Museum of Deadly Beasts Chapter 4: Shocking

Lin Jin, a mere level one beast appraiser, presented his assessment. Zhang He’s initial reaction was disbelief, dismissing Lin Jin’s words as baseless claims, a thought that oddly calmed his agitated state. 'He must have fabricated this report out of fear of losing,' Zhang He mused. 'It's impossible for him to discern hidden bloodline attributes. If he could, wouldn't he surpass Chief Wang Ji, a level two beast appraiser? Hmph, Lin Jin, your own cleverness has led to your downfall. Falsifying an evaluation report is the gravest offense for a client. Let's see how you handle this.' A cunning spark flickered in Zhang He’s eyes.Following their initial shock, the surrounding crowd arrived at a similar conclusion. Some even cast Lin Jin disdainful glances. Incompetence might be overcome with diligence, but dishonesty was beyond redemption. For a beast appraiser, forging a report was an unforgivable sin, destined to bring scorn upon the individual if proven true. Even Zhao Ying, who had felt sympathetic towards Lin Jin, found herself shaking her head.“Lin Jin! You have the audacity to forge a report and then spew such nonsense?” Zhang He accused aggressively.Lin Jin maintained his composure. “Why the outburst?” he asked calmly. “The esteemed text, [Every Beast’s Blood Evaluation], details a method for verifying the Golden Dragon bloodline. Whether my claim is true or not, you simply need to follow the stated evaluation procedure to find out.”[Every Beast’s Blood Evaluation] stands as a cornerstone in beast appraisal studies, a classic text revered for several hundred years and considered essential reading for every beast appraiser. Its vast content made memorization impractical. Conveniently, the association possessed a copy, and someone was promptly dispatched to retrieve it and locate the Golden Dragon assessment method.This verification method held the key: if the bloodline had indeed been speculated upon, this process would confirm it. Conversely, attempting to identify a beast’s bloodline without prior knowledge using such a method would be like searching for a needle in a haystack. This again underscored the indispensable role of a skilled beast appraiser.The verification process itself was remarkably straightforward, requiring only a few specific components. A single drop of rock lizard blood was to be introduced into a beaker. If the creature truly possessed the lineage of a Golden Dragon, the drop of blood would magically transform into a golden hue.All eyes watched as the drop of blood descended into the beaker. To their astonishment, before their very eyes, the blood shimmered and bloomed into a brilliant gold.“It truly is the Golden Dragon bloodline!” someone exclaimed, their voice trembling. The rarity of a Golden Dragon’s bloodline was immense; even if the pet beast couldn't be utilized, its potential sale value was astronomical.At that precise moment, everyone regarded Lin Jin as if he were some sort of anomaly. Zhang He, in particular, his jaw agape, was rendered speechless by the sight of the beast’s blood turning golden. “It actually possesses the Golden Dragon bloodline. How could he possibly know?”Lin Jin had not only identified the rock lizard’s latent bloodline but had also accurately assessed its species and attributes. Such a feat far exceeded Zhang He’s capabilities. This understanding explained why, despite the rock lizard's imposing presence, it was deemed unsuitable for the client. Lin Jin’s recommendation of the wind spirit fox, a creature without any apparent flaws and chosen with the client's best interests in mind, was thus vindicated.As for Zhang He, had he actually coerced the client into signing a blood pact with the rock lizard, they would have faced dire consequences once the bloodline manifested. The inherent characteristics of gold and earth elements clash vehemently with wind attributes. Should such a conflict arise, regret would be futile, and the situation potentially catastrophic. The mere contemplation of it was chilling.The victor of this contest was now evident. Even the clients who had previously looked down on Lin Jin approached him, offering sincere gratitude, with the irrefutable proof presented before them.Zhang He’s expression darkened, a sensation akin to his scalp burning overwhelming him. His intention had been to humiliate Lin Jin, yet he had managed only to embarrass himself. A loss was a loss. Had this occurred in private, he might have brazenly denied it. However, with so many witnesses, shamelessness would not suffice. Reluctantly, through gritted teeth, he conceded to Lin Jin, “I lost!” He yearned to depart immediately.Lin Jin, however, stopped him with a gentle smile. “You have yet to admit your error.”Zhang He’s face flushed crimson with rage, his knuckles audibly cracking. 'I must endure,' he thought. 'I have no choice but to endure.'“I was wrong!”“What was that? Speak up, I couldn’t hear you,” Lin Jin taunted sarcastically.“I was wrong!”

