Immortal Road.

"As for your treatment, didn't Fellow Daoist Nirvana mention it to you?"

Lie Yunsheng glanced at the Annihilation Avatar with some surprise, and the latter returned an apologetic look, with a deeper meaning hidden in it.

The other party immediately understood that the conditions offered earlier were insufficient, which was why they asked this question on purpose.

This is normal, because the terms are negotiated and can be adjusted up or down based on your capabilities; they are not fixed.

"I need to verify Fellow Daoist Xiongshan's appraisal skills first before offering a suitable reward. What do you think?"

This is exactly what Lin Shan has been waiting for!

How will you know how capable I am if I don't show you my skills?

Everything that followed went as expected.

The other party brought out all sorts of treasures, a wide variety of categories, mainly to prevent him from being biased and to ensure that his appreciation range was comprehensive, so as to test his true level.

After a series of actions, Lie Yunsheng was completely stunned!

Is this definitely an appraiser, or a fortune teller?

No matter what he took out, the man from Xiongshan could describe almost all of its characteristics, which was simply amazing!

If he had more advanced items on hand, he would have liked to test whether this guy could even identify celestial artifacts.

"Fellow Daoist Xiong Shan, you are truly remarkable. I was rude before."

Lie Yunsheng was completely convinced. This was the first time he had ever seen such a genius. He suspected that the genius not only possessed innate spiritual eyes and divine pupils, but might also have cultivated divination and other supernatural arts.
This is not without precedent.

Because the act of appraisal inherently involves guesswork and speculation, if one cannot discern the truth, one resorts to divination or fortune-telling, a skill that many experienced appraisers have mastered.

For someone like Lin Shan, who has little experience, there must be some kind of 'cheat code' assisting him.

That's right, in the celestial realm's appraisal industry, cheating is allowed.

After all, accuracy and efficiency are the goals. Everyone only cares about the results. Everyone has their own unique methods. You have your Zhang Liang's plan, and I have my own way to get through the wall. As long as we can identify the problem in the end, that's all that matters.

"Well? Fellow Daoist, do you still need to verify?"

Lin Shan showed off a little, knowing he had already intimidated his opponent, but this was just the beginning; his true abilities hadn't been revealed yet!
Lie Yunsheng had no doubts and immediately made the decision to issue the letter of appointment.

"No need. Fellow Daoist's level is far above mine. If it weren't for the limitation of cultivation, your rating could probably be even higher. I will now formally invite you to join Yibaolou and serve as the chief appraiser."

"Currently, there are over a hundred appraisers at Qiyunling Treasure Pavilion. The three chief appraisers are all Supreme Masters. Their salary is one Grade 7 Spirit Crystal per month. Each time they appraise a treasure, they will receive points based on its original value. These points can be used to exchange for items in the Treasure Pavilion."

"In addition, during large-scale trade fairs, we need Fellow Daoist Xiong Shan to help oversee things. If you see something you like during the fair, as an insider, you will be entitled to a fee waiver, and we can give you a 5% discount on back-end transactions."

"Once the transaction is successfully completed, a ranking will be established based on the number, value, and success rate of appraisals made by each participant, and the rewards granted by headquarters will be distributed accordingly."

"For this grand trade fair, Yunfeng's inland headquarters has specially set aside immortal crystals as rewards, so fellow Daoist, you'd better put in your best effort!"

While Lie Yunsheng was speaking, he carefully observed Lin Shan's expression and saw that Lin Shan was moved when he heard the word "immortal crystal" and couldn't help but smile.

Celestial Crystals!

Also known as Immortal Stones, like Spirit Stones, they are the currency of the Immortal Realm.

However, spirit stones are mined from spirit veins, while immortal stones are mined from immortal veins. The latter is more precious and is basically only circulated among true immortals!
Those below the level of immortals are not qualified to come into contact with such things; they are rare and highly sought-after items that transcend social classes.

Only true immortals can use immortal stones to refine immortal pills, set up immortal arrays, activate immortal artifacts, or refine laws, etc.

Lin Shan's heart was pounding wildly. If he could obtain the immortal stone, wouldn't he be able to try refining the laws?

He obtained the "Hongxu Refining Method" from Immortal Lord Xuheng, and also acquired the Soul Dao Law through the exchange with the True Spirit Locust. The reason he has not yet made any moves is because his cultivation level, magical power, and realm are insufficient.

With the help of Immortal Crystals, one can gain access to them earlier and make them a trump card for the future!
"Okay, I'll accept the appointment."

Lie Yunsheng was not surprised; such conditions were indeed hard to find, at least in Qiyunling, Nankaido.

The two parties then signed a contract of employment, with the start date being today and the end date being the end of the major trade fair.

If either party wishes to renew the contract upon its expiration, they can do so at any time; otherwise, they will not be forced to.

Lin Shan received a disc-shaped magical artifact from Yi Bao Lou, with interlocking rings displaying its treasures, which could be redeemed using points.

Points are accumulated through daily work; you earn points for completing a certain number of tasks, which can then be used as a reward to choose your desired items.

He saw a dazzling array of items in the list above, including some of the most precious treasures related to the domain!

