Chapter 2, Who Dares to Bully Me?
Zhang He sneered inwardly: "If I lose, what if I kneel down and kowtow to admit my mistake?"
Even for her, as a newcomer, the rumors about Lin Jin being a good-for-nothing are well-known and have been heard so often that her ears have grown calluses. As the saying goes, there is no smoke without fire. Moreover, if Lin Jin truly had the ability, he should come forward to prove his strength, unless he himself lacks confidence. Coupled with the previous beast appraisal incident, it has almost solidified the rumors of his empty reputation.
Lin could only shake his head repeatedly, his face filled with sorrow, which almost provoked Zhang He to take action
After all, no one would risk their own future
This is a form of polite expression
"Let us examine these two beast pets. As a Beast Appraiser, it is fundamental to identify the lineage and attributes of beast pets. Let us see who can provide a more detailed and accurate assessment, while also giving the client the correct recommendations. If you lose to me, you must publicly acknowledge that your skills are inferior to mine, Zhang He, and you shall not mention past matters again" Zhang He said through gritted teeth
Lin Jin is indeed an exception; everyone in the association knows that the president is targeting him. Anyone with eyes can see that Lin Jin will not stay here for long. He may even lose his qualification as a formal beast appraiser due to a previous 'beast appraisal incident.' As a result, some apprentice beast appraisers have long since lost the initial respect they had for him, but at least they still maintain a semblance of decorum.
In any case, Lin's time here is limited.
There can also be exceptions
Lin Jin remains calm and unperturbed as always. In my memory, Zhang He has a quick temper, easily ignited. What he just said was also deliberately spoken by Lin Jin.
Even with the same type of beast pet, the grade, attributes, and potential can vary significantly, making the selection of beast pets crucial. The value of a beast appraiser lies in this.
Even though Lin Jin is an unremarkable Beast Appraiser, he is still a formal Beast Appraiser, which places him a level above these apprentices. Such public disrespect is truly inappropriate and unsuitable
At that time, he followed Lin Jin and realized that Lin Jin's beast appraisal skills were quite ordinary; being able to pass the examination to become a certified beast appraiser was undoubtedly a stroke of luck.
Lin Jin displayed the demeanor of a master, leaving those around him in a state of astonishment
The skin is thicker than a city wall
Now, the forest is desolate, and it has become a place that no one cares about. To go and examine the beasts is merely a task for the lower class, purely manual labor
Regardless of the perspective, he, as a trainee beast appraiser, is at a disadvantage compared to a formal beast appraiser. However, Lin Jin was seen by others as having merely struck it lucky to become a formal beast appraiser, with average skills, leading to widespread underestimation. Moreover, although Zhang He is not particularly reputable, his knowledge and techniques in beast appraisal are quite remarkable; otherwise, he would not attract so many people seeking his expertise in beast appraisal.
Every day, there is a continuous stream of people coming to the Beast Appraisal Association seeking guidance, much like patients visiting a doctor at a hospital. Esteemed and well-known beast appraisers are in high demand, making it difficult to secure an appointment, while there are also those who remain overlooked and unrecognized.
Now, when the old matters are brought up again in the presence of the public, revealing his scars, how could Zhang He not be angry
Controlling his anger, he turned his eyes and Zhang He began to devise a plan.
Such a thing actually has the audacity to say such words
Zhang He, however, shows no regard for face whatsoever
Under normal circumstances, Lin would definitely be angry and helpless, but this time it was different
Generally speaking, apprentice beast appraisers are always respectful and cautious towards formal beast appraisers
The words 'intern' were spoken loudly by Lin Jin, clearly pointing out Zhang He's qualifications. The latter did not expect Lin Jin to dare to retaliate, and his expression darkened immediately, especially upon hearing the term 'guidance,' which made him even more infuriated.
Although Zhang He is not a good person, you, Lin Jin, are currently in a precarious situation yourself. Just a few days ago, you were still dealing with the aftermath of the beast appraisal incident, yet you dare to put on an act. How much nerve does it take to remain so calm?
When this person first arrived, he received considerable attention from Lin Jin, which is why he sought refuge and followed him closely. However, later on, seeing Lin Jin being treated so harshly by President Wang Ji, with a bleak future ahead, he immediately distanced himself from Lin Jin and sided with the president, turning his back on him and even repaying kindness with enmity, causing Lin Jin a great deal of trouble.
Little did she know that this was intentional; by stepping on this 'official beast appraiser', she could gain the favor of President Wang Ji, and of course, she had to step on it hard
He knows that Lin Jin is definitely very angry, but so what
At this moment, Zhang He deliberately said
Zhang He experienced a twitching eyelid, his mindset exploded, and he nearly let out a curse.
Indeed, Zhang He was so enraged that his face contorted. He was not foolish; Lin Jin was deliberately provoking him, and he could see that clearly. Therefore, he certainly could not be led by the nose. If he were to actually resort to violence or insults, he would find himself in a passive position.
A formally recognized beast appraiser is actually being looked down upon, with the other party even willing to seek out an apprentice beast appraiser rather than Lin Jin, which is nothing short of a blatant humiliation
The same principle applies to the identification of beasts
Previously, as a formal beast appraiser, there were still quite a few people who came to seek guidance. However, ever since the recent 'beast appraisal incident' occurred a couple of days ago, the news spread rapidly, and no one has come to consult him since then
Still using the strong to bully the weak
Zhang He, do not forget that you were once my apprentice. The skill you possess in identifying beasts was taught to you by me. Although you have repaid kindness with enmity and plotted against your teacher, which could be considered a betrayal of your master and ancestors, I, as a generous teacher, will not pursue this matter with you. It has been quite some time, and seeing that you have made little progress, I thought to make an exception and offer you some guidance once more. If you are unwilling, then so be it.
