Hu Tu also wanted to show off, but he knew his limits, especially in front of the discerning Elder Fu.
Even so, the gasps of admiration from the side were enough to satisfy him.
Looking at the silent Li Chonglou beside him, Hu Tu felt particularly triumphant.
“Brother Huadong, now it’s your turn.”
He was certain that Li Chonglou was not part of the martial artist circle, and this was bound to be his moment of embarrassment.
To be embarrassed in front of so many people, Hu Tu felt he had perfectly accomplished his task this time.
Li Chonglou’s guess was correct. Although he was from the Shangjing Antique Association and had one foot in the martial artist world, in the chaotic Shangjing,
especially in this terrifying era of fierce competition, he was struggling to even maintain his foothold.
If he were ten years younger, he might still have the drive to fight for it, but at his current age, without any influential backing,
he could only seek opportunities outside of Shangjing.
The complexity of Shangjing wasn't limited to the infighting at the top; it permeated all industries and aspects of life. The Liu family in this town was precisely the best prospect he had found.
It was just that the Liu family was not as influential at the top, though better off than most. The true decision-maker of Liu Fang did not have a high opinion of him, so Hu Tu had to settle for the young master of the Liu family, who had recently returned from abroad.
Although Liu Rui had not yet established his influence, as the sole heir of the Liu family, inheriting Liu Fang was only a matter of time.
In Hu Tu's vision, once Liu Rui genuinely inherited Liu Fang, and he served as his chief appraisal master, the Liu Fang brand alone would be enough to ensure his comfortable livelihood for the rest of his life!
However, while inexperienced, the young master was not foolish.
In fact, before tonight, Liu Rui’s attitude towards him had been ambiguous. It was only with the appearance of Yu Xianxian that he finally found a real opportunity.
Thinking of this, Hu Tu couldn’t help but glance at Yu Xianxian again.
Such a beauty, and accompanying Elder Fu. If he could truly connect with her, the benefits Liu Rui would gain would far surpass his own.
However, everything depended on dealing with this “outsider” who had appeared out of nowhere first. Liu Rui’s test for him tonight was to
belittle this outsider called Huadong as much as possible, and then make Yu Xianxian owe him a favor!
Based on the current situation, Hu Tu felt it was a sure win.
Spiritual artifacts were no ordinary items. To discern their true identity without seeing them, there was only one possibility: relying on the inner energy perception of a martial artist!
He felt no trace of inner energy from Li Chonglou. This competition, he was certain to win!
“What’s the matter, Brother Huadong? Why are you hesitating? Just show us your skills, let us have a glimpse, and broaden our horizons.”
Hu Tu said with a hint of playfulness, urging him on. Meanwhile, Ah Dong and Ah Hai were on the verge of panic.
It’s over, this time it’s really over. If Huadong had any other methods, why would he be contemplating for so long?
The two felt both anxious and helpless, but more than anything, disheartened.
If they had known this would happen, they shouldn’t have agreed to follow him!
Although they had the Green Gang as their backing and were considered one of Sister Feng’s confidantes, as the saying goes, distant waters cannot quench near thirst.
“And who is this master?”
“I heard he’s an outsider who wants to challenge Master Hu, hence the blind treasure selection.”
“Isn’t this ridiculous? Master Hu is from the Shangjing Antique Association. How can an outsider challenge him?”
“That’s probably why he hasn’t responded for so long. He’s probably thinking of some eloquent way to save face.”
The surrounding crowd, after learning the details, all sided with Hu Tu.
A few kind-hearted individuals even loudly urged him on, seeming to want to impress Hu Tu.
“It’s your turn, hurry up. If you can’t do it, just admit it early.”
“Exactly, admitting defeat isn’t shameful. At your age, you still can’t figure this out?”
“In my opinion, challenging Master Hu wasted our time. He should at least apologize publicly.”
The crowd started to murmur, some urging Li Chonglou, while others seized the opportunity to kick him while he was down, almost resorting to insults.
Seeing the situation, Yu Xianxian also felt a bit anxious. She was the one who brought him in, and now he was being attacked by so many people, she felt a little guilty.
Only when she looked at Elder Fu did she see him shaking his head at her with a serious expression.
“Elder Fu.”
“Don’t worry about it for now, just watch.”
Yu Xianxian could only look at Li Chonglou with an apologetic gaze.
However, what no one knew was that Li Chonglou’s mind was not at all on this matter of blind treasure selection.
Hu Tu was right. Without seeing the items, the only way to find the spiritual artifact was indeed through the inner energy perception of a martial artist or cultivator.
But the problem was, others couldn’t see, but it didn’t mean Li Chonglou couldn’t!
Under the divine power of his Heavenly Eye’s透视 (tòushì - perspective/insight), he had already seen all the treasures clearly!
Hu Tu needed to spend a long time using his half-baked inner energy perception to find one, while Li Chonglou had already seen everything clearly on his way over!
At this moment, his mind was entirely focused on a treasure that even his Heavenly Eye’s 透视 divine power could not see clearly.
“Elder An, you also sensed that thing is unusual?”
“Yes, although it’s just a hunch, I have a nine-tenths certainty that this item, even among spiritual artifacts, is an exceptionally special treasure.”
Li Chonglou casually glanced at the plate held by the last beautiful woman. The item covered by the red cloth on her hand was precisely what he couldn’t see clearly with his Heavenly Eye’s 透视 divine power.
This was the first time he had encountered such a situation. Before this, his Heavenly Eye’s 透视 divine power only failed in certain specific circumstances or under his own special conditions.
This situation had never happened before!
“Could it be related to Shi Boqiong?”
Li Chonglou’s heart suddenly became excited, because his Heavenly Eye’s 透视 divine power was obtained from Shi Boqiong. Such a special situation made it hard not to make associations!
Just then, Liu Rui couldn’t help but urge, “Huadong, are you capable or not? Just give us an answer! My evening party needs to continue!”
Liu Rui’s words finally pulled Li Chonglou’s attention back.
He scanned the crowd and realized that not a single person had faith or hope in him.
With a slight smile, Li Chonglou finally spoke, “Then let’s begin, but I have a small request.”
Still a request?
Liu Rui’s brow furrowed, and he said impatiently, “Hurry up and say it. As long as it’s reasonable, it’s fine.”
Li Chonglou nodded, “It’s not an outrageous request. I just want to, after you arrange the seating, pick up each plate before making a choice.”
Pick up each plate?