Lin Jin noticed that among the ten Rank 4 beast appraisers, the one sitting in the middle had an imposing aura. Despite his advanced age, there was a sharp glint in his eyes.
This old man wasn't as simple as he seemed.
In an instant, Lin Jin thought of someone.
Zhong Zifeng!
He was one of the top Rank 4 beast appraisers in Spiral Nation. Someone once said that with Zhong Zifeng's abilities, he could easily be promoted to a Rank 5 beast appraiser.
However, Zhong Zifeng didn't do so.
He once made a famous statement, 'Only those who can reach Rank 6 can have the potential to become a Rank 5 beast appraiser.'
To put it simply, only by successfully promoting a Rank 5 pet beast to Rank 6 would he be willing to be promoted to a Rank 5 beast appraiser.
It was a pity that Zhong Zifeng never got the chance. Even if his works had become a treasure trove for beast appraisers, even if he had many appraising theories that had been passed down for generations, if he couldn't successfully promote a pet beast to Rank 6, then everything was just a bubble to him.
Lin Jin acknowledged Zhong Zifeng's stubbornness and persistence. But at the same time, Lin Jin felt that Zhong Zifeng's abilities were enough to qualify him as a Rank 5 beast appraiser.
If he wasn't mistaken, this old man should be Zhong Zifeng. Lin Jin wasn't making a blind guess. He had heard that Zhong Zifeng had a unique skill called 'Seal Hand'.
Right now, Lin Jin could vaguely see the word 'Seal' written on this old man's left hand.
That was his signature.
Hence, Lin Jin felt that his guess wasn't too far off.
At this, Lin Jin decided to act smart and bowed at the old man again. "Greetings, Mr. Zhong!"
The latter smiled without denying it.
"Appraiser Lin, you have a keen eye!"
He actually praised Lin Jin.
His tone was amiable and didn't put on any airs.
Clearly, Mr. Zhong was in charge of this test. With his status, no one would dare to take his place.
Lin Jin suddenly remembered that Tan Lin seemed to have become Zhong Zifeng's disciple yesterday.
"Appraiser Lin, you've passed the first two tests. According to our headquarters' rules, you'll be qualified as a Rank 4 beast appraiser after passing the third test," Zhong Zifeng said.
Zhong Zifeng said at this time. When it came to business, this old man was still very serious.
Lin Jin listened carefully and noticed a problem in his words.
Passing the third test would qualify him as a Rank 4 beast appraiser.
Just a standard?
It didn't say that he would be recognized by a Rank 4 beast appraiser.
These two didn't sound like much of a difference, but in reality, the difference was huge.
However, Lin Jin didn't ask immediately. After all, the most important thing was to pass the third test. Judging by the number of Rank 4 beast appraisers here, the third test was the key.
The previous two could only be said to be appetizers. They were not worthy to be put on the table.
"According to tradition, we ten beast appraisers will each ask you a question and you will answer it. Once all ten questions have been answered, we will raise our hands to vote. As long as more than half of the Rank 4 beast appraisers approve of you, you will pass the third test."
After Zhong Zifeng was done, Lin Jin couldn't resist asking.
That was because there was a huge problem with this rule. The examiner didn't just say how many out of the ten questions were answered correctly. The examiner didn't mention how well the examinee answered the questions, only whether more than half of the Rank 4 beast appraisers approved of the examinee.
In other words, even if the answer was wrong, as long as the other party acknowledged you, it was fine?
Lin Jin asked directly. Zhong Zifeng smiled. "That's right. In the past, very few people could answer more than half of the questions correctly so the rules were changed."
Lin Jin was enlightened.
"Since everyone understands the rules, let's begin. Mr. Zhong, I'll be the first to ask a question," one of the Rank 4 beast appraisers said.
This Rank 4 beast appraiser was slightly plump and had a cheerful demeanor when he spoke.
Zhong Zifeng introduced, "Appraiser Lin, this is Appraiser Ouyang!"
Lin Jin bowed.
Appraiser Ouyang waved his hand and said, "I'll be testing your foundation in beast appraising. How about this? Recite the ten methods of beast appraising from beginning to end."
At this, one of the appraisers whispered to the person beside him, "Appraiser Ouyang is still as unpredictable as ever. The ten methods of beast appraising are the most basic knowledge but not many people would memorize it. After all, it's a few thousand words long and because it's so basic, most people wouldn't be able to memorize it after a long time."
The appraiser beside him nodded in agreement.
Indeed, Appraiser Ouyang's questions were rather obscure. If one didn't have a solid foundation, they might fail the first question.
"This person might not be able to memorize it. It all depends on Appraiser Ouyang's mood. If he's in a good mood, even if he can't memorize it, he'll still be recognized. Otherwise, he can only blame it on his bad luck."
Lin Jin was stunned by the question but he didn't think too much about it. He immediately began reciting.
"One method of beast appraising, birds in the sky, beasts on the ground, yin versus yang, divided into the five elements, tigers touch bones, cranes observe feathers, antlers age, turtles break their shells …"
Lin Jin began reciting. He could remember the ten methods of beast appraising clearly so it wouldn't be a problem for him to recite them word for word.
Moreover, even if he couldn't memorize them, the Museum of Deadly Beasts had a corresponding model. However, Lin Jin didn't think he would have to resort to this method.
Lin Jin didn't get stuck on the few thousand words of the ten methods of beast appraising and managed to recite it smoothly from start to end.
After he was done, the plump Appraiser Ouyang nodded profusely. "Not bad, not bad at all. In my opinion, an appraiser's knowledge is too broad in the future and it would be hard for him to study it all in his lifetime. But no matter how high one's realm is, one mustn't forget the basics. Appraiser Lin, it's impressive that you can recite it so fluently."
Indeed, it was impressive.
Because among the ten Rank 4 beast appraisers present, not all of them could recite the ten methods of beast appraising without missing a word.
With this, Lin Jin had completed the first question.
Moreover, Appraiser Ouyang didn't seem to be unhappy about it.
This was a good start.
"Let me ask the second question," Appraiser Yan chimed in.
Appraiser Yan was one of the two beast appraisers in the first round. His question was also related to the previous test.
"There are two ways to deter a pet beast. One is the beast suppression lure, which is used to suppress the pet beast through physical contact. The other is blood contract coercion, which uses the pet beast's strength to suppress other pet beasts. I'd like to ask, how did Appraiser Lin manage to suppress the raging bull from afar?"
Rather than calling this question a question, it was more like asking for guidance.
The Rank 4 beast appraisers looked over as well. For some of them, this was their first time hearing about this detail and they were equally curious.
Lin Jin was stunned.
This was a difficult question to answer. He had used beast coercion, an ability found in the Museum of Deadly Beasts. Naturally, he could release it from afar.
But how was he supposed to explain this?
Lin Jin's mind raced and he finally came up with an idea.
"Appraiser Yan, to suppress the beast from afar requires a medium," Lin Jin answered.
Appraiser Yan shook his head.
Appraiser Yan shook his head. "I know that, but Appraiser Lin, you didn't use any talismans or any other medium."
"I do!"
Lin Jin flicked his finger and a silver needle instantly pierced the pillar with a loud pop.
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