Ying Chen ignored the two, merely directing the powder army to move continuously.
He even deliberately ran around the parents of Min Ziqiong a couple of times.
This made Min Ziqiong's parents feel both amazed and envious.
If these powders had displayed such intelligence when the major buyers were present, let alone a billion, they would have been snatched up for an even higher price!
"Mine, all mine! Give them back!"
Min Ziqiong's mother suddenly lunged at the powder as if driven mad.
But her hands grasped at empty air.
The powder was impossibly agile, toying with Min Ziqiong's mother within inches of her reach.
"Old woman, I'll help you!"
Min Ziqiong's father also lunged forward.
The two of them, like farmers in a field chasing butterflies, ungracefully dove onto the ground, jumping and pressing, trying to grab all the powder.
Unfortunately, even with their combined efforts, the powder responded with ease, giving them no opportunity.
This infuriated the two of them, yet secretly delighted them.
These powders were clearly more spirited than before!
And more valuable!
If they held another appraisal meeting, they might create a record-breaking price far exceeding a billion!
"No more catching, no more catching!"
Min Ziqiong's mother, drenched in sweat from exertion, suddenly plopped onto the ground.
Then she gave Min Ziqiong's father a meaningful look.
Min Ziqiong's father understood and also stopped.
With what looked like a forced smile, they said, "Ying Chen, we surrender, we are completely defeated!"
"We apologize for our previous actions and words. You truly did not deceive us; we were blind to the true value. We mistook genuine treasures for fakes and almost insulted a priceless artifact."
"As we agreed earlier, if you proved these fragments were real, we would not demand the fifty million deposit back and would promptly pay the remaining fifty million."
"We are good for our word and will honor our bet! Please stop these powders. We will leave now and swear never to trouble you about this matter again!"
Upon hearing the words of Min Ziqiong's parents, Ying Chen snapped his fingers.
Instantly, all the powder froze in place, ceasing all movement.
"Are you sure?"
"Absolutely! One hundred percent sure!" Min Ziqiong's parents nodded fervently.
"Alright then, since that's the case, I'll reluctantly agree. After all, your intentions weren't malicious, merely a misunderstanding regarding these artifact fragments."
Ying Chen feigned hesitation before making a decisive gesture with his hand.
It had to be said, after prolonged contact with Min Ziqiong's parents, even Ying Chen's acting skills had improved.
"It's a deal, no backing out!" Min Ziqiong's mother, joyfully, rushed forward and scooped up all the powder that had been standing still on the ground.
Then, without another word, she grabbed Min Ziqiong's father and turned to leave.
It was exactly like the first time they had received the powder!
Whether the outcome would be the same, however, remained to be seen.
"Dad, Mom! You're just leaving like this?" Min Ziqiong watched her parents' retreating figures, utterly bewildered.
It was as if she were a stranger.
Her parents had arrived, not even greeting her, completely ignoring her, and now they were leaving?
"Are we supposed to stay for dinner?" Min Ziqiong's mother retorted dismissively.
Then she quickened her pace, disappearing around the corner in a flash.
"Don't worry, they'll be back," Ying Chen said meaningfully, turning back towards the villa.
Min Ziqiong stood there, lost.
Her mind was in a jumble, filled with a thousand unanswered questions.
Why had her parents come to the villa, why had they demanded compensation from Ying Chen, why had they given up halfway through and gone home, and why had Ying Chen confidently declared they would return?
She desperately wanted answers.
But judging by Ying Chen's demeanor, he had no intention of explaining.
Finally, Min Ziqiong sighed and returned to the backyard with Nannan.
Nannan's cultivation could not be delayed.
...
Min Household.
As if they had obtained a great treasure, Min Ziqiong's parents carefully took out all the powder and placed it on the table.
"Old man, do you think we can sell it for more than a billion this time?"
"Of course! Didn't you see how spirited and obedient those little things were? It's obvious they've evolved further after a few days of nurturing!"
"So, should we contact Master Yang directly, or hold another appraisal meeting?" Min Ziqiong's mother asked.
"Contacting Master Yang is out of the question. He might not even give us money and would just take these fragments. Holding another appraisal meeting is also not ideal. If Master Yang finds out we have a portion of the fragments, he'll resent us."
"Then what do we do?"
Min Ziqiong's father pondered for a moment, then slapped the table. "I've got it! We can sell it to Master Daozang! Master Daozang and Master Yang are sworn enemies, so he definitely won't tell Master Yang. Plus, Master Daozang can afford a high price and is willing to pay more..."
"Brilliant, old man! How did I not think of that? Alright, we'll do as you say! Let's message Master Daozang right away!"
Without delay, Min Ziqiong's mother immediately contacted Master Daozang through an intermediary and conveyed the message.
When Master Daozang heard that there were more artifact fragments, and that they were even more spirited, he became greatly interested.
He rushed to the Min household that very afternoon.
This showed how eager Master Daozang was.
Min Ziqiong's parents, full of confidence, took out the fragments and handed them to Master Daozang.
"To be frank, Master, because these fragments possess even greater spiritual energy, we deliberately held them back to sell them separately. We were looking for a buyer who truly appreciated their worth."
"Currently, only you know about this, which means if you agree to purchase them, no one else will know! We will keep this a lifelong secret for you!"
"Of course, the price will be slightly higher than the previous batch... we believe a reasonable price would be - twelve billion!"
"No negotiation!"
Min Ziqiong's parents had increased the price by two hundred million from the original.
And they wouldn't entertain any negotiation.
They were confident that Master Daozang would buy it.
Indeed, upon hearing this, Master Daozang offered no objection, merely stating, "As long as the item is better than what was sold to that old scoundrel Yang, the price is not an issue."
"Then I thank you in advance, Master Daozang!" Min Ziqiong's parents laughed heartily.
They believed the deal was sealed!
However, Master Daozang suddenly frowned, "Something is not right!"
Hearing these words, Min Ziqiong's parents' hearts sank. Then they remembered that Master Daozang had done something similar during the appraisal meeting.
This time, he was doing it again.
Either he was deliberately playing a trick on them, or he had discovered that the spiritual energy of these fragments was even more potent and astonishing!
But as Min Ziqiong's parents waited for Master Daozang to elaborate, they saw him abruptly toss the powder back onto the table.
As if discarding a handful of dust!
"A pile of junk like this, and you two want to sell it for twelve billion? Have you lost your minds?"
"Or do you think I'm easily fooled and take me for a fool?"
Master Daozang's eyes turned cold as he questioned Min Ziqiong's parents.
Min Ziqiong's parents suddenly recalled something, their faces changing drastically.
Their voices became faltering.
"Is... is it... fake again?"