Chapter 130: Conflict [Sixth Installment]

Fang Nian knew these people were trouble. When he bought this blade, he anticipated it might be a hot potato, but he hadn't expected it to be this scorching. At a single glance, he could tell that the man leading them was a master of Qi refinement, and it appeared he practiced hard-style Qigong.

The officer walked over toward Fang Nian, his eyes devoid of any friendliness.

"Friend, this blade isn't something just anyone can hold. I advise you to return it to its rightful owner."

Fang Nian had originally intended to be civil, but the man’s tone clearly left no room for such an opportunity. Since the other party lacked sincerity, Fang Nian saw no reason to be polite. He gestured toward the Treasure Hunter Pavilion proprietor, who was sitting on the ground with his eyes swollen from crying, and asked, "Is he the 'rightful owner' you’re referring to?"

The officer didn't even spare the proprietor a glance. He simply extended his hand, clutching the three-million-dollar transfer slip Fang Nian had given the shopkeeper.

"Take your money back and give me the blade. We’ll have no issues today. But if you have other ideas, then I’m sorry—it’s unlikely you’ll be walking out of Peach Garden today."

As he spoke, the troops behind him surrounded Fang Nian and Xia Moyan, leveling their rifles and preparing to cock their weapons at any moment.

Fang Nian frowned slightly, subconsciously shielding Xia Moyan behind him. He hadn't expected the man to be so aggressive, leaving him no room to refuse. He understood that if he dared to move even an inch, those dozens of submachine guns would undoubtedly fire without hesitation; soldiers certainly possessed that level of execution.

Of course, given Fang Nian’s current physical capabilities, it wouldn't be easy for these people to hold him. He was confident he could dodge the trajectory of the bullets before they fired and then find a chance to escape. However, with Xia Moyan standing behind him, he dared not gamble with her life. He glanced at the officer and handed over the blade.

By now, they were tightly encircled, and many onlookers had gathered to watch the commotion. When they saw the military surrounding Fang Nian, the murmurs of the crowd grew louder.

"What’s going on? Is the military seizing a civilian’s property in broad daylight? Isn't that a bit much?"

"Exactly. Who knows what these people are thinking, throwing their weight around just because they have guns. I saw it—that man just bought a blade from the Treasure Hunter Pavilion, and the military came to snatch it. Having guns really makes them feel superior, huh?"

"Hey, don't say that. Our national military isn't like that. Whenever there's a disaster, aren't they the ones saving us? There must be some misunderstanding; otherwise, they wouldn't act like this."

"I agree. Neither side looks like bad people. Just look at that woman—she’s breathtakingly beautiful, like a goddess. She wouldn't do anything illegal, surely. There must be a mistake somewhere."

The chatter outside did not affect Fang Nian or the officer in the slightest. Seeing that Fang Nian was being sensible, the officer didn't make things difficult for him and stepped forward to take the blade.

Unexpectedly, just as the officer’s hand touched the hilt, Fang Nian’s wrist flicked, clamping onto the officer's wrist. The officer was startled but didn't panic; he reached out to grab Fang Nian while frantically trying to pull his captured hand back. However, the force in Fang Nian’s grip was immense, and he couldn't move at all.

Fang Nian smiled faintly and whispered to the officer, "Kid, you’re not bad for your age. You could definitely take down a petty thief in an instant, but you’ve run into me today."

As he spoke, Fang Nian gave his other hand a slight flick, causing the bronze blade’s scabbard to fall away. Instantly, a radiant bronze blade appeared in his hand. With a gentle pull of the hand holding the officer’s wrist, Fang Nian dragged the man toward him, pinning him and placing the blade against his throat in a flash.

Large beads of sweat broke out on the young officer’s face, his eyes wide with shock as he stared at the bronze blade. "Kid, do you know who I am? How dare you treat me like this?"

Fang Nian had already seized the initiative; he wasn't about to let the young officer have his say. He struck the officer across the face with the hilt of the blade. Glancing at the soldiers who had grown tense, Fang Nian pressed his hand down and said, "Come on, drop your weapons, or I’ll cut him down."

The soldiers never expected such a turn of events. With their leader captured and in a crowded area, they didn't dare fire, and their weapons were of no use. One by one, they dropped their guns to the ground.

Fang Nian didn't know why they wanted this blade, but his character wouldn't allow him to hand over something he had obtained. He intended to drag the officer to the parking lot; once he was in his car, he would have a way out. Even Duan Leng-han was on good terms with him now; surely he could find a way.

Just then, a familiar voice drifted from the crowd.

"Fang Nian? What are you doing here?"

Fang Nian turned to see Jin Jinhui and Duan Rui. They were standing there, holding several shopping bags, looking at him in utter shock. Fang Nian hadn't expected to meet them in such a manner, and for a moment, he felt quite awkward.

"Ah... nothing much, just... hanging out."

Hearing this, the young officer nearly burst into tears. *Hanging out?* Who "hangs out" like this? It was absurd.

Just then, the young officer caught sight of Duan Rui standing beside Jin Jinhui and became visibly excited. "Miss!"

Duan Rui finally snapped back to reality, looked at the officer being held by Fang Nian, and paused in confusion. "Bai Hong? Why are you here? What is going on?"

Seeing that they knew each other, Fang Nian knew the matter was likely resolved, but he didn't release Bai Hong until he had explained the situation. Duan Rui was speechless; she shot a look at Fang Nian, who immediately understood her intent and let Bai Hong go.

Once freed, Bai Hong stretched his limbs and prepared to retaliate, but was stopped by a sharp reprimand from Duan Rui.

"Bai Hong, isn't it embarrassing enough? Get out of here."

It was clear that Bai Hong feared Duan Rui deeply. Seeing that she was genuinely angry, he dared not say another word. With a look of lingering resentment, he led his men away.

Fang Nian thanked Duan Rui and introduced her and Jin Jinhui to Xia Moyan before hurrying home. Xia Moyan looked helpless; she had gone out to pick up some things for herself, yet Fang Nian had ended up buying a blade and treating it like a treasure.

Knowing he had handled the day poorly, Fang Nian commissioned Fatso to find a high-quality jade Guanyin for Xia Moyan, which finally earned him her forgiveness. In the end, Fang Nian was dragged off by Xia Moyan to attend a birthday banquet in District 6.