Volume Four: Renowned Everywhere Chapter 144: Forced Buying and Selling

Inside the traditional courtyard, which served as a liaison post for the Jade King and the Northern Sage Sun Tianmu, the annual Jade Gambling Festival was held. Whenever they visited, they invariably stayed here, and the Jade King had already sent people to retrieve the jade, which were essentially spirit stones.

Over the past two days, Qin Yang had not been idle either. He had collected a full five spirit stones and then spent time thoroughly touring and enjoying Ruili, discovering a rather unique charm to the place.

Zhang Mengqi had matters to attend to and needed to leave early. Ye Mei'er, worried about her, decided to travel back with her. Ye Mei'er had plenty of things to handle herself, and after enjoying two days of leisure, she felt quite content.

In the evening, right after seeing Ye Mei'er and Zhang Mengqi off at the airport, Qin Yang felt a slight dip in his spirits on the way back. While having the two women around chatting incessantly had sometimes felt noisy, their departure left him feeling somewhat unaccustomed to the quiet.

Suddenly, glancing toward the entrance of the courtyard, he saw a dozen people standing there. The leading young man wore a broad smile, seemingly waiting for someone.

"Master Qin, you're finally back. We've been waiting for you for a long time," Dong Shu said with a chuckle as he looked at Qin Yang.

Hearing these words, Qin Yang grew even more puzzled. He had no recollection of knowing this fellow; why was he waiting for him?

"What is it?"

"Oh, nothing much. Given Master Qin's formidable skill in jade gambling, we would like to invite you to become the chief jade gambling expert of our Dong family. What do you say?"

"Not interested." Hearing this, Qin Yang found the whole affair rather dull. He had originally thought someone was bringing him spirit stones, but it turned out to be a recruitment attempt, which held zero interest for him.

Dong Shu's expression abruptly darkened. In Ruili, his Dong family's word was law; anyone wishing to make a living in Ruili simply could not move an inch without the Dong family's permission.

"Hehehe, Qin Yang, do you know who we are? Don't be in such a hurry to refuse. We..."

"Does your Dong family being so impressive have the slightest thing to do with me? I said, I'm not interested."

Dong Shu's body stiffened abruptly, and he glared coldly at Qin Yang. "Hmph, a toast to you is refused, so you prefer to drink the forfeit. I originally intended to let you leave safely, but since you are so unappreciative, you needn't leave at all."

Dong Shu waved his hand, and two burly men rushed toward Qin Yang, their posture clearly indicating they intended to capture him. Seeing this, Qin Yang burst out laughing—a bright, cheerful laugh.

When it came to fighting, this buddy had never feared anyone.

With a single sweep of his hand, he slapped the two large men, sending them flying instantly. Dong Shu's eyes were filled with shock; these two had been meticulously handpicked by him, possessing top-tier martial prowess and agility, yet they had been batted away with a single slap.

The corners of his mouth twitched uncontrollably.

Damn it, he was this strong!

Qin Yang walked forward step by step, and any other figures rushing toward him were instantly swatted away without him even needing to execute a second move.

The commotion here was quite loud, causing neighboring residents to step out of their doorways to observe. Seeing the scene before them, they were deeply startled. Among them, a few had originally harbored thoughts of robbing Qin Yang, but this fierce and overbearing momentum instantly subdued them.

They secretly sighed, thanking their lucky stars that someone else had made a move first; otherwise, they would undoubtedly have met a disastrous fate.

Dong Shu looked at Qin Yang, his pupils contracting sharply as he took several steps backward. "I-I'm telling you, I'm a man of the Dong family! If you offend us, don't ever think about coming to this Jade Gambling Festival again."

Hahaha!

This statement was the biggest joke he had heard so far. Murderous intent flashed in his eyes, though he chose not to take their lives—after all, it was broad daylight, and killing people was ultimately a bad idea.

Even so, Dong Shu was sent flying by a kick from Qin Yang.