He is no longer the kind of person who can be bullied as he was before. The current Lin Jin is one who seeks revenge for grievances, and he does not let them go unresolved overnight
Knowing from memory that the other party is not a good person, Lin Jin simply could not be bothered to engage with him. After all, having just crossed over, it is possible that he may never return. Even if one is exceptionally resilient, there will still be feelings of hesitation, loss, and confusion. His mood was utterly terrible, and he had no inclination to deal with this Zhang He.
Who has gone astray
Outside the door stood a man dressed in the attire of a trainee beast appraiser, his face displaying a look of disdain
A posture of an elder who is looking out for your best interests
A phoenix that has landed is not as good as a chicken, if I step on you, so what?
Zhang He, a trainee beast appraiser in Hongye City, was once his follower. However, due to the deliberate suppression by President Wang Ji, the other party chose to betray him at the first opportunity, repaying kindness with enmity
Zhao Ying, who was sitting next to her, seemed hesitant to speak
Lin shook his head and said, "There is no need for that. After all, I have taught you and you have followed me. It is only because you were misled by others that you strayed onto the wrong path. I feel very guilty about this matter; I bear responsibility for not having taught you well and for not being able to bring you back. Originally, I intended to compete with you by taking advantage of my greater experience, but in order to guide you back to the right path, I have no choice but to make an exception and take action. At that time, all you need to do is bow your head and admit your mistake, and promise me that you will return to the right path; as for bowing down and such, that can be set aside."
The people around have peculiar expressions
The more one speaks, the more excited one becomes
Behind him followed several individuals, each holding two beast pets that had not yet signed a blood contract, clearly seeking guidance from the beast appraiser.
Even Zhao Ying, who has been defending Lin Jin, is shaking her head repeatedly. This time, Lin Jin has gone too far in his pretentiousness. Now, it is widely acknowledged within the association that although Lin Jin is a certified beast appraiser, his appraisal skills are far inferior to those of several top-ranking apprentice beast appraisers. This matter is known to all.
However, Zhang He was unwilling to "back down" at this point
At that moment, the few individuals quickly shook their heads: "Master Zhang Jian does not dare to joke around; we have come here specifically for you. Just take a look for us, and... there is no need for Master Lin to take action."
Zhang He intends to humiliate Lin Jin
Lin glanced at the other party, memories flooding his mind
I spit!
Let me introduce this person, the renowned Beast Appraiser Lin Jinjian. He is a certified Beast Appraiser with a first-tier qualification, far more skilled than my status as an apprentice. Why not have him assist you in examining your beast pets?
Not only that, but primarily it is those two beast pets. Zhang He has already studied them extensively. Among these two beast pets, one possesses a hidden bloodline, which is extremely difficult to detect. Zhang He only learned this unique identification technique through the guidance of President Wang Ji. Additionally, having previously followed Lin Jin for training, he is well-acquainted with Lin Jin's methods of identifying beasts. He understands that with Lin Jin's abilities, it would be impossible to detect the hidden bloodline of this beast pet in a short period. Therefore, in this competition, he is bound to win.
Lin's expression was calm, showing no signs of anxiety or frustration. He simply stared at Zhang He for a long time before nodding and saying: "Although I, as a master appraiser, have many matters to attend to, I can still find time to offer you some guidance, Apprentice Zhang."
Zhang He also laughed in anger: "You really act as if you can win against me, Lin Jin. You may deceive others, but you cannot deceive me. I know exactly how much you are worth. If it weren't for wasting a year of my time following you back then, I would have already become a certified beast appraiser by now"
Those who understand can hear it clearly; in reality, it is simply a reluctance to let Lin Jinjian take the risk, a lack of trust.
It is easy to imagine that when the time comes, I, as an apprentice beast appraiser, will surpass Lin Jin, a formal beast appraiser, and my reputation will soar. As for Lin Jin, he will lose all face, and it is likely that he will not even have the courage to remain in the association without being disqualified by the higher-ups. If I can truly force Lin Jin out, the president will certainly regard me with new eyes
Zhang He wore a provocative expression
He was previously an apprentice of Lin Jin, learning under him. Later, he betrayed Lin Jin, repaying kindness with enmity, and even deliberately targeted and humiliated Lin Jin, seeking to erase the 'disgrace' of the past.
He appeared excited, yet there was a hint of cunning in his eyes
After all, I am merely an apprentice beast appraiser, while Lin Jin is a certified beast appraiser
"Zhang He, you only say that you have won, but what if you lose?" Lin Jin asked at that moment.
"What are we betting on?" Lin Jin asked.
The incident involving the Beast Appraisal has long been known, and now many people are aware that there is such an incompetent and useless beast appraiser in the Beast Appraisal Association of Hongye City. It is akin to a doctor who has caused a patient to die; who would still seek this doctor for treatment
Lin Jin, how would you assess your beast appraisal skills? Everyone is well aware of it. Without further ado, if you have the courage, come and wager a game with me; I fear you may lack such courage.
"Pointing fingers at me? Lin Jin, do you even have the right? You should take a look at your current situation; how can you have the audacity to say such arrogant words when you can't even protect yourself?" Zhang He tore off the facade, and with the president backing him, he wasn't afraid even if the matter escalated.
Belittling his former mentor is also a means for Zhang He to elevate himself while simultaneously ingratiating himself with President Wang Ji; this tactic has proven effective for him time and again