News of the event spread, causing many people to cheer enthusiastically. However, a greater number pondered whether, given enough time, they could attend the appraisal in person. If the items turned out to be fakes, there would be nothing more to say—just toss the empty bottles. But what if the Chi Xiao Sword was authentic? Missing the chance for a close-up viewing would be unthinkable.

Regardless of their personal motives, the appraisal was scheduled to proceed as planned.

The venue was neither the Forbidden City nor the Xiyi Museum, but a vast sports stadium. Experience proved this to be a wise decision, as the crowd surging in to watch almost packed the stadium to capacity. As far as the eye could see, not an empty seat remained.

Witnessing this scene, some officials from the stadium grounds nearly wept. Gazing at the tide of humanity flooding in, they lamented that only if a major sporting event could draw such an audience would their seats ever be so full.

Of course, it wasn't just the massive audience; numerous television reporters were also present. Several major online portals, after securing coordination, even launched a live broadcast directly from the site.

"This is quite the spectacle. Let's hope it doesn't turn into a farce," an insightful observer sighed. Everyone in the know understood that if the Xiyi Museum successfully navigated this challenge, its reputation would soar instantly, transforming mere prestige into concrete standing, positioning it just below the Forbidden City in terms of fame.

"It just remains to be seen if the Forbidden City will allow that opportunity..." some people couldn't help but speculate with conspiratorial undertones.

Yet, most people were simply astonished by the sheer magnitude of the appraisal panel. Not only were the top experts from the Forbidden City present, but the entire contingent from the Jewelry Appraisal Association was there, including the chief appraisers from all the major auction houses.

Looking down the line of experts, it was, in the eyes of the connoisseurs, a dazzling constellation of stars, enough to make one gasp. The ordinary folks, however, felt little of that, content merely knowing that the Forbidden City took the matter seriously enough, and prepared to enjoy the show while awaiting the final verdict.

"What a grand affair."

At the opportune moment, a clever individual murmured softly, "The Xiyi Museum is clearly not simple. Even if holding this appraisal is simply going with the flow, the sheer strength required to invite so many prominent figures suggests significant underlying power..."

"Furthermore, no one charges up Mount Liang without adequate skill. To dare organize such an extensive appraisal involving so many people implies they have at least some measure of confidence. It seems we're in for some real entertainment today."

A few people whispered amongst themselves, anticipation coloring their expressions.

Simultaneously, the host took the stage, calming the assembly before introducing the panel of appraisal experts one by one. The audience was cooperative, offering applause and cheers, which brought involuntary smiles to the experts' faces. Following this, the host cut the pleasantries short and signaled for the representative from the Xiyi Museum to bring forth the items.

At that precise moment, under the scrutiny of all eyes, Gao Dequan, wearing large sunglasses, walked out. He had no choice; Elder Qian and Wang Guan refused to show themselves, so they had asked him to step in.

It wasn't just Gao Dequan; a detail of security personnel followed, carefully carrying several large crates onto the stage.

"Huh? Isn't it just one sword, the Chi Xiao? Why so many crates?"

Seeing this, some felt thoroughly confused. But the sharp-witted among them reacted immediately, pondering thoughtfully: "Perhaps they aren't just appraising the Chi Xiao Sword; there must be other items."

Undoubtedly, this person guessed correctly.

At Gao Dequan's gesture, the security team opened the crates and began arranging the items one by one. The cameras, sensing the moment, adjusted their angles to capture the details closely, projecting the images onto the massive screens so the audience could see reasonably well.

The Withered Wood Revived Vase, the Zhong Kui Subduing Ghosts Painting, the Spirit Communicating Jade, the Interlinked Pearl Curtain, the Changhua Stone Sphere, the Five-Colored Brush, the Chi Xiao Sword... With the unveiling of each object, gasps of wonder rose from the crowd.

"Every single item is a treasure beyond measure. If they are all authenticated, how much will they be worth?"

"Money isn't the issue; the problem is we can't buy them."

"Even with money, they are unattainable—priceless treasures."

Amidst these exclamations, save for a few heedless simpletons, most people were deeply moved. Moreover, the careful observers noticed that even after the Chi Xiao Sword was displayed, the security staff did not stop; they continued to retrieve items from the crates.

In fact, as soon as the first item was presented, the experts began their appraisal.

This was no mere show of procedure; they took out various instruments and began examining the artifacts closely. It should be noted that the panel included not only domestic experts but also international jewelry appraisers.

It was the presence of these foreign experts that led many to believe the appraisal would be relatively fair. They didn't necessarily expect the foreign experts to weigh in on the Chi Xiao Sword, but hoped they could verify pieces like the Interlinked Pearl Curtain and the Spirit Communicating Jade. After all, items of jewelry should transcend national boundaries.

Indeed, that proved true. Unlike their Chinese counterparts who examined vases and paintings, several foreign experts went directly to the Interlinked Pearl Curtain. Studying the opulent, brilliantly shimmering tapestry of pearls, which radiated an undeniable aura of luxury, the men seemed momentarily entranced. It wasn't just them; many female audience members had their gazes glazed over, flickering with longing.

