In the clinic, they only had ordinary herbs. To produce better elixirs, they would need spiritual herbs. At this point, Leo understood that he was treading a path of spiritual cultivation.
This path was tough, and with Earth’s thin spiritual energy, it was even more challenging. After leaving his room, Leo intended to visit the antique street to purchase materials for drawing secondary-level talismans. Now, having advanced to the Mid-Level Spiritualist Master realm, he could attempt creating secondary-grade talismans.
Langstel’s antique street was famous and had a long history, dating back several hundred years. The street was over 500 meters long, with the first hundred meters mostly occupied by fixed stalls that primarily sold teapots and high-quality imitations of artworks.
The next 200 meters were packed with unrecognizable antiques, and the stall owners came from all over the country. Since the stalls were not permanent, those who arrived first would secure their spots, so the stall owners changed daily.
This place gathered ancient items from around the country, including ceramic and jade articles, antiques, stone sculptures, wood carvings, both old and new paintings and calligraphy, and stationery supplies, among others.
The last 200 meters were dedicated to antique shops and feng shui stores with marked prices.
After a couple of rounds, Leo didn’t find anything of interest. He was planning to go to a feng shui store to buy some yellow paper and cinnabar. But after walking a short distance, he noticed a crowd gathered in front of a certain antique shop.
It appeared something was happening inside the shop. Curious, Leo decided to take a look.
This was a sizable antique shop with a spacious entrance, featuring ancient and weathered wooden pillars that exuded a sense of history and antiquity. As Leo walked inside, he found the hall crowded with people.
“You’re scamming people; this is illegal!” A heated argument was going on in the front.
Leo’s expression shifted because the voices were familiar, particularly the voice of his father-in-law, Martin.
Pushing his way through the crowd, Leo saw Martin and Jessica being surrounded by several staff members. Both sides were engaged in a fierce dispute.
Among the onlookers, a few busybodies joined in the commotion.
In the midst of the argument, a woman in a work uniform, who seemed like the manager of the antique shop, walked over. She appeared to be in her thirties with a refined and sophisticated appearance, tall and graceful. Her mature figure was accentuated beneath her dignified and tasteful attire. On her fair cheeks sat a pair of black-framed glasses, giving her a knowledgeable and elegant look. But the disdain in her eyebrows hinted at her haughtiness.
Leo could tell that Martin was in some trouble, given the heated argument. After a brief moment of hesitation, he decided to step in. Leo walked forward and asked, “Dad, what’s going on?”
Martin didn’t respond, he was just glaring angrily at the shop employees, his face flushed.
Leo’s appearance surprised Jessica, but she knew Leo wouldn’t be of much help, so she didn’t bother to engage with him.
Without waiting for Martin to speak, the sophisticated woman smirked and said to Leo, “I’m Freda Wollaston, the manager here. You’ve arrived just in time; please talk some sense into your father.”
“Your father accidentally broke our ancient porcelain vase. We consider it an accident and are only asking for one million dollars in compensation. But he refuses to admit that he’s responsible. If he continues to deny it, we’ll have to involve the police.”
With a sharp look in her eyes, she continued, “If he doesn’t compensate, I can assure you that he won’t be welcome in the antique street anymore. All the businesses will boycott him.”
Freda Wollaston’s tone was unwavering and assertive, indicating her experience in handling such matters.
“I didn’t touch this porcelain; it fell by itself,” Martin retorted angrily, glaring at Freda Wollaston. “This vase has nothing to do with me. You can’t falsely accuse me!”
Martin was so furious that, if the other party were a man, he might have resorted to insults.
“My husband doesn’t lie,” Jessica stood by Martin’s side. “Could there be a misunderstanding?”
Originally, Jessica had been shopping for clothes in a nearby mall. However, she received Martin’s call and hurried over.
Leo remained silent. He crouched down and examined the shattered porcelain on the ground.
The porcelain vase was at least half a meter tall, exquisitely crafted. Although it was broken into several pieces, Leo couldn’t help but feel attached to the thick, intact base when he touched it.
“Misunderstanding? With so many eyewitnesses, how could there be a misunderstanding?” Freda Wollaston had the air of someone who believed she was right. “You walked by this spot, and the vase fell down. If it wasn’t you, then who?”
Several employees chimed in, “Exactly, it wasn’t him, and the vase couldn’t have fallen by itself!”
Leo glanced at Freda Wollaston and noticed a hint of mockery in her eyes. It was clear that this was a setup.
“You’re slandering me!” Martin retorted aggressively. “I want to review the surveillance footage. If it was me, I’ll take responsibility. If not, you can’t frame me.”
Jessica agreed, “Yes, review the footage.”
“Sorry, but there are no surveillance cameras in the area where the vase was placed,” Freda Wollaston sneered. “Even if there were, it wouldn’t change the fact that both eyewitnesses and evidence point to your father. Our employees and several customers saw you cause the damage.”
Several employees and bystanders nodded in agreement, claiming that the vase fell as soon as Martin walked by.
Martin was so infuriated that he sputtered, “You…”
“Don’t waste your breath arguing,” Freda Wollaston threatened. Just say do you admit it or not? If you do, pay up. If not, we’ll call the police.”
Martin shouted angrily, “I didn’t break it, so why would I pay?”
Jessica chimed in, “That’s right. Before the investigation is complete, we won’t pay a dime. And besides, you’re asking a million dollars for this piece of junk. Who knows if it’s even genuine?”
At this point, Leo stood up, holding the base of the vase. “This vase is genuine.”
His words silenced the entire room. Martin trembled with anger, “You fool, why are you meddling?”
Jessica also urged, “Leo, if you don’t know, don’t say anything.”
“This porcelain vase features China flowers inside and Langcai outside, employing techniques such as gilding, openwork, underglaze, and embossing,” Leo explained calmly, continuing, “If I’m not mistaken, it’s an exquisite example of advanced official kiln ceramics, a masterpiece from the 300 years ago, valued at around three million dollars.”
Leo appeared like an expert antique appraiser, offering a valuation for the shattered porcelain.