Chapter Eighteen: The Pavilion of Ascending Clouds

At the same time, Liu Yuanhang returned to the Liu residence with two bodyguards.

“Young master, how did it go? Did you teach that brat a lesson?” one of the bodyguards asked respectfully.

“Hmph! That little bastard is courting death, daring to lay a hand on me. I’m furious right now!” Liu Yuanhang snorted coldly.

“Would you like us to help you with him?”

“No need!” Liu Yuanhang considered for a moment and then ordered, “But the two of you go and dig up everything you can on that kid right away. I want to know all there is to know about his family, back eighteen generations if possible.”

“Yes, sir.” The two bodyguards nodded obediently.

...

Meanwhile, Qin Feng accompanied Lin Wanting to buy the gifts she needed, then drove her back home. Lin Wanting was clearly in a much better mood than when they had left the house—her face radiated with a relaxed smile. From time to time, she even giggled as she recalled what had happened earlier; that innocence and charm lightened Qin Feng’s own spirits as well.

“Thank you so much for today, Qin Feng,” she said softly, gratitude shining in her eyes. “If it hadn’t been for you, I really don’t know what I would have done.”

Qin Feng smiled gently and shook his head. “It was nothing, really. But it seems that Liu Yuanhang is a troublesome character. You’d best be careful around him in the future.”

“Those are words I should be saying to you,” Lin Wanting replied, glancing at Qin Feng with concern. “If he wants to mess with me, he’ll have to think twice, but you...”

She hesitated, worry etched on her face. “You’re all alone. If you anger them, I fear—”

Qin Feng couldn’t help but laugh at her words. He patted Lin Wanting’s shoulder reassuringly. “Don’t worry. That fool is no threat to me at all.”

After returning to Jade Pavilion, Qin Feng took his leave and drove home alone.

Once home, he sat on the sofa, lost in thought. At present, he had little reason to return—mainly, he was following Master Yan to learn the art of carving. There was still much to uncover within the legacy of the Treasure Daoist, but some things he could not yet grasp.

As Qin Feng was pondering, his phone rang. It was Master Yan calling.

“Qin Feng, are you back?” Master Yan inquired.

“I’m home,” Qin Feng answered.

“I’ll teach you a new carving technique today. Once you’ve memorized the textures and materials of each segment, carve according to the positions marked on the design.”

Master Yan paused before continuing, “The order and technique are crucial. For example, the first cut must be made at the key part of the whole piece; the second cut connects those key areas; the third cut is from the side.”

Qin Feng nodded; these techniques were not unfamiliar to him.

“This technique is called ‘Dragon Pattern,’” Master Yan explained slowly. “The dragon pattern was a gift bestowed by ancient emperors, a symbol of imperial authority, and of great commemorative value.”

“Yes, dragon patterns truly are remarkable,” Qin Feng replied in admiration. The so-called dragon pattern referred to a manufacturing technique for artifacts—a blend of exquisite craftsmanship and superior skill.

“By the way, if you’re free tomorrow, come with me somewhere,” Master Yan said suddenly.

“Tomorrow? Is there something urgent?” Qin Feng asked.

“Yes, there’s an auction.”

“An auction?” Qin Feng was momentarily surprised. Such events were usually large charity auctions or exhibitions.

Master Yan explained, “It’s all antiques. I want you to broaden your horizons.”

“Oh, I see,” Qin Feng said, suddenly enlightened.

After a few more words of advice from Master Yan, they ended the call.

The next morning, after breakfast, Qin Feng changed his clothes and prepared to leave the house. Today, he was going to experience a so-called antique trade fair.

In the history of the Great Xia, the culture of antiques was ancient and profound, once enjoying centuries of glory. The value of antiquities was wildly varied, and the types were endless. In antique trading, the most important things were discernment and luck—otherwise, even if a priceless treasure sat before you, you might not recognize it.

Moreover, the prices of antiques were often artificially inflated, sometimes to absurd levels. One mistake in purchasing could mean an unimaginable loss.

For instance, the auction Qin Feng was about to attend—Cloud Soaring Pavilion!

Cloud Soaring Pavilion was an elegant four-story building, occupying about five or six acres and lavishly decorated. At the entrance stood four men and women in matching black suits, all attractive and dignified in demeanor.

Beyond that, Cloud Soaring Pavilion employed a team of professionals with specialized skills to oversee the order of the auction.

All this was no doubt alluring to the average person.

“Sir, may I see your invitation?” As Qin Feng approached the main doors, two male security guards stopped him with outstretched hands.

Qin Feng took out his phone and dialed Master Yan’s number.

“Hello? It’s me,” he said as the call connected.

“Master, I’ve arrived at the entrance of Cloud Soaring Pavilion,” he reported.

“Good. Hand the phone to the person in charge.”

Soon enough, Qin Feng was ushered into Cloud Soaring Pavilion under the watchful eyes of the two security guards.

Inside, the pavilion was stunningly decorated. The main hall featured a row of display cases filled with assorted antique porcelain, calligraphy, paintings, and fine jewelry. The surrounding walls were adorned with landscapes and classical oil paintings, creating an atmosphere of tranquility and harmony.

Cloud Soaring Pavilion had six floors: the first was the main hall, the second and third were private rooms, and the fourth was the auction area.

“Good morning, sir. Is there anything I can assist you with?” As soon as Qin Feng entered the hall, a beautiful young attendant greeted him warmly.

Qin Feng looked at her and smiled lightly. “I’m here as a guest of Master Yan for the auction. May I ask where he is at the moment?”

The attendant’s demeanor immediately grew more formal. “Please wait a moment, I’ll notify Master Yan at once,” she replied respectfully.

Before long, she returned, accompanied by a middle-aged man in traditional attire. The man was slightly stout, sporting a mustache, and exuded an air of scholarly refinement.

Qin Feng was momentarily at a loss—he didn’t recognize this middle-aged man at all.

“And you are?” Qin Feng inquired, puzzled.

“My surname is Huang, and my given name is Hai,” the man introduced himself with a genial smile.

“Mr. Huang, nice to meet you. But how did you know my name?” Qin Feng was still somewhat confused.

“Haha.”

Huang Hai laughed heartily. “Come with me.”

Qin Feng nodded and followed Huang Hai up to the second floor.

They stopped in front of a private room. Huang Hai knocked on the door, then turned and smiled at Qin Feng.

“Go on in. Master Yan and the others are waiting inside.”