Sky-High Sale

Grand Hua Daoist and Su Changyu were completely plunged into a state of existential crisis.

They had never imagined that this painting could actually sell for tens of thousands of taels of gold.

Although there were various restrictions, judging by the tone, it wasn't all that difficult either.

"Then, if this painting didn't have the figure in it, how much could it sell for?"

Su Changyu swallowed his saliva, his speech even a little stuttered.

The latter carefully examined the painting.

Then spoke.

"First, if it's an authentic work, five thousand taels of gold is no problem. Second, the artistic conception of this painting is very beautiful, considered one of Qinglian Hermit's finest works. But the problem lies in this figure. Although it looks even better and carries a certain Sword Immortal posture."

"The issue is, if someone were to collect such a painting, those unaware might think the collector admires this person. So often, paintings with figures only become valuable after years of sedimentation. In other words, wait a few hundred years, and this painting will probably be worth even more."

"For the present, it's not so good. Fortunately, the full face isn't painted, only a profile. If there were no figure, ten thousand taels of gold wouldn't be hard. Eh, this Esteemed Immortal, the person in here looks a lot like you, doesn't he?"

Ten Taels of Gold spoke with authority, especially when he reached this point, he couldn't help but look at Su Changyu, finding them very similar.

"No, it's not, please don't speak nonsense."

Su Changyu quickly denied it, while his heart bled.

Why did he have to show off for no reason? If only he had let Little Junior Brother paint a landscape instead.

I really had nothing better to do.

Su Changyu wept inside.

But Grand Hua Daoist felt even worse.

He could tell at a glance that the figure in this painting was Su Changyu.

He had known from the moment the painting arrived that Ye Ping had painted it for Su Changyu, but he never expected that because of this guy, they would lose five thousand taels of gold.

Grand Hua Daoist's heart wasn't just bleeding anymore.

He now wanted to eat someone alive.

Sensing Grand Hua Daoist's resentment, Su Changyu fell silent, standing to the side in quiet.

He knew that if he dared to speak now, he might get eaten.

But there was no helping it. How was he supposed to know that Little Junior Brother was not only talented in the way of the sword but also skilled in painting?

An hour later.

Shopkeeper Ten Taels of Gold invited three treasure appraisers.

All of them specialized in authenticating paintings.

They studied it meticulously for two hours, and in the end, all three gave the verdict of 'authentic'.

Upon learning it was authentic, Grand Hua Daoist and Su Changyu's hearts churned like a stormy sea.

A painting could sell for five thousand taels of gold.

Wasn't this too outrageous?

The Qingyun Dao Sect's annual income was twenty taels of gold.

Ten years, two hundred taels.

A hundred years, just two thousand taels of gold.

It would take two hundred and fifty years to earn that much silver.

This was just ridiculous.

"A pity, a real pity. If this portrait didn't have this person, its value could have doubled."

"Indeed. Sunset over Cloudfall Peak, such a beautiful earthly scene. If a fitting poem were inscribed on it, it could sell for a sky-high price. But with this person added, it's a bit of a flaw."

Two appraisers muttered to themselves, sounding somewhat regretful.

Hearing this, Su Changyu felt even worse, while Grand Hua Daoist's eyes turned red.

If this painting didn't have Su Changyu, it would be worth at least double.

This damned disciple.

"Don't say that. Can't you feel the change in Qinglian Hermit's state of mind? This painting seems to depict a scene, but it actually contains an indescribable artistic conception. Especially this person, perfectly fitting the scene, gazing at the stars. And the brushwork also carries a certain sword dao charm. But since I've never practiced swordsmanship, I dare not comment on Qinglian Hermit's painting."

Another appraiser spoke, believing this painting was unique.

But regardless, one thing was true: it had indeed lost some value.

"Now that you mention it, there really is that kind of artistic conception."

"Qinglian Hermit truly lives up to his name. Though just a mortal, he has driven the entire Jin Kingdom wild. He is a banished immortal."

Everyone praised, then turned to Ten Taels of Gold and spoke.

