52: Chapter 52 Shock

"Name: Ming Xuande Hetian jade Carved dragon plaque."

"Rank: Grade 5."

"Attribute: Protection +9."

"Skill: Invulnerability."

Han Jingyang almost jumped up when he saw this appraisal result.

Every attribute of this plaque was a massive surprise for him right now.

A Hetian jade carved dragon plaque from the Xuande era was itself a quite excellent fine antique, with a market price of over a million.

The material used for this plaque was very sophisticated, almost reaching the level of mutton-fat jade; only its oiliness was slightly inferior to mutton-fat jade, while its purity was even better than some mutton-fat jade.

The carving also did justice to the material; the technique was simple and grand, and the dragon pattern was domineering and Majesty, looking high-class from every angle.

So, based solely on the material, carving, and era, it had already reached collection grade. Keeping it as a family heirloom was no problem, and it could also be sold at a critical moment to support the family, serving both as a collection and an investment.

And he had only spent over six hundred thousand.

Although there was a personal favor factor involved, the profit was real.

Not to mention, this was a Grade 5 item, the fourth Grade 5 item in his possession.

The attribute was also maxed out, adding 9 points directly.

Moreover, "Protection" was a top-tier attribute that could directly improve survivability.

But what surprised him the most was this skill.

Invulnerability.

One look at the name and he knew it was defensive. Although he didn't know if it could truly defend against damage from blades and spears, it was still extremely precious. As long as it could protect vital points, the money was well spent.

If a true connoisseur saw this dragon plaque, they would be willing to spend any amount of money, especially those insecure multi-millionaires and big shots.

For example, that former leader of the "Little Days" who had his chest "opened up."

Of course, Han Jingyang would definitely not sell such a good thing to the Japanese.

For another example, He Dingkun; if he and He Dingkun weren't enemies, He Dingkun would pay even if the price was thirty to fifty million.

Unfortunately, such a good thing could only be used for himself.

Han Jingyang took a deep breath and directly wore the dragon plaque around his neck.

With the "Invulnerability" dragon plaque.

And the "Turning Misfortune into Blessing" peace buckle.

His personal safety now had a basic guarantee.

Especially since this dragon plaque had a +9 Protection attribute, which was more than double the one or two, three or five points of Grade 6 or Grade 7 items; it could play a major role at a critical moment.

This rank, this attribute, and this skill were all top-tier.

However, the surprises didn't stop there.

Before long, there was a new surprise.

A real surprise.

The moment he saw the attributes, he was even startled.

"Name: Ming Yongle Gilt Bronze Seated Statue of Emperor Zhenwu."

"Rank: Grade 3."

"Attribute: Longevity +19."

"Skills: Prolonging Life, Exorcising Demons and Monsters, Zhenwu Descends to Earth."

Grade 3!

Longevity +19.

Prolonging Life + Exorcising Demons and Monsters + Zhenwu Descends to Earth.

Are these the attributes a high-level item should have?

It's too terrifying.

Nearly twenty attribute points plus three skills that looked incredibly powerful at a glance, it was simply...

Upon seeing this appraisal result, Han Jingyang's heart instantly raced, his breathing quickened, his palms sweated, and his eyes grew dizzy; he felt so lightheaded he could hardly stand.

The impact of this result was truly too great.

Not to mention the attribute, just these three skills alone could scare someone to death.

Furthermore, this gilt bronze seated statue of Zhenwu itself wasn't remarkable. He had only spent ninety thousand yuan on it because it wasn't large and its craftsmanship wasn't particularly exquisite; it was just a standard early Ming dynasty handicraft.

As it turned out, this inconspicuous little thing gave him a massive surprise.

Grade 3.

He would have been happy for a long time just to get a Grade 5 item, but this time, he directly got a Grade 3 one.

Both the attributes and skills were top-tier.

It was simply...

Han Jingyang didn't even know how to describe his feelings.

Liu Jing noticed Han Jingyang's abnormality, leaned over, and asked, "Boss, what's wrong?"

Han Jingyang took a deep breath and smiled. "A little surprise."

"A surprise?"

"Yes, a surprise. The quality of this Zhenwu statue is a bit unexpected."

"Really?" Liu Jing lowered her head to observe the Zhenwu statue in Han Jingyang's hand. After a momentary daze, she shook her head. "It really is a bit special. I actually don't quite dare to look into its eyes; it feels very scary."

Han Jingyang laughed. "Of course. This is an avatar of Emperor Zhenwu. Do you think it's a joke?"

"Avatar?" Liu Jing chuckled. "Boss, stop joking. You said yourself that there are no gods, immortals, ghosts, or monsters in this world."

"You caught me."

"I'm not as easy to fool as Shen Lele," Liu Jing smiled proudly and then asked, "Boss, what's the use of this Zhenwu statue?"

"It can also cure illnesses."

"Cure illnesses?"

"Yes, similar to the fan leaf I sold you, but the effect is a bit stronger."

Han Jingyang gave a brief, half-true explanation of the Zhenwu statue's attributes but concealed the key points, especially the last two skills.

Those were his true trump cards.

As for the value...

He only wanted to say that it was a priceless treasure.

He wouldn't sell it for any amount of money.

Enshrined at home, the whole family would benefit.

Moreover, it could be passed down through generations as a true family heirloom; it could not only grant Longevity to the family members but also guard the house.

With the two skills "Exorcising Demons and Monsters" and "Zhenwu Descends to Earth" guarding it, no demons or ghosts could even think of invading. Even a single glance might result in Emperor Zhenwu flying out and severing their heads with a sword.

Of course, the demons and ghosts of popular belief certainly don't exist.

But demons and ghosts under a certain definition might not necessarily be nonexistent.

This world is vast and still needs to be explored slowly.

If there's a skill like "Exorcising Demons and Monsters," there must be "demons."

It just remains to be seen in what way these "demons" exist in this physical world.

Thinking this, he wrapped the seated statue of Emperor Zhenwu, which was emitting a purple aura, in red silk and put it directly into the safe, locking it.

Then he continued the appraisals.

Several more decent items were revealed next, but they were completely incomparable to the Grade 3 Zhenwu statue, to the point where he actually felt they were dull.

After a person has tasted meat, it's no wonder they'd have no appetite for cabbage stalks and tofu.

However, Han Jingyang still picked a few good items to keep as spares.

Only those items with low levels, average attributes, and no skills would be placed directly on the counter by him.

Speaking of which, the future Jiguang Zhai would lose its direct transaction function and become a place for receiving guests. Because the nature of the business had changed, even for the cheapest item, he would need to personally go to the site to install it.

Therefore, Jiguang Zhai would transform from an antique shop into an office for metaphysical consulting and the like.

Thinking of this, he said to Liu Jing, "Find a renovation team later to remodel the shop."

"Why, Boss?"

"Too many counters, too few safes. We need to reduce the transaction aspect and enhance the guest-receiving aspect."

"I understand. Don't worry, Boss, leave it to me. I'll guarantee a brand-new space for you. We'll plant various greenery here, and place a stone or root-carved tea table there. Keeping just this one counter is fine, right? Move the sofa to the opposite wall, redo the ceiling with a row of spotlights, and it's best to change the window glass to a traditional round arch style with wood-grain colored frames. Hehe, it's going to cost a lot of money though. Are you willing to spend it, Boss?"