Martial Master

A rustic yellow pearwood table stood in the middle, surrounded by a group of young men and women dressed in silk and satin, clearly of wealth and status.

These were all young people, quite numerous, with the men being rather handsome and the women exceptionally beautiful. Especially notable was a young woman standing in the center, the focal point of everyone's attention.

The young woman was mature beyond her years, with elegantly coiled black hair, a high-bridged nose, and cherry-red lips exuding allure. Her neck was swan-like and her collarbones were well-defined, with skin like mutton-fat jade.

She wore a red long dress, resembling a budding red flower, drawing everyone's gaze.

Around her were many young people, one of whom was also a student of Tianxing Academy. He seemed to recognize Qin Chen at a glance and exclaimed in surprise.

"Is he Qin Chen?"

In the group of young men and women, someone immediately murmured with interest.

Qin Chen's reputation in the capital had recently soared.

"Li Qingfeng, is this the boy who defeated you in the Tianxing Academy's year-end exam and won the championship? Doesn't seem like much, does he?"

"Heard he's an illegitimate child of the Qin family, recently kicked out like a stray dog."

"To be defeated by such a boy, Li Qingfeng, you really make us proud."

Apart from the young woman, there were several other men with extraordinary auras, including Li Qingfeng. Besides him, there were a few others around twenty years old, their energy contained but intimidating.

In this group, two were teasing Li Qingfeng with laughter.

As they spoke, their eyes kept glancing at the young woman in the red dress, clearly admirers of hers.

However, the young woman in red showed no interest in their conversation. Apart from an arrogant glance at Qin Chen at the beginning, she did not speak, standing quietly as if waiting for something.

Li Qingfeng, agitated by their words, turned sullen and said coldly, "A stray dog? Well, whatever they say, he's still the grandson of Dingwu King. If you have the guts, say that in front of Dingwu King."

"Besides," Li Qingfeng smirked, "I recall both Brother Ge and Brother Lian only ranked third and fourth before graduation at the year-end exam?"

"Hmph, it's still better than losing to an illegitimate child. Our opponents back then were the Fourth Prince and Qin Feng," the two young men retorted, clearly embarrassed yet angry.

"Even if your opponents were the Fourth Prince and Qin Feng, shouldn't your ranks be second? Yet you ended up third and fourth. Seems you're a rank or two lower than me. Where does your superiority come from?" Li Qingfeng shook his head.

"You—" The two were so furious they nearly exploded, their eyes almost shooting fire.

Finally given a chance to belittle Li Qingfeng in front of Miss Yan, they ended up humiliated instead, all because of Qin Chen.

They glared at Qin Chen with chilling eyes.

"Alright, Brother Li, Brother Ge, Brother Lian, don't quarrel over small matters. Today is the monthly treasure appraisal event at Jubao Tower, and there's also a chance for treasure gambling. Think about how to appraise treasures later."

Someone tried to smooth things over.

"Indeed, last time Brother Ge bought a bracelet, which, after polishing, revealed ancient formations. Once reactivated, it enhanced the speed of true energy condensation—a huge profit."

"Hehe, nothing much." The young man named Ge smiled modestly, "I just noticed the bracelet was unusual, so I spent ten thousand silver coins on it. Who knew its value would multiply after polishing? Just lucky, I guess."

Though he seemed calm, he was inwardly very proud. That bracelet gamble was his most triumphant moment in years, and now being mentioned in front of Miss Yan filled him with joy.

Yet he maintained a facade of humility.

"It's not just luck. Brother Ge's family deals in treasure and jade, with considerable expertise. Few here could match him in jade appraisal. Brother Ge's insight is pure skill."

"Hehe, Brother Lian did well too. I remember he spent eight thousand silver coins on a stone cup. After cutting the stone, it turned out to be a Youlong Night Light Cup. Someone offered fifty thousand silver coins on the spot, but Brother Lian refused. I'm so envious."