Ye Fan’s words struck at the heart, like sharp knives piercing Sun Yi Lang’s soul.
His body trembled violently. Sun Yi Lang wished he could devour Ye Fan alive.
“You scoundrel! I knew this item looked familiar just now. This is one of the fakes that Tian Yin Pavilion obtained, expertly altered to change its appearance. It seems Sun Yi Lang is in danger this time.”
Zhou You De slammed the table, speaking angrily.
Shen Shi Yun’s face was also grim. He hadn't expected Sun Yi Lang to fail.
“Boss Sun, this item is pieced together from several porcelain shards. Your Bo Gu Zhai resorting to such methods for profit is truly eye-opening.”
Ye Fan spoke again, revealing the truth in its entirety.
“Pfft.”
Finally, Sun Yi Lang’s rage got the better of him, and he spat out a mouthful of blood. His body swayed precariously before he collapsed onto the ground.
A shop assistant rushed forward to help him down.
The scene stunned everyone. No one had anticipated that Sun Yi Lang, the esteemed owner of Bo Gu Zhai and the most mysterious appraisal master in Jiang City’s antique circle, would be so enraged that he vomited blood and fainted.
“He deceives customers with fakes and then spits blood. Who is he trying to win sympathy from?”
Shen Tian Yin snorted dismissively. Though his voice was low, the hall was dead silent, and his words reached every ear.
“The auction cannot be stopped. Immediately send people to inspect the remaining auction items. Any items related to that batch of goods are to be removed.”
Despite his anger, Shen Shi Yun maintained his composure and made a decisive call.
Bo Gu Zhai was their business facade. They had invested immense effort to build it into Jiang City’s premier antique store. Losing its reputation now would render all their hard work in vain.
“I will personally select them,” Zhou You De stated coldly, rising to his feet.
“Then we’ll have to trouble Young Master Zhou.”
…
An auctioneer quickly walked onto the stage, a apologetic smile on his face.
“Esteemed guests, Boss Sun is advanced in age and has been suffering from a chronic illness. To show his appreciation to all of you, he persevered through his ailment to host this auction. As he can no longer continue, I will now resume hosting the bidding.”
This explanation was skillfully worded, providing an excuse without directly stating that Sun Yi Lang had been vomited blood by Ye Fan.
While everyone understood the truth, they were unwilling to cause trouble for themselves given Bo Gu Zhai’s reputation, and thus chose to remain silent.
Ji Nan Shan snorted, “Self-deception, utterly laughable.”
The auctioneer chuckled awkwardly before signaling the assistants to quickly bring up the next item.
“The previous porcelain vase was broken as per Mr. Ye’s discovery that it was a fake. Next, we will be auctioning a painting, a famous painting. Esteemed guests, please observe.”
As he spoke, two assistants slowly unrolled a scroll.
The scroll unfurled, revealing an ancient painting with strong Chinese characteristics.
Pavilions and towers, a small bridge over a flowing stream, and under the moonlight, a woman was quietly applying her makeup.
As the scroll moved, the moon hanging in the sky seemed to follow suit.
The flowing water before the woman rippled, creating waves.
For a moment, everyone in the hall was mesmerized, utterly captivated by the ancient painting, unable to tear their eyes away.
Ji Nan Shan remained motionless, while Shen Tian Yin frowned, his face contorted in pain.
Even Ye Fan showed a hint of struggle on his cheek.
Suddenly, a chilling sensation exploded in his mind.
The milky white light, filled with an icy chill, instantly brought Ye Fan back to his senses.
“A demonic painting! I didn’t expect to encounter a demonic painting.”
He raised his hand and lightly tapped the back of Ji Nan Shan and Shen Tian Yin’s necks, bringing them to clarity.
Recalling what had just happened, they felt as if they had been dreaming, yet cold sweat beaded on their brows.
“How could this happen?”
“What exactly is going on?”
As more people regained their senses, questions arose one after another.
“Brother Ye, this painting is extremely strange. I only glanced at it for a moment, and I felt drawn to it. No matter how I struggled, I couldn't break free from its hold.”
Shen Tian Yin nodded in agreement, his experience similar to Elder Ji’s.
“Yang Fei’s Night Makeup.”
Ye Fan’s eyes fixed on the painting as he spoke coldly.
Maintaining his inner clarity, he strived to prevent the painting from consuming his will.
“Yang Fei’s Night Makeup? The legendary Yang Fei’s Night Makeup, revered as the pinnacle of classical beauty?”
Ji Nan Shan’s eyes widened in surprise, his hands trembling as he gripped Ye Fan’s arm.
“It is said that Yang Fei’s Night Makeup is a genuine work by Li Ben, a famous painter from the prosperous Tang Dynasty. Upon its unveiling, it immediately captured the favor of Emperor Xuanzong, who cherished it as a treasure, leading him to neglect his duties and indulge in nightly revelry.”
“But why does this painting cause people to fall so deeply into it, unable to extricate themselves?” Shen Tian Yin asked, her lips pouting as she rested her chin on her hand.
Ji Nan Shan shook his head. “I only know some characteristics of this painting, but I’ve never delved into its secrets.”
Ye Fan slowly stood up and walked towards the painting with a grim expression.
“Ye Fan, what are you doing?”
Seeing Ye Fan’s somber expression, his vacant gaze, and his seemingly frozen demeanor, Shen Tian Yin couldn’t help but exclaim in alarm.
Ji Nan Shan also frowned, perplexed by Ye Fan’s actions.
“Such a demonic painting, no matter who acquires it, will only bring harm. Therefore, it absolutely cannot fall into anyone else’s hands.”
Ye Fan thought to himself.
He wanted to ascertain what power this painting possessed to be so captivating!
As he approached the scroll, a faint fragrance entered his nose, immediately making Ye Fan feel dizzy.
At this moment, the chilling sensation reappeared, causing Ye Fan to shiver and instantly regain his clarity.
“So, it’s the fragrance on the painting that can induce hallucinations. But is this inherent to the artwork itself, or was it added later?”
Ye Fan pondered, but found no clues.
Just then, the woman in the painting seemed to move slightly.
Ye Fan narrowed his eyes, fixating intently on the woman.
The woman appeared to come alive, her alluring eyes flickering, exuding a captivating aura.
In an instant, Ye Fan felt as if he was losing control.
His blood surged, and his heart felt a burning heat.
It felt as though this body no longer belonged to him.
Without time to think, he instantly closed his eyes and stepped back several paces, his feet moving involuntarily.
This action shocked everyone below.
Shen Tian Yin anxiously rushed forward, supporting Ye Fan.
“What’s wrong with you?”
Ye Fan raised his hand to shield Shen Tian Yin’s vision. “Don’t look. That painting… it’s alive.”