Chapter 63: Testing Each Other

“This is the last time I’m showing this in public. Take a good look, everyone. I wouldn’t dare put this on the market. If any of you have the means, give me a fair price, and it’s yours.” The man known as Boss Zhang lit a cigarette for himself, settled into the grand armchair at the head of the table, and smiled amiably. “I’ve said all I need to say, no need for further explanation.”

The other bosses exchanged glances.

“Well then, Mr. Ye, what’s your opinion? Is this imperial robe with twelve dragon emblems genuine?” Li Changgong turned toward Ye Fei with a smile. “They say this imperial robe was specially forged by a Taoist at the request of a monk from the Ming dynasty. Not long after wearing it, he shaved his head and left the monastic life. The robe is said to retain much of his fortune.”

Ye Fei didn’t rush to answer, instead carefully examining the imperial robe.

The others couldn’t help but laugh at his scrutiny. Shi Jin even mocked, “Come on, Boss Li, what can you learn just by looking? This young kid probably doesn’t even know the history behind the robe. Asking him is just making things difficult.”

Ye Fei chuckled softly and remained silent.

Truth be told, he didn’t know much about authenticating antiques. But since he had activated his “Vision of the Void”, all he needed to do was channel spiritual energy to his eyes; then he could clearly see the wispy traces of fortune lingering upon the robe.

“It’s rare to see residual fortune on clothing this old,” Ye Fei thought to himself, shaking his head. With the “Nine Dragons Divine Art” in his possession, such a meager bit of fortune hardly impressed him.

Moreover, the robe had definitely been worn before—otherwise, its fortune wouldn’t be so depleted. Even if someone paid a high price for it, it would only bring a temporary benefit. The idea of blessing future generations or changing one’s fate was far-fetched.

Yet, seeing the group’s eyes shining with greed, Ye Fei knew that even Li Changgong, who had invited him to appraise the robe, was determined to possess it.

Just as he debated whether to caution Li Changgong, Tang Yushu turned and addressed an elderly man seated behind him. “Master Hong, would you care to take a look?”

Only then did Ye Fei notice that Tang Yushu had brought someone along.

“Mr. Tang, you’re too polite,” replied Master Hong, nodding before rising with hands behind his back and pacing over to the robe.

The wealthy men around the table leaned forward, their gazes attentive.

Master Hong took a monocle from the Republic era from his pocket and placed it over his right eye. He donned transparent gloves, lit a stick of incense, and began to gently stroke the imperial robe.

Everyone fell silent, curiosity written across their faces.

Lighting incense to authenticate antiques—what sort of trick was this?

Tang Yushu alone squinted and smiled, “Master Hong is a feng shui master we specially brought in from Harbor City at great expense. Nothing escapes his eyes!”

At this, Shi Jin scoffed, “Feng shui masters from Harbor City always play tricks. Besides, feng shui and antique appraisal are worlds apart. Honestly, only Master Xu behind me is the true expert on antiques here!”

His words caused a subtle shift in the room’s atmosphere. Master Hong snorted, took back his monocle, and spoke with a thick Harbor City accent, “My skills are modest—I can only tell this artifact is extraordinary, but I cannot say in what way.”

“If you claim Master Xu is the expert, let him be the first to appraise it and explain its uniqueness.”

Upon hearing this, Master Xu—an otherworldly figure seated behind Shi Jin—finally opened his eyes, glanced disdainfully at Master Hong, and shook his head. “Feng shui masters know nothing of antiques. Do you really think lighting incense and sweeping a few glances can reveal the robe’s true nature?”

Well, this man was bold!

Ye Fei couldn’t help but smirk inwardly. Clearly, Shi Jin was determined to acquire the robe, no matter the cost—even if it meant offending others.

And Master Xu’s arrogance was palpable, making Tang Yushu’s face darken.

Master Hong simply folded his hands and sneered, waiting for Master Xu to embarrass himself.

In this business, everyone had their own tricks. The incense earlier was just to create an air of mystery.

As for fortune and the like—did he really understand it? Nonsense!

Authenticating something so mystical was mostly about who could spin the most convincing tale. Since he couldn’t make sense of it, he’d let Master Xu try his hand and see what reasons he could concoct to persuade the crowd.

As the audience watched with keen interest, Master Xu rose slowly, stopped before the imperial robe, closed his eyes, made a false gesture with his fingers, and produced a white porcelain bowl filled with pure water.

“Rise!”

At that moment, everyone was astonished to see Master Xu’s sleeves billow outward, as if stirred by an invisible breeze, swelling like there was a fan inside.

“What’s going on?”

The spectators exchanged bewildered looks, amazement etched on their faces.

“Rise!!”

Master Xu suddenly stomped his foot, placed the bowl before the robe, and exhaled sharply, his voice booming like thunder and startling everyone present.

Then—

Something even more bizarre happened!

Inside the bowl, a thumb-sized golden fish appeared out of nowhere, swimming slowly.

Its sudden appearance left the entire hall in disbelief, as if they’d seen a ghost.

Ye Fei, observing the scene, rolled his eyes.

Damn it…

He’s performing magic, isn’t he?

With his clairvoyant eyes, Ye Fei could see right through Master Xu’s act—the porcelain bowl had two layers, separated by a transparent film, with the tiny golden fish hidden in the second layer.

And the billowing sleeves? He’d attached a USB fan inside with transparent tape, blowing air outward!

“Wherever fortune dwells, so too do heavenly creatures!” Master Xu raised the porcelain bowl with a serene smile, striking a pose of an enlightened sage. “This goldfish was born from the fortune of the imperial robe—a gift from me. If nurtured, it may one day leap the dragon gate and ascend to the heavens!”

What a storyteller!

Ye Fei could only shake his head in silence.

Though he saw through the trick, the other bosses were utterly stunned.