The crowd was shocked to see Lin Jin stabbing the needle into the swordtail mink. The creature’s owner in particular was so concerned that he had to ask, “You… What are you doing?”
The heart was a vital organ. It was the same for both humans and beasts.
For the mink to be stabbed in the heart, if it hadn’t been dead just now, it surely was now.
The swordtail mink’s owner got anxious and hurried over to stop Lin Jin. But Xiao Huo held him back.
Lin Jin gave no explanation whatsoever. Using the thunderstorm stone that was the size of a rice grain, Lin Jin performed the ‘lightning induction technique’ as stated in the museum. In an instant, a tiny yellow spark surged from the thunderstorm stone.
The female apprentice whom the earring belonged to gasped when she saw the sparks. As the thunderstorm stone was too tiny, it couldn’t be consumed as medicine nor did it prove worthy to be absorbed by pet beasts or to be used in spells. So, it was made into earrings. But to her surprise, with just the sleight of his hand, Appraiser Lin managed to create electric sparks using her thunderstorm stone.
What was that technique?
It wasn’t just her that was puzzled. None of those present had a clue what was going on. The ‘thunderstorm stone’ was a type of spirit stone. It wasn’t a rare mineral, and due to its color and radiance, the mineral was often used to make jewelry.
Still, it was mainly used to strengthen pet beasts, to be consumed as medicine, and to be embedded within magical tools, so as to enhance its lightning attribute.
However, no one had ever seen it being used to induce electricity, especially where medical procedures were concerned.
They saw Lin Jin place the thunderstorm stone that was sparking with electricity onto the needle. In just a brief moment, the initially motionless swordtail mink shuddered and then opened its eyes.
“Done. He’s not in a critical state anymore. Take him home and nurse him properly.” Having said that, Lin Jin returned the earring to the female apprentice. “Sorry. There are some blood stains on it, you’ll have to wash it out yourself.”
Both Lin Jin’s hands were covered in blood, and some even got onto his robes. However, he was completely unfazed, as if what he had done earlier was merely something trivial.
But unbeknownst to him, the crowd was awestruck. They had no idea who started clapping but soon, thunderous applause filled the room.
Every apprentice present couldn’t stop themselves from clapping. Their eyes were even gleaming as they stared at Lin Jin while several female apprentices gulped subconsciously, deeply impressed by this newcomer’s skill.
It was impossible not to be. It had clearly been a fatal condition but Appraiser Lin managed to save the mink’s life. His skills were simply extraordinary.
“As expected of a Rank 1 beast appraiser. He’s amazing.”
“Our emergency hall has gained a valuable treasure.”
In just half an hour, every staff in the emergency hall completely changed their impression of Lin Jin.
“I’m taking a break. You guys carry on!” said Lin Jin, and he sat down in a corner. This time, no one said anything.
In the emergency hall, only those who were skilled had authority. Lin Jin had displayed his prowess so from here on out, no one would dare to disobey him anymore.
Lin Jin didn’t take a break due to exhaustion. Instead, he was merely sorting out the ‘reward’ he gained from the Museum of Deadly Beasts.
That’s right. The museum gave him a new reward!
The reason was that Lin Jin had rescued more than twenty heavily injured pet beasts. He hadn’t been keeping track so Lin Jin was surprised at how many he had saved.
This new reward wasn’t like the others. It wasn’t a beast deterrence ability nor was it a cultivation technique for beasts. Instead, it was an acupuncture technique.
A pulse-seeking technique!
As a beast appraiser, it was inevitable that he would have to resort to acupuncture during appraisals and treatment processes. This was also a basic skill that apprentices had to master in beast appraisal school.
Of course, everyone possessed a different way of handling the needle despite being taught the same technique. All in all, it took extensive practice and a long time to master this tool.
This ‘pulse-seeking technique’ rewarded by the museum was clearly better than the average acupuncture techniques. It reigned supreme over all other alternatives. This technique could completely seal off a pet beast’s attributes or instead, stimulate a pet beast’s powers until it attained an effect similar to ‘Berserk’, which was absolutely superb.
More importantly, this acupuncture technique could also be utilized against enemies.
In other words, Lin Jin could theoretically use it as an attack.
When he thought about it, Lin Jin inadvertently recalled a character so famous in his world that most people knew of.
Master Asia!
Lin Jin shuddered at this as he felt a peculiar breeze in his crotch.
Still, this ‘pulse-seeking technique’ was mind-blowing. Lin Jin subconsciously became so engrossed in reading up the technique that he seemed to be in a daze. Everyone else thought he was exhausted from treating the pet beast earlier so they dared not disturb him.
Not too far away, Zhao Ying, Lu Xiaoyun, and Han Dong could be seen rushing over once they received news of Lin Jin being assigned to the emergency room.
As his pupils, it was natural for them to be fuming from the ears when they heard this.
There should be a limit to how far a person can go. For a certified beast appraiser, shutting down his consultation hall was a big enough humiliation. But to exile him to a place like the emergency hall on the same day, no one could possibly endure such shame.
And yet, Appraiser Lin never argued nor try to appeal. He only carried out his assigned duty just as he always would.
Lu Xiaoyun had wanted to cause a scene and argue with Wang Ji, but she ended up being held back by Zhao Ying and Han Dong.
Zhao Ying and Han Dong were much more level-headed. After careful deliberation, they said it was futile to cause a fuss. They might even be ridiculed instead. As apprentices affiliated with Master Lin, they shouldn’t be adding to his troubles at a time like this.
Thus, the three decided to help out at the emergency hall.
When the staff at the hall saw them, they inquired the reason for their presence. Once they heard that the trio were apprentices affiliated with Appraiser Lin, they told them the thrilling story of how Lin Jin rescued a pet beast earlier.
“Appraiser Lin is highly skilled and an honorable man. We’re all very impressed. Let’s not disturb him. He’s tired so let him rest for a while.”
Upon hearing this, the trio rolled up their sleeves and stuck around to help out without another word.
Lin Jin was their ‘mentor’. Wherever Lin Jin went, there they will be!
***
“Haha, let’s just see if Lin Jin still has the nerve to keep staying at the association!” On the other hand, Dong He was quite pleased with himself. After the group consultation, he returned to his consultation hall.
Although his current work wasn’t as profitable as when he was working at the logistic department, his status was much higher than before.
After all, he was now a listed appraiser with his own consultation hall.
Inside the Beast Appraisal Association, besides the certified beast appraisers, only a handful of other highly-ranked apprentices like Jia Qian and Zhang He had their own consultation halls. Taking up consultations was undoubtedly the fastest way to accumulate experience. After all, without a certain level of experience, even if Lin Jin was kicked out, Dong He couldn’t possibly take over that empty spot.
Sitting in his chair and glancing around at the well-decorated hall, Dong He felt like everything was within his control.
“I must say, this feeling of sitting in my own hall is quite pleasant.” Dong He took a sip of his tea, feeling a sense of achievement.
For the past two days, he had appraised and treated more than ten pet beasts. As they were all relatively simple cases, Dong He was currently brimming with confidence.
Just then, his assistant entered and reported, “Appraiser Dong, we have an emergency case. Appraiser Gao is much too occupied so the client was referred to you. It’s someone from Maple City’s Commerce Chamber.”
That last sentence was an obvious hint that the client made his way here through ‘connections’.
Feeling sure of himself, Dong He waved his hand and said, “Bring him in. I’ll take a look.”
Soon, a middle-aged man dressed in brocade robes entered with two men following behind him, carrying a stretcher.
Lying on the stretcher was a relatively large iron crab.
