Museum of Deadly Beasts Chapter 3: How Could You Tell?

“Uhm... Appraiser Zhang, we have more faith in you, so I believe there’s no need for Appraiser Lin to examine them,” the clients stated in unison, anxious to avoid any trouble.

Fearing Lin Jin might withdraw, Zhang He quickly whispered to them, “There won’t be any issues; just let him take a look. Rest assured, it won’t impact you. I am well aware of Lin Jin’s capabilities. Even if he were to examine them, he wouldn’t discern much.”

Zhang He's prior reactions were partly feigned. While his anger was genuine, a significant portion was orchestrated solely to lure Lin Jin into his scheme. He never anticipated Lin Jin would fall so readily into the trap.

‘After your previous debacle and your defeat at my hands today, an official demoted to an apprentice, even if you possess the audacity to remain, Lin Jin, the association will undoubtedly revoke your credentials.’

As Zhang He contemplated this, he exchanged a knowing glance with a fellow apprentice beast appraiser nearby, signaling him to disseminate the news promptly. Before long, a substantial crowd had gathered to observe, and the onlookers continued to swell.

Apprentice beast appraisers and clients from the association of beast evaluations were present.

“What’s transpiring here?”

“It’s a beast evaluation competition, designed to ascertain who possesses greater accuracy and detail in their assessments, testing both knowledge and experience.”

“Isn’t that Lin Jin? But he’s a certified…”

“His reputation is unfounded. In a recent appraisal, his scores were inferior to those of several higher-ranking apprentices, yet he still presumes to hold an official position. If I were him, I would have departed in shame.”

“Indeed, if Lin Jin were to depart, who would be suitably qualified to succeed him? Zhang He has shown remarkable progress lately; does he stand a chance?”

“While Zhang He is competent, he is not the foremost. It is far more probable that Jia Qian, who secured the top position in the apprentice assessment, would be the chosen one. Everyone is aware of this.”

“However, I’ve heard that Jia Qian shares a peculiar connection with our Chief…”

“Hush, one must not casually discuss such matters here. Let us simply observe the unfolding events. Look, Zhang He is commencing his evaluation.”

As an apprentice beast appraiser, Zhang He was the first to perform the evaluation. Naturally, this was merely for appearances. He had thoroughly studied the conditions of these two pet beasts long before this moment.

To preclude plagiarism, appraisers typically documented their evaluations on paper during competitions of this nature. Subsequently, they would present their findings simultaneously. In this manner, the outcome would be unequivocally evident to all observers.

Lin Jin acknowledged that his predecessor possessed a modicum of skill in beast appraisal; however, frankly speaking, much like Zhang He asserted, these skills were merely adequate.

Drawing upon his predecessor's memories, it was genuinely through sheer fortune that he managed to pass his qualifications. The competitors on his team had either been afflicted with severe gastrointestinal distress, experienced an exceptionally poor day, or had suddenly contracted a serious malady, leading them to voluntarily withdraw. Coincidentally, the examination questions aligned perfectly with the material he had reviewed prior to the test.

It was akin to achieving a jackpot in an examination, and it goes without saying, that was how his predecessor attained the status of a certified appraiser.

Despite luck being the primary determinant, a fundamental understanding was nonetheless requisite.

Lin Jin differed from his predecessor. He possessed no inherent knowledge of beast appraisals. Had he truly relied upon his own abilities, his destiny was sealed in defeat. The sole reason he consented to participate in this competition was the existence of the Museum of Deadly Beasts.

Given that this museum could unveil the most intricate details of Xiao Hua, it logically followed that it should be capable of doing the same for other beasts.

While maintaining the facade of evaluation, Lin Jin tentatively selected a pet beast and placed his hand upon its forehead. Precisely as he had anticipated, the Museum of Deadly Beasts presented an exact replica of this creature on the stone tablet situated beside it, offering a comprehensive introduction to the animal.

“Level one pet beast. Wind Spirit Fox. Juvenile. Lacks a blood contract. Possesses a wind attribute, making it most compatible for a blood contract with a human of the same wind attribute, followed by fire, wood, and water. Attributes to avoid include earth and gold.”

“It is in a state of mild hunger.”

“Potential Rate: 1. There is scope for future development. Twelve methods exist for enhancing its potential, which are…”

“…”

It had indeed materialized.

Lin Jin’s confidence surged immediately. Earlier, he had harbored concerns about a potential disconnect from the museum, but now, he felt decidedly optimistic.

Just then, an observer remarked, “What is Lin Jin doing? He isn’t utilizing a beast talisman; how is he appraising the beast? He’s also not employing the method for testing attributes.”

