Chapter 55

In the night, the Qingyang tribe was brightly lit, not as bustling as during the day, but the streets were still filled with many passersby.

The Stone Cauldron Hall was located in the central area of the Qingyang tribe, covering more than ten acres. The grand and imposing building, constructed of blue stone, stood three stories high, towering over the surrounding structures, making it exceptionally prominent.

When Lin Xun arrived, he found that the Stone Cauldron Hall was not closed but rather quite lively, with many beast-drawn carriages parked nearby. He could see numerous cultivators entering and exiting.

Lin Xun tied his scaled horse to one side and carried the large leather bag, walking directly into the Stone Cauldron Hall.

The interior of the Stone Cauldron Hall was opulent and spacious, with a long row of white stone counters. On either side were different sections, displaying various items essential for cultivation, such as spirit medicines, spirit materials, weapons, and equipment.

Many attendants moved among the guests, their demeanor polite and respectful, neither servile nor arrogant.

There were also guards scattered around, each with sharp eyes and a long-lasting aura, all possessing cultivation levels ranging from the Fourth to Sixth Layer of True Martial. Especially the old man sitting behind the main counter, who exuded a faint aura of spiritual energy, was a Spirit Qi Realm cultivator!

All of this further highlighted the profound strength and remarkable prowess of the Stone Cauldron Hall.

Lin Xun silently observed everything, marveling inwardly. He did not know that the Stone Cauldron Hall was one of the top-tier merchant guilds in the Ziyao Empire, nor did he know that the owner behind the Stone Cauldron Hall was a legendary figure known as the "Stone Financial God."

However, from many details, he could tell that the Stone Cauldron Hall was far from an ordinary merchant guild.

An attendant approached, and after a brief inquiry, led Lin Xun to the exchange area, which was relatively quiet, with only a few scattered figures.

"May I ask, Sir, what item do you wish to sell?"

A middle-aged man in a brocade robe asked with a smile, neither underestimating nor dismissing Lin Xun because of his age, but also not overly enthusiastic, maintaining a polite and formal attitude.

"I want to see your manager."

Lin Xun said with a smile.

The middle-aged man in the brocade robe frowned and said, "I'm sorry, the manager is busy and cannot meet you at this time."

A teenager in his early teens, dressed in rough linen, directly requesting to see the manager, seemed rather presumptuous. Did he think that the manager of the Stone Cauldron Hall could be seen so easily?

"Oh, no problem, I can wait."

Lin Xun said casually, seemingly unaware of the change in the middle-aged man's attitude.

The middle-aged man's frown deepened, and his attitude became somewhat cold. "Sir, may I ask what rare treasures you have that require the manager to come personally?"

Lin Xun smiled, "Do you think I'm not worthy of meeting your manager?"

The middle-aged man in the brocade robe said coldly, "I wouldn't dare, but I think the items you have are not particularly valuable. If you want to sell them, there's no need for the manager to come personally."

He pointed at the large leather bag Lin Xun was carrying, saying, "If I'm not mistaken, there should be thirty-one beast hides, as well as some bones, claws, and other items. Additionally, there are several dozen types of spirit materials, correct?"

Lin Xun was surprised, "Good eye!"

The middle-aged man in the brocade robe said calmly, "Sir, in our line of work, our eyesight and sense of smell are far superior to ordinary people. Perhaps you think these items are quite valuable, but in the Stone Cauldron Hall, they can only be exchanged for four thousand copper coins, enough to buy a common spirit weapon."

He paused and continued, "So, have you changed your mind, Sir?"

Lin Xun shook his head, "I think it's best if you inform your manager. It's not that I don't trust you, but I have other matters to discuss with your manager."

The middle-aged man in the brocade robe, seeing that the young man was still obstinate despite his patient explanation, became visibly displeased and coldly said, "Sir, please leave!"

This was essentially a dismissal.

Lin Xun was taken aback and said helplessly, "Sir, I don't know why you're angry, but if you do this, it seems rather ungracious."

The middle-aged man in the brocade robe laughed in anger, "You, a mere youth, dare to say I lack grace?" His voice carried a hint of menace.

Lin Xun smiled, "I just think you should inform your manager first. If I'm here to cause trouble, you can always drive me out, right?"

The middle-aged man in the brocade robe was already impatient and didn't listen to Lin Xun's explanation. He waved his hand and said, "Someone, please escort this gentleman out!"

Immediately, two cultivators guarding nearby approached.

Seeing this, Lin Xun couldn't help but feel helpless. He had been sincere enough, but the other party simply ignored his request.

Lin Xun sighed, "Sir, I think you'll regret this later."

The middle-aged man in the brocade robe's face darkened, and he roared, "Why aren't you driving this arrogant youth out?"

