Chapter 1034 - 721: The Ancient Taiji Scroll

Chapter 1034: Chapter 721: The Ancient Taiji Scroll

"Hmm."

The young girl gently nodded, her voice soft: "This painting is being sold on behalf of someone else. The artist specifically stated that the price is ten thousand spirit stones, not one bit less."

Even so, a hint of expectation showed in her eyes.

Clearly, this painting has been on sale for a long time, with few inquiries.

Shen Xuan remained unfazed: "In that case, may I examine it closely?"

"You may."

The girl quickly nodded: "Please be careful, senior, do not damage it."

Shen Xuan extended two fingers, softly lifting one end of the ancient scroll.

It felt slightly cool to the touch, with a strong and durable texture, indeed an extraordinary item.

However, there was no fluctuation of Spiritual Power, indistinguishable from ordinary old paintings.

The red-gold glow in his eyes subtly swirled, pushing the Illusion-Breaking Spirit Eye Technique to its extreme.

This time, he saw more clearly.

Deep within the scroll, amidst the patterns of black and white fish, and earth, water, fire, and wind, there was a faint flow of "Tai Chi" Dao Rhyme, slowly circulating.

This thread of Dao Rhyme was entwined with the painting.

Had it not been for his extremely keen perception and such close observation, it would have been difficult to detect.

"The painting dates back to about a hundred years ago. The painter was a Core Formation Cultivator, who had deep insights into the way of Yin and Yang, thus embedding a trace of his Dao Rhyme into his brushwork. But as time passed, the scroll’s Spiritual Nature faded, and this trace of Dao Rhyme has dispersed for the most part, nearly gone."

Shen Xuan made a judgment.

The painting itself holds little value.

The remaining faint thread of Dao Rhyme hardly offers any insight currently.

What really interested him was the artist!

A cultivator who reached Core Formation a hundred years ago and practiced the Yin and Yang Tai Chi cultivation technique.

Suppressing the ripples in his heart, Shen Xuan calmly stated: "I’ll buy this ancient painting."

"Ah?"

The girl was visibly surprised, seemingly not expecting this senior to actually purchase it.

The painting had sat there for many days, with anyone asking the price shaking their head and scoffing at the mention of "ten thousand spirit stones," as no one took it seriously.

Her exclamation attracted the attention of several nearby stall owners.

A middle-aged stall keeper with a goatee enthusiastically chimed in: "Oh, what an eye for talent, senior! This painting by Hong Yu’Er is a family heirloom. It’s just that the family’s decline forced her to sell it for some spirit stones to help out. You’re a true connoisseur!"

Another elderly, gaunt man selling talismans sighed: "It’s a pity. I have long admired this painting, but my funds are lacking. Day by day, I’ve been saving and skimping, thinking I’d collect enough in three to five years, surely wanting to invite it home for good luck!"

Beside them, a woman cultivator with a plump figure quickly stepped forward, urging Hong Yu’Er: "What are you waiting for, Hong Yu’Er! Package the painting for this senior quickly! He seems like a straightforward person; your lucky day has arrived!"

Clearly, "Hong Yu’Er," the girl’s name, was well-liked.

The stall owners, all loose cultivators who have been here for years, were eager to help her make this big sale.

"But Senior..."

Hong Yu’Er was somewhat flustered by their words, hesitantly glancing at Shen Xuan: "This painting really demands ten thousand spirit stones. The artist insisted on not selling it for less."

"That’s fine."

Shen Xuan didn’t say more, directly taking out an Upper Grade spirit stone from his chest and placing it on the stall.

"Upper Grade spirit stone!"

Several low gasps could be heard from the surrounding crowd.

In this market area, where loose cultivators gather, Upper Grade spirit stones are not commonly seen.

With Shen Xuan’s current disguised late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivation, he stood out among them.

Even though an Upper Grade spirit stone drew attention, it was still reasonable.

The enthusiastic woman stall owner quickly snatched the Upper Grade spirit stone and tucked it into Hong Yu’Er’s waist pouch, simultaneously handing over the rolled-up scroll to Shen Xuan, her face full of smiles: "Senior, your painting, please keep it safe!"

Shen Xuan accepted the scroll expressionlessly.

Only at this moment did Hong Yu’Er seem to recover from the sudden transaction, her face flushing with excitement, as she bowed deeply to Shen Xuan: "Thank you, senior!"

With the deal done and items exchanged,

Shen Xuan didn’t leave immediately, casually holding the scroll in his hand, looking at the somewhat overwhelmed Hong Yu’Er.

"Having made such a big sale and earned commission, may I have the honor of a cup of Spirit Tea?"

"Ah? Please have tea?"

Hong Yu’Er was stunned again, then promptly nodded.

"Of course, just..."

She looked around at the modest surroundings, slightly embarrassed: "There’s no good tea house nearby, only some basic tea stalls."

"No problem."

Shen Xuan casually pointed towards a tea stall at the edge of the square.

"That one will do."

"Alright! Senior, please follow me, I will treat you to tea!"

Hong Yu’Er nodded vigorously, nimbly collecting the dusty cloth from the ground and rolling it up to carry on her back.

She thanked the surrounding stall owners who helped with the sale, bowing in gratitude: "Thank you, Uncle Wang, Grandpa Li, Aunt Liu! Tomorrow I will return to express my gratitude again!"

"Go on, go on! Take good care of the guest!" The stall owners chuckled good-naturedly, urging her on.

Only then did Hong Yu’Er lead Shen Xuan towards the tea stall.

Meanwhile, near the stall as the crowd began to disperse, two gray-clad Foundation Establishment cultivators exchanged a glance, covertly following Shen Xuan and Hong Yu’Er, using the crowd as cover.