Grand Hua Daoist and Su Changyu were completely plunged into a state of doubting their lives.
They had never expected this painting to actually sell for tens of thousands of taels of gold.
Though there were all sorts of restrictions, from the sound of it, it did not seem that difficult.
"Then, if there were no person in this painting, how much could it sell for?"
Su Changyu swallowed, even stammering slightly as he spoke.
The latter carefully examined the painting.
Then he spoke.
"First, if it is genuine, five thousand taels of gold is no problem. Second, this painting's artistic conception is exquisite; it can be considered one of Hermit Qinglian's finest works. But the issue lies with this person. Although it looks better this way, and carries quite the bearing of a Sword Immortal."
"The problem is that if one collects this sort of painting, people who do not know better will think they admire this person. Thus, paintings containing people tend to become valuable only after the passage of time. To put it plainly, wait a few hundred years, and this painting will likely be worth even more."
"For now, though, it is not ideal. Fortunately, his whole face was not painted, only a side profile. If there were no person, ten thousand taels of gold would not be difficult. Eh? Esteemed Immortal, the person in this painting looks quite like you?"
Ten Taels of Gold spoke with great confidence. Especially when he reached this point, he could not help looking at Su Changyu. They really did look alike.
"No. It isn't. Please do not spout nonsense."
Su Changyu hurriedly denied it, while his heart bled.
Why had he tried to show off so well? Had he known, he should have just let his little junior brother paint some scenery.
I really had nothing better to do after eating my fill.
Su Changyu was on the verge of tears.
But Grand Hua Daoist felt even worse.
With one glance, he could tell that the person in the painting was Su Changyu.
He had known as soon as the scroll arrived that Ye Ping had painted it for Su Changyu, but he had never expected that because this fellow was included in it, they would lose five thousand taels of gold for nothing.
Grand Hua Daoist's heart was no longer merely bleeding.
Right now, he wanted to eat someone alive.
Sensing Grand Hua Daoist's resentment, Su Changyu stopped talking and stood silently to one side.
He knew that if he dared say another word now, he would probably be eaten.
But there was nothing he could do about it. How could he have known that apart from his little junior brother's formidable talent in swordsmanship, he was also good at painting?
One hour later.
Shopkeeper Ten Taels of Gold had invited three Appraisers.
And they were all specialists in appraising paintings.
They studied it meticulously for two hours. In the end, all three gave the same verdict: "Genuine."
After learning it was genuine, Grand Hua Daoist and Su Changyu's hearts churned like rivers and seas.
A single painting could sell for five thousand taels of gold.
Was this not too outrageous?
The Qingyun Dao Sect earned twenty taels of gold a year.
Two hundred taels in ten years.
Even after a hundred years, it would only amount to two thousand taels of gold.
It would take two hundred and fifty years to earn this much money.
This was fucking absurd.
"What a pity, what a pity. If this portrait did not have this person in it, its value could double."
"Yes. Sunset clouds over the mountain peak, such breathtaking earthly beauty. If a fitting poem were inscribed upon it, it could sell for a sky-high price. But with this person added, it is slightly marred."
The two Appraisers muttered to themselves, looking somewhat regretful.
When Su Changyu heard this, he felt even worse, while Grand Hua Daoist's eyes turned red.
If this painting did not have Su Changyu in it, it could at least double in price.
That damned, wicked disciple.
"You cannot put it that way either. Have you not sensed Hermit Qinglian's state of mind changing? This painting appears to depict scenery, but in truth, it contains an indescribable artistic conception. Especially this person—he suits the scene perfectly, gazing up at the stars. There is also a trace of swordsmanship in the brushwork, though I have never practiced the sword and do not dare comment on Hermit Qinglian's painting."
Another appraiser spoke, believing this painting was extraordinary.
But regardless, one thing was true: it really was somewhat less valuable.
"Now that you mention it, viewed this way, it really does have such an artistic conception."
