234: Chapter 234 The Sacred Relic with Mysterious Power

Chapter 234: The Sacred Relic of Mysterious Power

The two figures in black robes ignored Xu Sanduo's panicked questioning.

Instead, they cast their gazes toward the few antiques placed on the table and scanned the collection on the shelves once more.

One of them raised a hand, pointing at Xu Sanduo, and uttered somewhat stiff words from his throat:

"Hand over the item!"

The two had rather dark skin and wore tall hats. They didn't look like people from Dongdu; rather, they looked like lamas from the snow-covered plateau.

Xu Sanduo widened his eyes and asked with a trembling voice:

"What item? What kind of treasure could I possibly have here that would prompt two eminent monks to make such a fuss?"

The lama who asked the question took a step forward, his black robe fluttering slightly in the wind, and coldly spat out four words:

"golden bumpa bottle."

Hearing this, Xu Sanduo's complexion instantly turned even paler, a trace of panic flashing through his eyes, though he quickly forced himself to remain calm:

"I don't know what you're talking about? What rare gadget is a golden bumpa bottle? I've never seen it before."

As he spoke, he cast a stealthy glance at Fang Cheng, hoping to get some help from this mysterious martial hero, perhaps enough to resolve this crisis.

Fang Cheng, however, remained sitting there with a calm expression, watching the scene unfold before him with keen interest.

It seemed he also wanted to know what Xu Sanduo had been hiding to actually attract troubles one after another.

The lama guarding the door suddenly opened his mouth and muttered a few words in a foreign tongue.

Hearing this, the questioning lama raised his volume again and threatened:

"Stop playing dumb! Someone saw with their own eyes that you obtained the golden bumpa bottle. If you know what's good for you, hand it over quickly; otherwise, you'll lose your life right here today!"

The muscles on Xu Sanduo's face twitched a few times as he gritted his teeth and argued:

"I really don't know what you're talking about. A golden bumpa bottle? I've never seen that thing in my life, don't wrong an innocent person!"

Although his gaze appeared very innocent, his slightly trembling hands betrayed the fear deep in his heart.

"You still dare to be stubborn!"

Seeing that he refused to admit to having seen the golden bumpa bottle, the questioning lama let out a cold snort. His figure flickered as he reached out a palm as large as a cattail-leaf fan, lunging forward like a hawk catching a chick.

Seeing this, Xu Sanduo wanted to flee. Just as he stood up, his arm was fiercely grabbed.

"Ah!"

He instantly let out a miserable scream, his entire body losing balance from the lama's powerful tug, crashing into the nearby table amidst his struggle.

The antiques on the table instantly began to teeter, and a porcelain dish slid along the edge of the table.

It was on the verge of falling to the ground and shattering into pieces.

Clack.

Fang Cheng, who had been sitting quietly all along, suddenly made a move, pressing down on the tabletop.

At the same time, his right arm extended in a swift thrust, steadily catching the falling porcelain dish.

After protecting the antique and preventing it from shattering, Fang Cheng's expression shifted slightly as he raised his head to glance at the two individuals entangled with each other.

The lama viciously grabbed Xu Sanduo and roared:

"Speak! Where on earth is the golden bumpa bottle hidden?"

Xu Sanduo let out a scream like a slaughtered pig, feeling as though the lama's hand were like iron pliers, tightly clamping onto his arm. The pain made his face turn deathly pale and cold sweat stream down his forehead.

Although he was almost fainting from the pain, he stubbornly refused to reveal a single word, squeezing out only a single sentence from between his teeth:

"I don't know..."

"You reckless wretch!"

The lama lost his patience, and the strength in his hands increased by a few notches, as if he would snap Xu Sanduo's arm in the next second.

Right at this moment, a palm suddenly thrust horizontally between the two, resting upon the lama's arm.

The lama turned his head abruptly, only to see that the young man who had previously remained silent and watched the fight had closed in like a ghost, silently approaching right before him.

Immediately afterward, he felt an unbearable, sharp pain coming from his wrist, causing him to instinctively loosen his five fingers.

"Ah!"

