Chapter 3: A Strange Feeling

What does it mean to be unable to find?

Forget it, let's just take a look for now. As long as they don't cause any trouble, we can discuss it after the trade fair is over. We will always be able to figure it out.

The guests hurriedly nodded in greeting; in reality, the old man merely glanced over everyone's faces without paying particular attention to anyone. At his current status and age, it is true that ordinary people cannot expect him to favor them.

The host of the trade fair is neither a handsome man nor a beautiful woman, but rather an elderly gentleman in his eighties, with white hair and a youthful appearance, exuding vitality. Leaning on a cane, he slowly walked out from behind the main entrance

This is also a courtesy that the host should possess

Old Liu stammered, "Seventh Master, this matter is indeed strange. I inquired, and Table 27 was originally reserved for an old customer from Tiannan. He called yesterday to say he would come. I just contacted him, and this guy has something urgent and cannot make it; he has already informed the hotel. But when I asked, no one knew about this... I asked the security guard how those two got in, and he also shook his head in confusion, saying he didn't know. I just contacted him, and this guy has something urgent and cannot make it; he has already informed the hotel. But when I asked, no one knew about this... I asked the security guard how those two got in, and he also shook his head in confusion, saying he didn't know... Everyone seems as if they are possessed... Seventh Master, could it be that we have really encountered something supernatural..."

The etiquette displayed by the old man is truly beyond the reach of ordinary individuals. Among the guests present, there are several billionaires, including a few renowned figures known as the 'Medicine Kings' of a certain province. In front of Yin Zhengzhong, they all respectfully observe the etiquette of juniors. Yin Zhengzhong engages in conversation with a smile, but it seems that no one has ever received the honor of bowing in return.

Yin Zhengzhong's perspective is, after all, different from that of these merchants

Lao Liu shrank his neck, his face wrinkled like a bitter melon

In relation to this individual's physical and mental condition, the cane is undoubtedly a prop

When Yin Zhengzhong's gaze swept over Xiao Fan's face, it suddenly stopped at the *picture* *book*, and his slightly squinted eyes abruptly widened a few degrees, instantly radiating brilliance.

The trade fair has officially commenced. Some guests, according to their table numbers, have handed over the medicinal materials they brought to Yin Zhengzhong, requesting him to authenticate their genuineness, assess their quality, and determine their age

Yin Zhengzhong is, in fact, a master of internal martial arts. At nearly eighty years of age, he still possesses a youthful appearance and abundant energy. This is partly due to his profound understanding of health preservation, and partly because he has diligently practiced the Five Animal Play, as transmitted by Hua Tuo, for several decades without interruption. His internal energy is abundant, and his vitality is flourishing

Is this young man perhaps a person of significant background? Could he even be a scion from a prominent family in the capital?

In his eyes, on Xiao Fan's slightly pale face, there was a faint, soft glow that seemed to flow gently, as if it were both present and absent. This was clearly a phenomenon that could only be achieved by reaching a very high level in the practice of internal martial arts.

With his presence, there will generally be no disputes regarding the authenticity and age of the medicinal materials

Do you think it is appropriate to hurry now

Dozens of gazes simultaneously turned towards him, yet Xiao Fan appeared oblivious. He faced Yin Zhengzhong, offering a gentle smile and a slight nod as a gesture of acknowledgment

Perhaps something is truly going to happen tonight

For example, the price of aged wild ginseng will vary significantly depending on whether it is purchased for collection or for life-saving purposes

This matter is truly bizarre. Two living individuals just walked in, and surprisingly, no one in the entire hotel knows where they came from or when they arrived

Lao Liu cautiously inquired

Chen Guo only felt a tingling sensation on her scalp, and the blood vessels beneath her temples throbbed incessantly

Overall, Qingyuan is also regarded as a "land of barbarism beyond civilization," filled with various strange and supernatural rumors among the populace

