The setting sun is like blood, the twilight is all around, and the whole city is dyed with a light red. Looking from a high place, one can see silhouettes flying from time to time, swords and swords flickering, and the hunt for Yu Wenzheng is still in full swing. As the instigator, Hu Xiaotian was sitting in the special carriage of the Salt Gang, closing his eyes and concentrating, turning a deaf ear to the wind and rain outside. The carriage drove all the way, and the closer it got to the Salt Gang's main hall, the tighter the guards became. The road was quiet, with a hint of coldness and solemnity.
After three consecutive checks, the car finally came to a stop. The man driving the car said respectfully that the distinguished guest had arrived at the end of the road. "Hu Xiaotian opened his eyes and said in a deep voice, "Okay, thank you for your hard work!" He jumped down from the ground and tossed it casually, and a silver coin fell into the driver's arms. The man smiled brightly, thanked her hurriedly, and drove away without mentioning anything.
Hu Xiaotian raised his eyes and glanced around, and saw that the main hall of the Yan Gang was surrounded by mountains and rivers, surrounded by trees, and was in an excellent location. The dark roof ridges were continuous, and the depth was unknown. It looked like a mansion where the nobles lived. The four characters "One World, One Family" are engraved on the plaque on the door. The red-painted door panel is inlaid with nine horizontal and eight vertical copper nails. A pair of majestic tigers squat on both sides of the door. In front of the door is a small square square, with the ground Paved with all-color terrazzo slabs. Although night has not yet fallen, strings of lanterns have been set up on the gatehouse and walls, illuminating the outside as bright as day.
Because Hu Xiaotian arrived too early, the other guests either had not left or were on their way, so the front door was quite deserted. However, the ones in charge of reception by the Yan Gang were a group of pretty beauties, all dressed in cool clothes, delicate and fair, with skin so smooth that you could pinch water, which made people's hearts burn. As the fragrant breeze passed by, a slender and beautiful woman in a pink skirt walked up to him, blessed him with a blessing, and said sweetly, "Uncle, you are here!" Nujia Yuxiang is responsible for reception. If you have any instructions or needs, Nujia will do its best to meet them. "After saying that, he gave me a flirtatious look and looked like he was ready to take your pick.
Hu Xiaotian couldn¡¯t laugh or cry. The Yan Gang¡¯s behavior was indeed vulgar, and they actually hired a brothel girl to act as a facade! But he even turned a blind eye to Li Xuan'er's charming skills, let alone others? He said lightly, Miss Yuxiang, my surname is Hu, don¡¯t call me ¡®Uncle¡¯, I don¡¯t like to hear it. "
"That Yuxiang is a human essence tempered by Fengyue Field. She is best at observing words and expressions. She immediately raised her chest and lowered her eyes. Her temperament changed, like a lotus that emerged from the mud. She said softly, "Hu, is this your first time to participate in the treasure appraisal conference?" "Don't skip words.
Seeing that she was so smart and alert, Hu Xiaotian was secretly amazed and couldn't help but ask you? Is there something wrong with me? "Don't skip words.
Yuxiang pursed her lips and smiled, saying that maybe she didn¡¯t know that the treasure appraisal meeting officially started after dark, so you came too early. In addition, if you are a regular customer, you will usually take the initiative to show your number plate so that we can guide you to your seat. The servant is bold enough to speak nonsense, and I beg for forgiveness if I have offended you. "
Hu Xiaotian waved his hands and said, "It is indeed my first time to come to the Salt Gang to gain experience. If there are any rules or taboos, please remind me." "As he said that, he took out the number plate and handed it over.
Yuxiang took the number plate, glanced at it quickly, smiled and said, if necessary, Nujia can accompany you throughout the entire journey tonight. As long as you have any questions at any time, Nujia will answer them in detail and guarantee that you will tell them everything you know. "
Hu Xiaotian laughed, secretly praising this little girl for being on the right track, and said, then just follow me. If you serve well, you will benefit from it when the time comes! "
Yuxiang respectfully said yes! "Suppressing the joy in his heart, he led the way straight to the door amid the envious eyes of everyone.
Walking through the corridor and through the courtyard, twisting and turning, we came to an empty courtyard, and suddenly our eyes opened up. I saw a tall building made purely of green bamboo rising from the ground. It has a unique shape, two floors, and covers an extremely large area. The outside of the bamboo building is draped in red and colorful, with lanterns and wind chimes hanging from the four corners. Inside the building is brightly lit, and the maids and servants are busy.
