had already concluded, and this hall was full of fakes which no longer interested Yun Xiao, he turned around and headed towards the hall’s doorway.

What Yun Xiao didn’t see as he left the hall was a gaze filled with resentment and poison, fixating on his back as if wanting to spit out flames.

Yun Xiao, who stepped out of the door, naturally didn’t know he had already caught someone’s attention. Just as he reached the second floor’s main hall outside, an unfamiliar figure blocked his path.

”My honored guest, the Pavilion Master invites you!”

Before Yun Xiao had a chance to scrutinize the newcomer, the latter had already spoken first. Hearing this, Yun Xiao was slightly stunned, silently wondering if the Pavilion Master referred to was the thick-skinned Gong Qizhen.

”Don’t worry, this is Treasure Pavilion, and the Pavilion Master would never destroy his own reputation!”

Seemingly guessing Yun Xiao’s reservations, the Treasure Pavilion’s guard spoke again, but Yun Xiao didn’t believe it one bit.

Just now, in front of a crowd, Gong Qizhen had dared to make his move. If in a secluded place, he didn’t believe that the Pavilion Master would be incapable of killing for treasure.

However, Yun Xiao didn’t take seriously a Meridian Union Realm Late Stage Pavilion Master. After all, he had reached the Peak of Meridian Rushing Realm now, and if that wasn’t enough, didn’t he still have the Golden Snake Worm?

”Lead the way!”

After a quick thought, Yun Xiao still had some lingering regrets about the seventh peculiar item from earlier, which was taken away by Gong Qizhen. He had been concerned about not having the opportunity to get hold of it, but now there seemed to be a glimmer of chance.

Seeing that Yun Xiao consented, the guard was overjoyed and immediately turned to lead the way. Before long, he had brought the former to the third floor of Treasure Pavilion, to a door.

The third floor of Treasure Pavilion was apparently not for transactions. There was only one door, presumably the living quarters of the Pavilion Master. After seeing the guard push the door and enter, a delicate figure in light red walked out from inside.

That figure was undoubtedly the red-clothed girl. Seeing Yun Xiao following behind the guard, she paused in surprise. It seemed she recalled something; while putting something into her Waist Storage, she softly spoke.

”Yun Xiao, that Treasure Pavilion Master is truly scheming, you must be cautious!”

This soft voice left Yun Xiao somewhat puzzled; it wasn’t like he had much of a relationship with the red-clothed girl, yet she was acting like an old friend known for many years, helping every step of the way.

However, since it was well-intended, Yun Xiao couldn’t dismiss her kindness. But just as he was about to nod, his gaze shifted to the girl’s right hand, where an item was being put into her Waist Storage.

”This item...”

Yun Xiao’s eyes narrowed, but soon the item was tucked away, and in the next moment, the pleasing voice of the Treasure Pavilion Master resounded inside, preventing him from thinking further.

Although the red-clothed girl did not know why Yun Xiao was there, she, who had obtained the item she wanted, did not find it appropriate to stay longer. Shortly after, only Yun Xiao and Treasure Pavilion Master Gong Qizhen were left in the room.

”Ha ha, Brother Yun Xiao, didn’t expect we’d meet again so soon, did you?”

The Gong Qizhen at this moment exhibited none of the gloominess from the Treasure Hall, rather he seemed like an old friend familiar with Yun Xiao for years, his face filled with smiles, unspeakable warmth emanating from his greeting.

The more Gong Qizhen behaved in this manner, the deeper Yun Xiao’s guard became. As the saying goes, a real villain is easy to deal with, but a hypocrite is hard to guard against. With such a smiling tiger, you never know when he’ll strike unexpectedly with a knife, catching you off guard.