He lay on the ground like a dead dog, and in the end, had to be carried away by his bodyguards.

The Jade King hurried out, beads of sweat dotting his forehead. He let out a sigh; young people nowadays really had violent tempers. "Qin Yang, do you have any idea what kind of trouble you've stirred up?"

"Oh? Could this Dong family really have a formidable background?"

Entering the room together, Sun Tianmu's expression was also grim. "The Dong family are the local tyrants of Ruili. Most of the raw jade stones here are transported in through their channels. Do you think the Dong family's background is big or not?"

"Furthermore, I've heard that whether in official circles or broader society, the Dong family wields enormous influence. You must be careful; the people of the Dong family will certainly not let this rest."

Damn it, this young master didn't want to let it rest either! If they didn't come, fine; if they did, he would make them regret it bitterly.

This time, the Jade King had brought even more good news: combined with his own spirit stones and those collected from elsewhere, there were a full eighteen of them.

How could this fail to excite him?

After transferring the money to the Jade King, Qin Yang plunged straight into his room and began a period of seclusion.

As the Immortal-Slaying Art circulated, torrents of spiritual energy surged madly into his body, and soon the spirit stones in his hands turned to powder.

These were worth millions in cash, yet they turned to dust in mere seconds, which seemed immensely wasteful.

However, he could no longer afford to care about such things. As long as he could restore his peak combat prowess, what did the consumption of a vast fortune matter?

Ruili Dong Family

When Dong Shu returned home, he recounted the entire incident to his family—though naturally, he embellished every detail with complaints and omitted any positive words.

A middle-aged man stood in the hall, his eyes filled with ferocity. Upon seeing that his nephew had been beaten and injured, his fury burned even hotter.

"Dong Shu, let's go. Uncle will avenge you."

Led by Dong Long and accompanied by Dong Shu, a grand and aggressive procession set out, exuding an overbearing aura. Everyone who saw the Dong family's motorcade quickly stepped aside to make way.

Inside the courtyard, the Jade King's eyes were full of worry. No matter how he had tried to persuade Qin Yang earlier, the young man refused to leave, leaving him utterly helpless.

Sun Tianmu chuckled from the side. "No need to worry. Since he is unwilling to leave, it means he's bound to have a way to resolve this matter."

The two shook their heads, resumed drinking their tea, and continued playing chess. Since Qin Yang had his own methods, it was not their place to interfere; they simply hoped the Dong family wouldn't arrive too quickly.

Just as they were in the middle of their chess game, the harsh screech of brakes echoed from outside. Judging by the sound, there was definitely more than one vehicle arriving.

"Who calls himself Qin Yang? Get the hell out here!"

"Qin Yang, get the hell out!" A robust, deep voice resounded. Seeing the Dong people arrive, the onlookers did not dare to show their faces; keeping out of other people's business was the wisest course, and less trouble was always better than more.

Qin Yang, currently deep in cultivation, frowned. Having consumed a full five spirit stones, the true qi in his body had mostly recovered, restoring him to the peak of the Dao-Entry Realm. He intended to use the remainder all at once to step directly into the profound realm.

Unfortunately, someone had chosen this moment to disrupt his peace. He straightened his clothes and walked outside. There were over twenty people gathered outside, and Dong Shu wore his usual triumphant expression, looking smug as ever.

Dong Shu even fancied making the fellow kneel before him and confess his wrongs.

Qin Yang looked at the middle-aged man before him and furrowed his brow. Having just broken through to the Dao-Entry Realm, these people were acting with astonishing arrogance; Qin Yang truly wondered where on earth they found the courage to be so overbearing.

"My name is Qin Yang. And who might you be?"

"Hmph, who I am is none of your concern. The few pieces of jade in your possession have caught the Dong family's eye. We'll buy them for one million. If you're unwilling, then you'll have to answer to my fists."

That was a blatant, naked threat.

"Hahaha, my friend, is this joke supposed to be funny?" Qin Yang asked, his expression gradually turning gloomy.

