Cultivation Starting from Choosing Augments

Chapter 772: Chapter 290: Appraisal: True Monarch Can Ye Figures Out the Truth

"If I’m not mistaken, this must have come from the new Relic."

Xiao Chen nodded. "You have a keen eye, sir. This is indeed an item from the Da Xuan Immortal Dynasty."

He only admitted to half of it, not revealing the true source.

Kuang Ruihong, however, didn’t catch Xiao Chen’s implication and continued, "This item is rather unfortunate, though."

"According to ancient records, when the Immortal Dynasty was at its peak, it established extremely strict laws."

"But out of certain considerations, they would grant Pardon Orders to the relatives of ministers who had performed great deeds or to the kin of those with profound Cultivation."

"The holder of this Ink-Colored Iron Token could use it to commute a sentence for a crime they committed."

It was a reluctant compromise, in a way. After all, while the Da Xuan Immortal Dynasty was at its peak, it wasn’t completely without enemies.

Trying to treat High Tier Cultivators or their relatives the same as everyone else was simply too difficult to enforce.

The specific details of the matter were incredibly complex—enough to fill ten books—so the historical records only mentioned it in passing.

"That is a shame. It seems it’s useless now."

Though Xiao Chen said as much, he didn’t actually feel any regret.

’In any case, he’d just picked it up while following Zhang Shouquan. It was basically free.’

After discussing the two old artifacts, Kuang Ruihong pointed to the third item.

"These stones contain a large number of Sea Race runes."

"Since so little is known about them at present, their specific function is difficult to surmise."

"I can only judge that their purpose is similar to our Human Race’s Array Plates. They are most likely instruments used to quickly deploy Arrays."

Having said that, he turned his gaze to the last item.

He then chose his words carefully. "Xiao, forgive my lack of insight, but I cannot discern what mystery lies hidden within this final Curious Stone."

"The only thing I can be certain of is that it wasn’t naturally formed; it was definitely altered by artificial means."

"By my estimation, it is most likely a special kind of Token."

"If it’s from the Sea Race, it might be something they created intentionally."

This conclusion left Xiao Chen rather taken aback.

He honestly hadn’t expected that even a veteran Appraiser like Kuang Ruihong couldn’t identify the origin of this Curious Stone.

’Still, confirming it’s a Token is a worthwhile discovery,’ he thought.

’In any case, the thing isn’t very big. I might as well carry it for now.’

’Once I learn more about the Sea Race, I’m sure I’ll get a chance to figure out what it really is.’

"I understand."

Xiao Chen nodded. "Thank you for your hard work today, Kuang."

"How much is the appraisal fee?"

If one didn’t end up consigning items for auction, the appraisal naturally had to be paid for with Spirit Stones.

Kuang Ruihong waved his hand, intending to refuse. "I was idle today anyway. Let’s just waive the fee."

However, Xiao Chen insisted, "The fee is part of the Commerce Association’s rules. Let’s do things by the book."

"It’s not as if you don’t know, Kuang. If there’s one thing I’m not short on, it’s Spirit Stones."

To be fair, the claim of not lacking Spirit Stones was a bit brazen.

But coming from Xiao Chen, it sounded surprisingly convincing to Kuang Ruihong.

’This is a man who spends fortunes without a second thought; he’s certainly not short on Spirit Stones.’

So, he didn’t insist further. "In that case, according to the Commerce Association’s rules, the rate is five hundred Spirit Stones an hour."

"We’ve been here for under two hours, but since it’s been more than a Quarter Hour past the first, we’ll have to charge for two. That’s one thousand Spirit Stones."

On its own, this price was not cheap.

But in comparison, it was less than what Xiao Chen had spent on snacks while strolling through the streets earlier.

With a wave of his hand, he set down one thousand Spirit Stones. "I’ll be on my way, then. No need to see me out."

But Kuang Ruihong still escorted him to the entrance of the Treasure House. "Take care, Xiao, and have a safe journey!"

He watched until Xiao Chen’s figure vanished down the street before turning back into the shop.

However, the moment he turned, he saw True Monarch Can Ye’s Child staring at him. "Master Kuang, the True Monarch requests your presence on the third floor. If you are able, please come with me."

Kuang Ruihong hastily replied, "Of course, I am."

To such a question, there was naturally only one possible answer.

However, when he pushed the door open and saw two figures seated across from each other drinking tea—especially the young woman—he was inwardly astonished.

’Purple Jade True Monarch is back so suddenly? I hadn’t heard a single whisper about it.’

Still, he quickly bowed his head and greeted each of them in turn. "Greetings, Chief Shopkeeper. Greetings, Deputy Shopkeeper."

The young woman’s expression was stern. "Elder Kuang, no need for such formalities. This... ahem, this Shopkeeper has just returned and would like to ask you something."

"Mm... What is your impression of Xiao Chen?"

Hearing this, True Monarch Can Ye, who sat to the side, felt the corner of his mouth twitch. ’Who asks questions so bluntly?’

’This young lady... honestly. *Sigh*.’

But he wasn’t particularly bothered by it. After all, to a True Monarch, such things were minor issues.

’With a solid foundation of power to fall back on, social graces can always be learned over time. It’s not a problem.’

Facing his superior’s question, Kuang Ruihong naturally recounted everything he was permitted to say.

This included his few meetings with Xiao Chen and the conversations that took place between them.

The only thing he omitted was his own private speculations and favorable assessment of Xiao Chen.

"A black stone that glows with white light... you mean like this one?"

As she spoke, Purple Jade True Monarch turned her hand over, and an irregularly shaped Curious Stone appeared in her palm as well.

Kuang Ruihong inspected it carefully before replying, "That’s the exact type of Curious Stone. To my old eyes, they look practically identical."

True Monarch Can Ye suddenly spoke. "Thank you for your trouble, Elder Kuang."

"Remember to keep the matter of the Deputy Shopkeeper’s return confidential. The same goes for any information concerning Xiao Chen; do not speak of it to others."

"I recall a new batch of Elixirs arrived the other day. Elder Kuang, you can go with my Child to collect some. Take them with you for your health."