Chapter 61: Chapter 61: Gifting a Sword
Qin Li smiled faintly. With his mother and Qin Xue gone, he no longer had any ties to Yellow Sand City. ’The world is vast; where can I not go?’ Even when he was just a Basic Master, he could send Qin Feng flying with a single kick. Now, his strength was nearly at the ninth order of the Profound Level! Forget just Qin Feng—even if Qin Feng, Qin Hu, and that so-called Little Demoness, Mo Feifei, all came at him at once, he wouldn’t be afraid.
Inside the shop, several handsome young men were smiling and discussing something when they suddenly heard a noise at the entrance. They were all stunned, not expecting someone to actually come in at this time.
Although there were no guards at the entrance, most people would see the luxurious carriages parked outside and choose to turn away. Thus, the men inside were all rather surprised.
However, when they got a clear look at the person who had entered, killing intent flashed in their eyes.
The moment Qin Li stepped inside, he felt several auras of killing intent lock onto him. He curled his lip in a slight sneer and, without even glancing at the other men, turned to Fang Haonan. "Fang, are the fine weapons you mentioned in here?"
Fang Haonan gave a slight nod toward the dumbfounded group, acknowledging them. He then smiled at Qin Li. "The weapons for sale out front are fine items, to be sure, but the real treasures are in the back room. Come, I’ll take you to see them."
Eldest Young Master Fang was really going out of his way. It wasn’t that there were no good weapons in the main shop; he just wanted to avoid giving Qin Li and the others an opportunity to clash. He trusted that Qin Feng and Qin Hu would understand his well-intentioned effort.
Besides, in Eldest Young Master Fang’s opinion, the brothers Qin Feng and Qin Hu were far too narrow-minded. ’Do they think they’re the only ones allowed to bully people, and no one is allowed to fight back? What kind of logic is that? Fine, Qin Li used to be weak and of low status, so bullying him was one thing. But today, he possesses formidable strength. And although he should be due for Nirvana, there has been no sign—perhaps the time just isn’t right. The fact that he dares to remain in Yellow Sand City proves he’s confident in his abilities. It’s not some deep-seated blood feud, so why be so relentless about it?’
Eldest Young Master Fang had accurately predicted the thoughts of Qin Feng and Qin Hu, but he hadn’t accounted for Mo Feifei. The moment the Mo Family’s Little Demoness saw Qin Li, her Star Eyes went red with rage. A towering fury surged within her, and she glared at Qin Li as if she wanted to eat him alive, looking as though she might draw her sword at any second.
Flanking her, Qin Feng and Qin Hu secretly tugged at her sleeves. Qin Hu whispered, "Feifei, don’t be rash! Don’t cause trouble here on the Fang Family’s turf!"
Mo Feifei’s chest heaved, her pretty face an icy mask. "Qin Li, you goddamn mutt!" she snarled. "You’d better listen well. I’ll spare your worthless life for today. Now get the hell out of Yellow Sand City, and don’t ever let me see you again!"
Fang Haonan cursed inwardly. ’This is bad.’ Although he hadn’t known Qin Li for long, he knew that if this guy were the type to stomach insults, he wouldn’t have caused so much trouble in the first place.
Sure enough, Qin Li, who had been walking toward the back room, stopped in his tracks. He turned his head, gave Mo Feifei a faint smile, and said, "You’re Lord Mo’s daughter, Mo Feifei, correct?"
"What if I am?" Mo Feifei’s glare was so hateful it looked like she wanted to eat him alive.
"Let me offer some advice. A young lady should act like one. All this fighting and killing doesn’t suit you. Besides, no one is that much more noble than anyone else. If my life is as worthless as a dog’s, then what is yours? Without your family, you’re not even as good as a dog! Understand? And one more thing: don’t try to provoke me again. The consequences are more than you can handle."
With a calm expression, Qin Li finished speaking, glanced at the brothers Qin Feng and Qin Hu without a word, and resumed walking. A furious shriek from Mo Feifei erupted behind him.
"Qin Li! I’m going to kill you!"
However, she was immediately restrained by Qin Feng and Qin Hu. With gloomy, cold expressions, they watched the backs of Qin Li and Fang Haonan as they disappeared into the back room. The brothers’ eyes flickered, their thoughts unreadable.
Only after the back door closed did the two brothers release Mo Feifei.
Mo Feifei shouted in a rage, "Why did you two stop me? Why didn’t you let me kill him?!"
"Enough!" Qin Feng suddenly barked, his face contorted with fury.
Mo Feifei instantly fell silent. Growing up, she had always both loved and feared her older cousin; even her own father’s scolding was less effective than a single word from Qin Feng.
"Kill him? Kill him? No wonder he said what he did. All you think about is fighting and killing! Do you think all of Yellow Sand City belongs to your Mo Family? Childish!" Qin Feng’s face was ashen as he spoke. He stormed out, slamming the door behind him. It would have been strange indeed if he were still in the mood to browse after all that.
