Daoist Taihua and Su Changyu had completely fallen into a state of doubting their lives.
They had never imagined that this painting could actually sell for tens of thousands of taels of gold.
Although there were all sorts of restrictions, judging from his tone, it did not sound that difficult.
“Then, if there were no person in this painting, how much could it sell for?”
Su Changyu swallowed, his words even a little stammered.
The latter carefully examined the painting.
Then he spoke.
“First of all, if it is authentic, five thousand taels of gold would be no problem. Secondly, the artistic conception of this painting is very beautiful. It can be considered one of Layman Qinglian’s finest works. But the problem lies with this figure. Although it does make the painting look somewhat better, and carries quite the bearing of a Sword Immortal…”
“The issue is, if someone were to collect this kind of painting, those who don’t know better might think they admire this person. So paintings with figures in them usually only become valuable after the sedimentation of time. To put it plainly, if you wait a few hundred years, this painting will probably be worth even more.”
“But as far as the present is concerned, it isn’t very ideal. Fortunately, the full face wasn’t painted, only a side profile. If there were no person in it, ten thousand taels of gold would not be difficult. Eh, Exalted Immortal, the person in this painting looks a lot like you.”
Shi Liangjin spoke with clear logic, especially when he reached this point. He could not help looking at Su Changyu, feeling that they really did look very similar.
“No, it isn’t. Please don’t speak nonsense.”
Su Changyu hurriedly denied it, while his heart dripped blood.
Why had he gone and acted cool for no reason? If he had known earlier, he would have just let his little junior brother paint some scenery.
I really had nothing better to do after eating my fill.
Su Changyu wanted to cry.
But the one who felt even worse was Daoist Taihua.
With one glance, he could tell that the person in this painting was Su Changyu.
When this painting had arrived, he had known that Ye Ping had painted it for Su Changyu. But he had never expected that simply because this fellow had been painted into it, they had lost five thousand taels of gold for nothing.
Daoist Taihua’s heart was no longer merely dripping blood.
Right now, he wanted to eat someone alive.
Sensing Daoist Taihua’s resentment, Su Changyu stopped speaking and stood silently to the side.
He knew that if he dared say another word at this moment, he would probably be eaten.
But there was nothing he could do about it. How could he have known that aside from having terrifying talent in the Sword Dao, his little junior brother was also amazing at painting?
An hour later.
Shopkeeper Shi Liangjin invited three treasure appraisers over.
Moreover, all of them specialized in appraising paintings.
They studied it carefully for two full hours. In the end, all three gave the same evaluation: authentic.
After learning that it was authentic, Daoist Taihua and Su Changyu’s hearts churned even more violently.
A single painting could sell for five thousand taels of gold.
Wasn’t this far too exaggerated?
Qingyun Dao Sect’s annual income was twenty taels of gold.
Ten years was two hundred taels.
A hundred years was only two thousand taels of gold.
They would have to earn for two hundred and fifty years to make this much money.
This was damn ridiculous.
“A pity, truly a pity. If this portrait did not have this person on it, its value could double.”
“Indeed. Sunset clouds over Luoyun Peak—such a beautiful mortal-world scene. If it were inscribed with a fitting poem, it could sell for a sky-high price. But with this extra person, it seems slightly flawed.”
Two appraisers muttered to themselves, appearing rather regretful.
Once these words were spoken, Su Changyu felt even worse, while Daoist Taihua’s eyes turned red.
If this portrait did not have Su Changyu, it could at least double in value.
That damned unfilial disciple.
“You can’t put it that way either. Have you not sensed that Layman Qinglian’s state of mind was changing? This painting appears to depict scenery, but in truth, it contains an indescribable artistic conception. This person in particular fits the scene even more, gazing up at the stars. Moreover, within the brushstrokes, there is also a kind of Sword Dao charm. However, I have never practiced the sword, so I dare not casually comment on Layman Qinglian’s painting.”
Another appraiser spoke, believing this painting to be extraordinary.
But no matter what, one thing was true: its value had indeed been somewhat diminished.