This time, the one letting out a scream like a slaughtered pig was replaced by this lama.

Feeling as if he had received a grand amnesty, Xu Sanduo seized the opportunity to break free, scrambling backward in a flurry of rolling and crawling for a few steps.

Fang Cheng's eyes were stern, his right hand firmly gripping the lama's wrist.

Veins bulged on the lama's forehead, and his entire body trembled uncontrollably, shaking even more fiercely than Xu Sanduo had earlier.

The strength he had used to grab Xu Sanduo was already immense.

But the grip Fang Cheng used to hold him was even greater, feeling as though steel hooks had pierced into his flesh and a hydraulic press was about to crush his bones to pieces.

Seeing that the situation was turning south, the lama guarding the door also reacted, immediately letting out an angry shout and lunging forward to back him up.

Fang Cheng shook his arm and exerted a sudden burst of strength, flinging the over-two-hundred-jin lama in his hand out like throwing a sack of grain.

The lama's body traced an arc through the air, colliding with his charging companion.

With a loud "bang", the two heavily crashed together into a heap, letting out muffled grunts of pain.

They rolled around on the ground for several turns before barely managing to steady themselves.

When they raised their heads, both looked at Fang Cheng with faces full of astonishment, wondering where on earth this young man before them had popped out from to possess such terrifying strength.

The gate-guarding lama quickly scrambled to his feet and drew a vajra pestle from his waist.

This pestle had an archaic design, with intricate patterns carved along its shaft.

He gripped it tightly with both hands, chanting incantations as if driving some mysterious power.

Then he let out a loud shout, brandishing the pestle that emitted a dim red glow, making as if to lunge forward once again to settle the score.

Fang Cheng's eyes narrowed as he clenched his fists tight, his Aura erupting.

One could vaguely see the phantom of a three-headed, six-armed Sangharama deity emerge behind his opponent, wearing armor, holding a precious sword in one hand, enforcing a conch shell in another, and holding different Magical Artifacts in the other four hands, baring fangs and brandishing claws, looking extremely ferocious and mysterious.

"Don't!"

The lama who had been subdued earlier hurriedly shouted to stop his companion.

Clutching his sprained wrist and gazing at Fang Cheng, the fierce look in his eyes had long since been replaced by terror.

Having been captured in that single move just now, he not only sensed that Fang Cheng's strength was unimaginably formidable, but also realized that the other party seemed to still be holding back and hadn't used ruthless methods to take their lives.

Hearing this, the lama who was attempting to attack again couldn't help letting his Aura deflate, and his movements paused.

The phantom of the Sangharama deity behind him also dissipated instantly, as if it had never appeared at all.

At this moment, the room was in complete disarray.

The two lamas looked at each other in dismay, their hearts full of hesitation, unsure whether to regroup or call it quits right here.

Fang Cheng's expression remained calm, though his muscles were tightly tensed throughout his body, concealing an invisible majesty, resembling a fierce beast ready to pounce and prey at any moment.

Xu Sanduo cowered in the corner, panting heavily.

He looked at everything before him with lingering fear, his gratitude and admiration for Fang Cheng increasing by a few more notches in his heart.

"This gentleman."

After a stalemate for a moment, the lama whose wrist was almost snapped spoke up:

"We have offended you greatly today; we were truly just following orders. For the sake of the golden bumpa bottle, we had no choice. Seeing that you showed mercy, we are willing to let the matter rest here and stop entangling you."

Saying this, the other lama showed a reluctant expression on his face and muttered a few words to him in their native tongue.

That lama then gritted his teeth and continued:

"It's just that that treasure is the sacred relic of our sect. If we return empty-handed, we won't be able to report back. We hope Mister can grant us a convenience and give us a little clue."

After speaking, he stole a glance at Fang Cheng's expression. Seeing that the other party did not immediately flare up, he secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

Meanwhile, the gate-guarding lama gripped the pestle tightly with both hands, staring at Fang Cheng with eyes full of vigilance.

The atmosphere suddenly became inexplicably tense once more.

"Boss Xu."