The two cultivators exchanged a glance and suddenly lunged at Lin Xun from either side.

Bang!

However, their movements, though quick, were not as fast as Lin Xun's. He stepped forward, bent his elbow, and swiftly grabbed the neck of the middle-aged man in the brocade robe, then shouted, "Whoever moves, I'll break his neck!"

The two cultivators hesitated.

The middle-aged man in the brocade robe, though captured, was not afraid but rather furious. He roared, "Someone is causing trouble in our Stone Cauldron Hall!"

There was a commotion in the nearby area, and soon many guards rushed over, surrounding Lin Xun. However, they did not dare to act rashly due to the middle-aged man being held captive.

"Young man, I advise you to stop and not make things worse for yourself!"

An old man parted the crowd and walked over, revealing himself to be the Spirit Qi Realm cultivator who had been sitting in the main hall.

Lin Xun remained calm and even smiled, "Do you believe me if I say this is a misunderstanding?"

The old man was clearly taken aback, "Oh, what misunderstanding? Tell me."

The middle-aged man in the brocade robe interjected, "This brat just wants to sell some worthless items and demands to see the manager personally. Isn't this clearly trouble-making?"

The old man glanced at the large leather bag beside Lin Xun and said coldly, "Young man, is this what you call a misunderstanding?"

Lin Xun said seriously, "Is it really trouble-making just to want to see your manager?"

The old man paused and said sternly, "Regardless, let him go first."

Lin Xun shook his head, "I won't let him go unless your manager comes."

A hint of killing intent flashed in the old man's eyes, "It seems you're choosing to invite punishment."

Lin Xun smiled, "Sorry, sir, I'm not easily scared." At the same time, he increased the pressure on the middle-aged man's neck, making him almost suffocate, his face turning red, a clear threat.

"Leave me alone, kill this brat first!" the middle-aged man in the brocade robe shouted urgently.

At that moment, a stern voice rang out, "Shouting and making a fuss, what kind of decorum is this?"

The manager had arrived!

Everyone present showed a look of respect, even the old man remained silent.

"It seems I couldn't see the manager without causing such a commotion..." Lin Xun muttered to himself and looked in the direction of the voice.

A middle-aged man in a dark blue robe walked over, with a neatly trimmed beard and a refined appearance, exuding an aura of authority.

This man was the manager of the Stone Cauldron Hall, Yan Zhen.

"Young man, let him go first."

Yan Zhen said calmly as soon as he appeared, "I can give you a chance to explain."

"Alright."

Lin Xun let go of the middle-aged man, not at all worried that he might be immediately attacked.

This surprised Yan Zhen, who waved for everyone to step back and said, "I hope your explanation doesn't disappoint me."

Lin Xun smiled but did not explain. Instead, he took out a token and threw it over, "Look at this first."

Yan Zhen frowned, but when he saw the token, his eyes narrowed, and his expression changed slightly. He asked, "Where did you get this token?"

Everyone nearby was taken aback. Could this token have some significance?

Lin Xun answered succinctly, "Someone gave it to me."

Yan Zhen pondered for a long time, then took a deep breath, his eyes flashing with a fierce light, "Someone gave it to you? Do you think I'll believe that? This token is not something a young person like you can possess! Speak the truth, or don't blame me for being harsh!"

The token was genuine, Yan Zhen was certain. The unique mark on it could not be faked. However, he found it impossible to believe that such a token would be given to a teenager.

Clearly, Yan Zhen had already assumed that Lin Xun was a fraudster using the token to cause trouble at the Stone Cauldron Hall.

Lin Xun was also somewhat annoyed. The middle-aged man had said he wasn't qualified to see the manager and was just causing trouble. Now, when he finally met the manager, the other party clearly doubted him, making it hard for Lin Xun to remain calm.

However, he maintained a smile and sighed, "It seems Shi Xuan lied. Having this token doesn't seem to be of much use."

Shi Xuan!

This was the name of the eldest son!

Yan Zhen's expression changed again, and he hesitated, "Young man, could you be sent by the eldest son?"

Everyone else was also shocked. Could this poorly dressed young man actually know the eldest son, Shi Xuan?

This was impossible!

He must be lying.

How could the eldest son, a person of high status, associate with a poor youth?

At that moment, hearing that he was sent by Shi Xuan, Lin Xun was momentarily speechless. Did they really see him as someone who could only follow others' orders?

This wasn't exactly low regard, but it was clear they didn't truly take him seriously.

However, Lin Xun understood that many people in the world were like this, and he wasn't about to get angry over it.

Lin Xun pondered for a moment, about to speak, when his gaze inadvertently fell on a familiar figure in the distance, and a faint smile appeared on his lips.