232: Chapter 232 A Jade Axe Worth Eighty Million (Part 1)

Meanwhile, after Qin Yi and Xu Qian left the company, they drove straight to the Magic City Tower, the tallest building in the Huaxia Dragon Kingdom.

This building, with a total height of 632 meters, 127 floors above ground, and 5 floors underground, is a skyscraper that integrates office, hotel, exhibition, commercial, and sightseeing functions.

The address Xing Zhenkun sent to Qin Yi was exactly this iconic building in the Magic City.

Seeing that there was still some time before five o'clock in the afternoon, Qin Yi held Xu Qian's hand and started strolling through the shopping mall.

In the mall, Qin Yi carefully selected an evening gown, an exquisite handbag, and a pair of elegant high heels for Xu Qian. He also purchased a decent formal suit for himself. When paying, Qin Yi didn't even frown as he swiped for nearly three million.

When the two put their shopping items back in the car, Xing Zhenkun and Chu Muyun arrived on time. Qin Yi checked the time; it was exactly five o'clock.

"Brother Kun, you're right on time." Qin Yi smiled and walked up to greet him, shaking hands with Xing Zhenkun. Then he turned to look at Chu Muyun, who was stepping out of the passenger seat, and teased, "Sister Yun, you came too."

Chu Muyun smiled elegantly, her eyes darting between Qin Yi and Xu Qian, "What? Only your Qianqian is allowed to come, but I can't?"

"Haha, Sister Yun, you're joking." Qin Yi laughed, and the atmosphere immediately became much more relaxed.

At this moment, Xu Qian let go of Qin Yi's hand, walked forward, and smiled while extending her hand to Chu Muyun, "Hello, Manager Chu."

"Hello, Qianqian." Chu Muyun smiled and took Xu Qian's hand, "This isn't the car dealership, so let's not stand on ceremony. I think that 'Sister Yun' title Young Master Qin used just now was quite good. How about this, from now on, you can call me Sister Yun just like Young Master Qin does."

Hearing this, Xu Qian smiled happily, "Okay, Sister Yun."

Watching the three of them chatting familiarly, Xing Zhenkun smiled and reminded them, "Alright, alright, let's stop with the pleasantries here. Master Ma is probably already waiting for us in the collection hall; let's not keep him waiting."

"Right, right, business first." Qin Yi responded and walked side-by-side with Xing Zhenkun toward the elevator. Xu Qian and Chu Muyun followed closely behind; they seemed to hit it off well and were chatting about women's topics the whole way.

The elevator doors slowly closed, and the four of them headed to the 37th floor together.

On the way, Qin Yi asked curiously, "Brother Kun, who exactly is this Master Ma you mentioned? Why would he choose to open a collection hall in a place like the central building? Is he not afraid that his treasures will be targeted by people with ill intentions?"

Hearing this, Xing Zhenkun laughed heartily, a look of admiration appearing on his Face, "This Master Ma is truly an extraordinary person. He's not like those appraisal experts who only know how to grandstand. Remember those antiques in my car dealership? They were basically all appraised by Master Ma. As far as I know, he has never misjudged anything."

"Oh? That amazing?" A flash of surprise crossed Qin Yi's eyes. His task today was to use that Opposite-Sex Consumption Cashback Critical Hit Card, so he was full of expectations for Master Ma's collection, "Does he sell his collection? If he doesn't sell, wouldn't we have made this trip for nothing?"

Xing Zhenkun shook his head and said mysteriously, "This Master Ma has a somewhat eccentric personality. His things may or may not be for sale. Let's put it this way: if you get along well with him, as long as you can afford the price, he will sell to you. But if he doesn't like you, even if you offer more money, he won't sell to you."

"Wow, this Master Ma really has personality." Qin Yi couldn't help but exclaim.

"Exactly, why else would I say Master Ma is a fascinating person." Xing Zhenkun continued, "Actually, with Young Master Qin's net worth, you can basically afford the items displayed in his collection hall. But the truly rare items are kept by Master Ma in a private vault on the fifth floor underground of this building, and he doesn't show them to just anyone. However, Young Master Qin, you can rest assured. I believe Master Ma will definitely get along with you. I guarantee it!"

Seeing Xing Zhenkun's confident appearance, although Qin Yi felt a bit puzzled and didn't know where his confidence came from, he was still full of anticipation.

