Chapter 92: You Won't Sell a Treasure Cheap Again, Right?

Elder Sun shook his head. "I can only say it's decent."

"The value of an antique depends not just on its age and rarity but also on its historical significance and the impact it had. Simply put, the more well-known it is, the more valuable it becomes.

"For example, Song Huizong's thin gold calligraphy—it was written by an emperor, a highly talented one at that, so naturally, it's extremely sought after.

"But these Chen Zun cups are different."

"The dynasty they belonged to was too short-lived to leave a major impact. They aren't well-known, the craftsmanship isn't particularly exquisite, and while they are somewhat rare, there are still too many in existence. With that, their value is limited.

"Each of these Chen Zun cups is worth about two to three million."

"But if you manage to collect a full set, the total value would increase significantly!

"A complete set would at least double in value.

"However, assembling a full set is practically impossible. Out of all the Chen Zun cups known to exist, only forty or fifty remain, all held in private collections by major collectors."

Elder Sun spoke with confidence, displaying his expertise.

Fatty Wang asked eagerly, "Elder Sun, are you interested in these Chen Zun cups?"

Right now, he desperately hoped Elder Sun would want them—it would make up for some of his earlier losses.

Elder Sun shook his head. "For me, these Chen Zun cups have little collection value. I don't particularly like them either."

"I'm more interested in the Wang Zun."

A gleam flashed in Elder Sun's eyes as he explained, "According to legend, the five Wang Zun cups were personally commissioned by the ruling king, crafted by the finest artisans in the land. But after the fall of the dynasty, they vanished.

"Some believe the Wang Zun set was buried in the king's tomb as a funerary treasure.

"Others say the set was seen as a symbol of bad luck and was destroyed by later generations.

"There are also rumors that, during the kingdom's collapse, the Wang Zun cups were stolen from the palace."

"There are many theories."

Fatty Wang asked, "Elder Sun, in your opinion, how much would a Wang Zun cup be worth?"

Elder Sun pondered. "It's hard to say... but I'd estimate each one to be worth at least a hundred million! And I wouldn't be surprised if one sold for two hundred million!

"If someone could collect a full set, the value would skyrocket! I wouldn't be shocked if it was worth two billion!"

"Because, if it were me, I'd gladly exchange two billion for it!"

Fatty Wang sucked in a sharp breath.

"One is worth a hundred million!"

"Two hundred million isn't out of the question!"

"A full set could double in value!"

"Someone would actually pay two billion for them?!"

Elder Sun's sharp gaze shifted. "You seem so shocked… Do you have one?"

"Of course not! How could I possibly have something that valuable? If I did, I'd be rich already!" Fatty Wang laughed awkwardly while sneaking a glance at Angkor.

Despite their attempt to play it cool, their eyes were filled with glee!

Because they didn't just have a single Wang Zun cup…

They had a complete set of five!

Where did they get them?

Naturally, from robbing a king's tomb!

They had unearthed the Wang Zun set along with the Chen Zun cups!

A treasure worth two billion was right in their hands!

If they sold it, they'd be set for life!

Their earlier frustration over losing hundreds of millions was instantly washed away.

Lin Beifan gestured toward Angkor.

Angkor stepped forward, picked up one of the Chen Zun cups, and carefully examined it before nodding. "It's genuine. You can proceed."

Lin Beifan smiled. "Since Brother Wu says it's real, name your price, boss! If it's reasonable, I'll buy it."

Ignoring Angkor's warning look, Fatty Wang gritted his teeth and said, "Three million each! That's the price, take it or leave it!"

He had lost hundreds of millions just now, and his heart was bleeding.

He had to recover at least a little!

Lin Beifan turned to Angkor. "Is it worth it?"

Angkor thought for a moment. "Three million per cup is the market's upper limit. However, their appreciation potential is high. In a few years, they could easily increase by a million each. Mr. Lin, I think they're worth investing in."

Elder Sun nodded in agreement. "The young man is right. There's little immediate profit at this price, but their value will likely grow over time."

Lin Beifan smiled. "Since both Brother Wu and Elder Sun think it's a good deal, I'll buy them."

Without hesitation, he took out his bank card.

Five cups at three million each—fifteen million in total. It was nothing to him.

Just as Lin Beifan was about to pay, Elder Sun suddenly called out, "Wait!"

Lin Beifan turned to him. "What's wrong, Elder Sun?"

Elder Sun frowned, scrutinizing the Chen Zun cups more closely. "These seem different from the ones I've seen before. May I take a closer look?"

"Of course." Lin Beifan handed him one.

"Thank you." Elder Sun examined it carefully, his excitement growing. "Yes! It's different! Hahaha…"

Fatty Wang grew nervous. "What do you mean different? Aren't all Chen Zun cups the same?"

"The Chen Zun cups are indeed the same, but yours have slight structural differences compared to the dozen I've seen before! Look here… here… and here…"

He pointed out several details, explaining with precision.

Everyone listened in astonishment.

"So… are these fake?"

"No! They're definitely real!" Elder Sun declared. "The craftsmanship and materials match the authentic Chen Zun cups I've examined before! However, their design is subtly different. They don't quite look like Chen Zun…"

"They resemble something else…"

"Something else?"

Elder Sun's voice trembled with excitement.

"They resemble the legendary Wang Zun!"

"Wang Zun?!"

The crowd was stunned.

Elder Sun had just said that a single Wang Zun was worth at least a hundred million, possibly two hundred million!

And if a full set was found, it could fetch two billion!

Song Yuqing's mind raced. "Elder Sun, do you think the real Wang Zun cups are hidden inside these Chen Zun cups? Like a hidden treasure within a treasure?"

"It's very possible!" Elder Sun nodded. "The ancients often used this technique to safeguard valuable artifacts. I've seen it many times before."

Fatty Wang and Angkor immediately felt their stomachs drop.

A terrible feeling crept up their spines.

Could it be…

They had unknowingly sold off another priceless treasure at a bargain price?!

Impossible!

The real Wang Zun was still safely in their hands!

There was no way it could be inside these cups!

…Right?