Chapter 56 - Trash Painting
Xiao Mingyi purchased the painting to understand the martial intent depicted in it and improve his cultivation. Several young people gathered around, praising Xiao Mingyi for being able to afford the 1,000,000 gold coins required to buy the painting. As Yun Lan’s disciple, Xiao Mingyi was wealthier than most people present, including Du Mingze.
“Congratulations, Brother Xiao, for obtaining Master Kuang’s painting. You’re too lucky!” Wan Yichun flattered Xiao Mingyi. Master Kuang originated from Zen City. This painting was set against the backdrop of the Great Row Mountain Range and undoubtedly authentic.
“You’re too polite. If I hadn’t come to Zen City, I would’ve missed such a great opportunity,” Xiao Mingyi said smugly. The painting had not been on display for long and was not widely recognized. Even if someone did recognize it, the high price would deter 99% of potential buyers.
But when the sudden voice disrupted the complements, Xue Chou roared, “Brat, what are you talking about? How dare you say Master Kuang’s painting is worthless? Do you know Master Kuang’s status in Zen City?”
Master Kuang might’ve died, but his descendants were still in Zen City. They were the strongest clan in Zen City with an extraordinary status. Insulting Master Kuang’s painting was tantamount to insulting the Kuang Clan, and even the protection of the Treasure Pill Pavilion would not be enough to save someone from the consequences.
“I naturally admire Master Kuang’s painting, but it’s a pity that this painting...” Liu Wuxie shook his head, and his facial expression seemed to call them a bunch of idiots to treat such trash as a treasure.
Everyone looked at Liu Wuxie with a strange expression and wondered if he was insane. The style used in this painting was the same as Master Kuang, and who could mimic his style?
Lei Tao was anxious because it would be troublesome if Liu Wuxie offended the Kuang Clan. The Kuang Clan was on a new level compared to the clans in Azure Billow City.
A guard approached Xiao Mingyi and whispered something in his ear, causing a cold smirk to appear on his face. “You’re finished!” he said to Liu Wuxie. “You dared to insult the Kuang Clan; now let’s see how you’ll meet your end!”
Most of the items sold by the Thousand Seal Chamber of Commerce were genuine, although there were a few fakes mixed in.
“Young Master, please don’t spout nonsense. We’re selling this painting representing the Kuang Clan.” The Thousand Seal Chamber of Commerce’s deacon came forward, interrupting Liu Wuxie. They were representing the Kuang Clan to sell this painting, and the deacon’s words made Xiao Mingyi laugh even louder.
“As long as you guys are happy about it.” Liu Wuxie shrugged and couldn’t be bothered to argue with them. He didn’t have the time to argue with a bunch of idiots. But his words triggered everyone. Had they been ridiculed for nothing? New novel chapters are published on
Du Mingze stood up for Xiao Mingyi and said, “Brother Liu, what you did isn’t right. It doesn’t matter what goes in your mouth, but it does matter what comes out of it. I know you misunderstand Brother Xiao, but it's insensitive of you to humiliate him in this manner.” Everyone could tell that he was mocking Liu Wuxie.
“Him?” Liu Wuxie pointed at Xiao Mingyi with shock on his face as if he had heard the greatest joke in the world. He said, “A trash like him is worthy of me humiliating him?”
Liu Wuxie’s sharp insult and quick retort left Xiao Mingyi so angry that he nearly vomited blood. He would have attacked if he hadn’t been restrained. No one present could match Liu Wuxie’s vicious tongue.
Wan Yichun joined in, saying, “That’s right. Your behavior is evidence of a lack of discipline in Azure Billow City.” His words were harsh and aimed directly at Liu Wuxie.
The argument had attracted a crowd, with people even coming from other areas to see what was happening.
“How can he just apologize? He should go down on his knees, admit what he said was nonsense, and slap himself a hundred times. How can we let him go so easily?” Xue Chou sneered.
With that, everyone turned against Liu Wuxie, with no one supporting him.
A discussion arose among the crowd, with someone asking, “Who is he to insult the Kuang Clan’s painting by calling it trash? Is he tired of living?” The Kuang Clan was highly respected in Zen City and beloved by its people, so insulting them was like insulting the entire city.
It was no surprise that Liu Wuxie’s words had caused such a commotion and even attracted the attention of higher-ups in the Thousand Seal Chamber of Commerce, who were watching from a distance.
Liu Wuxie’s gaze turned cold as he looked around at Du Mingze’s group. “Elder Kuang, let me ask you a question,” he said. “If I can prove that this painting is fake, will you make them all apologize to me?”
He had already shown them enough patience, but they had pushed him too far. Did they really think he was a pushover?
Kuang Zhan wasn’t foolish and knew that both sides had to put something at stake. “If you can prove that this painting is trash, I’ll agree to your request,” he said. “But what if it turns out to be real?”
“If this painting is real, I will kneel and kowtow to apologize for my words,” Liu Wuxie said, sweeping his cold gaze over Du Mingze’s party, making them shiver. They all felt like they were about to be devoured by his gaze.
Du Mingze stepped forward. “Brother Liu, you can’t do that.” Du Mingze tried to stop Liu Wuxie only after he had finished talking. Despite appearing benevolent, Du Mingze’s words were ultimately detrimental to Liu Wuxie.
“Thank you for your concern,” Liu Wuxie replied, his face devoid of emotion. Kuang Zhan shivered, unable to discern whether Liu Wuxie was pleased or angry. Earlier, when their eyes had met, Kuang Zhan had been struck by the intensity of Liu Wuxie’s gaze, and he had to admit that it was the scariest gaze he had ever encountered.
A nearby table allowed everyone to closely examine the paintings and calligraphy.
“Brother Xiao, please put the painting on the table,” Liu Wuxie said as he approached the painting, a mocking look in his eyes.
“Brat, I’ll see how you die!” Xiao Mingyi placed the painting on the table. As the crowd gathered around, exclamations of awe and admiration filled the air.
“What a magnificent piece!” exclaimed a greasy-looking old man, his eyes filled with regret. “I saw it yesterday but didn’t have enough gold coins to purchase it.”
“Lei Tao, do you have a dagger with you?” Liu Wuxie said, baffling everyone.