Everyone looked at the man who "stole love."
Daozang Master had already said so much, yet this person was still so disrespectful?
Was he not afraid of incurring Daozang Master's resentment?
However, when everyone saw who the person was, they all understood.
It was Hu Daheng!
This legendary figure in the collecting world, possessing an unknown amount of wealth. He indeed had the qualification to challenge Daozang Master.
Furthermore, there were rumors in the market that Hu Daheng had been very close to a Xuanmen Zhenren recently, and that Xuanmen Zhenren happened to have a strained relationship with Daozang Master.
It was highly likely that Hu Daheng was representing that Xuanmen Zhenren.
Therefore, Hu Daheng's intervention when Daozang Master was about to succeed could be understood.
Daozang Master had already prepared to place the artifact fragment into the "Hundred Treasures Bag" he had prepared. Suddenly being outbid by Hu Daheng at a high price, his expression immediately turned grim.
"Little Hu, do me a favor today, and I will repay you handsomely another day! You should know that I have a junior disciple who is skilled in alchemy. Perhaps he has some spiritual pills that can treat your condition, freeing you from the suffering of consumption."
Hu Daheng heard this and chuckled, "Thank you for your kind offer, Daozang Master. But it's not necessary. My health has long been restored. It is precisely because of this that I must do everything in my power to acquire this artifact fragment today."
"So, Daozang Master, forgive me!"
Upon hearing Hu Daheng's words, everyone present understood: it was clear that the Xuanmen Zhenren, who had a poor relationship with Daozang Master, had cured Hu Daheng's consumption. Thus, Hu Daheng was repaying the favor by bidding for this artifact fragment to present to that Xuanmen Zhenren.
"Good, very good!" Daozang Master's eyelids twitched several times, and he squeezed out three words from the depths of his throat.
Then, with a fierce flick of his sleeve, he departed directly!
Obviously, the price of one billion had exceeded Daozang Master's limit.
Of the four essential elements for cultivation, wealth, companionship, Dharma, and location, wealth was the first.
This meant that cultivation was the most financially draining.
Daozang Master could not, out of spite, gamble his entire fortune on such an uncertain artifact fragment.
He still needed to reserve funds to purchase rare treasures and cultivation materials.
On the other hand, Hu Daheng, driven by his desire to repay a debt of gratitude, was prepared to spend a fortune without regard for the cost.
Seeing this, Daozang Master chose to leave immediately.
Watching Daozang Master's retreating back, Hu Daheng showed a triumphant smile.
Then, he cupped his hands to the surroundings, "Esteemed guests, is there anyone willing to offer a higher price? If not, I will reluctantly accept this item."
His expression seemed to say: If you have the guts, bid higher! Whoever backs down today is a coward!
Seeing Hu Daheng's demeanor, the guests who had already given up dared not bid any higher.
Thus, they all said, "No more, no more... Congratulations, Hu Daheng, congratulations."
Hu Daheng ignored their congratulations and walked directly towards the artifact fragment.
After examining it briefly, he picked up the entire jade plate on which the artifact fragment rested.
"Old Min, ten billion spent, it's not unreasonable to give me the plate, right?"
Min Ziqiong's father quickly replied, "Not unreasonable, not unreasonable! It's not unreasonable even if I personally deliver it to your doorstep!"
Hu Daheng waved his hand, "Forget about delivering it. That Zhenren doesn't meet just anyone. You're not qualified."
"..." Min Ziqiong's father choked on his words. He wanted to get angry, but thinking that the other party was a ten-billion-dollar client, he couldn't muster the anger.
He could only force a smile.
"Alright, I'm leaving! Call me again if you have such good items in the future!"
With that, Hu Daheng walked out, carrying the jade plate.
He disappeared outside the door.
The other guests also got up and took their leave.
Only Min Ziqiong's parents were left standing there, looking at each other blankly.
A moment later, they suddenly burst into laughter as if they had gone mad.
"Hahahaha... Old man, we've struck it rich, we've really struck it rich this time!"
"Hahahaha... Old woman, ten billion! You can buy whatever you want now! I absolutely won't stop you!"
"A mere fragment can sell for ten billion. If we brought out the remaining pieces, wouldn't we become billionaires?" Min Ziqiong's mother's eyes gleamed with expectation.
However, Min Ziqiong's father immediately poured cold water on her, "The remaining fragments cannot be brought out again for the next two years! Otherwise, others will definitely know that we deliberately held back and hoarded them! Then, when those wealthy patrons and masters retaliate, we won't be able to withstand it!"
"After two years, we'll find an agent to help us sell them. Then there will be no problem."
Min Ziqiong's mother immediately gave a thumbs-up, "You're still the smart one, old man! I'll listen to you!"
For the first time in many years, Min Ziqiong's father, who had the upper hand, was filled with joy and pride.
No wonder people say money makes a man bold.
Indeed, one only has courage with money!
Without money, one is nothing!
"Um, when is Hu Daheng going to pay? He's not going to renege on the payment, is he?"
Then, Min Ziqiong's mother asked worriedly.
Min Ziqiong's father glanced at his wife contemptuously, "This is why women have long hair but short foresight. What kind of person is Hu Daheng? How could he possibly default on his debt? Don't worry, someone will deliver the check within 24 hours!"
"That's good, that's good..." m..oΓg
Min Ziqiong's mother excitedly rubbed her hands.
Time passed slowly.
For the first time in her life, Min Ziqiong's mother did not go out shopping or play mahjong. She sat obediently at home, staring at the front door.
She sat there for a full 24 hours.
Just as she began to think that Hu Daheng would not send anyone to deliver the money, she heard the roar of a car outside.
Then, several people jumped out of the car.
Leading them was Hu Daheng himself!
"They're here! They're here!" Min Ziqiong's mother was extremely excited.
Min Ziqiong's father also emerged from the house with a "I told you so" expression.
Both of them rushed towards the entrance.
Strangely, Hu Daheng did not hurry to enter.
Instead, he walked to the back of the car and personally opened the rear door.
It was as if a distinguished guest was sitting in the back.
The next second, an old man in a dark blue robe stepped out of the car.
Hu Daheng said respectfully, "Yang Zhenren, this is the place."
Upon hearing the words "Yang Zhenren," Min Ziqiong's parents exchanged glances, almost exclaiming with excitement!
It was the famous Xuanmen Zhenren behind Hu Daheng!
Min Ziqiong's father darted forward and reached out his hands to grasp the old man's hand, "Your esteemed presence honors us. Alas, it's just a fragment of an artifact, is it really necessary to alarm you, Zhenren, to come here in person to express your gratitude?"
Min Ziqiong's father mistakenly believed that the old man had come to express his thanks!
However, what Min Ziqiong's father did not expect was that the old man revealed a chilling smile towards him.
Then, he extended his fingers, which were like eagle claws, and grabbed Min Ziqiong's father's head!
"You have quite the nerve to deceive someone right under my nose!"
Min Ziqiong's father's face turned pale with terror, and he repeatedly cried out, "I didn't! I really didn't! How could I dare to deceive you, elder? Is there some misunderstanding?"
"Misunderstanding? Heh heh." The old man sneered.
His fingernails grazed Min Ziqiong's father's scalp, drawing a circle of blood that instantly flowed down, staining his face.
"You sold me a pile of ordinary ivory powder as an artifact fragment for ten billion! And you call it a misunderstanding?"
"Then, may I also misunderstand and accidentally take your life?"