Chapter Nineteen: A Master’s Work

"Thank you." Qin Feng pushed the door open and entered, discovering that seven or eight people had already gathered inside, engaged in a lively discussion. He glanced around casually, withdrew his gaze, nodded politely to the group, and found a seat in a corner.

Huang Hai approached the table and sat beside Elder Yan, whispering quietly.

"What? You really intend to hand it over to that scoundrel?" Upon hearing Huang Hai's account, Elder Yan's face darkened, and he snorted coldly.

"Yan, don't be so agitated. Let's hear what Huang Hai has to say," urged a white-haired elder seated next to him.

"Hmph! That rascal dares to take advantage of our plight and deceive us—he's gone too far!" Elder Yan exclaimed in fury.

The other elders frowned, clearly dissatisfied with Huang Hai's actions.

"Huang, what are you thinking? Are you really going to sell that item?" one elder demanded.

Huang Hai shook his head and sighed. "I don't want to sell it either, but I can't just watch it gather dust."

The elders all sighed, lamenting the loss if Huang Hai were to part with the item.

After a moment, a red-bearded elder spoke. "In that case, let me have it!"

The others looked at him in surprise.

The red-bearded elder continued, "I've wished to study the 'Heavenly King Sending a Son' painting by Wu Daozi for years, but never had the chance. Surely, someone at this auction will unlock its secrets."

"Li, we know you love collecting paintings and calligraphy, but that item is too important. Perhaps it should be studied later," Huang Hai replied bitterly.

Elder Li was the director of the National Museum and had devoted most of his life to the painting "Heavenly King Sending a Son."

Confident in his expertise, he believed he could unravel its mysteries.

Elder Li insisted, "This is a national treasure, vital to the fate of our people; how can we let outsiders touch it?"

With that, he stood to seize the item, but Huang Hai anticipated his move and quickly stepped back to stop him.

The two argued for a while, but neither prevailed, and the standoff dragged on.

Suddenly, Elder Yan leapt from his chair and shouted angrily, "Enough! I summoned you to discuss the auction, not to have you brawl!"

At Elder Yan's reprimand, both Li and Huang Hai fell silent.

"Ahem! Yan, don't be upset. We're just expressing our opinions," Huang Hai coughed awkwardly.

Qin Feng nodded in agreement.

Soon, footsteps sounded again, and a beautiful woman in a cheongsam entered, cradling a rosewood box. She walked to the center, placed the box on the tea table, and slowly opened it.

A crystal-clear jade Buddha statue appeared before them.

The Buddha was about thirty centimeters tall, exquisitely carved and lifelike. Embedded at its base was a piece of jade, about the size of a hen's egg, radiating a gentle green glow.

"Wow! It's stunning!" Qin Feng couldn't help but exclaim, his gaze captivated by the jade Buddha.

The base was crafted from flawless mutton-fat white jade, with a blooming peony carved into the pedestal, adding a touch of elegance.

The entire statue emitted a soft glow, as if it were alive, astonishing all who beheld it.

"This is a jade Buddha statue. The starting bid is ten million, with each increment no less than one million," the woman explained with a charming smile and gentle voice.

"Heh, I didn't expect such ordinary goods to be put up for auction," Huang Hai mocked.

The other elders shook their heads as well.

Though the jade statue was beautiful, it was rather conventional, not particularly rare.

Hearing their remarks, Qin Feng quickly withdrew his gaze. He suddenly understood why Elder Yan always wanted him to broaden his horizons.

And since everyone in this room was a prominent figure, the auction items could be expensive, but they must never be beneath their dignity.

"I'll go fetch the next piece," the woman announced, her expression somewhat sour, for the atmosphere was oppressive.

After carefully placing the jade Buddha, she left the private room.

Soon, another item was set on the table.

This time it was an ancient painting. As the scroll slowly unfurled, the atmosphere within the room shifted dramatically.

Even the air seemed to carry a faint fragrance of ink and the passage of time.

The painting lacked ornate mounting, relying solely on a rustic sheet of rice paper, yet it exuded an extraordinary aura that drew every eye.

"This painting is titled 'Rivers and Mountains,' created by Li Tang in his later years during the Song Dynasty," the woman introduced in a soft, reverent tone.

As she spoke, the landscape seemed to come alive.

Distant mountains looked like indigo, mist hovered over nearby waters, verdant pines and cypresses stood tall, and pavilions appeared amid the scenery, evoking a tranquil and profound atmosphere.

"In his later years, Li Tang's style grew ever more vigorous and profound. This painting not only demonstrates superb technique, but also embodies the artist's deep feelings for his homeland and the world."

Elder Yan squinted, carefully scrutinizing the painting, his eyes gleaming with a strange light. "Feng, take a look—what do you think?"

Qin Feng was startled. Though he had some experience in artifact appraisal, he felt his knowledge was lacking before such a masterpiece.

He stepped forward, gently placing his hands on the scroll and activated his clairvoyant eye to examine it.

After a moment, his eyes shone with intense appreciation, and he exclaimed, "A true masterpiece indeed!"

Elder Yan then turned to Elder Li, asking, "Li, what do you think?"

Elder Li nodded and smiled. "Yan, you are absolutely right."

Hearing the exchange between the two elders, the others were amazed—could the painting truly be so precious?

They scrutinized it carefully, but found nothing particularly remarkable.

Only Qin Feng gazed thoughtfully at the scroll, his eyes reflecting a deep glow. Just now, he had noticed something unusual.

But he did not speak, waiting for the auction to begin.

"Ladies and gentlemen, after extensive research, we have confirmed that this 'Rivers and Mountains' painting was indeed created by Li Zongdao of the Tang Dynasty. It features exquisite craftsmanship, rigorous composition, and fluid lines—a rare antique artwork..."

The woman on stage spoke at length.

"Now, the auction begins. The starting price is fifty million, with each increment no less than five million."