As soon as Henry Lin finished speaking, the crowd turned to look behind Sam Su.
"That's right, Second Brother. The appraisers you've brought before haven't had much luck picking winners."
"Yeah, I heard there'll be real magic artifacts at this appraisal fair. I bet Second Brother came prepared this time."
"Judging by your faces, I wonder where you all come from?"
Anyone standing with Henry Lin must have a strong background. Right now, they're all staring at the spot behind Sam Su, eyes full of curiosity and expectation.
The so-called 'appraisers' are insiders' slang. These people might be wealthy and powerful, but when it comes to magic artifacts, most of them have only heard rumors—hardly anyone has actually seen one in person.
That's why you need appraisers—to judge which items are real magic artifacts and whether they're worth the high price. It's just like antique masters evaluating antiques, except true magic artifact appraisers are even rarer.
And not everyone here is looking for magic artifacts. Most people are just hoping to score some valuable antiques or collectibles.
Just like Henry Lin, their eyes only briefly skim over Evan Lin and Grizzly, then settle on the Daoist.
The Daoist stood tall and proud. His face was tinged with a bluish-purple hue, but he didn't seem to care. His robe was dirty and worn, which somehow made him look even more otherworldly.
"Let me introduce you—this is my little brother, Grizzly."
Sam Su kept it simple, then looked at Evan Lin: "This is a lay Buddhist disciple—Master Lin."
Sam Su introduced him matter-of-factly, not bothering to check if that identity was real. After all, he'd seen Evan Lin draw those Buddhist script characters with his own eyes yesterday—no way that could be wrong.
"A lay Buddhist disciple?"
Henry Lin and the others were a bit stunned, secretly surprised, and took a few extra glances at Evan Lin. But soon, their attention shifted away again.
So what if he's a lay Buddhist disciple? At his age, he's probably just another rich kid who went overseas to some sketchy university, then came back as a 'returnee' with a fancy title. It's all about status.
As for actual ability, that's anybody's guess.
Evan Lin's expression didn't change. The Buddhist script he mastered came from a golden Buddha relic site on the Immortal Martial Continent—how could Earth's Buddhism even compare?
"Master Lin? That name's pretty famous. As far as I know, there's a Master Lin in Seacrest Province too. But that one's no lay Buddhist—his skills are terrifying. He's already become Seacrest's Number One." someone remarked offhandedly.
"That's true. That Master Lin really deserves the title. As for the other so-called 'masters,' most are just fakes living off their reputation. They barely have any real skill and only use their title to get by. There's plenty of people like that." Another man said, deliberately glancing at Evan Lin as he spoke.
"Could it be that these two Master Lins are actually the same person?" Henry Lin joked, causing a round of laughter.
"And this gentleman..."
Finally, Sam Su got to the Daoist standing behind him, and Henry Lin's group instantly perked up.
"I am a disciple of Daoist Master Axel Tian of Mount Wutai!" the Daoist announced loudly.
A disciple of Daoist Master Axel Tian from Mount Wutai!
At those words, Henry Lin and the others' expressions changed—they instantly showed respect.
Sam Su's face, which had looked a bit sour, also eased up. The Daoist's credentials had saved him some face.
"I didn't expect you'd bring a disciple of Daoist Master Axel Tian. Looks like Second Brother Su really came prepared this time," Henry Lin said with a smile.
Before Sam Su could bask in the praise, Henry Lin added, "But today, I've also invited a sword master from the Southriver Sword Sect. We'll see whose eye is sharper—the sword master, or your Mount Wutai Daoist."
A sword master from the Southriver Sword Sect!
Hearing that, Sam Su's face twitched, and a storm raged in his heart.
Anyone called a sword master must at least be Vajra Realm level. That's enough to dominate a whole region in the mortal world. And the Southriver Sword Sect's sword masters are rumored to be even more formidable, with sharp eyes for magic artifacts. Bringing one along to hunt for artifacts made Sam Su feel things were about to go badly.
"Let's head over there—some old friends are waiting, perfect chance to catch up," Henry Lin said, glancing to the side where another group stood.
"You can look around for a bit and meet up later," Sam Su said, shooting a glance at that group before turning to Evan Lin.
Then Sam Su turned to the Daoist. "Master Daoist, please come with me to meet some friends."
"Alright."
The Daoist nodded, putting on airs and shooting a smug glance at Evan Lin.
After Henry Lin's comments, Sam Su clearly leaned toward trusting the Daoist's judgment.
In everyone else's eyes, Evan Lin was just too young.
Sam Su and Henry Lin's group headed off, taking only the Daoist with them.
Grizzly stood beside Evan Lin, looking awkward. He lowered his head and said, "Master, Second Brother isn't always the best judge of character. Please don't take it to heart."
Evan Lin just shook his head, unconcerned.
He was about to wander around when a hesitant voice called out nearby.
"Are you... Master Lin?"
Evan turned and saw a sharp, capable-looking young woman in a black V-neck top with flawless makeup.
When Evan turned, her eyes lit up, but there was a hint of timidity deep inside. Under Evan's gaze, she became flustered.
"It really is you!"
Mu Hanran was at a loss for words, a bit flustered.
It had been months since she last saw Evan Lin at the Old Immortal's place in Zhaoyu Town.
Now, Mu Hanran clearly had the bearing of a young lady. Compared to before, she seemed more mature, her delicate skin tinged with a soft blush, as if it would break at a touch.
"Master Lin, since you have friends here, I won't interrupt your reunion."
Seeing Mu Hanran, Grizzly paused for a moment, then quickly said his goodbyes, not wanting to be a third wheel.