Under Wang Guan's explanation, Yu Feibai also gained some understanding.

"No wonder."

Just then, Yu Feibai shook his head and said, "As soon as you got back, you inexplicably started asking about the Nine-Bend Pearl. Did you already know the bead's true nature back then?"

"More or less, but both ends of the bead were plugged at the time," Wang Guan explained. "It was only later, after learning the Soft Jade Technique from Lu Chongming, that I managed to clear out the clogged jade debris."

"No wonder you asked him for a bottle of Soft Jade Juice that day..." As understanding dawned, Yu Feibai pointed at the Seven-Colored Bead and asked, "And this thing? Where did you buy it?"

"Macau," Wang Guan smiled. "Remember that Young Master Cai? The one who sold his jade pendant because he ran out of gambling funds."

"Wasn't that piece fine mutton-fat jade?"

Yu Feibai felt like he was becoming numb. Both items had appeared right before his eyes, yet he had completely ignored them. Now that he realized his mistake, it was naturally too late.

"...Your good luck is practically built upon my misery."

After a long while, Yu Feibai finally managed to squeeze out a sentence, then huffed, "Most, most importantly, after obtaining such a treasure, you didn't breathe a single word about it—truly selfish..."

"It's not that dramatic," Wang Guan said sheepishly. "I was just planning to find a suitable opportunity to give you all a surprise, just like now..."

"Damn it, the way you put it, it sounds like you were certain you’d find the Chi Xiao Sword," Yu Feibai pouted, his face a canvas of envy, jealousy, and resentment.

"Facts speak louder than words; hasn't he found it now?"

At this moment, Tang Qinghua exclaimed with a touch of wonder, clicking his tongue. "This kind of luck... it's indescribable. Wang Guan, have you really considered buying a lottery ticket? When you do, make sure to buy one for me too."

"Let's skip that. The important business comes first."

Yu Feibai promptly "snatched" the two precious beads from Wang Guan's hand. After carefully examining them for a moment, he immediately handed them over to Elder Qian, asking the old man to study how they should be inlaid into the sword hilt.

"Fixing them in place is relatively simple," Elder Qian mused at this point. "But where the jade bead should sit, what angle it should take, and what effect it should present—that requires careful consideration."

"Practice brings true knowledge; we'll know once we test it out," Yu Feibai said. As he spoke, he raised the Chi Xiao Sword, observing and comparing the intended inlay position on the hilt.

Although the two beads seemed similar in size, the number of tiny voids meant there were subtle differences in where they should sit. Since there were traces to follow, the inlay process became simpler.

One bead and one piece of jade, each taking its designated spot, they slowly adjusted the angles. The Seven-Colored Bead and the Nine-Radiance Jade had originally been inlaid into the Chi Xiao Sword hilt; they had merely been pried off during the sword's long transmission through history. Reinstalling them now only required a moment of searching before the perfectly matching positions were found, fitting seamlessly.

"Excellent! Now we just need something to secure them," Yu Feibai declared.

The fixing method wasn't complicated, requiring only a strong biological adhesive—and one that was reversible. Elder Qian happened to have some at his home. He took a little out, applied it to the jade and the bead, and fixed them into their spots on the hilt. A moment later, once the adhesive had dried naturally, the jade and bead were firmly set.

"Hahaha, watch me raise my three-foot sword and achieve immortal merit..."

Just then, Yu Feibai struck a pose, brandishing the Chi Xiao Sword with a majestic flourish. Simultaneously, a brilliant radiance suddenly burst forth from the gleaming blade. Moreover, much like the special effects often seen in movies, the radiance seemed to amplify, spreading out like an unfolding fan and shooting up towards the heavens.

For an instant, the sword, which had previously held its light internally, now appeared utterly sharp and dazzling, creating a highly dangerous and chilling illusion.

"It changed its appearance again," Tang Qinghua said, surprised. "It looks like a special effect from a movie or an online game."

"What?"

Yu Feibai looked up and saw the scene of the blade's light piercing the sky. He froze for a moment, then broke into joyous realization. "Chi Xiao, Chi Xiao—so this is what the character 'Xiao' (sky) truly implies!" As he spoke, Yu Feibai mused aloud, "I wonder what it will look like after the sword has been stained with blood."

From his expression, it seemed he genuinely intended to find some blood to smear onto the blade and witness the sight of the Chi Xiao Sword emitting a crimson light to the heavens. Elder Qian was certain to lecture him sternly for such an immature thought.

"Elder Qian, I was just kidding," Yu Feibai quickly apologized, though his eyes were darting around, leaving his sincerity questionable. Anyone who knew Yu Feibai well knew that Wang Guan and Tang Qinghua were quick to expose his pretense.

"You two are the ones being insincere," Yu Feibai retorted irritably. "The item isn't mine. Given Wang Guan's personality, if he found such a treasure, he would definitely lock it away immediately and never let anyone touch it. Now I strongly suspect his treasury holds many other treasures we don't even know about."

Although they understood that Yu Feibai was deflecting, they had to admit he succeeded remarkably well. Seeing the gazes turning towards him, Wang Guan felt both helpless and amused. "Don't listen to his nonsense. Treasures aren't like cabbage; you can't use the word 'many' to describe them..."

