Xiao Hou's words made everyone around him's eyes light up. In fact, no one doubted that it was a treasure; so many people hadn't noticed anything wrong, it was practically a sure thing.
If it was wrong, they could only blame their bad luck.
"Master Hong, I'm begging you." It was Old Zheng who spoke, a very respected figure here. This was Chu Zhou, and Old Zheng was practically the host.
"Old Zheng, you're too kind!" Master Hong quickly returned the greeting with a bow.
He was a plump, white-haired old man with a kind face, like a gentle breeze; he didn't look like a martial artist, but rather like a wealthy old man.
Everyone around him watched Master Hong intently, showing the utmost trust they had in him.
Master Hong didn't just look; he even took out several trinkets: a Bagua diagram, a celestial compass, and a treasure-appraising mirror.
No one spoke; everyone stared intently at Master Hong.
At this moment, Old Zheng smiled gently, "Master Hong is one of the most famous masters in Chuzhou. In appraising treasures, he has absolutely discerning eyes; no treasure can escape his notice."
Qin Chuan wanted to laugh, but seeing everyone around him nodding naturally, it seemed that Master Hong's status was not low. Besides, Old Zheng was not one to boast.
"What Master Hong? What kind of worthless bastard is he? He's far inferior to my Master Liu." It was Xiao Hou who spoke.
This person was really annoying, having dealt with Qin Chuan and Lao Luo several times before.
Now, Xiao Hou's words were a challenge to Old Zheng. After all, Master Hong was a master that Old Zheng had invited. Not giving Master Hong face was not giving Old Zheng face.
So, as soon as Xiao Hou spoke, everyone's expression changed. Master Hong stopped abruptly, his face extremely ugly: "Since that's the case, if there's someone stronger than me, then let the stronger one come. I want to see what kind of master you, Xiao Hou, have invited."
Qin Chuan finally saw Master Liu. Upon seeing him, Qin Chuan was stunned. This Master Liu was indeed extraordinary in appearance.
With an air of otherworldly grace, snow-white hair and beard, and a flowing robe, he exuded an aura of profound mystery. He remained silent, merely glancing at Master Hong and shaking his head slightly.
His expression was calm, revealing neither disdain nor contempt, yet it conveyed a sense of suppression.
Master Hong seemed equally suppressed, his face flushing, but he was powerless to do anything about it, so he resolved to hope that
Master Liu wouldn't assert himself. "You're really nothing special. I know you were just being polite before, or perhaps using a feigned retreat, but I'll tell you, you're no good. I'll teach you a lesson today." Master Liu's words and expressions were perfectly measured.
Even with such arrogance, because no one could discern his true strength, no one felt anything amiss.
If Master Liu truly possessed extraordinary abilities, then it wouldn't be a problem; a strong person with ability can act this way, it's normal.
But if you lack strength, such arrogance towards someone won't be tolerated.
Remember, Xiao Hou had already insulted Master Hong in his words; if Master Liu couldn't deliver a convincing answer, how could Master Hong and Elder Zheng possibly tolerate him?
This Xiao Hou was incredibly arrogant. At his age, he spoke with such arrogance and disdain, completely disregarding everyone else. Qin Chuan thought he was utterly brainless;
he couldn't understand such a person.
Many people present were from Chuzhou, and even those who weren't felt uncomfortable; this was like being humiliated, as if everyone present was trash.
However, Master Hong remained calm. He had been furious before, but now he was indifferent, simply watching Master Liu and Xiao Hou as if they were about to be embarrassed.
He had already gleaned some information, but honestly, he couldn't discern the true nature of this thing. Xiao Hou's words were harsh, practically insults.
However, this was a perfect opportunity to back down, to observe and maneuver as needed. If the other party was determined to step forward, his earlier concession might be seen as a chance for him to succeed.
If the other party wasn't determined, even without his intervention, Elder Zheng wouldn't let Xiao Hou off easily.
Therefore, Master Hong was currently in a comfortable position, able to attack or retreat at will, which was advantageous to him in any situation.
Master Liu stood before the yin-yang symbol, extending his hands. A surge of energy rose, his palms becoming one black and one white.
Two streams of energy, one black and one white, then emanated from his palms and landed on the yin-yang symbol.
In that instant, the yin-yang symbol seemed to come alive, a harmonious interplay of yin and yang, the essence of heaven and earth spreading outwards.
Those around felt as if bathed in a spring breeze, their entire being experiencing an indescribable sense of well-being, a warm and comfortable feeling that was incredibly strong.
Having such a thing in the room would make everything feel refreshing and invigorating; for those seeking self-cultivation, it was an absolute treasure.
Many were moved, their eyes revealing complex emotions; this treasure was certainly not easy to obtain.
The mysterious man in black robes wore a smug expression, though it was unseen by most. He was certain he would get a satisfactory price this time.
"A fine item, truly a fine item!" Xiao Hou exclaimed, his eyes shining, his small body filled with satisfaction.
Old Luo and the others were also overjoyed, staring intently at the yin-yang fish. However, Old Luo still felt a pang of regret, knowing he couldn't possibly win against them.
Hall Master Wu also liked it, but acquiring it would be difficult for him.
The old man, Old Zheng, was also somewhat excited. At his age, he no longer felt satisfied with food, and other things rarely brought him fulfillment. Yet, this object gave him a sense of satisfaction.
People live and strive, ultimately for fulfillment. Eating to one's fill is fulfillment, possessing beautiful women is fulfillment, cultivating strength is fulfillment, or perhaps a guarantee of fulfillment.
Master Liu, seeing everyone's reactions, remained calm, walked back with his hands behind his back, and sat down. The yin-yang fish continued for a while before stopping.
Even after stopping, it still created an indescribable rhythm in the room, a comfortable feeling.
"How about it? Anyone who's not convinced can go up and see for themselves," Xiao Hou said sarcastically, then looked at Master Hong and Qin Chuan.
There were quite a few people present, some of whom now viewed Master Liu differently—this was a true master. As for Xiao Hou, the general public still didn't like him.
However, everyone wanted to curry favor with him, since befriending such a person might come in handy if needed.
"This is a true master, far superior to Master Hong."
Master Hong's heart was filled with complex emotions. Although he didn't think the other was much better than him, he had been defeated in this round.
"Master Hong, don't you want to say anything?" Xiao Hou pressed on relentlessly.
Old Zheng's face was very ugly; after all, no one had ever shown him such disrespect before.