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Chapter 48: Appraisal Skills - "Friendship Price"
Chapter 48: Appraisal Skills - "Friendship Price"
Luo En placed the bottle back on the table, his voice calm yet respectful:
"The genuine moon shadow bat heart ash shouldn't be this color. It should lean toward silver, emitting a faint blue glow under light—especially when the bottle is gently shaken. Most importantly, the authentic version carries distinctive mana fluctuations that you can feel even through the glass."
A flicker of surprise crossed Ao Tuo's face, quickly replaced by admiration as his lips curved into a subtle smile beneath his beard:
"Sharp eyes! Indeed, this is counterfeit. I merely wanted to test your professionalism."
He reclaimed the bottle, his tone carrying genuine respect: "In this trade, distinguishing truth from falsehood is the most fundamental survival skill."
Saying this, he reached deeper into the wooden chest and retrieved a much more exquisite small vial.
This bottle was clearly more valuable than the previous one. Its surface bore intricate runes, and the cork was sealed with silver thread, exuding an air of solemnity.
Without a word of introduction this time, he simply handed it over—the meaning unmistakable.
Luo En accepted it again. This time, the gray powder inside indeed shimmered with a faint silver-blue luster, its texture finer, as though moonlight had been captured and solidified into dust.
He carefully removed the cork and took a delicate sniff. A subtle coolness surged from his nostrils through his entire body.
His spiritual energy sensitivity confirmed it—this was authentic moon shadow bat heart ash, and of exceptional quality.
The characteristic mana fluctuations matched precisely with ancient records.
[Accurate Identification! Herb Identification Skill Experience +2]
"This is genuine, and of excellent grade", Luo En nodded firmly:
"The distinct energy fluctuations are unmistakable. It must come from a healthy adult moon shadow bat, and the extraction process was thoroughly professional."
"I knew it!" The dwarf's face lit with satisfaction, his thick beard quivering:
"No wonder Madame Ellen chose you as her assistant. You truly have an eye for authentic goods. In our trade, that's the most precious talent."
Seeing Luo En's wary expression, Ao Tuo waved his hand reassuringly:
"Don't tense up, lad. After years in this business, you inevitably hear whispers. Madame Ellen's shop is legendary in the Black Mist Jungle. Her new assistant naturally draws attention, especially..."
He gave Luo En a meaningful look: "When said assistant displays extraordinary talent."
"But don't think I've accepted you yet", Ao Tuo narrowed his eyes: "Identifying a couple items doesn't prove your true capability."
He stroked his thick beard, leaning forward slightly: "What I'm about to show you will be significantly more challenging. Let's see if you've truly got two good hands."
Ao Tuo retrieved an aged, flat tin box from the chest's depths. A thin layer of verdigris covered its surface, suggesting great antiquity.
He opened it carefully. Inside lay a cluster of green, fuzzy substance that shimmered faintly under the lamplight.
"This is the 'Crystalline Moss' on your list—at least according to my supplier."
Pushing the tin box toward Luo En, he added: "It's rare on the market. I'm genuinely curious about your knowledge of it."
Luo En's brow furrowed slightly.
He had read Madame Ellen's documents describing Crystalline Moss, but had rarely encountered the physical substance.
Authentic Crystalline Moss should appear ink-green, flashing crystal-like luster when viewed from different angles.
Most crucially, it should generate a unique "attraction" toward spiritual energy—almost as if quietly "calling" to users.
He cautiously touched the green mass with his fingertips, assessing its texture and energy fluctuations.
Soft to the touch, but lacking the expected crystalline hardness—more like dyed ordinary moss.
Worse, it produced none of the spiritual energy attraction. Instead, it felt slightly repelling.
"I'm afraid this isn't genuine either", Luo En concluded carefully:
"True Crystalline Moss possesses a distinct crystalline structure refracting light like gemstones. Its reaction to spiritual energy is unique—it actively 'attracts' the user's awareness. This sample lacks all these characteristics. It's likely ordinary moss specially processed to mimic authenticity."
The dwarf's eyes widened, his eyebrows nearly disappearing into his forehead: "Good lad! You've seen through this too!"
He slapped his knee, bursting into hearty laughter:
"Indeed counterfeit! At least half the Crystalline Moss on the market is fake, but few can spot it at a glance."
Andie watched, stunned beside them. She'd never imagined Luo En's potion expertise had reached such heights.
Nodding in satisfaction, the dwarf revealed a genuine smile beneath his beard:
"You've won, lad. I acknowledge your ability. You possess rare talent. Madame Ellen didn't misjudge."
"So, the price?" Luo En cut straight to business, knowing the "test" had ended. Time to negotiate the real deal.
"For you? Ten Mana Shard Fragments." Ao Tuo extended five thick fingers from each hand:
"This is already a generous friendship price. I'd normally ask no less than fifteen."
Luo En's eyebrows lifted slightly. Even for his modest recent savings, this remained a significant sum.
After a moment's thought, his gaze fell on the previously identified materials. Inspiration struck.
"May I propose a small adjustment?" he asked evenly, his tone taking on a bargaining edge:
"If I appraise additional materials for you, could we negotiate a more favorable rate? After all, I've already demonstrated my value."
Ao Tuo's blue eyes gleamed with shrewdness, his beard twitching upward in a half-smile:
"Brilliant suggestion! You've got real negotiation talent too."
He stroked his beard thoughtfully: "Common practice in the Black Market—bartering expertise for discounts."
The gray dwarf seemed to calculate rapidly, his thick fingers tapping rhythmically on the table:
"Here's the deal—I'll grant an 80% discount if you appraise ten materials for me. How's that?"
Luo En's lips curved into a faint smile: "Deal. However, I must clarify—I'll only speak the truth. If the materials' quality proves poor, I'll state that plainly."
"Of course!" Ao Tuo readily agreed, his beard bristling in a wide grin:
"Honest evaluations hold more value for me. I need to know my merchandise's true worth—not hear flattering lies."
(End of Chapter)
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