Chapter 49: The Stone-Gambling Pavilion

“What’s going on? Is he going to die?” a middle-aged man asked timidly, keeping his distance.

The others present all looked tense as well, visibly shaken and afraid to approach. Each pair of eyes widened in alarm, watching from afar, and no one dared take a step closer.

Lin Feng, however, remained calm. Retracting his fingers, he asked for a set of silver needles. In a single breath, he inserted over a dozen needles into the young man’s body, his movements swift to the point of being uncanny—smooth and fluid as flowing water.

With each needle, the young man’s expression shifted subtly, until at last, upon the final needle, his features relaxed completely. Though his consciousness faded and he collapsed in a faint, his demeanor was now peaceful.

Rising to his feet, Lin Feng explained to everyone, “There’s no need to panic. The evil energy within him has been expelled. He’s no longer in danger.”

“The blood he just coughed up was ‘yin blood’—transformed by the evil energy inside him. That’s why he lost control of himself.”

“So that’s how it is! Mr. Lin, not only are your skills in appraising treasures extraordinary, but your medical expertise is equally impressive. Everything you said before was true, and this jade pendant really is cursed!”

“Exactly! Thank goodness Mr. Lin was here today; otherwise, keeping such a thing around would have brought endless trouble.”

The crowd was struck by sudden realization. One after another, they praised Lin Feng, and soon the room was filled with enthusiastic applause.

Those who had doubted Lin Feng earlier now hung their heads, shame burning in their hearts.

Pei Dafu and Tang Chunqiu both broke into smiles, their admiration for Lin Feng’s abilities growing ever deeper.

“What happened to me? What just occurred?” After a short while, the young man who’d been possessed slowly regained consciousness. Opening his eyes, he saw the crowd gathered around Lin Feng and was filled with confusion.

When his companions recounted what had taken place, understanding finally dawned on him.

“Mr. Lin, I owe you an apology. My ignorance led me to wrong you—everything was my fault. I was blind to the truth and unjustly accused you,” the young man said, mortified, raising his hand to slap his own face in shame.

He was not a bad person at heart; he simply hadn’t known what possessed him to doubt Lin Feng. Now, regret gnawed at him.

Lin Feng stepped forward to stop him, speaking gently, “There’s no need to blame yourself—I don’t hold it against you. Just be more mindful of your words and actions in the future, or you may invite misfortune upon yourself again.”

“Yes, yes, thank you for the warning, Mr. Lin. I promise to guard my tongue from now on. Please, allow me to offer you my respects.” The young man, deeply grateful, knelt and kowtowed to Lin Feng.

Lin Feng helped him back to his feet, then set about cleansing the lingering evil energy from the area.

Seeing this, Pei Dafu hurried to Lin Feng’s side, still shaken. “Mr. Lin, the evil energy in that jade pendant was nearly demonic. What should be done with it now?”

“Have someone collect the fragments, soak them in black dog’s blood, then wrap them in cinnabar paper and bury them deep underground. That will prevent the evil from regenerating and ensure everyone’s safety.”

“Yes, Mr. Lin, I’ll see to it at once.” Pei Dafu nodded without delay, issuing orders to gather the fragments, procure black dog’s blood and cinnabar paper, and sternly reminding his men to follow Lin Feng’s instructions to the letter.

A moment later, he bowed deeply to Lin Feng, his tone earnest. “Mr. Lin, I am deeply indebted to you. If ever you need my assistance, you have only to ask. I would go through fire and water to repay your kindness.”

“You’re too kind, Mr. Pei. I only did what was best for everyone,” Lin Feng replied modestly. Seeing that there was nothing here that Li Bing’er needed, he bade farewell and prepared to leave.

He hadn’t gone far when Tang Chunqiu hurried over, clasping Lin Feng’s hand with a beaming smile. “Please wait, young brother Lin. Your skills have once again opened my eyes. I am truly in awe—allow me to pay my respects. If you would honor me with a drink someday, I would love to discuss the art of appraisal with you and learn from your expertise.”

“That would be my pleasure,” Lin Feng replied with a courteous bow, then turned and left with Li Bing’er.

Outside, Li Bing’er’s bright eyes danced as she studied Lin Feng, giving him a thumbs-up in admiration. “Who would have thought! For someone so young, you’re truly remarkable. Not only are your medical and martial skills impressive, but your appraisal abilities are also top-notch. Who taught you all this? Won’t you at least tell me your master’s name?”

“I’m afraid I can’t tell you that. Let’s keep searching for that thousand-year-old antique. Otherwise, you may not survive this ordeal,” Lin Feng replied coolly, striding ahead with confidence.

Li Bing’er lingered for a moment, rubbing her chin in thought. She mused inwardly that Lin Feng was becoming more and more intriguing—quite different from what she had imagined.

“Hey, wait for me!” she called.

Coming to her senses, she realized Lin Feng was already dozens of meters ahead, not pausing for her at all. Puffing her cheeks in annoyance, she hurried after him.

After walking with Lin Feng for a while, disappointment crept across her face. Glancing sideways at him, she asked, “We’ve searched every antique shop, and still haven’t found the thousand-year-old treasure. Do you have any other ideas?”

“Of course I have a solution, but I suggest you don’t pester me. If it weren’t for your adoptive father, I wouldn’t be helping you at all,” Lin Feng replied, not even sparing her a glance.

“Pfft!” Li Bing’er rolled her eyes, a trace of disdain on her face. But soon, she recalled that Lin Feng had once mentioned he and her adoptive father were sworn brothers. How could that be?

Curiosity got the better of her. She caught up and began peppering him with questions like a child, “How did you become sworn brothers with my adoptive father? Is it true? My adoptive father is a famous man in Jiangcheng—how did you two come to swear brotherhood?”

“Ask your adoptive father when you get back. He’ll tell you everything,” Lin Feng replied, his patience fraying as her relentless chatter buzzed in his ears.

“Still won’t say, so stingy! And you haven’t told me how you’re going to help me find that thousand-year-old antique,” Li Bing’er persisted, sticking close to his side and firing off questions like a machine gun.

Lin Feng chose not to respond, silently walking down the street with a slight frown, his eyes scanning the shops on either side.

“This is it,” he murmured with a faint smile, stopping after several hundred meters to look up at the sign overhead.

“Gambling Stone Pavilion?” Li Bing’er echoed, following his gaze. Her beautiful eyes widened in disbelief.