The black mist was invisible to most people, appearing like a faint haze.
Employees moved in and out of the auction house, some with traces of black mist on them, yet completely unaware.
This was an evil aura; those tainted by it would experience declining luck, leading to misfortune or illness.
Lu Fei couldn't help but wonder, "Is there something unclean in the auction house?"
"That receptionist was really nice—kind-hearted and beautiful. Unlike other places where they look down on you if you're not dressed well," Tiger said, still watching her retreating figure.
"The staff here are used to dealing with high-profile situations; they don't judge by appearances. The items traded here are valuable, so the patrons are usually wealthy and influential, and many prefer to keep a low profile."
Lu Fei stood up and looked in the direction where the black mist was spreading.
But there was a door marked "Staff Only" with a sign that read, "No Entry for Customers."
"Such a strong evil aura, and no one in the auction house seems to notice?" Lu Fei was puzzled but chose to return to the waiting area since it wasn't his concern for now.
After about half an hour, the receptionist returned, leading a middle-aged man in a suit.
"Good day, gentlemen. I am Wan Chunhui, the manager of this auction house. How can I help you today?" The middle-aged man extended his hand warmly.
His face bore a smile, but it seemed polite and distant.
Lu Fei stood up, shook his hand, and said, "Manager Wan, I'm here to inquire about an old map."
The middle-aged man's hand paused briefly at the mention.
A fleeting look of surprise crossed Wan Chunhui's face.
He discreetly assessed Lu Fei but maintained his smile. "What map might you be referring to, sir?"
"A sheepskin map that appeared at your auction house three years ago," Lu Fei said, watching him closely.
"I'm sorry, but you must be mistaken. Our auction house has never had such a map," Wan Chunhui said, waving his hand with a smile. "If you're interested, I can have someone show you other items in our collection."
With that, he instructed the receptionist to guide them to the exhibit area and turned to leave.
Lu Fei caught up to him and said, "Manager Wan, three years ago, my grandfather came to Tenlong Auction House. I believe he also inquired about this map."
Wan Chunhui's steps halted, and an indecipherable expression appeared in his eyes.
"Your grandfather is?"
"Lu Qingxuan."
Wan Chunhui's demeanor shifted subtly. He glanced at Lu Fei and made a gesture.
"So, it's Shopkeeper Lu. I apologize for not recognizing you earlier. Please, let's discuss this in my office."
In the office.
The receptionist poured tea and left, closing the door behind her.
"Shopkeeper Lu, since you're a descendant of Old Master Lu, I won't beat around the bush. To be frank, Tenlong Auction House doesn't have the sheepskin map," Wan Chunhui said, spreading his hands.
"I know. The map went missing three years ago. I'm not here to buy it, only to ask some questions," Lu Fei said sincerely.
"Oh?" Wan Chunhui raised an eyebrow.
"I want to know what was recorded on the map."
"Sorry, but that involves the map's secret. I'm just the manager here and don't have the authority to disclose that," Wan Chunhui said with a helpless smile, shaking his head.
"Manager Wan, name your price or condition," Lu Fei said directly.
He couldn't let this chance to find his grandfather slip by.
Wan Chunhui hesitated for a moment before saying, "I need to consult with my boss. Please wait."
He walked to the window and made a phone call in a low voice.
Although Lu Fei couldn't hear what was being said, Wan Chunhui's tone and demeanor were highly respectful.
A moment later, he returned and said with a smile, "Shopkeeper Lu, my boss says we can tell you what is on the map, but there's one condition."
"Please, go on," Lu Fei said immediately.
"Our auction house has encountered some problems recently. If Shopkeeper Lu can resolve them, my boss will share the information recorded on the map with you."
"What kind of problems?"
"In addition to consignment auctions, we also acquire valuable treasures for our own sales. Recently, we received a very special ancient painting, and ever since it was brought into the auction house, we've had continuous problems," Wan Chunhui said with a trace of concern.
As the manager, any issues in the auction house ultimately fell on his shoulders.
"Are you implying that this painting is an evil object?" Lu Fei guessed that it had to do with the black mist he had seen earlier.
"We're not sure what it is, but since Evil Pawnshop specializes in such matters, we hope you can take a look."
"Sure, no time like the present," Lu Fei agreed without hesitation.
"The painting is currently stored separately. Please, follow me," Wan Chunhui said, gesturing with a respectful demeanor, leading them out of the office and through several corridors to a storage room.
He turned on the light and approached a transparent glass case.
"This is the painting."
Inside the long, rectangular case lay a rolled-up ancient painting.
Thick black mist emanated from the scroll, spreading in all directions.
"What intense evil aura!"
Lu Fei's brow twitched.
"Shopkeeper Lu, before you open this painting, I must warn you not to look at it for too long," Wan Chunhui said seriously.
"I understand," Lu Fei nodded, his curiosity piqued further.
Wan Chunhui opened the glass case and carefully unrolled the ancient painting.
More black mist floated out.
"Tiger, don't stare at it too long," Lu Fei, sensing the unusual nature of the painting, cautioned Tiger while channeling his inner power and stepping closer.
But the more he said that, the more curious Tiger became, sneaking a glance.
The painting's content was strange—not landscapes or ladies, but a bridal procession.
The group, with their instruments and ornate palanquin, marched forward toward a large, looming courtyard.
"This painting was obtained by my boss by chance. It has no signature, and its author and era are unknown, but from the paper's craftsmanship, it's at least a few hundred years old," Wan Chunhui explained, standing a safe distance from the case, his eyes never meeting the scroll.
"He instructed me to have it appraised by an expert, but since Master Li, who we often work with, happened to be out of town, I stored it here in the meantime."
"But before Master Li returned, strange things began happening in the storage room."
"What kind of strange things?" Lu Fei narrowed his eyes, studying the painting.
In the black-and-white ink painting, the figures were all different and vividly depicted, but their expressions were peculiar—each face was blank and expressionless.
They seemed to move, yet felt artificial.
As the palanquin swayed, a corner of the curtain lifted, revealing the bride inside.
The bride's hands raised her veil, exposing half her face, as if peering out.
Lu Fei tried to see more clearly but suddenly felt discomfort in his eyes.
At that moment, Tiger cried out in pain, clutching his eyes as he staggered back.
"My eyes!"