Zhang He let out a scream, wanting to weep from the utter humiliation he had suffered that day. Lin Jin nodded in satisfaction. “Merely realizing your wrongdoing isn't sufficient. You must be humble and reform your ways! I am quite occupied, so I won’t elaborate further. Reflect upon yourself.”

With that, Lin Jin turned and departed with great dignity under the gaze of everyone present, appearing as if he were an otherworldly being.

Once outside, Lin Jin couldn't help but burst into laughter.

Pure bliss!

Some individuals, the more you disregard them, the more they will pester you. Thus, why should one show them any further leniency? Instead of stating that Zhang He had lured Lin Jin into a trap, Lin Jin had also, in a way, dragged him down with him. Each had their own agenda, but the outcome would hinge on who possessed the greater capability to escape the snare.

Ultimately, it was Lin Jin who emerged stronger.

Following this incident, Lin Jin gained a deeper comprehension of the capabilities inherent in this Deadly Beast Museum.

In truth, Lin Jin had only documented a fraction of the findings in his evaluation report. Had he inscribed everything on the stone tablet, he would not merely have astounded the onlookers; he might have terrified them to death.

Lin Jin possessed the wisdom to refrain from disclosing his trade secrets. The sheer wonder of the Deadly Beast Museum necessitated that he maintain its privacy and confidentiality to forestall any exposure.

Lin Jin believed in destiny. Since fate had brought him to this world, seemingly for an indefinite stay as he had no means of returning, why not embrace a comfortable existence here and savor the marvels of this parallel universe?

He needed to keep an open mind.

What alternative course of action would be available if he did not possess an open mind?

Lin Jin had taken merely a few steps beyond the entrance when he realized he had no immediate destination. Fortunately, someone hurried up behind him.

“Appraiser Lin!”

Zhao Ying was filled with elation. Her lifelong aspiration was to become an exceptional beast appraiser, a dream she had diligently pursued.

After countless nights dedicated to learning, she had taken her initial stride, finally achieving the status of an apprentice beast appraiser.

Upon formally entering the beast appraisal profession, she came to understand the profound depth of this calling. Becoming a certified beast appraiser demanded a confluence of talent, effort, and time, with no single element being dispensable.

Despite her tireless efforts, there remained a significant distance to ascend to the level of a Level One Beast Appraiser. Concurrently, the more she studied, the more she grasped the formidable nature of a beast appraiser's work.

Lin Jin's actions that day had revitalized her perspective, bestowing upon her a fresh insight.

Moments prior, she herself had meticulously examined the two pet beasts, discerning little beyond their species and attributes. Zhang He was indeed remarkable for identifying their bloodlines, but Lin Jin’s superiority was evident in his ability to delve into the finer details. The outcome of the competition served as irrefutable proof.

However, that was not the crux of the matter. The primary issue was that Zhao Ying had been privy to whispers and rumors, convinced that Lin Jin was undeserving of his esteemed position as a Level One Beast Appraiser, his certification a product of sheer luck. Furthermore, his assessment scores paled in comparison to those of Chief Wang Ji and other certified appraisers; indeed, several apprentices had even achieved higher marks. This had become a source of amusement within the association, with Lin Jin as the central figure of their mockery.

The appraisal incident was the final catalyst, causing Lin Jin's career as a Level One Beast Appraiser to plummet irrevocably. He faced widespread derision and disrespect, appearing beyond any hope of redemption.

Even a novice apprentice like Zhao Ying, to be entirely candid, had harbored a dismissive view of Lin Jin.

Although she never vocalized her sentiments condescendingly, the prospect of accompanying Lin Jin to a rural locale for a beast appraisal filled her with aversion, as she presumed she could glean nothing of value from him, deeming it a sheer waste of time.

But now, her perspective and overall impression had been completely revolutionized.

Earlier, Appraiser Lin had calmly and effortlessly bested Zhang He. It was also plainly evident that he had exercised restraint, demonstrating the very knowledge and proficiency expected of a Level One Beast Appraiser.

The rumors were demonstrably false.

“Appraiser Lin, our expedition to Everlasting Town might necessitate an overnight stay. Is there anything you require us to prepare?”

Zhao Ying's previous inquiry had been polite; her current one conveyed genuine respect.

After a brief period of contemplation, Lin Jin concluded that he had little to pack. His only essential item was his treasured blood kindred beast.

Everlasting Town ranked among the eleven townships within Maple City. While not geographically distant, the journey presented considerable challenges. Five miles ascending the mountain, followed by five miles descending, and then navigating a stretch of winding roads would finally bring the sight of Everlasting Town into view.