The first tier of treasures had been fully presented. Only three items remained — the transcendent-grade treasures. These were the crown jewels, the main event of this entire appraisal, the most important of the important.
Jiang Chen smiled. "There are three treasures left, and I imagine they're the ones everyone is most eager to see. I must first offer my congratulations to the owners of these three treasures. In my estimation, their value far exceeds that of the first-tier items!"
"Of course, the five of us did not reach a complete consensus on these three transcendent-grade treasures. There are certain things I must make clear to everyone."
Jiang Chen then explained the differences of opinion between himself and Master Dongye, along with each party's reasoning.
This had been agreed upon beforehand — they had to be transparent with the audience.
"Master Dongye, in the interest of fairness, why don't you say a few words as well?" Jiang Chen did not make unilateral declarations, but instead yielded the floor to Master Dongye and the others.
Among the four, Master Dongye was actually the lowest in seniority and strength. He was reluctant to speak first, so he looked toward the other three.
Grand Emperor Jingzhong, being the eldest, chuckled. "This old man will be thick-skinned enough to go first. These three items — I only know they're good, but as for what makes them good, it was Young Lord Zhen who enlightened me. I trust Young Lord Zhen's character and ability. That is all."
Han Qianzhan nodded. "My thoughts are much the same as Grand Emperor Jingzhong's."
Su Huahen also smiled. "I have full confidence in Young Lord Zhen's discernment."
When it came to Master Dongye, he let out a soft sigh. "The three fellow Daoists before me have already said about everything there is to say. I, too, trust Young Lord Zhen's ability and judgment. I have no objections regarding the transcendent-grade treasure ranked second. As for the one ranked third, after Young Lord Zhen's explanation, I've come to believe in it as well. However, regarding the treasure ranked first among the transcendent-grade items, I have no insight whatsoever, so I reserve my opinion. That said, Young Lord Zhen has stated that he will bear all consequences. If his appraisal proves incorrect, he is willing to purchase this treasure at the value befitting the top transcendent-grade item."
Master Dongye was quite forthright, recounting everything they had discussed in full detail.
Jiang Chen chuckled. "As Master Dongye has said, it's perfectly normal for there to be disagreement over transcendent-grade treasures. To demonstrate my resolve, even if the final appraisal turns out to be wrong, I will bear the consequences. I will purchase or trade for these three treasures at transcendent-grade values. But before that, let me introduce them one by one."
In truth, almost no one doubted Young Lord Zhen anymore. With Grand Emperor Jingzhong, Han Qianzhan, and Su Huahen — three paramount figures — all supporting him, there could hardly be a problem.
Master Dongye might have been stubborn, but his words made it clear that while he couldn't see through the treasures himself, he largely supported Young Lord Zhen's appraisals.
"Young Lord Zhen, we trust you — go ahead and present them!"
"Yes, you've whetted our appetites to the breaking point!"
"Transcendent-grade treasures — who knew the rogue cultivator world had anything like this? I'm dying to see!"
"Exactly! Present them quickly. Maybe I've got something similar sitting in my collection? Ha ha ha!"
Indeed, it was quite possible that a portion of the rogue cultivators who had submitted items for appraisal were present, while others simply hadn't had the chance — or hadn't intended — to bring their treasures forward. Among all those rogue cultivators, there were bound to be more who possessed rare and precious items.
In the guest section, many people's appetites had been thoroughly whetted as well. They could sense that these three treasures must be invaluable.
Otherwise, Young Lord Zhen would not have built up the anticipation so skillfully.
The first-tier treasures had already sent waves of excitement through the guests. What, then, would the transcendent-grade treasures be like?
Everyone craned their necks in eager anticipation.
"The third transcendent-grade treasure is called the Celestial Cloud Lingzhi. It is a Heaven Grade Spiritual Medicine. However, unlike ordinary Heaven Grade spiritual medicines, this one is the primary ingredient for the Emperor Ascension Pill. What is an Emperor Ascension Pill? It is a pill that can unconditionally advance the cultivation of an Emperor Realm powerhouse — its value is beyond estimation. The only issue is that this particular Celestial Cloud Lingzhi hasn't matured quite enough, so its quality falls slightly short. The probability of successfully refining it into pills is considerably lower, and even if the refinement succeeds, the yield would be no more than two Emperor Ascension Pills at most."
Jiang Chen displayed the Celestial Cloud Lingzhi for all to see.
The rogue cultivator who possessed it felt his heart lurch violently. He was an Earth Saint Realm rogue cultivator, and he had obtained this spiritual medicine entirely by a stroke of fortune. He had hidden it on his person for several decades.
He had vaguely guessed that what he possessed might be a Heaven Grade spiritual medicine — or at the very least, an Earth Grade one. He had originally planned to hold onto it until he broke through to the Sovereign Realm, then seek someone to appraise it.
This time, he had come to attend the Dragon and Tiger Gathering. When he heard there would be an appraisal segment, he had summoned the courage to participate. Never had he expected such an incredible windfall!
Not only was it a Heaven Grade spiritual medicine, but it was worth far more than any ordinary Heaven Grade medicine.
Jiang Chen held up the Celestial Cloud Lingzhi and displayed it in a full circle. "This Heaven Grade spiritual medicine should be worth three to five times that of an ordinary Heaven Grade medicine. If the right buyer comes along, fetching six or seven times the price is entirely possible. So I must congratulate the owner of this Celestial Cloud Lingzhi. The wealth you now hold places you on par with an Emperor Realm powerhouse."