Zhang He watched with a sly smirk, appearing as though victory was already assured. The man stood composed, his posture erect, exuding an air of smug self-satisfaction.

Lin Jin remained unperturbed. He then touched the other pet beast.

“Level one pet beast. Rock Lizard. Semi-adult. Lacks a blood contract. Possesses an earth attribute, making it most compatible for a blood contract with a human of fire or gold attribute, followed by wind. Attributes to avoid include wood and water.”

“It is in a satiated state.”

“Potential Rate: 2. There is room for potential growth. Six methods exist to increase its potential which are…”

“Contains bloodline from a Golden Dragon and is currently inactive. Three activation methods are available… After the bloodline is activated, it will grow into two attributes, with gold as the main and earth as the sub.”

“…”

Lin Jin fully grasped the conditions of both pet beasts. He also realized that any creature he touched, be it on their head or fur, its information would be embedded into the museum for retrieval and reading at any time.

Lin Jin posed a few questions to the clients. After understanding their backgrounds, he returned, picked up his pen, and began documenting his appraisal results.

By then, Zhang He had concluded his work.

“Have you finished?”

Lin Jin nodded, neatly stacked his papers, and advised with genuine concern, “Zhang He, it’s not too late to withdraw now…”

Zhang He let out a sarcastic laugh. “You don’t need to worry about me, Appraiser Lin. Instead, you should focus on how to explain yourself after being publicly defeated by me.”

Both appraisal results were ready. After handing them to the clients, one of them read the findings aloud.

“Zhang He recommends the rock lizard. Lin Jin recommends the wind spirit fox.”

Different expressions appeared on everyone’s faces as the results were announced.

“I know this client is a merchant in the city and appears to have a wind attribute. While the rock lizard isn’t bad, its attribute clashes with the client’s. The wind spirit fox possesses the wind attribute, aligning perfectly with the client. It should be the most suitable choice.”

“It seems so, but Zhang He looks quite confident. He must have a trump card.”

Indeed, the client continued reading.

“The reason for recommending the rock lizard: Although the attributes clash, this rock lizard carries an earth dragon’s bloodline, granting it higher potential. Upon bloodline activation, it can level up significantly. Conversely, the wind spirit fox only has average potential, hence it is not recommended.”

An earth dragon’s bloodline!

It possessed a hidden bloodline.

The crowd was astonished. A pet beast with an ancient heavenly beast’s bloodline would possess immense value. Even with the attribute clash, the benefits derived from an earth dragon’s bloodline were far more significant.

The client also appeared surprised. He had acquired two of these pet beasts but was unaware of this hidden treasure within one. The earth dragon bloodline! Once activated, it could at least evolve into a level three pet beast.

The mere thought excited him.

“To discern a hidden bloodline is quite a remarkable feat.”

“I heard that after Zhang He received personal guidance from the Chief, his appraisal skills improved considerably. He is truly amazing. To think he could identify such a hidden bloodline. He will surely win this contest.”

Based on the current situation, Zhang He was destined to win. Lin Jin had recommended the wind spirit fox. Up to this point, it was evident he had failed to detect the rock lizard’s hidden bloodline, indicating inferior skills.

Zhang He felt a surge of self-satisfaction. His recent hard work had paid off, securing a victory against Lin Jin in front of everyone. From this moment on, Lin Jin would be utterly defeated, with no chance of recovery. The Chief would regard him even more highly, and he would achieve success after obtaining his beast appraisal certification.

Just as he savored his triumph, Lin Jin cleared his throat gently and inquired, “Are you certain you have won?”

Zhang He proudly placed his hands behind his back, too arrogant to even face Lin Jin directly. “How could I not be? You couldn’t even discern the rock lizard’s hidden bloodline. A so-called certified beast appraiser with a fraudulent reputation. Did you truly believe you stood a chance against me?”

With that, Zhang He burst into laughter.

Without allowing Lin Jin to respond, the client, staring at the appraisal results, displayed a peculiar expression. He stated, “Uhm… Appraiser Zhang, I haven’t finished reading this.”

Huh?

Zhang He turned, frowning irritably. He mused, ‘So what if he hasn’t finished reading? Does Lin Jin even have a chance to turn the tables? Even a blind person could see Lin Jin recommended the wind spirit fox. Yes, the attributes match, but he overlooked the crucial aspect: the hidden bloodline. Even if his report is impeccably written, what use is it?’

This was simply unnecessary. A complete waste of time.

However, Zhang He restrained his outburst and patiently replied, “Then continue reading so his loss will be even more convincing.”

The onlookers watched with curiosity, perceiving the client’s behavior as excessive. The victor was clear, so why prolong the reading of the appraisal details?