A joke? A laughing matter?

Hearing this, Dong龙 (Dong Long) felt as though he were coughing up blood. He had spoken with such solemnity and forceful conviction, yet in the other person's eyes, he was merely telling a joke. This was a supreme insult.

"I, Dong Long, never joke," Dong Long stated once more.

"No jokes?" Hearing this, Qin Yang burst out laughing. "No jokes? I have jade worth over a billion, and you offer me one million? In that case, I'll buy your Dong family instead. I'll give you ten thousand—no, how about I give you one single dollar?"

Hearing this, Dong Long instantly flew into a rage. "Brat, you're courting death!"

Dong Long snapped. Back when he was first learning martial arts, he had endured all sorts of hardships and bitter labor. Now that he had achieved some success in martial arts and enjoyed the daily worship of others, he had long since grown accustomed to looking down upon everyone from on high. To have someone suddenly step out and cross him naturally displeased him immensely.

Faced with the incoming punch, Qin Yang did not even dodge. He threw a single punch of his own, sending Dong Long flying backward. Then, with a wide grin, Qin Yang rushed forward once more.

"Let's see you act so cocky!"

"Let's see you act so arrogant! Do your family members even know you're like this?"

Seeing this, Dong Shu was dumbfounded. He knew very well how formidable his uncle was, having studied martial arts under various masters. He had assumed victory was certain this time, yet it was the exact same one-sided bullying scene all over again.

His mouth twitched, and his face turned deathly pale, drained of all color.

"I think the good days of your Dong family have come to an end. Since that's the case, next time I visit all of the Dong family's jade gambling sites, I'll specifically pick out the jades, strip every single piece clean, and leave you all to fend for yourselves and rot!"

Bang! Dong Long dodged to the side to evade the incoming attack, retreating rapidly with horror filling his eyes. He never could have imagined that this fellow was so terrifyingly powerful.

"Well timed! In that case, try this move of mine!"

"Arhat Fist!"

Arhat Fist? Wasn't this supposed to be a Shaolin boxing technique? Looking at the middle-aged man before him, Qin Yang shook his head inwardly. Could Shaolin really be recruiting such utter fools as lay disciples?

No wonder Shaolin was declining day by day.

Faced with this punch, the response was the same as before. With a swing of his hand, a slap landed, and Dong Long was sent flying instantly. Screams erupted from the surrounding onlookers because Qin Yang had used immense force with that slap; blood sprayed wildly, and several of his molars were shattered and spat out.

Hiss!

No one could have expected that Qin Yang, with his handsome and rather scholarly appearance, possessed such a ferocious and brutal side.

"Thinking the Dao-Entry Realm makes you so special! You're still far, far away from that level." A sliver of coldness flashed in Qin Yang's eyes as he delivered a kick, sending Dong Long crashing away. Then, turning his gaze to Dong Shu, Qin Yang was left completely speechless. The fellow had just been taught a lesson, yet he hadn't learned restraint and dared to come back for more—wasn't this simply seeking death?

"I, I... I was wrong! I'll never come back again," Dong Shu stammered incoherently. But this time, Qin Yang ignored him entirely, using his hands left and right to deliver a flurry of slaps.

Slapping forward!

Slapping backward!

Slapping from the side!

Slapping on the bias!

He slapped every which way, finding it immensely satisfying. Looking at Dong Shu, who had now transformed into a complete pig-head, Qin Yang patted his hands, pulled out a handkerchief to wipe away the blood, and wore an expression of utter disgust.

"Your mouth stinks too much. Remember to brush your teeth next time you come." With that, he ignored everyone else and strolled back into the house.

All the spectators stared at Qin Yang, collectively giving him a thumbs-up. In Ruili, who dared to oppose the Dong family?

Daring to fight the Dong family was equivalent to seeking death!

Yet Qin Yang dared.

Not only was he a genius at gambling on jade, but his combat prowess was also this damn formidable!