Just as Wang Guan hesitated, he suddenly felt a stirring in the energy center between his brows. A faint, threadlike golden line shot out like a spider's silk, vanishing into the inkstone held by the middle-aged man.

Instantly, a three-dimensional schematic of the inkstone was transmitted directly into Wang Guan's mind.

"I never realized this golden thread had such a marvelous use."

Discovering this, Wang Guan was both startled and delighted, though he knew the duration of this special ability wouldn't last long. He swiftly focused his attention, sensing everything with care.

Under the influence of this special power, every detail of the inkstone—from the natural striations forming the shape of the Kui Xing to the inscriptions carved on its back—fell under Wang Guan's complete grasp.

Most importantly, within the palm-sized inkstone, Wang Guan perceived a dense concentration of spiritual energy.

Having found his target, no action was required from Wang Guan. The energy contained within the inkstone flowed along the golden thread, surging into his brow like ripples in water.

The influx of energy was rapid, causing a slight numbness and swelling in his forehead. As the energy continued to pour in, it even began to affect his eyes. Wang Guan quickly lowered his head to hide it, but a sharp, minute pain pierced his eyes, forcing him to shut them immediately.

It was only then that Wang Guan realized the gossamer golden threads had spread across his eyeballs, emitting a brilliant, pale yellow light.

Soon, the light receded. Wang Guan cautiously opened his eyes, and a world of three-dimensional structure reappeared in his mind.

However, within this reconstructed world, what captivated Wang Guan the most was the inkstone in the middle-aged man's hand, which pulsed with a soft, wave-like, pale white luminescence.

Furthermore, beneath the desk where the inkstone box rested, Wang Guan spotted something else intriguing.

Just as he tried to examine it more closely, his vision momentarily dimmed. He immediately understood that the time limit for his special ability had been reached. He swiftly retracted the fine golden threads, closed his eyes, and began to recuperate.

All of this transpired in a mere few seconds, too briefly for anyone to notice Wang Guan's anomaly. Conversely, during this period, the middle-aged man suddenly exclaimed in surprise.

"Boss, what's wrong?" the secretary reacted first, stepping forward with solicitous concern.

"Nothing, perhaps I've been sitting too long in the car, feeling a bit fatigued, my vision is blurry."

The middle-aged man rubbed his eyes and chuckled, "Just now, I thought I saw the image of the Kui Xing on the inkstone move, rippling as if it were water."

"Haha, Boss, that just proves the marvelous nature of the inkstone. The natural image of the Kui Xing is so lifelike, the longer you stare, the more it seems to come alive." the secretary replied with a smile.

"Indeed, it truly is a fine object." The middle-aged man naturally suspected nothing, finding the secretary’s words reasonable. He gently stroked the inkstone once more before reluctantly setting it down.

By this time, Wang Guan had recovered. Hearing their exchange, he felt a slight shock. Although the others suspected nothing, he couldn't afford to ignore it, cautioning himself to act with greater care and prudence in the future to avoid repeating such mistakes.

"Uncle Cao."

The secretary, understanding the middle-aged man's intent, stepped in to assist. "Look, sir, this inkstone can't be eaten or drunk; it's useless to keep it. Why not transfer it to our boss and get a substantial sum? That money would be more than enough for your retirement or to build a proper house."

"Old brother, to be frank, I truly love this item," the middle-aged man sighed, trying to persuade him. "But your asking price is far too high. Can't you lower it a bit?"

"I have said this many times: this object is my family heirloom. Without one million, no one is taking it away," Uncle Cao replied rigidly, unwavering.

"The object is fine, but it is genuinely not worth one million."

The middle-aged man shook his head. "The first time I came, I offered one hundred thousand. The second time, two hundred thousand. Now, I'll add another hundred thousand, making a total of three hundred thousand. If you agree, I can produce the payment immediately, whether by check or cash."

Uncle Cao remained unmoved, acting indifferent. He pulled a packet of tobacco from his pocket, slowly rolling a cigarette, turning his head aside to puff leisurely.

Wang Guan observed coldly as the middle-aged man and the secretary continued their haggling, increasing the offer by ten thousand increments. After ten minutes, the bid reached three hundred and fifty thousand, at which point the middle-aged man fell silent.

After a moment of quiet reflection, the middle-aged man stood up and sighed. "Old brother, no one will pay one million for your inkstone. Keep it safe; I will return again."

"Hmph!"

Uncle Cao couldn't be bothered to acknowledge him, not even offering a nod of farewell.

"Alas..."

The middle-aged man sighed with a touch of regret and left with his secretary.

"Old fool, ungrateful!"

A faint voice from the secretary drifted on the wind.

Soon after, the sound of a car engine started, growing from near to far, until it slowly faded away.

However, Wang Guan did not leave. He lingered, waiting until the sound of the vehicle had completely disappeared before slowly walking over to the table and lowering his head to examine the inkstone.

Seeing this, Uncle Cao was surprised. "Hey, your boss has left. Why are you still here?"

"He isn't my boss. I was just passing by and heard there was a treasure here, so I came to watch the excitement," Wang Guan said with a warm smile.

"Then who are you?"

Uncle Cao frowned, placing a hand protectively on the inkstone, suddenly wary.

"Grandpa, please don't misunderstand; I'm not a bad person." Wang Guan quickly stepped back, then offered the name of his maternal uncle, smiling. "I'm here visiting relatives. If you don't believe me, you can ask around."

"Oh, the daughter's son of Thirteenth Brother? You do look a bit like him." Uncle Cao's expression softened.

The phrasing was somewhat convoluted, but Wang Guan surmised that the "Thirteenth Brother" Uncle Cao mentioned might be his own maternal grandfather. Even if they shared different surnames, it was perfectly normal for people in the same village to know each other.

Having established some form of connection, calling him 'Grandpa' seemed reasonable enough.

Seeing Uncle Cao's change in attitude, Wang Guan seized the opportunity to say, "Grandpa, this inkstone of yours is truly remarkable."

"Of course it is."

When discussing his family treasure, Uncle Cao became somewhat proud. "This thing was passed down from my ancestors. I heard a high-ranking official presented it to my great-grandfather. It has been handed down through generations, and it has been with me for several hundred years."

Having said that, Uncle Cao grew keenly alert, looking up at Wang Guan. "What? Have you taken a liking to this inkstone too?"

"Not exactly," Wang Guan laughed. "It's not that I don't like it; it's that I can't afford it."

"Heh heh!"

Uncle Cao laughed, glancing with his dim, cloudy eyes, and gesturing with his mouth. "Wanting it is possible. Bring me five hundred thousand, and you can take the object."

"Eh?"

Wang Guan feigned surprise. "Grandpa, you sell based on who you like, don't you? Those men just now, you insisted on one million and refused to budge on the price. Why is it only five hundred thousand for me?"

"I certainly sell based on who I like."

Uncle Cao stroked his disheveled beard and snorted. "Do you know who that fat man was? Don't let his decent appearance fool you; he's actually a corrupt official, someone who has done countless dirty deeds behind the scenes. Such a scumbag dares to try and buy a treasure from me? That's pure delusion!"

....................... New book, seeking collection and recommendation. Please give lots of support.