Before long, the elevator doors slowly opened, and the four of them filed out, stepping onto the 37th floor.

As soon as they exited the elevator, they were attracted by the six gilded traditional Chinese characters 'Fuguan Art Collection Hall' before them. Qin Yi couldn't help but sigh; the exterior of this collection hall was already so grand, the collection inside must be even more extraordinary.

Following the signs, they arrived at the entrance of the collection hall. Xing Zhenkun stepped forward and exchanged a few words with the reception staff, and then the four of them were enthusiastically led by the staff into a spacious and bright reception room.

Qin Yi's gaze swept across the reception room and finally landed on the introduction to the 'Fuguan Art Collection Hall' on the wall. The more he read, the more shocked he became, and he couldn't help but blurt out, "Brother Kun, isn't Master Ma's collection a bit too rich? From porcelain to goldware, plus jade, pottery, furniture... surely these can't all be passed down from his ancestors, right?"

However, before he finished speaking, a hearty laugh came from outside the reception room. This laugh was full of vigor, revealing the owner's open-mindedness and cheerfulness.

Subsequently, the receptionist pushed open the door, and an energetic, short-haired old man walked in. He was wearing a grey Tang suit, with a string of agarwood prayer beads in his hand, and his whole person exuded a calm and unhurried temperament.

Seeing this, Xing Zhenkun hurriedly stood up with a smile to welcome him, extended his hand to shake the old man's tightly, and exchanged pleasantries, "Master Ma, long time no see. How have you been lately?"

Qin Yi looked at the legendary Master Ma in front of him, feeling even more curious. He immediately issued an instruction to the System: "System, activate Eye of Truth!"

With a 'ding' sound from the System, a light screen appeared before his eyes, displaying Master Ma's real information in detail.

[Name: Supervisor Ma]

[Gender: Male]

[Identity: Founder of Fuguan Art Collection Hall, Collector, Antique Appraiser]

[Age: 69]

[Favorability: 10]

[Opposite-Sex Intimacy Value: 1]

At this moment, Xu Qian was also curiously sizing up Master Ma, while Chu Muyun stood smiling to the side, quietly observing the scene.

Qin Yi glanced at the favorability rating and saw the number was only 10. He couldn't help but click his tongue inwardly; if he hadn't come with Xing Zhenkun, he probably wouldn't even have been able to obtain this meager amount of favorability.

At this moment, Master Ma's hearty laugh echoed in the reception room: "Haha, Zhenkun, how did you find time to come here today? Did you find some treasure again and want to open this old man's eyes?"

Xing Zhenkun waved his hand and smiled, "Master Ma, you are really joking. The things in my hands are insignificant compared to your collection; they are not worth mentioning." Saying this, he turned to introduce Qin Yi to Master Ma, "Master Ma, the main reason for coming today is to bring a friend to meet you; I want you to get to know him. Also, he wants to look for one or two treasures here."

"Oh?" Master Ma's gaze turned to Qin Yi following Xing Zhenkun's introduction, with a look of appraisal in his eyes. He had a half-smile on his Face as he slowly spoke, "Just now, were you the one curious about the origin of these treasures of mine?"

Qin Yi felt a bit embarrassed, thinking to himself, I didn't expect this old man to have such good hearing, but he seems a bit petty.

He forced a smile, stepped forward proactively, extended his hand to Master Ma, and introduced himself, "Master Ma, hello, my name is Qin Yi, and I am Brother Kun's friend. My words just now were purely out of curiosity and definitely meant no offense. Please don't mind."

Master Ma sized up Qin Yi, a flash of imperceptible light crossing his eyes. He shook Qin Yi's hand and slowly said, "Since you are Zhenkun's friend, I naturally have to show some Face." He paused and continued, "Young Friend Qin looks very young. How old are you this year?"

Qin Yi kept smiling and respectfully answered, "Master Ma has a keen eye, I am 22 years old this year."

"22?" Master Ma frowned slightly, "Just graduated from university, right." His gaze turned back to Xing Zhenkun, his tone revealing some displeasure, "Zhenkun, your brother is too young. He is so young, coming to my place to buy collection items, isn't that a bit too childish?"

