Chapter 275: Chapter 265: The Old Monster (Part 2)

Tang Wanhong said, "Escort Master Duan, I am deeply grateful for such kindness."

Duan Rong clasped his fists and said, "Shopkeeper Tang, please stay, I bid you farewell!"

With that, Duan Rong walked out of the back hall, lifted the heavy blue silk curtain, and entered the front hall.

Upon entering the front hall, Duan Rong’s expression changed slightly. He saw the peculiar figure resembling a mountain of flesh and the slender woman holding a long sword standing by the counter.

Lv Qingzhu had just finished looking at the three paintings when she saw Duan Rong lift the curtain and come out. She suddenly smiled and said, "Take a look, you come and see these three paintings."

Lv Qingzhu stood by the stall, having heard the shopkeeper talk about the achievements of this person known as "Mo Yi Xia." This fellow spent a few days thoroughly examining everything in all the stalls on Antique Street.

Listening to the shopkeeper’s account, Lv Qingzhu wondered if this "Mo Yi Xia" was either an expert obsessed with antiques or a lunatic?

She was very curious—was he an expert or a madman?

Guan Kui’s heart skipped a beat, his face showing slight astonishment.

He had also learned of Duan Rong’s nickname on Antique Street. The mere fact that this girl directly called Duan Rong by his nickname and asked him to help take a look, with such familiarity in her tone, made Guan Kui instantly realize that this girl knew Duan Rong.

Seeing Lv Qingzhu suddenly speaking to him so amiably, Duan Rong was momentarily taken aback. Of course, he wanted to refuse since it was the business of the Ancient Moon Studio, and he didn’t want to intervene.

However, he hesitated; this girl might be one of the Sect Envoys for the Inspection Named Disciple assessment in three days. If he refused her outright, would it upset her and cause trouble for him during the inspection?

The assessment of the Registered Disciples was the most important matter for Duan Rong, and he could not afford any mistakes.

After a brief consideration, Duan Rong realized that since this girl had already invited him, he couldn’t refuse, even if it displeased Guan Kui. After all, Guan Kui was just an assistant, whereas this girl might be pivotal in determining whether he could smoothly join the Taiyi Sect!

The choice was obvious!

Having concluded his thoughts, Duan Rong took a few steps forward to examine the three paintings by the counter.

With a single glance, Duan Rong recognized the paintings as the same ones Guan Kui had shown him when he first entered the Ancient Moon Studio. Looking at Guan Kui, he smiled and said, "This Ink Chrysanthemum Painting is a genuine piece!"

Guan Kui touched his nose, thinking if he had known this girl and Duan Rong were acquainted, he wouldn’t have needed to bother. His own little skill was nowhere near enough compared to Duan Rong!

Lv Qingzhu’s eyes lit up as she saw Duan Rong discern the authenticity of the painting with just a glance. She thought to herself, "Indeed, an expert!"

Lv Qingzhu was in a great mood. She looked at Guan Kui and said, "How much for this Ink Chrysanthemum Painting by Master Cang?"

Upon hearing this, Guan Kui’s face changed. Although this Ink Chrysanthemum Painting was genuine, it lacked a seal and signature. Duan Rong hadn’t pointed it out either. Yet, this girl was able to identify the author as Master Cang with one remark. It was clear she had already discerned the painting’s authenticity.

Duan Rong, of course, hadn’t pointed it out because he didn’t even know the author’s name was Master Cang. He had never heard of this name.

Looking at Duan Rong and Lv Qingzhu, Guan Kui’s face showed a hint of embarrassment. He felt like he had been showing off his mediocre skills today...

Guan Kui said, "This painting is four hundred taels of silver."

Lv Qingzhu nodded, feeling the price was quite fair, and said, "I’ll take this painting. Please wrap it up for me."

Hearing this, Guan Kui was delighted. In antique shops, there are rarely any sales for months, but when there is, it’s like hitting a jackpot.

Four hundred taels was a significant transaction, and completing this deal meant he achieved his sales target for the first half of the year.

Lv Qingzhu indeed had some knowledge about antique items, but she didn’t actually like them herself. However, her grandfather had a particular fondness for these old things.

Growing up with her grandfather, she gradually developed some expertise in appraising these items.

She wasn’t buying the Ink Chrysanthemum Painting for herself; she intended to bring it back as a gift for her grandfather!

Seeing the girl purchase the painting in good spirits, and with Guan Kui showing a pleased expression, Duan Rong felt a sense of delight and prepared to leave.

Guan Kui picked up the painting ready to place it in a wooden box.

But just as Guan Kui stood up, Lv Qingzhu noticed a dark item in the corner of the shelf behind Guan Kui.

Lv Qingzhu’s eyes brightened like stars, and she said, "Bring me that xun first."

Guan Kui was momentarily stunned and followed Lv Qingzhu’s gaze to the corner of the shelf, where he saw an item slightly larger than a goose egg, with a smooth streamlined shape, a flat bottom, six holes on the lower part, and an opening at the top.

Guan Kui was slightly surprised.

The first time he saw this item, he didn’t recognize it until the shopkeeper told him.

This item, called a xun, was an ancient musical instrument. However, the method of playing this instrument had already been lost more than a thousand years ago. The music scores and musicians who could play it are all lost to history.

Today, it purely serves as an ornament.

Guan Kui didn’t understand why this girl would be interested in such an item, but he nonetheless put down the wooden box and handed the xun over to Lv Qingzhu.

Lv Qingzhu took the xun, feeling it light in her hand. After examining it, she felt it might be made from the bone of some animal.

Looking at the xun, Lv Qingzhu’s eyes filled with anticipation. She rubbed the top of the xun, placed the mouthpiece to her lips, and started to blow into it.