Yuxiang said softly, this is a temporary green bamboo treasure building specially built for the treasure appraisal conference. It is forty-three feet long, twenty-five feet wide and more than three feet high. It will be demolished early tomorrow morning. "Hu Xiaotian sighed and said what a big deal the Salt Gang has done! It is too extravagant to spend manpower and money to build this huge building just for tonight." From this alone, you can imagine how huge the Salt Gang made a huge profit from the treasure appraisal conference. It is not an exaggeration to say that it is a treasure of gold and silver.
Entering the building, you can see clearly that the bamboo building is built in the shape of a "back". The center part has no roof to cover it and faces the sky directly. The coffee table and chairs have been set up in the hall on the first floor. There is a piece of red paper stuck on the back of the chair, with numbers such as "A1", "Bing3", "Dingjiu" written on it. The coffee table is filled with fruits and snacks, but it is empty. People take their seats. Directly in front of the seat is a five-foot-high wooden platform with colorful flags on both sides. A wooden board is erected on the back with a banner hanging on it. The words "Central Plains Treasure Appraisal Conference" are flying in the air. The second floor is divided into separate VIP rooms, and the door lintel also has a number in black and red paper.
Yuxiang asks Hu Xiaotian to follow herHe sat down, brought fragrant tea, and then explained in a low voice the rules of the treasure appraisal conference, which are nothing more than that the highest bidder wins, no regrets in bidding, delivery on the spot, etc. In order to ensure the safety of the auction winner, the Salt Gang also has a special underground secret passage, which can hide people and belongings from the city secretly. The biggest difference from other bidding transactions is that all auction items have a bidding upper limit. Once the bidders still argue with each other when their bids reach the limit, they will have to compete on the spot to test their martial arts skills. The winner will be determined with one move, and the winner will get it.
Hu Xiaotian didn¡¯t understand: It¡¯s only natural that the person with the highest auction price wins, so why is there a need to set a maximum limit? Isn't this unnecessary? Is it possible that the Salt Gang is still afraid that it will bite them if they have too much money? "Don't skip words.
Yuxiang explained that she didn¡¯t know something. There are more than a hundred pieces of various treasures on display at each treasure appraisal conference, and almost every piece will cause fierce competition. If there are no restrictions and the bidders are allowed to increase their prices to compete with each other, the delay will not end until the evening. Since the third Treasure Appraisal Conference, the Salt Gang has set this rule. Since then, the bidding process has been greatly accelerated, and all treasures can usually be auctioned before midnight. "
Hu Xiaotian asked what if one of the parties was killed by a hand during the competition? "
Yuxiang¡¯s smile sank, and she said softly: The sword has no eyes, life and death are determined by fate! "
Hu Xiaotian took a breath of air and couldn't help but take another look at the wooden stage. This was clearly a stage filled with murderous intent and soaked in blood! Although he had never witnessed the grand occasion of the Treasure Appraisal Conference, he could definitely imagine the tragic scene of a pair of heroes from all over the world, each using their own unique skills, fighting to the death in order to compete for a certain treasure. In order to get what you want, in addition to having strong financial resources, you must also have good martial arts and luck. Because all bidders are wearing special masks, if you are unfortunate enough to meet a competitor like Zeng Xiangjie, Huangfu Ji, or Yan Da, your life may not be guaranteed. However, the people in the Salt Gang behave coldly and violently, respecting courage to win, and don't like to talk politely, so it is not unusual to set such rules. With a flash of thought in his mind, he asked again, since the outcome is determined by one move, who will be the arbiter to convince both parties? "
Yuxiang Surongdao is of course Yan Duanhua, the leader of the Salt Gang! Apart from him, who can convince the crowd? "
Hu Xiaotian nodded and it turned out to be him! "
??This Yan Duanhua is an unparalleled hero in the Salt Gang for hundreds of years. He is rigorous in running the gang, has clever methods, and is decisive in killing. He is a well-known master in the world today. This person joined the Xuzhou Gang thirty years ago. He started from the lowest level of the gang and later became the gang leader. He almost single-handedly led the Xuzhou Gang to develop and grow, surpassing the Shandong Gang, Huaiyang Gang and other salt gangs. Traditional forces, leaders and ethics. Later, he had a sudden idea and jointly held the Central Plains Treasure Appraisal Conference with the Caobang. The result was a great success and he accumulated countless wealth. In the face of huge interests, the Salt Gang forces that were originally scattered and entrenched in various places reached an unprecedented agreement. They are willing to respect Yan Duanhua, the chief gang leader, and use the Xuzhou Gang's hall as the Salt Gang's main hall. They will advance and retreat together, and give orders. Accompany. At this point, Yan Duanhua suddenly became one of the hottest giants in the world, and no one dared to offend him lightly.
