Chapter 317: Antique Market
Qin Tuo looked at Qiangwei, who was clearly not herself, and said,
"Long Wu, take Qiangwei out for a few days to clear her head."
Long Wu nodded and said seriously,
"Don’t worry, Celestial King. I will."
But Qiangwei seemed completely oblivious to their conversation. She looked lost and dejected, clearly not yet recovered from her recent sorrow.
Just then, Huo Jianqiang hurried over, a fawning smile plastered on his face as he said,
"Mr. Qin, I never would have imagined! You’re so incredibly powerful, effortlessly slaying that fiend. You’ve truly resolved a massive crisis for our entire Provincial City!"
Qin Tuo glanced at him without a word, knowing Huo Jianqiang had more to say.
Huo Jianqiang grew awkward for a moment, then squeezed out another smile and asked tentatively,
"Mr. Qin, I was wondering if you might be interested in joining our Security Pavilion?"
"Oh? Join the Security Pavilion?"
Qin Tuo frowned. He had no such intention.
Seeing that Qin Tuo seemed ready to refuse, Huo Jianqiang quickly added,
"Mr. Qin, if you join the Security Pavilion, I am more than willing to give you my position as Chief Investigator."
’If Qin Tuo could be persuaded to work for the Security Pavilion,’ Huo Jianqiang thought to himself, ’then no one would ever look down on us again.’
Over the past few days, Huo Jianqiang had keenly felt how insignificant the Security Pavilion was in the presence of powerful Martial Artists and even Warlocks.
Therefore, he hoped Qin Tuo would join and change this situation.
But Qin Tuo refused him outright.
"Sorry, I have no interest in that. You should ask someone else."
Hearing Qin Tuo’s words, Huo Jianqiang’s face fell with disappointment.
But then Qin Tuo added,
"How about this? If the Security Pavilion runs into any trouble you can’t handle in the future, just come find me. I’ll help."
Huo Jianqiang was instantly overjoyed. In truth, this promise from Qin Tuo was all he really wanted.
So, Huo Jianqiang nodded repeatedly in thanks, chatted with Qin Tuo for a few more moments, and then left, completely satisfied.
「Meanwhile, at the Southwest Blood Moon Pavilion.」
Dressed in a magnificent silk robe, Yan Hongliang wore an incredibly grim expression.
Before him, another one of his lively Celestial Silkworm Gu Insects had just gone still and died.
A chilling aura emanated from Yan Hongliang’s eyes.
He understood. Zhang Song was dead, and his death was baffling.
Yan Hongliang muttered to himself,
"Another one dead? What in the world is going on in Celestial South Province? It seems this master must go take a look for myself!"
As soon as he finished speaking, Yan Hongliang transformed into a cloud of black mist and vanished on the spot.
After the turmoil subsided, Qin Tuo first calmed everyone down, then headed to Ouyang Feifei’s home.
After all, he had been in seclusion for some time, and having not seen Chen Man Ni for so long, he missed her.
Qin Tuo knocked twice, and the door quickly opened.
Chen Man Ni’s questioning expression froze for a second, then transformed into delighted surprise!
"Qin Tuo, you’re finally out of seclusion!"
Chen Man Ni laughed happily and threw herself into Qin Tuo’s arms, and the two embraced tightly.
Once inside, they remained wrapped in each other’s arms, unwilling to let go.
Just then, Ouyang Feifei came out. Seeing the scene, she rolled her eyes in exasperation.
"Hey, you two! Showing off your lovey-dovey stuff right in front of me? How irritating!"
Qin Tuo shook his head and chuckled. It had been so long since he’d seen her; he couldn’t help but want a moment of intimacy with Chen Man Ni.
Chen Man Ni, however, lifted her chin and said to Ouyang Feifei with a challenging look,
"Feifei, why don’t you just hurry up and find a boyfriend for yourself? Then you wouldn’t have a problem!"
But Ouyang Feifei shot back without thinking,
"Easier said than done! Where am I supposed to find a man as good as Qin Tuo?"
Chen Man Ni was taken aback, and even Qin Tuo was left feeling awkward.
Only then did Ouyang Feifei realize she had misspoken.
When it hit her, her face turned bright red, and she quickly apologized.
"I’m so sorry, that’s not what I meant! Please, don’t get the wrong idea!"
Ouyang Feifei’s face was as red as an apple, and she didn’t even dare to look Qin Tuo in the eye.
But Chen Man Ni just laughed and teased,
"Feifei, if it’s really that hard, why don’t we just be Qin Tuo’s girlfriends together? I don’t mind, anyway!"
Hearing this, Ouyang Feifei was so embarrassed she was speechless.
Qin Tuo hadn’t expected Chen Man Ni to say something like that either. A wry smile spread across his face, and he didn’t know what to say.
Chen Man Ni shot Qin Tuo a look, a half-smile playing on her lips as she said,
"Qin Tuo, I was just saying. You aren’t actually considering it, are you?"
Qin Tuo quickly shook his head, professing his loyalty.
"Manni, don’t worry. I wouldn’t dare!"
"Haha!"
Chen Man Ni couldn’t help but burst into happy laughter.
Ouyang Feifei, however, quickly changed the subject. "Manni, weren’t we going to check out the antique market in the Provincial City? Qin Tuo, you should come with us!"
Qin Tuo agreed with a nod, not hesitating for a moment. He hadn’t browsed an antique market in a long time, either.
Besides, it was a good opportunity to go out with Chen Man Ni and relax.
And so, the three of them made their way to a sprawling antique market in the Provincial City.
Stepping into the antique market, Qin Tuo discovered all sorts of strange and wonderful treasures. The sheer variety was far greater than anything in Ming City.
But a place like this also put a buyer’s judgment to the test. Without a sharp enough eye, it was easy to get swindled and suffer a major loss.
They hadn’t gone far when suddenly, Ouyang Feifei’s eyes widened!
Qin Tuo and Chen Man Ni followed her gaze and saw Ouyang Lei at a distant stall, playing at stone gambling.
Ouyang Lei had an excited look on his face as he fiddled with a raw stone in his hands.
The moment it was cut open, Ouyang Lei’s expression went blank for a second, then he became so happy he nearly jumped for joy!
"Haha! This is amazing! Imperial Green! I actually cut an Imperial Green..."
The surrounding onlookers quickly gathered around, their eyes filled with shock and envy.
Seeing this, Qin Tuo pulled the two women over to watch the spectacle.
However, they didn’t call out to him, instead standing quietly in the crowd to watch.
When the stall owner saw that Ouyang Lei had actually cut a piece of Imperial Green, a flash of greed appeared in his eyes!
"Little brother, this piece of Imperial Green doesn’t belong to you. Hand it over!"
Ouyang Lei was stunned. He quickly said,
"Boss, didn’t I just pay you? How can you go back on your word?"
The stall owner, however, was already prepared. He gave a cold smile.
"Heh, you only paid a deposit, not the full price. Of course this stone can’t be considered yours!"