"Can appraisers really use this kind of method to obtain materials?"

It seems like this step was the right one!
In fact, many precious resources may require luck to find in the cultivation market, but they can be exchanged within large sects and families. This is because they are benefits for their own members, and only elders, deacons, and true disciples within the sect can access them.

As a chain store in Yunfeng Xianyu, Yibaolou also boasts a rich history and tradition.

Logically, the access shouldn't be opened to newly hired outsiders, but since he became the chief executive as soon as he joined, we made an exception and opened the access for him.

This clearly shows that Lie Yunsheng's identity is anything but simple!
“Fellow Daoist Jimie, now that the matter has been accomplished, I need to take Fellow Daoist Xiongshan to familiarize himself with the work. I’m afraid I’ll have to excuse myself for a while.”

The Annihilation Avatar quickly waved his hand, indicating that they didn't need to worry about him.

"You guys go ahead with your work, I happen to have something to do too."

After all, it was Lin Shan who went in as an appraiser; he was just an intermediary, and what happened inside had nothing to do with him.

Leaving his clone outside, Lin Shan followed Lie Yunsheng to the backyard complex. Yi Bao Lou occupied a very large area and had many houses in the market, each with its own office space.

After taking a quick look around, I arrived at the place where the appraiser was located.

There are more than 30 rooms in this courtyard!

Through the window, you can see the appraisers inside, busy working with their appraisal tools, while apprentices come and go like an assembly line, bringing treasures in and out.

As a well-known trading venue, Yi Bao Lou receives countless treasures every day; otherwise, it wouldn't be able to support such a large team of appraisers.

The houses were brightly lit and dazzling, sparkling with jewels. It was only thanks to the array outside that they were concealed; otherwise, such a commotion would have already reached the streets.

"Go and gather all the appraisers. Stop what you're doing. I have something to announce."

"Yes."

The steward respectfully acknowledged Lie Yunsheng's request, glanced at Lin Shan beside him, and immediately led his men to relay the password.

Before long, over a hundred people had gathered in the lobby.

The place was bustling with appraisers, including those at the Golden Core, Nascent Soul, and Divine Spirit stages, with two Void Transformation stage cultivators at the very front!
Everyone had different expressions and whispered among themselves. Most of them glanced at Lin Shan with doubt, wondering who this person was who deserved such treatment.

Lie Yunsheng, seated in the main seat, glanced around and turned to ask the steward, "Where is Grandmaster Cang Jian? Why isn't he here?"

The butler answered with his head down the entire time:
"He said he was busy and would come over when he was done."

"Okay, let's leave him be and start the meeting."

Lie Yunsheng remained expressionless, clapped his hands to signal for silence, and the entire hall fell silent, with only his voice echoing.

"I have gathered you all here today to introduce our newest distinguished guest at Yibaolou, Master Xiongshan, who is sitting next to me!"

"This is just to introduce everyone to each other. We'll all be colleagues in the future, so I hope we can work together and get to know each other quickly. If you have any questions, you can ask him for help."

"Don't let his young age fool you, he is indeed a seventh-rank supreme appraisal master personally certified by the Tianjian Division. According to the rules, I have appointed him as the chief appraiser, responsible for the appraisal and review of difficult and complicated items."

After he finished speaking, everyone in the audience was quite respectful, offering their congratulations and greetings to welcome the new chief.

Only the two Void Transformation stage cultivators at the very front remained silent, simply sitting there watching without offering any welcome or disapproval.

Lin Shan stood up and greeted everyone with a smile.

He could roughly tell that Lie Yunsheng had a lot of power in Yibaolou, but that didn't mean he had absolute authority; at least, other people of the same rank didn't seem to respect him much.

"I am Xiong Shan Shangren. From now on, we will be colleagues. Please take good care of me."

Everyone clasped their hands in support, and the atmosphere was fairly harmonious.

Lie Yunsheng then introduced Lin Shan, starting with two Void Realm experts.

"This is Jing Xuzi, who is skilled in mirror appraisal. He is adept at identifying magical treasures, especially mirrors. He is also very good at seeing through disguises and has identified counterfeit and shoddy items many times, saving Yibaolou from significant losses."

The plump, red-haired old man slightly opened his eyes, squinted at Lin Shan, and remained silent, exuding arrogance.

"This is Sister-in-law Xuanjian, who is skilled in the art of mind appraisal. She does not need any treasures; she appraises items solely through spiritual intuition. She can perceive the ancient echoes within spiritual objects and identify supreme treasures by inducing spiritual consciousness. She is also a supreme master."

Another middle-aged woman in a gray robe, who looked like a Taoist nun, opened her eyes upon seeing this. She glanced at Lin Shan with a cold and aloof expression, then looked away, closed her eyes, and lowered them, appearing extremely aloof.

Lin Shan nodded slightly. These two were quite strange. They were both quite old. What harm could it do for them to say a few words? They were all at the Void Refinement stage. They were just exchanging pleasantries as friends. Was it necessary for them to come up and give him attitude?
Lie Yunsheng seemed unfazed and continued to explain to him as if he were talking to thin air.

