Naked Sword Art

It was finally her turn to write her guess and give it to Xiao Hei, but as soon as she picked up the brush, an elderly man with piercing eyes descended from one of the upper floors. His gaze was sharp and discerning, carrying the weight of experience—almost as if he could unravel any secrets with a single glance.

The moment he appeared, the atmosphere shifted. Conversations hushed, and the remaining appraisers stiffened, realizing that if they hadn't submitted their guesses yet, their chances were about to vanish. There was no doubt—if anyone could determine the correct answer, it would be him.

The elderly man strode forward with measured steps, his deep-set eyes sweeping over the table where Xiao Fang's artifacts lay in neat rows. He exuded an air of wisdom and authority, and the other appraisers instinctively moved aside, allowing him a clear view.

Xiao Fang remained calm, watching silently as the old man approached. Meanwhile, Xiao Hei paid little mind to him, focusing instead on the slip of paper she had just been handed. The answer written on it was one she hadn't seen before.

Glancing at Xiao Fang, she asked through a spirit transmission,

{"Fang, is it…"}

Sensing her gaze, Xiao Fang could guess that the girl had answered correctly. Before she could even finish her question, he sent back,

{"What's her name?"}

{"Yu Lan"} Xiao Hei replied.

'Yu?' Xiao Fang thought. 'Her background must be something special after all.'

Side note: Yu means jade, Xiao Fang is making a connection between her and Jadepeak city, as well as the Royal Court since they are governed by the Yu family.

Yu Lan didn't know whether she was right or wrong, but when she saw Xiao Hei hand her paper to Xiao Fang instead of discarding it like the others, she took it as a sign.

Xiao Fang folded Yu Lan's paper, then hid it in his sleeve as people started to become more chatty about the old man that had just arrived.

"Grandmaster Qi," one of the appraisers murmured in awe. "He's one of the most renowned appraisers in Jadepeak City."

Ignoring the murmurs around him, Grandmaster Qi clasped his hands behind his back and studied the artifacts, his gaze slow and methodical. He did not rush to pick one out or scribble a hasty answer. Instead, he seemed to be weighing each item, not just for its obvious material worth but for something deeper.

Xiao Fang smirked slightly. He had been waiting for someone like this to appear.

After what felt like an eternity, Grandmaster Qi finally lifted a hand, tracing a finger through the air above the artifacts without touching them. Then, with absolute certainty, he spoke.

"This is a trick question," the old man said, his voice steady and calm.

Gasps rippled through the onlookers.

Xiao Fang remained silent, waiting for Grandmaster Qi to continue.

"These artifacts are indeed valuable, but none of them are the most precious item in your possession," Grandmaster Qi declared, shifting his gaze directly to Xiao Fang. "The most valuable thing you have in your possession, is on your person."

Silence fell over the first floor. Many people blinked in confusion, but Xiao Fang simply grinned.

"You're right."

At that moment, the air around Xiao Fang shifted. No longer did he seem like just a lofty scholar—he was someone capable of outwitting a crowd of experts at their own craft. The appraisers leaned forward in anticipation, sensing they were about to witness something remarkable.

Grandmaster Qi stroked his beard. "Young man, your collection is impressive, but if I'm not mistaken, the ring on your finger is no ordinary ornament. I believe you possess a spatial ring, don't you?"

For those who had not reached the heavenly realm, it was widely known that a spatial ring was one of the most sought after artifacts in the cultivation world. Very few appraisers have seen it, even fewer had the means to identify it.

A stunned hush followed before murmurs of admiration swept through the crowd. Some were disappointed they had lost their chance, some stared at Xiao Fang in awe, while others simply marveled at Grandmaster Qi's insight.

Xiao Fang nodded. "Indeed it is. You've passed my test. May I know Elder's name?"

"Qi Zhenhai," he answered.

Playing the role of a nobel scholar, Xiao Fang cupped his hands and said, "It's my pleasure to meet you Grandmaster Qi. If you're interested, I'd like you to appraise my artifacts and help me sell them. The commission remains 15%."

Grandmaster Qi chuckled. "I must decline your generous offer. I have a fixed fee of 8%. Please, follow me up to my office on the top floor, where we can discuss things further."

Xiao Fang nodded, agreeing to follow him.

As he moved, Xiao Hei followed closely, but he paused when he noticed Yu Lan standing still.

"Aren't you coming?" Xiao Fang asked.

Yu Lan blinked in surprise.

"Me?"

"Yes you," Xiao Fang replied.

She hesitated, glancing at the floor manager. Before she could speak, Xiao Fang turned to the man as well.

"If you don't mind, I wish to take her along with me. I believe her eyes will help me find what I need," Xiao Fang said.

The floor master hesitated briefly before nodding. "If Young Master believes so, I won't object."

A beautiful smile spread across Yu Lan's face as she followed them upstairs.

As the group ascended to the second floor, the atmosphere shifted. Unlike the first level, which had been filled with scholars and merchants, the second floor exuded an air of exclusivity. Every artifact displayed here radiated an undeniable presence, their power barely restrained by the protective formations encasing them.

"Woah~" Yu Lan said under her breath.

"You've really never been up on this floor before?" Xiao Fang asked.

"Never. New hires like me have to learn the history and value of every item on the first floor before we're allowed up here. I never thought I'd get to see this so soon," Yu Lan said, her eyes shimmering with curiosity.

"Yu Lan, I want you to explore this floor, and report back to me once you find what you think I might need."

"Is there anything in particular you would like to buy?"

Xiao Fang thought for a moment then said the only thing that was on his mind at the moment,

"Find me twin blades."

"Un, I'll do my best."

"Xiao Hei, go with her."

Even without Xiao Fang telling her, Xiao Hei was too curious to sit still.

Seeing the girls go, Grandmaster Qi finally spoke his mind.

"If you don't mind me asking, why did you bring that young appraiser along?"

Xiao Fang paused before reaching into his sleeve. "There were two answers I was willing to accept: an acceptable answer and the correct answer. My spatial ring was the acceptable one, but this..." He held up a folded slip of paper between his fingers. "This was the correct one."