The moment Ling Tian entered the exhibition hall, the ecstasy that had surged in his damaged soul due to the sudden appearance of an opportunity became increasingly difficult to suppress.
He didn't look around like the other tourists or students, nor did he take out his phone to snap pictures of the various artifacts.
He simply stood with his hands behind his back, slowly moving between rows of glass display cases.
In reality, he was using his last wisp of soul, like a precise radar, constantly sensing and scanning the ancient exhibits nearby.
"The treasures of this world are nothing but broken pottery jars, devoid of any spirituality."
"However, the aura I just sensed, though extremely faint, is absolutely unmistakable!"
"That artifact contains a trace of incredibly pure spiritual power! It even resonates slightly with my damaged soul!"
"Where is it hidden?"
Meanwhile, Lu Cheng was like a cunning hunter.
Outwardly, he was admiring precious exhibits alongside two graceful female leads.
In reality, Young Master Lu's gaze remained fixed on Ling Tian, who was not far away, frowning and searching for something.
"Lord Immortal Emperor, is it really that difficult to find something?"
"But the harder you search, the more anxious you become."
"When I snatch it later, the expression on your face will be all the more amusing!"
The first half of the exhibition featured official exhibits provided by the school or various museums; though invaluable, they were strictly managed and only for display.
The latter half of the exhibition, however, was a specially designated "Collection Exchange Area."
Most of the exhibits here were private collections brought out by the teachers who enjoyed antiques.
The quality, naturally, couldn't compare to the national treasures in the front, appearing somewhat uneven and a mixed bag.
But the rules in this exchange area were much more flexible, allowing collectors to trade with each other.
Any item displayed here could change hands on the spot, provided both parties saw eye to eye and agreed on a price, emphasizing fate and discernment.
As Ling Tian walked into this somewhat less prestigious area, a slight frown of disappointment on his face,
his soul, which had been carefully sensing the surrounding fluctuations, suddenly trembled violently!
Finally!
He clearly felt that pure aura again, the one that had haunted his dreams.
The source of the aura was… a broken piece of wood, casually placed in a corner display case?
"This… this incredibly pure soul power fluctuation, this warm and nourishing spiritual aura!"
"It's actually the legendary, long-lost ten-thousand-year soul nourishing wood!"
"Although most of the spirituality of this ten-thousand-year soul nourishing wood seems to have dissipated over the long passage of time."
"But the core part still retains a little bit that hasn't completely decayed!"
"The power of the soul's origin contained within it is enough to greatly nourish and replenish this damaged wisp of my soul!"
Ling Tian's eyes glowed with a faint light, like a hungry wolf spotting a plump lamb.
He could no longer suppress the excitement in his heart and immediately stepped forward, pointing at the "black wooden block" that had already developed a thick patina!
He addressed the staff member guarding the display stand with the inherent commanding tone of a superior:
"What is the price of this item?"
"This Emperor… ahem, I! I'll buy it!"
The staff member was startled by his sudden action!
Just as he was flustered and didn't know what to do,
an old yet authoritative voice came from behind him.
"Ling Tian!"
"Why aren't you in class! What are you doing here again?"
"Did you skip my history class just to wander around here?"
The person who arrived was none other than
the old professor who had almost had a fit in the lecture hall earlier when Ling Tian retorted with a single word, "Noisy!"
He was also one of the few antique enthusiasts in the school.
Several of the treasures in this area were his prized possessions.
And that plain black wooden block happened to be one of them!
When he saw Ling Tian, the problem student who had just skipped his class, actually wandering around this exhibition and even pointing at his treasure, audaciously claiming he wanted to buy it?
Immediately, he was furious.
He stepped forward and launched into a scolding!
"Also, what's this about buying or not buying! Who said I was selling it?"
"This is my private collection, for exhibition only! Not for sale! What do you, a young sprout, understand?"
"You don't listen properly when I teach you history, and now you're playing with antiques? What kind of act is this!"
After scolding him, the old professor took out a handkerchief from his pocket, carefully picked up the black wooden block, and gently wiped the dust from it, as if afraid of damaging it.
The origin of this black piece of wood was quite peculiar.
The old professor had excavated many ancient tombs and ruins as a historical consultant with archaeological teams back in the day, but this black piece of wood was one of the few treasures he personally kept!
If you ask why he could privately keep this item?
Because it was simply… too ordinary.
It was neither rare golden nanmu nor a finely carved artifact; it was simply a dark, black piece of wood. If it had even a shred of historical research value, it would not have ended up in his hands.
However, this black piece of wood was obtained from the main burial chamber of a princely tomb, so it was unlikely to be an ordinary item, which is why the old man had kept it in his collection.
While wiping the wood, the old man mused inwardly.
"This kid, he doesn't study well, but his eye for things isn't bad."
"This piece of wood is definitely extraordinary; it must contain secrets I haven't discovered yet."
"Want to pick up my overlooked treasure? You'll have to wait another ten years."
Just as the old man was lost in self-admiration over this mysterious piece of wood,
a commotion, out of place with the surrounding environment, grew closer.
"Young Master Lu, please slow down, this way!"
"Are you also interested in these old artifacts? If you like them, I'll have someone deliver them to your home later!"
The school leaders, who had been fawning over Young Master Lu, were now surrounding him and walking towards this corner.
The old professor looked up at the sound and was also surprised to see who had arrived.
He stayed in school every day and hadn't seen such a complete lineup of school leaders all year… As for the young man they were following, with his tall stature, extraordinary temperament, and the title "Young Master Lu."
Who else could it be?
It must be the eldest Young Master of the Lu family, Lu Cheng!
His originally stern face instantly softened, and he prepared to greet them and make himself known.
And Lu Cheng?
He ignored the incessant flattery of the school leaders and walked straight to the small display stand.
Then, his gaze, tinged with a hint of curiosity, fell upon the black wooden block in the old professor's hand!