At this moment, the shopkeeper approached, asserting with an open gaze, "This Three-Legged Golden Toad is also a treasure of our establishment. It's meticulously carved from Yellow Wax Stone. You know Yellow Wax Stone, right? That kind from outside, also called Yellow Dragon Jade..."

"Enough, Boss, do you really think we're ignorant?"

Yu Feibai scoffed, "There's a distinction between Yellow Wax Stone and Yellow Dragon Jade. Yellow Wax Stone might be Yellow Dragon Jade, but Yellow Dragon Jade absolutely cannot be Yellow Wax Stone."

"Furthermore, Yellow Wax Stone is characteristically smooth and fine; regardless of whether it's transparent or opaque, the stone's color is remarkably pure. But the stones you have displayed outside, while yellow, are of mediocre texture. I suspect they aren't Yellow Wax Stone, but mere pebbles from the Shangqing River."

Yu Feibai chuckled lightly, "Most importantly, the stone color of this Three-Legged Golden Toad is dull, grayish-yellow amidst the black, and the texture is even coarser. Even ordinary river pebbles are better than this."

"Heh heh, if you're an expert, then why do I need to say more?"

The shopkeeper didn't seem embarrassed; instead, he laughed, "However, don't underestimate these stones. They were indeed retrieved from the Shangqing River. But the Shangqing River has flowed for thousands of years, it’s a place where dragons and tigers converge, and with Celestial Master Zhang presiding, the river water has gained spiritual energy. Stones soaked and scoured by that water have absorbed a bit of spiritual essence, perhaps capable of warding off ghosts and evil..."

Yu Feibai smiled without speaking. When the topic touched upon Celestial Master Zhang, though he didn't truly believe it, he knew better than to say too much on someone else's turf, lest he draw unwanted glares. Of course, this was a new era, and the shopkeeper wasn't old; at most, he was just using the Celestial Master’s name to make money, with little genuine faith involved.

Seeing Yu Feibai remain silent, the shopkeeper wisely shifted the topic, "The material for this Three-Legged Golden Toad is indeed unremarkable, but it does have some age. Moreover, the craftsmanship is exquisite, and its symbolism is auspicious—it can attract wealth, guard the house, dispel evil, and boost fortune. As an old saying goes, ‘A Golden Toad at home ensures prosperous wealth’... Buying it won't be a mistake."

Although a major deal had just concluded, every bit counts; how could one refuse business?

Sensing Wang Guan seemed interested in buying the Three-Legged Golden Toad—regardless of how little attention the shopkeeper paid to it before, even treating it as trash and placing it in the dimmest corner of the lowest wooden shelf—the shopkeeper now waxed lyrical, praising the toad as an unparalleled treasure.

Wang Guan heard this and suddenly smiled, "You’ve misjudged it. This object isn't carved from stone; it was formed by firing red clay pottery. Don't believe me? Look at the bottom; the clay hasn't even been fully dried and fired through, it’s almost turning to ash."

"It really is like that."

Yu Feibai lowered his head to examine it, reached out a finger, and immediately smeared some gray clay onto it.

"This thing must have been placed in the farthest corner during the firing process, baked at a low temperature. I estimate that when the kiln was opened, this piece wasn't completely dry—it's, at best, a semi-finished product," Wang Guan said with a slight smile. "Afterward, the craftsman simply took a knife to carve and refine it into this shape, then let it dry slowly, acquiring these stone-like characteristics."

"That makes sense. No wonder it’s so coarse; it turns out the clay failed to fully mature," Yu Feibai realized with a start.

"Honestly, the design of this toad holding a pearl is quite peculiar. I wonder if it’s local cultural custom or a style from a specific historical period," Wang Guan frowned, suggesting in a conciliatory tone, "What do you think? Should we buy it and consult with Uncle De?"

Yu Feibai shrugged, indifferent. "Whatever you decide."

This was the response Wang Guan was waiting for. He smiled, turned back, and asked, "Boss, how much for this thing?"

"This much!" The shopkeeper held up one finger.

"Ten yuan?" Wang Guan smiled.

"One thousand."