At this moment, I suddenly heard the sound of footsteps, and tonight¡¯s second guest walked through the door. Hu Xiaotian looked sideways and saw that the person was wearing a bright red robe, with a black mask on his face, and his eyes were cold and mysterious. He didn't know that he was practicing some evil skills. The two people's eyes met unexpectedly in the air, as if weapons were clashing, sparks flying everywhere. The man in red robe snorted coldly and asked in a sharp voice, "Are you taking a sneak peek?" Are you trying to stir up trouble? "Hu Xiaotian was secretly angry, but keeping in mind the ancient saying that a little impatience can ruin a big plan, he looked away first to avoid unnecessary conflicts. The man in red robe smiled proudly and said disdainfully that he is no coward!" He walked to the front row proudly. , find your number and sit down by yourself.
Soon, the sky turned dark, and small groups of bidders began to appear, entering the bamboo building one after another. Although they all wear masks, they are all full of energy, agile, fierce, cold, elegant, and mighty. Almost none of them is weak. As time goes by, the hall gradually becomes noisy and lively. If you listen carefully, you can hear accents from all over the world.
Yuxiang saw Hu Xiaotian constantly looking at the gate, her eyes rolled, and she leaned close to his ear and asked if you are brave enough to ask if you want to find an acquaintance? "Hu Xiaotian's heart suddenly moved, and he asked if the distinguished guests on the second floor had other entrances and exits?" Yuxiang said, "Yes." There are four small doors leading to the second floor, each connected by a dedicated staircase, which we cannot see from inside. "Hu Xiaotian frowned secretly and said helplessly that the person I'm looking for is probably in a secret room on the second floor. Is there any way you can help me?" Don't skip the word.
To rescue Yi Wufeng, the premise is to find Chen Tianye¡¯s foothold. Otherwise, what¡¯s the use of summoning the masters of the Demon Sect? But trying to search Xuzhou City alone is tantamount to wishful thinking. Therefore, the Treasure Appraisal Conference is the only opportunity available to him. After all, everyone's demeanor, eyesight, behavior and habits are completely different, and their walking postures are naturally also very different. Whether it is Chen Tianye, Yi Wufeng, or Hua Xu, they are all one-of-a-kind figures. If the three of them appear at the same time, their unparalleled momentum will be like that of a black man.The torch inside is clearly visible. Hu Xiaotian came to the Yan Gang early just to bet on his luck. Who knows, God is not as good as God. Even if Chen Tianye did arrive, he would not be able to see him at all, let alone monitor his whereabouts.
The Yuxiang Dao Nu family is good at making friends and knows several people who serve tea and water. They can go up and down the second floor and maybe get some interesting information. "
Hu Xiaotian had no choice but to treat the dead horse as a living horse doctor. He directly handed her a large banknote and said that the person I was looking for was named Chen and had a distinguished status. He had at least one expert bodyguard beside him. The guard was cold and alert, with a pair of short halberds on his back, about seven feet high. There was probably someone in white walking with them. If you can find out which VIP room they are in and which passage they enter and exit through, I will give you another thousand taels as reward. "
Yuxiang clutched the banknote tightly, her heart almost bursting with joy, she trembled and said, "God testifies, Yuxiang will never be disappointed!" "
Hu Xiaotian warned that these three people are all top-notch masters in the world. You must do your best. If you accidentally reveal your mistakes, you may be killed. "
Yuxiang chuckled and said, "Don't worry, money can make the world go round!" "Standed up as if nothing had happened, walked away quickly, and did not mention the arrangements in secret.
Seeing that the auspicious moment had arrived, a gong rang, and a tall and straight middle-aged man jumped onto the wooden platform. Wearing Jifu, with thick eyebrows and wide mouth, and a proud face, he saluted upstairs and downstairs, and said with a smile to all of you from all over the world, thank you all for coming to the Salt Gang as a guest. I am Zhang Daosang, the commander-in-chief of Huaiyang Road under the leadership of Mr. Naiyan. If anyone passes by Yangzhou in the future, don¡¯t forget to ask Zhang for a drink. Zhang is not talented, so he was entrusted by Gang Leader Yan to preside over this treasure appraisal conference. "
As soon as he finished speaking, there was a commotion in the bamboo building, and there was a buzz of whispering. Someone asked Zhang Kuidao directly, where is Gang Leader Yan? "If there is a dispute, are you qualified to decide who wins and who loses?" "The Treasure Appraisal Conference has always been hosted by Gang Leader Yan. Why is there a temporary change this time?" Could it be that Gang Leader Yan is not in Xuzhou? "
Zhang Daosang, nicknamed "Quick Sword Zhang San", is actually the leader of the Huaiyang Gang. However, after the Salt Gang officially formed the alliance, he nominally accepted the command of Yan Duanhua and could no longer regard himself as the leader of the Huaiyang Gang. Now he raised his hands to signal everyone to stop making noise, and said loudly, "Please be patient!" After all, Gang Leader Yan is over sixty years old. Standing on the stage and shouting for two or three hours, how can we juniors tolerate it? As soon as we all gathered together, the errand of the roll-call bidding was handled by Zhang. He was sitting on the stage drinking tea and still acting as the referee. You won¡¯t understand this small change, right? "No internet, many words." He glanced around the audience, and when the voices of discussion gradually subsided, he exhaled and said in a loud voice that the Central Plains Treasure Appraisal Conference will now begin, please invite Lao Gang Leader Yan to come to the stage!"
