29: Chapter 29 "The Misty Clouds of Wudang"

Perhaps because it was the work of a young painter, even though the piece was excellent, Shengfeng only set a high starting price of 1.2 million. This was because works by young painters rarely appeared at auctions; simply put, they couldn't fetch a high price. Several factors determine the price of a calligraphic or painted work: first, the higher the artistic "gold content" of the work itself, the higher the price; second, the higher the author's fame, the higher the price—many artists see their prices soar after gaining a certain social status; third, the market's supply and demand—the works of deceased artists are limited in number, so their prices naturally rise. At the same time, the painter's age also affects the price; a work of the same quality by a young painter cannot compete with that of an older one.

The reason Shengfeng allowed this painting to be auctioned was likely due to its excellence, though they weren't optimistic about it fetching a high price, as 1.2 million was already quite high for a newcomer. For one, the young artist Wu Wei had no fame or social status, and crucially, he was still alive. Even if he became famous later, it would be difficult for his current paintings' prices to rise because he was still very young—not even thirty this year—and in good health. No one could guarantee he wouldn't produce a large volume of work in the future; things are valued for their rarity, and too many works would severely impact the price.

However, none of this mattered to Cao Xiao, nor could it affect his love for the painting. He also thought highly of this young painter; to have such skill before the age of thirty, to complete such a large-scale work, and to display such an ethereal artistic conception meant his future achievements would surely be great. It was only a matter of time before he became famous; perhaps after this painting sold, he would become a household name, and tomorrow's newspapers might feature headlines like "Work by a Certain Young Painter Sells for Astronomical Price."

Elder Chen also thought highly of the painting, and others were discussing it fervently. Clearly, this "wudang misty clouds painting" had made a significant impact on everyone.

"The starting price for 'wudang misty clouds painting' is 1.2 million, with each bid increasing by no less than ten thousand. The bidding starts now; please place your offers." After promoting the painting, the auctioneer announced the start of the bidding.

"Bid of 1.25 million from Gentleman Number 16, 1.27 million from Lady Number 47, 1.3 million from Number 30." It seemed the auction participants were very discerning, as many people were bidding, and the auctioneer was constantly calling out prices from the stage.

Cao Xiao was in no hurry to bid; it was just the beginning, and it wouldn't be too late to step in at the end. The price continued to climb, quickly soaring to 3.4 million. There were still over ten people bidding, and no one showed any signs of stopping. If this continued, the transaction price could be very high; more competitors meant it was very popular. Thus, Cao Xiao prepared to make his move, intending to bid high directly to eliminate some people and then continue the contest with those remaining.

"Four million," Cao Xiao raised his number 55 paddle.

"Number 55 bids four million!" As the auctioneer called out the price, the scene immediately fell silent. Everyone turned their gaze toward Cao Xiao, curious about who would bid like that, adding hundreds of thousands at a time. Cao Xiao ignored these stares, smiling and nodding in response as he waited for others to bid.

"Number 72 bids 4.2 million." After a moment of silence, someone finally placed a bid, adding 200,000 all at once, likely with the same intention as Cao Xiao. Cao Xiao glanced over and saw a yellow-haired youth looking at him arrogantly. This youth was about the same age as Cao Xiao but much more handsome. Dressed in trendy clothes with flowing bright yellow hair, a large diamond stud in his left ear, and a handsome face, he looked exactly like a big star. However, Cao Xiao had no impression of this face at all, meaning he wasn't a celebrity; if he were, with that face, he would be a superstar Cao Xiao couldn't possibly not recognize. Moreover, the man was holding a beautiful girl in his arms; a star wouldn't be so ostentatious. Cao Xiao merely gave a calm glance and withdrew his gaze, completely ignoring the man's provocative look.

"Number 34 bids 4.21 million, Number 60 bids 4.25 million, Number 8 bids..." Before Cao Xiao could bid again, others started increasing the price, and it wasn't just one person. Surprisingly, the price of over four million hadn't scared them off; now, besides Cao Xiao, five others were still competing.

"Number 55 bids five million." Cao Xiao didn't increase the bid bit by bit; he went straight to five million. As long as the price of this painting was within ten million, he could accept it, so the amount of the increase didn't matter—adding more might even intimidate the others.

