Chapter 111: The Small Fry Just Scraping By

The thug trembled with fear, not daring to utter a single word.

“But…”

Li San paced back and forth angrily, then suddenly stopped. A greedy glint flashed in his eyes. “If he really has a treasure in his hands… then I’m in luck!”

“Master San, don’t believe his lies!” The thug quickly said, “That kid is cunning. Maybe he’s deliberately setting a trap to lure you in!”

“Hmph, what do you know!” Li San shot him a glare. “No matter how capable Qin Feng is, he’s still just a kid. When I, Li San, was roaming the underworld, he was probably still playing in the mud! If he dares to talk to me like this, he must have some backing. Maybe he really does have some treasure!”

The more Li San thought about it, the more plausible it seemed. He decided to take a risk. Even if he couldn’t get the treasure, at least he could teach Qin Feng a lesson and vent his anger!

“Go and find out everything you can. What unusual moves has that Qin Feng been making lately? And what exactly is that treasure in his hands?” Li San commanded.

“Yes, Master San!” The thug breathed a sigh of relief, quickly getting up and leaving.

Li San sat in his chair, fingers lightly tapping on the table, a sharp gleam in his eyes. Qin Feng, oh Qin Feng, this time, let me show you what I’m made of and see what real skills you have!

Meanwhile, Qin Feng sat leisurely in a teahouse, sipping his tea slowly. Opposite him sat a thin, bespectacled middle-aged man, quietly reporting something.

“Li San, real name Li Dazhuang, known as Master San in the underworld. He leads a gang of thugs who mainly survive by collecting protection fees and loan sharking. But it seems he has someone backing him…”

“Oh?” Qin Feng put down his teacup with interest. “Someone else? Who?”

The middle-aged man hesitated before saying, “According to my investigation, Li San is backed by the Hong Gang…”

“The Hong Gang?” Qin Feng furrowed his brows slightly, a cold flash passing through his eyes.

He knew that compared to a mere Li San, the Hong Gang was the true overlord entrenched in this city.

To truly establish himself here, the Hong Gang was an obstacle he could not avoid.

“What’s the Hong Gang’s latest move?” Qin Feng placed his teacup down, his fingers tapping crisply on the table.

“Reliable sources say the Hong Gang is preparing a large-scale auction. It’s said many rare antiques will appear, and there might even be the legendary…” The middle-aged man lowered his voice, “He Shi Bi!”

“He Shi Bi?” Qin Feng’s eyes gleamed sharply. If the rumors were true, this auction would be truly spectacular.

“Continue.”

“To prepare for the auction, the Hong Gang is scouring for treasures everywhere. Li San has been unusually active lately, collecting money everywhere — probably trying to have a big score at the auction.”

“Interesting.” Qin Feng’s lips curled into a playful smile. So, Li San wasn’t just a lackey of the Hong Gang, but an ambitious one seeking glory.

“Arrange for me to meet this Master San.”

“Yes, Mr. Qin.”

…

On the outskirts of the city stood a private club, lavishly decorated and dripping with decadence.

Li San was holding a scantily clad woman close, a glass of red wine down his throat, his face brimming with pride.

“Master San, you’re incredible. I heard you struck a big fortune recently?”

The woman’s coquettish voice made Li San’s bones almost melt.

“Haha, just a trifle, just a trifle.”

Li San proudly patted her thigh. “Once I strike another fortune, I’ll take you abroad to live the high life!”

Just then, the door to the private room was kicked open. Several black-clad bodyguards rushed in, surrounding Li San and the woman.

“Who the hell…”

Li San was about to curse when he saw a familiar figure enter.

“Qin Feng?!”

Suddenly, half the wine’s effect wore off, panic flashing in his eyes.

Qin Feng, dressed casually with a harmless smile, slowly approached Li San, looking down at him from above.

“Li San!”

Qin Feng smiled warmly, but his tone carried a cold edge.

“Mr. Qin… what brings you here?” Li San stammered, inwardly thinking, “This is bad.”

He had witnessed Qin Feng’s skills firsthand and knew he was no match.

“Don’t welcome me?” Qin Feng raised an eyebrow and casually poured himself a glass of red wine.

“N-no, no, Mr. Qin, you jest.” Li San hurriedly forced a smile. “I wonder what your visit is about…”

“Nothing major. Just wanted to ask Master San for a little favor,” Qin Feng said calmly, but with undeniable authority.

Li San’s heart skipped a beat. He knew Qin Feng’s visit was no good!

Especially since he was alone now—he had sent a dozen men to trouble Qin Feng before, only to be turned away.

Now that Qin Feng was standing before him, if he dared act recklessly, he might lose his head.

The atmosphere in the room instantly turned icy. Cold sweat dripped down Li San’s back as he forced a nervous smile and asked cautiously:

“Mr. Qin, please say what you need. Anything I can do…”

Qin Feng ignored him, taking a sip of wine, eyes gleaming with amusement as he appraised Li San, making the latter shiver.

“I hear Master San has been working for the Hong Gang lately?”

Qin Feng set down his glass casually, but Li San’s heart jumped.

“You must be joking, Mr. Qin. I don’t have the guts to get involved with the Hong Gang. I’m just a small fry trying to make a living…” Li San laughed nervously, trying to bluff his way out.

Qin Feng chuckled softly, then slammed his glass down on the table with a sharp bang, making Li San flinch.

“Li San, I don’t like beating around the bush. Your dealings with the Hong Gang—I’m not blind.”

Qin Feng’s gaze turned icy, his tone threatening.

Li San’s face instantly paled. Knowing his tricks wouldn’t fool Qin Feng, he grit his teeth and said, “Mr. Qin, I had no choice. The Hong Gang is powerful; I’m just a nobody. How could I refuse?”

“Had no choice?” Qin Feng sneered. “I think you’re blinded by greed! You’re extorting money everywhere and helping the tiger, all just to get a share at the Hong Gang’s auction, right?”

Li San was caught red-handed and fell silent, lowering his head, unable to meet Qin Feng’s piercing stare.

Qin Feng stood up and towered over Li San, his voice calm but authoritative: “I’ll give you a chance. Help me with something, and I might consider sparing you. What do you say?”