A lack of strict rules does not imply the absence of rules

It is certainly not an illusion

As for the price, the old gentleman does not interfere; he allows the customers to negotiate among themselves. His only responsibility is to authenticate the authenticity and age of the medicinal materials from mhetushucomcom. In business, it is essential that both parties are willing to engage. Moreover, the same medicinal materials may have significantly different prices due to varying demand from buyers

Nonsense

Chen Guo slowly held the leopard tooth pipe in his hand, taking a deep breath. Every muscle in his body instantly filled with a powerful energy. He abruptly twisted his body, bending slightly at the waist, and his entire being resembled a strong crossbow poised to unleash its force, on high alert.

This is also a rule established by Chen Guo for the trading fair: all transactions are to be completed independently by the guests. The trading fair only charges a certain service fee. Chen Guo does not rely on this trading fair for wealth; rather, he depends on these clientele. They not only dine and consume at the Qingyuan Grand Hotel but also purchase some medicinal materials from several large pharmacies actually controlled by Chen Guo.

Chen Guo no longer paid attention to Lao Liu, but leaned over the railing, observing the activity within the venue

Lao Liu responded in a series of affirmations, secretly letting out a sigh of relief

The old gentleman, leaning on his ox-headed cane, slowly approached the host's seat set at one side of the hall, his eyes gradually scanning the entire hall.

A host is still necessary

Behind him, there is actually nothing at all

Nothing at all

Chen Guo retorted

Chen Guo waved his hand

The appearance of Yin Zhengzhong signifies the official commencement of the trade fair

The Daoist classics also record: the great achievement of vital energy, life force like the ocean

Yin Zhengzhong originally opened a pharmacy, but after the herbal medicine market gradually flourished during the Qingyuan period, he closed his own pharmacy. The elder made it very clear that he did not want to compete with the younger generation for their livelihoods

Some customers are uncertain about the "goods" in their hands and are afraid of being deceived, traveling a long distance to Qingyuan to seek identification from Master Yin. However, such customers are in the minority. Generally, those who can run a large-scale herbal medicine business are certainly not novices in the field; they possess considerable experience. Only when it comes to particularly valuable herbs do they seek assistance from Yin Zhengzhong for verification, but again, this is a rare occurrence.

Yin Zhengzhong only provides authentication, does not offer pricing or auction services

As soon as the sound of "Duo Duo Duo" rang out, the previously bustling trading hall fell silent in an instant, and everyone turned their heads in unison towards the podium, each displaying a look of reverence.

There is a reason for doing this

Most customers who bring goods for appraisal do so to gain trust from others, facilitating subsequent transactions

Chen Guo does not engage in unscrupulous practices or monopolize the market, nor does he obstruct customers from sourcing goods from other pharmacies; he practices fair competition

However, every time the trading fair at the Celebration Yuan Hotel is held, it is essential to invite the elder to preside over the event

Mr. Yin Zhengzhong, known as Old Master Yin, is a well-respected figure in the Qingyuan Herbal Medicine Market, admired by all.

Just now, he truly felt the eerie sensation of being watched, as if an extremely powerful enemy was ready to deliver a fatal blow from behind at any moment

Lao Liu is very superstitious

Some even say that it is precisely because of Yin Zhengzhong that there exists the Qinyuan Medicinal Material Distribution Market

At this point, Lao Liu couldn't help but shiver, glancing at the young man and woman in the hall. He felt a chilling wind and a layer of goosebumps rose all over his body

Look at his appearance; he is merely twenty-six or twenty-seven years old. How could he have reached such a level? Even if he is a prodigy endowed with extraordinary talent and practices unparalleled skills, he is still too young for this.

Yin Zhengzhong stood solemnly, also giving a slight nod and bowing slightly.