"We have finished our appraisal. It is authentic."

The appraisal was complete. It was authentic.

Upon learning this news, Ten Taels of Gold could barely conceal his smile.

"Many thanks to the three of you."

Ten Taels of Gold was overjoyed. He had the servants see them out and gave each of them a sum of money as an appraisal fee.

Once they were gone, Ten Taels of Gold turned to Grand Hua Daoist, his face brimming with delight.

"Since it's genuine, I'll have someone fetch the banknotes now. I ask both Esteemed Immortals to wait a moment."

Ten Taels of Gold tried to steady his nerves, but he simply couldn't calm down.

This scroll, in his hands, would definitely be worth even more. This deal was a massive profit.

Yet at that very moment, Grand Hua Daoist shook his head.

"I've changed my mind. I'm not selling."

Grand Hua Daoist spoke, making it clear he intended to jack up the price.

Who was he?

The Sect Leader of the Qingyun Dao Sect.

He had absolutely no shame.

"Esteemed Immortal, what do you mean by this!"

Ten Taels of Gold was a bit stunned.

He couldn't quite understand, but seeing the words 'price gouging' written all over Grand Hua Daoist's face, Ten Taels of Gold grew a little frustrated.

"Esteemed Immortal, I understand what you're getting at, but let me be honest with you. The Qinglian Hermit's paintings are valuable, but the problem is finding a buyer. This kind of thing depends on the person. If you meet someone who likes it, a hundred thousand gold is no issue. If you meet someone who doesn't, like yourself, would you be willing to spend even one tael of gold to buy it?"

Ten Taels of Gold pleaded earnestly.

Grand Hua Daoist listened, and you know what, there was some truth to it.

This kind of thing, in his hands, to be honest, not even one tael of gold—he wouldn't spend a single tael of silver on it.

But Grand Hua Daoist wasn't stupid.

"Shopkeeper, Baiguo City shouldn't have only your establishment. Give me your final price, and if it's fair, I'll sell."

Grand Hua Daoist was skilled at haggling.

His time wasn't valuable; he could just make a few more trips.

Hearing this, Ten Taels of Gold couldn't help but smile bitterly.

"Esteemed Immortal, don't mess around. Baiguo City may have more than just my shop, but there are rules of the trade. You came to me first, and the item is worth a lot. Even if someone else wanted to steal the business, they'd have to think twice about whether it's worth offending a fellow merchant over a single painting."

"But I'll give you a real price: six thousand taels of gold. That's the highest I can go. Any higher, and I truly can't offer it."

Ten Taels of Gold said with a mournful face.

Six thousand taels of gold?

Su Changyu was completely dumbfounded.

Grand Hua Daoist was also shaken inside, but on the surface, he remained expressionless.

He didn't answer.

He pondered for a long time.

In the end, he still wanted to push the price up further.

But just then, Su Changyu's voice suddenly rang out.

"Sell! Six thousand taels of gold, pay now, sell now."

Su Changyu had lost his patience.

Six thousand taels of gold.

That wasn't six thousand copper coins.

Why wouldn't they sell?

When else would they sell?

Don't be too greedy. Enough is enough.

With six thousand taels of gold in hand, what couldn't they do?

Ten Taels of Gold was afraid the deal would fall through.

Su Changyu was even more afraid.

"Alright, please wait a moment."

Hearing Su Changyu's words, Ten Taels of Gold didn't waste any time and immediately had someone fetch the money.

"No, add another six hundred and sixty-six taels of gold. For good luck. Otherwise, I'll take a trip to another ancient city."

But Grand Hua Daoist spoke up again, demanding an additional sum.

Another six hundred and sixty-six taels of gold?

The amount wasn't huge. Ten Taels of Gold gritted his teeth and didn't argue, immediately having it handled, afraid that Grand Hua Daoist would raise the price again.

A thick stack of banknotes appeared in his hand, which he handed over to Grand Hua Daoist.

And Grand Hua Daoist had Su Changyu hand the scroll over to Ten Taels of Gold.

Perfect.