Fang Cheng remained silent for a moment, casting his gaze toward the fat man cowering in the corner, and slowly spoke:

"Since the two guests want to know the whereabouts of that item, stop hiding it and tell the truth."

Hearing this, Xu Sanduo's heart skipped a beat.

He knew very well in his heart that this seemingly powerful young man before him had no blood relations with him and couldn't protect him forever.

Once Fang Cheng left this place, these two lamas would definitely not let him off easily. If they came back for revenge later on, being swallowed alive would probably be considered getting off lightly.

Furthermore, even if he managed to narrowly escape this hurdle, there would likely be no shortage of other enemies eyeing the treasure afterward.

Thinking of this, the sweat beads on Xu Sanduo's forehead grew increasingly numerous, continuously rolling down his cheeks.

He raised his slightly trembling hand to wipe away the sweat.

Hesitating repeatedly, he sighed inwardly and gritted his teeth to say:

"The item really isn't with me; it was bought away by the Lu family long ago."

"The Lu family?"

The two lamas looked at each other, a trace of surprise and doubt flashing through their eyes.

"Right!"

Matters having reached this point, Xu Sanduo simply laid everything bare:

"That day I had just received the golden bumpa bottle, and it hadn't even warmed up yet when the Lu family somehow got word of it the very next day and immediately came knocking."

"You guys also know what kind of background the Lu family has. How could I dare neglect them? I had no choice but to sell the item to them. The Lu family is wealthy and powerful in Dongdu; how could a small antique dealer like me afford to offend them?!"

As he spoke, a helpless and aggrieved expression appeared on Xu Sanduo's face.

"Two Lama lords, I've told you the absolute truth. I only beg that you never let it leak out that this news came from me."

"The Lu family has numerous eyes and ears. If they find out that I leaked the wind, my small business will be completely ruined, and by then, my whole family will be left drinking the northwest wind."

"I'm just a small antique dealer trying to survive in the cracks; I truly can't afford to provoke these big figures. I hope you gentlemen can raise your hands high and let me go!"

Seeing Xu Sanduo put on this posture, the two lamas' expressions turned somewhat peculiar.

They exchanged glances, as if weighing the credibility of these words.

Eventually, the lama who could speak Mandarin fluently sighed slightly and said:

"Since that's the case, we won't make things difficult for you anymore. But if we find out you told a lie, hmph, you know the consequences!"

After issuing a threat, the two put away the Magical Artifacts in their hands and turned to walk toward the door.

When they reached the door, that lama seemed to recall something and turned back to look at Fang Cheng.

He pressed his palms together, raised them to his brow, and then bowed, respectfully making a greeting gesture:

"Today, thanks to Mister showing mercy, we monks are endlessly grateful. We sincerely hope there will be another opportunity in the future to thank Mister in person. May everything go smoothly for Mister."

After saying this, the two lamas strode away, their figures quickly disappearing outside the door.

Seeing those two debt-collecting ghosts who came knocking finally leave, Xu Sanduo's tensed body finally relaxed completely, like a deflated ball, and he collapsed onto the ground in a heap.

He raised his head and looked at Fang Cheng with full gratitude:

"Hero, thanks to you today, otherwise my life would have been gone. Your great kindness and virtue, I, Xu Sanduo, will never forget it to the end of my days."

"In the future, whatever you command, I will definitely not decline even if it means death ten thousand times! I, Xu Sanduo, have been rolling around in the Jianghu of Dongdu for all these years. Although I haven't made a big name for myself, I still understand some connections and channels. If you need any help in the future, just look for me."

"Even if you want me to climb a mountain of swords or plunge into a sea of fire, as long as it's the hero's command, I will never hesitate!"

Xu Sanduo spoke with absolute vows, crawling over using both hands and feet.

His eyes were watery and sparkling, and his crying face turned into an honest and endearing smile.

That flattering look was only short of hugging Fang Cheng's thighs directly and shouting Big Boss.

Fang Cheng looked at him with a slight speechlessness, raising a hand to stop Xu Sanduo from approaching any further:

"Stand up first."

At this time, those staff members and security guards outside also rushed over one after another to check the situation inside.