"Fake. It must be fake."

Seeing the expressions on their wives' (or girlfriends') faces, certain husbands felt a jolt of dread, silently praying that the item was a forgery, lest they face significant trouble later.

However, the outcome was destined to disappoint them. Once the foreign experts sobered up, they applied one hundred percent of their focus, examining every single pearl, then exchanged looks of astonishment, confirming that the pearls were genuine, and not cultured beads, but purely natural river pearls.

One foreign expert took the microphone and reported his findings honestly to the audience, naturally causing an uproar. After a brief silence, thunderous applause erupted. The applause was not just for the foreign expert but also for the Xiyi Museum, and perhaps to atone for their prior doubts, they felt compelled to make amends now.

The Interlinked Pearl Curtain was merely the beginning. Then the Five-Colored Brush, the Spirit Communicating Jade, and the Changhua Stone Sphere were successively verified. Furthermore, several audience members were randomly invited onto the stage to personally experience the marvel of these objects.

The applause grew louder with each successive verification, truly roaring and echoing to the heavens.

No one felt this was staged, for the eyes of the masses were sharp; they never lacked the basic ability to discern right from wrong. Moreover, the unique qualities of each artifact were demonstrated publicly. For instance, with the Withered Wood Revived Vase or the Zhong Kui Subduing Ghosts Painting, the audience could see and touch them, thus having no reason to suspect trickery.

As each item passed rigorous scrutiny and was confirmed as a genuine treasure, many echoed the sentiments of certain reporters: viewing these masterpieces in person offered an experience fundamentally different from seeing them in photographs.

It was much like how some people simply do not photograph well; no matter the angle, they look better in person. The priceless artifacts on stage were similar; the camera captured only the object's essence, failing entirely to convey the interplay of light and shadow.

Or perhaps, what the lens captured was merely the object's core. Yet, humanity is inherently visual, preferring to use its own eyes to behold and appreciate beauty.

Because of this discrepancy, those watching the live broadcast naturally struggled to understand the fervor of the onsite audience. Only later, when they visited to see the treasures themselves, did they grasp the profound difference.

Of course, that is a digression.

At this very moment, an expert held up a thumb ring, examining it closely. The large screen appropriately displayed the ring's intricate details for the audience to appreciate its exquisite beauty. And from the expert’s excited expression, everyone understood the object was far from ordinary.

"This is Imperial Jade—true Huang Yu."

"Pay attention, not Yellow Dragon Jade, or Jintian Huang, but genuine Imperial Jade. This is an exceedingly rare material. In ancient times, the Emperors held the color yellow in supreme reverence; it was reserved only for royalty. If commoners or even high officials dared to use yellow privately, it was tantamount to treason, punishable by confiscation of property and annihilation of the clan..."

An adjacent expert chimed in, his voice trembling with excitement, "Of course, fine material demands fine craftsmanship. Even the most precious stone is wasted without superior skill to carve it. But this jade thumb ring is different. Everyone look at the patterns on its surface—the Hundred Steeds painting is rendered so lifelike..."

"...The carving demonstrates the artisan's ingenuity, confirmed by the signature of Zigang. Therefore, after our appraisal, we unanimously conclude this is the work of Lu Zigang, the master jade craftsman of the Ming Dynasty. Combining supreme material and unparalleled artistry, it is a peerless treasure."

When the appraisal result was announced, the entire venue erupted in another wave of enthusiastic applause. The common folk applauded simply because they were enjoying the spectacle and heard the item was valuable. But among the attendees were many true connoisseurs who understood Lu Zigang's esteemed position in the world of jade carving and were acutely aware of the treasure's embedded value.

As soon as the news spread, jade sculptors from all major schools across China could not remain seated. Those nearby immediately took transport; those farther away began packing their bags, determined to rush over as quickly as possible for what amounted to a pilgrimage.

Yes, a pilgrimage. To jade carvers, Lu Zigang was the Jade Saint. Now that relics from the master had surfaced, how could they remain calm? Naturally, they flocked to witness the authenticity or offer their reverence.

But that was a matter for later.

Currently, after the Imperial Jade thumb ring, the Seven-Colored Glazed Light-Permeating Mirror was appraised. The crowd’s attention then shifted as they saw an expert pick up a weapon, inevitably drawing everyone's focus.

"Is it starting now?"

Anticipating the appraisal of the Chi Xiao Sword, not only were the onsite audience members expectant, but even those watching the live feed leaned in, their hearts tightening as if awaiting the final judgment.

Unexpectedly, once the camera focused, everyone realized the weapon was not the Chi Xiao. Though it was also a sword, it differed slightly from the famed weapon.

Seeing this, many were about to curse out loud, but as the expert began his explanation, the curses died in their throats. Their emotions swung wildly, creating a deeply moving, turbulent experience...