Naked Sword Art-Chapter 362: Appraisal competition

As Xiao Fang walked out of the pawn & appraisal pagoda, he inhaled the crisp mountain air of Jadepeak City. The streets were as lively as ever, with merchants shouting their wares, cultivators demonstrating flashy techniques, and street performers showcasing their skills for a few coins. However, Xiao Fang had only one goal in mind—retrieving Xiao Hei and making arrangements for his next move.

His mind drifted to the young woman in the pagoda. There was something about her that intrigued him. A hidden talent, perhaps? He had no doubt she was knowledgeable. He smirked to himself. If she was as capable as she appeared to be, he could find a use for her.

Moving swiftly through the bustling streets, Xiao Fang soon arrived at the clothing store where he had left Xiao Hei. Stepping inside, he immediately spotted her near the back, admiring her reflection in a full-length mirror.

"It's perfect," she muttered, adjusting the hem of her black robes.

The fabric was smooth as flowing water, its deep black hue absorbing the light while intricate silver thread outlined the shape of one elegant and one ferocious feline figure, their bodies stretched in playful or regal poses. The whiskers, painstakingly stitched with thin strands of jade, shimmered subtly under the lantern light, giving the illusion of movement whenever she shifted. Below her hips, the fabric was adorned with tiny, glimmering specks that resembled stars scattered across the night sky, adding a celestial elegance to her appearance.

"You have good taste," Xiao Hei smiled brightly.

"Miss Fei Lin, I'm pleased you like it. You carry it beautifully," the clerk responded with a satisfied smile.

Xiao Hei turned at the sound of Xiao Fang's approaching footsteps.

"You're back," Xiao Hei said, her eyes gleaming. "What took you so long?"

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"I came across something interesting," Xiao Fang replied. "But first, how's it going here? Are you almos—" He stopped mid-sentence as he noticed all the details on her robes. Although it was simple, it still screamed 'rich'.

Even with his blindfold, he could tell how strikingly beautiful her outfit was. He could only imagine how much more dazzling it appeared to those who could see it in full.

"Well? What do you think?" Xiao Hei asked, twirling slightly. "Do you like it?"

"Mn, I do."

Though it was more attention-grabbing than he had intended, considering what he had planned next, her current appearance might actually work in their favor.

Out of curiosity, Xiao Fang asked the clerk about the currencies in this city. What he found out was this:

Copper coins: 1

Copper teals: 10

Silver coins: 100

Silver teals: 1,000

Gold coins: 10,000

Gold teals: 100,000

'So that's what those are,' Xiao Fang thought as he looked back at the teals in his spatial pouch. He didn't have many gold teals, but the fact that he had any at all made him feel extremely rich.

Thanking the clerk, the two of them left.

Navigating the streets once more, Xiao Fang and Xiao Hei soon found themselves standing before the towering structure once again. As they stepped inside, Xiao Fang immediately spotted the floor manager awaiting his return. The man gave a slight bow before speaking.

"Everything is in order, Young Master Fang."

Xiao Hei shot him a curious look. "Young Master?" she echoed, glancing at Xiao Fang.

Xiao Fang ignored her. "Good. Then let's proceed."

Guiding him to the prepared table, Xiao Fang carefully arranged a series of strange yet undeniably valuable artifacts, lining them up until the surface was completely filled. It didn't take long for the first floor's occupants to take notice, their curiosity piqued as they gathered to see what he was doing.

"I'm sure many of you are wondering why I've gathered these items," Xiao Fang began, his voice carrying across the room. "Each of these artifacts belongs to me, and I intend to sell them. However, before I do, I require the expertise of a truly exceptional appraiser."

He let his words settle for a moment before continuing.

"The challenge is simple: if you believe you are qualified to serve as my appraiser, prove it. Identify the most valuable artifact among my possessions. You will have only one guess. Once you've made your choice, write it down along with your name on the paper provided, and hand it to my assistant." Xiao Fang gestured toward Xiao Hei.

"The first person to correctly identify the most valuable item will earn the opportunity to serve as my appraiser. In return, I will offer a 15% commission on all the items I sell."

Murmurs rippled through the crowd as eager eyes flickered over the artifacts, assessing the challenge before them.

"15% is he being serious!?"

The murmurs quickly escalated into a lively uproar. A 15% commission was nearly double the standard rate, and with the caliber of artifacts displayed on the table, even assisting in the sale of just one would be enough to provide a comfortable living for an entire year.

Even the first-floor manager couldn't help but step forward, attempting to advise Xiao Fang that such a high commission was excessive. However, Xiao Fang paid him no mind—his attention was elsewhere, fixed on the young woman who had been guiding him earlier. He was far more interested in what her choice would be.

One by one, appraisers scribbled their guesses onto slips of paper and handed them to Xiao Hei. And one by one, she tossed them into the trash without hesitation.

{"Is it item #7"} Xiao Hei discretely asked Xiao Fang through a spirit transmission, as she read the answer on the paper she was given.

{"No, it is not."} Xiao Fang calmly sent her a discrete spirit transmission back.

{"Which number is it?"} she pressed.

{"It's not a number."} His response carried a cryptic air, leaving her momentarily puzzled.

Realizing that he had no intention of revealing the answer just yet, Xiao Hei simply nodded and threw the guess she received in the trash, no longer asking him if a numbered answer was correct or not.

Xiao Fang paid attention to the girl that had been following him earlier. Seeing her get in line he could tell she hadn't made up her mind yet, but the closer she got to him the more confident she became.