“Now that you mention it, looking at it this way, it really does have such an artistic conception.”
“Layman Qinglian is indeed worthy of being Layman Qinglian. Though merely a mortal, he can stir all of Jin State into frenzy. He is truly a banished immortal.”
Everyone praised it, then looked at Shi Liangjin and said,
“We have finished appraising it. It is authentic.”
The appraisal was complete. It was authentic.
Upon receiving this news, Shi Liangjin could hardly conceal his smile.
“Many thanks to the three of you.”
Shi Liangjin was overjoyed. He had the servants escort them out, and gave each of them a sum of money as an appraisal fee.
After the people were sent away, Shi Liangjin looked at Daoist Taihua, his face full of joy.
“Since it is authentic, I will have someone fetch the banknotes now. I hope the two Exalted Immortals can wait a moment.”
Shi Liangjin wanted to keep his composure, but he truly could not.
In his hands, this painting would absolutely be worth even more. This deal was a huge profit.
However, at this very moment, Daoist Taihua shook his head.
“I’ve changed my mind. I’m not selling.”
Daoist Taihua spoke, clearly putting on the attitude of raising the price on the spot.
Who was he?
The sect master of Qingyun Dao Sect.
He had no shame whatsoever.
“Exalted Immortal, what do you mean by this?”
Shi Liangjin was a little dumbfounded.
He did not quite understand. But seeing the four words “raising the price on the spot” practically written all over Daoist Taihua’s face, Shi Liangjin felt somewhat depressed.
“Exalted Immortal, I understand what you mean. But let me tell you the truth. Layman Qinglian’s paintings are indeed valuable, but the problem is that you have to find a buyer. Something like this depends on the person. If you meet someone who likes it, one hundred thousand taels of gold would be no problem. If you meet someone who does not like it—take yourself, for example—would you be willing to spend one tael of gold to buy it?”
Shi Liangjin advised him earnestly.
When Daoist Taihua heard this, he had to admit, it did make some sense.
For something like this, in his own hands, to be honest, forget one tael of gold—even one tael of silver was something he would not spend.
But Daoist Taihua was not stupid.
“Shopkeeper, in Baiguo City, yours shouldn’t be the only shop. Give me your final price. If it’s suitable, I’ll sell.”
Daoist Taihua was quite skilled at haggling.
His time was not worth money. At worst, he would just make a few more trips.
Hearing this, Shi Liangjin could not help smiling bitterly again and again.
“Exalted Immortal, please stop making trouble. Although mine is not the only shop in Baiguo City, every trade has its rules. You came to me first, and the item is also quite valuable. Even if others wanted to steal the business, they would have to weigh whether offending a fellow tradesman over one painting is worth it.”
“But I will also give you a real price: six thousand taels of gold. That is the highest price. Any higher, and I truly cannot offer it.”
Shi Liangjin said with a mournful face.
Six thousand taels of gold?
Su Changyu was completely dumbstruck.
Daoist Taihua was also shaken inwardly, but on the surface, he remained calm and collected.
He did not answer.
He pondered for a long time.
In the end, he still wanted to keep raising the price a little.
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.
Not six thousand copper coins.
And he still wouldn’t sell?
When would he sell?
A person should not be too greedy. This was already enough.
Once they got six thousand taels of gold, what could they not do?
Shi Liangjin was afraid the deal would fall through.
Su Changyu was even more afraid.
“Very well, please wait a moment.”
Hearing what Su Changyu said, Shi Liangjin wasted no words and directly had someone fetch the money.
“No. Add another six hundred and sixty-six taels of gold, make it auspicious. Otherwise, I’ll take a trip to another ancient city.”
However, Daoist Taihua continued speaking, wanting to add another sum.
Another six hundred and sixty-six taels of gold?
The amount was not huge. Shi Liangjin gritted his teeth and did not waste words either. He immediately had someone handle it, afraid that Daoist Taihua would raise the price again.
A thick stack of banknotes appeared in his hands and was handed over to Daoist Taihua.
And Daoist Taihua also had Su Changyu hand the painting over to Shi Liangjin.
Perfect.