Qin Yi felt the subtle change in the atmosphere, and his heart tightened. At the same time, a notification sound from the System rang in his Sea of Consciousness.

[Ding! Detected that Supervisor Ma's favorability toward the host has decreased by 10 points. Current favorability is 0!]

Hearing that Master Ma's favorability toward him had dropped to 0, Qin Yi was speechless for a moment. He thought to himself, "This old man's mood swings are too fast..."

Xing Zhenkun, seeing this, laughed heartily and defended Qin Yi: "Hahaha, Master Ma, do not underestimate my brother. Although he is young, he is a rare talent! His ability to make money is top-notch, not to mention that he knows real martial arts; those are not just for show!"

As he spoke, a flash of admiration crossed his eyes, and he cast an approving look at Qin Yi.

Upon hearing this, Master Ma's eyes immediately sparkled with curiosity. He looked Qin Yi up and down, as if trying to see something unusual in this young man.

He asked tentatively: "Oh? Little friend actually knows martial arts; could it be a family tradition?"

As soon as the words fell, that familiar prompt sound of the System rang in Qin Yi's Sea of Consciousness.

[Ding! Detected that Supervisor Ma's favorability toward the host has increased by 20 points, current favorability is 20!]

Qin Yi was slightly stunned by this sudden increase in favorability, but quickly returned to normal.

He coughed twice to hide his loss of composure, then waved his hand and smiled: "Master Ma, you flatter me. How can my meager skills be called a family tradition? It is all just something I figured out on my own; Brother Kun is overestimating me."

Xing Zhenkun, however, continued to praise him relentlessly: "Hey, Young Master Qin, do not be so humble. I even learned a few moves from you this morning, and I felt refreshed all over after practicing them. Master Ma, let me tell you, if you practice them too, it will definitely be good for your health!"

Master Ma was moved by Xing Zhenkun's words. He looked at Qin Yi expectantly and asked: "Little friend, could you let this old man broaden his horizons and witness your martial arts?"

Qin Yi looked around and said hesitantly: "Here? Is there enough space in this place to perform?"

Seeing this, Master Ma quickly waved his hand: "No problem, no problem. The things in this reception room are not valuable; I won't feel bad even if they are broken. Little friend, just go ahead, let me see how your real martial arts are."

"Since that is the case, then this Junior will make a fool of himself. Fists and feet have no eyes, so I ask Master Ma to step back a little."

Subsequently, everyone retreated to the side, clearing the space in the middle for Qin Yi to perform.

Naturally, Qin Yi would not perform the entire set of the Basic Body Forging Art.

He closed his eyes and pondered for a moment. When he opened his eyes again, he followed the movements of the little figure in his Sea of Consciousness and performed the parts he considered most exquisite.

Although it only lasted for a few short minutes, every move and style of Qin Yi appeared so precise and powerful.

His movements were smooth and natural, as if every action contained infinite charm.

Master Ma watched with rapt attention and kept calling out his praise.

Two or three minutes later, Qin Yi finished his brief demonstration and cupped his hands in a salute to Master Ma: "Master Ma, I have made a fool of myself."

Before Qin Yi could lower his hands, Master Ma had already walked up impatiently, grasped his hands, and exclaimed with emotion: "Little friend, that is truly excellent martial arts! I wonder what is the name of this fist technique you just demonstrated?"

At the same time, the System prompt sounded again in Qin Yi's Sea of Consciousness.

[Ding! Detected that Supervisor Ma's favorability toward the host has increased by 20 points, current favorability is 40!]

Feeling the enthusiasm and strength coming from Master Ma's hands, Qin Yi finally understood why Xing Zhenkun had been so certain that Master Ma would like him.

It turned out that whether Master Ma liked him or not was one thing, but his passion for martial arts was definitely not fake!

Understanding this, he met Master Ma's expectant gaze and explained with a smile: "Ahem, it has no name; it is just something I created in my spare time. I call it the 'Basic Body Forging Art'; it is just a random name, not worth mentioning in polite society."

Upon hearing this, Master Ma's eyes widened, and an expression of disbelief appeared on his Face.

He gripped Qin Yi's hand tightly and said excitedly: "A self-created fist technique? Little friend, you are truly a Genius! To have such achievements at this age is truly admirable. Little friend, do you really have no master?"

