"Secondly, a genuine piece by Grandmaster Mu Lan should contain a certain Dao rhythm that calms the mind, promoting tranquility and longevity, which is extremely beneficial to Martial Practitioners. However, this painting lacks that entirely. Instead, it has some invigorating spices mixed into the paint to temporarily clear the mind. But in reality, these spices are not suitable for long-term exposure and can be very harmful to the human body over time."
"Thirdly, Grandmaster Mu Lan always liked to write the final stroke of the character 'Lan' in reverse when signing his works, but this painting doesn't have that. Therefore, this painting must be a forgery."
"So, when I say this painting isn't worth fifty taels of silver, I'm actually being generous. The cost of forging this painting probably didn't even reach ten taels of silver."
Of course, Terra Su had one final, most crucial point he hadn't mentioned: in his previous life, during his lowest moments, he had the chance to meet Grandmaster Mu Lan by a stroke of luck, and they became close friends despite their age difference. They spent a lot of time together discussing and studying painting techniques.
It was precisely because of their close relationship in his past life that Terra Su knew Grandmaster Mu Lan had never created a painting like this, let alone something called "Cloud Dragon Watching the Sea."
This was why Terra Su could assert with absolute certainty that this painting was a fake.
His words had a profound impact on everyone present.
"No way, how could he know so much about Grandmaster Mu Lan's works, and speak so convincingly?"
"Yeah, this young lad knows the characteristics of Grandmaster Mu Lan's works so well, even down to the reversed final stroke of the character 'Lan' when he signs his name."
"When Grandmaster Mu Lan became famous, this kid probably wasn't even born yet."
"Utter nonsense!"
The genius surnamed Zhang angrily rebuked, "Everything you're saying is just made up nonsense!"
"Grandmaster Mu Lan has been retired and secluded for many years, and his works are rarely seen in the market. How could you have possibly seen an authentic piece by him? So these characteristics you're talking about must be fabricated."
"How dare you spout such lies in front of the Crown Prince, slandering the painting he purchased as a fake. Tell me, what punishment do you deserve?"
The genius surnamed Zhang pointed angrily, his demeanor fierce.
"No, he's telling the truth!"
At that moment, a trembling voice unexpectedly echoed in the hall.
An elderly man, frail and shaky, struggled to stand up and said, "I remember now, what this young man said is true. In the past, when I traveled far and wide with the old man, I once had the fortune to see an authentic piece by Grandmaster Mu Lan. It indeed had the characteristics this young man mentioned, especially the reversed final stroke of the character 'Lan.' I remember it very clearly."
As he spoke, the old man extended a trembling finger towards the painting, "So, I agree with this young man's viewpoint. This painting is indeed a fake!"
"It's Mu Li!"
Eighth Master Mu was taken aback because the elderly man speaking was none other than Mu Li, the old man's long-time attendant.
"Mu Li, are you sure about this?" Eighth Master Mu quickly asked. He dared not be negligent with Mu Li, who was the old man's most senior attendant and not just an ordinary servant.
The old man nodded firmly, "I speak the absolute truth. If Eighth Master and everyone else don't believe me, you can send someone to the old man's courtyard to ask him. He also saw that authentic piece with his own eyes."
With these words, the atmosphere in the hall grew tense.
Everyone's gaze turned towards the Crown Prince seated at the head.
The Crown Prince had remained silent, but the turmoil in his eyes betrayed his inner unrest.
Anyone would feel uneasy knowing that a painting they had spent a fortune on might be a fake.
Moreover, being publicly pointed out that the painting was a fake was a hard blow to the proud Crown Prince.
After a long pause, the Crown Prince finally made a decision:
"Unroll the painting. I want to verify its authenticity myself!"
With the Crown Prince's command, everyone present was taken aback, including Second Master Mu, Mu San Niang, and Eighth Master Mu, who all showed signs of surprise.
No one expected the Crown Prince to use such a method to verify the painting's authenticity!
It was well known that unrolling the painting was the most direct way to verify its authenticity. After unrolling it, using a small knife to cut the paper's edge could often reveal whether the painting was genuine. Authentic pieces, due to the artist's profound skill, often had strokes that penetrated the paper, a feat usually impossible for forgeries.
However, this method carried significant risk because cutting the entire painting would completely destroy it. If the painting turned out to be genuine, it would be a huge loss.
Therefore, unless there was a high degree of certainty that the painting was a fake, this method was rarely used, as the result would destroy the painting regardless of the outcome.
The Crown Prince's decision to use this method indicated his extreme doubt about the painting's authenticity.
"Your Highness, you mustn't!" The genius surnamed Zhang quickly tried to stop him, "This painting is priceless; you mustn't cut it."
"Yes, Your Highness, this painting is so precious, it mustn't be destroyed," echoed the geniuses under the Crown Prince's command.
Even Sun Yaozu advised, "Your Highness, you mustn't destroy a precious painting because of someone's momentary slander."
"No need to say more. My mind is made up. I must verify it."
The Crown Prince waved his hand, his face resolute.
Seeing that persuasion was futile, Sun Yaozu cast a cold glance at Terra Su and said coldly, "If the painting turns out to be genuine, I'll be the first to tear you to pieces."
"That's right, we'll skin this kid alive. His few words of nonsense will destroy a precious painting of the Crown Prince's. He deserves to die a thousand times over," echoed the geniuses under the Crown Prince's command.
Terra Su closed his eyes slightly and said calmly, "I only spoke the truth. Whether you cut it or not, that's your Crown Prince's decision. If you present a fake painting to Marquis Anyang, it's not my problem."
"How dare you, still spouting nonsense at this point!"
"Kid, you're really asking for death!"
The geniuses under the Crown Prince's command glared at him angrily.
"Silence!"
The Crown Prince raised his hand and said coldly, "Unroll the painting for me!"
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