Inside the secret room, a middle-aged man of about forty years old was looking at a revolving lantern on the table with frustration.
The lamp was custom-made by an old craftsman at a high price many years ago. It broke two years ago, and the old craftsman has passed away. Even with a high price, he couldn't find anyone who could repair the lamp!
"Master, Xiao Bei has come looking for you. He says a customer has arrived at our shop and has some good goods on him," an old servant reported as he entered the secret room.
Upon hearing this, the man didn't turn around, and said somewhat impatiently, "If he has good stuff, just tell him to find Lao Qian."
The old servant did not respond and left: "Xiao Bei looks like he has the Thunderfire Sword, that's why I came to find you."
"Thunderfire Sword?" Upon hearing this, the man immediately stood up and turned around, looking incredulous.
From his grandfather to his father, and then to him, three generations have wanted to find this ancient sword from the previous dynasty. They would search for any clues they could find, but they would only find replicas.
And now it's actually appeared in his curio cabinet? Is this some kind of stroke of luck? Or is it just another fake?
"Then let's go take a look." After saying that, the man turned and walked away.
The secret room was built under the study. After leaving the study, you would see Xiao Bei, who was in charge of greeting guests outside.
"Sect Master," Xiao Bei said somewhat nervously.
He couldn't be sure if the sword was indeed the Thunderfire Sword, but what if it was? Then he would have made a great contribution.
"Where are you? Lead the way." Pavilion Master Lan Zechen naturally saw through the man's intentions.
Xiao Bei quickly replied as she walked, "It's in the outer hall." Then, she recounted the whole story in great detail.
The young lady initially seemed to have intended to come in and take a look, but then he spoke up and said that Duobaoge not only sells good things, but also collects them.
Knowing he was referring to the sword at her waist, she said that someone else would have to talk to her.
Everything that needed to be said has been said; the Pavilion Master now understands.
Lan Zechen walked into the outer hall and saw a young woman standing in front of a money tree ornament, carefully counting the coins on it.
Hearing a noise beside her, Hong Xiaoduo looked over.
"This is our Pavilion Master," Xiao Bei said.
Hong Xiaoduo and Lan Zechen looked at each other, one thinking to herself, "This sect leader seems alright, he doesn't seem like a shrewd businessman."
He thought to himself, "This young lady seems so innocent and guileless. If the sword at her waist is indeed an ancient sword from the previous dynasty, the Thunderfire Sword, then I should be able to get my hands on it today!"
"Sect Master," Hong Xiaoduo greeted him with clasped hands.
Lan Zechen, as always, maintained his composure, smiled faintly, and nodded, saying, "If young lady has nothing else to attend to, why don't you come with me to another place for tea?"
When acquiring this ancient sword, one should do so discreetly, preferably quietly.
Although the Treasure Pavilion has the ability to protect its own possessions, the allure of the Thunderfire Sword is too great, and the person who wants it is different from other collectors.
"Today is the Lantern Festival, and apart from taking my family to see the lanterns tonight, there's nothing else going on," Hong Xiaoduo replied with a smile.
Hearing her say that, Lan Zechen gestured for her to follow, and Hong Xiaoduo followed him to the back, winding her way to the living room.
"Young lady, you're quite bold, aren't you afraid of being schemed against?" Lan Zechen teased after they sat down.
Looking at the exquisite pastries brought by the pretty maid, Hong Xiaoduo casually replied, "If you're so timid and afraid of this and that, you won't go out. It's safer to stay at home and do needlework."
The tea was served, and as soon as the tea was brewed, Hong Xiaoduo smelled a faint orchid fragrance.
"Seeing that you are a straightforward person, young lady, I will not beat around the bush. May I have the opportunity to examine this sword first?" Lan Zechen said, glancing at the sword at Hong Xiaoduo's waist.
“Of course.” Hong Xiaoduo readily took off her sword and placed it on the table in front of her.
Lan Zechen was somewhat surprised. Was it because she was young? Or was she too confident? She agreed to show him such a valuable item without the slightest hesitation?
Although he couldn't be sure if this was the Thunderfire Sword, Lan Zechen remained very cautious. He went to the side to wash his hands and wiped them with a dry cotton towel before gently picking up the sword.
Over the years, he has appraised more than thirty "Thunderfire Swords".
The moment I held the sword in my hands, my heart began to pound uncontrollably; it was the first time I had ever felt this way.
He tried to remain calm and examined the sword carefully, from top to bottom. The patterns and symbols on the scabbard and hilt were exactly the same as those recorded in the manuscript of the sword that his grandfather had obtained.
Suppressing his excitement, Lan Zechen slowly drew his sword. Looking at the position and style of the runes on the blade, he was certain that the sword in his hand was the ancient sword from the previous dynasty that his family had been searching for for three generations—the Thunderfire Sword!
Although Hong Xiaoduo had just eaten lunch and wasn't hungry at all, she still picked up a piece of tender green pastry, savoring it while watching the other person's expression and reaction.
There was surprise and excitement, but no greed, which shows that this person's character is indeed upright.
"May I ask where you got this sword, young lady?" Lan Zechen gently placed the sword back on the table, picked up his teacup, took a sip, calmed himself, and asked.
“It’s been with me since I can remember. As for where it came from, I’ve never asked my family,” Hong Xiaoduo replied.
What else can I say? There's no way to explain it!
"Do you know its name, young lady?" Lan Zechen continued to ask.
"Judging from the way the Pavilion Master looks, it seems like he knows. Why don't you tell me first? Let me hear if it's true or not?" Hong Xiaoduo played a little trick, wanting to see if the Pavilion Master was honest or not.
Upon hearing this, Lan Zechen wanted to laugh; this girl was quite clever.
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