Li Chonglou did not respond to Adong, but smiled faintly at Hutu and said, "If I had met Young Master Liu earlier, I think it would have been the same."
Hutu's eyes suddenly lit up: "Does that mean Brother Huadong also has spiritual artifacts? I wonder from which master you acquired it. Can you show it to us?"
At this moment, the attention of the others returned to the high platform. Bidding had already begun, and the competition was intensifying.
However, Grandpa Fu, Yu Xianxian, and the others were drawn in by Hutu's words, and their gazes fell upon Li Chonglou.
But compared to the expectation in Yu Xianxian's eyes, Grandpa Fu was more filled with doubt.
Does this person really have good things?
Ever since he learned that Li Chonglou had no sect or school, Grandpa Fu's expectations had diminished significantly. He had considered what Yu Xianxian had said earlier to be a mere coincidence.
After all, as a member of the antique world, everyone had their own areas of expertise and understanding of relics or treasures. Perhaps he had just happened to encounter something that fit his expertise at that moment.
Therefore, regarding Li Chonglou's composure, Grandpa Fu suspected that Li Chonglou was putting on a brave face.
And he detested such people the most.
Li Chonglou smiled and said, "Of course I can, but now is not the time. We can talk about it later when the time is right."
Unexpectedly, Hutu's tone suddenly changed, with a hint of disdain: "You speak as if it's true. I suspect you can't even distinguish between spiritual artifacts and antiques."
"How about this, let me test you. Among the nine plates displayed over there, some contain other spiritual artifacts. Can you tell which one it is?"
He had not expected Hutu's words to become so targeted. However, this immediately escalated the issue to whether Li Chonglou was lying. Even Adong and Ahai found no opportunity to interject.
This question was also a puzzle in their minds; they both wanted to know the answer.
If it were true, then everything would be fine for the night, and they wouldn't have to be so anxious.
If it were false, then they would have to find a better way to escape now. Since it was still early, the guards outside should not be at their strictest. If they waited any longer, until the event concluded, it would be too late to find a way!
Yu Xianxian was expectant, Grandpa Fu was doubtful, Adong and Ahailed were nervous, and Liu Rui's group was naturally waiting to see Li Chonglou make a fool of himself.
Amidst these complex expressions, Li Chonglou looked towards the plates Hutu had mentioned.
They were plates carried by nine beautiful women, and some of them held large items, with bodyguards in black suits standing nearby.
However, the items were covered with red cloth, so their true appearance could not be seen. To be able to determine if something was a spiritual artifact from this distance, there was only one possibility.
That was that the person himself was also a cultivator, or at the very least, a martial artist!
Only in this way could one discern which was a spiritual artifact and which was not by sensing the spiritual energy of heaven and earth!
Li Chonglou's cultivation had been completely crippled, so he naturally lacked this ability. After just one glance, he turned to Hutu and asked, "Can you tell?"
Hutu sneered: "Naturally. Shall I show you my skills first? There are still three spiritual artifacts among them in total. If I give you two chances, even if you guess, you might get one right."
This remark directly cut off Li Chonglou's retreat. With his words, even if Li Chonglou guessed correctly, Hutu would have a reason to say he was just guessing.
His cunning was truly remarkable.
However, Li Chonglou did not care. He just wanted to confirm one thing: whether this somewhat indescribably lecherous bearded man was a cultivator.
If he was, then even if the loss incurred today was significant, Li Chonglou would have to swallow it, as it would be difficult to offend him even if he offended Grandpa Fu.
After all, cultivators might not necessarily collude with ordinary people, and they would act even more recklessly. If they suddenly had a change of heart and killed someone, it would be disastrous.
Li Chonglou could still deal with some martial artists with shallow cultivation, but facing a cultivator would be a matter of nine deaths and one life.
If not, then he would naturally not need to be polite later.
Having made up his mind, Li Chonglou nodded directly: "Then let's see Brother Hutu's skills first."
"Skills? I'll slap your face later."
Hutu sneered inwardly but maintained a calm expression. He turned to Liu Rui and said, "Young Master Liu, please lead us over."
After the evening party began, to prevent any accidents, everyone was basically surrounded by black-clad security guards. Even going to the restroom required reporting to them.
This situation naturally required Liu Rui to lead the way.
However, Grandpa Fu spoke up: "Master Hu, what about my matter..."
Hutu smiled faintly: "Don't worry, Grandpa Fu. I have found a better target. I guarantee Miss Xianxian will be satisfied."
Grandpa Fu then felt relieved and followed behind Hutu with Yu Xianxian.
Liu Rui naturally did not refuse this and directly led everyone to the treasures that were being used to warm up the atmosphere.
"This distance is enough."
Hutu suddenly spoke, and Liu Rui stopped.
Yu Xianxian asked curiously, "What do you mean by 'this distance is enough'?"
Grandpa Fu was about to speak.
"Miss Xianxian, it's like this. Besides the difference in appearance between spiritual artifacts and ordinary antiques, the biggest difference is their aura."
"Of course, this might be a bit difficult for you ordinary people to understand. Let me put it this way: everything in the world has its unique aura."
"And this aura, to those who have cultivated, can be perceived even with their eyes closed."
"This is what is known as a martial artist!"
When he said the words "martial artist," Hutu's pride was almost visible.
To his embarrassment, none of the people present showed any particular reaction to this.
Yu Xianxian, Adong, and others were not of ordinary background. As the saying goes, even if they hadn't eaten pork, they had seen pigs run. The term "martial artist" was not far-fetched for them.
Grandpa Fu was even more so. Being an old hand in the trade, he showed no surprise even when he heard about the Shangjing Antique Association or even spiritual artifacts.
As for Liu Rui, he had already learned what he needed to know from Hutu.
Hutu was stunned for a moment before reacting, and awkwardly hurried to change the subject.
"Ahem, that is to say, to determine which is a spiritual artifact here, there is only one possibility: you yourself are a martial artist!"
Hutu suddenly looked at Li Chonglou. Martial artists have a subtle connection with each other, but he did not feel any such aura from Li Chonglou!
And what he said was very clear, directly implying that Li Chonglou had lied earlier!
Adong and the other two's faces instantly changed. They hadn't expected the other party to set such a trap, waiting for Li Chonglou to fall into it.
Yu Xianxian's brow also furrowed slightly, as she remembered that Li Chonglou had not refuted Hutu's words earlier but had instead tacitly admitted his ability to identify spiritual artifacts.
Could Uncle Hua also be a martial artist?