The other five bidders all looked at him together, their gazes filled with confusion, regret, and mostly annoyance. With Cao Xiao bidding like this, they could only follow suit, and no one knew how much higher Cao Xiao would go if they bid again.

"Number 72, 5.5 million." While the others were still hesitating, the yellow-haired youth directly added 500,000. Cao Xiao looked over in surprise, only to see the man glaring at him furiously.

"Six million." Cao Xiao didn't know where this man's anger came from, but that 500,000 increase was clearly aimed at him. He didn't back down and added another 500,000.

"6.5 million!" The young man stood up directly and shouted his bid in very non-standard Mandarin.

"Gentleman, please do not get excited; this is an auction. If you wish to bid, please sit down and continue," the auctioneer said to the man.

The man gave Cao Xiao a vicious look before sitting down reluctantly. Cao Xiao found it somewhat baffling; it was just an auction, was there a need to be so worked up? In an auction, the item goes to the highest bidder; why take your temper out on me? He was really getting into it!

"7.5 million," Cao Xiao placed his bid with a grim face, ignoring whatever expression the man might have.

The others stopped competing; after all, this price had exceeded their limits. They liked it, but buying it at this price was no longer worth it. However, just as Cao Xiao finished his bid, the young man suddenly stood up, looked at Cao Xiao, and shouted "Baka!" The scene instantly became incredibly quiet. The auctioneer stopped speaking, and several heavy nasal "hmphs" echoed through the hall simultaneously. Then, such sounds continued to rise as everyone turned their scrutinizing gazes toward the young man.

"A Japanese?" "Baka?" "Why is there a Japanese person here?" These bewildered whispers constantly rose from the surroundings, and some people even stood up, staring at the man with eyes like lightning.

"Cao Xiao, these old bones of mine aren't fit for action. Go and throw him out for me," Elder Chen stood up, his face as grim as water as he spoke to Cao Xiao through gritted teeth. After speaking, he took out his phone to make a call.

"Just go ahead and do it; we old fellows will back you up," Liu Guitang said to Cao Xiao without turning his head, his eyes narrowed as he watched the man.

Cao Xiao was actually already prepared to go and teach that man a lesson; he had heard a Japanese insult in a pure accent, a sound that should not appear on this land. Hearing his teacher and Liu Guitang's words, he walked directly toward the man's seat.

"What do you want to do? I am a Japanese citizen, I am from the Horii family, you cannot touch me!" The yellow-haired youth watched Cao Xiao approach while cracking his knuckles. Surrounded by unfriendly gazes and being looked at so maliciously by so many people, he was also frightened, stammering to Cao Xiao in a strange tone.

Cao Xiao didn't care what he said; he found that strange pronunciation and tone disgusting. With a grimace, he stepped forward and grabbed the yellow-haired youth's hair, pulling him down instantly. The man, in pain, struggled with both hands while jabbering in his foreign tongue. Cao Xiao dragged him by the hair toward the exit.

At this moment, the girl who was with him blocked Cao Xiao's path and said sharply, "This is the young master of the Horii family, you cannot do this to him, let go!"

This was standard Mandarin; the woman wasn't Japanese. Hearing this made Cao Xiao even angrier, and he slapped her across the face, sending her staggering. "What a piece of work! Forcing me to hit a woman."

The surrounding people watched with amusement, enjoying the show. Normally, Shengfeng's staff should have come out to maintain order, but even the auctioneer was standing on the stage with his arms crossed, watching with delight, and no other staff members came to intervene.

Cao Xiao dragged the Japanese man toward the hall entrance. Along the way, people "accidentally" stuck out their hands or feet, causing the man to cry out in pain repeatedly. Cao Xiao opened the door and kicked him in the rear, sending him flying out. The security personnel at the door clearly knew what was happening and turned a blind eye. The woman also followed out, helping the man up and saying something in their foreign tongue with a face full of concern.

After getting up, the man glared at Cao Xiao with great hatred and said, "I've remembered your face! Just wait to face my wrath! Baka!"

Seeing him blurt out that word again, Cao Xiao wasn't afraid of his threats; he wouldn't be allowed to run wild in this country. Cao Xiao rushed over and knocked him to the ground with a flying kick. Still not satisfied, he grabbed the man's collar, lifted him up, and slapped him repeatedly. "I'll give you 'Baka,' baka your uncle, do you want these slaps or not?"