The shopkeeper grinned, clearly intending to fleece him.

"What? This thing costs a thousand? Boss, you're trying to rob me." Wang Guan frowned, suddenly placing the Three-Legged Golden Toad down and extending his hand toward Yu Feibai, "Can I use your phone for a moment? I'll take a couple of pictures and ask Uncle De when we get back."

"No problem." Yu Feibai chuckled lightly and took out his phone.

Seeing this, the shopkeeper quickly said, "Oh, my price was high, but we can settle for less. If you genuinely want to buy it, the price is negotiable."

"One hundred yuan. Take it or leave it," Yu Feibai said impatiently.

"One hundred is too little; add another hundred," the shopkeeper haggled.

"Fine, wrap it up then," Wang Guan agreed blandly, appearing too weary to argue further, and handed over two hundred yuan from his wallet.

"Thank you for your patronage; welcome back next time."

The shopkeeper beamed as he took the money, grabbed a simple cardboard box, and packed the Three-Legged Golden Toad inside, harboring no suspicion. He completely missed the flicker of excitement that crossed Wang Guan's eyes as he looked down.

Holding the box, Wang Guan only managed to calm his surging excitement after stepping out of the antique shop.

"Today’s haul is quite good."

At this, Yu Feibai laughed, "I’m heading back. How about you, coming along or continuing to sightsee?"

"Going back."

Wang Guan replied without hesitation, "Too many people. You can’t feel that ancient town charm shown in the promotional photos."

"Tourist attractions are always like this," Yu Feibai chuckled. "Any famous spot will be crowded and noisy. Sometimes, traveling doesn't bring relaxation; it just brings more irritation."

As they spoke, the two arrived at the spot to catch a ride and departed.

Not long after, the pair returned to the Visitor Center. As soon as they reached their room, Yu Feibai couldn't wait to dial Gao Dequan’s number, eager to show off his acquisitions.

The call connected. After Yu Feibai explained the situation, Gao Dequan expressed keen interest and promised to return shortly.

The moment he entered, Yu Feibai beckoned excitedly, "Uncle De, come look quickly."

Gao Dequan strode over. On the table, Yu Feibai had already arranged the twenty jade belt plaques in neat order, following the sequence of the jade belt assembly.

Upon seeing the crystalline luster of the plaques, Gao Dequan had a general idea. After touching them carefully and examining them thoroughly, he burst into praise, "These are excellent pieces. Looking at the cloud-and-dragon motifs, I can tell this is a fine example of a Ming Dynasty jade belt, the kind only worn by officials of the rank of prince or grand minister."

"So, I was right to buy them," Yu Feibai beamed happily. "Just looking at the carving, the design, and the quality of the jade, I knew these couldn't be wrong."

"Feibai, you've improved significantly."

Gao Dequan complimented him, then picked up a square jade plaque, pointing at the dragon carving, "Actually, to know if these plaques are genuine jade or imitation, you look at the dragon motif. Most modern fake jades are carved using mechanical drills, then treated with acid corrosion, roasting, and artificial damage to make them look worn. Thus, they appear very unnatural."

"But looking at the cloud-and-dragon carvings on these plaques now, they clearly show typical Ming Dynasty characteristics. The dragon head is relatively long, the two eyes are close together, making it look dull. The ruyi cloud patterns curve sharply upwards, with two long whiskers appearing on either side, stretching upwards with the flow, the hair shooting upward or forward... this form is what’s known as 'hair flying up in a frenzy'!"

Gao Dequan commented meticulously, "Additionally, there is another type, the chilong pattern: the head is round and slightly long, the facial features concentrated on the lower part of the face, with two crescent moon markings on the forehead, and a long lock of hair behind the head fluttering in the wind. The body is long, the four limbs in a leaping posture, with cloud patterns decorating the joints, and the tail branching and curling... all these are features exclusive to the Ming Dynasty."

............................

Last night, for an hour or two, this piece appeared on the weekly click charts. That means quite a few people are still reading the book. Since that’s the case, I implore everyone reading to please take a moment to add it to your collection and cast your recommendation votes. I beg you.