Chapter 28: A Fool

Horington Antique Street was Jazona's largest antique market, attracting many collectors hoping to find a treasure. Both sides of the street overflowed with stalls displaying a vast array of antiques: silverware, bronze coins, paintings, and more. One could find almost anything, but discerning genuine items from fakes required a keen eye. Even experienced specialists could be deceived by the high quality of the imitations, making it difficult to assess authenticity. Success depended on both skill and luck.

Since it was Jared's first visit, he was captivated by the sheer variety of items. Many stall owners, noticing his wide-eyed expression, smiled knowingly; they saw an easy mark.

"Kid, what are you looking for? I have everything here, all authentic!" a fat stall owner said, pulling Jared toward his stall with a welcoming smile. He leaned in and whispered, "Everything here was excavated, at least a thousand years old. Resell them, and you'll make a fortune!"

Jared surveyed the stall—a two-meter-wide space crammed with over a dozen items, many looking very old, some bronze pieces even covered in rust. The fat man, noticing Jared's attention, launched into his sales pitch. "Kid, take a look. I'm forced to sell because of a sick family member; I need money for medical bills. Otherwise, I wouldn't be doing this."

Ignoring the salesman, Jared knelt and picked up a rusty piece of iron ore, examining it closely. Among the other objects, only this unassuming piece emitted a faint spiritual energy.

"Kid, you have a good eye! This is an ancient palace guard's insignia, heavily rusted from being underwater. Ten thousand, and it's yours," the fat man said enthusiastically, noticing Jared's fascination.

Nearby stall owners watched enviously, whispering among themselves. "That fatso's going to make a killing off that rusty lump of iron ore!" one muttered. "Fools like that are easy prey. He's going to fleece him!"

"Nonetheless, this is good stuff!" Jared murmured, nodding. He felt the spiritual energy strengthening in his hand.

The stall owner smiled cunningly, adding earnestly, "Of course! My wares are the best. I've never cheated anyone. If it weren't for my sick family member, I wouldn't sell this treasure for ten thousand." As he spoke, his eyes reddened, and tears welled up.

Jared internally scoffed at the unconvincing performance.

"I'll take it. Ten thousand. I'll transfer the money now," Jared said, immediately pulling out his phone.

Delighted, the stall owner provided his account details. "Kid, you're easygoing. But no returns, understand?"

"Don't worry. If my judgment is wrong, I'll accept the consequences," Jared replied, chuckling as he transferred the money.

The stall owner's joy was evident upon receiving the notification.

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