Hearing the sound of silk and bamboo, two rows of girls in colorful skirts filed out from behind the wooden platform. The first six carried flower baskets on their arms, throwing flower petals into the air as they walked, and the fragrant breeze blew, making people intoxicated. The next six people took round stools, coffee tables, snacks, fruits and other items, went straight to the wooden platform, placed various items in a corner, and immediately left. Immediately afterwards, twenty-four men with swords walked out quickly. They were tough and capable, with complexion as bronze. They stood every few steps, standing in a circle around the edge of the wooden platform. At this time, the music suddenly stopped, and everyone's eyes were dazzled. An old man with hair as bright as silver threads and wearing a brocade robe suddenly appeared in front of Zhang Daosang. His eyes were bright and domineering, and he did not look old at all. Yan Duanhua, leader of the Salt Gang!
Yan Duanhua hugged his fists and said with a smile that thanks to all of you for your compliments today, the treasure appraisal conference can be held smoothly. I would like to express my solemn thanks here. It¡¯s just that there are too many monks and too little rice, so we can¡¯t guarantee that everyone can return home with a full meal. If there is any inconvenience in greeting, please forgive me. The so-called treasures can be obtained by those who are destined to get them. Please look for them carefully before taking action. In case of a situation of mutual disapproval, we have to follow the rules of the arena. As for the outcome, it is still up to me to decide. If anyone has any objection to my vision, please raise it as soon as possible. "
There was silence in the bamboo building, and no one raised any inappropriate objections.
Yan Duanhua smiled happily, said a few more polite words, motioned for Zhang Daosang to come forward, then stepped aside and sat down, holding tea to soothe his throat. Hu Xiaotian had extraordinary eyesight. He accidentally caught a glimpse of Yan Duanhua's wrist trembling slightly as he was serving tea, and his heart sank. Could it be that Yan Duanhua was secretly injured? Otherwise, with his strength, how could he not even be able to hold a cup of tea smoothly? If the inference is true, then it would be understandable for the Salt Gang to temporarily replace Zhang Daosang in charge of the overall situation. But bigger questions followed one after another. Who had the ability and courage to ambush Yan Duanhua in Xuzhou? Could it be the Qinglong Club? When I think of this, I feel awe-inspiring.
While he was deep in thought, Zhang Daosang clapped his palms together and said loudly, everyone, please listen carefully. The number one treasure is the Hundred-War Divine Weapon used by the 'Sword Demon' Xiao Teng thirty years ago - the Double Dragon Cloud Pattern Hundred-Refined Sword! The base price is three thousand taels, and the maximum price is fifty thousand taels! "
I saw two strong men jumping onto the wooden platform, one holding a knife in both hands, and the other holding a stainless steel sword. The man holding the knife??Ïï unsheathed the sword, first showed everyone the shape and texture of the sword, then shouted loudly, and swung the sword to kill. The man holding the sword raised his sword to greet him, only to hear two consecutive clicks and clangs, the sword flashed, and the long sword broke. The knife test is over, but the edge of the knife is still sharp and there are no flaws at all.
With the sword in front of them, the crowd was in shock, especially the masters who were good at using the sword. They all stretched out their necks and competed for four thousand taels without grace! "Five thousand taels!" "His grandmother's, ten thousand taels!" "Bah, ten thousand taels is a big deal?" Grandpa offers twelve thousand taels! " In the end, a man in black won the knife at a high price of 45,000 taels.
Hu Xiaotian secretly smacked his tongue. The first item on the auction was worth tens of thousands of taels of silver. Then wouldn¡¯t the next hundred treasures be auctioned for sky-high prices? The Yan Gang collected millions of silver taels in one night. Isn't anyone jealous? At this time, the fragrant wind blew, and Yuxiang returned quietly, sat down next to him, and whispered, everything has been arranged! "
Chapter 15 Treasure Appraisal Conference (Part 1)
Chapter 15 Treasure Appraisal Conference (Part 1) is,