"In my opinion, your treasures are practically as common as cabbage; you find new ones every day," Yu Feibai sighed dramatically. "Pity me, someone so diligent and hard-working, I only have a piece of Bixi hide... oh, and the Song-patterned ancient sword. Only those two items are barely presentable. Heaven has no eyes for me."

"That sounds awfully disingenuous," Wang Guan replied wryly. "Did you forget that entire room full of jade pieces?"

"Ah, those are just trinkets, not worth mentioning," Yu Feibai waved his hand dismissively. "As for jade and stones, you can buy those easily if you have money."

This statement was even truer. Many of Wang Guan's possessions were virtually unique, world-class treasures that couldn't be bought regardless of the price if he refused to part with them, naturally sparking immense envy in Yu Feibai.

"Close enough, close enough..."

Feeling that if the conversation continued, he would become the target of everyone's scrutiny, Wang Guan wisely steered the attention elsewhere. "By the way, the Chi Xiao is missing its scabbard. Are there places in the capital that custom-make scabbards?"

"Why use a scabbard? Just get a sword casket," Yu Feibai gestured, describing it. "The kind with hidden mechanisms inside—you press a button, the sword springs out, and you grab the hilt to stab..."

"Are you thinking of a movie set? A mechanism sword casket?"

Having said that, Wang Guan paused to consider. "Are there such caskets for sale?"

"As far as I know, definitely not on the open market," Yu Feibai suggested with a grin. "Why don't you call Elder Hou and ask him? See if he has one ready or if he knows how to make one."

There's a coincidence in China known as 'speak of Cao Cao, and Cao Cao arrives.' That's exactly what happened now. Yu Feibai had just finished speaking when Wang Guan's phone rang. He looked at the caller ID and was stunned. "It's Elder Hou's call..."

"Are you kidding me?" Yu Feibai also blinked in surprise, quickly leaning over to look. Seeing that it was indeed Elder Hou calling, he scratched his head. "Am I a reincarnated sage? I can divine things without calculating—it just came to me."

Wang Guan ignored Yu Feibai's self-admiration and quickly answered the call.

"Elder Hou..."

As soon as Wang Guan spoke, Elder Hou urgently asked through the phone, "Wang Guan, are you free right now?"

"Uh, yes, I am. Do you need something, Elder?" Wang Guan was naturally puzzled.

"Good that you're free. Can you come to Luoyang?" Elder Hou's tone held a hint of excitement.

"Luoyang?" Wang Guan paused.

"Yes, Luoyang," Elder Hou confirmed emphatically. "If possible, come as soon as you can; there's something here that requires your assistance..."

"Oh." Wang Guan hesitated slightly before agreeing. "Alright then, I'll be there tomorrow..."

Having received confirmation, Elder Hou ended the call in high spirits. However, he hung up so abruptly that Wang Guan hadn't managed to ask for more details before hearing the electronic dial tone.

"What? Elder Hou wants you to go to Luoyang?" Yu Feibai asked curiously at this moment. "Why does he need you to go to Luoyang?"

"I'm not sure either," Wang Guan shook his head. "I was just about to ask when he hung up. It seems urgent."

"Maybe he needs you to crack a mechanism?" Yu Feibai stroked his chin thoughtfully. "I feel it relates to the two pieces of cloth inside the mechanism box, or perhaps it's connected to the contents of the Golden Casket..."

While speculating, Yu Feibai turned to Elder Qian with a smile. "Elder Qian, you have a close relationship with Elder Hou. Have you heard any rumors or anything?"

"Why look at me? His work is inherently confidential; how could he possibly tell me casually?" Elder Qian was exceptionally calm, his expression unchanged, revealing nothing.

However, Yu Feibai keenly sensed a subtle shift in Elder Qian's tone. He made a swift decision. "Wang Guan, what a coincidence! I was just planning a trip to Luoyang myself. Let's go together."

"...Suit yourself," Wang Guan considered it. Since Elder Hou hadn't forbidden company, he didn't mind. "Just make sure you cover your own travel expenses."

"Stingy..." Yu Feibai scoffed.

Whatever Elder Hou needed him for, his single phone call caused Wang Guan to change his plans abruptly. The next morning, he brought along Yu Feibai and Tang Qinghua, and the three headed to Luoyang.

Yu Feibai was overflowing with curiosity and intended to enjoy the spectacle. As for Tang Qinghua, she had serious business to attend to.

Autumn had arrived, and the major auction houses were beginning preparations for the autumn sales. While Zheng Ya Xuan had been quiet during the spring auctions, they couldn't afford to miss the autumn ones. After consultation among senior management, they ultimately decided to host a special auction dedicated solely to ceramics from the Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties.

"We have already secured sufficient pieces from the Tang Dynasty's Xing and Yue kilns, as well as the official kilns of the Ming and Qing dynasties," Tang Qinghua explained at this time. "However, we are short on famous Song Dynasty kilns and Yuan Dynasty ceramics. Luoyang, as the ancient capital of thirteen dynasties, possesses extraordinary historical and cultural depth; perhaps I can find what I need there..."