Chapter 15: Deliberate Mystification
The Sea Breeze Inn was built right next to the beach. Sitting by the window, one could admire the ocean waves. Qi Shaofeng had already reserved a good table for everyone and ordered a full spread of local delicacies.
“It would be a crime to come to Yinshui and not try the seafood,” Qi Shaofeng said, introducing each dish. “Three-delicacy shark fin, drunken snails, steamed Dazha crab, braised prawns, garlic scallops, and for the grand finale, sea monster and red date soup. This was accidentally caught by a group of fishermen recently, so it’s very rare.”
Duanmu Ling and Fu Yunzhi had already experienced the deliciousness of the sea monster meat. A simple stir-fry at a street stall had been able to bring out its fragrance, so they were even more excited for the inn’s carefully prepared version. Their first chopsticks went straight for this delicacy.
It was clear that slow-braising brought out the sea monster’s value far better than stir-frying. The tender yet chewy meat required a long time to chew, but during this process, its unique, fishy flavor was slowly released, bit by bit. The red dates perfectly balanced the bitterness of the meat, mingling it with sweetness, creating a taste that was fishy but not unpleasant, sweet but not cloying. After swallowing, a fragrant aftertaste lingered in the mouth.
After finishing his introductions, Qi Shaofeng pointed at Duanmu Ling and said to the waiter, “Bring this little brother a pot of Longjing tea.”
The waiter glanced at the full teapot already on the table. Though puzzled, he still smiled and agreed. After all, he had no idea how much this table of food cost.
“Why a pot of tea for me?” Duanmu Ling asked.
Qi Shaofeng smiled mischievously. “You were shouting so loudly earlier. I’m not sure if one pot of tea will be enough to soothe your throat.”
Duanmu Ling: “…”
Seeing Duanmu Ling’s flushed cheeks and embarrassed expression, Qi Shaoling said helplessly, “Brother, stop teasing.”
Qi Shaofeng laughed heartily again.
The atmosphere at the table was cheerful and harmonious. Qi Xiao chatted with Qi Shaofeng. “On our way here, I saw a lot of people from the Jianghu. Are they here for the auction?”
Qi Shaofeng nodded. “Their target is the ancient sword salvaged from the bottom of the sea this time—the Thousand Dragon Slash.”
“The legendary demon sword, Thousand Dragon Slash, that the first emperor of Langxuan used to slay a dragon?” Fu Yunzhi said. “I thought it was just a legend.”
According to legend, this continent was once ruled by evil dragons, and humans could only hide in dark caves or crevices, struggling just to survive. Later, a man named Baili Xiu led eight brave men out of the cold, dark crevices to confront the dragons head-on. Baili Xiu, with his divine sword, the Thousand Dragon Slash, went to the dragon’s lair, killed the dragon king with a single strike, and created a paradise for humanity. Baili Xiu became the first king of Langxuan, and the other warriors were each given a piece of land to rule, which was the origin of the nine kingdoms.
“Setting aside whether it’s real or not,” Qi Shaofeng said, “the name ‘Thousand Dragon Slash’ alone is enough to attract people from all over.”
Qi Xiao shook his head helplessly. “I feel like this city is really good at fanning the flames and attracting attention. First the sea monster, then the mermaid meat, and now the Thousand Dragon Slash. By the way, I haven’t asked yet, what did you come for this time, Yunzhi? Is it that Thousand Dragon Slash?”
“I came for the Wuluo Grass,” Fu Yunzhi said.
Qi Xiao thought for a moment. “Wuluo Grass? I’ve never heard of it. Does it have any special properties?”
“I don’t know either. I’m getting it as a gift for someone.”
Just as they were speaking, the waiter brought a pot of Longjing tea and placed it in front of Duanmu Ling.
“Sir, your Longjing tea has arrived!”
Duanmu Ling: “…”
After the meal, the sky gradually darkened, and the azure clouds were draped in a fiery red veil. At Fu Yunzhi’s request, Qi Shaofeng led everyone to the county magistrate’s residence.
“This isn’t the official auction. It’s just a preview of the items that will be auctioned tomorrow night,” Qi Shaoling explained.
The preview was held in the front hall. In the center of the hall was a small platform, presumably for displaying the treasures.
There were many others like them, who had come out of curiosity to get a first look at the treasures salvaged from the sea. There were at least fifty people in the hall, most of them from the Jianghu.
Fu Yunzhi and his group chose an inconspicuous spot to sit. Before long, an old man with a youthful complexion and white hair came out. Although he was over fifty, he still walked with a spring in his step.
“That’s the magistrate’s adviser, Cai Jiquan,” Qi Shaofeng whispered.
Adviser Cai was efficient. After a few polite words to the crowd, he got straight to the point.
He clapped his hands, and a servant brought out the first treasure and placed it on the platform.
“This is the Linglong Pearl, salvaged from Mermaid Bay. Although it looks simple, it is an ancient divine object that can bring good fortune to its owner and protect them from bloodshed and disaster.”
Adviser Cai took the pearl bracelet out of the box to show everyone. It did indeed look ordinary, but upon closer inspection, one could see a faint blue light emanating from the pearls.
“Now then,” Adviser Cai said, “who wants to bid for the first prize?”
“What does ‘bid for the first prize’ mean?” Qi Xiao asked curiously.
