Chapter 43: Pretending (Part 2)

The book detailed the numerous deeds and flaws of Master Moyang.

"Original name: Yang Mo. Appraisal apprentice. Professional swindler from the Liuzhu Kingdom. Often uses the title of 'appraisal master' to swindle money and women!"

"Martial Skill: Minor accomplishment in Charm Sound Art. His words can bewitch people, making them naturally trust him!"

"Flaws: One, wanted by the Liuzhu Kingdom's royal family. Two..."

Zhang Xuan didn't know whether to laugh or cry.

This guy, with his aura of an expert, seemed incredibly powerful at first, but he turned out to be a swindler!

It seemed many people in the crowd were his accomplices. The stall owner selling items was definitely in league with him, using the pretense of helping with appraisals to make people buy junk at high prices, thereby pocketing exorbitant profits.

"Where there's deceit, there are victims!"

Knowing the other party was a swindler, Zhang Xuan had no intention of exposing him.

Firstly, he had no concrete evidence, and he certainly couldn't reveal anything about the Heaven's Path Library! Secondly, those who had been deceived currently lacked common sense; if he said too much, he might even be attacked by the crowd!

He wouldn't do something that brought no benefit but only trouble.

"Forget it, I'll just pick out something good myself and buy it."

Too lazy to bother with "Master Moyang" who continued to posture as an "expert," Zhang Xuan slowly walked along the counter displaying treasures, casually touching items as he went.

As long as he touched an item, a book would appear in his mind. While the library wouldn't provide prices or the exact value, items with fewer flaws were certainly more expensive.

He touched forty to fifty items consecutively, yet none of them were valuable. The low probability was appalling.

"The last slot... it's you!"

Just as he was enjoying himself touching items, a majestic voice rang out.

Turning his head, he saw "Peerless Expert" Master Moyang looking at him with a satisfied expression, nodding subtly. Countless people around him also looked at him, filled with envy.

"Me?" Zhang Xuan was startled.

"My young friend, don't be unconfident, it is you!" Master Moyang stroked his beard, his expression arrogant, as if saying, "It is absolutely your honor to be chosen by me."

"Unconfident?" Zhang Xuan shook his head.

It wasn't that he was unconfident; rather, he wondered why he was so unlucky. With so many fanatical followers behind this master, why choose him?

However, after a brief moment of surprise, he quickly understood. Almost everyone participating in the treasure gamble today was following this "master." Walking alone along the long display, randomly touching and looking at items, made him particularly conspicuous. It was hard not to attract attention!

"I appreciate the kind offer, but I don't need it!"

Knowing the other person was a swindler and not wanting to be a patsy, Zhang Xuan waved his hand, preparing to continue looking at the piles of treasures before him.

"Don't need it?" Master Moyang frowned.

He had already given out nine slots earlier, and everyone who received one was overjoyed, almost fainting with excitement. Yet, this young man, chosen by him, actually... didn't need it?

His slightly darkened expression quickly vanished. With a wave of his hand, he approached Zhang Xuan, stroking his beard with a pained look. "Since you've come to gamble for treasures, you naturally want to buy genuine ones. I saw you choosing randomly, without method, and couldn't bear to see you lose everything at such a young age. That's why I kindly offered guidance. Are you sure you don't need it? Don't let my good intentions go to waste!"

"Young man, if you don't want that slot, give it to me!"

"The master chose him, and he actually refused? Is there something wrong with his brain?"

"He clearly isn't normal. I noticed him earlier; he just touches every item he sees. Is he trying to steal something?"

"If the master had given me that slot, I'd have woken up laughing already!"

...

The crowd overheard the conversation between Zhang Xuan and the "master," and they all looked at Zhang Xuan as if he were a monster.

Who was this? An appraisal master!

He was only giving out ten slots today before leaving. This was such a great opportunity that everyone was scrambling for it, even wishing they could buy a spot. Yet, this guy... actually refused?

If that's not having a problem with his brain, then what is?

"I truly don't need it..." Zhang Xuan shook his head.

