Chapter Seventy-Six: Apologies Must Be Sincere, and Punishment Must Be Accepted Upright

Jiang Yuechan was at a loss for words. Only last night had tensions flared between them, and now they were discussing becoming friends—it was almost laughable.

“Mr. Qin, I know there are still some misunderstandings between us…” Jiang Yuechan bit her lip. “About last night, I can explain…”

“Explain?”

A flush crept up Jiang Yuechan’s cheeks. Indeed, she had said some harsh things the previous night, but it had been for the sake of her family’s interests—a choice she hadn’t wanted to make.

“Mr. Qin, I…” She tried to continue, but Qin Feng waved her off impatiently, cutting her short.

Qin Feng had issued his dismissal.

Though unwilling, Jiang Yuechan knew she couldn’t persuade him today.

“Mr. Qin, I hope you’ll reconsider my proposal. The Jiang family’s doors will always be open to you.” With those words, she rose and left the tea room.

As he watched her departing figure, a cold, mocking smile tugged at Qin Feng’s lips.

Just then, his phone rang—it was Liu Yunsheng.

“Hello, Elder Liu?” Qin Feng answered.

“Qin Feng, why aren’t you at the hotel?” came Liu Yunsheng’s solemn voice.

“I had some matters to attend to. I’ll be back soon.”

“There’s word from the capital—someone seems to be investigating you.”

“Investigating me?” Qin Feng’s brows knitted. “Why?”

“I’m not clear on the details,” Liu Yunsheng replied. “But I heard it’s connected to the Wen family.”

“The Wen family?” A cold glint flashed in Qin Feng’s eyes. “So, they truly can’t wait to court death.”

“What do you plan to do?” Liu Yunsheng asked.

“If they want to play, I’ll play with them,” Qin Feng replied with a chilling laugh. “Let’s see what tricks they have up their sleeves.”

After hanging up, a frigid light glimmered in Qin Feng’s eyes.

Wen family, capital city—just wait. I, Qin Feng, will soon be at your doorstep!

He had always lived by the principle: do not offend others unless provoked; but if provoked, he would retaliate with full force.

The Wen family had become so aggressive, even resorting to assassination.

If he didn’t strike back, who knew what their next move would be.

…

Upon returning to the hotel, Qin Feng did not go out again. During this time, Wang Bo, who was busy with factory affairs, returned to Jianghai ahead of him.

Finally, on the last day of the Martial Arts Gathering, Liu Yunsheng summoned Qin Feng, saying he wanted to introduce him to a few people.

“Elder Liu, are you referring to the prominent figures from the Martial Arts Gathering?” Qin Feng asked in surprise.

“Of course. Who else could it be?” Liu Yunsheng replied with a mysterious smile. “Rest assured, these are people you most need to meet.”

“Oh? Then I must meet them,” Qin Feng said, a little surprised that Liu Yunsheng would introduce such influential people to him.

“Come on, let’s not keep them waiting.” With that, Liu Yunsheng led the way to a private room.

They pushed open the door and entered.

Inside sat four elderly men, their hair white as snow. Yet, unlike ordinary old men, none of them seemed feeble or dispirited. On the contrary, their eyes were sharp and spirited, their presence imposing—despite being in their seventies or eighties, they were still vigorous. One could tell that, in their youth, they must have been formidable masters.

But when Qin Feng saw the elder seated at the center, he felt a bit awkward.

He suddenly remembered that he had promised one of the old gentlemen to meet after the competition for a chat, but after meeting with Jiang Yuechan, he had forgotten all about it.

Now, seeing him again, Qin Feng realized he had broken his word.

“Sir, I failed to keep my promise. Please forgive me!” Qin Feng offered an immediate, sincere apology, preferring to admit his fault himself rather than wait for someone else to bring it up and make things more awkward.

His sudden gesture made the atmosphere in the room a bit tense.

Liu Yunsheng was momentarily stunned, then smoothed things over with a laugh. “Hahaha, Elder Wu, this youngster is always so impulsive. Don’t take it to heart.”

Elder Wu stroked his beard and chuckled, “No harm done. Young people get held up by things—it’s only natural. I understand.”

As he spoke, he gave Qin Feng a meaningful look.

That look made Qin Feng uneasy. Was the old man planning to settle scores later?

Liu Yunsheng, unaware of the undercurrent between the two, began introducing Qin Feng to each senior.

“This is Master Hong Tianba, inheritor of Hong Boxing.”

“This is Master Dong Haichuan, inheritor of Eight Trigrams Palm.”

“And this is Master Sun Lutang, inheritor of Xingyi Boxing.”

Hearing these names, Qin Feng felt a surge of respect. Each of these men was a giant in the martial world, the kind of figure who could found a school with ease. To think they were all gathered here today!

The three elders simply nodded in acknowledgment, saying little.

“Well, don’t just stand there, lad. Greet them!” Liu Yunsheng reminded him.

“Greetings, esteemed elders. I am Qin Feng, new to these circles. Please offer your guidance,” Qin Feng said respectfully, bowing to them.

“Mmm.” The elders responded with faint nods.

“Qin Feng,” Elder Wu began, “there’s something we wish to discuss with you.”

“Please, go ahead,” Qin Feng replied.

“It’s like this—we’ve heard you have quite the eye for antiques, so we thought to show you some of our collections and ask for your opinion.”

“You’re too kind, sirs. I only know a little—hardly worthy of the title ‘expert.’ I can only take a humble look,” Qin Feng said modestly, though inwardly he wondered what these old men were really up to.

“Don’t be so modest, young friend Qin. We’ve all heard of your abilities!” Hong Tianba laughed heartily, his voice booming. “I happen to have a treasure with me and have long wanted it appraised. Today is the perfect chance to ask for your help!”

He presented a jade pendant carved in the shape of a dragon, the workmanship exquisite and lifelike, its surface a vibrant green that glowed softly under the lights—clearly no ordinary piece.

“This… what is this?” Qin Feng’s pupils contracted slightly.

“You recognize this jade pendant?” Elder Wu’s eyes bore into Qin Feng, as if trying to read his thoughts.

“This pendant…” Qin Feng paused, feigning deep thought. “It looks like a piece of Hetian jade from the Han dynasty—superbly crafted, worth a king’s ransom!”