“The ‘prize’ in ‘first prize’ means a lucky token,” Qi Shaofeng explained. “It’s a tradition at auctions. The host will pick an item that might be less rare than the others and sell it at a low price for good luck.”
Qi Xiao nodded. Seeing that the price Adviser Cai quoted was indeed not high, he immediately stood up. “I’ll bid for the first prize!”
Fu Yunzhi: “…”
What’s gotten into you now?!
Qi Xiao was filled with enthusiasm. This feeling of bidding for something for his beloved was just too good!
He imagined himself as one of those dashing male leads in the TV dramas who would squander their family fortune to win a smile from a beauty.
Just as Adviser Cai was about to ring the bell, another person stood up. “Raise the price!”
“Someone has raised the price and wants to compete with you for this bracelet,” Qi Shaofeng said.
Qi Xiao followed the voice and saw a familiar face.
The man was dressed in a black robe, with a gentle smile on his lips but a hint of ruthlessness hidden between his brows. It was the Martial Arts Alliance Chief, Shen Linye.
“Raise the price!” Qi Xiao said gallantly.
Even if it’s the Martial Arts Alliance Chief, I will not back down for my wifey!
“Raise the price!”
“Raise the price!”
The two went back and forth, raising the price of the bracelet several times over, making Adviser Cai grin from ear to ear.
“Raise the price!”
Shen Linye finally stopped shouting and turned to cup his fist at Qi Xiao. “Brother Qi, this bracelet is named ‘Linglong,’ the same name as my wife. It must be fate. I dare to ask, could you let me have it this one time? I would be eternally grateful and unable to repay your kindness.”
Everyone knew who Shen Linye’s other half was—the Demonic Cult Leader, Mu Linglong. It was rumored that they were deeply in love, and now it seemed the rumors were true.
Qi Xiao was torn. Heaven knew how long he had been shipping this CP. His most famous work was a doujinshi about these two, for goodness’ sake! Now that his favorite ship was showing off their love right in front of him, should he really stand in their way?!
What a strange feeling. It’s like I was so hungry I was about to gnaw on my own leg, but then I unexpectedly got fed a deluxe version of official ship food.
Seeing Qi Xiao silent, Fu Yunzhi said, “He has a wife, and you don’t. You should let him have it.”
If you liked me, I would have a wife too, Qi Xiao grumbled inwardly. He nodded at Shen Linye and sat down. He had intended to give the bracelet to Fu Yunzhi anyway. Since the person in question had spoken, Qi Xiao didn’t plan on fighting for it and ruining the harmony.
After that, Adviser Cai introduced the remaining treasures one by one, including the Wuluo Grass that Fu Yunzhi wanted. Qi Xiao observed it for a long time. It was just a clump of ordinary grass, and an ugly one at that.
After an antique porcelain vase was carried away, Adviser Cai said, “This is the last treasure to be displayed today.”
Someone stood up and asked, “What about the Thousand Dragon Slash? Didn’t you say there would be a Thousand Dragon Slash?”
Adviser Cai shook his head. “The Thousand Dragon Slash is too precious. We have frozen it, so it’s not convenient to bring it out. It won’t be too late for you gentlemen to see it at the official auction tomorrow.”
“Deliberate mystification,” Fu Yunzhi said with disdain.
Some of the Jianghu people stood up angrily to argue with Adviser Cai, but he just chuckled and brushed them off.
The scene was a bit chaotic. “We won’t be seeing the Thousand Dragon Slash today,” Qi Shaofeng said. “We might as well go back and rest first.”
Everyone agreed. Even if they were curious, it was only a matter of waiting one more day.
Just as they were about to leave, Shen Linye walked over.
“Young Master Fu, please wait!”
Fu Yunzhi turned around in confusion, and Shen Linye said, “May I have a word with you?”
Fu Yunzhi glanced at the others.
“We’ll go back to the inn first,” Qi Xiao said. “I’ll leave a Shadow Guard with you.”
After Qi Xiao and the others left, Shen Linye led Fu Yunzhi to a deserted courtyard in the magistrate’s residence.
Fu Yunzhi waved his fan. “Alliance Chief Shen, why did you ask me to stay?”
“I heard that Young Master Fu has a great reputation among the scholars in the capital,” Shen Linye said. “Could you help me find someone?”
Fu Yunzhi nodded. “Is it a scholar?”
“Yes. His pen name is ‘Qi The Handsome.’ I hope you can help me find the real person. I have some questions I’d like to ask him.”
Fu Yunzhi: “…”
“You’ve read his book?” Fu Yunzhi asked with difficulty.
Shen Linye also looked a bit embarrassed and smiled. “My younger sister likes it. I just… flipped through it.”
Fu Yunzhi couldn’t understand. With such indescribable content, what on earth did Shen Linye want to ask Qi Xiao about?! Fu Yunzhi didn’t want to delve deeper, and he certainly didn’t want to know. He just said, “You should go ask Qi Xiao.”
Shen Linye looked surprised. “General Qi knows who the author of this book is?”
Fu Yunzhi waved his hand impatiently. “Just go ask him. I’ll be taking my leave now.”
What a strange bunch of people. What kind of reading value does that kind of book even have! Fu Yunzhi thought.
Hmph, I’ll steal it again when I get back and study it carefully!