Suddenly, Chen Guo felt an extremely strange sensation surge up in his heart, as if a pair of eyes were coldly staring at his back, causing the hair on his body to stand on end

Not a single ghostly shadow can be seen

Xiao Fan also looked at Yin Zhengzhong with great interest

Master Chen Qi is wealthy and influential, controlling the largest pharmacies in Qingyuan City. In fair competition, others are no match for him. Why resort to bullying and inciting public anger? Master Chen Qi has no intention of monopolizing the herbal medicine business in Qingyuan City; that would be too foolish. It is only reasonable to enjoy a hearty meal himself while leaving some broth for others to sip.

In the mountainous and barbaric land of Qingyuan, a big brother who has fought his way out of a sea of blood and knife mountains, emphasizing the principles of three knives and six holes, attempting to align with international standards is simply laughable.

Chen Guo finally withdrew her gaze from Xiao Fan and asked coldly

Xiao Fan is the gentle young man at table 27, dressed in a moon-white cotton and linen Tang suit and wearing black cloth shoes

On the suspended corridor, Lao Liu hurried over and said to Chen Guo in a low voice: "Seventh Master, we can't find anything..."

Everyone's gaze then turned towards him, and most people were puzzled, not understanding why the old gentleman suddenly paid special attention to this young man. Apart from having a somewhat refined appearance and an elegant demeanor, it was clear at a glance that he was a well-educated scholar, but there was nothing particularly remarkable about him.

Lao Liu said, wiping away a cold sweat again

Ah, alright, alright

That strange feeling also vanished in an instant

Am I seeing things?

This is naturally because the participants of the trade fair are not ordinary individuals, and they generally do not favor excessive constraints and rules. If this were a formal trade fair organized by a well-known international multinational corporation, then it would be appropriate for the regulations to be stricter. At each level, matters should be conducted according to the rules of that level

The guests hurriedly took their seats, holding their breath as they gazed at the elder with flowing white hair. In the vast trading hall, one could hear a pin drop.

The so-called "Three Flowers Gather at the Crown and Five Qi Return to Origin" in internal martial arts should refer to this kind of situation and the corresponding illustrations and texts

This is not his first visit to Qingyuan, but it is the first time he is attending this precious medicinal material trade fair, partly motivated by the significant reputation of Yin Zhengzhong.

While speaking, I observed Chen Guo's expression, feeling increasingly apprehensive in my heart

Even so, Yin Zhengzhong felt that in the practice of internal family qigong, he was likely still inferior to the quiet and gentle young man before him

Most of the guests who came here today are colleagues in traditional Chinese medicine, all of whom hold great admiration for this national treasure-level elder.

The old gentleman has indeed become quite astute with age

Shall I have someone drive them out

Key figure Chen Qiye is not an international tycoon; he is a member of the Brotherhood

Old Master Yin is a living pharmacopoeia of traditional Chinese medicine. During the Republic of China period, he traveled extensively with his master, acquiring medicinal materials. He could almost recite the "Shennong Bencao Jing" and the "Bencao Gangmu" from memory

However ... ...

The rules for the trade fair at the Qingyuan Grand Hotel are not strict and are relatively casual

Lao Liu felt a tremor in his heart; it was evident that Master Qi was indeed somewhat angry. He wiped the cold sweat from his brow and said: "Master Qi, it is like this: there is no name of the guests at table 27 on our guest list. I do not know how they got in, nor do I know who introduced them. I asked a few supervisors, and they also have no idea... This matter, this matter is truly very strange..." I asked a few supervisors, and they also have no idea... This matter, this matter is truly very strange...

Having followed Master Qi for so many years, Lao Liu is well aware that Master Qi does not appreciate such remarks

Chen Guo let out a cold laugh and said, "Lao Liu, you are becoming increasingly complacent, aren't you? You can't figure anything out anymore? Let me ask you, without an invitation, how did the security let them in? More importantly, who arranged Table 27 for them? The guests at Table 27 surely can't be nameless, can they?"

Chen Guo shot him a gloomy glare

Everyone was astonished