The man before him was Ding Hong, a Rank 2 beast appraiser of Green River City's Beast Appraisal Association. His status wasn't low, only below Chief Xu Anqiao. It was said that he was the number one genius of Green River City's Beast Appraisal Association, knowledgeable and skillful.
Seeing Tan Lin nod, Ding Hong sneered inwardly.
This time, they were here to show off their might in Maple City. In previous years, they had done the same thing. That useless Wang Ji could only admit defeat. This time, even with Tan Lin in power, they would not allow Maple City to rise.
The reason was simple. Green River City was too close to Maple City. Back then, Green River City only had eight official beast appraisers, but they used some underhanded means to 'steal' Maple City's quota, leaving Maple City with only two official beast appraisers.
If Maple City were to return to four, headquarters might consider taking back two of Green River City's quota to balance things out. This naturally displeased Green River City's association. It was also for this reason that they formed a group to 'challenge' the association.
As the saying went, 'Two tigers cannot share a mountain'.
Ding Hong came prepared. He asked directly, "Fellow beast appraisers of Maple City, have you read the 'Gushan Beast Appraisal Scripture'?"
The 'Gushan Beast Appraisal Scripture' was an extremely rare and profound book. Most beast appraisers wouldn't have the opportunity to read it and even if they did, they might not be able to understand the techniques within.
These were techniques that required the guidance of a great teacher. At the same time, one's own comprehension ability was extremely high, and one had to put in a lot of hard work to master.
Gao Jiang's expression changed at this.
Clearly, he had heard of it but never read it.
Only a Rank 1 beast appraiser like him would have access to a book like this.
Lin Jin's expression remained unchanged. He hadn't read it either.
Tan Lin was the only one who had studied it. However, she knew that her research on the 'Gushan Beast Appraisal Scripture' was superficial.
But now, she obviously couldn't admit defeat.
"The 'Gushan Beast Appraisal Scripture' was written by Mr. Gushan one hundred and twenty years ago. It's widely circulated so of course I've read it," Tan Lin said.
Ding Hong chuckled inwardly, 'I was afraid you hadn't read it. It's good that you have.'
With a straight face, he said, "The beast appraisers of Maple City's association are indeed knowledgeable. Despite my lack of talent, I've studied this book before but it's a pity that my comprehension isn't good enough so I've only scratched the surface. I'm sure I can't compare to you appraisers. Today, I'd like to ask for your guidance on some of the beast appraisal techniques in the book."
Gao Jiang moved his body uneasily, which was a sign of his nervousness.
Lin Jin remained as still as a mountain. He said nothing.
Tan Lin was not confident, but she could only bite the bullet and hold on.
On the other side, Ding Hong shook his head and said, "In the eleventh chapter of the Gushan Beast Appraisal Scripture, there's a technique called 'Observing the Leaves in Autumn'. As the name suggests, it's a technique that allows one to see the big picture from the small. This is also a way for beast appraisers to improve themselves. However, due to my ignorance, I don't have a thorough understanding of this technique. I would like to ask the three beast appraisers in Maple City. According to the book, one can observe the quality of fur and fur, observe the patterns on scales and armor, and observe the differences in a beast's blood and the five elements … I wonder who can explain the meaning and details of these words to me?"
Ding Hong turned to Gao Jiang but the latter averted his gaze, not daring to meet his eyes.
Ding Hong smirked before turning to Lin Jin. Lin Jin had never read the Gushan Beast Appraisal Scripture before and was currently searching for this book in the Museum of Deadly Beasts, so he ignored Ding Hong.
This made Ding Hong even more pleased with himself. Then, he turned to Tan Lin.
Tan Lin knew that Ding Hong's questions were too profound and unorthodox. This beast appraisal technique was considered very advanced. Forget explaining it, most beast appraisers wouldn't even have seen it before.
Hence, she didn't blame Gao Jiang and Lin Jin for not being able to answer her.
As the chief, she had to step in at times like this.
Otherwise, Maple City's Beast Appraisal Association would be utterly defeated and they would become a laughing stock.
Although Tan Lin had never studied the Gushan Beast Appraisal Scripture in depth, she knew a thing or two about it. Now that she was doing her best to explain it, she was able to handle the situation.
However, it was a little taxing.
Ding Hong could tell how taxing she was feeling.
He planned to make another big move. Let's see if Maple City's association would accept it.
A few days ago, a friend of mine sent me a scale and asked me if I could tell what kind of beast it belonged to. I'm not afraid to laugh at me, but this question really stumped me. Although I've racked my brain to come up with an evaluation report, I don't think I'll be able to present it to anyone. How about this? Chief Tan, Appraiser Lin, and Appraiser Gao, if the three of you are able to identify the beast from a single scale, then write an evaluation report as well. I, Ding Hong, will be greatly impressed. "Ding Hong nodded and said," Chief Tan, I'm impressed.
While Ding Hong was speaking, the two newcomers, Zhang Ze and Mo Huan, had arrived at the main hall. However, a beast appraiser from Green River City stopped them and had them watch from the sidelines.
Meanwhile, Ding Hong had already begun his counterattack.
Should they accept the challenge?
If they didn't, they would lose without a fight. If word got out, Maple City's Beast Appraisal Association would become a laughingstock in the beast appraiser community. But how should they accept the challenge?
The only person who had some understanding of the Gushan Beast Appraisal Scripture was Tan Lin. She was still lacking in confidence. She could still come up with a few theories, but if she were to use this method to put it into practice, or even write an evaluation report, that would be a different story.
She couldn't do it.
She could force herself to do it, but it would be full of loopholes and that would be even more troublesome.
Now, she froze. She didn't know whether she should accept or reject the challenge.
As for Gao Jiang, he had already lowered his head like an ostrich, almost hiding his head in his pants.
Tan Lin gritted her teeth, her fingers turning red from clenching them. She knew that even if she couldn't do it, she had to do it. Otherwise, it would be embarrassing if she didn't even have the courage to do it.
Moreover, she was capable enough to write a decent evaluation report.
She only hoped that it would be as perfect as possible so that the other party wouldn't pick out any loopholes or flaws.
At this thought, Tan Lin was about to get up.
But just as she was about to get up, someone pressed down on her shoulder, forcing her back into her chair.
Tan Lin was stunned.
She turned to look at Lin Jin who was already on his feet.
It was Lin Jin who pressed her back down.
"Chief, you don't have to do this yourself for such a small matter. I'll just go take a look," Lin Jin said nonchalantly.
Tan Lin panicked.
She whispered, "Lin Jin, this isn't a joke. You …"
"Don't worry!" Lin Jin's gaze turned serious. His aura was completely different and he managed to subdue Tan Lin.
Then, Lin Jin walked over and saluted Ding Hong. "Appraiser Ding, let me take a look at your scale."
Ding Hong thought it would be Tan Lin who would end up like this. Who knew that Lin Jin would appear out of nowhere.
That was even better.
Even Tan Lin couldn't do it. Lin Jin, you've just passed the Rank 2 beast appraiser exam. Do you really think you're so great?
When you write your evaluation report later, I'll give you a thorough beating. '
Ding Hong chuckled and took out the scale.
The scale was the size of a palm and was extremely tough. Like a piece of steel, it was quite heavy.
"Appraiser Lin, please appraise it properly. I'm waiting to read your evaluation report." Ding Hong handed the scale to Lin Jin with a look of 'anticipation'.
Lin Jin accepted the scale. In an instant, the Museum of Deadly Beasts reported the results.
Select text and click 'Report' to let us know about any bad translation.
