Chapter 70: Counterfeit Gold-Tier Equipment?

The stall owner was a chubby man, his eyes nearly lost amidst the folds of flesh. He offered a simple, honest smile, scratching his head as he replied, "Of course, that's no problem at all."

He picked up the wooden flute.

At once, the attribute panel of the wooden flute appeared before their eyes.

[Blackwood Pattern Flute]

[Quality: Gold Level]

[Spirit +150]

[Skill 1: Lightness (Play the flute to increase your own and nearby teammates' movement and attack speed; cooldown: 1 minute)]

[Skill 2: Grim Slaughter (Play the flute to solidify the air for an attack against enemies; cooldown: 1 minute)]

[Description: A flute meticulously crafted from blackwood, playing it can boost morale in battle]

[Equipment Requirement: Level 15]

Qin Xuanyi's eyes lit up, a deep fondness welling up in her gaze.

Beside her, Xia Ling was equally astonished. "It's actually a gold-level flute. Just right for you, Xuanyi."

Qin Xuanyi nodded slightly and asked softly, "Boss, how much is this Blackwood Pattern Flute?"

The owner grinned. "Miss, if I were to sell this to someone else, it would be at least five million. But since you're so pretty, I'll give you a discount. Four million. How about that?"

Qin Xuanyi bit her lip gently. Her trip to school had drained her father's savings, and with the contributions from several uncles in the team, she only had five million in total. If she spent four and a half million on this Blackwood Pattern Flute, she wouldn't be able to buy anything else. Still, seeing the flute's formidable attributes, she was tempted. Until now, her spiritual power was only just over a hundred, even with all her equipment combined. This flute would nearly double it. In the upcoming secret realm, she'd surely achieve a good result.

She hesitated, then nodded, saying, "I'll take it." She reached for her bank card, ready to hand it over—only to be stopped by a hand.

She turned her head. It was Xu Han.

She was about to ask him when she saw Xu Han staring intently at the stall owner.

"Keep the Blackwood Pattern Flute for yourself," Xu Han said. "We'll look elsewhere."

Xia Ling and Qin Xuanyi both looked at Xu Han in shock. They couldn't understand why he would suddenly say such a thing.

The stall owner's smile vanished instantly, his face darkening as he glared at Xu Han. "Brother, I went through a lot to get this Blackwood Pattern Flute. I had to kill a boss-level mutant beast for it. A few of my brothers were injured too, and they're counting on this money for treatment! If you think the price is too high, we can talk, but four million is really the lowest."

Xu Han shook his head impassively. "A bronze-level item, sold as a gold-level one. Aren't you afraid the market inspectors will catch you?"

Xia Ling and Qin Xuanyi's eyes flew wide open. "Xu Han, is this... really a bronze-level item?"

Xu Han nodded slightly.

A trace of panic flickered in the owner's eyes, but he quickly forced himself to appear calm. "Brother, that's not fair. If you can't afford it, you don't have to slander me."

People nearby began to gather, their faces disapproving as they looked at Xu Han.

"This young man looked decent enough, how could he say someone's equipment is fake?"

"Exactly! The attributes are right there—how could it be a forgery?"

"A gold-level weapon for four million isn't even expensive. This boss is being more than fair, and you still want to haggle?"

"People like him should be taken to the market authorities and taught a lesson!"

The stall owner cast Xu Han a gloating look.

Xia Ling tugged at Xu Han's sleeve and whispered, "Xu Han, let's just forget it. We can go somewhere else."

Qin Xuanyi nodded gently, worry clouding her eyes. If they were really taken to the market as scammers, they wouldn't be able to enroll at the academy.

Xu Han only smiled. He fixed his gaze on the fat man and said, "If you claim this is genuine, do you dare let someone else inspect the Blackwood Pattern Flute?"

The fat man's face paled. He gritted his teeth. "Why should I? It's my equipment. If anyone inspects it, it has to be in my hands."

Just then, a group of guards in standard armor marched over.

"What's all this commotion?" the captain, a middle-aged man, asked with a frown.

The crowd backed away, faces eager for drama. This was the market's guard squad, responsible for maintaining order and ensuring fair trades.

The fat man pointed at Xu Han. "This man is a scammer! He insists my Blackwood Pattern Flute is only bronze-level! Look—everyone can see the attributes. How could those be faked?"

The onlookers nodded in agreement.

"That's right, he must be a liar—can't afford gold-level gear, so he tries to smear it."

"And with two beautiful women by his side, no less. Unbelievable."

"It’s good those two ladies can see his true colors now."

The guard captain approached Xu Han, frowning. "Is what they're saying true? If so, come with us!"

With that, two guards stepped forward to seize Xu Han.

Seeing this, Xia Ling hurriedly blocked their way. "No, there must be a misunderstanding. Xu Han isn't like that."

Qin Xuanyi quickly nodded, her brows knitted, apologizing repeatedly. "I'm sorry, this is all my fault. It has nothing to do with my friend. If someone must be punished, let it be me."

The crowd grew even angrier.

"He causes trouble and the two beauties still defend him? Just take him away before he drags them down too!"

"You girls will never have a good life with someone like him."

But Xu Han remained calm. "The flute in his hand is just a bronze-level weapon. If you want to know the truth, just take a look."

The captain, half-convinced, walked over to the fat man and held out his hand. "Give me the flute. If it’s not as he says, I’ll see you get justice."

The fat man’s face turned ashen, sweat pouring down his forehead. He forced a stiff smile. "Forget it, sir. Let’s just drop the matter."

The captain’s voice boomed. "Hand it over!"

The fat man shuddered, trembling as he passed the flute over.

The captain tapped lightly, and the flute’s attribute panel appeared for all to see.

[Blackwood Flute]

[Quality: Bronze Level]

[Spirit +20]

[Description: A simple blackwood flute that plays pleasant melodies]

[Equipment Requirement: Level 10]

At the sight of the panel, everyone’s eyes widened in shock.

The fat man’s face drained of color. He whirled to flee, but with a wave of the captain’s hand, the guards rushed forward and pinned him to the ground.