Chapter 129: The Bronze Blade [Fifth Update]

Behind the Treasure Hunting Pavilion lay an inner courtyard. Following a small side door, one would find a room secured with a heavy lock. Fang Nian and his companion followed the man inside, only to discover that the decor was far inferior to the outer showroom. The items on display were pitifully few—only seven or eight pieces in total.

Fang Nian swept his gaze across the room. Apart from two pieces of pottery, there were six other items: two calligraphy scrolls, two jade carvings, and two bronze artifacts.

Fang Nian frowned. Based on the subtle vibrations emanating from these six items, he could confirm they were all genuine antiques with long histories. The two bronze pieces—an incense burner and a dagger—were particularly valuable, standing in stark contrast to the items in the outer hall.

Looking at the collection, Fang Nian noted that while the calligraphy was skillfully executed and of a respectable age—dating back to the Ming Dynasty—the artists were not particularly famous. They were obscure figures, making the scrolls unsuitable as gifts. As for the pottery and jade, they were too recent, dating only to the Qing Dynasty, and lacked the necessary weight of sincerity. Thus, Fang Nian turned his attention to the two bronzes.

In ancient times, bronze was referred to as "metal" or "auspicious metal," an alloy of copper with elements like tin and lead, characterized by its signature turquoise patina. The use of bronze began in the late Neolithic period, originating in the West. In China, the bronze age spanned from the Majiayao culture through the Qin and Han dynasties, with the most exquisite pieces hailing from the Shang and Zhou periods. It had already appeared during the early Yangshao and Majiayao cultures.

Initially, China produced only small tools or ornaments. By the Xia Dynasty, bronze vessels and weaponry had emerged. By the mid-Shang period, the variety of bronze wares had flourished, featuring inscriptions and intricate patterns. From the late Shang to the early Western Zhou, bronze craftsmanship reached its zenith; vessels became diverse, robust, and dignified, with increasingly long inscriptions and elaborate, ornate decorations.

Subsequently, the walls of the bronze vessels began to thin, and the ornamentation grew simpler. During the late Spring and Autumn period into the Warring States period, the widespread adoption of iron rendered copper tools increasingly rare. By the Qin and Han dynasties, as pottery and lacquerware became staples of daily life, the variety of bronze vessels dwindled, their designs became simplified, often plain, and their bodies grew thinner.

From a historical perspective, the bronze artifacts were indeed the most suitable choice. However, prior to the Great Catastrophe, bronze artifacts were non-tradable, classified as national first-class cultural relics that had to be surrendered to the state. Although this regulation had relaxed somewhat after the Great Catastrophe, it remained a strict, non-negotiable prohibition.

Despite his interest, Fang Nian ultimately decided against them. "Forget it, let's go look elsewhere." As he spoke, he prepared to lead Xia Moyan away.

But the shopkeeper was sharp-eyed. He immediately sensed that Fang Nian was drawn to the bronzes but was deterred by the legal risks. He intercepted them and produced a bronze knife from a hidden compartment. "My friend, take a look at this. While it isn't an antique, its value is by no means inferior to one."

Fang Nian paused, staring at the bronze knife. He picked it up, turned it over in his hands, and suddenly froze in astonishment.

Xia Moyan stepped over to look as well, though she felt nothing special other than the fact that the blade was exceptionally sharp and heavy. The material clearly wasn't ordinary bronze.

"Boss, how much for this knife? I want the real price."

Seeing that Fang Nian was genuinely interested, the shopkeeper was overjoyed. He hesitated for a moment before holding up three fingers. Fang Nian didn't even hesitate before agreeing. "Very well, three million. Honey, pay the man."

Fang Nian’s swift agreement delighted the shopkeeper, and Xia Moyan paid without protest, though she blushed slightly at being called "honey."

After the transaction, the two stepped out of the Hunting Cloud Pavilion. Xia Moyan couldn't wait any longer. "What exactly is this thing? It doesn't look like an antique, so why is it worth so much? And why didn't you even haggle?"

Fang Nian smiled. "You silly girl, this isn't valuable because of its age, but because of its material. Have you ever heard of Millennium Profound Iron?"

Xia Moyan shook her head blankly. She was completely clueless about things that typically interested men. Fang Nian sighed with a smile and explained, "Profound Iron is actually a type of tungsten-bearing meteorite. This metal is formed in the vacuum and weightlessness of outer space. Its formation in the cosmos gives it properties far superior to ordinary metals. Its hardness and melting point are incredibly high, making it extremely difficult to forge, which is why Profound Iron became synonymous with legendary ancient weapons."

Xia Moyan finally understood. "Oh, so this material is incredibly rare?"

Fang Nian waved a hand. "Rare? It’s practically impossible to find. This is my first time seeing it, so three million is a bargain."

Xia Moyan nodded. As Fang Nian said, if it were truly that rare, three million was not expensive at all.

However, just as they were chatting, the shopkeeper from the Hunting Cloud Pavilion came stumbling out in a panic, followed by a small squad of soldiers armed with machine guns. By their uniforms, they appeared to be from the 16th District military.

Fang Nian paused, about to pull Xia Moyan away, but before he could take a step, the shopkeeper collapsed at his feet, clutching his pant leg and sobbing. His wailing was truly earth-shattering, a pathetic sight of snot and tears. "Brother, big brother, grandfather, you have to save me! You must save me!"

Fang Nian, bewildered, tried to pull the man off, but he wouldn't budge. The scene was incredibly awkward, as if Fang Nian had stolen the man’s wife. "Boss, what are you doing? I’ve already paid you, and I have the receipt in black and white. Don't do this."

Hearing this, the shopkeeper’s emotions spiraled further. "Brother, it’s that bronze knife—I can't sell it! Please, give it back to me!"

Fang Nian immediately shook his head. "That won't do. There's no such thing as returning what’s been sold. Besides, I bought this with real money. It’s mine now, and I’m not selling it."

The shopkeeper begged, "Brother, grandfather, I’ll pay more! I'll pay double, just sell it back to me, I beg you! If I don't get that knife back, I’m a dead man, and you’ll be in trouble too!"

Fang Nian paused. At that moment, the squad stopped less than ten meters away, and an officer stepped forward, walking toward them.