"Lose everything," he said. If he really listened to him, he *would* truly lose everything...

"Don't refuse so quickly!" Before he could finish speaking, "Master Moyang" interrupted him. The old man's eyes revealed a profound compassion for humanity and a desire to help the world. "It's not easy for young people to earn money. I'm giving you this slot not because I seek anything, but because I have good intentions and cannot bear to see you buy junk and waste your hard-earned money!"

"Master Moyang is truly too benevolent!"

"He can distinguish genuine treasures from fakes, and he's kind-hearted. He's simply my idol!"

"From today onwards, I will only worship one person: Master Moyang!"

...

Hearing the old man's words, the crowd was once again swayed by him.

Look at his character!

He possesses appraisal skills but doesn't use them for profit. He's afraid others will suffer losses and even expends effort to help them appraise treasures! He's truly a peerless good person, one you couldn't find even with a lantern searching the entire world!

"I..."

Zhang Xuan never imagined the other party could be so shameless, speaking with such grandiosity. He shook his head, about to continue speaking, but was interrupted again.

"Alright, I know what you're thinking! No need to say more!" The old man looked over indifferently, full of arrogance.

"You know what I'm thinking?" Zhang Xuan was puzzled.

"Yes, you must be thinking that you're young, lack experience, and aren't strong. Even if chosen and helped to acquire a treasure, you wouldn't have the power to protect it! Worse, it might even invite disaster!" "Master Moyang" clasped his hands behind his back, looking as if he had long seen through Zhang Xuan.

"So that's how it is!"

"Not only is the Master skilled at appraisal, but his insight into people's thoughts is also brilliant!"

"An innocent man is ruined by the treasure he guards. It's normal for this young man to think that way!"

...

Hearing "Master Moyang's" explanation, everyone suddenly understood why Zhang Xuan refused such a good offer.

"This..." Zhang Xuan didn't know whether to laugh or cry.

This guy was truly narcissistic.

No power to protect it... he really managed to come up with that.

"Everyone!" Just as Zhang Xuan was about to explain, the "master" before him looked around, an arrogant air in his brows. "This young friend is chosen by me. Whatever treasure I help him select later, I hope none of you harbor any improper thoughts! Otherwise, you will be opposing me, Moyang, and don't blame me for being ruthless!"

"Master, what are you saying? We wouldn't dare lay a hand on someone you've chosen!"

"Master, don't worry, we would never do that..."

The crowd uniformly agreed.

"Good, I've already told everyone. You can rest assured and buy it; there's no need to worry about any unnecessary trouble!" "Master Moyang" looked over, appearing to have everything under control.

"I..."

Zhang Xuan hadn't expected this guy to be so self-important. Just as he was about to speak, he was interrupted again: "No need to get excited. Since I've given you the last slot, it means we are fated! Fate cannot be explained by logic. You don't need to be overly grateful either; I'm helping you choose a treasure not for any return, but simply out of good will!"

"This..."

"No need for 'this and that.' Just buy this treasure. I can guarantee you'll definitely make a profit!"

"Master Moyang" gave Zhang Xuan no chance to speak. He took an item from a pile of treasures and handed it over.

"Profit..."

Seeing the item, Zhang Xuan was speechless.

He had already inspected it; it was utterly worthless junk, not even worth a single gold coin. If he actually bought it, he would lose every coin he spent!

"Owner, come over and settle the bill for this young friend!"

Handing over the "treasure," "Master Moyang" called out.

"Thirty thousand gold coins total!" The stall owner walked over.

"Hurry and settle the bill. This is what I believe to be the most precious item I've chosen tonight. Young friend, you'll make a huge profit!" Seeing Zhang Xuan's lack of movement, the old man stroked his beard, a doting smile on his face. "When you polish it later and make a fortune, just try not to get too excited!"

"Excited? Excited, my foot!" Seeing his chances to speak continuously interrupted, Zhang Xuan could no longer hold back. "If you want to swindle people, go ahead and do it; I couldn't care less! But why bother me? Is it fun to constantly act arrogant? Am I giving you too much leeway?!"