Chapter 22: The Ghost Market

"Master Gu, do you think my valuation is reasonable?" After finishing his sentence, Master Gu looked toward Wang Quan'an, who was standing to the side.

Wang Quan'an wore a look of helplessness and a wry smile. "Master Gu, you are the most authoritative appraiser in our Donghai City. Of course, any price you assess is reasonable."

Wang Quan'an thought for a moment before turning to Xu Yi. "Well then, sir, if you are interested in selling this 'Lotus Painting' set, I would like to formally offer 40 million on behalf of the Wang Family Auction House."

"Of course, I am willing to sell." Xu Yi was all smiles. He had no particular interest in antique collecting; he was more than satisfied to have snagged an item worth 40 million for just 200,000.

Wang Quan'an moved quickly. Fifteen minutes later, he produced the purchase contract. After checking that everything was in order, Xu Yi signed it. After deducting the technical service fee for the painting restoration and the 10% appraisal fee, 35.5 million was immediately deposited into Xu Yi's account.

Tsk, tsk! This was far more efficient than using his X-ray vision to win at scratch-off lottery tickets. Xu Yi secretly decided that he should visit the antique market more often in the future; the speed at which money could be made here was truly intoxicating!

Having successfully acquired the lotus set, Wang Quan'an was also very satisfied. After exchanging contact information with Xu Yi, he left Master Gu's antique shop.

"Master Gu! Thank you so much. Your one word alone earned me an extra 20 million. I’m not sure, but according to the rules, how much should I pay you for the appraisal?" Xu Yi asked with sincere respect.

Master Gu shook his head. "I merely spoke a fair word. The appraisal work was done by Young Wang, and you are the two parties involved in the transaction. I cannot accept a reward for work I didn't do; there is no need to pay me any appraisal fees."

"On the contrary, I should thank you, young man. If it weren't for your sharp eyes in spotting this lotus painting, this treasure might have continued to gather dust—that would have been a true loss for the antique world. Compared to that, money is a trivial matter."

"Master Gu, your integrity is noble. This junior is full of admiration," Xu Yi said, genuinely impressed. Having grown up as an orphan, he had witnessed all kinds of ugly human nature driven by greed, so someone like Master Gu was truly rare.

"Now, let's return to the matter we were discussing earlier." Xu Yi realized Master Gu was about to address why most of the shops on Antique Street were closed today, and he turned serious.

Master Gu paused, then said slowly, "Your guess was correct. The reason most shops are closed today is that they are preparing for a major event."

"This major event is the annual highlight of the Donghai antique world: the Ghost Market trade."

"The Ghost Market trade?" Xu Yi was instantly intrigued.

Master Gu continued his explanation, "Of course, 'Ghost Market' is just a name. It exists mainly because the antiques traded there are often items that cannot see the light of day or are of unknown origin, making it inconvenient to trade them openly."

"It must be noted that there is no third-party guarantee for items traded at the Ghost Market. Transactions rely entirely on the keen eyes of both parties. Consequently, there are a massive number of fakes and forgeries mixed in. If a non-professional were to participate, they would surely lose everything. This is why I didn't want to tell you earlier."

"Furthermore, the Ghost Market is not open to just anyone. To attend, one must possess an invitation."

"As it happens, I have an invitation. Young man, are you interested in participating?" Master Gu finished in one breath, looking straight at Xu Yi.

Xu Yi’s heart stirred. "Master Gu! Are you willing to give this invitation to me?"

"That is correct!"

"Why?" Xu Yi asked, voicing his confusion. In his view, they had just met and had no prior relationship. Based on Master Gu's description, this invitation was incredibly valuable—something that money alone could not buy.

Master Gu replied slowly, "I have always acted according to my whims. Giving you the invitation was a spur-of-the-moment decision."

"As for why you, it is because your eye for detail is extraordinary. While I don't know what method you used to spot the hidden layer in the lotus painting, that ability of yours could be put to great use in the Ghost Market."

Xu Yi was silent for a moment. "Then what price must I pay to obtain this invitation?" He was no fool; he understood that the man wouldn't give him the invitation without a reason.

However, Master Gu shook his head. "I chose you because, in recent years, many treasures have indeed appeared at the Ghost Market, but for various reasons, they have been hidden away and have never seen the light of day."

"If there is a purpose, it is my hope that the treasures appearing at the Ghost Market can finally be brought into the open. I see that you have no interest in keeping antiques; if you find good pieces at the market, they will surely enter the market circulation."

"As for the cost, if we must calculate one, consider it a favor you owe me. If a day comes when I need your help, I hope you will be willing to step in. How about that?"

Xu Yi pondered. He weighed whether owing a favor was worth the invitation. A few minutes later, he decided to accept. Firstly, he suspected that since the items at the Ghost Market were of unknown origin, they were likely looted from ancient tombs, and such items were most likely to contain the spiritual energy he needed. Secondly, having tasted the sweetness of profit through "picking up leaks," the Ghost Market offered him an easy way to make money. Why not take the opportunity?

Believing that with his "X-ray" and "Heart-Reading" abilities, it wouldn't be difficult to dominate the Ghost Market, Xu Yi felt confident.

Receiving Xu Yi's agreement, Master Gu nodded, reached into his robe, produced an invitation, and handed it to him. "The Ghost Market trade is five days from now. The location is Building 38, Unit 2, on Antique Street. Just go there when the time comes."

Xu Yi took the invitation. Sensing that Master Gu had no desire for further conversation, he picked up his tea cup. Understanding this was a subtle dismissal, Xu Yi bowed politely and left the street.

This trip to Antique Street had been incredibly fruitful. Not only had he earned over 30 million, but he had also secured an invitation to the Ghost Market.

Driving his G-Wagon, Xu Yi left the street and returned to his rented apartment. Just as he arrived in his neighborhood, he saw Liangzi, one of Huang Dabo's men, pacing anxiously outside his building.

Xu Yi frowned. Only his mentor, Li Mengjing, and Huang Dabo knew his address. Liangzi appearing here could only mean one thing: something had happened to Huang Dabo.

Xu Yi’s heart sank as he pulled the car up to Liangzi.

Seeing Xu Yi, Liangzi said anxiously, "Brother Yi! Brother Bao has been captured by the Madman’s people. Please, you have to save him!"

Xu Yi’s expression darkened instantly. He asked in a deep voice, "Who told you to come here?"

Liangzi was stunned, then shook his head. "No one! I found this place myself."

Xu Yi barked, "Get in!"

Liangzi didn't understand, but seeing the gravity on Xu Yi's face, he dared not say more and quickly jumped into the car. Xu Yi suddenly accelerated, the G-Wagon reversing violently before fishtailing and roaring out of the street.

"Damn it! He's running! Follow him!"

As soon as the G-Wagon pulled away, four cars hidden in the vicinity started simultaneously and gave chase. Looking into his rearview mirror at the pursuers, Xu Yi’s expression grew increasingly grim.

"What exactly happened?" Xu Yi turned his head to ask Liangzi in a low, stern voice.