Chapter 116: The Mountain Hermit Has His Own Clever Plan

“You…” Mu Teng was so stunned by Yang Tianchen’s words that he was left speechless, his face turning pale and then flushed.

The atmosphere in the private room grew tense once again, like a taut string ready to snap at any moment.

At that moment, Qin Feng, who had been silent all along, suddenly spoke up.

He patted Yang Tianchen on the shoulder, signaling him to stay calm, then turned to Mu Teng with a playful smile curling at the corner of his lips.

“Mr. Mu, it seems you’re quite interested in this map, aren’t you?”

Qin Feng’s voice was calm and composed, yet it carried an invisible pressure.

Mu Teng’s heart skipped a beat. He didn’t know what Qin Feng was up to, but he forced himself to reply, “Indeed, this map is crucial to our Black Dragon Society. I hope Mr. Qin can kindly part with it.”

“Part with it?” Qin Feng sneered as if he had just heard the funniest joke. “You want the map? That’s not impossible, but…”

He paused deliberately, scanning everyone present before resting his gaze on Mu Teng, speaking each word with deliberate emphasis: “What I want, you might not be able to offer!”

A chill ran through Mu Teng. A bad premonition welled up within him. He steadied himself and asked, “May I know what you want, Mr. Qin?”

“I want…” Qin Feng deliberately dragged out the words. As everyone held their breath, waiting for his answer, he suddenly turned his tone mischievous and said with a devilish smile, “You will take my men with you to the ancient temple!”

As soon as Qin Feng’s words fell, the entire room fell silent. Everyone stared at him in disbelief, as if looking at a madman.

“This guy’s lost his mind! Does he even know what he’s saying?”

“Exactly! How dare he negotiate terms with the Black Dragon Society? Does he want to die?”

“I think he’s been scared silly if he thinks he can use the Black Dragon Society!”

The murmurs buzzed around like mosquitoes, but Qin Feng paid no mind.

He leisurely picked up his teacup, gently blowing on the floating tea leaves, as if Mu Teng and the others were beneath his notice.

Yang Tianchen was also stunned by Qin Feng’s sudden demand. He hesitated briefly before whispering, “Brother, what are you…”

Qin Feng gave him a mysterious smile and whispered, “Don’t worry, the mountain man has his clever plan.”

Though Yang Tianchen didn’t know what Qin Feng was up to, he chose to trust him. He grinned, patted Qin Feng’s shoulder, and said, “Alright, brother, I’m ready to risk my life alongside you!”

Mu Teng was utterly baffled by Qin Feng’s move.

He had expected Qin Feng to make outrageous demands, but never imagined he would propose such a seemingly ridiculous request.

Could this guy really think he could control the entire Black Dragon Society by himself?

Mu Teng sneered coldly to himself, deeming Qin Feng’s idea utterly fanciful.

He decided to play along, feigning agreement with Qin Feng’s demand, then once they reached the Tibetan region, he would capture them all in one fell swoop!

With this thought, a fake smile spread across Mu Teng’s face as he said, “Very well! Since Mr. Qin is so straightforward, the Black Dragon Society will also risk our lives accordingly. We will prepare immediately and set out for the ancient temple together in three days!”

Qin Feng’s lips curled into a subtle, barely perceptible cold smile.

“Then it’s a deal.”

After Qin Feng and Yang Tianchen left, they walked side by side through the midnight streets.

The dim streetlights stretched their shadows long. The night air, heavy with the unique stifling heat of the city, stirred unrest in their minds.

“I say, you’re really bold! How dare you negotiate with the Black Dragon Society—and go to some ancient temple? Do you want to die?!” Yang Tianchen complained all the way, though his voice betrayed his excitement.

Qin Feng merely smiled faintly and handed the old, worn sheepskin map to Yang Tianchen. “Take a look at this.”

Yang Tianchen took the map and studied it carefully under the dim light.

The flow of mountains and rivers, along with some peculiar markings, made his brows furrow deeper.

“What is this? Chicken scratch?”

He flipped it back and forth for a long time but could make no sense of it.

“This is a treasure map,” Qin Feng said, spitting out words that nearly made Yang Tianchen’s eyes pop out.

“Treasure… a treasure map?! Are you kidding me? Does this kind of thing still exist nowadays?”

Yang Tianchen stammered. In over twenty years of life, this was his first time seeing a legendary treasure map.

Qin Feng nodded solemnly. “I got this map from an old mentor. He told me that the places marked hide a great secret. But after studying it for a long time, I still can’t decipher all the information. I only know it points to an ancient temple in the Tibetan region.”

“Then why not tell me the location directly? I can take people there myself. Why bring the Black Dragon Society? Isn’t that just inviting trouble?” Yang Tianchen asked, puzzled.

Qin Feng sneered coldly. “Do you think I’m stupid? With just us, we’d be nothing but a snack for them.”

“So what you mean is…” Yang Tianchen seemed to understand.

“Use a borrowed knife to kill, and stir up trouble in the muddy waters,” Qin Feng’s eyes gleamed sharply. “The Black Dragon Society wants to use me to find the treasure on the map, but I want to use them to enter that mysterious ancient temple.”

Hearing Qin Feng’s plan, Yang Tianchen couldn’t help but look at him with newfound respect.

“Well done, you! Where did you get such a mind? Your plan is so intricate, I’m almost dizzy.”

“Enough talk. This matter is serious. Go back and prepare. We leave in three days.”

Qin Feng patted Yang Tianchen on the shoulder, then turned down another street.

…

In the executive office atop Baiyun Group, Bai Ruoxi stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, overlooking the brightly lit cityscape at night.

Her delicate brows were furrowed, worry etched across her exquisite face.

“The Black Dragon Society is no good. Are you sure you want to go to the Tibetan region with them?”

Bai Ruoxi turned around, her voice tinged with reproach.

Qin Feng approached quietly, gently pulling her into his embrace, soothing her softly, “Don’t worry, I know what I’m doing. I will be cautious and won’t let myself fall into danger on this trip.”

“But…” Bai Ruoxi was about to say more, but Qin Feng silenced her by pressing a finger softly to her lips.

“No ‘buts.’ Trust me, okay?”

His voice was warm and resolute, his eyes filled with confidence.

Bai Ruoxi looked at the man before her. Though anxiety lingered, she knew no one could change Qin Feng’s mind once it was made.

She nodded gently and rested her head against his chest, feeling the warmth of his embrace.

…

Early the next morning, Qin Feng contacted Yang Tianchen and Zhang Hu. The three met at a secluded teahouse.

“I’ve arranged for a reliable guide and some necessary equipment. In three days, we’ll meet directly at the airport.”

Yang Tianchen handed a checklist to Qin Feng.