After about ten slaps, Cao Xiao's hand started to hurt, so he stopped. The man's face was swollen. When Cao Xiao stopped, the man suddenly stood up straight, bowed his head, and shouted "Hai!" Cao Xiao was stunned; what was this? But then he thought of the dual contradictory nature of the Japanese character and felt relieved. He gave a laugh and turned back into the hall. He didn't see the crazed look in the man's eyes staring at his back, otherwise he wouldn't have left so calmly.

After Cao Xiao went back inside, the security personnel consciously closed the main doors, clearly not intending to let the man back in.

"Cao Xiao, that Japanese man will be deported shortly. If you encounter such Japanese people again, don't be polite; they shouldn't be coddled in this country," Elder Chen said to Cao Xiao once he returned to his seat.

Cao Xiao hadn't expected his teacher to act so ruthlessly; there must be a story behind this. Otherwise, even if he hated Japanese people, he wouldn't use his connections to deport someone over such a small matter. But this was normal; his teacher was from that era and had a more direct feeling about that long-lasting war, so his actions were understandable.

"Everyone, please be quiet. The auction continues. Number 55 bids 7.5 million. Are there any higher bids? 7.5 million once, 7.5 million twice, 7.5 million thrice. Good, congratulations to Gentleman Number 55 for winning this 'wudang misty clouds painting.' Next up for auction is..." After Cao Xiao returned, the auctioneer continued to organize the bidding. Ultimately, with no one else competing, Cao Xiao won the "wudang misty clouds painting."

The auction proceeded in an orderly fashion. After the incident just now, the atmosphere became much more harmonious, and no more accidents occurred. After the last three finale items of the first half were sold at high prices, there was a ten-minute break. Then the jewelry session began. The jewelry session included not only finished jewelry but also raw materials; hetian jade seed material, jadeite rough, raw diamonds, pearls, and chicken blood stone were all up for auction. Cao Xiao was also tempted. Using his Detection Function, he discovered that inside a piece of hetian jade seed material covered in stone skin, there was a piece of Grade 1 White Jade the size of two fists.

hetian jade is divided into six categories and nineteen levels. The six categories are White Jade, Celadon-white Jade, Celadon Jade, Jasper, Black Jade, and Yellow Jade. Among these six, White Jade is divided into four levels: Special Grade White Jade (mutton fat jade), Grade 1 White Jade, Grade 2 White Jade, and Grade 3 White Jade. Each of the other categories is divided into three levels.

The top tier of hetian jade is naturally mutton fat jade. mutton fat jade is suet-fat white in color, soft and uniform, with a dense and fine texture, a greasy to waxy luster, tough, moist and smooth, and translucent; it is the finest of hetian jade. Although Grade 1 White Jade is not as good as mutton fat jade, it is still a masterpiece among white jades. Top-tier mutton fat jade currently costs between 80,000 to 120,000 yuan per gram, while ordinary mutton fat jade is 20,000 to 40,000 yuan. Slightly lower quality white jade costs between 8,000 to 30,000 yuan per gram; average quality jewelry is around a thousand yuan, and the lowest quality can be found for a few hundred. Cao Xiao spent 1.65 million to buy this seed material. The Grade 1 White Jade inside, about the size of two fists, weighed around two kilograms. At 10,000 yuan per gram, the raw material alone could sell for about 20 million. Moreover, this white jade was nearly spherical, enough to carve out five or six bracelets of various sizes, plus many pendants and ring faces, with very little waste. Selling the finished products would fetch an even higher price, likely 30 to 40 million. Cao Xiao had spent less than two million to get white jade worth tens of millions; it was an absolute steal. Of course, others didn't have his ability; he was purely cheating. Otherwise, he wouldn't have discovered this white jade or spent nearly two million to buy it. The price he paid for this seed material was the highest in this batch; most people wouldn't spend so much money to gamble on the presence of high-quality white jade without being certain.

In addition, he spent 2.5 million to buy a football-sized Old Elephant Skin rough material. This rough didn't look particularly promising and wasn't very large, which is why an Old Elephant Skin—which easily produces high-quality green—sold for only two million plus. Inside this rough was a palm-sized, flat piece of glass species Poplar Green Jadeite. This shape was perfect for carving a pair of bracelets and several pendants or ring faces. The raw material was worth around 20 million, and if made into jewelry, the value would be around 30 million.