Just then, another person entered the room.
Escort Zhang.
He had his Rank 3 docked-tail mountain lion with him. Although his strength had improved, he was still as gentle as ever. He didn't get cocky just because his pet beast was Rank 3.
Upon entering, Escort Zhang scanned his surroundings with anticipation. Then, he spotted Lin Jin.
Excitement flashed in Escort Zhang's eyes as he hurried over. Coincidentally, there was an empty seat next to Lin Jin. Escort Zhang didn't dare to take it at first and was about to bow when Lin Jin stopped him. Only then did Escort Zhang snap out of his daze and quickly sat down. However, he sat upright and still with a stern expression. His body leaned forward slightly toward Lin Jin as a sign of respect.
"Appraiser Lin, I didn't expect you to really come!" Escort Zhang rubbed his palms together nervously. Lin Jin smiled and patted the man on the shoulder. "I told you, I'll return the favor I owe them. Since that's the case, we should definitely come. But since the Qiao family has brought so many experts with them, I don't think they'll be of much help." Escort Zhang rubbed his palms together. Escort Zhang looked at Lin Jin.
Lin Jin was just spouting nonsense.
Setting aside the trouble the Qiao family was in, Lin Jin was sure that those demonic appraisers weren't just here for a meal. Although Lin Jin had no idea what they were here for, based on their previous actions, they were most likely up to no good.
If these demonic appraisers were to plot against the Qiao family, these so-called guests wouldn't be able to help much. After all, they wouldn't fight you head-on. Instead, they would resort to underhanded methods such as sneak attacks.
As the saying went, it was easier to dodge a spear in the open than an arrow in the dark.
But to Escort Zhang, Lin Jin didn't bother to say much.
Escort Zhang chuckled. "I was mentally prepared when I wrote this letter to Appraiser Lin. Firstly, I didn't want to disturb Appraiser Lin. Secondly, I was worried that the Qiao family's matter wouldn't be a big deal and that Appraiser Lin would come here for nothing."
"You didn't do anything wrong." Lin Jin didn't mind at all. Escort Zhang was a decent man with a steady personality and was honest and loyal. Although he might not be able to accomplish anything great, he wouldn't go wrong no matter what Lin Jin asked him to do.
At Lin Jin's encouragement, Escort Zhang was delighted.
To him, Lin Jin was like a god. His presence here proved that Appraiser Lin was a man of his word. Since he said he would return the Qiao family a favor, he would definitely do so. Only someone like him was worthy of respect.
While the two of them were chatting, the Qiao family also came out to talk.
Escort Zhang whispered to Lin Jin, "Over there is Qiao Feigong, the current patriarch of the Qiao family. The young man behind him is his son, Qiao Xing. The others are also the pillars of the Qiao family. Of Qiao Feigong's generation, only his second uncle is still alive. He's the oldest one over there …"
Escort Zhang was clearly aware of the Qiao family's situation. Lin Jin understood the situation as well.
"Qiao Feigong is a fair and upright person. He doesn't care about personal gains or losses and is a loyal person. When I came back to explain the situation, he didn't say a single word of blame. He's a good person."
Escort Zhang was praising Qiao Feigong because he had received some benefits from the Qiao family. Moreover, he wasn't lying, he was telling the truth.
Lin Jin nodded.
The Qiao Family did not hold a grudge against Qiao Feigong for robbing him of his darts and forcefully eating the precious Ganoderma. From this point alone, it could be seen that Qiao Feigong was a good person. He was broad-minded and not the kind of person who would be unreasonable and fuss over minor matters.
Qiao Feigong began to speak.
He walked out and cupped his hands at the crowd, saying, "It is our Qiao Clan's honor to have all of you visit our Qiao Clan despite your busy schedules. All of you are capable people. If our Qiao Clan is in trouble in the future, I hope that all of you will do your best to help us. If so, I will be very grateful."
His words were courteous.
The crowd returned his salutation in a harmonious manner.
"Patriarch Qiao, you're too kind. We're all here because of the Qiao family's reputation. If anyone dares to cause trouble, we won't let them go."
"That's right. The Qiao family's principles are as noble as the clouds and they often help the people around Reed City. We admire the Qiao family very much. Since we're here today, if anyone dares to cause trouble, don't blame us for not holding back."
Many of them spoke up, all of them seeming to be loyal to their friends.
Qiao Feigong was overjoyed. This was exactly the effect he wanted.
Two days ago, when the thief came, he said that he would come again today, and that he would also come to cause trouble today. Therefore, he had set up a banquet and invited so many experts. If ordinary thieves saw this, they would definitely be afraid and not dare to come again. If they really came, with so many people, what was there to be afraid of?
Moreover, the Qiao family had plenty of money. Even though the dishes on this table didn't cost much, the Qiao family could still afford to invite this guest.
"Come, serve the dishes!"
"Serve the dishes!"
Someone shouted. Then, twenty to thirty servants came out from both sides, carrying various dishes and taking turns to serve them. Soon, the table was filled with all sorts of dishes.
Qiao Feigong toasted and the crowd began eating.
Many of them ate until their mouths were covered in grease. Their table manners went without saying. After all, many of them were uncivilized people who came here today just for this meal.
Of course, there were also those who were truly capable who ate in a more elegant manner.
Lin Jin instantly lost his appetite when he saw how many of the people at the table ate. Besides, he was also paying attention to the four demonic appraisers.
Seeing that Lin Jin hadn't picked up his chopsticks, Escort Zhang didn't dare to move despite his hunger.
Just then, someone came over. It was Qiao Feigong and his son. They were probably here to toast Lin Jin. Everyone at the table immediately wiped their mouths and pants before pouring wine for themselves.
"Eh, Escort Zhang, why aren't you eating? Is our Qiao family's food not to your liking?" Qiao Feigong's son, Qiao Xing, asked deliberately.
Since Escort Zhang had lost the Qiao family's escort, Qiao Xing was infuriated. Although Qiao Feigong had warned him not to be rude to Escort Zhang over this incident, if there was an opportunity to mock him, Qiao Xing wouldn't let it go.
Escort Zhang stood up calmly. Just as he was about to formally introduce Lin Jin to the Qiao family, something unexpected happened.
Someone's pet beast suddenly went berserk. With a ferocious roar, the pet beast bit down on its owner. With a loud crack, the owner's arm was snapped off. Fresh blood gushed out and a blood-curdling screech rang out. Chaos ensued.
At this, the Qiao family members' expressions changed drastically.
Those with quick reflexes immediately scattered in all directions, afraid of being bitten by the beast. Some of the Qiao family members also had their pet beasts charge forward. Some of the Qiao family members also had their pet beasts pouncing forward to block the rampaging beast's path.
"What's going on?"
"I don't know. The mastiff suddenly went berserk."
"Even if it went berserk, it shouldn't have bitten its owner. Quick, save him first."
The man wailing on the ground had lost quite a bit of blood. If they didn't save him now, he wouldn't be able to make it. Meanwhile, the frenzied mastiff's eyes were bloodshot as it chewed on the man's broken arm. It seemed like it was going to attack again at any moment.
Someone controlled their pet beast to pull the injured man out. By now, the man had already fainted, so controlling his pet beast was out of the question. Hence, some of them had to surround their pet beasts and restrain the frenzied mastiff before doing anything else.
This sudden turn of events shocked everyone. Fortunately, the Qiao family quickly stabilized the situation. Many of the people present were there to help so they didn't panic despite the shock.
You've already exceeded your reading limit for today. If you want to read more, please log in.
Login
Select text and click 'Report' to let us know about any bad translation.