"Hermit Qinglian truly deserves to be Hermit Qinglian. Merely a mortal, yet he could drive the entire Jin Kingdom mad. He is an exiled immortal."
Everyone praised him, then looked at Ten Taels of Gold and said,
"We have finished the appraisal. It is genuine."
The appraisal was complete. It was genuine.
Upon learning this, Ten Taels of Gold could not hide his smile.
"Many thanks to the three of you."
Ten Taels of Gold was overjoyed. He had attendants see them out and gave each of them a sum of money as an appraisal fee.
Once they had been sent away, Ten Taels of Gold looked at Grand Hua Daoist, his face full of delight.
"Since it is genuine, I will now have someone fetch the banknotes. I hope you two Esteemed Immortals can wait a moment."
Ten Taels of Gold wanted to steady himself, but he simply could not.
In his hands, this painting would definitely become even more valuable. This deal was an absolute steal.
Yet at this moment, Grand Hua Daoist shook his head.
"I have changed my mind. I am not selling."
Grand Hua Daoist spoke, clearly putting on an air of raising the price on the spot.
Who was he?
The Sect Leader of the Qingyun Dao Sect.
He had no shame whatsoever.
"Esteemed Immortal, what do you mean by this?"
Ten Taels of Gold was a little dumbfounded.
He did not quite understand, but seeing the four words "raising the price on the spot" written all over Grand Hua Daoist's face, Ten Taels of Gold felt rather depressed.
"Esteemed Immortal, I understand what you mean, but let me tell you the truth. Hermit Qinglian's paintings are indeed valuable, but the problem is finding a buyer. Such things depend on the person. If you meet someone who likes it, even one hundred thousand taels of gold is no problem. If you meet someone who does not like it—say, someone like you—would you be willing to spend even one tael of gold on it?"
Ten Taels of Gold tried to persuade him earnestly.
When Grand Hua Daoist heard this, he had to admit that it made some sense.
In his hands, let alone one tael of gold, he would not spend even one tael of silver on it.
But Grand Hua Daoist was no fool.
"Shopkeeper, Baiguo City should have more than just your establishment. Give me your final price. If it is suitable, I will sell."
Grand Hua Daoist was quite skilled at haggling.
His time was worthless. At worst, he could make a few more trips.
Hearing this, Ten Taels of Gold could not help smiling bitterly.
"Esteemed Immortal, please do not make trouble. Although Baiguo City has more than one shop, every trade has its rules. You came to me first, and this item is valuable. Even if others wanted to poach this business, they would have to weigh whether a single painting was worth offending their peers over."
"Still, I will give you a real price: six thousand taels of gold. That is the highest price. Any higher, and I truly cannot offer it."
Ten Taels of Gold said with a miserable expression.
Six thousand taels of gold?
Su Changyu was already completely stunned.
Grand Hua Daoist was inwardly shaken as well, but outwardly, he remained calm and unreadable.
He did not answer.
He pondered for a long while.
At the end of the day, he still wanted to raise the price a little more.
But just then, Su Changyu's voice suddenly rang out.
"Sell! Six thousand taels of gold. Pay now, sell now."
Su Changyu had run out of patience.
Six thousand taels of gold.
Not six thousand copper coins.
And they still would not sell?
When would they sell, then?
Do not be too greedy. Enough was enough.
With six thousand taels of gold in hand, what could they not 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 did not waste another breath and immediately had someone fetch the money.
"No. Add another six hundred and sixty-six taels of gold. Make it more auspicious, or I will take a trip to another ancient city."
Yet Grand Hua Daoist spoke again, demanding another increase.
Another six hundred and sixty-six taels of gold?
The sum was not large. Ten Taels of Gold gritted his teeth and, without another word, immediately had someone handle it, afraid Grand Hua Daoist would raise the price again.
A thick stack of banknotes appeared in his hands, and he handed them over to Grand Hua Daoist.
Grand Hua Daoist, in turn, had Su Changyu hand the painting scroll over to Ten Taels of Gold.
Perfect.
Before you continue