As the wealthiest and most prominent family in Reed City, the Qiao family obviously had Rank 3 pet beasts to guard their territory, and they had more than one at that.
Hence, Qiao Feigong was very familiar with the aura of Rank 3 pet beasts.
He was surprised to find that Escort Zhang’s pet beast possessed an aura similar to his companion’s. He didn’t recall having the same feeling back when he met him, so he came to a realization.
Escort Zhang’s pet beast had evolved.
Did he perhaps return for this reason? What about the gifts he entrusted their company to deliver?
Qiao Feigong was puzzled.
Fortunately, Escort Zhang did not hold back the truth. He began elaborating what had happened during their journey and told them about meeting Appraiser Lin after crossing Maple City’s borders. He also told them the supernatural skills Appraiser Lin possessed and how he easily evolved all their pet beasts on the spot.
Besides Qiao Feigong, his second uncle and Qiao Xing were also present.
Upon hearing this, his second uncle frowned hard in contemplation while Qiao Xing couldn’t resist speaking up. “Escort Zhang, we’re considered old acquaintances with your Ji’an Security Services. If you really did lose the merchandise, please tell us the truth. I don’t see the need to weave such absurd stories to trick us into forgiving you. Do we look like pushovers to you?”
Due to the earlier incident, Qiao Xing had been suppressing his frustration. Now that something like this happened, he finally couldn’t resist and lashed out.
Forget Qiao Xing, even Qiao Feigong didn’t buy the story.
After all, how could there exist a person who could easily evolve nine pet beasts in a short amount of time? But soon, Qiao Feigong came to a realization. Escort Zhang’s pet beast certainly evolved!
At this thought, he began to waver.
He didn’t stop his son from interrogating the man because he was interested to hear what Escort Zhang had to say.
Escort Zhang knew full well that they wouldn’t believe him easily either. Fortunately for him, he had evidence. And his pet beast, the docked-tail mountain lion was the best proof.
“Lord Qiao, Young Master Qiao, no matter how brave I am, I wouldn’t have the audacity to deceive you both. Moreover, if I were to lie, I would have picked a better reason. Why would I even weave such an outrageous story?”
Escort Zhang’s words made sense.
“What I said was the truth. That Appraiser Lin had said it was an emergency so he borrowed a piece of Ganoderma. As compensation, he performed the supernatural and promoted all our pet beasts to the next rank. When he did that, I couldn’t help but be reminded of the immortals who existed only in myths…”
Escort Zhang wanted to say more, but considering how the Qiao family didn’t witness what happened, he stopped himself.
Qiao Xing still looked suspicious. “Escort Zhang, even if what you said was true, it’s actually our Qiao family who suffered losses. Doesn’t it sound absurd that he promoted your pet beasts instead? What about our Qiao family? Should we shoulder this loss for no good reason? That Ganoderma was a rare premium item, a priceless treasure. Who will compensate our Qiao family for the loss?”
Young and hot-headed as he was, Qiao Xing wasn’t reserved in his speech. Qiao Feigong frowned and began to lecture him, “Xing’er mind your manners. Escort Zhang is still your senior no matter what.”
Qiao Xing was evidently apprehensive when it came to his father. Hence, despite his reluctance, he apologized to Escort Zhang.
It was a family teaching of a clan as big as theirs. What’s wrong was wrong and they shouldn’t bully others just because they had the authority to do so.
Escort Zhang immediately saluted Qiao Xing and Qiao Feigong. “Please don’t feel that way. No doubt, we are to blame for this mishap, but there is also no doubt as to how skilled this Appraiser Lin is. He sounded fairly sincere in and he ordered me to return at once to explain the situation to Lord Qiao. He even promised that should you require any assistance, he would do his best to help you out. He said he will be visiting you in a few days.”
Now that sounded much better.
Regardless of whether he truly had such an intention, at least the man’s attitude was reasonable.
Qiao Feigong knew it was impossible to get the Ganoderma back. Although Escort Zhang’s story was pretty farfetched, his pet beast evolving was an undeniable truth.
In other words, this Appraiser Lin from Maple City was certainly an expert.
As lord of a household, Qiao Feigong had to possess a certain amount of tolerance. Despite his displeasure, it didn’t take much to figure things out. They already had their own set of problems to deal with, so how it was near impossibly for them to pursue the matter with Appraiser Lin.
Rather than making enemies, why not make friends?
Even if their Qiao family had to suffer some losses, it was worth it. Qiao Feigong was much more concerned about the thief right now anyway. In two more days, his stipulated five-days deadline would be up.
At this thought, Qiao Feigong didn’t make things hard for Escort Zhang. However, he didn’t pay Appraiser Lin any more mind either. Maple City was quite a distance away from Reed City and the man was probably just being superficially courteous when he said he would visit them.
Qiao Feigong had experienced one too many empty promises. He just had to admit this was just tough luck.
And so, he said no more. Given how keen his senses were, Escort Zhang noticed immediately upon arrival that the Qiao family seemed to be facing trouble.
It was as if the family had wandered into some predicament.
After a thought, Escort Zhang said, “Lord Qiao, we’re old acquaintances and our company has received so much of your family’s care. If the Qiao family is experiencing any trouble that I can be of help to, please say the word. I will gladly provide my assistance.”
Had it been before, Qiao Feigong would probably just smile in response. Although Escort Zhang was considered strong, his pet beast was only Rank 2. The man was also just an armed escort and his docked-tail mountain lion’s strength was limited so even if they helped, they wouldn’t prove to be of much use.
But now, things were different.
Escort Zhang’s pet beast was Rank 3.
No matter how weak a Rank 3 pet beast was, their strength could never be underestimated. If his mountain lion were to join their ranks, their combat power would certainly increase.
So, Qiao Feigong didn’t decline his offer.
“If Escort Zhang is willing to help, that would be best.”
Escort Zhang proceeded to ask what it was that had been bugging their family.
Qiao Feigong certainly wouldn’t tell an outsider the specifics so he only told him that there was a troublesome encounter. He explained that reporting the issue to the authorities wasn’t an option so they could only deal with it themselves.
“In two days’ time, in the afternoon, I will invite Escort Zhang to our family banquet. Other guests of our family will be showing up as well so I hope Escort Zhang will honor us with your presence.” With this, Escort Zhang knew that the key event will happen two days later.
Since he had promised to help, he wouldn’t go back on his word. Thus, he nodded in acceptance. But before leaving, something abruptly came to mind.
Escort Zhang returned and said to Qiao Feigong and company, “Lord Qiao, since your family is in trouble and needs assistance, why don’t you call for Appraiser Lin from Maple City? His capabilities are simply phenomenal, and I can vouch for that. With his help, I’m sure the Qiao family will be able to resolve your issues.”