Qin Yi shook his head gently, his Face still maintaining a humble smile: "No, I just read some books on Xingyi Quan when I was young and practiced by following the pictures in the books. Over time, I slowly figured out some methods. This 'Basic Body Forging Art' was also gradually perfected during my practice."

After hearing this, Master Ma's shock was even greater.

He had not expected that the young man before him could actually be self-taught. This was simply a miracle in the martial arts world!

His favorability toward Qin Yi soared instantly, and the way he looked at Qin Yi was as if he were seeing a rising martial arts star.

Thinking this, Master Ma's favorability toward Qin Yi increased even more.

As expected, this act of showing off by Qin Yi caused the System prompt in his Sea of Consciousness to ring once again.

[Ding! Detected that Supervisor Ma's favorability toward the host has increased by 20 points, current favorability is 60!]

Hearing this prompt, Qin Yi could not help but feel secretly happy.

This was the first time since he obtained the System that someone's favorability toward him had changed so quickly.

Master Ma seemed to still be immersed in shock, and he said with emotion: "Little friend, you must not belittle yourself. Although I do not understand martial arts, I do know some experts in the martial arts world. In my opinion, your footwork and routines have quite a bit of the demeanor of a Grandmaster. How about this, another day I will introduce you to a martial arts expert so you can spar properly, how about it?"

Upon hearing this, a trace of anticipation flashed in Qin Yi's eyes.

He cupped his hands in a salute to Master Ma and said gratefully: "Since Master Ma is so kind, this Junior will thank you in advance."

Master Ma waved his hand and smiled: "Eh~ why be so polite! By the way, what kind of items are you looking for by coming here this time? My collection includes ceramics, calligraphy and paintings, jade, and ancient gold, all of which are available; you are free to choose."

Qin Yi scratched his head somewhat awkwardly, a smile of apology appearing on his Face.

He confessed: "Master Ma, to tell you the truth, I really know very little about antiques and curios. Coming here this time, it is mainly to find some items for the company that can guard the house and attract wealth. Do you see anything suitable to recommend to me?"

"Guard the house and attract wealth?" Master Ma frowned slightly upon hearing Qin Yi's words and fell into deep thought.

After a moment, a flash of brilliance suddenly crossed his eyes, as if he had thought of something.

He slowly said: "Since Little friend knows martial arts, then I do have an item that might suit your wishes."

Upon hearing this, Qin Yi's curiosity was immediately piqued.

What item could possibly be related to him knowing martial arts?

He asked curiously: "Oh? I wonder what Master Ma is referring to?"

Master Ma smiled mysteriously and asked in return: "Little friend, have you ever heard of the allusion of 'Shadows of the Axe and Candlelight'?"

Qin Yi was slightly stunned, then pondered and replied: "'Shadows of the Axe and Candlelight'? Are you referring to the legend between Emperor Taizu of Song, Zhao Kuangyin, and his younger brother, Zhao Guangyi?"

Master Ma nodded in approval: "That is correct. It seems Little friend also has some knowledge. Unlike some people, who only know money, money, money all day long and have no ink in their stomachs."

As he spoke, he glanced intentionally or unintentionally at Xing Zhenkun.

Xing Zhenkun was a bit unconvinced after being spoken to like that by Master Ma.

He puffed out his chest, stepped forward, and defended himself: "Eh, Master Ma, that is not right. Who says I have no substance? I have read some unofficial histories, alright..."

"Hahaha, good. Then tell me, what is this 'Shadows of the Axe and Candlelight' about?"

Xing Zhenkun coughed lightly, recalled for a moment, and then recounted the allusion he knew...

After he finished speaking, Master Ma nodded with a smile: "Good, good, good. It seems I underestimated you. Zhenkun, I did not expect that you usually do not show your true colors, but you are quite knowledgeable at critical moments."

Xing Zhenkun smiled proudly, then waved his hand modestly: "Not at all, not at all. Compared to you, Master Ma, I am still far behind. But come to think of it, what does the allusion you just mentioned have to do with the collection we are looking for today?"

Master Ma restrained his smile and said seriously: "Do you know that in this allusion of 'Shadows of the Axe and Candlelight', there is a crucial item whose whereabouts remain unknown to this day? That is the jade axe in Zhao Kuangyin's hand. And here, I happen to have a collection that is quite similar to that jade axe."