They poked their heads out, cautiously approaching the door, and upon seeing this scene, they couldn't help being dumbfounded.

Xu Sanduo's face flushed red as he immediately stood up, waving his hand to shoo them away:

"What are you looking at, what's so good to see! Scatter, go do whatever you need to do!"

While hurriedly closing the door again, he stole a glance at Fang Cheng, afraid that this martial hero would think he had lost his dignity.

Fang Cheng frowned slightly at this moment, paying no attention to his little thoughts at all, and instead pondered the strange event he encountered this morning.

He had previously heard some things about the Lu family from the fisherman, and now Xu Sanduo had mentioned this name once more.

There was a high possibility that a connection existed between the two matters.

Thinking of this, Fang Cheng raised his eyes to look at Xu Sanduo and asked:

"You said just now that the Lu family took away the golden bumpa bottle. What on earth is this item that it's worth so many people fighting over it, to the point that even two monastics came to trouble you?"

Hearing this, Xu Sanduo swallowed a mouthful of saliva, a trace of awe appearing on his face:

"Hero, this golden bumpa bottle is truly not simple. It is related to the legends of Soul Reincarnation and Reincarnation, and is also an extremely crucial sacred relic over on the snow-covered plateau, regarded as a Magical Artifact possessing sacred power."

"According to custom, once an eminent monk passes away into nirvana, the monks will hold a solemn ceremony, using the golden bumpa bottle to select the reincarnated Soul boy and continue the Legacy of the dharma lineage. The significance is extraordinary."

Xu Sanduo paused deliberately, a trace of mystery leaking from his eyes as he lowered his voice and said:

"But it is said that the original golden bumpa bottle mysteriously vanished two thousand years ago without a trace, and all those that appeared ever since have been counterfeits."

"Therefore, its re-emergence to this world this time will definitely cause a huge uproar. Just think, how great is the attraction of this thing, whether it's for Buddhism or for those obsessed with collecting peerless treasures?"

"When I first obtained it, I was still rejoicing in my heart, thinking I was going to make a windfall. Who would have known I'd almost lose my life in the process..."

Speaking up to here, Xu Sanduo's complexion darkened slightly, but then his face bloomed with smiles again as he began to lay on the flattery:

"Hero, in all my years of roaming the Jianghu, I, Xu Sanduo, have never seen anyone who can compare to your martial skills and Aura."

"Today, the moment you made a move, you suppressed those two ferocious lamas. That scene—I couldn't tell you how full of admiration my heart was."

As he spoke, he even exaggeratedly patted his chest, as if still immersed in the shock of moments ago.

"Although I, Xu Sanduo, don't have any great abilities, I excel at being quick-witted. As for the various walks of life and the big and small streets in this Dongdu city, I am more familiar with them than anyone."

"If you have any matters in the future, whether it's searching for someone or inquiring about gossip, I can definitely handle it for you flawlessly!"

"Also, although the scale of my business here isn't very large, it can still bring in tens of millions each year. If Hero doesn't disdain it, I can offer you dividend shares; from now on, you can also have a share of the shop's profits."

The more Xu Sanduo spoke, the more excited he became, his eye sockets turning slightly red, and the flattering look on his face becoming even more intense.

"This younger brother just hopes to follow by the hero's side, serving you with saddle and stirrup, and also rubbing off a bit of your prestige so that I can walk with my back straight and not be bullied by others."

"If you don't disdain it, this life of mine will belong to you from now on!"

He gazed eagerly at Fang Cheng, pledging his loyalty on the spot.

He just hoped to catch Fang Cheng's Dharma Eye, to be taken under his command so that he would have a solid backing in the future.

Fang Cheng raised his eyebrows slightly, glancing at him with a bland expression; he neither agreed immediately nor flatly refused.

Just as Xu Sanduo was filled with trepidation, Fang Cheng recited a cell phone number to him.

"If there is anything in the future, we can contact each other by phone."

Xu Sanduo's eyes lit up instantly, and he hurriedly jotted down the number with a pen, shouting in ecstatic joy:

"Big Boss!"