"Heh, that’s just how Feng’er is. Don’t take it to heart, cousin," Qin Hu said, then sighed softly. "But let me tell you, we can’t kill Qin Li right now. At least, not here in Yellow Sand City." He turned and walked out as well, muttering to himself, "It’s so bizarre. How does a piece of trash who only knew the basics become so powerful just from cultivating the ’Nine Heavens and Ten Lands, Only I am Venerable’ technique? If Father hadn’t forbidden it on pain of death, I’d almost want to try it myself..."
Now, Mo Feifei was the only one left in the weapon shop. Tears streamed down her cheeks. She had only been trying to help her cousin and stand up for him, but instead, she’d gotten a harsh scolding. Filled with indignation, she thought, ’What did I do to deserve this?’
With an indignant huff, she stomped her foot, threw open the door, and ran out.
...
The small room in the back hall was suffused with a deathly chill the moment they stepped inside. It was vastly different from the normal winter cold outside, feeling more like stepping into a tomb—eerie and somber.
Fang Haonan took a longsword from a Sword Box. Its hilt was made of vermilion hardwood carved with dragons, the design ancient and dignified. The instant the box was opened, an intense killing aura washed over them, seeming to pass right through the scabbard.
"A fine sword!" Qin Li couldn’t help but exclaim. Reaching out to grasp it, he was surprised by its immense weight! It was far heavier than he’d expected. Swords were meant to be light and agile, prioritizing dexterity. Only the two-handed greatswords used by cavalry were this heavy. Yet this sword, no more than three feet long and three fingers wide, weighed almost as much as a greatsword!
Qin Li slowly drew the sword from its scabbard. The blade, as bright and clear as autumn water, gleamed with a deadly, cold light. Qin Li’s pupils involuntarily constricted.
"Truly a fine sword!" Qin Li couldn’t help but voice his heartfelt admiration once more. The craftsmanship was simply masterful, in no way inferior to the pinnacle of Chinese sword-making he had seen in museums in his past life.
After admiring it, Qin Li reluctantly put the sword back. He then smiled at Fang Haonan and said, "Those people have probably left by now. We can just go out front and pick any old sword."
Eldest Young Master Fang was stunned for a moment, then a strange light flashed in his eyes. He laughed. "Qin, did you think I dragged you into the back room to see this sword just for fun? So? It’s a fine sword, isn’t it? Heh heh, I can tell you love it. It’s yours!"
Qin Li shook his head so hard it was like a blur. "No, absolutely not," he refused repeatedly. "Fang, I appreciate the gesture, but this sword is far too valuable. I can’t possibly accept it!"
"Tch, look at you," Eldest Young Master Fang said, shaking his head with a theatrical sigh. "Dammit, one word for you—Tacky! Two words—So tacky! Three words—How are you so tacky!"
"Fang, that last one was five words..."
"I know that! Honestly. You’ve heard the saying ’A Treasure Sword is a gift for a hero,’ haven’t you? In my eyes, you, Qin Li, are a hero. If not now, then you definitely will be in the future! Heh, as the Eldest Young Master of the Fang Family, I’m a good-for-nothing who’s destined to never be the family’s successor. That’s why I opened a martial arts hall and loaf around all day. But I do have one talent—a talent that even my old man has to admire! Know what it is?" Fang Haonan didn’t wait for an answer. "Reading people! My ability to judge character is second to none! In all these years, I’ve never been wrong about anyone! And you, my friend, are destined for greatness! A mere sword... I’m afraid it’s not even worthy of you! How about this: if you’re really worried about owing me a favor, then if you ever get your hands on any Heaven and Earth Spiritual Treasures, Ancient Pill Formulas, or the like, just don’t forget about your brother here when you strike it rich!"
After he finished speaking, Fang Haonan looked at Qin Li with utmost sincerity, his gaze as clear as water, revealing not a hint of falsehood.
Qin Li was silent for a moment before nodding. "Alright. Fang, you’re being incredibly generous. It would be ungracious of me to refuse any further. I’ll accept this sword. In the future, if you ever need my help with anything, just say the word. If it’s within my power to help, I will not refuse."
Eldest Young Master Fang flashed a grin, revealing a set of pearly white teeth. "Now that’s more like it!"
Just then, a servant of the Fang Family entered and whispered a few words in Fang Haonan’s ear. Fang Haonan’s expression went from stunned to grave. He looked at the servant and asked, "Is that true?"
The servant swore, "It’s the absolute truth! The other noble families must have heard about it by now as well!"
Fang Haonan nodded, then shot Qin Li a strange smile. "Well, things are about to get interesting," he said. "I’m sure you’ll be interested in this, Qin."