"There is a third fellow Daoist who has not yet arrived. Everyone calls him Grandmaster Cangjian, who is also one of the three chief experts of Yibaolou. He is skilled in bronze mirror techniques. You will be able to meet him when you have time."

Then he went on to introduce him to all the grandmasters in the Nascent Soul stage.

These appraisers at the Nascent Soul stage weren't so arrogant. They all stood up and bowed when their names were called, showing great respect for Lin Shan, at least in appearance.

There are sixteen people in total, which is quite a lot.

As for those Golden Core and Nascent Soul cultivators, they were not worthy of mention, so Lie Yunsheng didn't waste any words on them and just gave them a general introduction.

The meeting concluded only after Lin Shan was publicly announced as the fourth chief appraiser, a private appraisal office was arranged for him, and several apprentices were assigned to assist him.

Everyone dispersed and hurriedly ran back to their positions to begin their work.

Lie Yunsheng led him to the newly vacated appraisal room, which was simply furnished with a large table, a grand chair, and shelves on both sides, all of which were empty.

"Fellow Daoist Xiong, our Yibaolou has branches in all twelve markets of Qiyun Ridge. We will be sorting and sending things from various places over the next few days. We'll be troubling you with that."

"understood."

After explaining the rules to Lin Shan, the other party pushed open the door and left.

He was the only one left in the room.

Sitting in the chair, looking at the huge desk, or workbench, I suddenly felt a complex mix of emotions.

I've only been ascended to immortality for a short time, and I'm already working for someone else?

Lin Shan recalled in a daze that apart from the first two years when he worked as an appraiser in Yi Chuan Market in the lower realm, he had never worked for anyone else since.

Now that I've come to the Immortal Realm, I've become a tool of capitalists again, sitting at my workstation ready to do things. What's the difference between this and mass production on an assembly line?
Just to earn a monthly salary of one seventh-grade spirit stone?

No wonder those two Void Realm cultivators looked numb and didn't even bother to greet me. Anyone who works so hard year after year would be able to greet people with a smile.

Was I reaping what I sowed?

Not long afterward.

Several Golden Core cultivators knocked on the door and entered, then began unloading the goods. Each item was carefully placed on the shelf, and ledgers and labels were prepared, awaiting Lin Shan's inspection.

"Chief Xiong, these sixth-tier and below spiritual items have all been appraised by other appraisers. You will then verify and confirm that they are correct before making annotations in red pen."

Lin Shan, look over here, okay?

One ledger contains thousands of items, all sorts of random trinkets. They were appraised by those Nascent Soul and Infant stage kids outside and then brought to me to guard the door.
He had been wondering why there were so many seventh-tier and above spiritual items being traded every day before the large-scale trade fair had even started, requiring a Grandmaster to appraise them. It turned out that he had been brought in to coordinate and cover all the issues!
He frowned as he checked the ledgers, and had his men bring them down from the shelves one by one for him to compare.

"Agate, a sixth-tier mineral, a supreme earth-elemental treasure, suitable for weapon crafting."

Who made this assessment? The very first one is wrong!
Lin Shan looked at the yellow agate in his hand. The enhancement panel described it as [Qiongnao Stone], a fire-type spiritual material suitable for setting up arrays. However, it is unstable and susceptible to high temperatures, and it is prone to exploding if used for refining.

If you sell it to a customer and they destroy it while refining it, who's responsible?
The appraisers at Yibaolou are so unreliable!
"Chief Xiong? Should we approve this?"

A young man at the Golden Core stage next to him held a pen and asked him whether to tick or cross, acting like an apprentice.

Lin Shan sighed, told her to cross it out, and casually changed the test results.

Then another apprentice moved something over from the shelf: a large, round wooden stake with black mold at both ends, covered in foul-smelling mycelium.

"Stone Nymph Wood, a fifth-grade spiritual wood, is suitable for alchemy, mostly used in health-preserving elixirs, and can effectively relieve soul-soul pain."

I hadn't even finished reading the second one when it was identified wrong again!
The enhancement panel describes it as [Rotten Wood], a fifth-tier ore, suitable for crafting coffins to nurture flying zombies, and exclusively for use by demonic and evil cultivators.

Lin Shan's lips twitched and his eyelids twitched. Could this guy really be a pill refiner? And who was it that appraised the second item?

The apprentice next to him held a pen and waited for him to correct his work. A Golden Core cultivator was doing such a simple job with no technical skill required, but outside, he would be the envy of others. Who told you that you are just an apprentice?

"Crossed, changed."

One after another, spiritual materials were placed on the table, and Lin Shan examined them one by one, from dawn to dusk. The whole day passed just like that!
Nearly half of them were wrong, which nearly killed him.

For the first time, Lin Shan experienced wasting time, and looking back, he realized that time had slipped away unnoticed.

Now I understand that even if an appraiser reaches the position of Supreme Grandmaster in the Immortal Realm, they are still a miserable beast of burden.

No, this isn't right.

Am I, a dignified young cultivator at the Void Realm, just going to waste my youth working for you all day? (End of Chapter)