Chapter 78: The Invitation from the Three Elders

“With your promise, young Qin, I am at ease! If you ever run into troubles you can’t solve, just come find us old men.”
“By the way, what are your plans next? Old Liu mentioned you’re preparing to go to the capital?”
Sun Lutang laughed heartily, evidently pleased with Qin Feng’s earlier appraisal.
“Yes, I do intend to go to the capital,” Qin Feng replied with a smile, not dwelling on Sun Lutang’s last remark—it was, after all, just a matter of helping with an appraisal.
Truthfully, it was thanks to Old Liu’s introduction; otherwise, as an obscure junior, he would never have been qualified to sit at the same table with these men.
Each of these old gentlemen was shrewd and experienced—did they really think he couldn’t see through their intentions?
They had surely long since uncovered the jade thumb ring’s origins; now, presenting it was merely a way to test his abilities and, perhaps, win him over.
A hint of admiration flashed in Sun Lutang’s eyes—this young man could truly keep his composure.
“You needn’t be so modest, young Qin. We old fellows may lack other talents, but our judgment of people is reliable. The skill you displayed today is proof enough of your capability. What do you say—are you interested in overseeing our ‘Treasure Pavilion’? As for compensation, name your terms; we guarantee your satisfaction.”
At Sun Lutang’s words, the other elders straightened in their seats, their eyes burning as they fixed their gaze on Qin Feng.
What was the Treasure Pavilion?
It was a renowned institution throughout the antique world, backed by several families with centuries of heritage, their power and resources unfathomable.
To enter the Treasure Pavilion was a dream for anyone in the antiques trade.
Qin Feng understood clearly—they were extending an olive branch.
Yet he had no interest in becoming anyone’s pawn.
“Mr. Sun, you flatter me. I am unworthy to show off my meager skills before the Treasure Pavilion.
I am used to a free and idle life, unaccustomed to constraints. I appreciate your kindness, but must respectfully decline.”
“Young Qin, perhaps reconsider. The Treasure Pavilion is not as simple as you imagine…”
Dong Haichuan tried to persuade him further, but Sun Lutang raised a hand to stop him.
“Since young Qin has made up his mind, we won’t press. Still, if you ever need assistance, don’t hesitate to ask. We old men still carry some weight in the capital.”
Sun Lutang spoke with meaningful emphasis.
Qin Feng naturally understood—this was a subtle warning of the formidable forces behind them, suggesting he proceed with caution.
He smiled slightly, neither agreeing nor disagreeing.

After the meal, Qin Feng politely refused Old Liu’s offer of a ride and drove himself towards Jianghai City.
He didn’t return directly, but instead made his way to a private club on the outskirts.
The club was hidden within a dense bamboo grove; without a guide, few would discover its secret wonders.
“Brother Feng, you’re here!”
As soon as he stepped out of the car, Zhang Hu emerged from within, respectfully opening the door for him.
“Yes, Huzi, are the goods ready?” Qin Feng asked as he walked inside.
“All prepared as you instructed, waiting in the backyard,” Zhang Hu replied, nodding.
They passed through a winding gallery and arrived at the rear courtyard, where dozens of rough stones of various shapes were arranged on the open ground.
These stones were ones he’d acquired in Myanmar—not the batch for Jade Pavilion, but those he’d purchased for himself.
“Brother Feng, would you like to rest first, have some tea?”
Seeing Qin Feng silently scrutinize the stones, Zhang Hu cautiously inquired.
“No need. Let’s begin,” Qin Feng said, waving his hand and pulling a thin pair of gloves from his pocket.
“All right!” Huzi responded, calling several subordinates to start moving the stones.
Qin Feng closed his eyes, took a deep breath, then slowly opened them, a sharp gleam flashing within.
If he was to head to the capital, he couldn’t go empty-handed; otherwise, before he could establish his footing, he’d be swept away.
“Cut!”
“Here—cut here!”
“Damn, it’s up! It’s up!”
With each stone split open, cries of amazement echoed through the courtyard.
In less than an hour, Qin Feng had revealed more than a dozen pieces of jade—ice grade, glass grade, and even a top-quality Imperial Green!
Seeing the pile of jade growing in front of him, Huzi was too excited for words.
He had been with Qin Feng for some time and witnessed many grand scenes, but today was a first.
This wasn’t gambling on stones—it was picking up money!
“Brother Feng, you’re truly incredible!” Zhang Hu looked at Qin Feng with worshipful awe, as if ready to kneel.
Qin Feng merely smiled, ignoring the praise. Instead, he picked up a stone the size of a basketball and examined it closely.

Its surface was rough, riddled with cracks—utterly unremarkable. Yet only Qin Feng knew this stone was the real treasure.
“Brother Feng, I’ve checked this stone—there’s not a drop of water in it, it’s almost certainly worthless. Don’t waste your time on it.”
Zhang Hu peered over with disdain.
Qin Feng paid him no mind, closing his eyes and letting his vision probe into the stone’s depths.
Soon, the interior unfolded clearly in his mind.
“Just as I thought—a treasure!”
Qin Feng was secretly delighted. Within lay a massive piece of jade of the highest quality—a rarity indeed!
Its shape was most peculiar, resembling a coiled dragon, the head perfectly centered in the stone.
If cut from the outside, the jade’s integrity would likely be ruined.
“It seems special methods are needed.”
A gleam flickered in Qin Feng’s eyes as he took out a small, exquisite carving knife.
He’d picked up this knife in Myanmar, said to be a relic from a master sculptor of old—razor-sharp and delicate.
Qin Feng wielded the knife, tracing precise, intricate lines across the stone’s surface.
“Brother Feng, what are you…?”
Zhang Hu watched in stunned silence, utterly baffled.
“Just watch, don’t speak,” Qin Feng replied without lifting his head, his hands never pausing.
Minutes ticked by, sweat beads forming on Qin Feng’s brow, but his concentration never wavered.
As shards of stone fell away, the immense jade hidden within finally revealed its true form.
“This… how is this possible?!”
Zhang Hu’s eyes widened, his mouth agape enough to hold an egg.