Chapter Sixty: An Unexpected Encounter with a Treasure

Qin Feng’s strike descended like thunder from the heavens, unstoppable and awe-inspiring, as if a deity had come down to earth. The onlookers were all dumbfounded; none of them had anticipated that the Liu family’s ordeal would end in such a fashion.

Liu Zhengyang, a martial arts master of long-standing renown, had suffered a crushing defeat at the hands of a mere youth!

“Brother!” The Liu family members rushed forward to support Liu Zhengyang. His face was ashen, and he glared at Qin Feng with venom in his eyes, gritting his teeth as he spat, “You dare injure me, boy! The shame of today, my family will return to you a hundredfold!”

Qin Feng dusted off his hands and laughed with open disdain. “Old man, with you? I’ll be waiting!”

Without sparing them another glance, he turned and strode away, leaving only the graceful silhouette of his back behind.

…

After leaving, Qin Feng did not hurry home but instead wandered through the streets.

Though he had been in Jiang City for some time, his days had been consumed by cultivation, and he had yet to truly explore this place.

Jianghai was an ancient city steeped in history, its streets lined with old-fashioned buildings exuding an air of deep cultural heritage. As Qin Feng strolled along, taking in the street scenes, his mood grew light and content.

“Young master, care to have a look at some antique paintings? I’ve just received a fine batch—guaranteed to please!” The shout of an antique shop owner by the street caught Qin Feng’s attention.

He had nothing pressing to do before following Liu Yunsheng to the southern martial arts tournament in three days, so why not? With that thought, Qin Feng stepped into the antique shop.

A light scent of sandalwood greeted him at the entrance, soothing and refreshing the mind. The shop was filled with an array of antiques—ceramics, jade, calligraphy, and paintings—all displayed in dazzling variety.

Qin Feng browsed casually, his gaze sweeping over each item.

“Qing Dynasty Qianlong Blue and White Lotus Plate, authentic.”

“Ming Dynasty Xuande Blue and White Dragon Vase, a fake.”

…

With the aid of his clairvoyant eye, Qin Feng could easily discern the authenticity and value of every antique before him.

“Boss, how much is this painting?” His eyes had been drawn to a landscape hanging on the wall, exquisitely crafted and imbued with profound intent—clearly not the work of an ordinary hand.

At his question, the shopkeeper hurried over, beaming with a wide smile. “Excellent eye, young master! This is an original by Wu Daozi, the great painter of the Tang Dynasty—a priceless treasure!”

A cold smile flickered in Qin Feng’s heart. The shopkeeper’s boasting knew no bounds. Wu Daozi was revered as a saint of painting, and his authentic works were vanishingly rare, each worth a king’s ransom. How could such a masterpiece possibly appear in a little shop like this?

Still, Qin Feng didn’t expose the lie. Instead, he feigned keen interest. “Oh? If this is really a Wu Daozi original, then name your price.”

Believing his customer was truly interested, the owner’s eyes lit up with greed. He held up five fingers. “Five million, no less. That’s my final offer!”

“Five million?” Qin Feng exclaimed in mock astonishment. “Boss, isn’t that a bit steep? It’s a fine painting, but surely not worth that much.”

The shopkeeper, eager to haggle, pleaded his case. “You don’t understand, young master! This is an original Wu Daozi! And look at its pristine condition—an unparalleled treasure! Five million is an absolute bargain!”

Qin Feng sneered inwardly. The man was relentless, unwilling to let the rabbit go without seeing it in the snare.

He was just about to continue negotiating when a commotion erupted outside the shop.

“Out of my way! Anyone who stands in my way is dead!” A brazen, domineering voice rang out.

A burly man with a face full of menace stormed into the shop, followed by several rough-looking henchmen—none of them the sort you’d want to cross.

The shopkeeper’s face drained of color. He quickly forced a smile. “Well, if it isn’t Brother Tiger! What brings you here today?”

“Cut the crap! I’m here to collect a debt!” Brother Tiger slammed his palm down on the counter, sending the antiques atop it trembling.

“Brother Tiger, we’ve never had any grievances—surely—” The shopkeeper tried to placate him, but Brother Tiger cut him off with a snarl.

“Shut your filthy mouth! I’m here to smash your shop to pieces!” With that, he grabbed an antique from the counter and hurled it to the floor.

Crash!

The antique shattered into fragments.

“My Tang Sancai!” the shopkeeper cried, leaping in anguish.

“Smash it! Level this dump!” Brother Tiger laughed maniacally, ordering his henchmen to wreak havoc.

“Stop!” A clear, commanding voice rang out from the doorway.

Everyone turned. Qin Feng stood there, hands in his pockets, regarding them with calm detachment and a hint of amusement. Brother Tiger’s arrival was just the opportunity he’d been waiting for.

“Who the hell are you, kid? You think you can stick your nose in my business?” Brother Tiger growled, his eyes malevolent.

“Who I am is none of your concern,” Qin Feng replied coolly, not the slightest trace of fear in his voice. “But if you touch anything else in this shop, you’ll regret it deeply.”

“Listen to the big talk!” Brother Tiger guffawed, revealing a mouthful of yellow teeth. “Just a wet-behind-the-ears brat, and you dare act tough with me? Do you even know who I am?”

“I don’t care who you are.” Qin Feng waved his hand impatiently. “You have three seconds to get out with your men, or else—”

“Or else what, you little—” Brother Tiger didn’t let him finish. Roaring, he snatched up a rosewood chair and brought it crashing down toward Qin Feng.

“Careful!” the shopkeeper shrieked, squeezing his eyes shut.

But instead of the expected screams, there was only the sharp crack of splintering wood.

He peeked through his fingers and saw Qin Feng standing exactly where he’d been, a faintly contemptuous smile on his lips. The rosewood chair lay in two broken pieces at his feet.

Brother Tiger was stunned. His henchmen, too, stared in disbelief. Who could have imagined that this scholarly-looking youth possessed such terrifying strength?

Brother Tiger swallowed, a trace of fear flickering in his eyes, though it was quickly replaced by renewed ferocity.

“Kid, do you have any idea—”

Smack!